Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Here we go again...I'm going to just post "ditto" when this happens. I don't like to blog like before...it's like being in a cult. The level of animosity, cattiness and backstabbing I see at events makes me less interested in sitting down and having fun posting photos of all the cool goodies.
Not only that, I'm really struggling with being in the beauty field now that I'm a bona fide adult. I will always enjoy primping, and looking at magazines for inspiration but when I look at social interest I feel vain, egotistical and .... UGLY!
I never knew I was unattractive until I saw all these beautiful women who were giving advice on how to be confident, how to look good when you're sick, how to pose for pictures and I don't feel comfortable posting on Instagram because I don't use all the filters so I see every single flaw. Each flaw that I don't really focus on is x1000.
I like to practice different looks and techniques to do hair, nails, eyeliner, and diys, but posting them feels vain. It feels like I'm saying "Look at me aren't I pretty?" but how do you enjoy writing about beauty and share your experience if you can't get past it?
Honestly, it's hard to feel good when your world is falling apart. I guess I just have to force myself to do it anyway, so hopefully, you will join me on this journey of getting out of our comfort zone! We got this! Right?

Anybody Home?

by on 9:11 PM
Here we go again...I'm going to just post "ditto" when this happens. I don't like to blog like before...it's like be...
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 Yesterday, I purchased a drink from what I thought was a healthy snack alternative due to the extreme heat.  I went to Jamba Juice because the line at Pinkberry was too long, and I'm lazy and watching people make decisions when I'm hungry is a bad combination.  So, I grabbed a brochure on the way out to find my Protein Berry minus banana extra strawberries had more calories than a scoop of ice cream! GAH!  I would have thought there was less than 110 calories which a serving of Pepsi has.  So, now I know why my ass isn't shrinking.  I capitulated over this for a long time.  I spent a good $5 spot each time and am already addicted. So, I found the ingredients, and made a low calorie, low fat, alternative and you only need a few items.
    • strawberries
    • soy or whey protein
    • soy milk
    • orange juice



I started with a scoop of this soy protein at the grocer, and placed it at the bottom of my blender, because the protein has to be blended, it will disgust you to no end, if you don't blend it properly.  *Disclaimer:  You can modify any of the ingredients to suit your specific needs.  I didn't have any low fat soy milk, so I used what was available. 

Add frozen strawberries, if you don't have a very high grade blender, get the ones that are sliced and buy them in bulk, it's much cheaper.  If they aren't frozen, you'll need ice.  I've found if you use frozen, it tastes better, and colder.  
Pour milk over the strawberries, you'll need it to help blend the protein and strawberries.  Not only did I goof and get regular soy, I purchased Vanilla, which is going to be counter productive, you don't want this sweet, but I'll tell you how to remedy that.

Blend it until it's a smooth yet thick consistency.  I like mine very thick so I can use a spoon.  It gives me the feeling of eating as opposed to drinking because I'm on this water issue.  I think eating healthy is part mental.  Sometimes we need to feel like we're eating, i.e. carrot sticks or popcorn to feel like snacking on junk.  So, because I have vanilla, I put a splash, of orange juice and that took the sweetness out but added more calories.  If you do use orange juice get 100% not concentrated, it will be better for you and less calories by way of sugar. 
Enjoy!

xoxo
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Whatever! I know it's damn near May and I'm calling this post New Year, New Me, but gotta start somewhere right? Right!  So...after being painfully envious of all the women I am about to see prancing around in their bikinis, short shorts, and micro minis in a few days, I decided to be pro active.  I'm not saying "I'm so fat, I need to lose weight!" at all.  I am definitely not one of those, but I know being healthy is about more than what you eat and how much of it.  I don't like to exercise.  I don't like to sweat.  So why the sudden change?  Because I don't like it, doesn't mean my body doesn't deserve better.  Exercise is more than weight loss and burning calories (you could do that with sex ya know).  I really need to be healthy for me.  I give lovely compliments to people all day everyday because it makes them smile and makes me happy to have people not always giving me the side eye.  So I wrote down the food I ate in two days and was alarmed.  I don't eat a lot, but what I do eat is not benefiting my mind, body or skin.  I don't drink enough water to replenish what I use so I'm surely dehydrated.  I don't get enough protein to build muscle
which means I burn sugar and not the fat (see the arrow that says lift?) so all the squats and lunges will burn sugar but not target the fatty tissues, nor will I build muscle.  I can drink coffee/tea in the morning, have a protein bar or two during work and then Lord knows what after work.  What I'm learning is that it is true we are what we eat.  I'm caffeine and sugar all day everyday and that's why I'm a spastic mess who is tired so often.  I'm not giving my body the right fuel to go on and I'm not eating the right way to have my few little lunges, leg lifts, etc. to make any difference. 


See the picture above how tiny my upper body is?  You can see my ribcage and my arms are quite small.  Who knew when I stand up it would look like there was a midget in my back pocket?  Yes, I said it!  But, women who are heavy set get all the flack from the media, but us girls with the junk are just as guilty we just carry the evidence differently.  Today, I join with my friends who struggle with food.  Why do you think you struggle?  I know my reasons:
  1. I am intimidated by the gym.  I go there and immediately feel insecure.
  2. I am not motivated.  This weekly post will force me to be accountable.
  3. I like my junk food.  Not fair to treat my body bad which makes it feel bad.
  4. I give up too easy.  It's a lifestyle change not a diet small steps to change nothing serious.
  5. I am never going to be _____!  But I'll be a better me even if I look the same I'll feel better, it's true!
So those are my top five.  I'm not expecting to look like I should be on the cover of a fitness magazine by fall, but if I force myself to do something more than what I did today.  For example, if I didn't leave the couch and tomorrow I walk around with the dog, or dance for 30 mins it's more than what I did today.  Progress!  I'm committing to not giving up on myself and getting to the point where I like what I see in the mirror and I know it will make my life different in so many ways.  I'll be more confident, happy (naturally) and won't cringe when I see a mirror.  This is day 1.
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One more day until I have my computer.  I find the times I "sneak" on tend to be less fulfilling than previously.  Yesterday after work I went to a craft store to purchase items to make gifts for the upcoming holidays.  Holidays aren't the same not having family round, but I think it's not about what I want, but what can I contribute.  I will have fun baking, making cards, jewelery and other things for friends, so I'm still happy.  I joined a group for socializing and they kicked me out for not being "social enough" but, oh well.  So whilst out perusing, I went to the chainstore and was looking to initially buy a sea salt scrub.  I will write about the difference between the salt v. sugar scrub later.  But, I purchased two numbers, and St. Ives was one of them.  I have liked many of the products I've purchased by this brand.  Way back when I was young there was a peppermint mask or something like that I would use on my hair and it smelled and felt really nice and it had this tingle to it.  I graduated to other brands; however, every so often I buy something in their line like a face wash or whatever happens to be on sale.  I tried this polish and was first thrown off at the contents.  It's solid, which is unlike the runny, oily stuff you dig out with your hands.  There is no oil at all.  It's the texture of a sandcastle.  It's unique to me, since you have to dig it out literally!  A little goes a long way.  But, what I really like is that it doesn't make me itch, and there is no oil.  (I have a phobia that I will slip in the shower and bust my head open)  I do follow the instructions and apply to damp skin, but I don't use it on my typical areas of concern.  Women tend to overlook a few areas which are our age giveaways.  Our hands and neck are often overlooked when we think of skincare.  I exfoliate both and find that it keeps the dryness less visible in my hands.  As for my neck?  I have not been a sun goddess and always wear sun cream so I don't have signs of sun damage and I'm religious about including my neck when I do facials or moisture treatments. 
The pros:
works well, is inexpensive, does what it claims
The cons:
Wish the tub was a bit larger
Overall:
This is an easy 8.5 out of 10 point product
I would recommend it to my friends, I would repurchase and no skin irritation or residue
xoxo
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I think back about all the things which transpired in the last week and it makes me physically and mentally sick.  I have found out more about my inner strength, ability to forgive and my perseverence through hard times.  A car accident, both parents in hospital, a hacked e-mail account, an imposter posing for "dates" and having to listen to people I don't know accuse me of things I didn't do whilst looking at my face which has two blackened eyes and give me the piss!  I got so down, all the things I enjoy I began to rethink.  I love to blog since I love to write and I can look back and see where I was in my life at certain points.  I am not receiving anything, nor am I competing to be the next best thing, I just have a place to vent, share, discuss, learn and participate in the evolution of me.   I am not perfect, but I am wonderfully flawed and beautifully imperfect and I love that most about myself.  I don't want to be anyone else, but me.  I love trying new things, creating new styles which reflect how I feel and experiencing things which bring me joy, sorrow, and challenge me to think.  A thesis is a compilation of ideas and experiences which support who I am.  I love beauty in all it's forms.  I can be superficial and think something at New York Fashion Week is amazing, but that doesn't mean I can't buy clothes at a consigment store.  I love to experiment with makeup, but I like being able to wear none, touch my face and work on my skin.  It's all a part of learning, growing and maturing.
I don't know much about astrology, but it seems like this past week was one of Mercury being in retrograde.  I can't say for sure, but it's been strange.  I saw a squirrel get hit by a car and I was devastated!  I wanted so badly to turn my car around and help him, but due to the location it was not feasible, and he may have attacked as he was in so much pain.  No one should ever see something like that, but I am quite proactive.  I researched about squirrels and why they run into traffic.  It's suicidal but they do it.  I guess Chester died from internal injuries since I went back and he was gone *sad* but I know this happens a lot.  I am the sensitive type, I can't look at any carcus on the pavement which has been hit and to be honest, I sped up to the guy that hit the squirrel, but he was oblivious. 
The incidents of the week had me see things for what they are and not as I want them to be.  Things which used to control a large part of my energy are less important.  I'm wearing an outfit to work I wore two weeks ago.  That would not have happened, as I love to dress and change my looks often.  I thought it was due to my love of style and creativity, but not wanting to wear clothes more than once and I'm not a celebrity tells me I need to check my ego (easing God out) and think about things that will matter in the long run.  No one cares what I wear, so doing it for me is one thing, but have an ego about it is something I learned.  I am quite humble, but I guess there is more than life after MAC, Christian LaBoutin, Canons, Ikea, shopping, big cities, etc.
xoxo

A week in Review

by on 11:24 AM
I think back about all the things which transpired in the last week and it makes me physically and mentally sick.  I have found out more abo...
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No sleep til....
Adam Yauch gets well soon. I heard the news this morning, but had to marinate in my memories.
The Beastie Boys were the first concert I ever went to, granted I was tagging along with my older brothers as usual, but they were spectacular. I bought a shirt that said "Suck my d*ck!" with my allowance and lied to mumsy and told her it was my brother's when she found it in the laundry. I had been so good about washing it when she wasn't home.
I love them so much, thinking about them with Run DMC during the summer of...well a long time ago. They were the first band (in my era) to bridge the white versus black spectrum in music. Long before the term "wigga" and Eminem was winning blaze battles.
I remember rappin to their CD with my mates knowing all the words line by line to every song. Thank you MCA, MikeD and the King Ad-Rock for the great music and fab concerts. You make me laugh endlessly and that will be the medicine (along with your friendship) that will get you through this tough time. I don't doubt you all have had your fair of hardships unknown to the public, but the public, your fans and God are all on your side. You will get through this, and we will be waiting for your return no matter how long it takes.

Warmly,


B.P. and Co.

Suck my D*ck!!!

by on 7:55 PM
No sleep til.... Adam Yauch gets well soon. I heard the news this morning, but had to marinate in my memories. The Beastie Boys were the fir...
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Hello Cherubs,
I feel compelled to discuss the topic of pore size. I loathe my pores. In my field, I'm exposed to some of the most breathtaking aesthetically pleasing people all day long. To be quite honest, this tends to take its toll on me over the course of the week and that's why on weekends, I don't blog. I give myself that small part of the week to not think about trends, upcoming collections in clothes, jewelery, makeup, shoes, bags and so on. It's too much and I really admire people who are truly comfortable in their skin.
I have been reading a lot about products and their claims. I've mentioned the goal of marketing is to get you to buy product(s). No matter how catchy, implied, colorful, etc. the ends don't justify the means if you don't buy the product. Sometimes that means one must make someone feel inadequate. For instance, if I want to sell a skincream to you, I'm going to tell you how your skin will improve if you use this cream. I'm going to you someone with the most amazing skin and tell you they use the product and they too had (insert whatever skin issue) too until they found (insert product name).
One of my big concerns if the skin on my face. It's oily, sometimes it's dry, I have large pores and I have spent a small house on creams that offer promises to get rid of my large pores.
Stop! You cannot change the size of your pores! Say that again to yourself and if you aren't convinced, do research on a forum, website or search anything pertaining to dermatology, skin, and not products. If you click on a product, it's going to "sell" you into believing there is a remedy. There isn't, there is just gimmicks all over to convince you there is a miracle in a bottle, jar, elixir, etc.
Why? Pores provide the natural oils to keep your skin hydrated. The amount of sebum your body produces is directly related to the size and appearance of your pores. Over active oil glands will swell the pores and once this has occurred, you can't erase what's been done.
What then? You can shrink your pores temporarily by unclogging the oil and particles (build up) which cause them to stretch. Their are toners, and astringents which can remove the buildup, but get something with alpha hydroxy, salicyclic acid, retinoids, and BHA can all help to minimize the appearance temporarily. Again, the pores will swell as they become clogged by dirt and bacteria, oil within the pore begins to accumulate, causing the pore’s diameter to expand thus the increase in the look of the pores once again.
Microdermabrasion can help those who have large pores as well as old acne scars, but it will not eliminate your pores completely.
This post is not meant to dampen or challenge the effectiveness of treatments, but to educate you all on your skin before you waste money hoping for a miracle.
Remember, we all have flaws, and you can survive with large pores in society, many faces who have covered magazines have had imperfect complexions. To read more, click here and find out ways to make the best of your skin. All hope is not lost, most people don't see your flaws they see you and really, as long as you're keeping a regimen for your body, mind and soul, the size of your pores will become less of an issue.

Stay beautiful!



B.P.

Pores no more?

by on 1:25 PM
Hello Cherubs, I feel compelled to discuss the topic of pore size. I loathe my pores. In my field, I'm exposed to some of the most breat...
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Hello Gorgeous,
As always, I take a laid back approach to much of the hype online as it pertains to beauty. It's really curious that people will praise something one week and the next week it's down the drain. It's a wise decision to remember that the majority of the time, haste does equal waste.
While keeping up to date is part of my decision as a beautician and journalist, I have to remember that there are cycles. For example, the Hello Kitty hype. MAC has this way of "leaking" product release information and huge blogs such as Temptalia or Specktra, obtain information and publish it and all of a sudden the buzz gets going. Great for press, sales, etc., but to consumers we need to be more wise with our choices. Are the colors that different than what is already available or dupeable? Is this something that I cannot live without and will not be similar to another release or item already in your collection? Will this product work with me, or will I have to "tweak" it to make it work?
For me, if I am making a purchase, I don't want to purchase three other items to make the color work for me, *cough, Lavender Whip, cough, cough*?
Another thing I think given the current economy is, "Is this a good investment?" Ever since I began asking myself if my purchase was a worthwhile investment, my impulse buying has decreased almost 50%. When you begin to think of your money as an investment, you will spend it differently.
I digress. About a year ago all the buzz was about Makeup Forever's HD silica face finishing powder. Not long after, Coastal Scents launched their version. Recently, there has been an ongoing debate as to the damage silica does in terms of one's health. I have not done research, but I guarantee if I were to do an inventory of all the items I interact with, breathe, eat, drink, wear, I may as well start planning my funeral. Please don't get caught up in any hype as if you wait long enough, like many of the "cult" favorite foundations which broke people out, or you have scene Youtubers promote a brand and in their daily routine they don't use it, you are better off saving your money and finding your own routine.

Warmly,


B.P.
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Hello Gorgeous!
This is a post I had to get off my back, no pun intended. YES YOU CAN have long, afro textured, and relaxed hair. I have enclosed a photo so we women can get out of the mindset you have to be born with "good" hair or 3b/c and not 4b/c texture for it to grow! It's not true. I relax my hair, and it doesn't take much to grow it and keep it healthy. I took the photo out of the shower and my hair is still wet, but that's because I was heavy hearted about this and I don't wear it down often as I am in a hair rut. It takes a lot of work to style, maintain, and protect, so I feel like wearing it up is much more realistic being that I work full time, go to school full time and do makeup as well as try to have a life.
So, that off my chest, don't let anyone tell you what is or is not possible. I never thought I had hair that would grow, my mum did not know what we know about taking care of our hair and now that I have grown it, I can move on to another challenge which is getting in shape before summer.

Meow for now,


B.P.

Hair Story

by on 9:48 AM
Hello Gorgeous! This is a post I had to get off my back, no pun intended. YES YOU CAN have long, afro textured, and relaxed hair. I have e...
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Beautiful You,
Please make a tradition, whether you are in a relationship or not, to take time to cultivate the most loving act of kindness and cultivate the most important relationship of all. Love yourself. Please remember it all starts and ends with self love.
In the advent of Youtube tutorials for everything beauty related, I cannot stress enough how important self love is. Here are some ways to begin:
1. Begin with writing in a journal that is kept private, if you don't feel comfortable writing, start by drawing, singing, crying, something to let your emotions release.
2. Give yourself some alone time. Spend time taking care of you, if only for one half hour. Manicure, pedicure, bubble bath, listening to music or reading a book with a cup of tea or glass of wine anyone?
3. Don't get caught up in hype. You can really do mental damage by falling into the trap the possessions or positions will make you happy. This is what advertising executives are paid to do. They want you to feel unhappy enough to buy their "miracle" products when all you need to do is nurture your soul. God made you for you, there is no one else like you, and there is nothing to big for you and God.
4. Forgive yourself and others. It's not easy to let go of old wounds, but the devil praises you for every negative thought you have about yourself and others. Life is too short, we all make mistakes. Forgive!
5. Don't believe the images you see of others. Focus on the things you like about yourself. Smile, humour, feet, bum, laugh or whatever and start thinking about how that trait helps others and you and soon you will have a list of things about yourself and you can work toward a goal of achieving greater things.
6. Love yourself!

Stay beautiful,


B.P.
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Cherubs,
I am so happy that Halloween is over! As much fun as it is to watch people play dress up and eat candy, I really don't enjoy much about Halloween. As a youngster I loved the idea of dressing up, costumes, candy, et. al; however, my generation, like most, was plagued by all the minutia about crimes committed on innocent trick or treaters.
I think having two older brothers was a blessing and a curse. I always had protection, but I also had live in bullies. They did not like having to take me about on all their excursions. But, my silence could be bought. They used to be quite thuggish. Rather than get really dressed up and creative, they wore things that didn't require much thought, "football player, karate kid, etc." and they didn't have cute candy carriers, they used pillow cases. They never got as much candy as me, this kitten was a panther at an early age. Working the prowess and always remembering the correct niceties such as: please, thank you, may I please? alwasy got me an extra dose of the sugar in return. The thugs aka my bros were usually frowned upon for being "too old to trick or treat" but they always had me as an excuse to troll around and wreak havoc. I didn't have any trick or treaters or parties to attend. I stayed in browsing makeup sites, depotting eyeshadows and watching some video rentals. I really am trying to get out of my shell. In fact, I am working on the proper cam to add some fun to this blog. I am really impressed by my fellow bloggers, mostly RenRen. She is the most precious woman doing faces online. I saw a tutorial and e-mailed her and she responded quite nicely. She is really impressive and I am not easily one to put others on pedestals. No, I'm not arrogant, but I'm cautious with my words, people really throw adjectives around so much they lose their efficacy. I cannot tell you how often someone calls a product "amazing!" or says "love" or "pretty" to the point of when is it authentic? But back to Ren, I have found her humble, sincere, fierce with beauty and very appreciative of those who seek her advice. I highly recommend you tune in to her channel. You will learn a lot about a lot and have fun in the process. Beauty=fun here and if you can't have fun with yourself and your looks, you've lost half the joy of living.
The month of October was breast cancer awareness, but I am making Thanksgiving the month of health in general. I want everyone reading this to be in good health and I know we love food, but join me in a challenge to try to cut out some of the not so good stuff and try to incorporate water, walking and weaning ourselves off some of the delicious foods we will be indulging in. Get healthy, get happy and stay beautiful!
xx

Beauty from Within

by on 1:27 PM
Cherubs, I am so happy that Halloween is over! As much fun as it is to watch people play dress up and eat candy, I really don't enjoy m...
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