Tag: beautiful

Dulce De Leche Ice Cream from Haagen-Dazs | lookingjoligood.com The Trap Of Celebrating With Food
Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness

The Trap Of Celebrating With Food

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Over the last few months I have been on a journey from Flab to FAB.  If you have been following along, thank you so much for your support.  These last few pounds have been the toughest to shed!  I have 1.5 lbs to go, and it has been a struggle!

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have never had an issue with daily exercise. I love to get up early and get in a workout before the rest of my family is even awake.  My down fall has always been diet, even more specifically the sweet stuff!  The holidays are a tough time to be trying to lose those last few pound.  Some weeks I have been happy to just have not gained any weight.

I LOVE to eat!  I have had many conversations with fellow food lovers about where’s the best place to get homemade ice cream or freshly baked bread, or which restaurant has the best tasting menu.  I also love to cook myself.  I like to try new recipes, watch cooking shows and read cookbooks and food magazines.

Dulce De Leche Ice Cream from Haagen-Dazs | lookingjoligood.com
My favorite kind of ice cream

While the occasional food splurge is fine, and actually part of a successful weight loss routine, it is important to keep it an occasional splurge. While these occasions don’t have to be huge major special events – My daughter got a 100% on her first math test- Yay! Lets get ice cream!  My son scored a goal in soccer, Yay! Let’s get ice cream!  I did awesome at my job interview!Yay! Let’s get ice cream! I got the job! Yay! Let’s get ice cream!  I had a great first day of work!  Yay! Let’s get ice cream! I need to be careful that  I only  make exceptions for true special occasions.

Often what ends up happening is that these “special occasions” can become a daily even. They can easily turn into… I folded all the laundry! Yay! Lets get ice cream! I found my missing earring! Yay! Lets get ice cream!  I am having a great hair day!  Yay! Lets get ice cream!  Today is Wednesday! Yay! Lets get ice cream!  My Boston Terrier, Tessie, is super cute! Yay! Lets get ice cream!   See where I am going with this…(also, can you tell I like ice cream? :-))

My cute dog Tessie | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Look at that cute face!

While I have been on my Flab to FAB journey, I have had to start thinking about food and diet in a different way.  While good healthy food feels rewarding, food is fuel, not a reward.  Celebrating is fun, and celebrating with food is fun too, but it is not the only way to celebrate.

Instead of using food as a reward, I have been trying to reward myself in other ways.  Some ways include: getting a pedicure, buying new smaller clothes :-), getting some new makeup, or splurging on a new purse.  Sometimes the celebration is just giving myself a little bit of a break to sit down and read an extra chapter in a good book.  While I do still like to celebrate with food, I am slowly retraining myself to have a healthier relationship with food.

I hope that you found this helpful, and thank you for following along with me on my journey from Flab to FAB!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Click HERE if you would like to read my previous Flab To FAB  posts.

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 2

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Please see update below:

Phase 1 Workout 2 for Weeks 1 and 2

What will you need?  
  • Exercise mat
  • Medium resistance cable
  • Free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)
While this phase is meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out. Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  
  • Back
  • Biceps
  • Glutes
  • Hamstrings
  • Abs
The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition. Why choose to fail when success is an option? | LOOKINGJOLIGOOD.WORDPRESS.COM

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout two

Warm-up Skaters Hugs Toe Taps Repeat Circuit 1:
  • Table position and stabilize with the opposite leg and one arm stretched out
  • Pelvic thrusts with left leg across the knee-advanced modification- raise crossed leg and continue with pelvic thrusts even more advanced add the use of the cable for added resistance
  • Superman-advanced modification- pulse (I seriously HATE these!)
  • Pelvic thrusts with right leg across the knee -advanced modification-same as above
Cardio -1 minute-Alternate knee thrusts -repeat circuit 1 Circuit 2:
  • Static lunge with torso rotation – right side-advanced modification add weights
  • Wide dumbbell rows-advanced modification- heavier weights
  • Static lunge with torso rotation – left side-advanced modification add weights
  • Bicep Drags-advanced modification – heavier weights
Cardio -1 minute-Side to side kickbacks -repeat circuit 2 Circuit 3:
  • Deadlift with a bicep curl-advanced modification – heavier weights
  • Donkey kicks right leg
  • Crunches-advanced modification – add weights
  • Donkey kicks left leg
Cardio -1 minute-Knee pikes – 30 seconds on each side Repeat Circuit 3 with the exception of the cardio bit Circuit 4:
  • Medium cable row while seated on the mat wrap cable around feet and pull-advanced modification-wrap cable around again
  • “Good Mornings”-advanced modification- use weights
  • Hammer Curls-advanced modification- heavier weights
  • Step-ups with weights-advanced modification- heavier weights.
Cardio -1 minute-Upper Cuts in a half squat position-advanced modification-use weights-repeat circuit 4 Cool Down/Stretches I have already completed these first two weeks of phase one and now  I’ve moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that, not much at all. I will write a detailed review of Cardio 1 and Workout 3 and 4 soon. I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you! Click here if you would like to follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB! Here is another one of my favorite Jillian Michaels quotes:

“Transformation isn’t a future event, it’s a present day activity.”

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good

Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.
Make up · Review

Mini Target Haul

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

If there is one thing I don’t need it is more makeup from Target.  If there is one thing I love to buy it is more makeup from Target.  Yesterday Target had a 25% off deal on beauty items.  I was already planning to pick up a few things, so I was pretty excited about the extra 25% off.

If you have been around Looking Joli Good for any amount of time, you know that I love the Maybelline Better Skin foundation.  The formula is awesome and the wear time is amazing. (click HERE to see my full review of it.)  I just need to point out that the difference is huge between the shades Porcelain 10 and Ivory 15!  Ivory is much to dark for my winter skin and even at my fairest, 10 is still way too light.  That is why I also picked up the NYC bronzer.  I have heard good things about it, so hopefully it will work out for me when I use them together.

Mini Target Haul | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I already know that I love the Aussie 3 minute miracle as well as the biore deep pore charcoal cleanser. I am also repurchasing this elf duo eyeshadow.  It is a bit powdery, but I really like the way that the colors look on me.  Plus for 25% off, I couldn’t pass it up.

I am planning on doing some reviews on my recent hauls.  I know I personally like to see what people haul, but I also like to hear the review of the products after they have been used for a little while.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Health/ Fitness

Essential Oils Inhalation vs Topical Application

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

There are no strict rules when using essential oils.  As long as you are using essential oils that are appropriate for you (or the person who will be using them), and you are following safety precautions, do what works better for you!   Here is a little chart I made that can help take a bit of the guess work out of when to diffuse and when to apply your oils for best results.  I hope that you find this to be helpful!Essential Oils Inhalation vs Topical Application | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Beauty Subscription · Free/Good Deals · Make up

Target His and Hers “Holiday” Beauty Box

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

Target has been offering their own version of a beauty box.  These boxes are usually awesome! I love a good Target beauty box and as of right now these are still available!Target Holiday Beauty Box

Generally they have 5 items and are $5, as the “holiday for him” box is.  The box for “her” has 8 items in it and costs $10.  The box is available now, they always sell out quickly, so you have to order it fast!  I just ordered mine.  If you want one too click HERE to order.  Shipping is free and if you use your RedCard you can also get $0.50 off with the usual 5% discount.

Here is what you can expect to get in these boxes…

Holiday for Her

A $50 value for just $10, this handpicked collection lets you try out a few top trends and perfect your look for all the season’s parties. Test them out and tell us what you think. If you love them as much as we do, find the full-size versions at Target.com/beautybox.

Hair Food Dry Shampoo
Free of sulfates & parabens, this lightweight formula absorbs excess oils to give your hair an instant refresh.

CoverGirl Star Wars Lipstick
Available in 6 shades, this limited-edition lipstick will make you a force to be reckoned with this holiday season.

Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara
This must-have mascara combines a creamy new plumping formula that delivers instant volume with cup-shaped bristles that scoop & lift lashes.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
A can’t-live-without cream that blends marine & botanical extracts to help repair and restore the delicate barrier around the eyes plus hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin.

Goody Ouchless Sweat Stretch Elastics 3 ct
Moisture-wicking fabric keeps you cool and dry plus gives you comfortable hold while you work out.

Pacifica Love 3 Eye Shadow Trio
Coconut-infused, velvety mineral eyeshadows that offer staying power & a smooth finish.

Laneige Water Bank Moisture Cream
Hydro-ionized mineral water and Biogen technology give you 24 hours of continuous hydration.

Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream
Anti-aging ingredients penetrate up to 10 layers deep into the skin’s surface to boost hydration and brightness while helping to reduce the appearance of lines.

  • Number of Pieces: 8

 

Holiday for Him

A $24 value for just $5, this handpicked collection will keep you looking and feeling your best throughout the season. Test them out and tell us what you think. If you love them as much as we do, find the full-size versions at Target.com/beautybox.

Gillette Clinical Cool Wave Deodorant
Get 48-hour underarm protection against odor and sweat.

Axe Shower Gel
Be so fresh and so clean thanks to a revitalizing fragrance combined with a lather-enhancing formula.

up & up 5 Blade System Razor
Double-coated blade edges and a special lubricating strip give you a close, comfortable shave.

Dove Men + Care Body & Face Wash
An ultra-light formula with MICROMOISTURE technology that’s clinically proven to help relieve dry skin.

Degree Men Adventure Dry Spray
A woodsy fragrance with clean citrus notes plus MOTIONSENSE™ technology for 48-hour odor protection.

  • Number of Pieces: 5

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Fashion/Style

I Dream of Burberry

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment
I Dream of Burberry

 

Burberry short coat
$1,370 – harrods.com

Burberry black high heel boots
couture.zappos.com

Burberry beige tote
tradesy.com

Burberry wrap shawl
shop-hers.com

Burberry belt
bloomingdales.com

Burberry lip makeup
sephora.com

Burberry eyeshadow
bloomingdales.com

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 1 Review
Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout 1 Review

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

**please see update below

Phase 1 Workout 1 for Weeks 1 and 2

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)  Get ready to squat!  Regular squats, sumo squats, chair squats, and step out step in squats. While this phase is meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out. Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  
  • Chest
  • Shoulders,
  • Abs,
  • Triceps
  • Quads
The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one

Warm-up
  • Military March
  • Arm Circles
  • Hip Circles
  • Knee Circles

Circuit 1:

  •  Squats -advanced modification jump squats
  • Modified Push-ups on the knees-advanced modification-military style push-ups
  • Plank hold -1 minute
  • Chest Fly with weights-advanced modification-heavier weights
Cardio -1 minute “Towel” circle runs -repeat circuit 1

Circuit 2:

  • Sumo Squats-advanced modification- jump sumo squats or add weights)
  •  Tricep Kickbacks with weights -advanced modification-heavier weights
  • Standing abductions on both sides -advanced modification-oblique crunch
Cardio -1 minute Speed bags-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Chair squats with front raises
  • Tricep Extensions
  • Warrior 2 pose -advanced modification-add weights
Cardio -1 minute- Marching in place-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Single leg kick outs – right and left
  • Bicycle crunches
  • Lateral raise with weights -advanced modification-heavier weights
Cardio -1 minute-Step in, step out with squats-advanced modification-add weights-repeat circuit 4 Cool Down/Stretches I have finished the first two weeks of phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all. I will write a detailed review of Workout 2 and Cardio 1 soon. Follow along with me as I journey from Flab to FAB! I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you! Here is one of my very favorite Jillian Micheals quotes:

“It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens. That’s how change occurs.”

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all three.

Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.
Make up

Hooded Eyes Makeup Do’s and Don’ts by Sona Gasparian

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

I have slightly hooded eyes, I think it would actually be called a heavy fold.  My eye shape is actually very similar to hers. Due to this I can’t just do any type of makeup look that I want.  Certain strategies help to make a “hooded eye” look more open and awake.

I love Sona Gasparian‘s videos.  If you have never watched her before I definitely recommend you check her out! This video about Hooded Eyes Makeup  Do’s and Don’ts is such a great tutorial!  What a huge difference in the way her eyes look!

Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness

Working Out for Beginners

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood4 Comments

Exercising for Beginners | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

If you are new to exercising and working out, here are some tips and tricks for you (some that I have learned the hard way so that you don’t have to.)

  1. You will be sore!  Don’t be afraid of the soreness, use it as motivation to keep going!  Even if you are sore, you will feel better after you exercise.   You will learn to hate it and love it all at the same time.  Don’t let soreness prevent you from working out.
  2. Don’t give up if you don’t see major results after the first workout 😉  You didn’t put the weight on in one day, you won’t take it all off in one day (or one week…or month)  It takes consistent daily work
  3. Choosing a healthy lifestyle is just as much mental as it is physical. You have to make a choice every day to keep going.
  4. Form is everything!  If you are new to exercising proper form may feel a bit awkward, get a mirror and watch your form.  If you are doing a movement with improper form (especially if you are using weights) you are more likely to injure yourself.  Injuries are not fun!
  5. Always warm up! It is not worth the time you save to skip warming up.  Your muscles will thank you and you will be less likely to injure yourself if you are properly warmed up.
  6. Always stretch!!! Just like with warming up, it is not worth the time you save to skip stretching.  Your muscles will thank you and you will be less likely to injure yourself if you are properly stretched!  Do NOT skip stretching.
  7. Breath!!!! Don’t hold your breath!  Sometimes when things are hard we tend to hold our breath.  Don’t do that!  Proper breathing helps with core stability, plus you need to breath to prevent yourself from passing out.  I always remember proper breathing by inhale on the easy part, exhale when difficult or blow out against gravity.  So when doing crunches, exhale on the crunch up inhale on the way down.  Push ups: exhale when pushing up, inhale on the way down.  Lifting weights (even 3 or 5 lbs) exhale when lifting the weight inhale when lowering
  8. Don’t overestimate your exercise’s impact while underestimating your caloric intake
  9. It is not about being better than someone else, it is about being better than you were yesterday!
  10. You CANNOT spot reduce fat!  You can work specific areas and muscles, but the only way to get rid of fat in a “problem area” is to lose weight all over your entire body.  You may carry more weight in your midsection, or have wider shoulders, or like me you might have chubby BodyShape | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comknees and cankles (I seriously HATE my cankles!).
  11. While you can get in better shape, you cannot change your overall body shape.  If you are pear shaped you will just be a smaller pear. (see number 8)  You can exercise all day every day and you will still have your original body shape.
  12. Be accountable to someone.  Studies show that people who are accountable to someone, not only have more success with weight loss , but also are more successful at keeping the weight off long term.

I hope that you find these tips to be helpful!  Enjoy your workouts, exercise is fun!

Disclaimer: While I am not a professional or a personal fitness trainer, I have been exercising for years.  

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com