I love Christmas! I love Christmas carols and Christmas music. At church this past Sunday I heard this song for the first time and I have been thinking about it ever since. Such a beautiful song and a great message!
One small child in a land of a thousand.
One small dream of a savior tonight.
One small hand reaching out to the starlight.
One small savior of life. Ooh.
One king bringing his gold and riches.
One king ruling and army of might.
One king kneeling with incense and candlelight.
One king bringing us life. Ooh.
See Him lying, a cradle beneath Him.
See Him smiling in the stall.
See His mother praising the Father.
See His tiny eyelids fall.
See the shepherds kneeling before Him.
See the kings on bended knee.
See the mother praising the Father.
See the blessed infant sleep.
One small child in a land of a thousand.
One small dream of a savior tonight.
One small hand reaching out to the starlight.
One small savior of life.
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.
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? :-))
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!
Click HERE if you would like to read my previous Flab To FAB posts.
I love to watch beauty videos on YouTube. I love to see the products and makeup recommendations. I am always looking for new YouTubers to watch. Here are some of my recommendations of my favorite Youtubers to check out and subscribe to.
This girl is not only a natural beauty, she is real and super funny. She tells it like it is and gives great product reviews, all while being entertaining. I especially love her “Woops and Womps” videos. She refers to herself as a brown biscuit. Her make up is always perfect and she is so funny!
Another YouTuber you’ve got to check out is Rachel from RachhLoves. She is another funny one. I love all the little extra graphics she adds into her videos. Some of my favorite videos that she does are her follow ups after a haul. It is great to see what she thinks about the products after she has used them for a few weeks. She also does some great “Lazy Girl Guide” videos.
You have got to check out Jessica Braun from jambeauty89 She is so cute and has the sweetest personality! I love to watch her videos because she gets so excited over the smallest things. While she doesn’t do tutorials or get ready with me videos, she does do a lot of drugstore product reviews. She just recently got married and she and her husband Tyler are so cute.
Leigh Ann from Leighannsays is another favorite of mine. The perfect word to describe her is quirky. She is another funny natural beauty. She recently moved to a new place and adopted a little three legged dog named Luna. She does a lot of make up tutorials, hair tutorials, make up reviews, fashion hauls. She has the same type of stick straight eyelashes that I do, so I know that I can trust her mascara recommendations.
I hope that you check out these YouTubers. Also clickHEREto read my first post about Beauty YouTubers for my 3 top favorites…Tati, Melissa, andCandice.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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.
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.
If you remember from my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe post, I love raw cookie dough. It is so bad for me to eat it, but it is so delicious! Here is a recipe for Eggless Cookie Dough that is just as tasty with out the risk of salmonella poisoning.
Eggless Cookie Dough
7 Tbsp Brown Sugar
6 Tbsp White Sugar
5 Tbsp Butter, softened
2 tsp Vanilla (1tsp)
3 Tbsp Milk
1/4 tsp Salt
1 Cup Flour (use almond or coconut flour for a bit of a change to the flavor or the cookie dough)
1/3 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips
1 tbs ground cinnamon
Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a bowl and mix. Stir in vanilla and milk. Add flour and salt to the sugar mixture, and stir until combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Spread the mixture onto parchment paper and shape into a rectangle as evenly as possible. Put the square of cookie dough into the freezer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Remove from freezer and cut into small squares. Enjoy!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.”
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.
I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram 
Looking Joli Good 