No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #11

Do you remember Jessica Smith (and Peanut) from a few weeks ago?  This is one of my all time absolute favorite exercises routines from her.  If you want a great ab workout without having to do a million crunches, this is just the workout for you!  It takes less than 30 minutes!  No excuses, just do it!

How does the Jessica Smith TV website describe this workout routine?

“What It Is: This cardio kickboxing abs routine is the best way to mix up your abs routine and give unwanted belly fat a one-two punch (don’t forget to pair it with a healthy diet for best results)!

Why You Need It: Let’s face it, crunches aren’t the most effective  and those plank challenges are super boring (and they can really cause poor form). This multi-tasking routine saves you time and maximizes your calorie burn by combining your cardio and core work into a single workout (plus, it’s kind of fun too!).”

Don’t forget to keep good form and warm up and stretch before and after your workout!

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Love and Life

My Greatest Contribution to the Universe

The other day I was driving home after picking my kids up from school.  Out of no where my son asked, “Mom, how do you like being a parent?”  I told him “I absolutely love it, it is the BEST and hardest thing I have ever done.”  Ever since that conversation I have been thinking about it a lot.

Every day my first and most important responsibility is being a wife and mother.  Sometimes in the rush of daily life I forget that my children are not a distraction from my daily work, but that they are the most important work that I will ever do.

I have learned more from having kids than any other thing I have ever done in my life. While being a parent is the absolute best, yet hardest, thing I have ever done, it is also the most important.  I have learned that there are more important things in life than getting my own way.  I have learned that doing something for someone else makes you feel so much better about yourself.  I have learned that time flies by, and that they will only need me to do everything for them and be little for such a short amount of time.

Sometimes they are CrAzY!  Sometimes they wake up way waaaaaay too early.  Sometimes when I just want to get things done they get super silly and laugh really loud at every thing!  (Wow, isn’t it crazy how their laughing and being silly and happy can be an issue for me?!  What is my problem?!) Sometimes they say “Mommy?! Mommy?! Mommy?! Mommy?!” over and over again even when I am standing right next to them asking “What?”  Despite all that, they are a gift, a gift that I could never live without!

When I get upset or stressed out, I can always find peace in the fact that I have my family. They love me even at my worst, and they think that I am awesome, even when I am a hot mess.  So, on those days when things are not going as planned, and my house is a crazy mess, and I don’t have anything planned for dinner, and feel like I am failing as a mother; I need to stop and remind myself that I have a wonderful husband, and that no one can be the mother my kids need like I can.

 

My greatest contribution to the universe is my children. | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
I am so thankful to God everyday for the children He has blessed me with!
Make up · Review · Weekly Product Highlight

Wet N Wild Au Naturel Nude Awakening Palette

~Weekly Product Highlight~Wet N Wild Au Naturel 754A Nude Awakening Palette~

Au Naturel 754A Nude Awakening Palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I don’t go to Walmart very often, but I made an exception to get this Wet N Wild Au Naturel 754A Nude Awakening Palette. It is absolutely gorgeous! I am completely in love! Trust me, you need this in your life!  One thing that I love about Wet N Wild is that they are a Cruelty Free brand!  I really appreciate that they do not test on animals!

Wet N Wild Au Naturel 754A Nude Awakening Palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
There are 5 shades there, I am just so pale that two of them don’t show up that well, haha!

The shadows are beautiful shades, they are buttery and smooth and have a great pigment. As far as I know this is exclusively sold at Walmart and Walmart.com. I paid less than $6 for this palette at the Walmart near me.

Au Naturel 754A Nude Awakening Palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
This swatch doesn’t do justice to the small sparkles in the two darkest shadows.

Here is what the Walmart.com site has to say about this product…

“Get a little risque and go au naturel! Wet n Wild Au Naturel Eye Shadow features a palette of ten rose-hued shades that’s anything but ordinary. You’ve got every rose gold shade that tickles your fancy, from mattes to shimmers to satins to sparkles. Includes a jet-milled base, silicone technology, and pearl density for uber-pigmented, silky-smooth, and long-lasting wear.

Wet n Wild Au Naturel Eye Shadow:

  • Ten rose-hued shades that are anything but ordinary
  • Get a little risque and go au naturel

Ingredients: Talc, Boron Nitride, Nylon-12, Ethyl Macadmiate, Dimethicone, Magnesium Myristate, Polybutene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenoxyenthanol, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Tocopherol, Methicone, [+/- (May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides/Ci 77491, Ci 77499, Titanium Dioxide/Ci 77891, Red 40 Lake/Ci 16035, Ultramarines/Ci 77007, Black 2/Ci 77266, Manganese Violet/Ci 77742, Carmine/Ci 75470]. (1015).”

Au Naturel 754A Nude Awakening Palette | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Have you tried this palette yet?  What did you think?  I think for an inexpensive  brand, Wet N Wild has really stepped it up lately!

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No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #10

Since yesterday was Pi day I posted a recipe instead of a workout, but don’t think that I forgot about it for this week!  We all will need this core workout to work off all the pie we ate celebrating pi day yesterday, haha!

This workout only take 15 minutes!  Keep good form, no excuses, just do it!

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No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #9

If you have been around Looking Joli Good for any amount of time, you know that I love Jillian Michaels!  I’m pretty sure we are best friends, she just doesn’t know about it. 😉

jillian michaels 30 day shred | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Do you think you are ready to tackle one of her work outs?  I have faith in you, you can do it!  This is Level 1 of her 30 Day Shred.  (There are 3 levels total, each a bit harder than the previous level.)  Even though this is one of her older workouts, it is still a really good one and I love it!  Ready?  No excuses, just do it!

Don’t forget to keep good form and do the warm up before and stretch out with Jillian after the exercises, you’ll need it!

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Make up · Tips and Tricks

7 Beauty Products Worth Splurging On (and 5 That Totally Aren’t)

I recently read this article from Real Simple and thought that this was an interesting article.  I wanted to share it with all of you!  What do you think?  Do you agree with these tips on where to scrimp and where to splurge?  PS: I don’t necessarily agree with all of these, but I do think that it is an interesting take on where to spend and where to save.

If you would like to read the original article click HERE

7 Beauty Products Worth Splurging On (and 5 That Totally Aren't) | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

7 Beauty Products Worth Splurging On (and 5 That Totally Aren’t)

“Admit it: The exotic list of ingredients and the promise of supermodel shine are tempting. But then you hear a little voice in your head (hey, is that you, Mom?) saying, “It’s hype! You’re paying for a pretty box.” Some products are worth every dime; some not so much. How to tell the difference.

Shampoo = Scrimp
Springing for extravagant shampoo is essentially like watching your money go down the drain with the suds. However, if you’ve spent a small fortune coloring or highlighting your hair, you might want to go with the product that your hairstylist recommends.

 

7 Beauty Products Worth Splurging On (and 5 That Totally Aren't) | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Photo by Serge Bloch from the Real Simple Website

Conditioner = Splurge
Yes, you rinse conditioner out, but these products are emulsions, which means they contain an oil or wax that doesn’t mix with water. So whatever healthy ingredients are in them adhere to the hair and don’t wash away.

Cleanser = Scrimp
Because the fancy-pants ingredients will be on your face for only two seconds—not long enough to be worth the expense. Have acne-prone or sensitive skin? Look for labels that say “gentle” or “noncomedogenic.”

Day cream = Scrimp
Make sure it’s the kind with sunscreen included; it should have broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 15. You’ll find an aisle full of worthy options at the drugstore.

Foundation = Splurge
Since the chances that your face may end up looking like an Oompa Loompa are high. Instead head to the department-store cosmetics counters, where you can try out not only shades but also formulas before you buy. Do you prefer lightweight and sheer? Or something with more coverage to hide acne?

Powder = Splurge
Unless you opt for a colorless translucent powder (in which case, you can totally go thrifty), you’ll want to try this on before you buy, especially if you’re using powder as an all-purpose foundation/ concealer/makeup setter. A well-made one also gives you that flawless, practically Photoshopped look and will last longer, so you won’t need to apply as much of it.

Powder blush = Splurge
The pigments in blush are very similar to those in eye shadow. The less expensive the product, the more likely it is that the pigments have been diluted with talc and other powder ingredients. Also, cheaper blushes have a tendency to leave streaks.

Eyeliner = Splurge
You don’t want one with a crumbly tip that creates a shaky line. Generally, the more expensive the pencil, the softer the wax and the smoother the application.

Eye shadow = Splurge
Department-store–brand shadows adhere to the lids better, go on smoother, and offer richer colors than their drugstore counterparts. Certain pigments, such as deep blues and purples, are expensive, so companies that charge more can use more of them. But if you want to test-drive trendy shades, then, by all means, go economical.

Mascara = Scrimp
Bombshell: There isn’t a lot of difference between high-end and low-end formulas. Because bacteria grow easily in mascara, you should trash a tube after three months—which is all the more reason to cut corners.

Lip gloss = Scrimp
No need to go all out if you want just a hint of tint and a bit of shine. And who are we kidding? Half of it will rub off on your coffee cup anyway.

Lipstick = Splurge
If it’s your signature shade, don’t cheap out. You’ll get a creamier texture and possibly even extracts or vitamins that will prevent your pucker from becoming caked and flaky.

Excerpted from The Real Simple Guide to Real Life: Adulthood Made Easy. Copyright © 2015 Time Inc. All rights reserved.”

Buy The Real Simple Guide to Real Life here!

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Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness

What’s the Best Diet? Healthy Eating 101 by Doc Mike Evans

You know I love me some makeup!  But there is so much more to “looking (and feeling) Joli good” than just what we put on our faces every day.

What is a diet?  Whether you are consciously on a “weight loss diet”or not, you still have a diet.  A diet can easily be explained as the “set of food rules that you follow for yourself.” Most of us seem to want weight loss at one point or another in our lives.  Is there a magic food formula?  Unfortunately, still NO!  We are not all genetically the same, so what is right for one person is not necessarily best for someone else.

While obesity is a major factor in a lot of diseases,  it is better to focus on health at every size.  Health should not just be a weight goal, but a lifestyle: lots of physical activity, regular meals, good social support.  Instead of just focusing on weight loss, focusing on healthy outcomes such as less cancer, heart disease, and longer life with better quality.

Active obese people tend to live longer than skinny sedentary people.

Losing weight, while it is not easy, isn’t actually the hardest part.  Maintaining that weight loss is trickier.  Overly restrictive diets are hard to maintain.  I am not saying that you have to change everything about your current diet, but sometimes just making small changes here and there make big differenced in the long run.

Consistency is more important than perfection! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Studies have shown that something as simple as keeping track of your weight on a consistent basis helps with weight loss.  As well, keeping a food journal can actually double your overall weight loss! I write down everything I eat, whether good or bad to keep myself accountable and aware of what I am actually eating.  I think this is the #1 thing that has helped me to lose weight and I am hoping it will help me to maintain this weight loss in the future.

Think more about what is healthy to eat instead of all of what you should not be eating.

Most of us don’t overeat because we are hungry, we over eat because we are in the habit of overeating.  Some times simple changes like putting the cookies and snacks away in the closet and instead having fruit and veggies easily accessible can make healthy dietary choices easier without being overly conscious of the change.

Moderation: less meat, more veggies, having fruit for dessert and skipping processed foods.

Also, leave room for flexibility!  Make good choices 80% of the time and let yourself have a bit of indulge every once in a while. Healthy is a longterm lifestyle, not a short term quick fix.

Consistency is more important than perfection!

The first time I watched this video by Dr Mike Evens I started taking notes!  I love the way that the vastness and confusion of “healthy eating” and “diets” is broken down into smaller bites (pun totally intended. :-))

 Please take 15 minutes out of your busy day to watch this video!

 

Dr. Mike Evans is a staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine. He is a Scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and has an endowed Chair in Patient Engagement and Childhood Nutrition at the University of Toronto. 

Written, Narrated and Produced by Dr. Mike Evans
Illustrations by Liisa Sorsa
Directed, Photographed and Produced by Nick de Pencier
Editor, David Schmidt
Story/Graphic Facilitator, Disa Kauk
Production Assistant, Chris Niesing
Director of Operations, Mike Heinrich”

You can also check out the other interesting health information he has on his website by clicking HERE.

What's the Best Diet? Healthy Eating 101 by Doc Mike Evans | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I know I personally feel so much better overall when I eat healthier, not just physically but mentally as well.  What do you think about overall health over weight?

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Beauty Subscription · Make up

Ipsy Glam Bag February 2016

I can’t believe that I completely forgot to post about this months ipsy bag!  We were recently away on vacation in sunny Florida, so when my ipsy glam bag arrived I wasn’t even around to open it!!  I haven’t used any of these products yet, so no reviews this month.

If you don’t already know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE.  If you are thinking about trying out ipsy, I would love it if you were to use my referral link  https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comThis month’s glam bag theme is “Pretty In Ipsy Pink“. The bag is a cute pixilated white envelope with a pink heart.  The main side is a bumpy texture with pink smooth patten leather on the back.  Again this month the zipper is across the top which, you may remember, I like a lot better than the style of the ones that have the zipper 1/4 of the way down.  This is one of my favorite bag designs so far.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you have already seen what I received.  If you don’t follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you totally should be 😉 !

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is what I got in my glam bag this month…

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comGirls! Oh my goodness! I got another nail polish product in my bag again this month! I have retaken the quiz so many times, and yet I still keep getting nail polishes!  I have filled out the ratings every time I have gotten a nail polish/nail product and I have even called and complained.  Still, still I get another nail product!  If any of you know a trick to get less nail polishes PLEASE tell me!!!
Perfect FormulaPink Gel Coat (Weight: .17 oz)
The “Suit of Armor” for your nails. Instantly achieve strong, healthier-looking natural nails.

  • Instantly Strengthens
  • Brightens, seals, and protects
  • High Gloss Finish

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comBelláPierre Cosmetics Mineral Blush (Weight: .2 oz)
This creamy, non-comedogenic Mineral Blush gives you a beautiful, healthy flush that looks natural. Recommended by make-up artists and dermatologists, this award-winning blush is talc-free, paraben-free, and suitable for all skin types and conditions.

  • All natural
  • Vegan
  • Creates a natural blush

ipsters who sample Mineral Blush will receive the shade Desert Rose.

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comSmashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Primer Oil (Weight: .13 oz)
The Power of a Primer. The Luxury of a Face Oil.

Fall in love with your skin — before you put on makeup — with the first ever primer specially formulated in a lightweight, lustrous oil. This fast-absorbing hero blend of 15 essential and lipid-rich plant oils penetrate instantly to moisturize your face for seamless foundation application with a dewy, youthful finish. In fact, you might think twice before you reach for your makeup.

  • Softens complexion to make foundation look like skin
  • Instantly absorbs and adds radiance
  • 15 essential and lipid-rich plant oils including moisturizing jojoba and calming chamomile
  • Apply a few drops to split-ends, cuticles, elbows and clavicle for a dewy, youthful sheen

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comDr. Brandt PoreDermabrasion (Weight: .25 oz)
Dr. brandt PoreDermabrasion is a unique physical and chemical exfoliator and pore perfector in one. No matter how old you are or what type of skin you have, enlarged pores are a huge concern. Shrink them down to the vanishing point while smoothing and evening skin’s texture.

  • Helps refine the appearance of pores
  • Helps cleanse pores
  • Helps smooth and even skin texture

 

February 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comMOR Emporium Classics Hand & Body Lotion in Candied Vanilla (Weight: 1 oz)
A luxurious Hand & Body Lotion enriched with Macadamia and Soybean Oils, Shea Butter and Vitamin E that leaves skin feeling supple. Sweet almond extract and argan oil deeply moisturizes and leaves skin delicately scented.

  • Free from mineral oils, parabens, synthetic dyes and sulphates
  • This product is not tested on animals

How about you?   Did you get an ipsy’s glam bag?  What did you get in yours?  Were you happy with your samples?  Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out?  Let me know in the comments below.

If you don’t already subscribe and would like to try out ipsy you can use my referral link by clicking HERE!  Also, if you are interested in seeing my other recent posts about ipsy click HERE.

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Delicious Recipes

Homemade Twix Bars

 I LOVE caramel!

One of my favorite candy bars of all time is Twix.

Here is a simply delicious recipe to make Twix bars at home!

Homemade Twix Bars | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Jamielyn over at I Heart Naptime has so many great recipes!   If you are looking for something great to eat, you’ve got to go check it out!

Here is the direct link to these homemade twix bars over at I Heart Naptime.  http://www.iheartnaptime.net/homemade-twix-bars/

Prep time: 25 MINUTES

Cook time: 30 MINUTES

Total time: 50 MINUTES + COOL TIME

Ingredients:

Shortbread:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup butter, softened slightly

Caramel:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 Tablespoons corn syrup

Chocolate:

  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine the flour and sugar in a medium size bowl. Then cut the butter in with a pastry cutter or two forks, until it forms a crumb mixture. Then press down into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.

For the caramel add the butter to a medium saucepan and melt over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir an additional 2 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Pour over cooled shortbread bars. Allow to cool.

Once the caramel has become firm, mix the chocolate and oil in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 1 minute. Stir and cook in 15 second intervals, until the chocolate is melted. Then pour over the caramel layer and allow to set. May place in the fridge to help set faster.

Once the chocolate has hardened, cut into squares with a warm knife.

Go check out all the other awesome recipes at I Heart Naptime!

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