Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #27

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Baby wipes are not just for babies!

If you are a mother, you will already know all about this tip, I am not telling you anything new, but baby wipes are amazing for so many things. One of my favorite things to use baby wipes for is removing my makeup.  Since the wipes are made for delicate baby skin they are also great for the more sensitive skin of the face.

I usually get the scent free and sensitive skin ones.  Not only are they  gentle, but also efficient at getting the job done.  Also, baby wipe cost so much less than the wipes that are specifically labeled as “makeup remover wipes”.

Let me know if you try it and what you think!

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Beauty Subscription · Make up

Ipsy Glam Bag August 2016

It is  ipsy glam bag time again!   I don’t know about you, but I always loving seeing what everyone else received in their bags every month.  (If you don’t know what ipsy is you can check out my previous post all about it by clicking HERE)

August Ipsy Glam Bag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

This month’s ipsy theme is Sugar Highness (I’ve had a few sugar highs in my life, I love candy!). “Let Us All Eat Cake. Get gorgeously glammed up and dip into everyday decadence—gone wildly galore.”

AugustIpsyGlamBag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

The glam bag itself is not my favorite. “Illustrated by ipsy founder Michelle Phan to inspire the beautiful dreamer in all of us.”  I’m just going to come right out and say it, it is ugly.  I like that the zipper is across the top, a feature that I prefer best the material it is made out of is like a faux leather, I like that, and the shape is good.  Too bad about that picture, nope, this one is going to be part of my daughter’s collection.

If you don’t already subscribe to ipsy but you’re thinking about trying it out, I’d love for you to use my referral link https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=uqdkx

AugustIpsyGlamBag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Beauty For Real I-LINE 24-7 Eyeliner in Black Magic

In 2016 I have received 5 black eyeliners from ipsy.  I mean, really? How many eyeliners does one person need, really?

The only thing I am happy about is that it is a no sharpener needed eyeliner.

AugustIpsyGlamBag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Beaute Basics 3 Tone Bronzer

“The triple threat of bronzers. Three silky smooth shades perfect for all skin tones. All in one carry-anywhere palette for glow on-the-go.

  • Wear alone or together as a bonus fourth shade. Looks for days—and nights.

  • Blendable and buildable, so you can create your perfect tan.

  • All-day formula for illumination that lasts”

AugustIpsyGlamBag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comPeter Lamas Supreme Radiance Complexion Booster

“Lightly-tinted and ultra sheer, this booster is the perfect brightening pick-me-up for your everyday look. Major bonus: it feels ah-maz-ing on your skin.

  • Retinol + Salicylic Acid = Fine lines and wrinkle reducer power couple
  • Light reflecting minerals make you look instantly radiant
  • Coenzyme Q-10 and Vitamin E Oil help hydrate, smooth, and protect skin”

 

AugustIpsyGlamBag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comCiaté London Paint Pot in Dangerous Affair or Spinning Teacups

I pulled this out of my bag and literally growled!  I HATE getting nail polish in my glam bags!  I guess I cannot complain too much, it has been a few months since they have sent me one.  Instead they have been sending the steady stream of eyeliners.  I would much prefer the eyeliners, at least I will use them.

  • Dangerous Affair: No stranger danger here. Look poised and ready for any liaison this fall in this stunning shade of burgundy. Red and ready for action.

tarte cosmetics tarteist lash paint mascara

Ok, so as much as I hate nail polish, I love mascara, so I will forgive you ipsy…

“No lash left behind. Fanned bristles at the top of the brush reach every single lash, even the teeniest. It’s like 2 brushes in one—and we love that kind of versatility at ipsy.

  • Go dark. Inky formula instantly adds fullness and length.

  • No clumps or stickiness in sight

  • Vegan, ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested”

AugustIpsyGlamBag | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

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.

Don’t forget, 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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Health/ Fitness

Plateau!!! Why Can’t I Lose Weight?!

Hitting a plateau is so annoying!  Every body is different, there is no magic formula or just one specific answer to how to get over a plateau.

you-are-here

Sometimes it feels like you are doing everything right and still not losing weight. You might need to ask yourself a few simple questions…

  • Are you really taking the best care of your body and health or are you just going trough the motions?
  • Are you being patient giving your body time to respond to healthy changes?

Or maybe you think you are doing everything right but in actuality you are missing something in one area or another…

  • What you are eating? (Are you eating too much? Not enough?)
  • How you are sleeping?
  • Are taking care of yourself?  How is your stress level?
  • What types of work outs are you doing? (Are you working out too much? Not enough?)

Losing weight is not just a simple formula, it is a very personal thing.  You may be working out and eating right but you are not sleeping enough or maybe you’re always stressed out.  Our bodies love to hang on to those extra few pounds just in case they need it later on.

I know that it is so annoying to be doing everything right and not see the scale moving. Remind yourself that even if the scale isn’t heading in the direction you want it to, your body might be changing in a positive way internally.

Listen to the signals that your body is giving you. Also, just because you have that perfect goal weight in your mind doesn’t mean that number is where your body can comfortably maintain itself.

Personally, I had a goal weight in my mind that I wanted to reach.  Once I reached that goal I was so proud of myself, but when it came time to maintain my weight at that weight it was really hard. My body wanted to rest about 3 lbs heavier than that goal number.  Instead of fighting it, I have embraced those 3 lbs, and because of that decision I have not had any difficulty with my weight maintenance.  (I even indulge with a small bowl of ice cream every now and then, I couldn’t do that when I was trying to keep those 3 lbs off.)

While I am not a wellness coach, nutritionist, or personal fitness trainer, I am a nurse who loves to learn as much about health and wellness as I can!

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Delicious Recipes

Baked Kale Chips

I have been trying to broaden my leafy green horizons.

So while “This kale salad tastes like I’d rather be fat!“…these baked kale chips taste so awesome that I cannot stop eating them!

Here is a quick and simple delicious recipe for baked kale chips.

Kale and Olive Oil | lookingjoligood.wordpress.comIngredients

  • 1 bunch or 1/2 bag of kale
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil (I use grapeseed oil)
  • 1 Teaspoon seasoned salt

Directions

  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)

Baked Kale Chips | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

  • Line a non insulated cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  • With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear or cut into bite size pieces. (don’t skip this step, these things taste nasty!)

Baked Kale Chips | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

  • Wash thoroughly and dry kale with a salad spinner.

Baked Kale Chips | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

  • Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.*

*I prefer to add my oil and seasoned salt to a gallon sized zip top bag and shake it up until the kale is completely covered in the oil mix.

Baked Kale Chips | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

  • Spread out evenly on the foil lined baking sheet.

Baked Kale Chips | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

  • Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 15 to 20 minutes.**

Baked Kale Chips | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

**I like mine to be extra crispy so I bake the kale for 20 min (10 minutes on each side.)

Baked Kale Chips | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here it is all together without the pictures interrupting it…

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch (or half a bag) kale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (I use grapeseed oil)
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Directions

  1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  3. With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces.
  4. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner.
  5. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
    *I prefer to add my oil and seasoned salt to a gallon sized zip top bag and shake it up until the kale is completely covered in the oil mix.
  6. Spread out evenly on the foil lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake until the edges are brown but not burnt, 15 to 20 minutes.

Enjoy!

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Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #26

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

This weeks tip has nothing to do with beauty or makeup, but it is still a great tip!

I was using my microwave the other day and what I was heating up exploded all over the inside.  So gross and so annoying to clean up.  This weeks tip is a simple way to effortlessly clean your microwave.

Apple cider vinegar water mixture heated for 10 minutes on high. | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Look at how gross and dirty the inside of my microwave is! Yuck!

Fill a microwave safe bowl with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. Put the mixture into the microwave and heat it on high for 10 minutes.  Let it sit in the microwave for an additional 5 minutes.  Remove the bowl and wipe down walls, top, bottom and door of the microwave.  (Be careful when you take the bowl out, it will be hot!)  The steam from the vinegar water mixture will have loosened everything from the inside of the microwave making it quick and easy to wipe clean.  It is like magic!

So Clean So Easy Apple cider vinegar water mixture heated for 10 minutes on high. | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Let me know if you try it and what you think!

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I’d love for you to follow me on Instagram Lookingjoligood and on Facebook Lookin Joli Good!

Make up

MakeUp of the Day

Here is another day using these awesome makeup products!  I am so glad that I got the Fireball Urdan decay eyeshadow in my ipsy glam bag.  It quickly became one of my favorites.  The Mad for Matte ELF eye sadow palette is such a great one, and for only $10 it is a must have!  If you haven’t tried out the Almay smar shade yet, you need too!
makeup of the day | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Smashbox mascara
marissacollections.com

Blush
thebalm.com

BBrowBar eyelash curler
$23 – liberty.co.uk

Pencil eyeliner
belk.com

LORAC lip gloss
beauty.com

Palette makeup
ulta.com

Coty face powder
amazon.com

Makeup brush
$10 – boots.com

Maybelline mascara
$5.51 – asos.com

Makeup
target.com

Almay makeup
almay.com

Sorry, no selfie picture today 😉

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Review

How ’bout Them Samples?! Review #2

You may remember that as part of my “strict no buy” I had decided to try to use up a bunch of the neglected samples that I have already received from various places and sample boxes.  I have so many samples that I don’t even remember where I got all of them from originally.  I know some are from ipsy bags, or Target boxes and others from Walmart beauty boxes.

I posted a few weeks ago that I would let you know what I think of each thing and if I would purchase these items based on my thoughts from these samples.  Some products were awesome and I used them up right away, others have taken me longer to use.

How ’bout Them Samples 2 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here’s my review of the samples from the second group of what I have been trying out…

Acure Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner
This Acure shampoo and conditioner is ok.  It got the job done.  My hair felt nice and clean and the conditioner made my hair feel smooth and soft.  My only problem with these products was the scent.  It took me a few times to figure out what it smells like.  We were are a pro soccer game and the people around us were drinking beer. I am not a drinker, but when I smelled it, I though, Ah-ha! That is exactly what the Acure conditioner smells like.  I don’t want to go around smelling like a can of beer was spilled on my head. Due to the scent only I would NOT buy this Acure Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner based on the sample.

Acure Shampoo and Conditioner | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Aquaphore
Come on it’s Aquaphore, it is awesome.  It has so many awesome uses.  I use it for my lips, dry spots on my hands and on my cuticles. I have already bought the full size product several times.  I have to say though, this little container is perfect for throwing in my purse as well as keeping in my locker at work. I would buy this Aquaphore based on the sample.

dry shampoo | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Clairol Hairfood dry shampoo
You may remember, I have chin length, very straight, somewhat thin/fine hair (which is the main reason I keep it short).  My hair is also more on the oily side, therefore, I have to wash it every day.  All that being said, that doesn’t mean that I never use dry shampoo.  I just use it for a completely different reason,I use dry shampoo to add volume to my hair.  For this purpose I think that this dry shampoo is great.  I love the scent and it gets the job done.  As far as actually cleaning hair, I don’t know. I really enjoy all the other products that I have used from the Clairol Hairfood line.  I would buy this Clairol Hairfood dry shampoo based on the sample.

Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Cream
Everyday as a mother and nurse I wash my hands too many times to count.  My hands get so dry and sore.  I found that this cream works great and sinks in quickly!   I would buy this Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Cream based on the sample.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Booster Face Wash
I love this stuff.  It makes my face feel nice and clean without feeling dry and tight.  It smells sooooo good! Unfortunately, it does not get my waterproof eye makeup off. I really love the scent: nice, clean, fresh. I really wish that it was a body wash or even a perfume.  I would buy this Neutrogena Healthy Skin Booster Face Wash based on the sample.

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara
Mascara is such a personal thing.  I really like when a mascara has a huge brush, and this mascara has a huge brush.  The formula is great for length, but not so much for building volume, which is strange since the name claims volume.  Who knows? Is it my favorite mascara ever? No. Would I recommend it? Yes.  I would buy this Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara based on the sample size.

Olay Ultra Moisturer | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Olay Ultra Moisturizing Body Wash
I really like the way that this body wash made my skin feel.  It is a thick formula that lathers up really well.  My skin felt so smooth and moisturized that I probably could have even skipped my daily lotion.  It has a pleasant enough honeysuckle scent, but it was just too strong for me. I really did not like the way it smelled, I am so sensitive to scents…I’m “scentsitive”.   I would buy this body wash based on the sample just in another scent.

Tarte  Lipsurgence in Wonder
I really love this soft poppy pink shade.  It looks great with my skin tone. The super creamy formula is infused with their famous maracuja oil which starts off feeling hydrating and great, but after a little while I find that my lips start to feel dry and uncomfortable.  One application will give a more sheer wash of color but it can easily be build up for a more intense color. It is also suppose to double as a cheek color, but I haven’t used it that way, and probably won’t.  I would not buy this lipsurgence  based on the sample, instead I would buy the NYX Simply Nude Lip Cream Sticks $6.50
I feel like this is one of those products that the drugstore version is actually better than the higher priced one.  The tarte Lip Surgence tends to be a bit dryer and I find that the NYX Lip Cream has better pigmentation.

tarte cosmetics LipSurgence™ lip crème in wonder

Overall this was a great group of samples!  I have been enjoying using up my samples and have already started on a new bunch.

What about you?  Have you tried any of these products?  What did you think?

If you would like to see which samples I have already tried out and what I think about them you can read more by clicking HERE.

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Flab to FAB

Balance ~ Flab to FAB

It has been a while since I have written a Flab to Fab post.  Thankfully, I can report to you that I have been staying closer to the “FAB” side of things and have not returned to Flab. Staying “FAB” is not easy, it is an every day task!  I have to work at eating right every day! I still LOVE cookies and ice cream, oh and french fries… cheese burgers too!   I don’t always feel like making the right nutritional choice.  Sometimes the thought of another healthy salad makes me want to scream!

One At A Time | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Despite having long since reached my goal weight, I still have good days and bad days.  I have found that maintenance is a lot harder than losing.  I kept myself to a pretty strict routine while trying to drop those last few pounds.  Now while maintaining, I have more freedom.   Freedom is not always easy.  While losing the weight, I retaught myself how to eat properly. I knew that I would never return to my old way of eating.  But. once I reached my final goal and loosened up my diet, I also knew that I couldn’t allow myself to let those bad habits slowly creep back into my life.

I attribute my success to BALANCE! I try to eat a mostly healthy diet, consisting of mainly fruits, veggies, complex carbs, and lean meats, making mostly healthy choices.  One of the most important things I do is I let myself indulge.  A sweet treat every once in a while helps me to be successful the next time I have to decide what to eat.  

FlabToFab | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
While I am actually trying to be funny in this above picture, I really am quite proud of the accomplishment I have made.  There was a time not too long ago that these jeans fit me a bit too snuggly.

My diet is balanced and not overly restrictive.  It doesn’t just consist of  kale and celery.  Every once in a while I will let myself have a bowl of ice cream or piece of a huge reese’s peanut butter cookie.  The key is to not eat the entire pint of ice cream or the whole cookie all by myself.  I love to eat and I love to exercise, but all diet and no exercise is not right, just as all exercise and not eating a healthy diet is also not best.

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

When I decided to make a drastic dietary change in my life, I knew I didn’t want to be on a “diet”.  I wanted to make a lifestyle change that would last forever.  Since reaching my final goal weight I follow the 80/20% rule. Eighty percent of what I eat is healthy, and I let myself splurge the other 20% of the time.

Eating healthy is not a chore, it takes thought and preparation, but it isn’t a chore.  I have given myself permission to enjoy food.  Being able enjoy a special meal with friends and family or have a piece of birthday cake at a party is all part of enjoying life.  I allow myself to go on vacation and fully enjoy foods at restaurants that I will not be visiting again for a long time (or possibly ever). It makes the whole balanced healthy diet attainable for a lifetime, not just to reach a specific goal.  I don’t want what I do and don’t allow myself to eat to hold me back from living my life. Once again it is all about BALANCE.

Reese's peanut butter cup chocolate chip cookie! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Some days I eat celery, spinach, cabbage, and kale. Other days I eat a huge Reese’s peanut butter cup chocolate chip cookie! It’s all about balance. 👁 ❤ 🍪 (Clarification: I also eat celery, spinach, cabbage, and kale on the days I eat the cookies.)

out exercise a bad diet | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Trust me I have tried to only exercise and not eat healthy! For 5 years I diligently worked out so hard, but I always ate whatever I wanted to. It wasn’t until I improved my diet that I finally started to see all the awesome results I had been trying to achieve with exercise only.  Going from flab to fab includes both diet and exercise.  I also follow the 80/20 rule with exercise.  80% diet 20% exercise.

If you would like to read more about my journey from flab to FAB, you can do so by clicking HERE.

What about you?  Have you been on a journey from flab to FAB?  Have you made any major lifestyle and diet changes? What do you do to keep yourself on track and accountable?

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Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #25

Here is another tip for Tip Tuesdays…

Tip Tuesday: Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

If you have sad straight eye lashes like I do, there is hope and this tip is for you!

Personally, my super straight eyelashes will curl beautifully… only to become super straight and very sad again as soon as I apply mascara.

Snuffleupagus' eyelashes | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
This is what my eyelashes look like before I curl them.

Problem solved by only using waterproof mascara.  While that is a great tip that I learned from Wayne Goss, that isn’t actually this weeks tip….

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Great Lash mascara is a cult classic for a reason!

Some mascara formulas are awesome in the regular version and terrible in the waterproof version.  So, when I want to use a regular non waterproof mascara, but also want my lashes to stay curled, I first apply a thin layer of waterproof mascara concentrating at the roots of my lashes, then using the regular non waterproof mascara I apply a second and third (sometimes even a fourth) coat of mascara.  This keeps the curl to my lashes while still being able to get the benefits of whichever regular mascara I want to use.

DeepDark Brown Eyes | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
What my eyelashes look like after applying a thin layer of waterproof mascara and a top coat of Smashbox Full Exposure Regular non-waterproof mascara.  Still Curled!!!

Let me know if you try it and what you think!

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