Fit Chick Wednesday: My Fitness Journey

I started my fitness journey about a month ago.  I had seriously let go and nothing seemed to satisfy me.  I was slipping down a long and all to familiar hole back to the person that I used to be all because what I had planned did not come to fruition.  However, that story is for another post.  So where did I start?

Okay so to begin with I have always been thin, but in my mind I was never thin enough.  So to make a long story short I chose to partake in the very unhealthy habit of limiting my food intake.  I'm talking 1000 or less calories per day and the least that I could get away with the better.  So eventually through my extreme actions I was down to about 97 lbs.  Now at 5'7 and 24 years old this weight is considered underweight.  Soon everyone began to take notice but no one seemed to understand.  They'd joke and say that I needed to eat or even try to give me more food but in my eyes my body was perfect.  Well if I was perfect what changed?

Well around my 25th birthday my current boyfriend and I started dating and going out led to me more and eventually I gained weight but it was unhealthy weight.  Nothing about this was 'pretty' in my eyes.  However, my boyfriend was happy because as he put it, I was no longer starving myself.  So he began to hint towards me looking at healthier options if I wasn't happy with my body.  So I began researching.  Now also around this time the 'curvy movement' was in full effect and I felt as though I was lacking 'back there' if you get what I mean.  So I began my journey to get a flat stomach and a bigger butt.  Yep, it was all about aesthetics. Aesthetics?! I thought this was a fitness journey.

Yes, I began working out to become 'bootylicious' (I hate that word),
but so far working out enabled me to become more confident.  I am able to do things that never thought I'd be able to do.  I can run a mile, I can complete more than half of a push up, and I've managed to make so many friends (my gym friends).  With that confidence I stopped focusing on being curvy/skinny and more on being fit because now in my mind fit equals happy.  I've added some healthy weight and I'm not done yet.  I want to be the best me that I can be.  So now the fun part...progress pictures.

 October 2013              November 2013

We all have our idea of what our ideal body is and sometimes we need a little push to get us started.  I'm here to be that push.  Get up and get healthy.  Help your body perform at it's optimal level.  Do some research, join a gym, find a workout buddy, drink water, move around more, or waste away.  If you need help feel free to contact me, I am always willing to help and even do some research for you.

I hope you enjoyed and thank you. 

Falling For Fall

We are in the last days of Summer and I am finally accepting that fact.  Summer is my favorite season and I hate to see it go but with the fall season comes....fall fashion and beauty.  I love switching my fashion and beauty routine, now that is one thing that I can appreciate.  So without further ado here are the fall beauty trends that I am dying to try.

1.  Va-Va Volume

Yep, you heard right.  The same hairstyles that I dreaded when I was younger are now trending.  Middle parts, huge curls, and big waves are back in.  The bigger the hair the better (even the ponytails are big).  

2.  Bold Nails

This fall season says goodbye to neutrals and hello to bold.  No matter if it's dark, bright, metallic or glittery just make sure it's eye-catching.  

3.  Cat-Eye Makeup

To be honest some runway makeup looks are much too theatrical and whimisical for everyday wear.  However, this is on look that can be worn without odd looks from onlookers.  

4.  Matte Skin

During the warmer seasons we all want that dewy glow.  Well, kiss that goodbye because matte is now in. Take out the powder ladies velvety smooth isn't just for pin ups anymore.

5.  Textured Lips

This season isn't so much about colors as it is about texture.  From flat matte to extreme gloss it seems that just about any color will do just as long as the textures are extreme.  I personally prefer deeper colors but don't be surprised if you catch me with a pink or a red lip.  

So as much as it pains me to pack away my warm weather items I am truly excited about what the fall season has to bring.  What are some of the things that you're looking forward to this fall season?

Photos courtesy of:  Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Clutch Magazine, Sharada Baker Beauty

Review: Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream

I'm generally very skeptical when it comes to trying new products.  I feel as though I've found a routine that works and I really dislike the idea of messing that up.  However, I decided to trust Ageless Derma and try out their Stem Cell and Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Cream.  Let me just say that this stuff is amazing! I love this product and will integrate it into my skincare routine.  Granted I've only been using it for about 7 days but the difference in my skin is that remarkable.  My skin is softer and for some reason when I wake up in the morning those horrible bags are no longer making their daily appearance. I don't recall ever using a product that has blown me away that quickly.

The Ageless Derma skincare line-up came about after Dr. Mostamand and a small group of scientist gathered to find a solution for maintaining a youthful appearance.  After rigorous testing they concocted an ingenious formula that utilizes PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica.  PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica is better known as swiss apple stem cell extract and is the main ingredient in their formula.  Swiss apple stem cell extract, according to many studies, stimulates growth and supplies nutrients to initiate the rejuvenation process in human skin.
  
Being that I'm in my mid-twenties I do not believe that I'd be to best candidate to review a purely anti-wrinkle cream but this product is so much more than just a anti-wrinkle cream.  I can leave my house without make-up and know that I look just fine.  I haven't been able to do that in years everyone tells me how great my skin has been looking as of recent.  A coworker even asked if I was trying new makeup (I did not have any makeup on).  I apply the cream twice a day (morning and night) for maximum effectiveness.  It does retail at $65 for a 1 fl oz. jar but in my opinion it is well worth it.  Kudos to Dr. Mostamand and the wonderful people who put their time and effort into creating such a fantastic product. 


If you're still skeptical stay tuned because I plan to post progress pictures after 30 days of using this product.  


Disclaimer:  All reviews posted on this blog are results of my personal experience and all products have been tested by me.  This was a free product intended for review.