Brianna's Hair Series: Keeping it Simple

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It's been a while since I've posted some of Bri's styles, so I went thru my phone and decided it was long overdue.  Some styles are more than others.  My goal when doing the Brianna's Hair Series is to give ideas for hairstyles for young girls.  When I first started looking for styles several years ago there were hardly any blogs/sites available.  But now there are more than plenty.  I'm not a hairstylist...just a mom trying to manage her daughter's hair.



As of late, I haven't been very creative when it comes to the styles.  My goals have been to get it done before all of my good Sunday trash tv, which isn't helpful when I wait until 6pm to get started.  But I did decide to change it up and do beads which we haven't done in quite some time.

You can tell at this point, I got lazy when it came to parting.  That or she was becoming a wiggle worm.  It was probably a bit of both.

Beauty Review: Maybelline Super Stay Makeup

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In the world of makeup I'm always looking for something that can do better.  At this point, I haven't found that with this foundation.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves here...today I'm going to review the Maybelline Super Stay Makeup foundation in Caramel.

 What the packaging says: 
* withstands heat, sweat, and humidity
* zero-transfer: won't rub off
* flexible, breathable, all-day comfort
* oil free - non pore clogging
* suitable for all skin types




Pros:  
* good coverage 
* good color payoff 
* large shade range
* doesn't break me out
* doesn't oxidize

Cons:  
* It TRANSFERS!!!!  
* doesn't last 24 hours (not that I expected it to.)



My thoughts:  My biggest complaint about this foundation is the fact that it transfers.  Like don't lie and say transfer resistant when that's all it does.  I work with a lot of documents at my job and if I even so much as touch my face, it will transfer to the paperwork.  Not ok.  So I tried to make sure I was setting with powder...still transfers.  Used my Mally Poreless Face Defender... still transfers. Not to mention that I noticed this past week when wearing a lighter colored top, that low and behold, makeup on my collar.  Not cute.  Now I personally don't mind that it doesn't last 24 hours, but I also don't like that it claims to last that long.  I would give it about 8 hours for regular wear but if you live in a humid location, or workout during the day or anything extra...no ma'am, it's not lasting.

It's one of those foundations that look great for a short period.  Going out for lunch? Out to dinner and dancing?  This foundation is perfect for that with the great color payoff.  It does not come with a pump but that's not a deal breaker for me, just a preferred plus.

Overall speaking if you don't mind that a foundation transfers then it may be for you, because everything else about the foundation is great.  It doesn't feel as heavy as my Revlon Colorstay but if you can't outperform the Colorstay then don't even try to jump into that lane.  I love Maybelline primarily for mascaras and when I went to the drugstore I was going to re-up my Colorstay, but got swayed by the Maybelline due to the claims on the package and the fact that I had a coupon.  (always saving!)  So the hunt continues...


Would I repurchase:  No

Brianna's Hair Series: A Change in Routine

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We made a big change in direction, so to speak, in Brianna's Hair Series several months ago.

She is no longer completely natural.

Yep, that's right, we used chemicals.

It had to be done.  And quite frankly it's my families decision so if you have rude or negative comments they don't belong here.

After much debate, and consulting with trusted natural hair care specialists... I decide to use Just For Me Texture Softener.

This post I'll admit started back in 2012, so forgive me, bc it was meant to be more thorough.  Either way, from what I recall, I wasn't prepared to get two boxes.  My baby has a ton of hair.  So the back got straighter than the front.  I wasn't too happy about that.  But I won't be using the product anytime soon.  What I wanted it to do...it did...that was make her hair more manageable.  I knew when I purchased that this would be a once in a blue moon type of product. I honestly probably will not purchase this or any other similar product for a few years.

At the time of purchase I was at my whits end when it came to her hair, I still am at times but I feel like I got what I wanted out of this product and we can move on.  Now stay tuned bc a lot of hair posts are upcoming.  But I couldn't post those without first posting this one.

Stuck

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Lately I've been in this space...it's not happy it's not sad, it's just...stuck.

I feel like I come here so often I should be the mayor of stuck on foursquare.

But I guess that's what being an adult is all about, and being stuck sucks, but the goal is not to stay stuck.

I have been wrestling with the decision to move or to move.  Yeah you read that right.  To move within my current city or to venture out and move to the big city.  I can't take it anymore.  Rewind to last year or even the year before and you will see that I've wanted out of our current place for years now.  I'm fed up.

So at this point it's a matter of logistics.  On the one hand I'm debating to see if I get another position by the summer that will allow me to make the big move.  But realistically I'm thinking, I need and want out now.  I don't want to wait for the "possibility" ya know...and still be sitting in this same old, inefficient house that as each day goes by really is not working for our family.  I'm tired of trying to make it work when it just doesn't.

On the other hand I say to myself that why not shoot for the stars and make the big move?

You see how that was just one line? lol  I think it's because in reality I've already made my decision.



So now that I've made the decision, it's time to make moves.  I'm not going to allow the downfalls deter me, as I've done in the past.  I can pass this test.  I will pass this test.

This summer will be the time to make moves in more ways than one.  I know things may become a little hectic and I can take that on.  I'm tired of living this way and ready to move forward to a brighter future.  I feel like I've laid down the foundation, now it's time for the next chapter.  It's about that frugal life and I have to stick to my guns on my spending.  Couponing has taken the back seat in the past couple of months but that is no longer an option. 

I don't think I'm asking too much when it really comes down to it.  I want to make more money.  Live in a larger home that fits the needs of my family and provide the adequate child care/preschool for my babies.  Not asking too much at all.

Beauty Blogger Tag

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Hey guys, I love a blog tag!! So I decided when I found Emily's post that I would do it myself too!  Besides, it's something I can do during my downtime at work, since I've completed all of my work and can do without having to access other information.  So let's dig in!


1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?


really? lol I have african american hair, that is chemically relaxed.

2. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?


I don't have any additional color in my hair, but when I have, I've done both, the salon and at home.


3. Do you wear the same style everyday, or do you change it?

Sadly I'm a ponytail kinda girl, every now and then, I will wear my hair out.


4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I will paint my own nails when I feel like it.  During the Summer for my pedicures I will go to a salon.  I do not wear acrylic nails so no need to really go for manicures.  I have a desire to get more into my nails, but as of now, it's just a desire.


5. How often do you change your nail polish?

When I am wearing it, it's once I can no longer accept the chipping! lol


6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just the summer?

Spring and Summer


7. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
My everyday face is less than 10 minutes, I would say between 6-10 minutes, if I am doing a nighttime look, maybe 15-20 minutes tops.


8. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

Depends on the eye look.  If I'm doing a lot of dark shadows or shadows I know have a lot of fallout, then I will do my eyes first.  Otherwise (95% of the time) I do my face first then my eyes.


9. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

I don't collect makeup, although I would like to.  But I do more than just buy when I need a product, how would that work out? lol


10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Never because I haven't been able to master doing them myself.  And when I have attempted, apparently I've caused my lashes to come out and now they're sparse.  I am thinking of trying those lash extensions.  The last time I went to get my eyebrows waxed a girl was in the salon asking about them.  I didn't stick around long enough to hear the cost discussed but everything else sounded good.


11. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?

My everyday makeup face is:  foundation, eyeshadow, mascara, blush, contour and lipcolor.  At night or for a deeper look I will wear eyeliner.  Eyeliner is not an everyday thing especially during allergy season, it's just priceless.


12. Do you wear makeup when you're home alone or with family?

If I'm not leaving the house, I'm not wearing makeup, but if I have people coming over then I will wear a basic face, especially if I'm experiencing a lot of imperfections.


13. Will you leave the house without makeup?

Yes.  If my skin is being extra sensitive then I will go without makeup, or early morning weekends when I do my grocery shopping.  But if I'm going to be out of the house during regular daytime hours, I will at least have on my basic face.


14. How many high-end products do you have?

My main eyeshadows are Urban Decay.  Most of my foundations are drugstore.  My current skincare products are Clinque.  Everything else is a mixture.


15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?   I'm getting into more OOTD's on Instagram, but it's not at all planned.  I sometimes get my clothes out the night before, but that's rare.  Half the time I forget to post the pic! smh

16. How often do you change your handbag?

Almost never.  I love bags I do, but I buy the basic Mom bag and wear it until it's ragged.  That's when it's time for a new purse!  One day tho, one day...


17. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?   As of now, I wake up by 6:25 to get my daughter off to school, if I need to and my son allows me to, then I will take a quick nap and wake up again by 8:30.  I go to sleep average about 11:45ish.

18. How often or when do you workout?

When I'm on my A game, then I workout minimum 5 days a week.  When I do, it's after my daughter is on the bus.  And I try to workout on my lunch break at work. 


19. Left handed or right handed?

Right handed.


20. How tall are you?

5 feet 6 inches


21. Do you speak any foreign languages?

je parle un peu français.
22. How many pets do you have?

zero but I want to get a dog when Jordan is in school.


23. How often are you on Blogger?

Not as often as I would like to be, but I'm getting back into the swing of things, and getting back to reading other blogs.


24. Do you read comments posted on blogs?

Depends on the blog.  If I'm reading someone's blog about a recipe then I read comments to see if people liked it or had to tweak it.  Generally speaking, no.  Of course I do read my own comments when they come thru!


25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

Sometimes yes.


26. How did you come up with your blog name?

It's pretty simple, they're my blogs, hence Blogs by Aria lol.


27. What kind of camera do you use for your photographs?

My actual camera is a Nikon Coolpix but I honestly haven't hardly used my camera since I got my Iphone.  The Iphone is my camera.


28. How often do you clean your house?

What I wouldn't do to have OCD!!! lol I am not the cleanest, I won't lie, I'm a slob but I try to make things at least presentable, just don't open that closet or that drawer! haha


29. What's your favorite color?

Pink!!!


30. Do you swear?

like a sailor.  Say I don't have a strong vocabulary if you want, and I'll tell you you're a mofo liar! haha  I have a vivid vocabulary, but some words are just necessary, those my friends, are swear words.


31. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Well, as of me typing right now, I have less than 45 minutes left in my workday.  When I get home I will be watching the results show of Dancing With The Stars and probably not a whole lot after that.


Dontcha just love a tag?!? ♥  Me too!! Now I tag you!  If you have a blog then please do a Beauty Blogger Tag and leave a link to your post in the comments below so I can check em out!



Mario Badescu Samples...My Thoughts

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It's been a little while now since I've received my samples from Mario Badescu.  I really wanted to give a good review and not just after the first use.  Before I get started I do want to make note that the one product that didn't come in the sample is probably the one product that is the most coveted...and that's the Drying Lotion which is for acne.  But I did end up getting that from Ulta and that will have it's own post.

My Thoughts:

Enzyme Cleansing Gel:  Some people like a facewash to foam and others don't.  In my knowledge of skincare products, I've found that the foam or the lather is usually due to other ingredients that make it lather.  I liked the face wash, it of course was one of the first things to run out, but I did like it.  It didn't give my skin any irritation which is appreciated.  Also it didn't leave my skin feeling tight or overdry.  The smell is calm, nothing harsh at all.  Would I repurchase? Possibly.  The only reason why it's not a yes is because there's nothing special about it, it just doesn't disagree with my skin and that's a good thing, but not enough for me to fall in love.

Cucumber Cleansing Lotion:  This is the toner and for the first week I barely had cotton balls so I didn't use it as often.  It is also empty but I liked this product also.  It wasn't overdrying for my skin and it didn't feel like it had a lot of alcohol in it.  Plus it smelled like cucumbers!  Would I repurchase?  Yes because most toners/astringents are overly drying for me.

AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer:  This was the first product to run out which was a disappointment.  Overall this was a decent moisturizer.  My skin did have a slight reaction but nothing I couldn't handle or that didn't immediately subside.  There wasn't anything special about this moisturizer so I would not purchase again.  I am personally more satisfied with both Philosophy's Hope in a Jar moisturizer and Clinique's Dramatically Different moisturizer.

Hyaluronic Eye Cream:  This was my first time using an eye cream.  I was really excited.  That excitement has since faded and I no longer use the eye cream.  I mean there really wasn't anything special about the product.  It seemed a little greasy.

Orange Tonic Mask: This was actually a nice experience.  I've only used it once, and don't really do much when it comes to masks.  But it smelled great and was not overdrying nor did it make my skin too tight as some masks tend to do.  This I would recommend.

Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub:  This scrub overall is ok.  There are some chunky parts in it but it's not too much.  It also has a nice smell.  I haven't used this product enough to really judge how well it works but I do plan to use it in the future.


I know this review was looonnnggg overdue but overall speaking I would say that out of all of these products only about 2 of them would I really consider repurchasing and those are the orange tonic mask and the cucumber cleansing loan.  The other products weren't special enough to me personally.

A Vicious Cycle

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I can't believe I am here yet again...

It's a vicious cycle I swear...

In the past month I have gone from losing/maitaining the plateau to starting to see the numbers on the scale go back up.  My lose clothes now fit.  My fitted clothes are now too tight.  FUDGE!!!

The problem is I started to notice this a couple of weeks ago when it would have been a much easier problem to fix...

You see in the past month there've been changes at work when it comes to snacking.  It used to be we had vending machines and drink machines.  I could in general stick with a canned Mountain Dew for my entire workday.  But now they've changed it to where you can only get 20oz drinks.  Sometimes I remember to bring my canned soda from home but often times I don't.  The first week I usually ended up coming home with half a bottle of soda left.  By now, my body is used to drinking the whole thing.  Yes I know I know...sodas are bad.  So is everything else.  I've done diet before and I can't get back there.  Aspartame is bad for you, sugar is bad for you...I'll take the sugar.

I'm not tempted by a bunch of cookies, sweets and chips.  I buy one thing and one thing only when it comes to food from our vending set up:  Otis Spunkmeyer blueberry muffins.  They are the DEVIL!! And we're not talking the lil ones you get if you buy them at the store.  No sir...we're talking the big giant double the serving size muffin.  They're sooooo yummy and yet soooo hellafied bad for you at the same time.  And the bad thing is, I know better.

So here I am moving in the wrong direction... would have been nice if I had nipped this in the bud a few weeks back but hey, as long as it gets nipped.

**this post was started back in early-mid March**

A Blur

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Really quickly I wanted to come and do a blog post.  Primarily to let my readers know that I'm fine and what's been going on.  And also to let you know that my posts are coming back but I have posts that were already in the works and I don't want to not post them.  So if it seems out of whack that's why.


For starters I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter!!!  Easter is such an important holiday to me, especially now.  I will go into all of that in another post because it has a lot to do with what I've been going thru during my blog hiatus.  Today is a day I would normally spend with my family.  We alternate every year with his family and my family when it comes to Easter.  This year was supposed to be spent with my family.  At least the kids are with my family this weekend, but I wanted to be there too.

So what am I doing?  I'm recovering from oral surgery that I had this past Friday.  I had three extractions on the right of my mouth.  Prior to Friday I have been in the most obscene pain imaginable.  For weeks it progressed so far to the point that I was in some extremely dark places at night.  It got to where I could hardly eat anything, therefore making me very weak.  I'd be lucky if I got an hour or two of sleep.  The month of March in all honesty was a blur.  I couldn't tell you much of what happened and that's sad.  March could be summed up in one word for me:  pain.

So that's what was going on.  It's been a true test and although I would never want to experience it again...I'm glad that I went thru it and I will share that in another post as I've referenced earlier.  As for now, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.  I feel like I have a new lease on life, a new outlook.  But let's face reality... I am mom, so you know I have a ton of things waiting to be done!  I don't even expect to get most of it done today, but my coupons have been neglected all month long and that's my task of the evening to tackle.  But I wanted to do this post quickly, so that I could get to my other posts that have already been started.  Thanks for sticking around and more posts will come soon!

On Hiatus

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I had posts scheduled but as usual life happens....

I will return to my blog when I am well enough to do so...

Thank you for understanding :-)

Ways to Save: Kmart

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Although I've been a couponer for quite some time now, I still find it to be a great thing when I achieve great savings.  I get asked a lot about couponing and one of the most asked questions would be how to save on everything else?  Meaning non-grocery.  I have single friends who want to save but maybe groceries and stockpiling isn't on their priority list.  But savings is savings and everybody can afford to save.

I'm all for finding ways to save at any store.  Whether it's online or brick and mortar, I want to save money.  Last year I started shopping more at Kmart because of their rewards program.  I'm not even fully couponing at Kmart either.  So far I've only been using the Shop Your Way Rewards coupons that I can load to my card.  Usually the coupons are along the lines of:

• earn 15% in Shop Your Way Rewards points
• save $10 off home purchase of $40 or more
• earn double points when you spend $25 or more

and so on... you get the point.  The great thing is that you're loading these onto your card from your account online and then you're using that in addition to what they have on sale already.

Last weekend we decided to purchase a new dining room table.  We were long overdue as we've said we were going to do that for a few years now and it's just never been done.  So we wanted a good table that we could put together and get a good deal on.  I suggested we go to Kmart because I had seen the additional rewards available that weekend.  I don't recall the specifics but I want to say it was 15% in bonus points and $5 off a $30 home purchase.  We also got a comforter set so I got the $5 off and earned about $75 in rewards points.  On the way out of the store that day I saw they had a display of Easter dresses and suits and made a mental note.

our new table

The table was on sale for $279 btw and I'm in love with it!!

We got the table on Saturday and later that evening got the call the DH's grandmother had passed away.  When it comes to thinking of what the kids need to wear for the funeral and the fact that Easter is right around the corner...I decided to check out my Shop Your Way Rewards points.  Well again there were bonus points available so I loaded them to my card.  And that's when I saw that I had the $74 in points to use from the weekend's purchases.  

So here's what I got:

The clothes were all 25-30% off and the shoes were buy one get one FREE!!!

The total came to $91.13 after discounts.  I used $74.75 in Rewards.  I paid $16.38 oop.  The full retail price was $139.67.  I saved 88%. 

In addition to the great savings, I also earned a $5 kmart gift card because I spent over $50 and they were having a promo for that.  I also earned over 8,000 bonus rewards points to either accumulate or use on my next purchase! I got several other coupons at the register, but what I wasn't expecting to get was a gas voucher for a local BP station! I get 10 cents off per gallon up to 20 gallons!  What a pleasant surprise!

I know that I can take my couponing to even greater lengths just by getting used to shopping at Kmart.  It'll take some getting used to.  My Kmart isn't a SuperKmart so it doesn't have a full grocery lineup, but it does have some things.  I'm looking forward to taking on the challenge!

Super Doubles 2/23/12

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As usual Super Doubles comes around when I am out of sorts with my coupons! But I still wanted to try to take advantage of the opportunity.

This post is on my 2nd trip of the week to Harris Teeter.  I can't seem to place my receipt for my first trip to break it all down for that purchase, but I do know I saved 70% and may dedicate a post to that, but for now it's on my facebook page.

On the bright side of things, many items I looked for the other day, or items I knew would be gone, were available today.  The downside is that I was taking the last item.  I didn't feel bad only because I had looked for those things the other day only to not find them.  And the items that I got the last of, I only got one, it's not like I was cleaning out the shelf.

The milk was the Saturday Offer for me and it was only $2.57 each.  The soda wasn't on a big sale but for 3/$11 I was ok with because I was tired and didn't want to go to another store today.

SeaPak shrimp was $3.99 on sale coupon $1.25 coupon = $1.49

Hawaiian Punch Aloha Morning $2.79 coupon $1.10 = 59¢

Gorton's Fish Fillets & Fishsticks $2.99ea coupon $1 off 2 = 2 for $3.98 or $1.99ea

McCormick Perfect Pinch Seasonings $1.74 coupon 75¢ = 24¢ ea

Dole Fruit Cups $2 ea coupon $1.50 off 2 = 2 for $1

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls  $1.79 ea coupon $1 off 2 = $1.58 - 40¢ evic coupon = 2 for $1.18

Everything else pictured above wasn't with coupons.

Now don't even go there...those Pampers are not for my household!! lol They're for a co-worker who is a new mom.  They were on sale for $9.99 and my coupon was $1.50 and I had an evic coupon for $1 so I paid $5.99.

I'm glad I didn't get my Kraft cheese earlier in the week because it went on evic Friday for only $1.97 ea which went great with my $1 off 2 coupon making them 2 for $1.94.

Same with the Hefty storage bags, also thanks to evic they were down to $1.49 and I had 2 coupons for $1 off 2 so 2 were 98¢ and that's a great deal.

Dove Men+Care body wash was a great deal also.  No sale but the coupons were great.  $5.29 with a coupon of $2 and there was an evic coupon also for $2 making the first one free and I got a second one because the coupons expire tomorrow at $1.29. **Generally the evic coupons reset as long as they haven't expired, so had my manufacturer coupon been good for longer, I would have kept it and used it in a couple of days when I saw the evic coupon come available again.

Dove Men+Care deodorant $4.99 coupon $1 evic coupon $1 = $1.99

I was really surprised to find any of the feminine items left available...yes I got the last available in some of these smh

U by Kotex liners, tampons, pads all $3.50 each I had $1 off coupon for each making each $1.50 which is great because I LOVE their liners!! I like their tampons for work because their discreet and small even tho the packaging is bright but for some reason I like it.

The Kotex Naturals tampons/liners were $2.99ea with coupon $1.50 off 2 = 2 for $2.98.

I really needed to stock up on my feminine supply so I'm glad I was able to get the things I wanted.

The Eucerin lotion wasn't what I wanted, I wanted the hand cream but on these two trips they were out each time.  I settled for the lotion because we're always using quality lotion especially in the winter.  It was on sale for $6.79 with a $2 off coupon = $2.79.

As I sit at the register I see the number getting higher and higher and I still wish it would end up lower and lower but I did get some good deals.  I felt much better when the cashier announced that my savings was $100.

Amount Saved / Full Price = Percentage Saved
     $100.35           $169.34         60%

Amount paid before tax:  $68.99

Monday Motivation Thinspiration

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Sometimes it helps to see some great sources of realistic inspiration when you're focused on making positive changes for your body.  If you follow me on Pinterest you can always see where I'm at in my focus based on what I'm pinning!  Sometimes it's all fitness, sometimes it's all about houses, the kids...but lately I've been all about fitness and fitness clothes.

When I am looking for inspiration and motivation with weight loss...I don't want to see Victoria's Secret models.  I used to.  But now it's about seeing what I want to actually achieve.  If I'm achieving fitness, then why focus on a stick thin figure who has to add enhancements to their body to gain curves?  That's what they do ya know.  They're wearing extra padding and cutlets in their bras, and pads in their butts.  Because you can't be a 00 and still have a womanly body...jmo.

Source: pinterest.com via Aria on Pinterest

This body is perfection to me (above).  It's tight, toned, and still sexy.  Because she still looks like a woman who still has softness.  What I wouldn't do to have thighs that look like that in shorts that small! I'll be getting there shortly!

Source: pinterest.com via Aria on Pinterest

Muscle burns fat baby!!! And don't you forget it! Go HEAVY or go HOME!!!

Source: get-thinspiration.tumblr.com via Aria on Pinterest

I die for abs like these!!! (above)  Literally die because I swear I hate ab work!!!  It's the devil!! lol But man the results are worth the pain!

Source: strongfit.tumblr.com via Aria on Pinterest

This is my dream body!! Slim and trim, yet fit and toned with an hourglass to boot!  I keep this in mind during my ChaLean Extreme workouts when I'm cursing out Chalene Johnson.  I always apologize to her at the end! lol

Source: pinterest.com via Aria on Pinterest

This is a good mantra to have! :-)  Don't we all just love to hate a skinny bitch! Yeah  you can hate on me I don't mind! lol Now go take your Thinspiration and sweat it all out and leave it on the floor!!

Blah Blah Blah

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There are times when I take mini sabbaticals from my blog...mainly because I don't have the time or ability to get to my blog or because I'm avoiding using  it as an outlet for venting.  Both are true for now.

I'm just feeling a bit rundown I guess.  Feeling very blah blah blah.  We're all entitled to those days...weeks...ya know.  

All of the wonderful stresses of being a wife, mom and worker are all weighing very heavily right now.

I try to keep everything in perspective.  I really do.  For everything that I can complain about  I try to find something to thank God about.  For example, utility bills get higher in the winter...right, so although yeah it wasn't the easiest to swing, I was able to swing that and more and make it to next payday.  I could have let the negative take me down but instead I was thankful for having the means to get past it.  And that's basically how I make it day by day.

My workouts haven't been as regular as needed.  I feel like I've been trying to catch up on sleep and every day I am failing at it miserably.  Makes it very difficult to workout.  But I'm still pressing forward.

I did get a couple of shirts and a maxi skirt at Target today...all on clearance and all size medium.  Of course I looked for large first and had to remind myself that I'm not a large anymore!  When I came home and tried them on it was great to see how they fit and that I need to retrain my eyes to see what my body has become...it's come a very long way and I'm happy about that!  Actually gives me the mojo to get more consistent with my workouts.

I'm praying and believing that this month will be a great month for me.  After my week this week I've definitely been thinking about some options for my future... in the meantime I continue to press on and hopefully I can get out of this funk I'm in like as of now.

I Heart Zulily

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I didn't realize that I haven't posted before about Zulily on my blog.  I guess it's just been on my Facebook Page or in person to friends.  Quickly, I wanted to share about this site with my readers.  Why?  Because I'm all about the bargain.  I only have two children, Lord only knows how larger families make it all work when it comes to clothing their children, themselves and decorating their homes.  That's where Zulily comes in.

I'm sure you've seen an ad for them on your facebook page, or when you visit my blog or other blogs.

In a nutshell... Zulily is a members only site that offers sales on average up to 70% off.  The focus is on moms, children and decor.  Everyday you get an email with that days featured sales.  The sales usually last a few days at a time.  The sales do cycle so if you miss out on something, don't be alarmed, chances are in a few weeks time you'll see it pop up again.  If you're an expecting mom then they have plenty of brands for maternity, nursing, fitness and more.  If you're a mom already they have plenty of items for us too for clothes and shoes and accessories.  Both in regular and plus sizes.  Everything under the son for the kiddos from fashions, shoes, learning toys, popular toys, decor etc.  And last but not least is home decor...everything from the kids rooms to kitchens to everything!  I truly love it!

I've shopped a few times and have always been happy with my purchases.  Jordan's gotten a few Ecko shirts from there and I love that I can have my lil man looking smooth but not hurting mommy's pocketbook.  I've gotten a couple of things for Brianna...but one item they never were able to get to me...they did refund me and give me extra credits so I appreciate that.

Here's an example of what I got... I pinned it on Jordan's board :-)

Source: zulily.com via Aria on Pinterest

I just happened to have stumbled upon Zulily maybe last year.  Just like with all the other emails we get, many times they get overlooked.  But one day I decided to click on the email from Zulily and I'm so glad that I have.  Truly one of the best sites out there for us moms who are deal seekers, who want quality for ourselves, our kids and our homes but don't wanna spend an arm and a leg.  Not only are there brands I'm familiar with but it has brands I'm not so familiar with and I like that because I like being introduced to new things.


 So you know I always pass along the great things I find, Zulily is no different.  If you're interested and aren't currently a member click this link http://bit.ly/rqOWmI and get started with the amazing finds on Zulily. ♥

Mario Badescu

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I think it was maybe a max of two weeks ago...but I was going to do a blog post but decided against it bc I wasn't sure if it would work and I wasn't sure if it would still be available.  So anywho... if you haven't already, please join freeflys.  I get their emails for new free samples available.  You can definitely check out the site to see if it's still available...but if you do... you go to the Mario Badescu site and fill out the skincare questionnaire.  Next it will direct you to a list of products it recommends   It wants you to buy.  DON'T.  In one to two days you will get an email asking if you would like a sample package.  Oftentimes samples take weeks to get to you.  I was more than surprised to have received mine in less than two weeks!

In addition the products themselves, they also sent me a personalized product application guide that includes Morning, Evening and As Necessary applications.  Not just what to apply but the proper way to apply (gently dab, gently massage, for example).  I for one appreciate the personal touch...especially since this is just a sample package!  How nice is that!

First I wanted to tell you what I got and then I will do a post on my thoughts after trying them for a few weeks and hopefully I will like them so much that I will be purchasing full size items soon!

Enzyme Cleansing Gel:  non foaming, gel cleanser thoroughly  removes the days make up, dirt and oil without drying the skin.  Papaya Extracts are exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acids that help break down dulling build-up, leaving skin fresh and healthy. For all skin types.

Cucumber Cleansing Lotion:  oily skin will be refreshed and deep cleansed with our soothing Cucumber Extract astringent.  Contains 4% alcohol to disenfect and remove pore clogging residue to keep skin clean.  For oily, combination skin.

AHA & Ceramide Moisturizer:  oil-free, gentle, AHA daily moisturizer is formulated with Lemon Extract and soothing Aloe.  Revive and rejuvenate dull, congested skin.  Non-greasy, absorbent and very lightweight.  For oily, combination skin.

Hyaluronic Eye Cream:  Hyaluronic Acid formula helps lock in the skin's own natural moisture without the use of heavy, greasy oils.  Absorbent, medium wieght cream for use day or night.  Aloe based formula makes this cream suitble for all skin types, even sensitive. 

Seaweed Night Cream:  a non-greasy, oil-free night cream enriched with Seaweed, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid to soften, hydrate and nourish the skin without clogging pores.  It leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.  For combination, oily and sensitive skin types.

Orange Tonic Mask:  Purify and tighten pores with this refreshing clay mask designed to treat normal, combination or slightly oily skin types.  Reduce pore-clogging build-up that can cause pimples and blackheads by using this mask regularly.  Rejuvenates dull skin with Orange Peel Extract, a natural AHA which exfoliates the skin.

Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub:  a non-abrasive face scrub to gently exfoliate and refine dry, flaky skin and dulling build-up.  It is made with finely ground Almond and Cornmeal combined with Honey to buff away flaky skin without irritating.  For all skin types.

And these are just some of the products :-)  I can't wait to dive in tonight with my regimen and I can already tell that I will like a few of them.  Stay tuned because I'm really trying to get back to my love of blogging and want to get some long overdue beauty posts out.