Orlando Pita’s Argan Oil, Shampoo & Conditioner Set – Costco

Usually, I don’t really buy into any fads until I find they have staying-power. Well, this is one of those fads that I just had to try out. I’m sure you’ve been hearing from everywhere about how Argan oil is soooo good for your hair. I’m here to tell you, IT IS! Everyone has different hair, but for me, I find it especially difficult to put any oils on my hair because it is so fine and thin (thanks mom).  Any little bit weighs it down and makes it look oily and stringy. I was very resistant to try this package from Costco, but decided to give it a go (just because they have such a great return policy anyway). Let me tell you, it’s fantastic. And I don’t say that about just any product. I used the shampoo and conditioner (a little goes a long way), got out of the shower, towel-dried my hair, and only put the oil on the middle to ends of my hair.  When my hair dried, it came out so soft and silky that I was actually surprised at how well it worked. I have never been able to use an oil that didn’t make me look like I just dunked my head in a jar of Crisco – until now. And even better, it’s only $16.99. Get on it!

Dove Real Beauty Campaign - New Commercial - Camera Shy

Now, you all know I’d give my first born child (if I had one) to work with Dove on their campaign for Real Beauty, right? Their commercials are the epitome of what I try and get across in each of my blog posts when it comes to self-love and self-acceptance. And this new commercial is no exception. Check it out here. I think the one line in the video says it all…. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMt2Nrdjxy0

Why do you think we stop believing we are beautiful?

Newest Fashion Trend – Natural Shoes

When I say ‘natural’ I’m really talking about the color. The newest trend in shoes lately has been the natural browns and golds, which compliment a person’s skin tone, especially during the summer months when we all are getting our tan on. The best part about it? You can wear them with just about any outfit. Here are a few that I’ve recently picked up, all at three different price points:

High heels, Aldo, $79 - These are very comfortable (for heels) and are pure soft leather so they don’t cut into your skin like a lot of the more cheap heels do. Also, as you wear them, they get even softer. Score!

Mix No. 6 Gold and brown gladiator sandals, DSW, $34.95 – Super comfy and super cute. These are perfect for the summer, especially for an outdoor concert event, an evening walking along the pier, or even a day at Disneyland.

Brown and Teal sandals, Payless Shoes, $14.99 – Ok, so they’re not as soft as the leather heels or as comfy as the gladiator sandals, but that’s because I’m a sandal snob and I’m all about comfort. Honestly, it’s more about the fact that it has the long divider between the toes, but that’s a personal preference. You get what you pay for and these are more about aesthetics than anything.

Cindy Crawford Wants Body Acceptance in Three Years

A few weeks ago, I saw this story on Good Morning America about Cindy Crawford not liking her body, even after all these years. I thought to myself “Umm, THE Cindy Crawford? As in the supermodel/supermogul with the perfect body and perfect hair and who hasn’t aged since I was a kid Cindy Crawford?” This sounds crazy, right? I guess it’s easy to think that others have it all together especially when people only show you what they want to show you. But as I also know all too well from living in LA and being in the fashion and beauty industries, every woman, regardless of age, income, weight, ethnicity, etc., has some sort of insecurity about her body. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you and I share some of the same since we have been plagued with the same societal bullshit ideas of beauty. 

Either way, I just wanted to post this because I want you to know you’re not alone; I feel this way and apparently so do supermodels. Don’t fear beautiful girl, you are perfect just as you are. Now all you need to do is start believing it.  Oh, and by the way, the two photos below are of her in the 80's and the other in 2013...tell me if you can really see a difference (because I can't). 

Here’s the link to the story for your own eyes to see:

http://gma.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/cindy-crawford-still-struggles-body-image-122340354.html

Kim Kardashian is Pregnant - And??

Come on, we’ve all talked about her, especially during her pregnancy. But why are we all so obsessed with her body and (often poor) fashion choices while pregnant? I believe there are two sides to it. First, the media’s obsession with her pregnant body and second, how she is dressing herself (I believe as an indirect response to it). 

I think it’s fascinating how much flack the paparazzi is giving her about her weight gain. She’s preggers people! And she’s short and curvy already, so yes, she is going to look like she’s much heavier than the average women. Hell, my mom put on 80 pounds with me! There are certain body types that just put on weight much easier and gain it all over. She just happens to be one of those. So what’s the big deal? Is the expectation that because she’s a celebrity she’s supposed to be skinny all over? Or is it just an excuse to hate her?

If I were in her position, I would have the biggest complex about my body. Which leads me to my second point. Maybe that’s why she is still trying to dress in tight-fitting clothes that she would have normally worn when she wasn’t pregnant (i.e. a tight leather skirt). I do feel for the girl, really I do. Regardless of who she is and who she’s dating, it’s difficult to live your life on such a public stage and be judged constantly. I can’t say I agree with her fashion choices; I think she needs to embrace her new body and basically give the middle finger to people who are calling her ‘fat’. But by either trying to hide yourself completely in a curtain-patterned dress or act as if you aren’t even pregnant with a belt tied tightly around your mid-section, you are showing how insecure you really are about your pregnancy body. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of! This is a time in a woman’s life where she should be able to feel free of judgment but unfortunately, the public can’t seem to get enough of the drama and shit-talking. It’s a shame; let her be happy. 

My Journey - Update 3

Up until yesterday (and I’m sure I’ll have my days hereafter as well) I was cranky as all hell, pissy, upset and pessimistic that I was doing this weight-loss/confidence-building journey, because, who was I kidding? I couldn’t do this! Why do I have to be the one who can’t lose weight? I even told my trainer yesterday that I was this close to skipping his workout and getting a big glass of alcohol (Bridesmaids reference J) and a burger instead. But, I decided that I’d workout and if I still wanted it after, I’d get it. But get this...afterwards, I was so proud that I finished the grueling workout on the beach that not only did I not crave it, I didn’t want to eat badly either because I just put so much effort in and no way was I going to sabotage myself. 

The past few weeks have been very difficult because I was PMSing, and with that comes increased hormones (much more so as I’ve gotten older) that lead to all kinds of emotions. And well, I’m an emotional eater. But I just kept going and eating and tracking my food (Weight Watchers) and going to the support groups and working out with people I really enjoy and who support me. My trainer even told me to go off of carbs for a week which caused decreased energy and crankiness. But I did it. And you know what? I woke up this morning and weighed myself anyway even though I really thought I wasn’t going to like what I saw (I do it every week, same day, right after I get up) and to my surprise I’m finally under 150 pounds. Shock and happiness overcame me. You know why? Because after all that negative self-talk of “I can’t do this”, I was actually doing it! Seeing even a slight decrease made all the difference in my attitude. And when I actually did the math and saw how much I’ve lost since I’ve started this process, it’s been a whopping 11.8 pound weight loss thus far. I still have a ways to go, but hot damn I’m doing it!! What a difference a day makes. And as I’ve said before, some days I think I can, some days I think I can’t, but either way, I just keep doing. So, I say the same to you. Just keep doing. It also helps that I have wonderful people as support. So find your support system and do it. I swear it works, although not as fast as you may want it to. It’s a process, it’s a journey and you know what, I’ll get there when I get there. But I feel stronger and healthier than I have in a long time and I’m not even near the weight I was before. There really is something to living a healthy lifestyle to be healthy and not just to lose weight. Oh, and it helps to have a goal too. So, mine is Vegas at the end of July. Now, my goal isn't to have a perfect body, it's to get under a certain weight and body fat percentage. And as long as I just keep doing, I'm proud of myself because that in and of itself is a habit change for me and I'm so much happier because of it.