This Week's Workouts

Monday 9/17: Tried out a new gym. Went on the treadmill for about 30 minutes = 2 miles. Apparently I run slower on a treadmill. I also did some ab, leg and arm workouts using the machines (one machine each).

Tuesday 9/18: Day off. Got way too busy.

Wednesday 9/19: Ran/walked about 2 1/2 miles. Did a few ab workouts and stretched. The weather was definitely a little chilly, my nose wouldn't stop running!

Thursday 9/20: Went to an hour yoga class. It was focused on stretching and relaxation which was exactly what I needed!

Friday 9/21: Day off.

Saturday 9/22: Alternated between jogging, sprinting and walking for about 2 miles. Did some arm and ab exercises afterwards.

Sunday 9/23: Jogged for 2 miles, only walked a little bit! Did some arm/ab exercises after. If you're curious what arm/ab workouts I've been doing... I've been just lifting some small weights for my arms and I've been doing crunches, planks, and the yoga boat pose for my abs normally.

Organic Skin Care

Did you know that your skin absorbs 64% of what you put on it? *According to Juice Beauty

Scary to think about it absorbing all the chemicals in makeup, lotions, face wash, shower gel, shave cream, etc. How many products do you use in a day? I'm guessing if you're a girly girl like me... A LOT.

Lately, I've been getting more interested in eating healthier, exercising more and getting rid of chemicals that we put in and on our bodies every day. Some people argue that it isn't enough to get us sick, but I don't think it can hurt to try to limit the "bad stuff" we put on our skin.

So I've been looking into organic products. You have to be extra careful because some products claim to be natural and organic, but in reality, aren't. So likely you're paying more for these so-called organic products and they are just as bad as what you were already buying!

When looking for organic products, make sure it has a "certified organic" seal. If the product only uses words like "natural" or is called "Organix", check the labels. Chances are it still has lots of chemicals in it.

Google or surf Pinterest for DIY beauty recipes. For example, you can make a great scrub using only a few ingredients from your pantry!

For now I have switched to Juicy Beauty, a certified organic brand, for my facial routine and shampoo/conditioner. I hope to eventually find a great organic soap, lotion, makeup and even deodorant brand. Deodorant seems to be the hardest since I do not want to be all sweaty and smelly! I've tried some of Bubble and Bee's organic products before, even one of their deodorants, but I decided to take the plunge and try their sample pack of their new cream deodorants.

I previously tried their "Pit Putty" which I did not like because it was crumbly and hard to apply. The cream deodorants come in little jars and you simply spread them on and let them dry a bit under your arms. I've been using them for a few days and I do actually like them. I've found that they smell amazing and I don't get BO. However, since you can't find organic antiperspirants because the bad chemicals are what stop you from sweating, I did feel a bit sweaty throughout the day. I think I will still keep an antiperspirant around for times when I will have a tendency to sweat more and don't want sweat stains.

Still working on organic makeup and other personal care items such as lotion, but I hope one day to use all organic products to keep my skin and health safe. Don't think it will cost a fortune either! The new shampoo and condition I bought was only $9 each... a little pricier than a cheap brand but cheaper than a fancy brand. The bottles were quite large too and should last a while.

What do you think about organic skin care and makeup?

This Week's Workouts

Monday 9/10: Ran for a mile then ran/walked another mile. Had bad side cramps while running that day so it was a hard one. I did manage to do some ab workouts after though.

Tuesday 9/11: Alternated between walking and running for a little over 2 miles. I did some interval sprints in there too.

Wednesday 9/12: Went on a walk with a friend for about an hour and I would estimate around 2 miles.

Thursday 9/13: I went on a 1.5 mile run and did some ab/arm exercises afterwards.

Friday 9/14: Day off.

Saturday 9/15: Ran about 2 miles and did some ab/arm exercises.

Sunday 9/16: Day off.

Shabby Apple Love + Coupon Code For You!

Shabby Apple seems to be all over the blogging world. I've never actually bought anything from their online shop, but I am dying to! Their dresses especially are adorable! I'm in love with these:

Ready to shop? Use this code to get 10% off ANYTHING on the site!

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Have fun shopping - comment if you plan to buy anything! Or just let me know your favorites if you're window shopping like me. ;)

This Week's Workouts

Tuesday 9/4: Did yoga for about an hour using a yoga DVD.

Wednesday 9/5: Ran/walked 2 miles and did a few ab exercises.

Thursday 9/6: Day off. Pretty sore from the last two days so I wanted to take it easy.

Friday 9/7: Went to yoga with a friend for an hour class. Also ran 2 miles.

Saturday 9/8: Didn't work out this day, but went out that night and danced for a few hours! That's a good workout right? :)

Sunday 9/9: Day off.

How were your workouts last week?

Running On and On

For me, motivation comes and goes. Pinterest has been helping lately actually to get me motivated to run and work out. I love browsing the Health and Fitness Boards on Pinterest. Check mine out! ;) I've been working towards running a 5k, although I haven't signed up for any yet, I hope to soon!

Here are some ah-ha moments I've had about running and fitness:

1. I get a lot of tension in my neck and back working at a computer all day. I've found that running can help release that.
2. Exercise helps you feel better and is a motivator to eat healthier as well!
3. Running can be very difficult but it is a great stress reliever for me and I enjoy working towards running faster and longer. Even those hard runs help me feel like I accomplished something.
4. Exercise is great, but don't push too hard. I like to take days off from running where I do yoga or simply rest if I feel that I am too sore.

What are your ah-ha moments on motivation and exercise? 

This Week's Workouts

Lately I have been pretty motivated and I want to keep that momentum going. That is why I am going to share my workouts with you each week! Encouragement would be amazing! :) I think I will share them on Mondays, I am sharing today because I already had a post ready for yesterday.

Monday 8/27: Ran/walked 2 miles. I jogged the entire first mile then switched between walking and jogging for the second mile. I also did some ab exercises.

Tuesday 8/28: Played tennis with a friend for about an hour.

Wednesday 8/29: Ran/walked 1.8 miles. Mostly jogged!

Thursday 8/30: Day off.

Friday 8/31: Did yoga for an hour and swam for about 45 minutes.

Saturday 9/1: Ran walked/ 1.8 miles. Mostly jogged again! I try to always stretch before and after running and Saturday I did really good with this.

Sunday 9/2: Day off.

Monday 9/3: Ran 2 miles (walked off and on) then jumped in my neighbor's pool!

My goals are to do yoga at least once a week and hopefully start doing it twice a week (as long as my paycheck allows ;), run at least 3x a week and do some other type of activity like tennis, bike riding, rollerblading or even Just Dance on my Wii. :)

Wait For It...

Wait for the guy that loves the real you.

Wait for the guy who thinks your seemingly most unattractive features are the most attractive.

Wait for the guy that lets you live your own life and see your friends without being controlling.

Wait for the guy that may never completely understand you, but accepts you without question.

Wait for the guy that kisses your forehead and tells you he loves you every day.

Wait for the guy that fights for you from the beginning and every day.

This boy will come if you let him in.

What do you look for in a guy?