23.9.10

At the Movies - Going the Distance


Can long distance relationships really work?

In Going the Distance, Erin (Drew Barrymore) meets Garrett (Justin Long) over a beer and they hit it off.  But Erin is moving away in couple of months, so they agree to keep it casual.  A totally uncomplicated fun summer fling.  Too bad they end up falling in love, which of course complicates things.  So when Erin moves, they decide to stay together and do the long distance thing.  But is that really possible?  Or are they totally fooling themselves?

You know how sometimes you see the preview for a movie, and the funny parts are hilarious, so you go see the movie only to find out that the only funny parts were in the preview?  Well, Going is not like that at all.  This was one of the funniest chick flicks I've seen in a long time.  Barrymore and Long have great chemistry (probably because they used to date), and their quirky slightly awkward personalities really shine in the dialogue and humor of this romantic comedy.   So, ladies, if you're fans of the chick flick genre, then leave the boys at home this weekend, and check out Going. I will definitely be buying this one when it comes out on DVD.

22.9.10

The Blocked Blogger

Blocked.  Unmotivated.  Blog on the proverbial back burner.  Stuck.


 


 
 

Been there?  
What do you do?


10.9.10

Time for You - 11.09.2010



It's that time again.  Time to tell us how you've made Time for You this week.  And if you weren't able to, tell us why.  We will be your support system!

Link up with us - Untypically Jia and The Girly Tomboy - as we make ourselves a priority for at least the fraction of each week to take care of ourselves and come one (no matter how tiny) step to meet our goals. 

  • Grab the 'Time for You' button and place it in your post or on your sidebar.
  • Blog about the steps you are taking to make yourself a priority and take care of yourself, and link that post. (Only link up the individual post. No links to your main blog, giveaways or other posts. Links will be monitored.)
  • Once you've linked up, click on as many other links as you'd like and offer your support to fellow bloggers who are taking time for themselves. Leave thoughtful comments, offer support and advice, follow their blogs and build friendships. We're in this journey together!
This is all about improving your life and taking time for you! It's not just about fitness or weight loss. Blog about how you're going to try and quit smoking. About how you're preparing to run a 5k marathon. Blog about your desire and steps your taking to overcome depression. Blog about your journey to lose weight or your plans to get pregnant.

One blogger from each week will be randomly selected and featured the following week.  Want to be featured? Then you have to participate!



This weeks Featured Blogger is Emma from Toddler Awesome!

Emma is a beautiful Mom from Ireland who has decided that before she and her husband start trying for their second child, she is taking time for her by setting health goals to achieve a healthy and happy pregnancy! She is setting such a good example for other Mommy Bloggers out there, not to mention for her own family. We support you Emma! Keep up the good work!


As for me, I took almost a whole week for me. It was glorious fun hiking and swimming with the doggies. We made the most out of the last hot days of summer. Not only was it a bunch of good workouts, but it was also the best thing I could have done for my mental health! My link takes you to some pics from the lake.

All right everyone. Let's hear your stories.  Link up!

9.9.10

At The Movies - The American

 
Don't see this movie.  It sucked...SLOWLY! 

I mean it.

It was a complete waste.  I want my $10 and 2 hours back.  

George Clooney plays a spy/assassin who is on his last mission while someone is trying to kill him.  His mission is to make a custom weapon for someone.  He befriends a priest, and a hooker.  Neither friendship is exciting.

First of all, this was the slowest movie I have ever seen.  Nothing happens.  Clooney spends half the movie driving up and down the hill to the village where he is staying, and the other half building a gun.  There is little dialogue.  It was BORING!  Sure, he built a nice weapon, but he's a terrible spy.  Terrible.  Someone is after him and he seems oblivious as to who is calling the shots and giving info about his whereabouts to the bad guys. 

Slowest movie ever.  Really.  

So save your money and pass on this one.  Don't even bother renting it.  Get the Ocean's Eleven movies instead if you need a Clooney fix.

Scarf Inspiration - How to Tie a Scarf

I have started getting into scarves.  They add that touch of color, and really complete an outfit.  I loved the way scarves look on other people, but when I got my first scarf I was at a bit of a loss.  How do I wear it?

There are lots of ways to tie a scarf.  Depends on the outfit and the scarf.  But here are some inspirations if you're a scarf newbie like me.  Or maybe just need some new looks.












What's your favorite way to wear a scarf?

 

7.9.10

...And We're Back!!!

Yes, I have been absent.  I spent some serious time unplugged.  Crazy but true. 

 First, I made some jam and tomato sauce.  Details and recipes will follow.


Then, we took full advantage of the the last days of warm weather by taking off for lots of hiking and swimming!





 What a great way to enjoy those last few hot lazy days.  And so great for my mental health!


28.8.10

Time for You - 28.08.2010



It's that time again.  Time to tell us how you've made Time for You this week.  And if you weren't able to, tell us why.  We will be your support system!

Link up with us - Untypically Jia and The Girly Tomboy - as we make ourselves a priority for at least the fraction of each week to take care of ourselves and come one (no matter how tiny) step to meet our goals. 

  • Grab the 'Time for You' button and place it in your post or on your sidebar.
  • Blog about the steps you are taking to make yourself a priority and take care of yourself, and link that post. (Only link up the individual post. No links to your main blog, giveaways or other posts. Links will be monitored.)
  • Once you've linked up, click on as many other links as you'd like and offer your support to fellow bloggers who are taking time for themselves. Leave thoughtful comments, offer support and advice, follow their blogs and build friendships. We're in this journey together!
This is all about improving your life and taking time for you! It's not just about fitness or weight loss. Blog about how you're going to try and quit smoking. About how you're preparing to run a 5k marathon. Blog about your desire and steps your taking to overcome depression. Blog about your journey to lose weight or your plans to get pregnant.

One blogger from each week will be randomly selected and featured the following week.  Want to be featured? Then you have to participate!  I know, we haven't picked  a blog to feature yet, but starting next week we will include anyone in the last three linkups.

So take some Time for You, dish, and then link up and join the fun! 

Health and Fitness 3 - Indoor Cycling


I started cycling this week, after a 2 year absence.  And two things are clear.  First, I am way out of shape.  And second, my crotch is not as used to the bike seat as it used to be.  So I started with 25 minutes per day at an aerobic intensity, but took a day off yesterday to give my crotch a rest.


At this point, it's so easy to get discouraged by my lack of bike conditioning.  I used to teach at least 5 spinning classes per week.  I had no issues being on the bike for longer periods of time, both in comfort and fitness level.  And now there are issues.  That discouragement can easily translate to giving up.  Surprisingly, what has gotten me on that bike every day is the music.  I blasted some of my old spinning music while I worked out and it helped motivate me, get me going, and distract me from any discomfort.  The first day I tried playing a movie while working out, and after that I switched to music.  The music was much better.  Much more motivating, and much more energizing!

So whether you're on a bike, treadmill, elliptical, or any other gym cardio toy, skip the daily news or crappy daytime tv, and pump up the volume on your favorite tunes.

And if you have a few moments, let me know in the comments what music inspires you or pumps you up.  What do you like to workout to?

20.8.10

Time for You 21.08.2010



It's that time again.  Time to tell us how you've made Time for You this week.  And if you weren't able to, tell us why.  We will be your support system!

Link up with us - Untypically Jia and The Girly Tomboy - as we make ourselves a priority for at least the fraction of each week to take care of ourselves and come one (no matter how tiny) step to meet our goals. 

  • Grab the 'Time for You' button and place it in your post or on your sidebar.
  • Blog about the steps you are taking to make yourself a priority and take care of yourself, and link that post. (Only link up the individual post. No links to your main blog, giveaways or other posts. Links will be monitored.)
  • Once you've linked up, click on as many other links as you'd like and offer your support to fellow bloggers who are taking time for themselves. Leave thoughtful comments, offer support and advice, follow their blogs and build friendships. We're in this journey together!
This is all about improving your life and taking time for you! It's not just about fitness or weight loss. Blog about how you're going to try and quit smoking. About how you're preparing to run a 5k marathon. Blog about your desire and steps your taking to overcome depression. Blog about your journey to lose weight or your plans to get pregnant.

One blogger from each week will be randomly selected and featured the following week.  Want to be featured? Then you have to participate!

So take some Time for You, dish, and then link up and join the fun! 


Health and Fitness 2 - Getting the Routine Started

Like many things, it's hard to start an exercise routine.  Once we start, and get in the groove, it becomes automatic.  We don't have to plan it anymore.  Just like we don't plan getting dressed, or brushing our teeth, or taking a shower.  It's automatic.  Wake up, shower, brush teeth, get dressed.  No planning required.  No notation in our agenda that says Wednesday, 7am, get dressed.  But starting a new routine is something else.  We have to think about it.  We have to plan.  We have to shift our schedule.  And let's face it, we have to shift our priorities.

That's where I'm starting.  At the beginning.  Putting regular exercise back into my daily routine.  On top of my daily walks with the dogs, I'm starting with 30 minutes per day of aerobic exercise - 70% max heart rate (more on this later).  I'm telling you so that I'm accountable.

I got this sexy looking CycleOps indoor bike to help me on my way.  It's beautiful.  And more importantly, it feels just like a real bike - without the rain, snow, heat, cold, or crazy motorists.  I love cycling.  I am not a runner.  Not even a little bit.  But cycling is awesome.  I have dreamed of having my very own bike for a long time.  Such a time saver.  Just hop on, work out, and you're done.  No driving to the gym, waiting for a machine to open up, then having to drive home again.  So much easier and faster when you've got something at home.  Once I get this routine down, I'll add longer rides.  Then I'll add resistance training.  But for now, it's 30 minutes per day.  I've got to start somewhere.

What have you been up to this week?  How have you made Time for You?

18.8.10

Lush Massage Bars as Moisturizer

I went to into Lush today looking for a body moisturizer.  My main criteria were scent (of course!) and that it not be sticky.  After testing some of the moisturizing creams in the Lush line, the sales associate asked me if I ever used the massage bars as moisturizers.  WHAT?

I love the massage bars, and have used them on my legs in the super dry Arizona winter.  But now that I'm in a more humid climate, the massage bars are just way too greasy.

But not when you use them when you're still wet!  That's right ladies, rub that lovely smelling cocoa butter goodness in your hands when they're damp and warm from your shower to melt the bar, and rub into your damp skin - like butta baby!   A very rich moisturizer, that's not sticky.  My favorites are Strawberry Feels Forever (smells like strawberry milkshake), Mange Too (white chocolate and honey), and Heavanilly (vanilla deliciousness). 

16.8.10

Will you be Preserving Summer's Bounty?

 Fall is inching closer and closer.  And as tough as it is to let summer go, one of the benefits of this time of the year is the cornucopia of seasonal fruit and veggies bursting at the seams of local farmer's markets. 

In an effort to avoid high sugar, high salt, and other mysterious (and bad for me) additives, I have decided to do some preserving this year. I have to admit, I have been planning on preserving for a while now, but was a bit intimidated by the process.

 I picked up the Art of Preserving by the fine people of Williams-Sonoma.  I recommend this book for newbs to preserving.  It has all the basic recipes and also recipes on how to use what you've made.  Brilliant.  I will do a more thorough review of this book once I've tried more recipes.


I was really pleased to find out that I needed very few specialty utensils and supplies to get started.   Very cheap start up! 

 I started with peach rosemary jam.  This is my first ever attempt at preserving, and it worked out wonderfully.  I used a bit less sugar, so it's a little runny, but SO delicious.  And a lot easier than I thought.

My next project is tomato sauce.  

 I also want to make salsa, apricot jam, plum jam, and apple butter.  

Are you going to be preserving this year?  I would love to swap recipes and tips with you!


Linked To:
Tuesday Tag-Along


13.8.10

Time for You - 14.08.2010



When was the last moment you set aside time time for you?

Now is the time!
  • Every Friday night, visit Untypically Jia and The Girly Tomboy where we will post a link up. Every week a new list will be added, so make sure to come back each week and link up.
  • Grab the 'Time for You' button and place it in your post or on your sidebar.
  • Blog about the steps you are taking to improve your health and link that post. (Only link up the individual post. No links to your main blog, giveaways or other posts. Links will be monitored.)
  • Once you've linked up, click on as many other links as you'd like and offer your support to fellow bloggers who are taking time for themselves. Leave thoughtful comments, offer support and advice, follow their blogs and build friendships. We're in this journey together!
This is all about improving your life and taking time for you! It's not just about fitness or weight loss. Blog about how you're going to try and quit smoking. About how you're preparing to run a 5k marathon. Blog about your desire and steps your taking to overcome depression. Blog about your journey to lose weight or your plans to get pregnant.

One blogger from each week will be randomly selected and featured the following week.  Want to be featured? Then you have to participate!

So take some Time for You, dish, and then link up and join the fun!

Time For You Segment and Blog Hop


As you know, I recently made a pact with myself to take better care of myself.  But in reality, it's not easy for me to make myself a priority.  And sometimes, I need a bit of inspiration, and a bit of support.  So I have teamed up with the wonderful Jia to bring you a weekly segment and blog hop called 'A Time for You'.  It's a way for all of us to inspire each other to meet our goals.

Here's how it will work:
* Every Friday night, visit Untypically Jia and The Girly Tomboy where we will post a link up. Every week a new list will be added, so make sure to come back each week and link up.

* Grab the 'Time for You' button and place it in your post or on your sidebar.

* Blog about the steps you are taking to improve your health and link that post. (Only link up the individual post. No links to your main blog, giveaways or other posts. Links will be monitored.)

* Once you've linked up, click on as many other links as you'd like and offer your support to fellow bloggers who are taking time for themselves. Leave thoughtful comments, offer support and advice, follow their blogs and build friendships. We're in this journey together!

And remember, this is about taking care of yourself and taking time out of your busy schedule for you.  In my case, the goal is fitness and weight loss, but you may be trying to quit smoking (yes little sister, I'm talking to you!), or overcoming depression, or uncluttering your closet, or looking for a job you don't hate, or even trying to get pregnant.  So blog about your goals and the steps you are taking to meet them, tell us about your struggles and your successes, and then share those blog posts with us every Saturday.

12.8.10

The Bronzy Glow - Kristin Cavallari Inspired Makeup

I am my sister's private makeup guru.  We have found her foundation, basic eye shadow colors, blush, brushes, etc.  Most recently we have been working on application.  I told her is to find a celebrity with similar coloring, who's style and makeup she likes.  Then we replicated the look.

She picked Kristin Cavallari.  I didn't even know who she was - clearly my sister and I don't watch the same reality TV.  But google image search came up with these two pics:



Based on those pictures, we used what my sister already had to replicate Kristin's neutral bronzy look.  The colors we chose are below - all MAC because that's what she had. 

 

APPLICATION
The most important part of Kristin's look is skin.  Start with a tinted moisturizer or light-medium foundation to even out your skin tone.  We used NARS sheer glow and applied with fingers.  Then follow up with a bit of powder (I'm loving MAC Prep+Prime translucent powder at the moment) on a fluffy brush to set the foundation.  Fill in your brows with either shadow, brow powder, or a brow pencil (we used Fling brow pencil).

Use a fluffy blender brush (MAC 217) to apply all eye shadow, which gives a soft application. On the lids use a soft shimmery peachy pink shadow (mix of Jest and All that Glitters e/s).  Use a matte soft warm brown to define the crease (Soft Brown e/s) and also apply it to the outer two thirds of the bottom lash line.  Lastly, use a soft wash of light shimmery shadow (Refined MSF) on the brow bone.  We used a pencil brush to apply that same highlight to the inner eye (tear duct) area to open up the eyes.  Finish the eyes by blending a black gel eye liner (Blacktrack) into the lashes and on the waterline, and apply a black mascara to the lashes.

Use a fluffy brush (MAC 138) to apply bronzer (Golden) to the hollows of the cheeks and on the temple and forehead to contour the face.  Make sure to blend the bronzer into the hairline for a more natural look. Then apply a light dusting of a shimmery peach blush (Springsheen) on the apples of the cheeks for a bit of color and glow.  Lastly, highlight the face with the same light shimmery shade used to highlight the eyes (Refined MSF).

Finally, apply a glossy pinky nude lipstick (Hue) to the lips.

Unfortunately, my sister is camera shy, but the makeup turned out great.  She even got complements from her friends!  So if you're ever in a rut and/or looking for a new makeup look, turn to your favorite celebrities for inspiration.

Who is your makeup/style idol?

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