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Blogazon Weekly Roundup



Stay Motivated in the New Year

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and healthy holiday.

New Year Resolutions have been set and I'm sure like previous years, one of the top trending resolutions is to get in shape. One of the main challenges with this goal is staying motivated. It's easy to buy a gym membership, but staying motivated and actually using that membership is a whole other challenge. Here are some of my tips and strategies to staying motivated and dedicated to working out....

Pump Up the Volume
Music is very important. A solid playlist and up beat music can really affect your mood and workout. I use to struggle with ear buds that fit my small ears, but finally found a set that stay in while I bounce around with my workouts (Sol Republic Amp In-Ear Headphones, below). And you don't need a fancy iPod to get you through a workout. Download the Pandora app to your phone (it's free!) to get rocking tunes to get you through a workout. This is also a great way to discover new songs.

Set Milestone Goals
Whether it's the first 5lbs lost or mastering a pull up (this is one of my goals!), set goals and 'rewards' along the way. I like to treat myself to pedicures or a massage when I meet one of my goals. It also helps to stick to these goals when you write them down. Get a cute notebook (I like the mini Moleskin, below) that you can carry with you in your purse or workout bag so you can jot down your progress.

Fit Fashionista
Treat yourself to some new workout clothes! Since this is such a popular time for people to get active, Marshall's and TJMaxx has a TON of gym gear on display. Name brand pieces at great prices. Invest in coordinating tops, bottoms, sports bras and headbands. If you feel good going to the gym, you'll have an even better workout. 

What's your New Year's Resolution? Please share how you plan on sticking to your goals!

Stay Motivated in the New Year
UnderArmour Shoes and Crop Pants / Sol Republic Amps HD In-Ear Headphones / Girls Gone Sporty "Sweat Sexy" Fitness Tank from ViewSport / Moleskin notebook


CND Shellac in Rubble

This is Rubble from CND Shellac's new color line. I LOVE it. I wore it on my last business trip as a neutral color that would go with everything. It's so hard to describe this color. It's like a grayish brown solid color, but has an opaqueness to it. This is a great new neutral color for the Shellac line! Check out my other CND Shellac swatches.


 


Chocolate Mint Pretzels

I spent a few hours today making 'puppy chow' for my cousin. It's a tradition that I make it every year, and it's priceless to see his face when I give him his own stash. As I was refreshing my memory on how to make it, I came across a Chocolate Mint Pretzel recipe that I have to share from Savory Sweet Life.

I made these pretzels with both white and milk chocolate. I can't wait to go to Target or the dollar store tomorrow to get fun bags or tins to put these in. Using Savory Sweet Life's recipe, these are extremely easy to make. They make a great hostess gift or last minute Christmas gift. Put in a tin and top with a bow!


I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!




Sponsored Post: pvBody Sample Boxes

Different companies are popping up everywhere with sampling programs, and they are really quite genius. Beauty, cooking and accessory sample boxes are a fun way to try out new brands and products. And now adding to the list, workout clothes!

pvBody takes the guess work out of trying to find fun, new workout clothes, at a reasonable price. All members take a style quiz so the pvBody team can select the best gear for you to try out. Along with providing your sizes, you’ll specify what kind of workouts you enjoy, style and color preferences, etc. The pvBody team will select a workout top and bottom set for you that matches your needs and style.

I took the style quiz last month and indicated that I’m more of a cardio/weights and gym girl, and the outfit I received was perfect for my next kettlebell and cycling class!

I received an electric blue top from Eloy and black leggings from Nux (both pictured to the right). I couldn’t be happier with both pieces. The blue top is great for any type of workout, from yoga to a high intensity cardio class. It contains a built in bra that is comfortable and secure. For lower impact workouts, you can totally get away without wearing a sports bra with this top.

The leggings are super comfortable as well. These are great for any type of workout as well, from yoga to running to cycling. They fit comfortably right above my hips and are great for the cold weather we're getting in Michigan. I always hate wearing sweatpants over gym shorts. These are also great as every day leggings. Or if you're planning on running errands after the gym, you can throw on a sweater and a pair of boots and look stylish right from your workout.

As a special intro offer, pvBody is offering you a $15 Lululemon gift card with sign up, plus 25% off your first month subscription! Use this link to get this special offer!

Easy peasy lemon squeezy: pvBody is easy. Take the quiz, sign up and boom, an awesome package arrives at your door each month with a hand picked outfit for you!

Every outfit is styled just for you by a pvBody expert. Each month you receive an outfit worth $150, but you pay just $49.95. You’re getting great, quality pieces for a fraction of the retail cost thanks to the relationships pvBody has built.

pvBody is not just another clothing company, but a lifestyle brand. Their blog is a great place to check out tips and tricks for healthy, delicious meals and at home workouts.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of pv.body. The opinions and text are all mine.


Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup


  • Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Can a lip gloss curb your appetite? Destany tests Joey NY lipFIT to find out!


  • Blushing Noir: Check out the MAC 5 Neutral Eyes Palette from Holiday 2012 and see how un-neutral it can be!
  • BeautyTidbits: Looking for the perfect gift for the jewelry loving gal? Check out Lisa Hoffman Fragrance Jewelry!
  • TheFabZilla: Skin care that replaces water? TheFabZilla reviews PUR attitude. Is it the coveted fountain of youth?
  • Painted Ladies: Megan tries Lip Rock Metallic Lip Foils - and it's a golden lipped glam fail!
  • Beauty and Fashion Tech: Five Easy Holiday Nail Polish ideas
  • Girl Gloss: Holiday Party Makeup Looks
  • Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has discovered the artfully handcrafted tweezers, scissors and manicure sets from Artestile. They are hardworking high quality tools made in Italy that are simply GORGEOUS!
  • Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor has found her perfect winter bronzer: Rouge Bunny Rouge at Goldcombe Bay!
  • Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista shares why Bath and Body Works' Cashmere Glow is the perfect scent for the season!
  • Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Clos du Bois Pixi Cosmetic Bag. There are 5 up for grabs!
  • Curls N Pearls: This week, Christina from Curls N Pearls looks back at how her skin care routine has changed over the years.
  • Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy Blogs Beauty wants you to get gorgeous this Holiday season with Laura Mericer's Art Deco Muse Collection
  • Beauty by Miss L: Miss L had an opportunity to review Adorebox which is a monthly subscription beauty box available in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
  • Polarbelle: Do you love holiday nail art? Check out Polarbelle's Christmas tree accent nail for a holiday flourish.
  • Endless Summer: Elena thought she had found the best mascara ever, but then something went wrong...
  • Beauty Info Zone: Beauty Info Zone is back with the Mystic version of Senna's Haute Nudes. A palette and bonus you don't want to miss.


  • CND Shellac in Dark Lava

    Finally! Tina and I got our hands on some of CND's new Shellac colors. Tina, being the great friend and person she always is, did my nails for my work holiday party last week. I chose Dark Lava, which is a deep burgundy. I wore a leather dress, and was feeling a little 'rocker chic,' so wanted to do a darker color. In some lights it could also look like a dark brown.

    Per usual, Shellac stayed on this time for a full 7 days without chipping. I proactively took it off so I could swatch some additional colors :)

    Happy Friday!


    Sponsored Post - Take Care of your Skin!




    I always tell my husband ‘take care of your skin, because it’s the only one you’re going to get.’ Hair grows back, clothing styles change, but your skin is forever with you, so I’m always preaching to him to take care of it!

    I’m now 31 years old and I am very thankful that my mother and grandmother were both great examples of women taking great care of their skin. I remember staying the night at my grandma’s house when I was younger and it was part of our nighttime routine to wash our faces. I would then watch my grandmother put on her thick moisturizer, knowing that when I was older, I’d do the same thing.

    Looking back to my teens and 20s I definitely didn’t do everything right. I didn’t wear enough sunscreen and I went into tanning beds (gasp!). That has changed since I have become more educated on skincare and quite honestly, I’ve gotten older. Here are the skincare rules I live by:


    •         I wash my face at least 2x a day with a gentle cleanser. I don’t use harsh exfoliating cleansers because my skin is sensitive. But I do use a washcloth to make sure I get all of my makeup off. I use a sonic cleansing system a few times a week to do a deep clean on my pores.
    •       Moisturize, moisturize and then moisturize some more. But seriously, find a moisturizer that goes well with your skin. They are not all the same. Some are for sensitive skin, extremely dry skin, etc.
    •            Use an eye cream.  It’s never too early to start using one (okay, maybe wait until you are 18+ years old). You don’t have to go overboard on price to find a good eye cream. Drugstore brands are just as good as some of the expensive ones at department stores. Use your ring or pinky finger to gently dab eye cream around your eyes. Don’t rub or pull the skin around your eyes.  
    •       I wear sunscreen. Notice that I didn’t say ‘I stay out of the sun.’ Sunlight in doses can be good for your mood! Just make sure you have a high SPF lotion or oil on, everywhere. Not just your face. And don’t forget your scalp if it’s exposed. I carry sample size SPF lotions with me that I received from the dermatologist office. You never know when your friends may want to eat outside on a sunny day.
    I want to be clear and say that these are MY personal rules. Not yours. I’m not a medical professional, so if you have questions, please reach out to your dermatologist. Everyone has a different skin type so you have to come up with a regimen that is good for you and your age. But if you take one thing away from this, it should be ‘take care of your skin, because it’s the only one you’re going to get!’

     
    As a leader in skincare with an eye for emerging trends, Olay is bringing the first-ever mass market CC line of products to the United States {Canada} beginning in October 2012. CC, or Color & Correct, Creams have started to emerge in Asia as a new category and are designed for women who love BB Creams for their ability to provide a quick, flawless finish but are seeking skincare solutions that deliver long-term benefits.

    The Olay Total Effects CC Tone Correcting UV Moisturizers fight seven signs of aging, while also providing immediate color correction with tinted formulas that include UV protection and tone correction over time. The multiple, must-have instant and long-term benefits leave skin luminous and even-toned with the reduced appearance of discolorations, fine lines and wrinkles.

    Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Olay via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Olay


    Pantone Color of 2013, Emerald

    Welcome to Emerald City! Emerald green has been crowned 'Color of the year for 2013!' Good bye Tangerine Orange, hello Emerald green! And don't forget about Pantone's Spring 2013 color, Monaco Blue.


    My Favorite Beauty Sets of 2012

    Need a gift for a sister, mom, girlfriend or secret Santa? Here are my 3 favorite sets of 2012. Each palette is very versatile. You can create several 'looks' with each one, great for every type of skin tone and style. 'Tis the season to shop beauty....

    Urban Decay, Naked Basics - Great to keep on you at all times. You can go from day to night with just a few color changes from this kit. These matte shadows are a staple for every beauty counter.

    Pixi Beauty, Early Bird Kit - I love Pixi Beauty in general. They are high quality products with great prices. Their blushes look so natural and there's always a good variety for different skin tones. The center column of shadows are bases that help to keep the color shadows on longer. I sometimes use these bases alone when just going to the gym or running errands.

    Senna Cosmetics, Haute Nudes - I was able to try this set out in Mystic. The kit comes with directions on how to apply two different looks, for day and night. These are the best makeup kit application directions I've ever seen. Very easy to create and everything is in the kit, even the brushes. I like this kit for traveling. I'll pack this set, a mascara and gloss and I'm good to go.
    Beautysets - Stocking Suffer Beauty Sets
    Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.