Thursday, July 31, 2014
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Health / Nutrition / Fitness Coaching
I will soon be expanding my beauty services to include health and wellness sessions. Stay tuned for details :)
Monday, March 4, 2013
Braids are Back!
You've seen the stars wearing them in different styles shapes and sizes over the past couple years, from Lauren Conrad to Taylor Swift and beyond. Braids have evolved from a way to keep your hair from tangling while you sleep at night (or at least that's why my mom would always braid my hair before bed) to a fashionable style and accessory.
A few ways to wear braids:
1. Section off the front 1/3 of your hair from ear to ear. Tilt your head all the way one side and french braid starting at the opposite side over and secure with bobby pins for a beautiful french braided headband.
2. Part your hair to the side, french braiding each side and linking the braids in the back and securing with a hair band or bow.
3. Part your hair in the center, taking a little section from either side of the part and braid back to the crown of the head secure with bobby pins. Do another braid on each side and secure. You can leave the rest of your hair down or tie it up in a ponytail or bun. This is a great way to wear your hair if you haven't washed it in a couple days ;)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Workout Reviews: 90-60-30
Workout Reviews: The Baddest and the Best
P90X, Insanity, 30 Day Shred
Get fit and fabulous in the comfort of your own home! After working in several gyms over the years, I have found my favorite gym of all time - my living room. There is no membership fee, I can wear whatever I want and play my own music, there is no commute, I don't ever have to wait for weights or machines, and the best part is I can bring my dog :)
P90X
90 days to a lean, sculpted body
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 12 weeks, 60-90 minutes a day
$120 + shipping on beachbody.com for 12 DVDs that you rotate through
(You will also need pull up bar and weights or resistance bands or you can order the deluxe package for around $240 that includes it all)
Results: After following the P90X guide, doing all the workouts and the meal plan for just 30 days, I noticed a change in my body and my strength. My arms, legs, and abs were getting a little tighter and I felt strength, flexibility, and coordination throughout my whole body. The workouts alternate between strength and cardio days so some days you spend a LOT of time lifting weights, doing pull ups and strength training, PLUS 15 minutes of abs and the other days are the shorter 60 minute cardio workouts.
My critique: When I first started the program, I could barely get through the first workout. By the end of the first month, I could finish the workouts and was lifting heavier weights than when I started. The most exciting point for me in the program was when I could complete the 'Ab Ripper X' DVD all the way through without taking a break! However, it was difficult to 70-90 minutes of working out almost every single day so I was unable to stick with the program. Also, there were so many pauses in between some of the sets, I felt like I was just standing around or setting up for a lot of it. I still do some of the DVDs from time to time when I have an entire day off from work. This is a great program for an athlete or someone that has the time to commit to it wholeheartedly. It really does work and will get you in the best shape of your life and transform your body, but you need to put in the time.
Insanity
60 days to get in amazing shape and challenge yourself
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 8 weeks, 30-50 minutes a day
$120 + shipping on beachbody.com for 10 DVDs that you rotate through
Results: Following the Insanity workouts every day made a HUGE difference in my abs. The workouts are mostly cardio drills with some strength training with your own body weight (push ups, lunges, squats, etc.) I noticed major changes in my core as far as definition, strength and balance. My legs were also much stronger from all the plyometrics. However, I did not experience the total body toning or muscle gains that I got from P90X, it was mostly just in my legs and abs.
My critique: This program was easier for me to stick with because the workouts were not as long and were actually more enjoyable. They moved quickly and there was not much down time in between exercises. Overall, I really like Insanity and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to lose weight and get in great shape.
30 Day Shred
30 days to a toned, shredded body
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 4 weeks, 20 minutes a day
$7-15 on Amazon.com for 1 DVD with 3 workouts
Results: My results may have been a bit skewed because I began this program right after completing Insanity, but I think this program gave me the best results so far. My arms, legs and abs are toned and I have lost weight at the same time. The workouts are only 20 minutes and follow the pattern of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes cardio, and 1 minute of abs. It is perfect for people with not a lot of time and short attention spans.
My critique: I was a bit skeptical at first wondering how working out only 20 minutes a day could make a difference, but when I could barely make it through the first 20 minute workout, I knew it was delivering results. The program is easy to stick with because the workouts are short and results happen pretty quickly. It's a great combination of using weights to gain muscle and tone your body, while shredding fat with cardio and toning the abs in between circuits. I love this program and have been recommending it to everyone!
P90X, Insanity, 30 Day Shred
Get fit and fabulous in the comfort of your own home! After working in several gyms over the years, I have found my favorite gym of all time - my living room. There is no membership fee, I can wear whatever I want and play my own music, there is no commute, I don't ever have to wait for weights or machines, and the best part is I can bring my dog :)
P90X
90 days to a lean, sculpted body
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 12 weeks, 60-90 minutes a day
$120 + shipping on beachbody.com for 12 DVDs that you rotate through
(You will also need pull up bar and weights or resistance bands or you can order the deluxe package for around $240 that includes it all)
Results: After following the P90X guide, doing all the workouts and the meal plan for just 30 days, I noticed a change in my body and my strength. My arms, legs, and abs were getting a little tighter and I felt strength, flexibility, and coordination throughout my whole body. The workouts alternate between strength and cardio days so some days you spend a LOT of time lifting weights, doing pull ups and strength training, PLUS 15 minutes of abs and the other days are the shorter 60 minute cardio workouts.
My critique: When I first started the program, I could barely get through the first workout. By the end of the first month, I could finish the workouts and was lifting heavier weights than when I started. The most exciting point for me in the program was when I could complete the 'Ab Ripper X' DVD all the way through without taking a break! However, it was difficult to 70-90 minutes of working out almost every single day so I was unable to stick with the program. Also, there were so many pauses in between some of the sets, I felt like I was just standing around or setting up for a lot of it. I still do some of the DVDs from time to time when I have an entire day off from work. This is a great program for an athlete or someone that has the time to commit to it wholeheartedly. It really does work and will get you in the best shape of your life and transform your body, but you need to put in the time.
Insanity
60 days to get in amazing shape and challenge yourself
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 8 weeks, 30-50 minutes a day
$120 + shipping on beachbody.com for 10 DVDs that you rotate through
Results: Following the Insanity workouts every day made a HUGE difference in my abs. The workouts are mostly cardio drills with some strength training with your own body weight (push ups, lunges, squats, etc.) I noticed major changes in my core as far as definition, strength and balance. My legs were also much stronger from all the plyometrics. However, I did not experience the total body toning or muscle gains that I got from P90X, it was mostly just in my legs and abs.
My critique: This program was easier for me to stick with because the workouts were not as long and were actually more enjoyable. They moved quickly and there was not much down time in between exercises. Overall, I really like Insanity and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to lose weight and get in great shape.
30 Day Shred
30 days to a toned, shredded body
Workout commitment: 6 days a week for 4 weeks, 20 minutes a day
$7-15 on Amazon.com for 1 DVD with 3 workouts
Results: My results may have been a bit skewed because I began this program right after completing Insanity, but I think this program gave me the best results so far. My arms, legs and abs are toned and I have lost weight at the same time. The workouts are only 20 minutes and follow the pattern of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes cardio, and 1 minute of abs. It is perfect for people with not a lot of time and short attention spans.
My critique: I was a bit skeptical at first wondering how working out only 20 minutes a day could make a difference, but when I could barely make it through the first 20 minute workout, I knew it was delivering results. The program is easy to stick with because the workouts are short and results happen pretty quickly. It's a great combination of using weights to gain muscle and tone your body, while shredding fat with cardio and toning the abs in between circuits. I love this program and have been recommending it to everyone!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Ringlet Wave Hair Tutorial
Inspiration: Taylor Swift's soft ringlet waves framing her face
Tools: Duckbill clips, hair spray, comb, curling iron
Step 1: Comb through and section hair with duck bill clips
Step 2: Taking small sections about the size of the iron, wrap hair around the barrel of the iron
Step 3: Spray each section as you go (for more resistant hair, use hair spray before and after curling each small section)
Monday, January 30, 2012
7 Deadly Skin Sins
OK, so these practices may not be DEADLY, but your skin is your body's largest organ and the first thing people notice when they see you so why not take care of it? Your skin is with you all your life, constantly regenerating and changing (for better or worse.) While I may not be Ponce De Leon, I can give you some tips to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful :)
Avoid these 7 skin sins and to prevent breakouts and blemishes, minimize hyperpigmentation and scarring, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help protect against skin cancer, and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
7 - Using Bar Soap on Your Face
Healthy skin is slightly acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This acid mantle on the skin protects it from bacteria and microorganisms.
Most bar soaps have a pH between 9 and 10, which means they are alkaline. Using bar soaps on your face (or your body) raises the skin's pH to an alkaline state which can lead to several side effects. In addition to making your skin a breeding ground for bacteria, bar soap can dry your skin out completely, causing patches and flaking. In reaction to this, you skin actually may start producing more oil to compensate, which can lead to more breakouts and blackheads.
SKIN SAVIOR - Use a facial cleanser followed by a toner to help balance your skin's pH to its natural level. You can also try a neutral pH product line.
My pick is SebaMed's face and body cleanser.
It has a pH of 5.5 (how about that? The same pH of healthy skin!)
Check out http://www.sebamedusa.com/ for more info
6 - Not Cleaning Your Cell Phone
This may sound strange, but just think about all the germs, bacteria, and gunk that is in your pocket or purse when you store your phone. Or how about what is on your hands while you are texting, e-mailing, surfing the net, or playing Angry Birds while taking the train to work or waiting in line at the grocery store? What happens in the midst of all this when you ACTUALLY GET A PHONE CALL and all this stuff transfers to your cheek and chin? Yuck!
SKIN SAVIOR - Clean your cell phone at least once a week (if not daily!) You can use a commercial cleansing wipe or just slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol and wipe the outside surface of your phone.
5 - Over Exfoliating
Yes, exfoliation is important but it has to be done right and with the right products. Most of the commercial exfoliants and scrubs out there (say bye bye to your apricot scrub!) are way to abrasive and can cause microscopic tears in the skin, eventually leading to scarring and hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin.)
SKIN SAVIOR - Use a gentle exfoliant, such as Aveda's tourmaline charged exfoliating cleanser. This product has perfectly round jojoba beads that wont tear your skin and will burst under too much pressure, releasing healthy natural oils into the skin. If you already have a cleanser you love, you can try Aveda's liquid exfoliant, available at www.aveda.com
4 - Under Moisturizing
Using a moisturizer is just as important for those with oily skin as it is for people with dry skin. If you have oily skin and do not moisturize, it can actually lead your skin to produce more oil as it tries to create a protective layer on your face. For dry skin, moisturizer creates a protective barrier and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
SKIN SAVIOR - Use an oil free moisturizer in the morning and before bedtime if you have oily skin. I like Aveda's Tourmaline charged protecting lotion (see below). For dry skin, it is especially important to moisturize at night before bed because your skin does most of its absorbing while you are asleep. Try Estee Lauder's Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme available at www.esteelauder.com.
3 - Picking, Squeezing, or Popping pimples
You already know that you shouldn't do this, but when you see that blemish in the mirror you still reach for it... STOP! Popping your pimples can lead to more breakouts as the pus and bacteria spread over your face. Not to mention, it can lead to scarring and discoloration on the skin as is heals, especially if you use your fingers or nails.
SKIN SAVIOR - I would recommend seeing a licensed esthetician for your extraction needs, but if you must do it yourself, do it the right way! First, use a warm compress or take a hot shower or steam your face over a bowl of hot water to open up the pores. Taking 2 cotton swabs, squeeze the sides around the blemish to get all the gunk out. Immediately exfoliate or use and astringent around the area to keep the bacteria from spreading. If you are having difficulty getting the pimple to pop, it is not ready. Do not force the blemish open as it may lead to scarring. Continue exfoliating the area and try again the next day.
2 - Not Washing off Your Makeup
After a long night of dancing, partying, and who knows what else, the last thing you want to do is remove your makeup and wash your face before bed, but you really should! Your skin does most of its absorbing at night while you are asleep so everything that is in your makeup (have you read the ingredients and do you know what they all are?) plus the sweat and bacteria that may have gotten on your face while you were out are seeping into your pores when you hit the pillow. This can not only lead to breakouts, but possibly bacterial infections and other skin disorders.
SKIN SAVIOR - If using an eye makeup remover, cleansing your face, and moisturizing before bed sounds like too much, you can use a makeup wipe (or 2!) to cleanse off as much product as you can. While this may save your skin on the weekends, I would recommend sticking to the full routine on the rest of your nights. You can spring for the MAC wipes which are $15.00 for 30 sheets at www.maccosmetics.com or pick up a drugstore brand for around $5.00.
1 - Not Wearing Sunscreen
Putting on sunscreen is another step in the morning, but probably one of the most important. As much as we love a golden glow on our skin, the sun's rays cause massive damage to our skin cells, even when it is overcast. Overexposure to the sun can make the skin look and feel leathery as well as age the skin, increasing the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles. The sun's UV rays also contribute to the risk of skin cancer.
SKIN SAVIOR - Use sunscreen every day (rain of shine) to protect your skin from aging, burning, and to reduce your risk of skin cancer. An SPF 15 will protect against 92% of the sun's damaging UV rays. This is good enough for your everyday activity, but you may want to bump it up to SPF 30 if you know you will be out in the sun. Make your life easier by using a product that is a moisturizer and sunscreen in one. I like Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion available at www.aveda.com
Avoid these 7 skin sins and to prevent breakouts and blemishes, minimize hyperpigmentation and scarring, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help protect against skin cancer, and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
7 - Using Bar Soap on Your Face
Healthy skin is slightly acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This acid mantle on the skin protects it from bacteria and microorganisms. Most bar soaps have a pH between 9 and 10, which means they are alkaline. Using bar soaps on your face (or your body) raises the skin's pH to an alkaline state which can lead to several side effects. In addition to making your skin a breeding ground for bacteria, bar soap can dry your skin out completely, causing patches and flaking. In reaction to this, you skin actually may start producing more oil to compensate, which can lead to more breakouts and blackheads.
SKIN SAVIOR - Use a facial cleanser followed by a toner to help balance your skin's pH to its natural level. You can also try a neutral pH product line.
My pick is SebaMed's face and body cleanser.
It has a pH of 5.5 (how about that? The same pH of healthy skin!)
Check out http://www.sebamedusa.com/ for more info
6 - Not Cleaning Your Cell Phone
This may sound strange, but just think about all the germs, bacteria, and gunk that is in your pocket or purse when you store your phone. Or how about what is on your hands while you are texting, e-mailing, surfing the net, or playing Angry Birds while taking the train to work or waiting in line at the grocery store? What happens in the midst of all this when you ACTUALLY GET A PHONE CALL and all this stuff transfers to your cheek and chin? Yuck! SKIN SAVIOR - Clean your cell phone at least once a week (if not daily!) You can use a commercial cleansing wipe or just slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol and wipe the outside surface of your phone.
5 - Over Exfoliating Yes, exfoliation is important but it has to be done right and with the right products. Most of the commercial exfoliants and scrubs out there (say bye bye to your apricot scrub!) are way to abrasive and can cause microscopic tears in the skin, eventually leading to scarring and hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin.)
SKIN SAVIOR - Use a gentle exfoliant, such as Aveda's tourmaline charged exfoliating cleanser. This product has perfectly round jojoba beads that wont tear your skin and will burst under too much pressure, releasing healthy natural oils into the skin. If you already have a cleanser you love, you can try Aveda's liquid exfoliant, available at www.aveda.com
4 - Under Moisturizing
Using a moisturizer is just as important for those with oily skin as it is for people with dry skin. If you have oily skin and do not moisturize, it can actually lead your skin to produce more oil as it tries to create a protective layer on your face. For dry skin, moisturizer creates a protective barrier and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. SKIN SAVIOR - Use an oil free moisturizer in the morning and before bedtime if you have oily skin. I like Aveda's Tourmaline charged protecting lotion (see below). For dry skin, it is especially important to moisturize at night before bed because your skin does most of its absorbing while you are asleep. Try Estee Lauder's Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Creme available at www.esteelauder.com.
3 - Picking, Squeezing, or Popping pimples
You already know that you shouldn't do this, but when you see that blemish in the mirror you still reach for it... STOP! Popping your pimples can lead to more breakouts as the pus and bacteria spread over your face. Not to mention, it can lead to scarring and discoloration on the skin as is heals, especially if you use your fingers or nails.
SKIN SAVIOR - I would recommend seeing a licensed esthetician for your extraction needs, but if you must do it yourself, do it the right way! First, use a warm compress or take a hot shower or steam your face over a bowl of hot water to open up the pores. Taking 2 cotton swabs, squeeze the sides around the blemish to get all the gunk out. Immediately exfoliate or use and astringent around the area to keep the bacteria from spreading. If you are having difficulty getting the pimple to pop, it is not ready. Do not force the blemish open as it may lead to scarring. Continue exfoliating the area and try again the next day.
2 - Not Washing off Your Makeup
After a long night of dancing, partying, and who knows what else, the last thing you want to do is remove your makeup and wash your face before bed, but you really should! Your skin does most of its absorbing at night while you are asleep so everything that is in your makeup (have you read the ingredients and do you know what they all are?) plus the sweat and bacteria that may have gotten on your face while you were out are seeping into your pores when you hit the pillow. This can not only lead to breakouts, but possibly bacterial infections and other skin disorders.
SKIN SAVIOR - If using an eye makeup remover, cleansing your face, and moisturizing before bed sounds like too much, you can use a makeup wipe (or 2!) to cleanse off as much product as you can. While this may save your skin on the weekends, I would recommend sticking to the full routine on the rest of your nights. You can spring for the MAC wipes which are $15.00 for 30 sheets at www.maccosmetics.com or pick up a drugstore brand for around $5.00.
1 - Not Wearing Sunscreen
Putting on sunscreen is another step in the morning, but probably one of the most important. As much as we love a golden glow on our skin, the sun's rays cause massive damage to our skin cells, even when it is overcast. Overexposure to the sun can make the skin look and feel leathery as well as age the skin, increasing the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles. The sun's UV rays also contribute to the risk of skin cancer.
SKIN SAVIOR - Use sunscreen every day (rain of shine) to protect your skin from aging, burning, and to reduce your risk of skin cancer. An SPF 15 will protect against 92% of the sun's damaging UV rays. This is good enough for your everyday activity, but you may want to bump it up to SPF 30 if you know you will be out in the sun. Make your life easier by using a product that is a moisturizer and sunscreen in one. I like Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Protecting Lotion available at www.aveda.com
Monday, January 23, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Curly Fun Hair and Makeup Tutorial
The Finished Look: Va-Va-Va Voom curls, red-orange smoky eye,
bronze lips and 'orgasmic' cheeks
Hair Tutorial - Using product, defining curl, scrunching hair, using a diffuser
Tools - gel, curl creme, duck bill clips, blow dryer and diffuser
Makeup Tutorial - Blending and shading eye colors, wing-tip eyeliner, layering blush
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Sleeping for Beauty
There's a reason it's called 'beauty sleep.' Sleeping is proven to make you slimmer, sharper, and better looking! If you don't get enough sleep, your body actually releases an appetite stimulating hormone called grehlen, making you more hungry during the day. Lack of sleep can also reduce your brain function, memory and reasoning abilities... you know that feeling of being too tired to remember a word that's on the tip of your tongue. And of course, we all want to avoid the ultimate sign of a sleepless night: dark under eye circles. Just by sleeping 6-8 hours a night you can improve your appearance, brain function, and stay slim :) 
Need help catching some zzzzzz's? The aroma of lavender can help you relax and get a restful sleep. Spray some lavender pillow mist on your linens or rub some lavender oil on your temples before bedtime.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Boudoir Before and Afters
"Easy like Sunday Morning"
Natural makeup enhancing your soft, feminine side with soft pink and peach tones
Hair has soft, flowy waves with a touch of texture for that ruffled "sunday morning" look
"Night Seduction"
Heavy eye makeup with use of color, contouring and shading to bring out the bold in you.Hair is smoothed with large curls and body that will last all night.
Book your own boudoir makeover and photo shoot today!
E-mail info@crystalkalibeauty.com for more information.
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