Organic Product Review
Friday, January 21, 2011
Josh and I went on a little field trip the other day to my new favorite store: Whole Foods Market! I have been researching all-organic cosmetics and beauty products because I know that the chemicals that are in the products that I am currently using are not good for me. I have been checking my beauty products for quite some time and seeing things like propylparabens, methylparabens, urea, perfumes, etc and have tried my hardest to just dust it off; I knew they weren't good but I was too used to those products that I wanted to ignore it. Also with me working at a hair salon and using expensive, name-brand hair products (at a discounted price), I was treating my hair so well and did not want to sacrifice healthy hair for those bad chemicals (I know, it sounds bad!).
The last piece of makeup that I purchased was made by Urban Decay; it was a loose powder that worked fabulously! The catch: the only 2 ingredients listed were methylparabens and propylparabens, both chemicals linked to breast cancer and infertility issues. Not something that I should have put near my face, but it worked so well and I spent nearly $40 on it so I had better finish it. Every time I used it, I felt so very guilty and was hoping that I would accidentally drop it and lose all of those nasty parabens. Finally though, my Urban Decay powder is finally on it's last leg and I will be out of it probably by next week.
For those that are wondering, I will share what I am replacing my beauty products with. I'm going to say now that if you somehow stumbled across my blog through a search engine looking for reviews or whatever else, I am not the person to ask about organic products nor do I claim to be some kind of organic, all-natural guru; I am still new to the scene and hope to gain more knowledge about harmful ingredients, etc. My list is not a list of the "good and bad," it is simply a list of my personal preferences . . . and fears! :)
I have traded . . .
-Secret deodorant for Crystal Deodorant stick. From what I have used so far, I can say it works. At first I was a little skeptical because it literally is a rock-hard, dry stick. To use, you must wet the "rock" and use. There are no perfumes, so there is obviously no smell. I have not noticed any musty smell or moistness. So far, I would say that I recommend this deodorant.
-Cetaphil and Dermalogica Facewash for Avalon Organics Lavendar Cleansing Gel. I have only used this facewash a couple times (since I have purchased it) and it works fabulously. I love the smell and that it actually "suds" up. Prior to this facewash, I was using two washes that were either mild or a clay wash so there were no bubbles. This smells great and leaves my face feeling clean. BUT, it does leave my face feeling rather "tight" when I leave the shower. Would I recommend this product? Not exactly sure yet, but so far, so good.
-Dermalogica Active Moist facial moisturizer for Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil. This. Stuff. Is. Amazing. This brand's philosophy is that "likes treat likes;" I have an oily face, so it is apparently better to moisturize with an oil. Sure, it seems counterintuitive, but trust me on this one. After my tight feeling face (from the facewash), I put half a dime size of this oil on and it immediately gives me relief and gives my skin a glow. Oh, and I go through the whole day without any nasty shine. Recommend? Absolutely!! It is a little on the pricey side but worth every penny.
-Redken Shampoo and Conditioner for Neuma products. This was a hair product line that we just launched at Omni and I was thrilled to use something totally organic that smells delicious and leaves my hair feeling better than it ever has before. They currently have 3 now 4 sets to choose from and although I have only tried 2 of them, I can guarantee you will never switch from it! My hair feels and smells great and I know that I'm treating it with one of the best products out there so it makes me feel more confident! Recommend? Definitely, definitely!
-Moroccan Oil to Argan Treatment (from Neuma). I am still using the sample packet (now on week 3!), so that alone says that a little goes a long way. I was in love with my Moroccan Oil; the smell was great, I felt like it reduced my drying time, made my hair extra soft. But, because I could try the sample Argan, I did. I like this stuff because it is colorless and has no perfumes. I feel that it also does everything that the Moroccan did. Which do I like better? Moroccan. Which am I going to use? Argan . . . it is better for my hair so I will stick to that mentality. Would I recommend this product? Yes, but only because it is an organic alternative.
-Vaseline hand/body lotion for Avalon Organics Lavendar Hand and Body Moisturizer. I love, love, love this lotion! It is to rich and creamy and makes me smell like I just left a spa. Not to mention I got a huge 32oz. bottle for about $12! :) This brand does not claim to be 100% oragnic (only 70%), but it does not have parabens, sulfates, fake perfumes, or pthalates. I would highly recommend this product because it is organic, cheap, and works amazingly.
-Covergirl, Urban Decay, Bare Minerals make up for Afterglow Cosmetics. I do not know whether or not I will be completely in love with it, but I sure hope so because I have replaced my entire makeup regimen. The most important thing to me in my makeup is the foundation and since my foundation only lists parabens and was way too expensive, I was ready to try something new. I will let you all know what I think of it after I use it all.
-Spearmint Chapstick for Whole Foods brand Peppermint "chapstick." Anyone who knows me knows that I am addicted to Chapstick in the same way that people are addicted to nicotine. No joke. Let me explain why I am so picky with Chapstick. I loved my Chapstick brand because: 1) it tasted, smelled, and felt like spearmint, 2) my lips never, ever felt chapped, 3) my lips never got red from irritation, 4) it was light enough for me to layer it on the 75 times a day like I did. Now, while standing in line at Whole Foods, I thought I'm going to replace it. No, I'm not. Yes, I am, No . . . OKAY! Fine! And honestly, I haven't used a lick of Chapstick (brand) in more than 24 hours. I have not done that in more than 5 years (and I'm not exaggerating!). This new stuff does not taste like peppermint, but it definitely smells like it and leaves a cool feeling on my lips. It is also a little thicker so I use it less often. I also notice than when it "rubs" off, my lips still feel conditioned as though the new stuff actually settles in my lips and is not only surface like my Chapstick brand was. Would I recommend it? Sure, but I have a feeling that there has to be something better out there. But for now, it is by far good enough to get me off of that other bad "drug."
I am still researching and would love to replace my toothpaste, bodywash, shaving cream and face lotion (for night time). As of right now, I don't really find it a necessity to change my perfume or hand sanitizers. Those two things will come in due time. Plus, would you have really wanted to read 2 more of my boring reviews? ;)
Posted byAshley C. at 2:42 PM 0 Love Notes
8.41'
Friday, August 27, 2010
I've got to have my moment to shine. Will you let me? Okay, well I mentioned a couple posts ago that I started the Biggest Loser program at work. One of the challenges this week was to log in your fastest mile on the treadmill. Let me begin by saying that I usually run my mile on 5.5 speed, so it takes me about 12 minutes to finish and when I'm close to the end, I'm ready to just let the belt throw me off because I'm dead. Well . . . on Wednesday, I looked at the fastest times logged in by other participants and they were 8.29', and 9.22'. I figured that I would give it a shot. I love me some competition. I set the treadmill to 6.5 speed and was pretty sure I was going to die. I felt like my lungs were collapsing and that my head was going to burst. BUT, I made it and logged 9.25'; the fastest time I have ever done in a mile, I'm positive of it. I was not happy with being in third. Sooo I tried again today. Instead, I set my speed to 7.0 and ran that speed the entire time. Want to hear what my final time was? 8.41!!!!!!!! WHY?! I am sooo tempted to try again tomorrow! I was only 12 seconds away from the best time! :-[ But you know what? I already beat my best time. By nearly 3-4 minutes, so this was huge for me. I have to say that I'm proud . . . even though I did come in second.
Here's to being in second . . . and a second week of Biggest Loser! ;-]
Posted byAshley C. at 9:06 PM 0 Love Notes
Summer's a bad influence!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Don't worry! I made it back from Michigan alive (well, it was a close one!). Remember me telling you about the Summer being a thief and stealing time? Yeah, well, I don't see an end in sight with its thiefing! Speaking of Summer, I've been feeling a little bit of pressure to lose weight, look thinner, feel better. So, in order to conquer those things, I don't know what I was thinking, but I thought it was a good idea to start the Atkins diet. It sounded like a good idea since you can look 15-20 pounds in a month (and I only want to lose 20!). On top of that, I just started a 4-week bootcamp at the gym I work at. With doing both things to my body, I was guaranteed to end this month looking like a Victoria's Secret model. Or something close. Okay, maybe not. But, I was willing to give it a shot. I made it through the diet 1 day but continued hearing and reading stories about people that lost all of the weight but immediately gained it back plus some. I do not want to run my body through the ringer doing something so extreme. Plus, the Atkins isn't teaching me a "healthy lifestyle;" all that it is, is a crash-diet. So, instead I figured that it would probably be a better idea to watch what I eat, drinks lots and lots of water, no fast-food, no eating past 7 p.m., and working out regularly. Now, that is something that I can do forever. I love me some fried chicken, bread, pasta, popcorn, etc. and I am not willing to give those things up for a lifetime. I want to enjoy life and enjoy the unexpected events that occur and not be so hard on myself for eating a piece of fruit.
Hmm . . . speaking of unexpected events happening, I can't believe that me and Josh will be celebrating our 5-year anniversary in a little less than 1 month! He's planning this one since I planned the last one! Man, it's really exciting and scary! :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 8:27 AM 0 Love Notes
Labels: food, Health, Josh, summer
Finally . . .
Monday, June 21, 2010
. . . my Internet connection is restored. Josh bought a PS3 on Friday and he wanted to connect it to the Internet (so he could play his Call of Duty game), so we called to get the connection key and after losing the connection and reestablishing a new code, he finally got his PS3 connected. Well, he forgot to give me the new code for my laptop and my iPd, so I was bored. All weekend (while he worked and was with his Dad for Father's Day). Without my laptop. It wasn't fun. But, now I'm reconnected! :-] At least I was able to get my coupons clipped and organized, cleaned my room, and be bored to death (well, not literally obviously).
I almost forgot to mention, I went and seen the "girl" doctor today and was sooo relieved. I haven't gone in 2 years and now that it's done and out of the way for this year, I feel like 1 million pounds have been lifted off of my shoulders. I needed to find a new GYN, so I researched online and found one with really good reviews and had 4.5 stars out of 5 (after like 15 reviews!), so I figured I'd give her a shot. Great find and great choice! I've told you before that I get paranoid about my health and just am nervous about getting some kind of cancer. My great-grandma, grandma, and aunt have all had breast cancer before the age of 50, so that puts me at a high-risk for having the gene for it. For precautionary purposes, we did a DNA test to determine whether I had the trait carrying the chromosome. All I had to do was swoosh (Scope) mouthwash for 30 seconds, spit, and repeat (not to mention, my tongue got burned off!). The nurse said that if I don't carry the trait, I don't really have to worry too much about getting breast cancer, but if I do carry the trait, I have to be watched very carefully and be very proactive with mammograms, etc. I can't wait to get my results back! :-] Even though this was a very small, 30 minute task I got done today, I feel like I just defeated 1,000 tasks! :-]
This is my blog so I can be real, right? Well, I have to admit, I am a Christian that is pretty much convinced that I like Eminem's new CD. :-/ Hey, what's wrong with that?! Wait, don't answer that question!
Posted byAshley C. at 4:46 PM 0 Love Notes
Of course . . . !
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Of course . . . when I do good, I gain weight! Go figure. But honestly, I can't complain. If you would have asked me last night, I would have put $100 on it that I lost at least 3 pounds; I feel more toned, less jiggly (haha!), and looked more tight and less bloated. I only missed one day of working out and kept within my boundaries for eating but it still doesn't seem to be enough to bring numbers done. Perhaps the number I should be looking at is my body fat percentage? My clothes feel like they fit more comfortably, so really, I can't be mad.
Josh told me that once my water weight evens itself out, I will lose more weight. He also said that the more muscle you have, the easier you burn fat which means that if I just keep going and not give up out of frustration, it may prove itself worth while.
So . . . what am I doing tonight? Going to pick up some newspapers and get my coupons, babyyy!!! Okay, and after that, I am going to splurge on my favorite high calorie ice cream! Yes! I'm rebelling! Oh, and not to mention, for family dinner tomorrow, Josh's family and I are going to Buffalo Wild Wings. Boy, oh boy, when will this nightmare end?!
On a more positive note, I just purchased my ticket to Michigan in two weeks! :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 4:29 PM 0 Love Notes
Some changes
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My body is telling me that it is time to make some changes! Lately, I have been feeling so bloated and unhealthy and have been thinking about doing Weight Watchers again. And P90X again. And the colon cleanse again. I hate those thoughts! I love my food too much but I have come to realize that this is my problem! The other night (Sunday), I weighed myself and I was the most I have ever weighed: 146.3! Holy moly! I wanted to bawl! I have never weighed that much. Ever. The following morning, I weighed myself and I was 143 exact, so we will go with that as my starting weight. I remember that I used to tell myself If I ever get in the 130s, then it's time to lose weight then it became If I ever get in the 140s, then its time to lose weight. Well, I have made it my goal to get down to a weight that I've wanted for quite some time: 125. If I reach that and I see areas that still need work, I will increase my goal by 5 more (120, 115) until I am happy. I am a short girl, so those goals are definitely healthy.
Now, a 3 month commitment is not much to ask of myself, so I will commit. If you look to the right side of the screen, I have added a little 12-week column so that you can help me track (and keep me accountable of) my weight loss. I hardly ever tell people my actual weight, but there you have it . . . shhh! I have added my start weight and body fat; hopefully those numbers will begin to decrease quickly. I will be updating my weight loss (and gains) every Saturday. I made a vow to Josh and myself that I will not quit either of those regimes until I have reached that ultimate goal. Josh said that once I get to 125, he will buy me a new workout wardrobe and a new pair of workout shoes. On top of that, I will have a nice, tight body for a wedding I'm going to (where I will reunite with some family) and hopefully engagement pictures won't be too far behind the weight loss! I better get to work!
Now, don't let me quit my goal. If you see that column gone (or not updated), get on my butt about it! :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 8:05 AM 0 Love Notes
Labels: Health
I will wear an X-large?!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I've got a complaint that I've been holding in for quite some time (no, not my neighbor's porch light lighting my bedroom up at night). I found a really nice pair of workout pants about a month ago. Now, you know how hard it is to find a really good, comfy, fit-ya-just-right pair of workout pants. I found them and I love them but every time I pull my pants down to use the bathroom I have a mean tag staring back at me. "USA: M, ASIA: XL . . ." Now, I feel really good about wearing a medium . . . in the US. So, this tag is telling me that if I go shopping in Asia, I will wear an X-large?! Eek! Talk about a confidence booster!
Now, yesterday I weighed myself and it was a number that I've never seen on the scale before . . . in the other direction. So, change of plans. I am not doing P90X anymore. It's boring and time-consuming and by no means flexible. I decided that I need to really take action and change my eating habits. My goal is simple: only consume 1,500 calories a day and burn 1,000 calories a week (only cardio, not including strength training). That's it. And not to mention, it's been almost 2 months of no fast food!!! How's that for a big accomplishment?! :-] I'm going back to the basics. Before all of the fads, diets, tricky workout regimes existed.
Oh, and a friend of mine just started her own blog. She's a soon-to-be mommy and has a juicy, interesting life. Meet Courtney!
Posted byAshley C. at 11:41 AM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
I need to get out of here.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Since Wednesday, I've felt drained and tired with some congestion. As the week progressed, I began to have a majorly stuffed nose, very sore throat, and pounding headaches, so yesterday I went to the doctor. He said that I "have enough systems to treat this as strep throat." I have antiobiotics and have just been hibernating since.
This morning, Josh called me at noon to wake me up (yes, noon). He told me that there was no family dinner today but his dad is grilling out. I don't know what got into me, but I sprung out of bed and immediately went into the kitchen to find the ingredients to make tuna salad. Got 'em all. And baked beans, too! While I was at it, I found some lemon cake mix (my favorite!) so I decided to make that, too. I told myself that I was just going to eat grilled food, baked beans, a can of pop and some cupcakes . . . the ultimate Summer dinner minus the watermelon . . . and not look out the window in order to convince myself that it's Spring. In fact, I am going to paint my nails pink today, too. I am sooo over this cold weather! It is making me sick and I am freezing. I cannot wait much longer for Spring to get here. I am ready to just sleep with my window open, wear nothing but a shirt and jeans, and go rollerblading. If our credit card had enough money available, I would buy Josh and I tickets to Florida for a week. I need to get out of here. Oh, wait, I wouldn't be able to because we are supposed to get a foot of snow tonight! Aye-yi-yi.
Posted byAshley C. at 12:48 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: Health, Spring, winter
The new go-getter
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I know I'm a little late, but I realized that I didn't share my New Year's resolutions. It wasn't intentional, heck I just feel like mine are boring and would rather listen to other people's. So, I know that I am always telling you guys I'm going to do this, I'm going to do that, but never actually complete it. Sometimes it's just me being the optimistic person I am. Other times, it's me simply not doing what I thought I could. I think that's partially why I didn't feel like I wanted to share; I don't want to seem like this big failure, because I'M NOT! I think I'm a real go-getter, but sometimes things just get in the way. :-]
So, what are my resolutions? I don't know. I really don't. I had a few things in mind, but there are three that I think I have chosen: 1) make it through 2 rounds of P90X, 2) no fast food for 3 months, and 3) save money in unique ways. First of all, P90X is a 3-month program, so for me to set 6 months aside really hoping to make it work is huge. I am about to start my third week; when I did it the first time (when I originally blogged about it), I made it 1 week shy of 2 months. I loved the results, but school and work just began getting a little too much for me to work out for an hour and a half 6 days a week. So, now that I have a lot more time on my hands, this shouldn't be so hard. Second, I am a fast food addict. I eat it all of the time. Too much. I want to wean myself away from it, so that's why my goal is not 12 months; that would just be too unrealistic. 3 months is an easier goal to attain and maybe by April 1st, I will not want it at all. Lastly, I stink at saving money (as I've shared before). So, I need to practice more fun, involving tactics. I have decided that clipping coupons is my new favorite thing to do. Have you ever come across another blog of a mother that clips coupons and pays like $15 for a whole cart full of groceries? That'll be me. I clipped my first batch of coupons today and can already see myself being successful doing it! You can seriously use manufacturer's coupons, store coupons, and mail-in rebates (triple whammy!) and save sooo much money! I don't want to be "that girlfriend" that spends all of the money and doesn't bring anything back to the table. Josh will thank me at the end of the year when we have receipts telling us that I saved us hundreds of dollars!
I think this will be a fun, rewarding year. I am setting myself up for goals that are realistic yet challenging. Here's to all of our attempts at resolutions and the opportunities we have to try again!
Posted byAshley C. at 10:20 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: coupons, Health, holidays, New Year, struggles
Time for change
Sunday, November 1, 2009
I can get used to this Daylight Savings Time adjustment! I know a lot of people hate when it gets dark early, but I love it! It just feels more cuddly and comfy.
Starting tomorrow, some things are going to be changing. First, me and Josh are starting our workout. Second, my mom was nice enough to buy me the colon cleanser I was talking about, so I will be starting that the day after it comes in the mail. If you can see a trend, my goal is to make my body better . . . to become more healthy. The other thing that I am changing is my spiritual health. As ashamed I am to admit this, I have not prayed in the longest time nor have I read my Bible. I feel like my spiritual being needs some changing, training, rebuilding. I have felt very polluted in the physical and spiritual sense, so I feel like it's time for some cleansing. I am cleaning off my iPod of all secular music and only adding Christian music and devotional Podcasts. I feel so much closer to God and my thoughts are more pure and godly when I hear music that He would actually approve of.
I guess you can call this a fast. A fast from secular music, fast food, laziness. Junk. This workout, cleanse, and Christian music should kick out the cravings, eh? No more sitting around being gross. It's time for change!
Posted byAshley C. at 4:49 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: Christianity, God, Health, struggles
New body coming up!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
About a week ago, I mentioned me and Josh going on a little adventure and that I'd share it with you all. It doesn't seem to be hurting anyone by not knowing, so I will share that tomorrow.
For the past few days, I have been doing research about several things. First, I have been searching for a good, affordable colon cleanser/detox program. I finally found one. It seems to be the #1 detoxifier on several all-natural sites, so I think I am going to fork over the money and try it out. I feel so bloated and tired all of the time and I think this is just what I need to kick start my new lifestyle. Yeah, yeah, I have had several posts about healthy goals but I am totally doing it this time. I want and need to treat my body better. I need more healthy stuff. No more junk.
Second, I am going to be starting P90X again on Monday. This time, I have support and a workout buddy, so I feel like I will be 110% more successful. I originally stopped because I absolutely could not find the time for the long workouts. I know it works, so it helps keep me motivated. I am determined this time!
Finally, I am on the hunt for a book. Not just any book, but an all-natural, go-to, healthy food and nutrition bible kind-of-book. After this detox helps me kick my cravings and bad eating habits, and cleans out this junk that's in me, I am going to start eating differently. I need a book that will help guide me to what's good and bad for my body. If any of my readers know of an all-natural book, please share. I will keep looking, but your help will be greatly appreciated. :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 4:38 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: Health
The scale broke
Thursday, September 24, 2009
So, as you all know, I have been doing P90X . . . very faithfully. I don't know if I mentioned it previously, but I am no longer doing the meal plan. It is too inconvenient with me being at work and school and having no time to actually cook something or pack a lunch or dinner for every place I go. For those that aren't familiar with P90X, it is a 90 day (very intense) workout plan. I am now on day 31! You are supposed to weigh yourself and take pictures every 30 days and it guarantees results. It's no lie. But . . .
I made the mistake with starting the plan during my heaviest time of the month, if you know what I mean. So, when I weighed myself yesterday, day 30, I actually weighed more. How does that happen?! I understand that muscle weighs more than fat, but sheesh! I am definitely bloated and heavier right now, but I look and feel better. But, my body fat percentage is up, too. Maybe from water weight? Who knows. My argument is that the scale is broken. What I do know though is that my stomach, legs, arms, everything is tightening up (and shrinking); there is a big difference and it's only day 30! I love this workout!
I have done very well. I would say that the hardest part for me is actually waking up extra early for school and getting the workout in. I want to just lay in bed and get that extra hour and a half of sleep. Sometimes I do and I'm forced to do the workout at night after work (which stinks!).
I would definitely recommend this workout to anyone that is looking for some high-intensity work out plan that promises results.
Posted byAshley C. at 5:07 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: beauty, Busy, Health, random
Chewed up and Spit out
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Okay, so for those of you that aren't "friends" of mine on Facebook, you aren't seeing the repeated P90X status updates that I've been giving. Yesterday was day 1; the workout consisted of mainly pushups and pullups and abs. You know how usually after a hard workout, you are sore the following night or the second day after the workout? Well, not with P90X . . . I was sore only a few hours later. And it's not like I never work out because I do, but it was definitely very intense and I reached muscular failure quick.
Today was day two and it was all plyometrics . . . jumping, squats, lunges, etc. It was the absolute hardest workout that I have ever done in my life. I thought that a few times I was going to have a heart attack! For real! But when the workout was over, I literally smiled and laughed because I was so exicted I conquered that! I finished that workout about 3 hours ago and my legs and butt are already sore.
For those of you that are curious, yes, I am following their meal plan, too. I want to make sure that I see the best results possible and that I am giving it my all.
What I am saying is that if you have the extra money and have tried every workout, diet, and meal plan that exists, this is the best thing you'll ever use. I will keep you guys up-to-date on what is going on with me and my body . . . and my struggles! I will have to figure out a way to show you all some quality before and after pictures that are not of me in my bikini because that's not happening! :-]
Posted byAshley C. at 1:06 PM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: Health
Great workout
Monday, August 17, 2009
Whew! I did an awesome workout today, which I am very proud of!
You know how Josh got me that iPod? Well, there is a Nike application on there that tracks your time, distance, calories burned, etc. I was finally able to get the other little (required) piece that goes in your shoe and I love it! Normally, I only run a mile and do strength training, but today, I ran two miles! Yeah, some of you are probably thinking that's nothing, but I don't run two miles every day, so it's a lot for me.
Anyway, the Nike application was so cool because the lady talked to me through the time I was running ("goal" was 20 minutes). She told me every 5 minutes where I was at and how much longer I had to run. I really like this thing; I suppose it's for running outside, but I HATE running outside . . . will not do it . . . ever. So, I will just use it on the treadmill. :-]
Guess what I am waiting for to arrive in the mail? P90X! I am totally going to rock that DVD and have a banging body when I am done! Watch out! If you go on youtube and look at transformations, you will be impressed. So, I will take a before and after picture just for you guys. The only thing I am not looking forward to is the nutrition plan. I'm sorry, but I love food. I like to eat whatever I want, whenever I want . . . I don't like eating set foods (which are usually boring and bland). But, what's 90 days? I will most likely form a healthy eating habit, save money from not eating fast food, and have a hot body . . . I think it's worth it! My main goal is to make sure I have a nice body for my marriage (whenever that happens) and so that I am that much ahead when I eventually have babies!
Posted byAshley C. at 12:53 PM 0 Love Notes
Labels: Health
Naughty, Naughty, Goody-Two-Shoes
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
When I said that I was serious about working out, I was serious. No more being lazy.
I woke up, did some homework, and got bored, so I started looking at stuff online. That always turns into something bad. Nothing good ever comes out of me being bored and sitting online. Actually, I did something really bad. Josh and I both love the Yankees. They are our favorite MLB team. I went on the Yankees website and was looking at tickets for when they will be in Chicago. July 30-August 2. I bought tickets. Josh doesn't know about it yet. I figured that since they were good seats, why wait? They might sell out by the time Josh decides to by them. I mean, we were going to go to a game this summer anyway, right? I'm kind of afraid to tell him.
After spending $130 on 2 Yankees tickets, I decided that I had to make it up to myself and do something that would make it easier to tell Josh. Sprinkle some sugar on top, if you will. I hate running outside. There is something about it that makes my teeth hurt and my lungs feel like they are being pinched. I ran a mile outside. Huge accomplishment for me. I could run forever on a treadmill, but for me to run outside is like pulling teeth (and it feels like it, too!). I texted Josh, "I may have just done something really bad. Can't talk about it, going for a run. BYE!" Whew, got that out of the way.
The run was not bad at all. I think I might make it a routine. I am trying my hardest to lose these last few stubborn pounds. I know that they won't come off easily, so I am going to have to work at it. After my run, I went to McDonalds and bought a large Diet Coke. Yum! So refreshing! So really, that was two good things I did to make up for the bad. I ran a mile and resisted some tasty food. Josh oughta be proud!
So, I have officially decided that I want to take acoustic guitar lessons. I have been wanting to do that for so long and I have settled on the decision. I am doing it. Josh's cousin teaches lessons for pretty cheap, so I am going to have to save up some money for an acoustic guitar and sign myself up! A friend of mine is going to do them with me, so that'll make it interesting. Someone to hold me accountable, eh?
Oh, one more thing. I don't really talk too much about my nephew. In fact, I don't think I have mentioned him at all on my blogs. I should be ashamed of myself! He is the cutest 16 month old baby in the world and I am honored to be his Aunt.
Today, I was playing with him outside and this giant ant came crawling by and I said, "Andrew, look. Look at the ant. Ant." I wanted to teach him what an ant was. So, he started running after it and slamming his palm behind the ant's trail, laughing. Finally, he smushed the ant, looked at his palm, and said, "Uh-oh." It was really the cutest thing because he just learned how to say, "Uh-oh." His voice is so low and innocent and he sounded really concerned about killing the ant. So stinkin' cute.
So, I have redeemed myself. If Josh asks, I am wise and know what I'm doing. Thanks for backing me up, you guys!
Posted byAshley C. at 11:19 AM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
Labels: Andrew, Baseball, Health, Josh
Just Another Day With Josh and Ash
Monday, June 8, 2009
Me and Josh thought that it would be fun yesterday to be rebellious and not go to church, but go on a fishing expedition instead! Saturday night, we pulled an all-nighter at my house just watching movies and fussing with out computers and on Sunday morning, we left my house really early and headed to Wisconsin. Wisconsin because I guess there was free fishing at any lake this weekend, so we wouldn't need to buy our license just yet. Josh had a lake in mind that was about an hour away, so we decided we try to go to that lake first and see if it was worth our time. The lake looked pretty nice and swampy. Swampiness means fish! We walked up to the lake empty-handed to see what it was like before we decided to unload the car. There were 10 million mesquitos within the 50 feet we walked. Me and Josh decided that there was NO WAY we were going to sit around with these nasty bugs. No wonder we were the only car in the parking lot.
Aahh . . . finally, we were able to wet our lines! When we got our license, we bought these little speakers that we could plug into our iPod and just make it more relaxing. We had our lines in the water, country music playing in the background, and each other to laugh and have fun with. I guess the guy in the parking lot that said, "They're really biting today!" was lying because I didn't get a single bite, and neither of us caught a fish.
While on the boat, me and Josh had this brilliant idea about a book we are going to write! We decided that we are going to take some before pictures, do a mad workout, take some after pictures and publish the book! I can't tell you the cool part about this because you might steal our idea (and our millions). But, we are definitely going to be on Oprah's list and have multiple books with the same concept. Heck, one day, you'll be following this awesome workout and seem some great results.Posted byAshley C. at 9:40 AM Post a comment (1) Love Notes
