What I did over the weekend...
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Gus & I took Riley to our local arboretum last weekend. They have great paved (and unpaved) trails for walking & biking - and pets are welcome! It's really pretty, too. They also have several ball fields, tennis courts, a huge playground, & some picnic shelters. But we just go there to walk. :-)
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Happy Birthday, Gus!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Today is Gus's 45th birthday, so that's my cue to say something nice about him. He says he only likes reading my blog when I talk about him or when I post something funny. Everyone's a critic right?
Gus is the best man I know. He loves his family & he works hard to make sure we have everything we need. I know that there is nothing that he wouldn't do for us. Without a doubt, he always puts us first. He's my best friend & my hero. He has a great sense of humor & well, he's pretty hot.
To be fair, he also leaves his shoes all over the house (I can see a pair from here) - and he leaves dishes in the sink instead of putting them in the dishwasher that is a foot away. He can also fall asleep in the middle of a conversation - usually just as I'm getting to the good part. But he does squeegee the shower after using it about 90% of the time, so I'm cutting him some slack.
Happy Birthday, honey - I love you!!!
Gus is the best man I know. He loves his family & he works hard to make sure we have everything we need. I know that there is nothing that he wouldn't do for us. Without a doubt, he always puts us first. He's my best friend & my hero. He has a great sense of humor & well, he's pretty hot.
To be fair, he also leaves his shoes all over the house (I can see a pair from here) - and he leaves dishes in the sink instead of putting them in the dishwasher that is a foot away. He can also fall asleep in the middle of a conversation - usually just as I'm getting to the good part. But he does squeegee the shower after using it about 90% of the time, so I'm cutting him some slack.
Happy Birthday, honey - I love you!!!
Gel manicure
Gel manicures came onto the scene a couple of years ago, but I'm just now (carefully) getting on the band wagon. I'm not talking about gel overlays (like acrylic nails) - I'm talking about gel "polish". I think OPI was first on the market with Axxium (that link isn't the OPI website, but it explains the Axxium system), and now CND has Shellac.
According to my nail tech, Shellac is "easier" on your nails than Axxium, because it is newer technology. I know nothing about the details, but everything I've read on the internet seems to reinforce her information.They call it a "hybrid" - it goes on like a polish & wears like a gel. Plus it's supposed to be easier to remove than the OPI.
If you aren't familiar with gel manicures, it's basically a manicure where the polish is a special polish that is "activated" by 30 seconds of UV light. My nail tech does 4 coats - base coat, 2 coats of color, and a top coat - each followed by 30 seconds under the UV light.
This stuff is amazing!! There are a ton of colors from which to choose - I chose a pale neutral pink with just a hint of shimmer which looks very natural. It's very shiny and it really does stay that way. They tell you that it lasts 2 weeks, but it may last a bit longer. I was busy at the 2 week point, tried to get an appointment at 3 weeks, but my tech was on vacation for a week. So I went 4 weeks before reapplication. Other than the new growth at the base of the nail, they pretty much looked the same as when they were first done. My tech was amazed, so I assume that is not the norm.
I admit, I'm a little concerned about the UV light. Only the tips of the fingers are under the light - and one doesn't normally worry about fingernails when out in the sun. But there is that little bit of skin that is exposed. I thought about sunscreen, but since you have to soak the nails to remove the old "gel", I assume that would soak off the sunscreen as well. I'm wondering if one could apply sunscreen after the nails are prepped, but before the product is applied that makes sure the nailbed is clean & dry? I don't know if that would affect how the "gel" adheres or not. I would be interested in any information or advice concerning the UV aspect of the manicure. I'm hoping they find a way to do this without the UV light, because it really is a great manicure.
According to my nail tech, Shellac is "easier" on your nails than Axxium, because it is newer technology. I know nothing about the details, but everything I've read on the internet seems to reinforce her information.They call it a "hybrid" - it goes on like a polish & wears like a gel. Plus it's supposed to be easier to remove than the OPI.
If you aren't familiar with gel manicures, it's basically a manicure where the polish is a special polish that is "activated" by 30 seconds of UV light. My nail tech does 4 coats - base coat, 2 coats of color, and a top coat - each followed by 30 seconds under the UV light.
This stuff is amazing!! There are a ton of colors from which to choose - I chose a pale neutral pink with just a hint of shimmer which looks very natural. It's very shiny and it really does stay that way. They tell you that it lasts 2 weeks, but it may last a bit longer. I was busy at the 2 week point, tried to get an appointment at 3 weeks, but my tech was on vacation for a week. So I went 4 weeks before reapplication. Other than the new growth at the base of the nail, they pretty much looked the same as when they were first done. My tech was amazed, so I assume that is not the norm.
(I forgot to take a picture before the old gel was removed, but the nails really looked the same as they did at Day 21. This picture is of the new gel.)
So it lasts at least 2 weeks, stays shiny, doesn't chip, and it's completely dry at the end of the manicure. Yes - you can reach in your purse for your keys & your nails will be just fine! The cost at my salon is $32. I've checked other local salons & that seems to be about the average price.
I admit, I'm a little concerned about the UV light. Only the tips of the fingers are under the light - and one doesn't normally worry about fingernails when out in the sun. But there is that little bit of skin that is exposed. I thought about sunscreen, but since you have to soak the nails to remove the old "gel", I assume that would soak off the sunscreen as well. I'm wondering if one could apply sunscreen after the nails are prepped, but before the product is applied that makes sure the nailbed is clean & dry? I don't know if that would affect how the "gel" adheres or not. I would be interested in any information or advice concerning the UV aspect of the manicure. I'm hoping they find a way to do this without the UV light, because it really is a great manicure.
Kardashian Glamour Tan
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
I purchased this product from Ulta several months ago, and then I forgot that I had it! LOL! I found it a couple of weeks ago & decided to give it a try.
Kardashian Glamour Tan is a clear self-tanning gel. I typically don't do well with this type of product - the color & fading are poor for me. But I decided to try it because it would be nice to have something like this for travel or for times when I don't want to mess with a colorguide.
Ingredients:
Water, Methylpropanediol, Dihydroxyacetone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloydimethyl taurate copolymer, Lactic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Succinate (Vitamin E), Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Urea, Trehalose, Polyquaternium -51, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Glutamylamidoethyl imidazole Fragrance.
Consistency & appearance: This product is a clear, thin, runny gel that can be kind of messy because it tends to run out of the container too quickly. I think a pump bottle would be much better. The label says that the product contains fragrance, but it must be very minimal because I didn't detect any scent.
About my skin type & tanning: I am a Type I/II (I almost always burn, but I can get a very slight tan with a lot of patience.) I'm Casper-the-Friendly-Ghost white, with dark blonde hair and blue/green/gray eyes. My skin is pretty sensitive, so I have to be careful with certain ingredients - especially fragrance. When sunless tanning, my skin is atypical of a Type I/II in that I need at least 7.5-8% DHA to get decent color. Anything less than that usually gives me translucent color that tends to look orangish. I don't do well with drugstore products, and I prefer airbrush tanning solutions (ABS) to any other type of sunless tanner. Products with a dark CG can cause fading issues for me, so I usually counteract that by showering after 4-6 hours. This allows me to absorb the DHA without any staining from the CG.
Skin prep: I showered using Ulta's 3-in-1 Shower Smoothie (in Cocolada) and lightweight nylon exfoliating gloves (there are different types - these are very lightweight & minimally abrasive). After showering, I used Ulta's Shower Smoothie Hand & Body Cream (in Cocolada - and this is more like a thick lotion than a cream - it absorbs completely without any greasiness) to prep the areas that I know tend to "grab" the color - elbows, knees, ankles.
Application: First application was to a 3-4" circular area on my stomach (which typically takes color very well). After 24 hrs. - no color. None. Zip. Nada. So I applied again to the same spot. After another 24 hrs., I could just barely see a color change, but it was negligible. I was pretty discouraged since I spent $20 for the product.
A week or so later, I decided to give the product a try for my hands & feet. I did my usual routine for hands & feet - lotion to the areas that tend to grab color, then the sunless tanning product after the lotion was absorbed. I carefully scrubbed my palms after applying to my feet, then tanned my hands. (I used about a quarter-sized amount for each foot and a nickel-sized amount for both hands.) I used a damp washcloth to wipe my palms & cuticles, as well as any areas that I know tend to grab color. After a couple of hours, I applied lotion all over my hands & feet, and wiped my palms & the areas that tend to grab color with a dry paper towel.
This time the final color wasn't bad. It was light, but I would rather have my hands & feet a little lighter anyway. I can always add bronzer if needed, but I like a light base color. Color doesn't usually last long on my hands & feet - and I'm okay with that as long as what's left can be removed fairly easily when I'm ready to start over. The Kardashian Glamour Tan color seems to last about 3-4 days, which is a day or two longer than usual. I do find that I have to scrub a bit more to remove the remaining "splotches" before re-tanning, but I am able to remove the color so that the new tan is even.
This product is available from ulta.com - a 6 oz tube is $19.99.
Repurchase? I haven't decided yet. I will probably have a better idea once I've used the entire tube.
(I know I had some other comments, but somehow part of the post went missing once I posted it on the blog. If I remember, I'll make updates!)
Kardashian Glamour Tan is a clear self-tanning gel. I typically don't do well with this type of product - the color & fading are poor for me. But I decided to try it because it would be nice to have something like this for travel or for times when I don't want to mess with a colorguide.
Description from Ulta.com:
This moisturizing formula is packed with protective antioxidants and vitamins C, D and E. It's the only self-tanner containing imudulin, a key ingredient that is designed to stimulate vitamin D synthesis, which can aid in lessening the look of lines and wrinkles. Glamour Tan's unique clear formula is non-streaking and non-staining. It instantly absorbs in your skin and within 24 hours of application, you'll notice an even, golden, fabulous tan.Ingredients:
Water, Methylpropanediol, Dihydroxyacetone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloydimethyl taurate copolymer, Lactic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Succinate (Vitamin E), Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Urea, Trehalose, Polyquaternium -51, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) Glutamylamidoethyl imidazole Fragrance.
Consistency & appearance: This product is a clear, thin, runny gel that can be kind of messy because it tends to run out of the container too quickly. I think a pump bottle would be much better. The label says that the product contains fragrance, but it must be very minimal because I didn't detect any scent.
About my skin type & tanning: I am a Type I/II (I almost always burn, but I can get a very slight tan with a lot of patience.) I'm Casper-the-Friendly-Ghost white, with dark blonde hair and blue/green/gray eyes. My skin is pretty sensitive, so I have to be careful with certain ingredients - especially fragrance. When sunless tanning, my skin is atypical of a Type I/II in that I need at least 7.5-8% DHA to get decent color. Anything less than that usually gives me translucent color that tends to look orangish. I don't do well with drugstore products, and I prefer airbrush tanning solutions (ABS) to any other type of sunless tanner. Products with a dark CG can cause fading issues for me, so I usually counteract that by showering after 4-6 hours. This allows me to absorb the DHA without any staining from the CG.
Skin prep: I showered using Ulta's 3-in-1 Shower Smoothie (in Cocolada) and lightweight nylon exfoliating gloves (there are different types - these are very lightweight & minimally abrasive). After showering, I used Ulta's Shower Smoothie Hand & Body Cream (in Cocolada - and this is more like a thick lotion than a cream - it absorbs completely without any greasiness) to prep the areas that I know tend to "grab" the color - elbows, knees, ankles.
Application: First application was to a 3-4" circular area on my stomach (which typically takes color very well). After 24 hrs. - no color. None. Zip. Nada. So I applied again to the same spot. After another 24 hrs., I could just barely see a color change, but it was negligible. I was pretty discouraged since I spent $20 for the product.
A week or so later, I decided to give the product a try for my hands & feet. I did my usual routine for hands & feet - lotion to the areas that tend to grab color, then the sunless tanning product after the lotion was absorbed. I carefully scrubbed my palms after applying to my feet, then tanned my hands. (I used about a quarter-sized amount for each foot and a nickel-sized amount for both hands.) I used a damp washcloth to wipe my palms & cuticles, as well as any areas that I know tend to grab color. After a couple of hours, I applied lotion all over my hands & feet, and wiped my palms & the areas that tend to grab color with a dry paper towel.
This time the final color wasn't bad. It was light, but I would rather have my hands & feet a little lighter anyway. I can always add bronzer if needed, but I like a light base color. Color doesn't usually last long on my hands & feet - and I'm okay with that as long as what's left can be removed fairly easily when I'm ready to start over. The Kardashian Glamour Tan color seems to last about 3-4 days, which is a day or two longer than usual. I do find that I have to scrub a bit more to remove the remaining "splotches" before re-tanning, but I am able to remove the color so that the new tan is even.
(this is an old picture just to show you how pale I am without any sunless tanner)
This product is available from ulta.com - a 6 oz tube is $19.99.
Repurchase? I haven't decided yet. I will probably have a better idea once I've used the entire tube.
(I know I had some other comments, but somehow part of the post went missing once I posted it on the blog. If I remember, I'll make updates!)
Five favorite "diet" foods...
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Since revamping the way I eat, I've had to change my "splurges" to things that are a bit healthier, and lower in fat & sugar. These are a few of my favorites, so I thought I'd share.
Ocean Spray Diet Sparkling Pomegranate Blueberry Juice Beverage
This comes in an 8.4 oz. can and is delicious! It only has 10 calories, 0g fat, 50mg sodium, 3g carbs, & 10% Vitamin C. I believe you can buy them by the individual can as well as in 4-packs.
Kellogg's Special K Fruit Crisps
These come in a variety of flavors, but I love the blueberry. They're like miniature frosted blueberry poptarts, but better. 100 calories, 2g fat, 20g carbs, 1g protein.
DiGiorno 200 Calorie Portions Pizza
(2 svgs per box)
My favorite is the pepperoni! You can make these in the microwave, but I prefer them in the oven. I sprinkle the top with a little fat-free cheese & bake for 14 minutes. Perfect for lunch!! 200 calories, 9g fat, 21g carbs, 10g protein.(2 svgs per box)
Laughing Cow Cheese
Again, several varieties, but I love the light creamy swiss. My favorite way to eat it is with oyster crackers, LOL! I wedge has 35 calories, 1.5g fat, 1g carbs, 2g protein.
Jello Sugar-Free Pudding Cups
Honestly, I can't tell the difference between this & the regular pudding. I love the vanilla & the chocolate/vanilla swirl. 60 calories, 1g fat, 12g carbs, 2g protein.
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