*Fit Journey Update*



PUMPED!



Its been a little over year since I began my fit journey and I must say, it sure has been quite a challenge!  I've been through 2 shoulder injuries and now currently dealing with another which sure is a big pain! Ever heard of Tennis Elbow?
Yeeeeea, well since last January, I began feeling my forearm and elbow muscles burning every time I gripped or carried something with my dominant right arm. Honestly, I thought it was one of those sore feelings you feel from a good workout, but after days passed and weeks gone by, the pain was still there. Since then, I've been wearing an elbow brace during my workouts and have been continuing ice therapy since. 

As for checking in with a doctor, it has been rather difficult trying to set an appointment up with her as she has been AND is still on a vacation of a lifetime!  Although the pain still lingers, I continue to fight through it and maintain my workouts.  Less focus on upper body and more focus and training on my lower body. Call me nuts and hard headed, but I'm motivated to get in the best shape of my life!

A friend of mine, Mr. Marty "McFly" Cabigas asked me a few days ago, "How long did it take you to get in the shape you're in right now?" and my answer for him was 3-6 months and I'll tell you why. First off, before you can determine how long it takes to get in shape, one has to determine a personal threshold for proper diet and exercise. In case you weren't already aware, getting in shape does require good eating habits. It's not to say you can't have the occasional sweet, but a majority of the things that make it into your body should serve a greater purpose: fueling your body. Yes, food can be a pleasure, but on a biological level, it's just fuel to keep your body going. Just like a fine automobile, it needs the proper fuel to run smoothly and for a long time. Now with exercise, I started small in the beginning and as my body acclimated to the work outs, I bumped it up to more rigorous sustained activities. The more rigorous the activity, the more results you are likely to see. Just don't overexert yourself!

So when you're asking yourself that same question, "How long does it take to get in shape", remember that you're a unique individual. As long as you dedicate yourself to eating properly and maintain a good exercise regime, you'll be in shape before you know it!

Overdue Beauty Haul

Do you ever go into a store to find an item that you've been meaning to buy, yet end up veering off to come out of the store with more than you were planning to purchase? Yup that was me this past weekend...

Lately, I've been taking advantage of coupons and one in particular that caught my eye was for the Simple Beauty Line which I have recently grown to love immediately after purchasing and using the Moisturizing Facial Wash a couple months ago. I decided to purchase my first Simple product after Judy (from itsjudyslife on youtube) recommended it for those with sensitive skin like me.

As I've mentioned before from my previous "Try Day Friday" posts that I've had difficulty finding the right cleansers and moisturizers to work well with my skin. Next to Cerave, (which I still continue to use since my days in Texas) this actually works quite well for me. The facial wash comes out as a gel like form and once applied, it glides on smoothly leaving your face extremely soft after washing. With that said, I'm seriously excited to try out their other products as the name purely speaks for itself.  Along with these products, I decided to pick up a few other items that I needed to help me prep and go about my days in the morning before leaving the house.

Since my skin is fairly sensitive, I've tried various over the counter beauty products from Physician's Formula to Revlon, however no other OTC beauty product works well for me other than Covergirl. After many years of sticking to my MAC line of products (thanks to my MAC family at Nordstrom), I ventured off and decided to try something else that wasn't so heavy on my face.

One of the Covergirl items that I picked up was the New Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in 1 Foundation which I tried on this morning before work. One thing I love about this is the pump that it comes with. I've previously used their Clean Liquid Makeup which was a bit more difficult to control since that didn't come with a pump at all. The "3-in 1" says it all as it contains the primer, concealer and foundation all together cutting your application time in half. I love the fact that it goes on smoothly and does not leave any cakey mess, but more of a flawless finish. It works well on my sensitive skin and so far, I've made it through the workday with it still intact and I must say, I am impressed! Along with this product, I picked up the Clean Pressed Powder in a green container. I have yet to try this as well as the Fresh Complexion Pocket Powder Foundation which received many great reviews from Covergirl's website. When I get the chance to try these 2 products, I will definitely post a "Try Day Friday" review for those wondering if it is worth buying. As for the other products, I purchased a pack of brow pencils, an extra tweezer (since I had lost my Revlon one) and Palmer's Cocoa Butter to help smooth and lighten the appearance of a few pesky bug bites that have turned into scars.

I must say, I'm pretty happy with the purchases I've made. So far, all the products I've tried have been a hit! As for the other products sent to me by the folks at Dermagist, I've had to stop usage after 3 days of testing due to a breakout that it caused. Unfortunately, I was unable to do any sort of review on it since that was the case and I apologize to those who had been waiting on that. Nevertheless, if you have any questions about the products I've purchased, please feel free and ask away. With that said, I hope you all have a great week!

Blogoversary Countdown!

Happy 2013 everyone! I can't believe how fast time has flown! As I look back and read through older posts, I reminisce about the very first day I began my blog. Yes, its been quite a journey folks and I'm happy to have shared it with you all!

Moving forward...This month last year marks the start of my fitness journey as I battled through my most heaviest weight of 125lbs. After having fought 2 months of a sinus infection, I gave myself a challenge which was to cut that weight down to 112 by May of 2012 (just in time for a friend's wedding). It wasn't easy making that fat cry tears of sweat as I became obsessed weighing myself everyday - BIG MISTAKE! Through research, I found Jamie Eason's Live Fit Training which challenged me and got me prepped for more physical training that I never knew my body could handle! She is definitely my fitspiration!!!

Now during the first few months, I battled weeks of my weight fluctuating from 117lbs to 115lbs and then back up again. Yes, I was a bit hard on myself, but I was always determined to reach my goal. Well, I did reach my goal by last May and after moving back to Cali from Texas that same month for a new gig, I rewarded myself with a gym membership! The stationary bike and treadmill had become my best friends for a whole month as my weight had finally stabilized and I was really feeling and seeing the results. After a month of sticking to only cardio workouts, I made an effort to hit the free weights and researched different workouts that targeted all muscle groups. With the aid of various supplements and my constant daily protein intake, I had slimmed down tremendously as I now weigh 105lbs.

I'm no longer at a point where I need to lose weight as I'm actually trying to eat more protein and lift heavier to gain muscle mass. Yes, this year is all about bulking up for me as I've got plans to participate in a natural physique competition in 2014/2015. On another note, this month last year marks when I first created my very own blogger account and in 8 days, it'll be my 1 year Blogoversary! Then the day after marks my 31st birthday!!! Big things coming!!! Also, in case you haven't read my previous posts, the hubs and I finally moved to our very own home and not to mention, the day after Christmas, we adopted a German Shepherd mixed doggy from the shelter! Everything is falling into place accordingly and I'm stoked to share the love with you all!

On another note, I was recently contacted by a Dermagist.com representative who has given me the opportunity to select and try a set of their skin care products by which they had just recently sent me a complete package that I will be sharing with you all very soon! Keep an eye out for that post! I'll be making a conscious effort to keep you all updated on my journey this year to a much more healthier, fit and simple lifestyle! Stay tuned!!!

No Longer Living in a Suitcase...

Wow, its been quite a while and I certainly do apologize for having neglected my blog and most

especially you all...

Ahh yes...What a journey I've been on from Cali to Texas and back. I've been enjoying since I landed back on Cali grounds this past May and I'm happy to share that my PIC ("Partner in Crime") has made his way back permanently as well this past August. Since then, we've been doing our best to establish a home base for us to settle in. While enjoying our time back, I received news that my parents will be moving to another city to join the rest of my Mom's side of the fam; therefore my hub and I will be making our move to take over my parents house which I am extremely excited about!

Yes, it's quite hard to live with your parents or in-laws while married, but we've clearly managed to stick it through many times before which made this last stay with them pretty easy. Not only am I excited about moving out in December, but I'm so happy that it's my favorite time of the year as well! Stoked!!!

The countdown has begun and we've got about 2 1/2 weeks till we pack up and move one last time! Luckily it won't be to another state!!! Although I am a bit sad that my parents will no longer be a few minutes away, I'm thrilled that both my parents and my hub and I will be able to start anew in our homes.

I'm also approaching my 6 months at my new job and I seriously can't believe how fast time has flown! I feel like I was just in Texas yesterday! In case you didn't know, as much as I disliked the weather in there, I do miss being in Texas and all the fabulous foods and eateries that they had! I'll definitely be making my way back knowing that we still have a cousin left behind.

Anyhow, I do plan to keep up with my blog now once we're all settled in our new home. Its been rough not being able to unpack all my luggages and boxes. I'm looking forward and can't wait to update you all again!!! I miss you guys!!!

Long Time No Catch Up!

Hi everyone! I know it's been quite a while since I last posted so I just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a great Labor Day Weekend ahead! At the moment, I'm currently at work and had this sudden urge to jump right back on as I've certainly missed you all!

I'm not going to make any promises, but I will definitely be back to give updates on what I've been up to the past month or so. Can't wait to share! Again, have an awesome weekend ya'll!

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