Perfect skin tone for ~Summer Time~

Summer is here and a pretty skin tone is a MUST!  Even if you already have color, balance your skin out with a pretty airbrush for a beautiful soft look.  I LOVE a nice tan but hate the negative impact of the sun with aging and cancer.  I've tried MANY lotions, gels, creams and even expensive spray tanning machines.  I was shocked how well this airbrush spray works! 

Sally Hanson has a spray called Salon Airbrush Legs (water resistant) that works really well for the entire body! When spraying this product, I highly encourage you to spray it in your hands and rub the solution on.  I use it on my neck, chest, arms and legs.  Make sure your skin is clean and hydrated with lotion or you may see dry spots.  For an even look, I moisturize my skin with cocoa butter and then spray the solution in my hand and rub it in.  After the solution dries, I follow it up with a powder bronzer (Physician's Formula) and lightly brush the powder on the airbrush area.  This leaves SUCH a nice color and really evens out the skin tone.

The Airbrush Legs (medium glow) can be found for $11-$12 per can.  (Although I always see this on clearance at different stores and in fact I received two unopened sprays FREE at a yard sale! It can be found at most discount department stores.








The Physicians Formula powder bronzer can be found for $12-$14 per compact.  It also can be found at most discount department stores.

Home Made Sugar Scrub for Beautiful Skin...

 I LOVE THE RESULTS OF SUGAR SCRUBS (not to mention the $avings!)

I've been making home made scrubs for quite some time. The savings in costs from most skincare is amazing but the results are even better!  The ingredients in scrubs are all natural and many times loaded with antioxidants, healing oils and scents that smell good enough to eat.  Although sugar is not good for us on the inside, sugar works great as an exfoliate!  I also use salts but today I'm just going to share a few sugar scrubs.  Please note:  ***The oil needs to be added to your liking.  You may need more or less depending on the desired texture.  Keep the scrub sealed tight with a lid after each use.  The scrubs last for about 2-months unless contacted with water. 

The first sugar scrub is raw HONEY sugar scrub (be sure to reap the benefits of using RAW honey only).  Raw honey has a significant amount of antioxidants which can slow the aging process.  Because honey is naturally antibacterial, this is perfect for acne and cleaning pores!  I was amazed at the glow honey gave my face after using it.  In-fact I highly recommend after exfoliating your skin with this scrub, place a layer of raw honey over your face for 30-minutes and you will instantly see benefits.  

• 1/2 cup of pure cane sugar
• 1/3 cup of cup extra virgin olive oil (or use until the texture of your liking)
• 2 tablespoons of Raw honey
• 10-15 drops of essential lemon oil 
• Few Drops of grape seed oil

This rose scrub is very classy with a lot of benefits!  I love this one as I place dried rose petals in this scrub. I also add rosewater which reduces inflammation.  Rosewater has a lot of health benefits to help with wrinkles, lines and especially good in the summer to hydrate skin.  The scent is an instant stress reliever.  

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup of cup extra virgin olive oil (or use until the texture of your liking)
• 1/4 tsp rosewater
• Rose Petals either fresh or dry (6 will be plenty)  

THIS ONE IS ONLY FOR COFFEE LOVERS!  I absolutely love coffee!  The smell is amazing but you have to love coffee scent to try this!  I was so excited when I learned how beneficial coffee grounds are for the skin.  Coffee is not only an excellent exfoliate but also help with cellulite and saggy skin!  PERFECT BODY SCRUB!  The antioxidants are amazing to help tone skin and the caffeine is a stimulant that increases the circulation.  I noticed after using this body scrub it leaves a really pretty glow on the skin too! 

Watch how your skin literally glows after using this!
 

• 1/2 cup coffee grounds (use caffeine)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (or use until the texture of your liking)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• few drops of grape seed oil
• 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon

Spinning into a healthier me!

I purchased this awesome salad spinner!  I was frustrated with the prep time with salads and all the lettuce, spinach and other healthy leaves going bad after a day or two in the fridge.  The spinner allows the salad to be washed and spins for a fresh & crisp salad!  I love that I can use the bowl to store the salad in the same bowl I spin it in.  

Eating more vegetables is really important in my weight loss.  I noticed the more vegetables I eat the more full I become, which my body really responds to- Not to mention the health benefits!  Easy, crisp, convenient and healthy- Love this gadget! 
   

                                                           

GET TO STEPPIN!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  I am very excited about 2013 and all the year has to offer.  For some reason the New Year gives many people the needed motivation to kick off the year in the right direction with goals.  My weight loss goal still continues.  I want to share a walking tool that helps me a significant amount with my physical activity.  

Like many American’s between school, my employer and computer work I sit far too much.  It is important for me to have physical activity during my weight loss and especially with my back issues.  Walking is imperative and my walking pedometer keeps me informed of exactly how much walking I have actually done during the day.  

I have gone through literally dozens of different pedometers and this is by far my favorite.  I have to warn you though, I had a bad habit of accidentally leaving this in my pocket and throwing my pants in the wash machine- it is NOT water proof (whoops!) so now I use the clip provided on the back and clip it to the band of my pants where it’s pretty much impossible to forget.  I absolutely love this thing!  I am really impressed with the Omron walking-pedometer.  This device is

extremely accurate, comfortable and durable! 

                                                       

The goal is to walk 10,000 steps per day- NO WORRIES if you aren’t used to that many steps (equals to about 5-miles) then take it slow.  I encourage you to wear the device and do a “normal” day without trying and see how many steps you actually take during a day.  The next day you can challenge yourself to do extra 100-200 steps and slowly increase your goal.  For competitive people, this is actually be a lot of fun!  It is amazing how you will want to park your car a little further to get those steps in or take a walk during lunch break.  Even walking in place during commercials is an awesome way to rack up the steps!   It is important when you first purchase the device to CORRECTLY input the settings for an accurate count.  You will only be asked to input the information 1-time.  

JOIN ME AND LET’S GET TO STEPPIN!!!

Skipping the holiday baking......

 With the holiday season here, sugary treats are everywhere.  I decided not to bake this year but instead make candles this season.  Candles save calories, last longer and just plain classy!  :)  I LOVE candles so I taught myself how to make them a few years back.  These particular candles are still cooling off, so my label and ribbon aren't assembled yet.  My home smells like French Vanilla- mmmmmmmmm....Excited to try the other scents! Wish I could bottle the scent up and share! 

Below are some of the candles I made this year for Christmas gifts.  Family, friends and co-workers love them and I love them because they are so meaningful.  

                                                      

Burn calories while making a living in an office chair!

I absolutely love my workout exercise ball.  I did a small blog about the ball http://mysheriannblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/love-ball.html on a previous page but I have to share how much this ball is actually helping!  I work from home and on the phones for hours at a time, after work I spend hours working on homework- THAT'S A LOT OF SITTING.  During that time I've been finding small ways to create a calorie burn but still be productive with work and school.  

Sitting on the ball automatically works the ab muscles which helps to also strengthen my back.  While working I'm able to do move around on the ball, leg lifts, ab, squats, and core exercise.  There's something about sitting on the ball that creates a healthy mindset to find ways to move while working.  This also brings awareness to my posture unlike my executive comfy office chair (slouch!). Just sitting and working is burning calories! 

I did some research and learned that 1-hour sitting on the ball can burn 100-200 calories per hour!  Well this is GREAT since I'm working for hours at a time.  GET MOVING EVEN WHEN YOU HAVE TO SIT TO MAKE A LIVING!!!!!

Many do not have the luxury of bringing a ball in the office to work so I recommend using the ball during television, sitting projects, and even hanging out in the living room with the fam. 

Reference

http://www.livestrong.com/article/310665-calories-burned-sitting-on-an-exercise-ball/

Knowledge is POWER!!

So have you ever had one of those ROUGH and emotional days you OWE yourself some good comfort food?  Well mac-n-cheese is definitely a comfort food!  Today was one of those days I was very tempted UNTIL I read the nutrition label.  MY GOSH- This over processed crap is loaded with almost 40 grams of fat, 12 grams sat fat, and almost 1,100 calories!! No to mention- zero nutrition! Emotional eaters can zone out and eat the entire box without much thought to it- including me! THAT'S DISGUSTING!  

When you feel like having unscheduled "comfort" food so "so called" reward yourself, educate yourself before the damage is done.  After seeing the shocking numbers I grabbed a huge glass of water & an apple and took a walk.  No fatty mac n cheese gonna mess with my goals!  :)

Spaghetti Squash

Okay- these pictures really are terrible; HOWEVER, take my word for it.....the spaghetti squash is amazing!  There are SEVERAL ways you can cook spaghetti squash and honestly it comes out the same, in my opinion.  If you want this as simple as possible, cut a few slices on each side for air and pop it in the microwave for 25(ish) minutes.  Check after 20- if the squash is VERY EASY to cut, then it's done.  Mine taken over 20-minutes.  (It doesn't taste good under-cooked)

Cut the squash in half.  BE CAREFUL IT'S HOT AS HECK ON THE INSIDE.  You will need to cover your hands with a cloth or mitt.  After carefully cutting the squash length wise, scoop up the middle guts and seeds and  set aside.  Once the middle is clean, take a fork and scrape the meat of the squash and you'll notice it comes off very easy and looks like spaghetti noodles.  

Add some butter spray, "I can't believe it's not butter spray", dash of sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and even some Parmesan cheese and WOW- it's delicious!!! Some replace spaghetti noodles with squash but I have to be honest, my family was NOT having it! lol  They can enjoy it on the side with some grilled chicken, but don't mess with Momma's spaghetti!  However if you have little ones- there's still time to brain wash them!  :D 

LOVE the ball!!!

Using my exercise ball not only helps me stretch but builds balance, strengthens body, and gives a good workout.  The exercise ball is for any fitness level from beginning to advanced.  I'm amazed how many sit ups I can do on this ball considering I can't do any on the ground! lol  Yes- I have a long way to go.  

I love to stretch on the ball to stretch out my lower back.  Another favorite is to watch TV on the ball instead of the couch. Lifting your legs and balancing on the ball is not only fun but if you do it enough, you will feel it in your abs the next day!  It's a great workout while watching TV.  

In my opinion the exercise ball is a must have! Youtube.com offers different video ideas for a TON of different ball exercises. I personally don't like the smaller balls.  Mine was a 75cm- which some will tell you I'm too short for that size (for a VERY tall person (6'3"-6'7") but I personally don't like the smaller balls.  I picked up mine at Target for under $20 and be sure to get burst resistant (Momma didn't raise no fool!)   

Also- if you have children, get them a ball!  Obviously a smaller ball depending on the age.  My teenager loves this ball and uses it a lot!!!  This is much better than sitting on the couch playing video games or watching TV.  Get those abs workin!  

CLEAN- It was like MAGIC!

I absolutely love a clean home.  Stubborn stains will drive me a little crazy UNTIL I learned this new trick for the carpet!  I was in SHOCK and even my husband was entertained watching the magic! I had a few stubborn stains on my carpet by the entry way but POOF they are now gone!

With some research I learned a new trick that I HAVE to share. 

Products:

• Hot iron
• Ammonia
• Hot water
• Spray bottle
• Dry white washcloth 

Mix half and half hot water and ammonia in a clean spray bottle.  Shake the liquids together and generously spray the mix on the carpet area with the stubborn stain.  After giving the area a really good spray, place a clean/dry washcloth on the stain and iron the washcloth.  DO NOT LET IRON DIRECTLY HIT THE CARPET.....Be sure to only iron the washcloth where the stubborn stain is.  Before you know it, the stain will actually appear on the washcloth in seconds!  IT WAS LIKE MAGIC!!!!! 

Convenient Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are not only tasty and healthy but CONVENIENT! My son requested more and if you're like me, when your teenager is ASKING for veggies, you obey! :)  He not only loves the taste but he appreciates the CONVENIENCE.....grab n go. The wraps are great because you can cater to the taste of your loved ones. For example, my son has not acquired a taste for tomatoes or onions yet (taste buds change with age) so I set up the assembly line and fix all of his wraps to his request.

GET CREATIVE! This is a simple wrap with a very light spread of guacamole, but you can use other spreads such as vinegar and olive oil or hummus. I enjoy mine with a tiny dash of sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Or no spread at all!

KEEP IT SIMPLE! After coming home from the grocery story- wash, cut, and bag it up! For example in the picture you'll see the bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, etc etc washed, sliced, and zip-lock bagged. This way when I create my assembly line it's extremely easy to create the wrap. The clean up afterwards is SECONDS!

KEEP IT HEALTHY! I chose to purchase a fresh lean turkey and fresh cheese from the deli instead of processed sandwich meat/cheese from the packages. This cuts on a significant amount of chemicals that make us ugly and fat! FRESH CLEAN FOODS!

GET THE CHILDREN INVOLVED! This is something younger children would love to help with and teenagers are very capable of doing. Once you get that assembly line going for a loved one, kids will want to grab that step stool and join in! Make it fun and use stickers on the wax to differentiate whose wrap belongs to who. For example Mom's wraps are the heart sticker!

HOW TO WRAP IT UP! You can play around with the different lettuce you would like to use. Once you wash your lettuce put a light spread on two pieces of lettuce. Take one lettuce and add all the cut veggies and any seasons you choose. Now take the deli fresh sliced meat and cheese and roll them together. Place the rolled up meat/cheese and place it in the second lettuce. Sandwich the two lettuce together and roll it in the wax paper. I like to leave the side I'm going to eat a bit open for easy access.  Enjoy!!!  Cheers to healthy living!

Decisions with emotions KEEP YOU FAT!

               Back on routine is a superior feeling!  This morning I started my day with an awesome four-mile walk.  It’s amazing how many creative ideas come to mind while raising endorphin levels or as my son calls it entering “Sheri Land.”  On this weight loss journey I’m learning I act on emotions much more than I realized- good and bad.  I don’t “feel” like working out, I don’t “feel” like making good food choices OR I’m in the mood for cocktails, I feel like Mexican food tonight!  I firmly believe logic is an act of wisdom and emotions should not get a vote in the decision making.   

                Our thought process is a powerful tool.  I know if I let my mind think “I wish I didn’t have to work out.”  I would plant a seed NOT to work that morning.  I’M SO THANKFUL I KNOW HOW TO PLANT POSITIVE SEEDS!   I witness many people whom make decisions with emotion rather than logic and suffer extreme consequences.  BUT I’m excited to know we can establish well rounded lives as long as we are willing to recognize the weakness and put some work in.   

                My personality type is a sanguine.  Sanguine’s tend to think outside the box, very talkative, and live passionate lives.  However, the downfall is that they are not naturally disciplined and need help with organization (This explains why my Mother was CONVINCED I had some ADD issues lol).  Self discipline and organizational skills are important for me to recognize to continue success in my life.  

                I have to admit I love emotions as I’m a very passionate person.  My personality allows me to celebrate to the fullest, love passionately, initiative to make things happen, and keep things fun and entertaining.  My personality type also make excellent entrepreneurs as our creativity is above average- HOWEVER without discipline or organization I could be a HOT MESS!   I’ve incorporated discipline and organization to most parts of my life EXCEPT weight loss.  I never associated my weight loss struggles with my personality.  

                As I mentioned in earlier blogs, my husband Darak is kicking butt in his weight loss journey.  IT SEEMS SO MUCH EASIER TO HIM!  My husband’s personality type is a phlegmatic.  Phlegmatic are easy going, don’t carry strong opinions, and very logical.   They tend to be patient and hardly ever worry about things.  This personality type never stress over guilty feelings like many women do!  Darak and I have very opposite personalities and THANK GOD for that because TWO OF ME in the same room would be an overwhelming circus and TWO OF HIM in the room one would wonder if there was a pulse (I hear crickets)!?  Together we bring a balanced lifestyle.  

                I used to always wonder- HOW DOES EVERYTHING COME SO EASY FOR HIM!?  It used to drive me crazy because I couldn’t figure out how he lived stress free or how decisions came so easy.   It was later I realized I’m an emotional thinker which can get messy if it’s not controlled.  My husband makes decisions out of logic (which explains all of the UN-romantic evenings. LOL)  I admire how bad social situations would not phase him but I will bite at the bit to shut my big mouth!  I was thinking and reacting on emotion rather than logic.  Don't get me wrong- it's just as important for phlegmatic's to work on their weakness, however sanguines have it much harder when it comes to losing weight. 

                So my new motto is TO MAN UP!  Emotions are GREAT and I’m thankful for my personality HOWEVER I know I can battle this weight loss journey with less emotion and more LOGIC.   I appreciate all the support and encourage any chit chat- mysheriann@yahoo.com