Saturday, June 13, 2015

Balancing Health

Being pregnant and sick for half of each with both boys, then nursing for 3 years and counting...my body is feeling drained. Also, I'll be 27 years old this summer...how did that happen? The past 5 years have disappeared.
My skin is showing its displeasure, my weight is taking its sweet time coming off... My motivation is stuck. So what am I doing about it? Because you know I don't like staying stuck...
I searched for the best prenatal in my budget on Vitacost.com. I started taking Evening Primrose oil, Cod Liver oil, calcium, extra Vitamin C and a good fiber supplement. I have been oil pulling. I am trying to drink as much water as I can... I don't drink coffee very often and I'm cutting back on my tea.
I know I need to start drinking a green drink in the morning or for lunch... I think I will have to start making up bags of smoothie ingredients so I won't have the excuse of "its too much trouble".
I have an addiction to sugar... As most Americans do. Its in everything, so it's hard to weed it out completely. But I'm working on it.
I wanted to get a double jogging stroller so I could start taking walks in the morning with the boys, but I cannot find one that will fit N that is also in my budget. So, praying about that... I guess I'll just use my elliptical for now. I have been doing some yoga and core work...really focusing on strengthening my whole body.
Trying to find my motivation thru my friends on Facebook and staying accountable thru myfitnesspal. It's encouraging to see the scale slowly go down, but I don't see a change in my body because I haven't been able to do much toning. But each day is another chance to do the right thing.
I want to be strong and healthy for my boys, for my family... To glorify God with what he has given me.
For me weight loss, healthy living...it's all very connected to my spiritual life. I feel that since God is the creator of my body, I can pray and ask him to help me in my endeavors to be healthier. Strengthening me both physically and spiritually. Its a testimony to how weak we are as humans and how much we need God in our lives. How much we need to rely on God... Trusting him with our health, our life, our souls.

Ciao,
nellers

Sunday, May 31, 2015

#LovePureSilk


In my latest Influenster Voxbox, I got reacquainted with an old stand by, Pure Silk Shave Cream, raspberry mist. I used to buy this because it was less expensive than the other brands, but still a great quality shave cream.
Thick, luscious and easy to dispense, It makes for a really good shave. I won't go so far to say that it's moisturizing, but I didn't get any nicks!
Now with the  hotter weather I will be shaving more, so I will have to pick up another can when I finish the sample one. I love how confident a close shave makes me feel when I'm wearing shorts.  A great reason to #LovePureSilk .
Ciao!
Nellers
*Pure Silk was sent to me compliments of Influenster for testing purposes. *

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Feeling fresh with the Fresca Voxbox!


Spring brings many things... Birds singing, flowers blooming, bees buzzing and allergies. For me it also brought a Influenster Voxbox. 


Influenster sends out boxes of free samples and sometimes full sized goodies for testing and review. As always, I strive to give fair and honest opinion!
I was so excited to receive this box. There were so many great products and I had fun time trying them all out. 






My favorite thing was the Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Purifying Shampoo and Conditioner - [$7] It actually wasn't a hit for my scalp, but still think it's a great s&c combo. Its free of the harsh chemicals generally found in hair products, such as sulfate, silicone, paraben and dyes.   It smells amazing, so fresh and clean and it lingers in your hair just enough. The shampoo and conditioner worked well together, taming my wild mane. If you were using this daily, I would recommend adding a deep conditioning mask every couple of weeks.


The second thing in the box was my old standby shaving cream from Pure Silk [$2.19]. I have been using this stuff since I first started shaving. In the past year or two, I have just been using cheap conditioner or lathered up soap. Using the Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream this past week, I am reminded why I loved this stuff once before. A smooth, close shave that leaves my legs looking fantastic!
The Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs [$13.99] paired very well with the shave cream and made my legs look even better! It wasn't what I expected... Its basically makeup for your legs. Read the directions before using and definitely shave before hand to achieve a flawless look! I will be using this for times I wear a shorter skirt at church but don't want to wear hose.
After trying the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Daily Cleanser [$7.99] for over a week, I feel there is a big improvement in my skin. No more new breakouts and the ones I had are healing. The scent is pleasant but not overwhelming and a little bit goes a long way. I was sad to see that there was parabens and fragrance in the face wash. It does says it has white tea and vitamin e, but for me there are better options that are less toxic. It did improve my skin but I don't think I'd buy a full size. 









I stepped way out of my comfort zone with the NYC Expert Last Lip Lacquer in Rockaway Ruby [$3.99]. Such a vibrant, pigmented shade of red with pink undertones. The application was really easy, but care should be taken to be sure you don't end up with it all over your face. It lasted a good 4-5 hours, drinking water and eating lunch included. A little bit goes a long way! To use this for a more muted look, combine with lip balm and only dot the lip lacquer on the bottom lip.


Last but not least, the JAFRA Blends [$22]! They sent three sample size vials and one full sized Blackberry Juniper Magnolia (1oz). To start off, the Blackberry blend smells amazing. So fresh and sweet... Good for any occasion. JAFRA Blends are meant to be layered together or of course you could where them alone. They are made with essential oils and seem to linger for quite a while. The sample sized scent were Violet Pomegranate and Sea Salt Rose Petals. I LOVE the violet blend...it is so sweet and fruity. It layers well with the Sea Salt Rose Petal, which is a soft rosey scent.
That is everything in my Fresca Voxbox from Influenster...whew! Such awesome products! I am so glad I got the opportunity to try new things. I always end up finding things I love that I never would have normally tried. Thanks Influenster!
*Nellers*

A Balancing Act

Ok so I love to blog, journal, whatever you want to call it. I loved hearing the clickty clack the keys as I let my thoughts run thru my finger tips. And when I was. 15-20 years old. I had plenty of time. Now I am a mom of two busy boys and find myself constantly battling between what I should do, what I need to do, what I want to do and oh look I got distracted...
I think I kind of rocked being a FTM. One kid? Easy peasy. I mean, n was not and is not an "easy" child but far as I am concerned the past three years have been pretty fantastic. Now though... With two kids I feel like I am constantly struggling with balance. I don't feel like "I got this" a lot of the time. Baby J is 8 months old and I am just now getting back on my feet, so to speak and really trying to find our balance, our groove. I struggled with PPD this time quite a bit. But I have to say that I have been so blessed. Baby J is an angel baby. He almost never cries for me...for S is another story. N is growing into a headstrong, yet sweet imaginative little boy. We clash wills daily, but he is such a great big brother.
Anyway, I say all that to say this.... I miss blogging! But I don't seem to have time for it like I used to. And man, blogging/vlogging is so popular these days. And vloggers get all this free stuff "for your consideration". I want free stuff......

So yeah... I am going to try and blog more. Actually I have a post about my NEWEST Influenster vox box that I got coming up. So stay tuned for that.

Have a Disney , y'all.
Nellers

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Reese's Spread

I am a huge fan of chocolate and peanut butter, so I was pretty stoked when I got the email from Influenster saying I was going to get the Reese's Spread Voxbox.
On a dreary, cold day, a lovely orange box was sitting in my mailbox. N and I grabbed a spoon and an apple for the initial taste test. Now being a fan of Nutella, I was expecting something like that... it was not, however. It literally tastes like a smooshed up Reese Cup!  The texture was slightly grainy, but the taste was terrific.
Now, this is not a healthy snack... its a very indulgent snack, requiring much will power to NOT eat the whole container in one setting. The calories are 190 per 2 tbsp and 19 grams of sugar. I try not to make snacks like these a habit, but every once in a while its nice to have around.
So far I have tried it on graham crackers, pretzels, toast, a spoon, my fingers, apples, a banana and swirled in a Wacky Cake. I am a pretty big fan of the saltiness that stands out when paired with pretzels, but it is truly decedent in the Wacky Cake.
Valued at a little over $3,  I'm not sure this would be something I purchase just to have in the house. If  I was planning on making a dessert with it, like the Wacky Cake, then I might.
I did really enjoy trying the Reese's Spread, so Thanks Influenster for the opportunity!
Til next time,
Nellers <3

Sorry for no pictures, the Blogger App is being a beast and I don't have any pictures on my computer. >.<