Yesterday, the last official step in the condo renovation was completed, CLEANING! I showed up last night to a lovely, clean home. Over the past week or so, I had slowly been moving things from my apartment into the garage. I … Continue reading
Instead of packing up my apartment this afternoon, I decided to do a makeup tutorial. Procrastination much? I am fully admitting that my packing priorities are not where they should be. I saw a Warm Winter Glow makeup tutorial on … Continue reading
How are all of those New Year’s resolutions coming along for everyone? Before I can get into the full swing of mine, I have to get this move done first. I haven’t gone grocery shopping in maybe a month. I am shamefully eating pre-cooked meals from my freezer that I only put in there because I felt guilty about being sick of it and throwing it away. I have two cartons of milk in my fridge, both expired (which means no lattes, y’all). I tried to give my dog Cheerios instead of dog treats because I was out for forever. She was not amused. I also ran out of cheese because I kept giving it to her for treats instead. What I am trying to say is that I have had less than two seconds to recover from the holidays, have not had time to do normal people things like grocery shopping or taking out my trash, and my apartment is in full moving mode while we are still completing rennovations on the condo. I am completely disoriented and disorganized. My life is in shambles. *cue tiny violins*
Anyway, what I did want to say is that I am slowly incorporating some sort of exercise back into my life with the help of my new Fitbit. My boyfriend got one for Christmas. I was intrigued, so I bought one with my Chanukah money. I have not gotten into the whole food plan or competition aspects of my Fitbit. I am also afraid of adding Fitbit friends for fear of them seeing my weight. Is that a thing? Can they see that? My guess is no, but I need to do some research first.
I have learned a few things about my daily habits that are well, embarrassing/shocking/I am so lazy. First of all, I did not realize the extent of how sedentary I am throughout the day. I eat, breathe, and live at my desk. There are not many reasons to get up throughout the day except for a few trips to the copy or fax machine. I probably get in more steps going to the kitchen to refuel my main life source (coffee) than I do for any other reason. The first day I wore my Fitbit to work, I walked out at 5 o’clock with only about 2,500 steps under my belt. This is including all the steps I take running around getting ready in the morning and already having walked my dog twice that day. You read about the risks of not reminding yourself to get up and move or stretch throughout the day, but this caused the reality of my lack of daily movement to become crystal clear.
I decided to change some things, and thankfully, my boss supports this endeavor 100%. I had mentioned in my New Year’s Day post that my coworker and I would try to take two walks per day. It started out with a quick lap around the building twice a day. Then around both buildings. Then my boss suggested we go walk around the lake, which is really a nearby quarry that is now a “lake”. We have taken that idea up as well. In addition, more people are joining us on our walks. Getting up, moving around, and getting some Vitamin D does wonders for the rest of my day. I even need less coffee now. Ok just kidding, but maybe I will get there.
Secondly, I don’t get enough sleep. I have had apps that measure my sleep before, but I feel that no technology has been as honest with me as my Fitbit has. The night before last, I got 5 hours and 43 minutes of sleep. What is that? Not the sleep necessary for someone with a full-time job. This is something I need to work on.
Lastly, this little nugget you wear on your wrist is not just helpful, but ADDICTING. I get so excited about getting my 10,000 steps in every day. The other night I got in bed and noticed that I had gone 9,994 steps that day. Did I get up and walk around my bedroom? You bet I did. Then I experienced the light and vibration party on my wrist that happens when you hit your goal. It celebrates with you. Who wouldn’t get excited about that? I was so anxious to get my steps in yesterday that I actually walked around the quarry in the freezing cold. That is what any Texas girl would call dedication! I hit my 10,000th step as I was getting into my car to leave work. It definitely ended my work day on a high note. I reached over 13,000 steps (over 5 miles) after spending the evening moving things to my new place. It was a good feeling!
I am curious about what else the Fitbit has to offer in terms of reaching my goals. But until things calm down a bit, I’ll be walking around the quarry and getting in my 10,000 steps! I know I am late to get on the Fitbit train and that this is not a new concept. However, if you’re looking to set some fitness goals or just need a cold, hard dose of reality, then you may want to look into getting one for yourself.
Thanks for stopping by! See y’all next time…
Marissa
Does anyone out there feel like they still have not recovered from the holidays? Well, me either. Confession time: I snoozed four times this morning. Even Lollie was impressed. Even though I had initially scheduled my second Stitch Fix to arrive … Continue reading
Happy New Year, y’all! I hope everyone had a safe and fabulous time ringing in 2015! My friends and I have attended the same party for a couple of years. Last year it was a Roaring 20’s party which was … Continue reading
Receiving my Birchbox each month is like having my own little box of holiday surprises all year long! This month, Birchbox decided to forgo their signature pink box and sent my treasures in this festive blue holiday box. This was hands down one of the best boxes I have ever received.
I ended up purchasing full-size versions of two of the items in the box. The best part is that I got them FO FREE. In addition to the 25% off promo code Birchbox emailed me, I was able to use my Birchbox points to purchase the full size items. The items I purchased were $42 in total, plus two bonus samples. I love this company because it is so easy to earn enough points to get free products!
I have also racked up enough points to become an Aces member. What is an Aces member you ask? It comes with perks such as free standard shipping, concierge service, exclusive shop offers, anniversary perks, and surprises. I love surprises. I am not sure if it is a good or bad thing that I became an Aces member. I did not reach this level from just writing product reviews. I confess that I had to buy a few things as well. This is similar to how I feel about becoming a VIB member at Sephora this year. It sounds like a good thing, but in reality, I have probably spent entirely way too much money.
Anyway, let’s get started on the samples, shall we?
Manna Kadar Lip Locked in Lucky
$24 in the Birchbox Shop
This lip gloss is now my holy grail lip color. This color is GORGEOUS and is appropriate for day or night. It also feels wonderful on my lips. The color stays put while moisturizing my lips, which is exactly what I need in this dry, winter-ish weather! This is one of the products I ended up buying. Love love love!
5/5 would buy
SeaRX Anti-Wrinkle Face Lift Treatment Serum
$34 in the Birchbox Shop
I have mentioned before that anti-aging treatments are not my favorite sample to receive in these boxes. Sure it’s good to shlop some anti-wrinkle cream on around your eyes before bed. But when you only have a tiny tube of product, or just a single use packet, it’s impossible to tell if the product is actually working. Unless Birchbox finds a way to send me some instant plastic surgery in a tube, I probably will not be purchasing any of these kinds of products.
1/5 would buy
Vasanti Kajal Extreme Intense Eye Pencil in Rose Gold
$18 in the Birchbox Shop
THIS! This eyeliner, guys! Is it obvious that this is the other product I purchased? Because of course it is. This sample was a sample I was able to choose for this box. I typically do not go for eyeliner that is not black. Not since college, anyway. This color is excellent for using as an eye brightener. I line my lower lashline and tear ducts with it. I instantly look like I slept 9-10 hours instead of my usual 6-7! I love how awake this liner makes my eyes look.
P.S. The full size liner comes with an awesome built-in sharpener!
5/5 would buy
Ruffian Nail Laquer in Ruffian Red
$10 in the Birchbox Shop
I wish there was a way for me to tell Birchbox that I do not want any nail polish samples. I don’t even touch them. If Birchbox was able to see how much of a horrendous nail biter I am, they would not deem me worthy of having their fancy nail polish samples. My boyfriend’s mom suggested I blog about trying to stop biting my nails. I think she is onto something because I would have a lot to whine about say on the experience. When I am ready, and when I am sure I will not fall off the wagon, I may give it a try. I have tried before, and not even that disgusting Stop Bite stuff could keep me from chomping away. Horrible. Anyway, for those of you who enjoy nail polish, Birchbox sends some awesomely sized samples.
1/5 would buy
Davines Replumping Shampoo
$25.50 in the Birchbox Shop
I have expressed my gratitude to Birchbox for sending me shampoo samples I can actually use on my keratin-treated hair. But a shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment in the same box? Heaven. And Davines to boot, which is an excellent hair care brand. I use the Davines Alchemic Silver Conditioner to tone any brassiness out of my blonde hair. It works wonders, I tell you. I liked this shampoo a lot, but not enough to purchase it right away. I like to switch up my shampoo each time I run out, so will definitely put this one in the queue.
4/5 would buy
Davines Replumping Conditioner
$25.50 in the Birchbox Shop
The same goes for the accompanying conditioner. I am definitely willing to try it out in the future.
4/5 would buy
Davines Replumping Superactive
$39.50 in the Birchbox Shop
I LOVE a good leave-in conditioner. I often feel like the conditioner I use in the shower will not be enough to protect my hair from all of the terrible things I do to it. This was a decently sized sample as well. It leaves my hair light and soft, without weighing it down. Luckily the sample will last me a while!
4/5 would buy
If you are interested in receiving your own little monthly treasures, then pretty please sign up for Birchbox using my referral link!
Thanks for stopping by! See y’all next time…
Marissa
I don’t know about y’all, but the holidays are coming and going super quickly! These past few weeks have been a whirlwind holiday parties, way too many office treats, and indecisive, semi-holidayish Texas weather! Before the holiday excitement becomes a … Continue reading
Nothing says the holidays (or in my case, any holiday) like a festive door decoration! I decided that I would take my wreath crafting skills away from the football genre and try my luck at a Hanukkah wreath! Making a … Continue reading
Don’t know what to do with that pesky leftover Salt Lick BBQ? #southernproblems There is not a more Texan way to repurpose BBQ than to make them into breakfast tacos. This past Friday, I watched my best friend become a Doctor … Continue reading
This past Saturday, I was flipping through Netflix with my boyfriend when I spotted a familiar movie poster. That hair… those khakis…. that unmistakable Beverly Hills shaped sign… This is one of my all-time favorite movies, Troop Beverly Hills (starring the … Continue reading
Lollies and Lattes 