Old Passions & New Challenges

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Some of you may know this and some of you might not, but I used to be a dancer. I competitively danced for 6 years and it was some of the best times in my teenage-hood. I started it because it sounded fun and I wanted a new hobby, so when this new dance studio opened up in my town, I enrolled in ballet, jazz, and tap classes. Not long after that, I was asked to be in their competing ballet company. It quickly became an obsession and a passion. I was really good at it despite being the chubbiest girl in my class.

I went home crying the first day because of my weight and didn't want to go back, but my parents always made my sister and I finish what we started, so I went back with a positive attitude and didn't let my weight affect my interest in dance. I stayed with it and eventually had to make the switch to Dance Performance Color Guard in high school which was also a competitive team. When I went to college, I wanted to get my Minor in dance, but there was no room in my schedule and the audition process was grueling. It didn't seem to fit into my life any more and that really upset me!

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Since Ian and I have finally settled down home-wise and our jobs are going well, he and I figured that it was a good time to pursue some things we've been wanting to do for awhile. I decided to register for dance again at a studio in my area! I signed up for Adult Hip Hop class which is an area of dance I've never really tried. Tonight was my first class and I really loved it! It's fast-paced, active, and challenging! And I am, again the chubby one, but it doesn't bother

I'm proud of myself for trying something I love once again even after being away from it for so long. I also hope that this leads to something remarkable for my fitness, health, and happiness! I'll keep you posted on how it's going, but it really feels good to be able to call myself a "dancer" again.

<3
E

New Hobby Love

I wanted to share with you all yet ANOTHER new hobby that has taken my heart these past few weeks. I really have Janel to blame thank because she posts about it all the time. (hint: I wish she posted about it more!) ANYWAY, I'll give you a clue to this lovely new hobby:

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That's right-----> BENTO! If you don't know what bento is, here's a little lesson. I'm trying this hobby for more than one reason:

1. Elaine. needs. portion control. I eat TOO much of one thing. Enough said. Bento has little compartments that limits the amount of one thing that you can include. I believe that's part of the awesomeness of the Japanese-style lunchbox. So yeah, portion control.

2. Promoting health. I think that I will be more likely to include healthy choices in these cute little boxes and cups like grapes, crackers, yogurt, granola and wraps.... as opposed to a chicken sandwich and fries at the mall food court. :/

3. IT'S FREAKEN ADORABLE! or "cute as a button" as my mom called it. haha I was the little girl that you had to cut my pancakes into hearts in order for me to eat them. My dad had to take leftover PINK mashed potatoes to work when I was little because I wouldn't eat them unless they were colored pink. So The cuter this is, the more fun it will be for me, and the more likely I will be to eat it.

So call me crazy girl, but I think this will be good for me. :) So here's my first attempt at Bento today:

So.... not that pretty, but I just wanted to try it out before I got my supplies in the mail. :) So I made a bento for me and for Ian. I made us each a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and cut it into little stars. I threw in a star of American cheese on Ian's too. We had pretzels, red grapes, a little cream cheese for our pretzels, and a cupcake without icing. :) I also added some themed picks for each of us: Iron Man for Ian, Hello Kitty for me. :)

I have actually ordered a few really cute supplies for my newfound bento hobby too:

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a bento box, strap, and bag along with silicone cups and picks.


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some cute chopsticks as a reward for eating healthy. haha

I'm so excited! So to end my frantic ramble about bento, here's some adorable bento inspiration for you and I will start with my favorite from Janel:

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So... here's to a new try at healthy eating!
<3
E

Beauty Products 101

This time every year, I start a beauty regimen. I do it mainly because summer is coming and I want to feel fresh and ready to tackle projects and whatever job I might be doing. I started this year's regimen approximately a week ago! *excited* So I've been spending a few days putting together this LONGGGG post about beauty products. The ones I feel deserve attention and work very well. So enjoy my recommendations, and if anyone has any of their own, leave it in the comments and I'd love to give them a try!

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SKIN
One of the main things I'm going to try to do is tan less. Now, I don't tan a LOT. Probably like 2 times a week with low SPF and goggles. But this year I'm starting off trying Jergen's Natural Glow and I think it's been a really good product! It smells good too. It gradually tones your skin to a healthy subtle color in place of tanning. I in NO WAY think tanning is necessary. Pale is gorgeous too. I just love the way my skin looks with a little color on it. :) Something healthy.


I think skin care is very important. I also have a daily face wash, some cream for under my eyes, and an occasional night cream that I use to keep moisturized.Something oil free and water-based is good for your skin and a lovely creamy texture. Clean & Clear Morning Glow moisturizer is a good one.


NAILS
I try to keep my nails painted just because it makes me feel happy. :) Some of my fave colors & shades for my nails are: navy blue, deep orange, plum, and different neutrals. My absolute favorite is from my favorite line. The shade is called Commander in Chic. love it so much. It's classy and chic without being overbearing.


If you want something yummy to use on your dry cuticles, try Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. I use it and it softens my cuticles, moisturizes, and makes them easier to manage.


HAIR
I don't use very much product on my hair honestly. I have a 2-in-1 shampoo, let it air dry when I can, and only wash it every other day. I'm looking into a dry shampoo though like one from Sephora. Although I'm thinking about getting some low lights and a cute cut like I did last summer. But then again, I want some loose waves too. Ahhhh decisions!

For product, I use Soy Paste by Sexy Hair for a little pomade action. I put it on the roots to give some lift.

I also tend to wear my hair curly on those "i don't really care" days. For that, I use Herbal Essences Tousle me Softly Curl Boosting Mousse. I recommend only if you like crunchy hair. haha it's a firm hold.

Lastly, for shine I use Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum. Smells wonderful and gives it that "just-washed" shine! So my hair is my pride and joy some days, and other days I'd rather shave it off, but overall, it does what I tell it to do. hahaha


FACE
My makeup favorites are a long list, so I won't review each one, but I will give you the list. I use almost exclusively drug store products because while I believe designer makeups are wonderful, I think lower end drug store brands do the trick for me.

*Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation in natural ivory
*Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse blush in pink icing
*Maybelline Dream Matte Powder
*Physician's Formula Bronzer Palette
*some eyeshadow trios from icing
*Cover Girl Lash Exact mascara
*Visine for a mixing medium
*Cover Girl eyeshadow quads. all the ones I've tried have been good.
*Mary-Kate and Ashley bronze shadow quad (can't remember the name)
*NYC highlighting powder
*Cover Girl Fruit Spritzer lip gloss in Raspberry <3

My makeup routine is purely FUN for me. I don't do it because i don't want people to see me without my "face" on, I do it because I love to primp. haha I think it's fun trying out different looks! For inspiration, I watch a lot of youtube video tutorials on different products and get ideas for looks. Some of my favorites are:

*lollipop26
*BrittanyMakeup
*SWalkerMakeup
*MichellePhan
*allthatglitters21

So I hope this inspires you to take a jump toward more healthy skin, and get a new beauty regimen going for yourself. It's never necessary, but it will give you a newfound confidence boost going into summer!

<3
E

keeping up with me

This weekend I've been on a SERIOUS beauty kick. I have no idea why. Basically, I've been watching lots of makeup tutorials on YouTube and been HUGELY in the mood to update my look. I bought some new products this weekend and I'm really excited to start trying some new things. Here are some of the things I bought yesterday:

Cover Girl Tropical Fusion Quad

Sally Hansen's matte Thinking of Blue Salon polish.

Some Visine to put in a spray bottle for a shadow mixing medium. I also bought a few more random eye shimmers, a foot pumice, a standing mirror, and some new brushes. Eeeeek.

I'm trying to change the way I wear my makeup (which is currently hardly ever) and I want it to be more streamline with my wardrobe... which I'm also working on! I'm trying to start a new skin care regimen too. LOTS of things going on!

Here are some of my other favorite products that I already use:

Neutrogena Radiance Eye Boost which you dab on at night to help reduce dark circles.

One of the best mascaras ever: Maybelline!!!

Physician's Formula shadows made especially for your eye color! They are really awesome, although really shimmery!

Hopefully this week I can post a few pics from the trials of my new updated look. I just realized that this blog must have been incredibly boring for you all because there were hardly any real pictures. BUT! If anyone has any fun makeup tips, please comment and let me know because I'm soaking in the inspiration! Fashion forward week comin' actcha!


<3
E

new day

I've been seriously considering starting another health-related blog lately. Mainly because I feel very compelled to share my fitness goals and weight loss journey with someone. BUT... after thinking about it, I think I might just blog it on here. So I'll still be posting my craftyness and creative juices, but it might be interspersed with health and fitness related topics too. :)

I would just like to say that I did my Wii Fit body test last night and it promptly reported that I have lost almost 2 pounds this week. You have no idea HOW NICE it is to step on the scale and see RESULTS for my exercise and efforts at healthy eating. So so great. I was grinning. I might start photographically documenting this... thoughts?

So here's my basic plan:

this makes me less hungry at lunch and I'm more likely to eat something more manageable. In college, a lot of times you're tempted to sleep in until 11, so forcing myself to get up in time for breakfast will make a big difference.

that's a no-brainer. I've been really getting into the Wii fit "Free Step" because you can start the step aerobics, go whatever pace you want, and change the channel. It will let you watch TV while you exercise and the wii will still count your steps and calories!

I hate to be THAT girl, but counting calories is really the only was I'm going to cut it. I don't mean being neurotic about it, but seriously watching what I eat and not OVEREATING. Sometimes I eat when I'm not hungry and I'm watching that too. I found this awesome website that everyone should check out called Calorie Count and it's just a very helpful and healthy website that has helped me keep track by using their database of values. I love it. I also read that if you really focus and try eating 500 less calories a day, you can steadily lose a pound a week. I'd like more, but it's a start. :)

So those are my 3 steps that I'm trying to maintain. I'm hoping that I continue to see results. I'll keep you posted. If you're going through a similar journey, comment and LET ME KNOW! Strength in numbers! <3

P.S. see post below for an awesome feature on my best friend! :)

Wii are getting fit. ;)

Ian and I are quickly forming a strong bond with our newest friend: Wii Fit Plus. <3 I have deemed this my main workout routine as of now mainly because it is the most realistic and convenient and because it's the most fun! For those of you that aren't as familiar with Wii Fit or the Wii in general, here are some of the things that it has to offer and I have been taking advantage of lately!

Wii Fit is pretty much the next best thing to a personal trainer. It comes with the Balance Board which is very VERY touchy and can register your slightest body movement. This makes it easy for it to correct your form, sense if you're struggling with an exercise, or give you props for doing it right! It can calculate your speed, weight, and SOOOOO much more.

You perform a daily Body Test which tests you on your balance, mental, and physical reflexes. It also weighs you and lets you set a fitness goal. On the Wii Fit you can track your outside activities, count calories, create customized fitness routines or use one of the specialized ones that the wii already has in place. These routines are specialized to target specific areas such as:
1. arms
2. tummy
3. relaxation
4. warm up
5. back & shoulders
6. figure
7. calorie burning

The game offers hundreds of levels of interactive games including balance games, aerobics, yoga, strength exercises, cardio, and more. In the strength and yoga portions, you have the option to choose different trainers for yourself that lead you in the stretches just like you were in a real fitness class. They talk to you, correct your technique, and give you tips.

If you're creating your own fitness routine, the game saves it for you and you can tailor it to your needs using the strength and yoga exercises as building blocks.

you can also use this website to create a username and get pre-made fitness routines in various lengths and difficulties. It also serves as a forum for Wii Fit users and fitness enthusiasts!

Wii Fit also counts the calories you burn each day and can put it into terms of food. If you've burned 100 calories, it can tell you what the food equivalent is!

Ian and I got the Wii Fit as a Christmas gift and also got this Accessory Bundle as well which is awesome! It comes with a Jeli SLeeve to protect your Balance Board, a cutie carrying case for storage and travel, a rechargable battery pack, yoga mat, and socks! haha we love the Jeli sleeve because its much easier to clean!

In short, I like to consider this game more of a program instead. It's a personal trainer in a box if you ask me. I've been using this program for one week and I've lost almost 3 pounds! I love that I'm seeing results and I'm feeling great about working out with Ian every day! I always look forward to it! I hope this can motivate someone and encourage you to get a Wii Fit of your own! It's COMPLETELY worth the money!

self*centered

today I'm feeling very calm, very centered. I started my day with 2 hours of quiet reading for pleasure (*shocker!*) followed by 1/2 hour of yoga practice. Mmmmm. This is a little different post than what I normally write. And I know I've blogged about yoga before, but I'm going to do it again: i love it.

This semester I've been taking a yoga class for credit and it has been AMAZING! Taking the class regularly really helps me stay calm during the week and guarantees that I have made it a priority twice a week since August. I find this amazing. The class has helped me become more comfortable transitioning in between postures, how to do some poses correctly, and how to really clear my head and center myself.

I have been practicing the Sun Salute which proves to be very beneficial and structured. It gives me a practice that I can always fall back on if I'm not feeling too creative, or it gives me something to build off of.

Sun Salute Practice

I'm also still chugging through my faithful copy of Eat, Pray, Love and let me tell you THAT BOOK will get you in the mood for some devotion. One of the passages I crossed this morning is:

"We think we are mere individuals, alone with our fears and flaws and resentments and mortality. We wrongly believe that our limited little egos constitute our whole entire nature. We have failed to recognize our deeper divine character. We don't realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme Self who is eternally at peace."

I found that to be so true and something to seriously think about in the next few weeks. Especially in being so bogged down with finals and finishing the semester and the wedding and, and, and...




*credits here, here, and here.

So I think the rest of the day I'm going to read about Elizabeth Gilbert's journey through India and try and keep this peaceful mentality. You should too. It's good for you. You're too blessed to be stressed.

"Om Namah Shivaya. I honor the divinity that resides within me."
-Eat, Pray, Love

Buns of Cuteness

Today i want to take a break from art and crafting [GASSSSP!] and post about something equally important, which is FITNESS!!! I enjoy many types of fitness, myself including cardio, lifting, yoga, ballet, and fitness walking.

It's sooooo much fun and I am an avid exerciser. I know that a lot of women don't really take the time to do it because they're either
a)"too busy"
b)"have gym-phobia"
c)"can't physically handle it"
I'm here to tell you how easy and fun it can be if you work at your own pace, dress cute, and actually MAKE the time for exercise.

My personal routine generally includes the following:
1. stretching in
2. 1/2 hour-45 minutes on an elliptical machine
3. cool down from cardio
4. abdominal crunches
5. some sort of lifting
6. stretch out
7. LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER

this amounts to about....hour and 1/2 total each day that i go to the gym (normally Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, and SOMETIMES Fri). Now, I know for some people, especially adults, this might be hard to work in to a normal daily schedule, and that's understandable. Most gyms are only open until 8 or 9 PM and if you have kids to pick up and dinner to cook, this could definitely be a stretch. BUT there are easy ways to fit exercise into your routine at home too.

I recommend this book. It's called Perfect body Boot Camp and I can recommend it because I own it myself! there are tons of tips and tricks to workout in your own home, or outside your home.

Inside the book, there are also sample fitness plans and exercise logs as well. You can make photo copies and hang them on your cute little fridge! I feel like this book is like having your own little personal trainer. lol

Don't let gyms intimidate you, let them MOTIVATE you! I loooove going to the gym because i feel like I'm a part of a community. A community of people that love their bodies! I like to be in a crowded gym because i get some stimulation and motivation from the people around me.

Another important thing about fitness is finding the right work out gear.
The list of things I use for exercise include:
1. breathable clothing


2. an iPod and iPod arm strap

3. a big ole cute water bottle
4. a pedometer
5. my inhaler [haha]
6. and a magazine.

You can work out in whatever you like, but the key is that you can actually MOVE. I really think that clothes MADE for exercise are best because they are ultra-light, easy to move in, and comfortable. They don't have to be frumpy. There are some CUTE fitness clothes these days! I know Nike has TONS of bright clothes and bras for women. The more affordable route (for us college girls) is to go to Wal-Mart and pick up some $8.00 articles from Danskin. I myself have some of these haha.


Work it Out - by keread on Polyvore.com

If you feel like you can't physically sweat the strenuous cardio workout, you could try yoga! Yoga is one of my FAVORITE forms of exercise. It's calming, centering, but its still a seriously awesome workout. You feel refreshed when you're done.
My yoga accessories include:
1. mat

2. this book

3. soothing sounds
4. this mini kit that comes with pose cards

5. and my yoga log.

So no more making excuses, girls! try something new! make time for yourself! Get out there, turn on some Lady Gaga and work it out!