28 Day Challenge Day 2

Today was Triceps and Back. Of course you start out with the warmup still and go on to abs. The ab section was shorter than yesterday, or at least it seemed that way and it was composed of different ab workouts.

 

I'm not going to go into massive detail about what we did in the dvd. Honestly, it seems like a blur. There were more push ups today, which I wasn't excited about and I couldn't get through them. Push ups are my enemy. There was also an added set of intervals. So in total there was 8 minutes of interval cardio training. Both sets were broken up by strength training, but the strength training between the sets was brief and I could barely keep myself together. The second set of intervals was a disappointment for me because my stamina was so far gone. I did try my best, but I'm pretty sure I looked like a flailing piece of spaghetti trying to accomplish everything.

I'm really sore today from yesterday's workout. REALLY sore.

 

I mentioned yesterday that being at 113 lbs is what made me want to workout again. (Keep in mind I'm only 4'10) I'm not sure if I mentioned that before the 28DC I was working out a bit and cutting out some junk food which got me down to 111 lbs. I'm currently bloated due to that lovely time of the month making its arrival in a few days (TMI? oh well), so I'm currently 111.4 lbs.

What is my goal? To lose inches around my arms, thighs, and waist/abdomen. I'm aware my weight might not change by much or at all if I get some muscles, which I'm cool with. I just want to look good and feel good. BTW, each workout session counts as a day. 28 workout sessions=28 days. So, no I won't be done with this within a month. I'm doing this 4 times a week for 7 weeks.

 

Onto diet, yeah.. about that. I'm doing my best to cut out carbs and sugar as much as possible. Am I saying that I'm going to follow the plan 100%? I'm not going to promise that! Robert actually asked me about the diet during the dvd! Well, not me... whoever is watching the dvd. Whatever, it felt like he was addressing me personally. Haha, I've already drastically improved my diet within the last few weeks before doing 28DC... I'm sure just by not picking up the oreos, chips ahoy, and lays chips that things will improve. And I'm sure salads and steamed veggies are going to overtake my life over the course of this program.

 

Anyway, off I go to do something else!

Haha, bye guys.
xoxo, Nia

28 Day Challenge Day 1

I was looking for a workout program, but wasn't really looking. I have fibromyalgia which is a neurological disorder that in a very brief description causes me unnecessary mild to excrutiating pain and fatigue. Working out in the past has made some of the symptoms worse and eventually I kind of came to terms with the fact that I would never be fit the way I was a few years ago.

Then I gained 10 lbs. 113 lbs is not all that great on a 4'10 little lady. Acceptable in my BMI range, but it's an untoned 113 lbs. I remember the days when I was 103, flat and firm belly! Okay, so my flat tummy days were in high school even though I was 103 lbs a few months ago, but it's nice to remember it as being yesterday. Now it looks like I'm due in 6 months... and no, I'm not pregnant. I don't want to feel like I have to suck my belly in all the time. It should just know who's boss (me), stay in place, and be flat all on its own. Sadly, life doesn't work that way. Cue the boo hoos. With the great news that I gained 10 lbs I realized I would need to try to workout even with the fibromyalgia and make adjustments as needed.

So when I saw YouTube blogger Chescaleigh post videos about this workout plan called the 28 Day Challenge on her vlog channel I was intrigued. She was training with Robert Brace, creator of NYLean25 and 28 Day Challenge to transform her body into a lean and strong one! She was determined to get the three A's: arms, abs, and ass. Duh, she got them... she's working one on one with this guy. During one of her videos she talked about doing his videos when she was unable to meet with Robert and that she found them to be really challenging! I thought... hey, there's a chance with the dvd set that I can get impressive results... ya know, if I can actually get through them ... with prayer... or excessive cursing at my television.

Here's Chescaleigh's awesome results by the way. Yep, I'm jealous.

 

Anyway, I ordered the dvds last Monday and got them on Thursday. I started the program today. You get 4 dvds and you do them in this order during the week:

1. Chest, Shoulders, and Legs
2. Triceps and Back
3. Chest, Triceps, and Biceps
4. Back, Shoulders, and Legs

There's also a booklet for a meal program with recipes included to maximize your results, a workout schedule, and a little calendar to write down your weight. I also got a little nylon bag, but I'm not sure if that was the free goodie for using the Chescaleigh code.

Each dvd has an abdominal section at the beginning, so no need to worry - that midsection will be taken care of. At the end of the dvd right before the cool down section is the dreaded 4 minutes of interval training. That's your cardio and it will kick your ass. The first dvd there is only one set of intervals, but as the dvds go on I'm assuming there will be more... so those 4 minutes will turn into 8... or more. :( I'll letcha know if I'm right about that.

The meal plan is simple, lots of protein with a side serving of veggies. Little to no carbs. Though there are days you don't work out, it seems that there are no cheat days when it comes to eating. I actually have to limit my carb and sweets anyway as per doctors orders (not anything related to weight loss, just for other reasons)... so I guess it won't be impossible to follow this diet.

 

 

Today's exercise was challenging, but not unbearable. I really like Robert Brace, he's not annoying like a lot of other dvd fitness instructors *ahem* Billy Blanks. He's down to earth, real, and encourages you to do the best you can. I think the reason why I got through the dvd is because I want to be his friend, not punch him in the face.

 

All in all, first good day. I'll be writing more about this soon and will probably make a video addressing this too.

 

xoxo, Nia

Guru Gossip?

I'm guilty....

of reading gossip about gurus. I'm a tabloid junkie and at some point I was way too curious about the personal lives of gurus. I stopped that a while ago. These girls are just trying to share something they like and, yes, make a living doing so. Before trying to make my own videos I didn't really get it. Why would you get paid for something so trivial or "easy" as applying makeup and showing people? But, honestly... editing is a b*tch and some of these girls put up videos every other day. They are putting hours in the same way anyone would at a typical job, so why NOT get paid? I laid off on reading the gossip for a long time. And in case you're wondering, I never posted on any of those gossip forum sites. Too much negative energy going around there.

The other day I was googling some beauty gurus to find their websites just to get a sense of how they built their fan base, the layout that seems to work the best, static sites vs. blog... blogger, wordpress, tumblr. I'm trying to figure out if it is even possible for me to get to that status and if it is even worth all the hours. Back to the point! So I was googling a guru and on the FIRST search page was a listing for a thread about her on guru gossip! I was horrified, people have gotten even meaner than they were a year ago!

I'm aware, of the fact that some gurus have let the YT fame get to their heads and some seem overly sponsored while denying they are getting paid by x, y, and z.... and maybe the rest of the alphabet too. I'll give you the right to criticize gurus about that if you want; BUT there were some people who seem to be straight up stalking these girls, posting very private information, and then acting as if it is their god-given right to do so. Young teenage gurus were getting trashed for seeming immature? Older gurus were being attacked based on their parenting skills or their lack of college education. Some things to the effect of "so and so wouldn't even admit to quitting school." As if a guru doesn't deserve any privacy.

Maybe, just maybe, gurus are human beings that get embarrassed or ashamed of their mistakes in life... the same way that the members of those gossip forums do. I understand they put themselves out there and so they will be criticized, but it just seems like a shame honestly. Constructive criticism is one thing, but it seems like there is so much hate out there. I'm not even sure why I was reading and allowing that negative energy to affect ME. I guess I was afraid that if I ever got to a substantial amount of subs that I'd have to deal with all that mess too.

Anyway, I'm opening up a discussion. How do you feel about those gossip sites? Do you feel that gurus are fair game? Do you think it is considered cyber bullying or just a good way for the YT viewers to vent? Let me know in the comment section!

Grape Pop!

Hey all! Purple is such a great color to use when I want to play up the more romantic and feminine side of makeup (vs a dark sultry smokey eye). I don't deal with pinks normally, so purple is my go to! Besides, I always find purple looks so pretty with brown eyes. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this look.

Items used!
Smudgepot (Barbie Loves Stila Collection) in Purple Pumps

NYX Jumbo Stick in Milk
MAC Eyeshadow in Pale Out and Gray Grape
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Buck, Naked, and Sin
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero
CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara

Nicki Minaj - Moment 4 Life

I lovedddd this particular look from Nicki Minaj's Moment 4 Life video. The teal eyeliner popped out so much and looked so gorgeous to me that I HAD to try it out. Now granted, this would have worked a lot better had a used a waterproof teal eyeliner, but I used what I had to give you guys an idea of how to do it.. shape-wise and whatnot. Hope I got some wheels turning in your mind. When I was younger I used to wear this shadow on my lower lash-line all the time, so it can work, but it definitely won't have the same staying power as a waterproof liner. Stating the obvious, but just giving you a heads-up! Here are the products I used, remember that when it comes to foundation/concealer use what works for you formula wise and color wise ;)

Face
Bare Minerals Prime Time
Benefit Erase Paste in Medium 2
Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation in M2
Cream Blush/ Lipstick / Lipgloss in baby pink for cheeks
Benefit Powderflage
L'Oreal Translucide Naturally Luminous Powder
Maybelline New York Expert Wear Blush, Pinch O' Pink
Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in Tan
Benefit Powderflage
Urban Decay Naked from Naked Palette
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero
MAC Parrot
Smashbox Cream Black Liner
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume Blasting Mascara, Very Black
Anastacia Brow Kit in Brunette

Lips
NYX Lip Pencil in Dolly Pink
NYX Round Tube Lip Stick in Harmonica
Clear Gloss

Naked Palette!

If you're looking for a neutral yet dramatic look, here you go. For some reason it reminds me of lions. Not quite sure why. Maybe it's the slight cat eye effect paired with the different shades of brown. I can't get the image of Nala out my mind when I see this tutorial. I'm strange, though, so never mind that! Lol!

Eyes
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Whiskey
Urban Decay Naked Palette


Cheeks
Bare Escentuals in Bare Radiance


Lips
MAC Lipglass in Oh Baby

Green Smokey Eye

.Most girls love to wear a smokey eye for special occassions such as proms, weddings, and even a night out on the town. There are a few different smokey eye techniques, but today I'll be showing you (what I believe) is the simplest to do: the gradient method. We're just going from dark to light, ladies. No fancy knowledge of how to "cut the crease" or anything in this video. That will come soon though. :) But for now, let's start easy. Remember, you can adjust accordingly. So use the products you have, change up the color if you want, smoke it out more on the bottom lash line for a more dramatic effect, or don't smoke this out too much if you want a more casual look. Endless options, just have fun! Here's what I used in case you wanted to know.


Eyes 
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Zero
Smashbox Cream black liner
Too Faced green shadow from their Smokey Eye Palette
Too Faced neutral shadow from their Smokey Eye Palette
^^ (these aren't labeled in the palette, so I'm sorry I have no names)
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Covet
CoverGirl Lash Blast Volume blasting Mascara, Very Black


Face (Adjust foundation and concealer colors to match you! Just letting you know my shade though.)
Prime Time by Bare Minerals
Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation in shade M2
Amazing Cosmetics Concealer in Tan
Benefit Powderflage
Bare Minerals Mineral Veil
Bare Minerals foundation powder in Medium Tan
Bare Escentuals in Bare Radiance
Maybelline New York Expert Wear Blush, Pinch O' Pink
Anastacia Brow Kit in Brunette

Use a neutral lip shade of your choosing or if you want to be a little bit more dramatic.. for my photo I actually threw on a gloss with a hint of red in it to complement the green eyeshadow. I used Lorac Lotsa Lip Gloss in Foxy (sparingly to give a sheer look).

Here's the video! Hope you enjoy.