A Day of Being Thankful

 

 

My day was amazing!

I would love to say the sun was shining, and everyone

was in a great mood, but I would be lying.

It was quite the contrary; It was pretty wet and gloomy out.

However, my sisters and I tackled the day anyway,

searching for sea-glass on the beach

and shopping for clothes... and food.

 

 

 Have to comment on the shoes: I displayed where I got them in a post 6 months ago... practically wore them everyday since.

 

I think my day was so amazing

 because I tried this new mantra... It's so simple, yet so hard to do: Appreciate Everything You Have. 

 Unlike my usual day of complaining about unnecessary things, I spent the day reminding myself for what I am grateful for.

 

 

One of those things being my sister, who loves to catch my awkward moments...

 

See more of her photography at http://placebo3photography.blogspot.com/

 

 

And without further adieu, I must say thank you to all the readers!



With Love,

                   Along The Way



 

 

 

 

 

Ease-Out

 

Hellooo... I am on the third day of the Ease-Out of The Master Cleanse (THE LAST DAY!). And, I just had my first bite of solid food in seven days - A MANGO! It would have been 12 days, if I finished the whole ten, but I just did five. No worries though, I lost 7 pounds during the Cleanse, and another 3 pounds after day one of the Ease-Out -the orange juice day.

 

But, back to the point, being on the third day of the Ease-Out, it allows me to have Living Foods. Which are raw fruits and vegetables (no processed foods). So, my breakfast this morning was one cup of Yogi's Detox tea, 3 slices of mango, and 3 slices of honeydew. All adding up to about 150 calories... 

I don't know if it was just the excitement of eating actual food, but after I had my first bite of mango, I felt super energized and happy! And I was super tired and cranky before...

 I just wanted to share this experience with you guys because honestly, I haven't felt this clean and happy in a long time. And, even though I didn't complete the whole  cleanse, I definitely think the five days I did made a big difference in my mind, soul, and body.

 

Oh and by the way, my sister is on her eighth day of the cleanse, so she won, unfortunately.

However, she didn't feel any 'bliss' waking up today that most people claim on the eighth day, so I think I was the one really won.



The Master Cleanse

My sister and I are doing The Master Cleanse together. We are sort of making it a little in-house competition—who can hold on the longest? I think I will.

Anyone who isn't familiar with this cleanse, I retrieved my information from: http://themastercleanse.org/

 

 

Day One

So, it’s the first day of the Master Cleanse…. and I have to say, I was super anxious, excited, and a little nervous last night. Ten days of no solid food? Crazy, but almost every one who has done it claims they have a blissful experience! So I’m itching to feel that happiness overcome my body, and to feel clean on the inside.

I did the Salt Water Flush this morning. It was bad, but no worse than expected. I measured 32 oz of water and added 1 Tbs of Kosher Salt to it. While attempting to ‘flush’ it down all in one go, I stopped mid way. It was once I stopped when I finally got the salt-water taste. Yuck! Although, it tasted much worse and was harder to get down the second time through, I did it! 

I had only 3 cups of lemonade today… I was supposed to have 6, whoops. At first, I didn’t like it, but when I made it like a hot tea, it was tasty. I wasn’t hungry after drinking it, but I couldn’t get the thought of food out of my mind! The only time I wasn’t thinking about food was when I was either shopping, or working out. The only way ill be able to endure these next 9 days is if I keep myself busy.

Day Two

This was a gruesome, gruesome day… I had classes 12:30 to 9:00 p.m. So, staying on campus I could smell all the delicious food coming from the cafeteria. Also, walking past vending machines every five minutes didn’t make it any easier. On top of that, I only brought enough lemon/maple syrup mixture for three cups—I put it in a small Tupperware wrapped with foil and kept it in my trunk—so that was all I had today L. However, I made it through the day and drank lots of water. I am surprised my sister and I didn’t crack because we actually sat in the cafeteria to read and study. I have to say, I thought having a better sense of smell would be a good thing. Turns out it’s NOT. We made the torture of smelling all the delicious meals fun, though, by making a “Foods to Eat after Cleanse” list which includes things like sushi, chicken Marsala, lo mein with soba noodles, and believe me, more… Oh no, this is making me hungry.

After Class, my sister and I went to Church to receive ashes. It was Ash Wednesday. We were nervous about what to do with the Eucharist, but they ended up not giving it out.

 

My sister and I didn’t have any laxative tea, and this morning, I was too late to do the SWF. So, we stopped at Shop Rite on the way home and bought Ginger Tea that supports a healthy digestive track. We thought that meant it was a laxative… We were wrong.

Day Three

I did the SWF this morning, found it was much easier to ‘flush’ down after brushing my teeth, and splitting it into two. I added 1 Tbs of kosher salt to a 24 oz. water bottle, and then drank a cup of regular water. It took me a while to go, but once I massaged my stomach and lay on my right side, I went. And when I say ‘went’, I mean rushed to the bathroom 3 or 4 times to find un-clear water coming out, instead of what usually comes out of that end. After I researched, I learned that was supposed to happen. It is getting rid of all that guck deep inside your stomach. Can you say naaasty…?

I was going to quit today. I wasn’t even hungry for food necessarily; I just wanted to eat so badly! I literally miss chewing food. I only drank the lemonade when I was hungry and found myself only having 3 cups by the end of the day. I was told not to have less than six, but everyday I’ve been having three. I hope that’s not bad… of course, I say this knowing that it is.

I made my mom dinner without tasting it for spices. I usually never use recipes when I cook (just when I bake), and today I made something that I have never made before. It was like a creamy, Mexican, pasta dish with ground beef and sausage. When I tell you I almost cried when I saw her eating it, I’m not lying. I love eating something new I cook, especially so that I can improve it next time I make it, but this time all I could do was smell it and watch someone else enjoy it. So sad.

I did Jillian Michaels Kickboxing video before bed. I also did it on the first day, but today was different. I had more energy doing it than I ever had before. After the video, I felt like I could do another, but decided to shower and sleep instead.

Day Four

Apparently after the third day, it’s supposed to be easier, but that was not true for me. I was this close to cracking. And if you saw me right now, I would be showing you two fingers almost touching each other... I was putting salad in a bowl for my mom today and was so tempted to just have one piece of lettuce. A piece of lettuce had never looked so good.

I know it’s bad, but I only had 3 cups again. I was super busy today and had to take my lemonade in a Starbucks to-go cup, or whatever they’re called.

 

At night, while I did the workout video, I heard the water in my stomach rumbling around… It was both disgusting and hilarious! 

Day Five

I was going to wait until the last log (Day Ten) to upload this on my blog. But, I am doing it now, on Day Five. Why, you ask? Well, because I am so done right now…

My mom came home with left over nachos, they smelt like Heaven. I was drooling watching her put a cheesy, sour cream and guacamole filled chip with beef and beans in her mouth. Oh my goodness, I just wanted to reach in that white foam box and shove the fatty, but delicious, goodness in my mouth. Of course, even if I did crack, I wouldn't have been able to do that. To risk gaining all the weight back, I need to do the ease-out. And, I am NOT wasting all this hard work for nothing.

Of course, I want to go the full ten days, but, I need food. And food needs me. If I quit Sunday, which would be six days, then I can go back to my normal diet by Thursday! Although, I’m not going back to my normal diet, I am going to eat healthy, and only eat when I’m hungry. I see how easy that is now that I see how hard it is to not eat anything at all. I also appreciate food so much more. Like, there is no need for me to eat everything in sight that looks appetizing. You only need to eat for the sole reason to survive, not for enjoyment.  

So, I am going to go through with Day Six tomorrow, I hope. And then, if I still feel like quitting, Monday will be the first day of my ease-out. Which won’t even allow me to eat food, L just orange juice, and I believe broth.

I don’t regret the cleanse, though. I lost about five pounds so far and I am noticeably smaller in my torso. Although I don’t see a difference in my thighs (which are always the hardest for me to lose), my skinny jeans slide on easily and fit much more comfortably. Thinking about the possibility of all that changing after the cleanse scares me.

 

You Better Work

I was so inspired today when I saw Yuliya's collection. She has everything from party looks, to office looks, to casual looks. Some of the looks include one of my favorite combinations, cheetah and leather... All her time and effort finally paid off once we saw the finished product- these pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography by: Rita Aida

http://placebo3photography.blogspot.com/

Beauty Obsession

Jergens Natural Glow

 

 

Jergens Natural Glow makes me happy... A cream, making you happy? Sounds absurd; but it's true. Waking up in the morning and dreading to look in my mirror is no longer and issue for me (haha). In the morning, instead of seeing my usual drained and somewhat pale skin tone (especially in the winter time), I awaken to find my skin clear and glowing.

 

I have been using Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Daily Moisturizer for about 3 weeks now - every morning and night - and my skin not only glows, but has looked more healthy and even-toned. The marks and dare to say, cellulite, on my skin has faded. For me, It took a couple of weeks to start noticing the improvement in marks and cellulite, but the toning and glow of my skin showed in one week.

 

(I am not nude; I am wearing a tube top)

 

I have the moisturizer in "Medium to Tan" skin tones. You can purchase it at any drugstore, and I would assume even some grocery stores with a beauty isle. I got mine at CVS for $9.99

 

 

 



Let's Play Dress Up

 

Watching "Chicago" gave me some inspiration...

 

Inspiration Affirmation

Who knew classy could be sexy?

Emma Watson is truly a fashion icon not only because of her array of stylish and sophisticated outfits, but because of what her and her fashion represents. Watson says, “What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt… have a look at everything I’ve got’? My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder.”

 

 

 

 

 

Today, most young girls look up to celebrities like Pia Mia Perez or Miley Cyrus, — who don’t get me wrong, are very beautiful and talented—but they clearly think the more skin you show, the sexier you look.

Watson’s style proves that looking conservative is very appealing to the eye. Especially if you’re wearing the clothes she wears in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Her character’s fashion brings back the look of the 90’s and shows us that trends never die. The fashion, as some may say, is oldie but goodie.