January Favorites

I only have a few favorites this past month, but I'd thought I would share what those things are.



This candle was my most recent purchase in January. I saw it on sale at Target and I had to pick it up. I doubt I will even light it, it will most likely stay on my night stand as decoration...or maybe on my dresser (I haven't decided yet lol). If you are really into decor, you should go to your local target and see what things they have on sale. They had a lot of nice things for a real cheap price.




Another product that I got on sale was this EOS shave cream. I am in love love love with this product. I will most likely do an in depth review of this product in the next coming weeks. The main difference between this shaving cream and others is this one is more of a lotion consistency. This is a great product, I've used it a few times and I love it.





Genesis Today Super Fruit Omega 3 Gummy Vitamins. I ran out of all my other gummy vitamins so I picked up these from Walgreens around the middle of January. I've been taking these for a couple weeks and they are the bomb.  I have a mini review of the vitamins I've been taking coming up this week so look out for it. These are mango and peach flavored (and I hate both flavors) but surprisingly, these taste great.





One product I've been dying to try was the L'oreal The Balm lip colors. I will say I was a little disappointed with the color pay off but it is great as the title says, a balm. Maybe it is just my lip tone, but it applies very sheer. The color I got was Caring Coral, I didn't bother swatching because it is so sheer.





Now drum rolls....

My favorite product on January was the Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle. I freaking love this thing. I know I was a little late to come onto this but I loves it. I want to buy a few more shades because it is that great. It is the perfect color for my skin tone. It has the right amount of brown and the right amount of pink without washing me out.





What were your favorite products on January?


Ashley

xoxo


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I'm CooCoo for Coconut

A few years ago I HATED coconuts. I hated the way they smelled and I didn't like the taste. Obviously my taste buds (and nose lol) has changed. Over the last couple months I've collected a lot of products coconut related products, unintentionally. Now I am obsessed with all things coconut.

After seeing a video on youtube about coconut oil and its benefits, it really made me want to research it myself. Coconut oil is one of those oils like Olive oil, it can be used for almost anything. It's great for cooking, a source of essential fatty acids, skin, and hair. I even heard it can aid in weight loss.

If you want to see a detailed list of all of its health benefits you can click here.

Earlier this week, I showed you guys a haul where I bought Now Healthy Foods Virgin Coconut Oil from GNC. If you are interested, I think it was around $8 for a 12 oz jar. This is a certified organic product.

The coconut oil smells so good (well just like coconuts lol). The funny thing about this product is its melting point is so low it can easily be changed from a liquid to a solid. All I have to do is either store it in a cold place to get it to a solid form or I can sit it outside for 5 minutes and it will instantly becomes a liquid oil. You can literally see it melt in your hand.

I have been using this for my hair and it adds oil to my hair and makes it smell really good. I haven't applied it directly to my skin yet but I'm pretty sure it is a good moisturizer if your skin is feeling dry. I have however made a lip scrub from it. I mixed the coconut oil with sugar and applied it to my lips and it removed the dead skin and made my lips feel smooth. (but you can do this with almost any oil and sugar).

Since it came in such a huge jar and I plan to use half of it for beauty related things, I decided to separate half of it and put it in a small container.

I haven't used it for cooking yet but I'm sure it will not only add flavor but add nutrients that your body needs.

I really encourage you to do research on Coconut oil for yourself, to see if you are interested.

Another product that has coconut oil in it is this Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. This product is anywhere between $4-8. I probably shouldn't even consider this a "coconut product" because Coconut oil is all the way at the bottom of the ingredients list. I can say it does smell like coconut oil and it makes my hair really soft when I put it in.

It claims it "instantly repairs dry hair, damaged, coarse, or chemically treated hair. It helps resurface the hair, repairs damaged hair and cuticles, and mends split ends and frizziness. It adds strength and elasticity."

I think over time it can improve the health of your hair. I don't have problems with frizziness but for those of you who do, I'm certain it would tame it.

Now I've had this body spray and lotion for a while and I'm not even sure they still carry it at the stores anymore. It is Bath & Body Work's Exotic Coconut. This is more of a summer/spring scent (obviously lol) but I do like spraying it in my room for a tropical feeling. I plan on taking these with me on my cruise to the Caribbean, the smell will fit the vibe lol.

I also love this Master of Mixes Pina Colada mixer. All you have to do is add rum and ice and mix it in a blender and it is sooooo good. If you are under 21 you can just use cream of coconut and ice (and maybe a little sugar) and it will taste exactly the same. Its a fun thing to have every once in a while or if you are having a party.

I will say I have tried coconut water and I didn't really like it. I hear everyone say they love it but I was not feeling it, AT ALL.

What is something you are obsessed with right now? Let me know so I can become obsessed with it too lol.

Ashley

xoxo

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Collective Haul: Ulta, GNC, Target, CVS, Wal-Mart

I usually do smaller hauls but I've collected most of these items over the past couple months. I probably wont do that many hauls in the next few months because I'm saving for a cruise. I'm trying not to spend all my money on frivolous things lol.

Any who....I will sort this haul by the store

I've heard a lot of good things about coconut oil so I went to GNC to pick up some. I got Now Healthy Foods Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for around $8. I will be doing a post all about coconut oil this week so look out for it.

I also went to Ulta. They had (or maybe still have) a special on Organix hair products so I got Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum and Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Intense Moisturizing Treatment.

I also got these Wet n' Wild Nail Polishes from Ulta. I picked up Sparkled and How I met your Magenta

Next is Target. I needed a new heat protector for my hair so I decided to try Aussie heat protecting shine spray. I'm almost done with this product so I will be doing a review on it soon.

I love this body wash. Its Caress Cashmere Luxury Silkening Body Wash. The packaging says it smells like white orchid milk & warm vanilla Essence but it actually smells like baby powder (to me, which is fine). This is maybe my third time buying this product and I like it.

I also saw these down the vitamin aisle so I wanted to try them. They are vitafusion MultiVites 200% Vitamin D Gummy Vitamins for Adults. I've been taking them for a few weeks now, I havent noticed anything different about myself but they do taste yummy. lol

Last Tuesday ( 9/12) I HAD to go by Target to see what they had for the Missoni for Target line. I was disappointed so I decided to just pick up this scarf. I was hoping they would have a bunch of really cute things but it was BLAH. I'm kind of mad because now the tag on the scarf is falling off and I haven't even used it or anything. Sorry the scarf is so wrinkled but you can see its pretty huge.

I also got these Paisley Platform Pumps from target. They are pretty comfortable too. What I hate about them is that they are suede and will probably need a lot of care. They are on sale so if you are interested go check them out in the store.

I got these Cayenne Fruit Capsules and Nutella from Walmart. I always wanted to try Nutella after seeing a lot of people on tumblr talk about it. It is actually really good. It tastes like a chocolate peanut butter (kind of lol).

When I was in Walgreens I saw they had this Clean & Clear pore perfecting moisturizer on sale so I wanted to try it.

Lastly, and most recently I went to CVS because I needed a new shampoo. I got this Pantene Relaxed & Natural for Women of Color Dry to Moisturized Shampoo. I've used it before and it worked pretty well.

What are some things you have purchased lately?

Ashley

xoxo

Asian Shrimp Salad with Feta Cheese Crumbles

Now I am not a cook nor do I know much about cooking. I was hungry and decided to whip up some concoction for lunch.

Ingredients:

* of course you can substitute for whatever you want or however much you want *

cooked medium sized Shrimp (maybe 10 pieces)

Kraft Light Asian Toasted Sesame salad dressing

Lettuce (from a bag lol I don't know what kind it is)

Crumbled Feta Cheese - Reduced Fat

Balsamic Vinegar

Since the shrimp were already cooked, I just put them in a pan with balsamic vinegar for maybe 5 minutes to brown them a little.

I am not sure if this has any cohesiveness but it turned out pretty good. I usually use blue cheese crumbles on my salad but this time i decided to use Feta cheese. Salads are pretty fool proof. You can add whatever you want to make it your own.

I know the pictures of the shrimp don't look as appetizing but it was really good. Depending on how much salad dressing you use this can be a pretty healthy lunch.

What do you like to put on your salad?

Ashley

xoxo

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Crystal Light Is The Business

I love Crystal Light. Now when I first started drinking it I didnt really like it because I was so used to drinking flavorful drinks like soda and juice. Now that I'm used to it, it is actually yummy. If you are trying to start drinking water you should definitely try these. You are getting (some of) your daily water intake. They come in packets that make 1 quart, 2 quarts for pitchers and small packets to pour in water bottles.

The great thing is a bottle of this (or a serving) is only 5 calories per serving. You cant beat that except if you are drinking plain water.

The flavors I have:

Strawberry Kiwi

Strawberry Orange Banana

Iced Tea Natural Lemon

Natural Pink Lemonade - My favorite

Antioxidant Natural Cherry Pomegranate

Metabolism Green Tea Peach Mango

Sunrise Classic Orange - great for breakfast, it tastes similar to orange juice

Lately I have noticed they have certain ones for specific problems. As I just mentioned they have antioxidant (which im sure is to fight antioxidants) and the green tea peach mango is probably supposed to boost your metabolism (which is what most green teas do). I noticed in stores they have one that is supposed to help your skin, but I haven't tried it yet. I'm not sure if they actually "work" though.

Most of the time I get these on BOGO deals so thats when I stock up. I know Publix (which is the grocery store in my local area) has them on sale just about every other week, so you should check your local ads to see if they have them. I'm sure you can find this in most grocery stores. They are usually around $2-$4.

Have you ever tried crystal light? or whats your favorite "healthy" drink?

Ashley

xoxo

Health/Fitness Tip

Health:

EAS Advantedge Carb Control

I'm not really a breakfast person (or a morning person) so I don't like to eat at all in the morning. Since I've been working out and eating healthy, i've learned its ESSENTIAL to eat breakfast. My mom told me breakfast is "breaking your fast" from the 8 hours you sleep (which is like a fast). I don't know how true that is but it makes sense lol.

Sooooo....I've been drinking one of these drinks in the morning. They're 110 calories and are packed with 17grams of protein. I know I should probably have more than 110 calories for breakfast but whatever, at least I'm having something. I've tried the vanilla and chocolate flavors and I'd have to say vanilla is my favorite. They aren't super sweet but they are tasty. I don't have a personal picture because I drank them all. If you're interested check out your local supermarket or grocery store.

photo from EAS website

Fitness:

Circuit Training

Its one of the best ways to get fit. Circuit training burns more calories because you are training in circuits (lol). Instead of doing your muscle workout and cardio workout separately circuit training has you do them together (mostly alternating between the two). I sometimes do Jillian's 30 Day Shred or other interval workouts on ExerciseTv on my television at home.

I love doing circuit training because you are only doing a certain workout or move for a short period of time then you switch to something else. I like doing different things that's why I don't usually do the same workout everyday (I get bored easily).

Do you guys have any favorite fitness or health tips? Let me know. You can never have too much knowledge.

btw... i lost 12.8 lbs so far so i'm pretty happy. wish it was more but hey at least i'm losing. So for anyone else trying to get fit or healthy..keep on keeping on. My blog is all about exchanging information. Not teaching, preaching. Its like a barter of information lol.

Ashley

xoxo

Healthy Food Can Be Yummy

Who says pizza cant be healthy? Sorry couldn't take a picture of this for you guys but it is good and you feel like you are eating a tasty pizza even though it doesn't have all the bad things of a frozen or fast food pizza. It is about the size of a personal pan pizza.

Ingredients:

Pizza sauce (or tomato sauce) about 1/4 cup - 45 calories

100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins - 100 calories per slice

Sliced Turkey Pepperoni - 5 calories per slice ( i use about 4 slices for one pizza) - 20 calories

Cheese - you can use whatever kind of cheese you like. I use soft goat cheese or mozzarella. Goat cheese is about 38 calories for half an ounce.

Total calories is about 208 for this pizza. This is a great lunch or dinner option. For dinner you could have 2 of them and/or a salad and it would be a nice filling portion. I put in the oven for 7 minutes on 350 degrees.

Homemade pizzas are pretty foolproof so you can use your own measurements or ingredients.

Of course it doesn't have all the yummy, fatty, goodness of a pizza hut pizza but it is definitely a healthier option.

Whats your favorite healthy meal?

Ashley

xoxo

Health/Fitness Tip of the Week

Health:

Have a cheat day (or item) once a week. Nothing over the top but something to treat yourself, especially if you eat healthy most of the time. Even if its just one doughnut, a couple scoops of ice cream, a small slice of cake, or even a slice of pizza. Foods are only "bad" if you eat them all the time. It's okay to treat yourself to a prize once in a while.

Fitness Tip:

If you are trying to lose weight, dont weigh yourself everyday. Most of the time when you are working out you are gaining muscle as well. Its better to write down your measurements than to write down your weight. This has pissed me off lol, I hate looking at the scale and not seeing the number move when i've been busting my a** in workouts everyday. But i've realized as im dropping lbs im gaining muscle.

I'm sure most of you guys already know this. Just thought I'd share the information for those who don't.

Ashley

xoxo

Health/Fitness Tip

Health Tip:

Eat from the outsides of the store rather than the middle aisles. The outter perimeters of most grocery stores have dairy, vegetables/fruits, and meats. The inner aisles usually have more of the processed foods like chips, microwavable meals, and instant foods (which take longer to process through your body).

Fitness Tip:

Always warm up before a workout. Trust me, I hate warming up before a workout but it helps you burn more calories and prevents you from getting aches and cramps after you workout. Even if you have to do stretches like rolling your hips (like shakira lol) or moving your head in circular motions, it all gets your body warmed up for a workout.

I did not come up with these tips nor am I claiming to be a professional. I've learned about them as I have been on my "get healthy" journey.

Hope these tips have helped some of you out

Ashley

xoxo