CrossFit- In 100 Words

World-Class Fitness in 100 Words Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: Deadlift, clean, squat, presses, C&J, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstand, pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hard and fast. Five or six days per week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports. Courtesy of CrossFit Inc

Shellac Asphalt

Newest edition to my Shellac Collection....Asphalt! An amazing dark gray- from the Fall 2011 collection. This is so chic and trendy, I was sad to take it off. The color is a deep dark granite / gray color. 2-3 coats will be sufficient. It went on a little runny, however that could be from it's "new-ness" It lasted 2 + weeks and still looked great. Definitely something to try next time you are at the nail salon and cant decide what color to choose. Plus this is great for Fall / Winter. I love the darker colors for Winter, what do you think?

CrossFit Workouts

Hi All! I have totally failed at posting the last couple months, my sincerest apologies, but I've had alot of time with my family and that's really most important to me. The other major part of my life right now is consumed by the awesomeness that is CrossFit. This is truly the most amazing workout I've ever done in my life..everrrr...not only have I lost 13.4 lbs in the last 6-7 weeks, but also 4 + inches off my mid section. Im a runner, have been since after I had my son almost 4 years ago Nov 2nd! But I needed a change in my life and that's when I discovered my local CrossFit gym. (http://www.crossfitdewitt.com/) A little About CrossFit:

“Crossfitters” create a workout community unlike any other and in our case that community extends beyond the walls of the gym. CrossFit breeds competition, camaraderie, and motivation along with the fittest men and women in the world. But, don’t get confused elite status in CrossFit is a direct result of desire and a solid work ethic. If that is not goal maybe you’re seeking better health and fitness, at CrossFit Dewitt we have the knowledge and capability to prescribe works that challenge you. The results are measurable, observable, and repeatable." - CrossFitDewitt

So true. I never feel more smoked than when I leave CrossFit after a WOD (workout of the day)

If you have been struggling to lose those stubborn last few lbs or even 20 lbs, please check your local listings for a CrossFit gym near you. I promise you will not be sorry!

xo- Kyley

QTOD

"Oikos is the Greek word for house. It’s also the root word for ecology. We think it’s a great name for our Greek yogurt because it reminds us of a time when people’s homes were intimately connected with nature and most foods came from household gardens and family herds."

With only 120 calories per serving (1 cup) this Greek yogurt by Dannon OIKOS is my go to snack choice. I havent always been a fan of Greek yogurt's but this one tops my list! And it's got so many beneficial ingredients in it to aid in healthy digestion and it's 0% fat!!

Smokey Cat-Eye w/ Pencil Liner

Sometimes Gel Liners can be a little tricky to work with, so as I was rushing to get my make up done yesterday morning I thought how can I do a quick cat-eye with my pencil...so I chose my most smudgable liner (Stila Eye Kajal) and my angled liner brush and this is what I was left with! I love that it's softer than my normal gel liner on days that I want a smokier look but keep the cat-eye effect. You go over the liner as if you were putting the gel on with your angled brush, then whisp it outward in a triangle shape and smudge the brush back in towards the eye.

Stila Eye Kajal in Onyx $18.00 retail

Style Trend- Feathers and Hair!!

I was recently down south visiting family and my cousin in-law was sporting the most awesome thing I've seen EVER!! They were thin bird feathers in her hair! I was instantly obsessed and had to have them. Apparently the trend started on the West Coast in the US, and made it's way East/South. They are held in by small metal beads and you can wash, dry, straighten and style your hair as if there weren't forgein objects on your head.  If you decide to try this the next time you're at the salon, respond in the comments and post your pictures of your feathers!!

Shellac- Romantique

Recently I have been in the mood for a clean nude / ballet pink polish to sport on these hot summer days. So I've been wearing CND Shellac's Romantique which is exactly a mix between nude and a light ballet pink. When I first started wearing this color, it was very tricky to apply. The formula actually seemed to shrink if the coats were applied too thinly. This time around after some practice with French Manicures I believe I have the application down pat! I love this look, what do you think?!

QTOD- Dont deprive yourself!

I know when I'm trying to count calories I usually always end up failing some where along the line...the best way to handle cravings is to let yourself have a small portion of whatever it is that you ache for!! Sooner or later the "bad" things that your body is craving will turn slim to none. Portion control is key*

Falling In Love



Philosophy's Falling In Love perfume has me breathless today...this unique scent is all at once, clean, sweet, and mesmorizing. When I'm unsure what I want to smell like for the day, this is always my "go to" scent. It's perfect for every season so you can never go wrong. Retails between $15-$60. Next time you find yourself browsing around Ulta pick up a tester bottle and spray away!!

Happy Friday everyone!

MAC Penultimate Eyeliner

MAC's Penultimate Eyeliner, was by far the most intimidating eyeliner I've ever tried to use. Today I decided to try this out again, and I didnt fail miserably!! The application is very precise and the pigment is true black. The tip is very "marker like" so if you dont mind a tad bit of tugging on your lid, this may be worth trying out. Any little miss-haps can be fixed with a pointed Q-Tip and make up remover.   Retailing at $17.50, you will definitely get your money's worth. This is going to be a great tool for me on the go!

QTOD- Stay Hydrated!

I've been running alot lately, and to avoid cramping I have a glass of water (or G2) before and after to keep hydrated in this hot and humid weather we've been having here in NY. It's very important to stay hydrated so if you plan to run long distances you may want to consider carrying a small water bottle with you.

Shellac Gotcha 1.5 wk update

Plenty of growth and no chips yet! This color has definitely proved its self and I've gotten lots of compliments on how perfect it is for Summer, which NY has been hit wtih this week for sure!
I do have to say that after doing a couple friends nails recently, I've noticed that Shellac doesnt wear the same on everyone. If you are constantly cleaning or putting your hands in water (dishes, hairdresser etc...) Shellac may only wear about a week as opposed to the two weeks it's been said to. Dont be discouraged by this though, it most likely had already lasted longer than a typical manicure. I'm still 100% sold on this product, I've been obsessed since January and there's no turning back ;)

Shellac Gotcha

Shellac's Gotcha is from the new Spring collection. This pink is perfect for Summer, fingers and toes! the formula is a little thin, so you definitely have to apply two coats, and could even get away with three! This color is so fun I'm considering shellac'n my toes with it too! What do you gals think?

QTOD- Ballerina Buns

So many mornings I'm rushing out of the house with crazy hair, either it was my off washing day or I didnt have a chance to straighten it, my quick tip today is throw it up in a ballerina bun. They are so in right now, and look adorable yet sophisticated...trust me I've been told! If they are a little spikey that's OK too!

Follow Me

Hi Everyone! If you like how I'm working my blog please tell me so in the comments, or follow me :)

Suggestions are always welcome, I'm here for YOU guys!

Thank you!!!

My Nails!

I was doing boxing drills this weekend and ripped 2 nails, 3 total over the weekend. Needless to say it'll probably be a week or so before I post any Shellac updates. I've got a new color that is perfect for Summer that I'm dying to try...Guess it'll have to wait...till then...keep checking back!
Have a blessed day :)

QTOD- Burn more calories

I'm not a night gym going type of person, I'd rather get up, get in and get out. The plus side to working out in the morning is that you burn more calories, your stomach is empty so you can benefit more by doing this. Try it for a week, I'm sure you will see a difference in how much energy you have through out the day :)

Shellac Negligee

My post from yesterday got deleted some how, troubles with the website I guess...sigh...But anyways...this color is a mostly clear with a transluscent purple tint to it. The formula goes on smooth, and the finish is super shiny! Love this look.

QTOD- Workout/ Cleaning

As a busy mom and wife, I know that unless I wake up between 4 30 and 5 to work out, it'll never happen.
Here's a quick tip on how to get a mini workout in while cleaning. Throw some heels on and Vacuum! What a great workout for your calves and butt! Have a great weekend!

QTOD- "Fat Days"

I know we've all had them...however the trick to not feeling so sloppy on these days is to wear something belted! Your waist still makes it's presence, you look totally put together and you arent tempted to overeat at your meals :)

QTOD- Small Snacks

I'm a snacker, I always have been. But since I sit alot at work, I made a decision to only munch on healthy things, like bananas, oranges or apples, but recently I was introduced to one of my favorite snacks in a more delicious way...Cocoa Roast Almonds, in Dark Chocolate Flavor. Whats so amazing about these little nuts is that they are good for you and taste good too! They are available in 100 Calorie Packs so you know when to stop, otherwise I would just keep eating them and eating them...I found these at Walmart, one box of seven packets was around $2.50.

Shellac Cream Puff

I've never had white nails before, but I thought, Hey there's a first time for everything right?! So here you have Shellac in Cream Puff. I feel it's really trendy not sure if I will keep it on for the full 2 weeks I'm sure it'll hang on for, buttttt the application was really smooth, and I think this look is really sharp, what do you think?

QTOD- Exfoliating

If you're like me and get really dry skin through the Winter and into the Spring, the most helpful "skin saving" routine is to exfoliate twice a week. You would not believe what a difference twice a week makes. My favorite exfoliater is MAC's Volcanic Ash Exfoliater (limited edition), but I also like Origins Never A Dull Moment, retails for $24.00 at dept stores and online (http://www.origins.com/). Your skin has never had it so good!! Try this and let me know how it works out for you in the next couple weeks. :)

Shellac Cocoa- 10 Day update

No chips, just growth!!! How amazing is that!? Yesterday I changed the gargbage, did 3 loads of laundry, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher twice, and they still look awesome!

QTOD- OJ & Vitamins

For those of us who catch a cold every time the wind blows, there are a few things we can do to help prevent such an annoying event from occuring. Drink lots of juice w/ lot's of vitamin C!!!! My favorite mixable drink is Emergen-C in Tangerine. It gives your immune system the little boost it needs to keep you feeling healthy when you start to feel under the weather. You can purchase it at your local grocery store, usually runs about $14.00 a box.

QTOD- Running

I looooooove to run. Cardio is probably my most favorite part of exercising. I learned awhile back that to be able to keep a steady comfortable pace, breathing correctly is a huge thing to train yourself to do. It sounds silly but if you dont have a breathing method down, you'll fall apart. What alot of people dont know is that you should breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. This makes a huge difference! Next time you put those running shoes on keep this in mind and I'm sure it will help! Have a blessed Friday :)

QTOD- Sunscreen and Freckles

I have freckles, there's no denying that, however I found that by applying SPF 15/30/45 on really sunny days reduces the "outbreak" of freckles that I would have normally gotten if I didnt apply SPF. This has been helpful to me, for all of you that have Freckles too, keep this in mind :)

Daily Facial Moisturizer- MAC Comfort Creme

 

A moisturizer formulated to instantly rehydrate the skin and provide immediate and ongoing relief from redness and irritation. Ultra-creamy, provides high-comfort wear while providing sensitive skin with the soothing benefits associated with its calming plant-and marine-based formula.

This facial moisturizer is newer to MAC Cosmetics. I love their line of facial products because I have very sensitive, dry(er) skin and when this came out, just the name had me hooked, so I picked it up at my local MAC and sure enough, this is by far my most favorite of them all! The formula is thicker like a cream, but goes on smooth, and absorbs quickly. Your face looks fresh, not greasy. I can not start my day with out applying this first. This retails for $32.00

QTOD - Feet on the Floor

I know when I get home after a long day of work, after I make dinner and finally go to sit down, I end up laying down on the couch and after that I'm finished for the night. Meanwhile there's laundry to be done, dishes to be washed, yada yada yada. I learned a while ago, watching a documentary on television that if you sit up straight on the couch, with your feet remaining on the floor, you dont get lazy or tired as fast, and you are able to stay up longer and have more energy later. This really works!!! Try it and leave your comments!

Avon SuperShock

I tried this mascara for the first time a couple weeks ago, after giving it some time, I really like it. It grasps every hair, and volumizes nicely. I'm not a fan of the plastic bristled mascara's, but this one is different. I've tried it in black only so far. It's much more pocket friendly and looks good if you just want to throw it on for the gym. I never leave home with out atleast mascara on so I'm keeping this one in my purse. For $6-$9 a tube you should try it out!

Back2Shellac- Cocoa

5 Day update, I went back to the color Cocoa, the French manicure really held its own, but after I painted this color on a couple family members I had to experience it again! This is the perfect nude, in my opinion.

QTOD- Blending Blemishes

A really easy trick that I read about, (a year ago and it's proven to work) on blemishes is that instead of wiping foundation or coverup onto your blemishes, take your finger and "blot" the coverup over the blemish with just your finger, it will dissapear and you arent left looking cakey or over done. Try it out :)

Shellac French Manicure / Decadence

I posted a few days ago about Shellac'n on my famly. Here is the French manicure, and a new color from the Spring 2011 collection called Decadence. For the French manicure I used Cream Puff for the white tips, and Romantique for the top color. The application on Decadence was smooth, the only thing about red coloring is that it shows any imperfections on your cuticles, and around your nails, such as hang nails and so on. Next time I'll definitely have to do a complete manicure instead of just a polish. What do you think?

QTOD

Holidays...I'm not sure about all of you but I know when good food is put in front of me its very easy to keep eating and eating, over the past year I've worked really hard on limiting my portions. My best advise for you especially around holiday  meals is to eat slowly and STOP when you are full. Drink lots of water before hand, that always helps me!! Hope this is helpful. :)

QTOD

Today I was practicing my Shellac'n on some family members, 6 actually. I realized something, and thought that this would be helpful for other Shellacer's in regaurds to the nailpolish lifting or peeling on the thumb nails. I find the application to work better when you cure pointer through pinky fingers first, and then thumbs so that the uv light hits all nails equally. I hope you find this as helpful as I did!

Quick Tip of the Day- Lashes & Lipgloss

Ever feel like you are rushing out of the house and have zero time to spruce yourself up a bit? Keep a travel size mascara and an extra tube of your favorite lipgloss in your purse and you'll be good to go :)

Shellac French Manicure- After 1 Week

To prove how awesome this Shellac biz is, I'm posting a weekly update, on how my nails look after a week of typing and cleaning, and dishes and some more typing, not one chip!!You can see growth and excuse my cuticals, but they still look great!

About Me

I probably should have started this blog with this very post...but I didnt so moving on. My husband and my son are my very heart and soul. DeWayne and I have been married going on 3 years this summer, and our son Dezmin is 3 and a half years old. They are the reason I care so much about who I am as a person, how I carry myself and living a healthy lifestyle. Nails and Make-up dont define who I am but I believe the saying "If you look good you feel good", and that effects every aspect of our lives. Never having a weight problem growing up, I was completely blindsided at how easy it is to put a little extra baggage on when you are in a relationship, or even just the hardships of life, but DeWayne has been so supportive I wouldnt be where I am today if he wasnt there every inch of the way. Remember a healthy lifestyle goes alonggggg way!!! And of course our 3 year old keeps me pretty active too. Never a dull moment :)
I'll be sharing my love of all things "beauty" here on this blog. I hope you enjoy, and comments are welcome!
Have a blessed Day

Moroccan Oil

This little bottle of amazingness has influenced my morning routine indefinitely! I have long blonde hair, and it's often a pain to wash, condition, brush, blowdry, straighten..yada yada yada...But when I started using this product my hair came out shiny, softer than ever and smelling like a tropical paradise! It does not leave your hair greasy, or filmy, just stunning. I use it before I blow dry on damp hair, and sometimes after, or before and after I straighten my hair. Just on the tips of my hair and at the roots of my hair line. It keeps those little "fly aways" where they belong and my hair looking healthy. Totally worth all the effort.

I've seen it retail anywhere from $10.95 to $31.00. Check your local beauty salon for stock, this is a must in my beauty routine :)

Everyday Cateye Products

MAC  Paint Pot

MAC 266 Angle Brush

MAC Fluidline

Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadow

Lancome Cils Booster XL

Lancome Virtuose Black Carat Mascara

Cat Eye

My daily beauty routines consists of very little, however when it comes to eyes I feel that they should stand out more than anything on your face. Alot of people speak with their eyes and for me that's the first thing I look at when I talk to people. I love this signature "Cateye" look, and have been "wearing" it for almost 3 years now. It's so simple yet elegant. In these pictures I'm wearing MAC's paInt pot in Painterly, fluidline eyeliner in DipDown which I applied with a MAC 266 angle brush and MaryKay mineral eyeshadow in Granite for the crease. To finish off this look I applied one coat of Lancome's Cils Booster XL and one coat of Lancome's Virtuose Black Carat. Simple every day look.

Shellac French Manicure

This is my very first attempt at a Shellac French Manicure. I used Cream Puff a pure white color for the tips, and Romantique a nude-ish pink for the full nail color. The formula on the Cream Puff was a little on the thick side, but once it was on my nail it did run a little. You have to make sure to rub excess polish in the bottle neck to avoid running. The formula on Romantique has an odd consistancy, you have to use a heavy coat, if you use a thin coat this color will actually shrink. It's the weirdest thing. Overall I'm happy with how it turned out.

Shellac Cocoa

My favorite Shellac Color...drum role please....Cocoa!!! the most beautiful nude I've ever seen in my life! This color stayed on for 2 and a half weeks. The formula was pefect, no streaking, no globs, it was as  beautiful the day I removed it as the day I put it on...very pleased!

Shellac Fedora

This was my first "do it myself" Shellac experience, it's the color Fedora, and I'm inlove with it. Excuse the glare, my blackberry did it no justice...But it stayed on for 2 weeks, no chipping and I was totally impressed! The formula with new bottles of Shellac apply much like a normal bottle of nailpolish even though the Shellac formula hardens like a gel under the UV lamp. If you are having this done at a salon, some of the time, the formula may seem much thicker, like an old bottle of regular nailpolish. Regaurdless the finish will be flawless.

CND Shellac

I first found out about CND Shellac in January of this year and I thought how do I not know about this amazing invention?! My first salon experience left me a little unsettled (I can be so picky), as soon as I left the salon I was filling my husbands ear with "This one looks OK but these 4, what happened?!" and as soon as I got home I got right on line and looked up prices on a Gel Lamp and polishes...that was only the beginning...

If you dont know about CND Shellac it is a "14 day wear. Zero dry time. Mirror Finish." application. It is possibly the best nail polish experience I've ever encountered. The process takes apx 45 min total. The base coat cures under the UV lamp for 10 seconds. The first coat of color cures for 2 minutes, as well as the second coat, and the top coat cures for 2 minutes. You would think that it should take 10 minutes tops, not the case but when the top coat cures, you wipe the excess film off with a alcohol absorbed cotton ball and the mirror finish is remarkable! You can dig in your purse, do your make up or weed the garden immediately after application. No joke.