Hey, You Should Spray Tan!

The idea of spray tanning may seem intimidating to you, but I've done it and it's not scary at all! Let me tell you why it's perfect for a super white, stay at home mom like me. I don't have a lot of extra time on my hands to tan outside or make frequent visits to a tanner. When I'm going to be in a wedding or attend a special event, I want to look tan! Spray tanning is instant gratification and if done properly, looks as natural as can be. Let me tell you what I do...

First, I always go to a reputable spray tanning establishment. I figure I'd rather not risk a second rate tanning experience and fake looking results. The most common line of spray tanning that I have used is Mysic Tan.

1. Shower and exfoliate thoroughly. I use a washcloth and   regular soap or a grainy scrub. Scrub everywhere, especially the knees, elbows and heels.
2. Use a light moisturizer all over.
3. At the facility, ask the advice of the employees on which shade to use. My first time spray tanning, I used the lightest color. It was just a nice healthy glow. I got daring and have gone all the way up to the darkest. Being as naturally pale as I am, you can't go wrong with the lighter shade. The only tricky thing about going darker is the potential for more pronounced lines and patches. 
4. Pull your hair up away from your face and neck. Cover your hair in a hair net but don't pull it down over your hairline at all. Pull it up over your hair so the hairline is uncovered.
5. Use the barrier cream on your knees, elbows, finger nails, between fingers, palms and any other dry areas. You want to cover your knees especially well, but blend well or you will have lines and uneven patches. 
6. Follow the instructions that were given to you to operate the equipment. Be sure to hold hands and fingers in various positions while rotating in the chamber. Try starting with fingers bent in a claw-like position, then straighten them out and bend wrists in the opposite direction. 

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I forgot to take a before picture! 

The one seen above is is the best I could find that 

beautifully displays my naturally pale skin :)

I spray tanned in the morning and by the evening, 

this is the color that had developed.

This is another occasion that I used the darkest level tanner. 

I just loved the results!

If you look closely at these two pictures, you'll notice that I didn't blend the barrier cream well enough from around my ankle to my leg. There is a slight line. You have to be careful with the cream. Not enough and you will get lines around any dry areas (knees, elbows, wrists, etc). But too much and you can end up with patchy spots.

The spray tan works in two ways. It sprays an instant bronze color on the surface of your skin for instant gratification. This can get warn off by showering, swimming, tight clothing, etc. The deeper layer of color develops over time. I got my spray tan in the morning and by evening it had fully developed. I showered and spray tanned on a Thursday morning, sat in the hot tub for several hours that night, went to a rehearsal dinner on Friday night, showered Saturday morning and was in a wedding that afternoon. The tan held up well through the hot tub and one shower. I actually felt like I still had the remains of it left, a week later with only showering every other day.

Happy tanning!!

Mom Style

Can I do this? Not sure if I really should, but it's happening. It's a fashion post. I've never considered myself anywhere close to a trend setter or fashion guru, but I do like fashion and I love clothes. I don't like spending much on clothes, most of my wardrobe was bought at a thrift store, garage sale or Kohls with a 30% off coupon. It's the challenge really, the hunt. How can I stay up to date with the latest trends while spending practically nothing. Here are some attempts...

Boots: Amazon.com, Leggings: Lauren Conrad at Kohls, Jacket: Thrifted, Shirt: Target Clearance Rack

Cardigan: Old Navy, Shirt: Gap

Shoes: Kohls, Pants: LOFT Outlet, Shirt: Elder Bearman Clearance Rack

Things I love:

Sparkles, Vintage, Skinny Jeans, Leggings, Stripes, Blazers, Southwest Prints, Chevron, Teal, Toms, Slouchy Boots, Color, Dresses, Cardigans, Layers and Loose Fitting Tops, Scarves, Sock Buns, Wavy Hair, Ombre Hair, Flats, Leg Warmers and Wool Socks, Hints of Neon, Hints of Animal Print, Button Downs, Belts, Lace and Oh So Many Other Things!!!...

Some Inspiration:

*Sorry that I couldn't track down any of the original sources for these photos. They were all found on Pinterest.

Healthy Snack Ideas

Ok, so it's Monday morning weigh in time.  1.2 Pounds down 3.8 to GO!! I must admit I am a little shocked.  I met my exercise goal and exceeded it by two work out times. I did eat some of my favorite snacks, but less of them.  And when the Oreos were gone I didn't get more.  I have been on withdrawal.  I miss them.  One morning I decided I was going to have a reduced calorie meal day, and what would show up outside our door?  A box of fresh donuts.  That turned into a three donut day for me. After I ate them, I went down to the elliptical for ten minutes ;)

Another helpful piece of the puzzle includes healthy replacement snacks. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Plain yogurt, with chopped walnuts and honey. Measure first to get yourself around 100 calories. Then you can see what it looks like.  I cannot stand plain yogurt by itself, but with the honey it is amazing. I also substitute almonds depending on what I have on hand.

                                           

 2. A hard boiled egg with pepper.  Delicious. Anytime day or night. 70 Calories! Here's the trick to hard boiled eggs.  Put them in lukewarm water. Then bring them to a boil. Let them boil for 11 minutes. Drain the water and crack the eggs.  Shaking them in the pot works great.  Add cool water, drain, add cool water, drain, and then add cool water.  Let them soak briefly and start removing the shell under cool water.

3. One whole-wheat English muffin with peanut butter.  Again you are looking for 100-200 calorie snacks, so watch the calories in the amounts you are using.

 

4. An apple with/or without peanut butter.  We have an apple corer, so we core our apple and then stuff peanut butter in the hole.  We call it a power ball :)

It gives a good blend of protein and a

low glycemic fruit.

 

5. Peanuts with raisins.  Make sure you put them in a SMALL bowl.  It's easy to get carried away.

6. Two slices of deli turkey with a bunch of grapes.

       

Plan ahead and have good snacks on hand.  It's another piece of the healthy lifestyle puzzle.  You will get hungry between meals, and if you handle it correctly you can help your metabolism without feeling deprived!!

I was given these suggestions from a friend, and she found them here: Healthy Snacks from Real Simple.

~Julia

Lose Five Pounds in a Month!!

So spring is here and summer is coming.  I want to lose 5 pounds.  I have done things like not eating anything for 11 days to fit into my wedding dress two years ago. Yes, I drank a maple syrup and lemon water mixture without eating anything. Do you know how many social gatherings are around food? I also really missed the physical act of chewing food.  And it was a surprise for my husband, so he thought I was plum crazy!   I lost the necessary 12 pounds, so I could actually button the dress and have pictures taken from the back.  After another baby, a continued battle with a foot injury, and a love for food I need to take action.  I can either wait until summer hits and be bummed I only have two pair of shorts that fit, or I can make some changes now. I seriously contemplated taking a before picture wearing the shorts I want to wear so I could take a picture with the dynamic results.  Not!! If you are a woman, you know what a muffin top is, and I don't have to embarrass myself and accentuate mine.

Here's my plan. First, I want to move (cardio) for 30 minutes at least three times per week. I have an elliptical and it tells me I burn about 330 calories for that length of time on the first level of resistance. Second, I plan to do an ab excersize at least twice a week. We have P90x, and I tried it for the first time yesterday. AbRipper is the name and boy does it live up to it's name!!  Third, I am going to think about what I put in my mouth. Meaning choose a snack like an apple over my typical Oreos dipped in peanut butter and dunked in milk. I have also used the Fat Flush Diet. Basically you eat real foods with a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn't spike your blood sugar. I am going to eat one meal a day that follows that principle. Do what is practical and what you can commit to.  Then don't let anything stand in your way. Are you with me?

~Julia

Neon Duct Tape!!

Question: How many uses can I find for neon duct tape?

Option #1: Shoes (oh, you can definitely expect more to come)
I've been seeing so many pictures of spray painted shoes, and have tried a few of my own. However, I have been kind of struggling with the fact that once they are painted, it's pretty much a permanent change. I thought it would be fun to have a removable option. The duct tape seemed like a logical solution because it comes in so many fun colors. However, it is somewhat tricky to make it lay flat and uniform, so it's not obvious that it is duct tape! Test the shoes before hand, some finishes may allow the tape to be removed. However, the finish actually started peeling off of this neutral pair when I tried removing the tape - guess I'll be keeping them as they are from now on! No loss, they weren't in great shape and I hardly ever wore them, until now - because they turned out super cute!

Starting out with a pile of shoes, some duct tape and a pair of scissors! 

Let's see how this goes...

 This pair of baby shoes turned out ok, but it was tricky getting the tape to lay flat over the curve of the front toe. I found that this could be drastically improved by stretching the duct tape.

 This next pair of shoes is my favorite and I'm pretty excited how they turned out.

 Once I smoothed out the tape, i used some scissors, like a knife, to very carefully cut a smooth line along the base of the shoes - 

being careful not to cut through to the shoe its self!

 This last pair didn't look so great, 

so I peeled the tape off very carefully and left them as-is.

Happy Wednesday!

Working on finishing up some blog posts today. Took time out to show my toes a little attention. This is very random, but I thought I'd share since my toes are so happy with me now :) Be sure to stay tuned for "Disney on a Dime (Part 2)" and check out the Lilla Rose Giveaway which is still open until this Friday!

Lilla Rose Giveaway

Enter to Win!!!!!

I feel like a "real" blogger. My friend Rachel contacted me about doing a promo for her new business venture as an independent consultant for Lilla Rose. She very graciously sent me one of her products to put to the test - and I have to say, I loved it!

I tried out the Sparkling Silver Headband on an 80 degree day at the zoo. I knew it would be really hot, so I threw my hair up and dressed for comfort. The Lilla Rose Hair Band was the perfect accessory to add just a little sparkle to my boring outfit.

  

According to Rachel, the Flexi Clip is their biggest seller, but I instantly could see myself utilizing the Hair Band more often. I have to say, the real test for any head band is how well it stays in place. This baby really did. Despite the sweat, it stayed perfectly in place all day long. I was even able to wear sun glasses along with it, without it feeling weird.

  
Check out Rachel's Site:
http://www.lillarose.biz/ComfortableBeautifulHair  
Or Facebook Page: Lilla-Rose-Rachel-Kirsch

Enter Below for Your Chance to Win 
a Lilla Rose Hair Band (up to $19 value) 
or Flexi Clip (up to $16 value) of your choice!!!
4 Different Ways to Enter - 6 Possible Entries
Hurry - This Offer Ends on Friday

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shoes from Kohls

I've got a 30% off coupon to Kohls and I know how to use it! 
Well, kind of. Check them out! I am very impressed by the selection of spring shoes on Kohls. Now, to narrow it down to say, one of these... What is your favorite Spring style?
The Boat Shoe
(Fake Sperrys)


 

The Color Block Toe

 

The Fake Toms 

(that don't support any charities, but hey, they're way cheaper)

Bold Colors

 


Sandals