Motivation Monday

Updates + Trader Joe Hauls

Hope you all had a Happy Easter! And that you enjoyed the gorgeous weather. I have missed fresh/warm air!

My Easter was pretty good. I ate better than I thought I would. Kale Green Smoothies in the morning. Cut veggies with Tzatziki Dip and Hummus. A little indulgent for dinner: brown rice mac & cheese (made with homemade cashew milk, as mentioned here: http://posifitlybeautiful.blogspot.com/2013/03/homemade-cashewvegan-coffee-creamer-and.html and topped with shredded broccoli and tomatoes). As a snack, I had mixed nuts and dried fruit. I think I also ate a protein waffle (will post the recipe soon). I celebrated Easter with the family today (yesterday everyone was working) with a Trader Joe's run, haircut (cut off 8 inches!), etc.

It was a beautiful day and I also was able to fit in a workout: Cardio Power & Resistance followed by Blogilates' Victoria's Secret Arm Workout and Blogilates' Bikini Blaster 4: Awesomesauce Arms. For those doing Cardio Power & Resistance, I'd recommend having a rubber mat on hand if you have a hardwood floor you're working out on and tend to have... uh... sweaty hands (ewww, I know, but I do and it really helps me from slipping). 

I haven't posted in a little bit (with the exception of the latest Friday Fitness Funnies). I was focusing on my eating and exercise routine before getting back on here. The past month has been a bit hectic, full of its own ups and downs. It was difficult to stay on track.

I just needed to reorganize and keep focused.

Last week, I went back into Insanity. My shin splint wasn't bothering me much. Again, felt too nauseous to continue my workout (I completed Pure Cardio, but not Cardio Abs afterwards). I did however "re-do" the Pure Cardio day and completed Cardio Abs at a later time.

Monday I stayed out all day, building snowmen and snowforts with kids I was babysitting, while my dog ran around, reveling in one of his favorite things in the world: snow. Not a workout, but I'm sure it burned its fair amount of calories and was good for the soul. :)

Tuesday and Wednesday were gym days. I ran intervals on a treadmill for 30 minutes (6-15 Incline with 3.5-4 speed and 2 Incline with 7.5-8.5 speed, using each song on my playlist to dictate how long each interval would be). I wanted to run longer, but I was feeling incredibly queasy. I decided to finish up and do 30 minutes of weightlifting (plethora, since I knew I wouldn't weightlift the next day. Focused on: arms, glutes, thighs). Thighs were really sore the next day.

Wednesday I went to the Les Mills' CXWorx Class (30 minute core strengthening class; lots of planks, mat work and standing glute/core work). The regular instructor was sick, so we had the previous instructor (who I find teaches it more strenuously, but I enjoy both instructors). The same instructor (the sick one) teaches the following Zumba class, so Zumba was replaced with Les Mills' Body Jam and another instructor. It was fun and surprisingly, quite a bit different than Zumba (I always assumed they were very similar). More intense (lots of jumping/plyometric dance moves). I was so incredibly sore the next day (more so than I've ever been from doing any group classes in the past year). My sister took it with me and declined a run offer with me on Saturday as she was still too sore from the Wednesday class. And thanks be to the gods that I didn't feel sick/nauseous. Worst feeling in the world (I'm not scheduled to see the doc until next month. Hopefully whatever this is works itself out by then).

Thursday-Sunday (Easter), I followed through with completing the scheduled Insanity videos and 1-2 Blogilates/Pilates workouts.

Foodwise, I think I've been doing well, not deviating too far from eating healthy foods. I didn't eat out (since the wedding, with the exception of Subway one night - roasted chicken breast loaded with a ton of fresh veggies. Mmm. Also ate out today for Easter - spicy chicken stirfry with rice, kimchi and miso soup). Trying to eat/drink lots of veggies everyday. Green smoothies, sliced up veggies and Tzatziki Dip/Hummus, Kale salad have been almost everyday meals/snacks the past week. I've been trying to get 2-4 cups of green tea in a day, with a ton of water, of course. And apples with peanut butter (one of my favorite snacks!).

I did also make waffles, but made them healthier without sacrificing taste. Kept them in the freezer and have been popping 1-2 in the toaster for breakfasts this week and handing them out (with everyone wanting the recipe, not just health nuts. Score! :) ).

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Okay. Enough about my last week. And workout schedule and eating history. I will post updated photos from Insanity either after this third week. But will probably hold off until the end of Month 1. :)

Onto the Trader Joe's hauls!

 I love buying Organic Kale at Trader Joe's (TJ's). It's the most cost-efficient and it's washed and cut already. If I just buy kale from the grocery store, I tend to let most of it rot in my fridge, since it takes me a while to clean/cut it.

Psyllium Husk. First saw this mentioned on the Blogilates' blog when Cassey posted one of her protein pancake recipes. It's basically like a fiber supplement, but with a gritty flour-like texture. Cooked, I don't detect it at all (I tried drinking it, like it mentions in the directions.... Not my cup of tea). I use this in my waffle recipe.

I always buy my apples at TJ's. Organic and they're not drowning in that wax that often covers most supermarket apples.

TJ's also has their own Sprouted Grain bread. I used to buy Ezekiel bread, but the TJ's version is more economical ($2.99-$3.50, depending on which type VS ~$4.99). TJ's also carries the Ezekiel bread though. I already dipped into the bread by the time this photo was taken... was craving grilled cheese (this was a couple of weeks ago). I normally don't eat much bread though, so I usually just freeze it and it can last me anywhere from 2 weeks (if I'm craving it like crazy... like when I bought this a few weeks ago) to 4 months, depending on my current cravings.

Also another one of my TJ's staples: Organic Pea Shoots. Love these in salads. I also put these in rice paper wraps occasionally. They're so crisp and fresh tasting.

TJ's Sprouted Tofu: yet another staple. I try not to overdo the soy, but sometimes I don't feel like cooking/cleaning/prepping meat. Tofu is so easy to saute and eat with a salad or veggies on the side. I also buy regular tofu at my local Asian food store. I like how these are in small single-serving (or 2 servings, depending) packets.

Pure Organics Brownie Bar. Oh. My. Gosh. Picked this up on a whim. I was transitioning from eating some fairly unhealthy foods (my birthday week) and had a sweet tooth like mad. This fulfilled it and satiated my cravings, keeping them at bay. So fudge-like and good. The texture and sweetness comes from dates (so, if you're not a fan of dates, I would suggest you pass). Not quite like a brownie, but delicious in its own right. Also, I believe it's all raw.

The TJ's Five Seed Bars weren't for me, so I can't attest to how filling they were or their flavor, but I bought these for my mom to take to work and she really enjoyed them.

TJ's Chicken Breast. I haven't touched these as of yet. I do like that they're minimally processed and do not have any added hormones. 

TJ's Garden Patch Juice (tomato and vegetable juice). I don't usually drink juices (other than the ones I make), but I saw this mentioned and raved about in a Youtube post (below) and wanted to try it. I already dipped into this as well, to try. This will last a long time, I believe. I've had it for a couple weeks and it still has about 2/3rds left. I prefer fresh, but in a pinch, this works. It took a while to get accustomed to the flavor, but now that I'm used to it, I actually really like it. If I eat sliced veggies and hummus, I like to fill a cup with about 1/4-1/3 C and drink it along with water. 

Oh, and about the butter. I read this article by Empowered Sustenance entitled, "5 Reasons Why Butter is a Superfood." To read it, click this link: http://empoweredsustenance.com/5-reasons-why-butter-is-a-superfood/

I bought the recommended Kerrygold from TJ's in the article along with TJ's own Organic, Grass-fed butter. Both taste amazing, but I think I'll stick with the TJ's since it is organic. Although I don't think I should eat copious amounts of butter (I watch my oil/butter intake pretty closely), I am trying to stick to foods that are the least processed without all the extra chemicals and additives alternatives might have (for reference, I used to buy Earth Balance, a vegan butter and Smart Balance). I don't think I could ever consciously eat a 1/4 lb of butter as the writer did in her post, but I will use it in place of the spreads I was occasionally using before (to be fair though, I usually only buy butter/spreads once every few months... it tends to last a long time).

TJ's Coconut Oil. I've been buying Coconut Oil for a while now to cook with (my favorite brand is: Kelapo since it's Cold Pressed, Organic, Unrefined and Fair Trade Certified; though, it's harder to get a hold of, I find it from time-to-time at TJ Maxx). I bought this as I ran out and wanted to put some in a small jar for beauty needs (hair mask, use it for lotion).

I also bought the TJ's Kumato. It's basically a brown tomato. I don't know why, but every time I went to TJ's, I'd always see this and want to grab it and try it, but always pass it up. I'm sure to someone with a more discernible palate that this tastes vastly different than a regular tomato, but for me the flavor wasn't incredibly different (somewhat, but not very noticeable). I bought it more for the novelty, it seems.

TJ's Raw Almonds. I usually buy a small bag of these at Aldi's and it usually lasts me about a month. It's more economical to buy at TJ's, I find though. I snack on a handful of these several days of the week and sometimes will pack a "mix" to leave in my bag, in case I get hungry when out and about (mixing it with dried berries: blueberries, cranberries, cherries, goji berries, etc.; raw pistachios; dates).

TJ's Raw Sunflower Seeds. These were only $1.99 and will last quite a while. I like to sprinkle these on salads.

TJ's Almond Meal. I know there's some controversy whether or not Almond Meal/Flour is beneficial to our health or detrimental to it. I don't eat this often, just in my waffle recipe (for added protein). I keep it to a fairly small amount though as it's calorie dense.

TJ's Ruby Red Chai. This is my second box. I looooove any and all chais, but I especially like this one. Especially since it's made with red rooibos  And it's herbal and not caffeine-laden like the black chais (so I can drink it in the evening).

Today's haul! I haven't tried anything, other than the Sherbet as of yet. I will update on this. Oh, and one of the loaves has condensation since I put it in the freezer for about 30 min prior to this photo. I also picked up more apples and kale.

TJ's Sprouted Flourless Whole Wheat Berry Bread

TJ's California Style Complete Protein Organic Bread

Organic Cherry Tomatoes

Dried Wild Blueberries

TJ's Pomegranante Blueberry Sherbet. When it says that this stuff is velvety, this is not an overstatement. It's so creamy and rich. It's slightly tangy, very sweet and you get some pieces of fresh blueberry skin mixed in. Delicious. Highly recommend. Watch the serving size though - the fat content may be less than your average ice cream pint (since it's a sherbet), but the sugar serving is about the same (23 g per 1/2 c). I really want to try their Coconut Milk ice cream alternatives, too. 

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Not a TJ pick-up, but I did buy some Aloe Vera today! I have no idea what to do with this, but I'll google/youtube it or something. But I hear it's great to detox the body as well as wonderful topically. 

For more on the benefits of Aloe Vera: http://www.naturalnews.com/021858_aloe_vera_gel.html

http://expertscolumn.com/content/25-health-benefits-aloevera

Also not a TJ's pick-up, but I bought a huge bag of raw cashews today. Will use these to make cashew milk (in place of heavy cream, coffee creamer, etc.).

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I might do a post on what lies behind my choices of food products (organic VS inorganic, sprouted VS non-sprouted, etc.). Keep in mind though, that I'm not a food purist and do eat inorganic vegetables and fruits if organic options are not economically preferable or when it's not available (when I juice though, I almost always try to juice organic vegetables/fruits). I do prefer organic if I can get it though. I also eat non-sprouted tofu, rice and pasta. Breads I usually do sprouted though. Unless it's an English Muffin, then I'll buy them 100% Whole Wheat. 

Here are some more infographics for more information in the meantime.

I find this particularly helpful when choosing which fruits & vegetables to buy organic and which ones I'd be okay foregoing and buying inorganic though. I almost always buy avocados inorganic since they tend to be costly (Aldi's is the only place I can find them for affordable prices - between .39-.79 VS ~$2/each).

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I'll post up a separate post for today's Monday Motivation. Almost forgot it was Monday. :)

Love, 

Marie

Friday Fitness Funnies

This is how I felt this week. Waaaay too many people at the gym. I'm guessing Spring Break or trying or Summer Body Resolutions kicked up with the start of spring.

Michael Todd Knu Cream! (MSRP $150) & Other Product Deals

Update: Please read the dates below. I've placed strikethroughs through expired links. I will update with current deals when I come across them.

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Hey guys!

So, this is going to be a quick post. I just wanted to share a time-sensitive deal with you guys!

Michael Todd Knu Cream is a LivingSocial Deal for $25! (go here: https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/636902?ref=conf-jp&rpi=111155758) Deal Now Over (I will update this if I catch wind of more deals)

It says the deal has 13 days left, but from my experience, it sells out in a day or two. So, buy one quickly. It retails for $150, so this is a STEAL! 

Enter Promo Code "BESTOF" to get an extra $5 off! (this is why the price in the header says $20 for the cream). Shipping is $5.50. The Promo Code expires tomorrow on March 28th, 2013.

Michael Todd Knu Anti-Aging Face Lift Cream is more than just a wrinkle cream. It tightens and rejuvenates and aids in acne scarring (hyperpigmentation) and rosacea. I also find that it gives my face a nice glow. For my review on it (as well as other products in their line), go here: http://posifitlybeautiful.blogspot.com/2013/03/beauty-hauls-makeup-skincare-reviews.html

"Possibly the biggest advance in anti-aging skincare available today without a prescription, KNU has beenfeatured on CBS' "The Doctors" and recommended by co-host and plastic surgeon Andrew Ordon, M.D. for its "immediate lift and firming combined with long term anti-aging benefits.

The creme de la creme of age-defying skin treatments, you can actually feel it working! Improved formula provides immediate lift and tightening of the skin of the face and neck while longer term anti-aging benefits rejuvenate the skin for a younger and healthier look.Users also report significant improvement in acne scarring and redness from rosacea in a short time after beginning use of KNU. Made with 70% organicingredients and concentrated with NO added water, parabens, sulfates or other harsh chemicals, KNU is truly in a class by itself. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed."

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Another great Michael Todd sale: http://vnlink.co/SaR5DCY (Deal OVER. Will update this if I see this again).

Cleansers are listed as $9.99 (retail $24)
Scrubs $9.99 (retail $19)
Toners $9.99 (retail $18)
Masks $11.99 (retail $34)
Serums $13.99 (retail $37)
Intensive Organic Eye Cream $11.99 (retail $33)

They too have the Knu Cream, but honestly, the LivingSocial deal is better (they have it for $38). If you're looking for any of the other products though, it's a great sale.

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Edit: I received my Michael Todd Knu Cream from Livingsocial yesterday. Michael Todd typically ships out their products quickly. LOVE! I also really like their packaging (the box as well as the jar). The jar got a bit of a makeover - with a silver lid and looks smaller (but the product amount is the same: 1.7 oz).

6.28. 2013 The cream says that it's a 3 month supply. I've used it for 6 months and am currently a little more than halfway through. In the winter, I used it both mornings and evenings. Now that it's humid/warm out, I only use it in the evenings (typically 5-6 nights a week).

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Current Deals:

• Groupon Deal is Back! KNU Cream $24.99 free shipping (Good until between July 1-2 at MIDNIGHT)
• http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-michael-todd-knu-anti-aging-cream-00
• Michael Todd Store Coupon Code 20% off code (6.29.2013): 74DFB

Fitness/Health/Life Updates

So, at the beginning of this week I had a family emergency. After the hospital (everyone's alright now), we went out for Chinese food. I really dislike Chinese food (I used to love it) mainly because my family always wants to eat Chinese and I'm really burnt out on it. Always might be an overstatement. My family doesn't eat out much. Like... once a month, but for me, that's too frequent for Chinese food. Unless it's a nicer Chinese restaurant. I'm not one for buffets.

Anyway, I wasn't too bad - I ate one small plate of chicken dishes with some rice and a side of crab rangoon. Not healthy, but considering my asian family and friends tend to get like 3 plates loaded with food, 1 plate wasn't too bad. For dessert I ate oranges. Mmm.

I've taken a break from Insanity due to stress and I have a shin splint now... I've been sort of out of shape since I'm less active in the winter. I wasn't feeling the best emotionally this week. I think this was reflected in my activity levels this week and my eating habits (not horrible, but not as healthy as I'd like). Trying to stay positive though. Just exhausted.

I did, however, make it a point to go to the gym on Wednesday for group classes for 1.5 hours and then do a little light jogging afterwards. Thursday I had plans with a friend and stayed out all day, but Friday I hit the gym for another 1.5 hours. I did some interval jogging on the treadmill for about 40 minutes, lifted for about 25 minutes (upper body) and then walked up an incline of 6 the rest of the time.

So yeah. Next week, I'm celebrating my birthday by going out to eat. All day. Ha. But the next day, I'll go strict on my diet and remain strict until a friend's wedding next weekend. If all goes well, I'll remain fairly strict. Just so I can detox and get the cravings out of my system that inevitably occur when I let myself indulge more than I usually do. And I'll probably be somewhat bloated, so I want to detox/get rid of the bloat before the wedding, so I can feel confident in my dress. I will leave room for flexibility, but I also want to up the ante and change it up a bit. I'll probably focus on my arms unless my shins feel much better (they're getting there).

"Just remember our emotions are like a roller coaster. Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down; sometimes you're upside down for a minute, then right side up the next. Normally, when people achieve their goals, their outlook on life is bright and cheery. They burst with positive emotions. However, when disappointment and frustration come their way, high enthusiasms dampen in a flash. Don't worry as the song goes "BE HAPPY" as its good for your health!!!" Fitness Food and Style (on Facebook)

That's it for now. Hope you all are doing great and having an amazing weekend!

Love, Marie

Beauty Hauls / Makeup & Skincare Reviews for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin

Finally, the hauls! It's been a crazy week, but I have the day off and thought I'd finally upload these. Hope you enjoy!

Let's start with foundation.

Rachel K CC Cream (as mentioned in a previous post), Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation, Revlon Photoready Foundation and CoverProof (from DermStore.com) 

The verdict so far? The Rachel K CC Cream is more mattifying than a BB Cream. However, I wouldn't say it has better coverage. I've only used it twice and have to hold off on using it until the summer, when my skin is oily. My skin is combination because of the winter weather right now, so it accentuates the dry patches under my nose and on my chin. It does feel natural and less heavy than the Korean BB Creams I've used in the past (I wrote a previous review, here: http://posifitlybeautiful.blogspot.com/2013/02/korean-bb-cream-round-up-reviews.html). Retails for $39 (more costly than many Korean BB Creams).

The Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation was a shade too dark for me. They've been hard to come by in Sephora (only Sephora carries them) as they're working on repackaging the foundation, so I decided to stick with it as this would be a perfect shade/formula for my summer skin. I've been mixing a small amount of this with a good amount of CoverProof (below) and the Revlon Photoready for a great finish. Also, as with the Rachel K CC Cream, it's too drying on my combo areas as of right now (combining this with Photoready, combo areas don't dry out). Definitely a full-coverage foundation. Retails for $34 on Sephora.

I've used the Revlon Photoready Foundation numerous times and have gone through at least 6 bottles. I absolutely love it. I know that some people complain about some shimmer to the foundation. Honestly, I can't tell when it's on my face. On the back of my hand, I can, but on my face it just gives it a dewy finish. The only downsides for me is that it doesn't control oil as well as these other foundations, but it also doesn't dry out any areas. Also, this definitely does transfer. I would say this would be a medium coverage foundation. I usually have to conceal afterwards (when I combine this with the Kat Von D and Coverproof, it gives it more coverage and does not transfer and feels natural). I do want to try Revlon Colorstay later and compare, as I'm sure it transfers less and gives more of a matte finish. What I like about this foundation? The coverage is better for me than most drugstore foundations, it doesn't melt off of my face (...like most drugstore foundations), it doesn't irritate my skin and it matches my skin tone (pretty difficult for me to find a "perfect" shade that doesn't oxidize orange on me... I'd rather not resemble an Oompa Loompa). Retails for ~$10 at Wal-Mart (in the past it was $12-14, so it's gotten a bit cheaper).

I ordered the CoverProof Foundation as I was looking for a completely transfer-resistant foundation. Another plus is that it is waterproof/smudgeproof/sweatproof. Great long-wearing foundation. It's also buildable (I would say this is also a medium coverage foundation). As with the Rachel K and Kat Von D Foundations, I did notice it was too drying on my combo skin (I would not recommend this for those with dry skin). Downside? Only comes in 3 shades and their sales reps aren't very helpful (I called asking for undertones and the guy I talked to had no idea what they were). Plus side? Dermstore almost always offers free gifts (the Dermstore Lip Quench balm is fabulous. More on this below...) and always offers free shipping. Also, it is definitely waterproof. I've taken a shower with it on and it wouldn't budge until I used cleanser. Retails for $38, but Dermstore/Blush sells it for $29.95 (free shipping, free gift usually). I bought it during a 5 hour sale for $19. Also, use the code: FREEGIFT to get a 2nd free gift (I've used this this week and received the lip balm with an extra liquid eyeshadow deluxe sample. I am not sure when it expires...).

I find the perfect blend for color/finish/coverage for me is to first apply BB Cream, then mix the Revlon Photoready with Coverproof and just a little bit of Kat Von D Foundation. No drying, but also no oil-slick. I usually only have to blot once a day and that's near the end of the day. I do set my foundation with a mineral powder (Everyday Minerals. LOVE) and transparent powder. Even so, when I set my foundation over just the Photoready, I'd have to blot sooner. And none of these have caused any blemishes to flare up or clog my pores (I usually only wear full-coverage like this twice a week currently).

Oh, and the free Dermstore Lip Quench? It's not slick and has a very different texture. Not super sticky/slick, but incredibly moisturizing and natural looking. It's supposedly great for thin, dry lips (I'm a chapstick addict, so I don't usually suffer from overly dry lips). My mom, however, tried this and loves it for her dry lips (I believe it's ~$12 for a full-size, which is a little bigger than the free gift).

Cetaphil Cleanser, Simple Day Cream, Michael Todd Anti-Aging Travel Pack, Michael Todd Knu Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner, Michael Todd Intensive Eye Cream, Michael Todd Antioxidant Carrot Serum and Sprout Wellness Restorative and Balancing Toner (made with Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Water & Wild Crops Farm Witch Hazel, Organic Essential Oils of Sandalwood & Clary Sage) and Clean & Clear's Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask.

Onto skincare! Now, to preface, I know this seems like a lot to purchase at one time, but I was having some severe skin issues (as stated in my intro to my skin). I thought it would be best to choose more simple, organic/natural products for my skin. Also, I bought these all with deals or on sale (Disclaimer: No one bought these for me and I'm not being paid to write any reviews). Also, most of it is from the Michael Todd True Organics Skincare Line. I'm trying to find organic/natural skincare essentials to replace my previous skincare products and I've heard so many rave reviews from the Michael Todd line. It doesn't hurt that I saved a lot of money off of the retail prices (see below).

Why use organic skincare products? Watch this movie for more info.

I love the Cetaphil Cleanser. The one I was using previously (Formula 10.0.6's Best Face Forward Cleanser) was too harsh on my suffering skin - it was stripping my skin of all the oils and caused flake-age anywhere where I had blemishes that were healing or dry skin. The Cetaphil Cleanser, however, feels really balancing. My skin feels really clean and oil-free, but not overly so. It felt so squeaky clean after using it the first time, even when I did not use my clarisonic. I believe this was almost $10 at Wal-Mart. It's huge and will last a long time, as a little goes a long way. 

I have not used the Simple Day Cream as of yet. I have used a few of their products in the past. I have no problems to report with their products, but neither do I feel like I could not live without them or need them in my regimen. Why buy this then? I didn't. Wal-Mart actually sent it to me to sample when I ordered a curling iron, the Cetaphil cleanser and the Clean & Clear Blackhead Cleansing Mask.

Onto the Michael Todd Anti-Aging Travel Pack. I haven't used all of the products (which are: Skin Defender AHA Creme Cleanser, Cranberry Antiox Hydrating Toner, Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub, Liposome Antioxidant Moisturizer and the Rose Petal Vitamin C Gel Facial Mask). I'm in my 20's, so anti-wrinkle care is something I'm starting to think about for preventative measures. I've given the moisturizer to my mother, as it says it's not recommended for oily skin. I've used the Rose Petal Mask. It is such a pretty, floral scent and I feel my skin instantly brightening. I've also used the Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub. This can be harsh for acneic skin. I've used it a few times with no problems though (I would imagine if you're prone to whiteheads though, you might not want to try this). I like to use this when my skin is rather dry/patchy/flaky and it works well. This is $44 with the Eye Cream (I got this for $30-something as the Michael Todd website was having a Valentine's Day promo going on. This was a great deal as the eye cream alone costs $38. The retail value for this set is $107).

Onto the ever-popular Michael Todd Anti-Aging Face-Lift Knu Cream. I bought this as I heard it was great for acneic skin. I also picked one up for my mother, who loves to collect wrinkle creams. I watched many, many youtube reviews as well as read some. The texture is rather thick and takes a while to absorb into my skin. I have not noticed any wrinkle benefits (I don't really have any... yet), but my mother has and has been getting compliments on her skin since she's been using this. I have noticed how bright and dewy my skin has been since the first morning I woke up after using this. Amazing. Also, it's helped heal some blemishes faster than normal. It does feel a bit sticky for me (for my mom, who has dry skin, it absorbs right in and feels baby soft), but I can wear makeup over it without a problem. Note: If the thought of having a serum derived from (humanely harvested) snails bothers you... either don't think about it (haha) or skip this product. For me, however, this has been a holy grail product. My skin has never glowed so much. The price is a wopping $150 via their site. However, deals can often be had on this cream. I bought mine for $33 on ideeli (please consider using my referral link: www.ideeli.com/invite/amn385). I've also seen deals on Groupon and Livingsocial for $25 (crazy! I've always missed these though).

Another popular product from the Michael Todd line is their Intensive Organic Eye Cream with Haloxyl + Eyeliss. I don't suffer from puffy eyes or fine lines yet. This has worked wonders for the dark circles under my eyes (nothing has ever worked). I no longer have to conceal under my eyes. $38. There also have been Groupon deals on this for ~$17 from time to time (every few months. Keep your eyes on the lookout).

I've seen many acneic Youtube beauty gurus rave about the Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner. Often, acne can be caused by oil, bacteria, dirt, etc. in the pores. This helps by cleaning out the pores. I have cystic acne and haven't noticed anything miraculous as of yet, but it does help reduce inflammation when I break out. I find it helps more with whiteheads (which I rarely get) than with cystic acne (which is what I mostly get). The scent is very natural/herbal and somewhat calming. This is $18 on the Michael Todd True Organics website (this is a gigantic toner and will last for quite some time).

I believe I can also attribute my newfound glowing skin to the Michael Todd Antioxidant Carrot Multivitamin Serum. I've never used a serum before. This, I believe worked hand-in-hand with brightening up my skin even further in conjunction with the Knu Cream (I used the Knu Cream first and then worked in the serum a few days later). This also seems to be helping with some hyperpigmentation (not a miracle, but great to get rid of the stubborn red marks a tad faster). I used this by itself for about 1.5 weeks and then started mixing this with a little bit of the Michael Todd Citrus Cream Moisturizer DMAE-Hyaluronic Acid Blend (not pictured. Received as a present). They work perfectly together, balancing the moisture in my skin - not too oily in my t-zone, yet moisturizes my combo/dry winter patches wonderfully. And the smell is revitalizing and refreshing. The serum retails for $37. However, I purchased this on ideeli for $14.99.

The Sprout Wellness Toner made with Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Water & Wild Crops Farm Witch Hazel, Organic Essential Oils of Sandalwood & Clary Sage. Before purchasing this and the Michael Todd toner, my toner was basically DIY (Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water). I wanted to try something new and liked the additions to this toner. I prefer the Michael Todd toner, but I don't have anything negative to say about this toner. The smell might be off-putting, however, for those not accustomed to the smell of ACV. This brand sort of reminds me of Lush, in that it's hand-made and artisinal. I've been taking turns using this with the Michael Todd toner. I feel this does a great job removing any extra residue from my makeup that my cleanser and clarisonic might leave behind, as it gets deep into pores. I like that this is all natural and supports local farms. Another ideeli find - purchased for $9.99.

Last, but not least, the Clean & Clear Blackhead Cleansing Mask. I only use this about every 1-1.5 weeks, as it can be a bit harsh/stripping of all the oils/drying. However, it does do a great job of getting rid of blackheads, which I haven't had for year, until the past 2 months when they popped up again. Pesky things. This retails for about $4.50 at Wal-Mart. 

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I've had/been using (unless stated otherwise) all of these products for a little over a month.

That's it for now. I have more hauls, but this has taken quite a long time to type up. Look forward to future posts, including: health hauls (Trader Joe's, OpenSky BluApple, etc.), electronic skincare haul (PMD Personal Micodermabrasion, Tanda Zap), subscription beauty and health box hauls (ipsy, Beauty Army, Conscious Box and Vitacost Be All Box). 

Speaking of, I've been trying for the longest time to get into Graze.com's healthy snacking subscription box, but they're in beta now and only allowing current subscribers to invite 1 person to the program. Finding a spot is pretty competitive. Anyone happen to have a code they could share? 

Love,
Marie

Fitness Funnies

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