So...I got Dysport!

I'll be 34 in a couple of weeks (May 16 to be exact) and while by no stretch of the imagination do I consider that to be OLLLLLLLLLLD I am definitely not getting any younger. My forehead has always been a big insecurity of mine, from pregnancy-induced melasma, to the "surprise" lines that never go away, even when I'm not surprised, to the permanently etched 11's right in between my eye brows that made me look angry, when I wasn't. (Ah, the good old resting bitch face.) I'd been thinking about getting some sort of help with my forehead, by way of injections for the last few years, but would always talk myself out of it. "You're too young." // "It will hurt." //  "People will judge you!" Were all thoughts that ran through my head. I'd been approached by my friends at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa before about doing Dysport, but always politely declined, thanks to the excuses running through my head. Well, when I was offered again a few weeks ago I decided to go for it!

First off - what is Dysport? You've all heard of Botox, right? Dysport is basically a different brand of botox. It's a prescription injection that smooths wrinkles and lines. It temporarily paralyzes the muscles that it's injected to, so not only does it treat those lines and wrinkles, but it's a preventative measure too. If you can't continue to make motion with those lines and wrinkles (and those nasty 11's that always make you look angry!) they can't get any deeper, and they can't get any worse.

I've been to Dr. Ronan's office before, for a HydraFacial so I was familiar with it. The office is clean, friendly and inviting, and located in beautiful Blackhawk Plaza. The entire staff is so welcoming and friendly, and it really is a place that you feel comfortable and welcome.

Please bear with the terrible picture, but here is an untouched close up right before the procedure. It's a bit blown out, so you can't see quite how bad the 11's were, but trust me - they were deep and unhappy.

When I got to Blackhawk Plastic Surgery I spoke to Dr. Ronan about the insecurities with my surprise lines and 11's. He showed me exactly where he was going to inject, and what to expect. Knowing that I didn't want to look frozen he said he'd go moderate. He also prefers to use Dysport as opposed to Botox because it gives a more natural look. I was nervous all day leading up to the procedure. I have a pretty high pain threshold but I've never had a needle in my face. The fear of the unknown was getting to me, lol.

So - did it hurt?! NOPE! Not at all. You definitely feel a slight pinch for about a half a second at each of the injection spots, but I can say with complete confidence that it does not hurt in the slightest.

So - how does it look?!  Well, here I am, just about a week and a half later. Completely untouched, and unedited. The only makeup I'm wearing is CC Cream, mascara and lipstick. The 11's that made me look constantly angry are GONE!! (Peace out, RBF!) The deep "surprise lines" just about completely diminished, though you can still see my expressions quite clearly. I feel that it's a subtle difference to anyone who isn't me, but I am so incredibly happy with the final results! In just the last week I've had so many people (friends, family and strangers!) stop and tell me that my skin looks great. I feel more confident, and haven't once been asked if I'm angry when I'm not. (Again, peace out RBF!)  It's funny - people are leaving direct messages to me on Instagram, just about every time I post a story where I'm facing the camera, saying that my skin looks great, asking what makeup I'm using, or what skincare. It's all thanks to Dysport, and Dr. Ronan!! I have to say, this experience with Dysport has been the biggest confidence booster!

Would you recommend it or do it again?! Yes and YES!!! The results look and feel very natural. I am all about aging gracefully, but I don't see injectables as a hindrance to that, just another form of self care, same as a great skincare routine, and a healthy diet. The Dysport I received should last about four months, and I hope to do it again once it's worn off.

Ok, ok, but what does it cost?! Well, it all depends on what exactly you're getting done. I often times see Groupon specials for $12 for an area of Botox, and people I'm assuming end up disappointed when they buy ten areas of Botox, but really need twenty or thirty. When it comes to something like an injectable or filler, why would you trust a Groupon? When dealing with your face I can't stress how important it is to go to a trusted professional! Dr. Ronan is a renowned doctor, and people from all over the country go to see him, He'll take the time to discuss your goals, so you can get exactly what you need, no more and no less, and pay for just that. One of the many things I love about Dr. Ronan's office, is they offer beauty memberships so you can pay a flat monthly fee, as opposed to one big chunk all at once. Memberships start at just $50 a month, and go up from there. You can lump your injectables, facials, medical-grade skin care products and more and that one fee, and have incredible skin that you feel confident in all the time.

You can't beat that! If you have any questions about the Dysport, or Blackhawk Plastic Surgery at all, please let me know and I am happy to answer them for you!

Thank you, Dr. Ronan!

I would love to know - what are YOUR thoughts on injectables? What about bigger things like plastic surgery? Let's get a conversation going here! I'll go first - obviously I am all for them. Once I lose a bit more weight, and save a bit more I would really love to do a breast reduction. I am also intrigued by CoolSculpting! What are YOUR thoughts??

Well, hello.

Hi guys! So sorry for the impromptu blog break. As much as I love writing this little blog of mine, it was simply something I hadn't thought about over the last few weeks. The holiday hustle and bustle seems to have been even crazier than in past years, and my blog got pushed aside. And it was ok. We hosted 24 people at Christmas. We went mini golfing and had tamales the day after, which has become somewhat of a little tradition for us. We went crab fishing. We had a ton of family time, and made some really great memories. And so while I'm sorry my little blog got a bit neglected, I'm not sorry about all of the incredible times we had.

I'm hoping to blog more consistently in 2017. More outift posts, and Mani Mondays, recipes, beauty posts, and other things that make me happy. If there's anything you'd like to see me write about please let me know. And, as always, thank you for following along!

Gone but not forgotten.

...cancelled TV shows, that is. ABC cancelled one of my favorite shows ever, Nashville. The reason for the cancellation, according to ABC president: "At the end of the day, we didn't feel that even though Castle andNashville were wonderful shows and good performers for a long time, the future for us didn't lie in those shows." Um....I don't get it. Nashville had consistent and loyal viewers from the beginning (self included) and I am incredibly sad to see it go, especially after the big cliffhanger it left us with. 

There is hope, though. Lionsgate tweeted this after the series finale: #Nashies What a cliffhanger! But we won’t leave you hanging. There's more story to be told. #BringBackNashville

Sounds like confirmation that they're bringing it back, right?? Fingers and toes crossed.

And now for some of my others favorite shows that have been cancelled, and are gone but not forgotten:

Pushing Daisies. This was a quirky, little show about a pie maker who could bring back the dead, by touching them. Super weird, but I loved it. Alas, it was cancelled after a few seasons.

Smash. A musical dramedy. Incredible music, and I loved all of the storylines. I really miss this one! I have listened to the album over and over and over. And funnily enough, one of the actors on Smash, Will Chase (he played the character who played Joe DiMaggio in the Marilyn musical) was on Nashville as Luke Wheeler. He has a great voice!

Ugly Betty. This show had a pretty good, little run, but still I wanted more. It was a fun show, with a great heart.

Those are some of my favorite cancelled shows. What are some of YOURS???

My Top 10 Pet Peeves

We all have those little annoyances. Things that aren't really a big deal, and shouldn't bug you but they do. Pet peeves. Here are my top ten.

1. People waiting for parking spots. Especially at Costco. People do it everywhere, but especially at Costco and it kills me. If you parked at the farthest parking spot, and walked in it would still be quicker than waiting for someone to unload their massive Costco cart, and get their kid(s) in their seat(s) and get out. KILLS ME!

2. When I have a Pandora station on, and they don't play any songs by the artist I've chosen. ie: When I've got my Gavin DeGraw station on, and they don't play any Gavin DeGraw in the 30+ songs I've listened to.

3. Smudging nails I've just painted. Argh.

4. People who never use their blinkers when they drive. So rude. And dangerous.

5. People that don't put shopping carts back where they belong at the store. I always see people put carts near where they belong, but not where they actually go. Like it will actually kill them to walk the extra foot and put it back in the right place.

6. When a book starts out great but doesn't end that way. I recently read Pretty Girls, and was sucked in right away. And then it took a turn for the very dark and very disturbing. I can handle a little bit of dark, and a little bit of disturbing but this was too much. I actually had nightmares from this book.

7. People who take up two parking spots. I can't believe how often I see this. WHY?!?!

8. When people call San Francisco Frisco. Or when people refer to California as Cali. I cringe so hard with both of those. It really is like nails down a chalkboard to me.

9. When a book becomes a movie, and then they change the book cover to the movie poster. No, just no.

10. When I hold the door open for someone and they don't thank me, or even acknowledge me. What happened to manners, people?!

What are YOUR pet peeves?? Let me know I'm not the only crazy who has them! ;)

HydraFacial - Treat Yo'self!

So, I am 32 years old, and just had my first facial ever last week. I've always been a bit afraid of facials - I've never had great skin, and I've heard about extractions (where they squeeze your pimples out - eww!) and was just like - NOPE. I think I'm good. But then I was lucky enough to receive a HydraFacial at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery, and would now like to be a professional facial-getter. Is that a thing? How do I become one?

First I walked into the office, and it was beautiful and had the faintest, yummiest smell. I couldn't
quite put my finger on what I was smelling, but I want to figure out a way to get my house to smell just like it. So light and pretty. The aesthetician, Marlo (who had the most flawless, incredible skin I'd ever seen! If that's a result of those facials, sign me up!!) took me into the facial room and started explaining what the HydraFacial was, and how that cool machine was going to be doing a lot of it. She explained the steps (1. Cleansing and exfoliation, 2. Acid Peel, 3. Extractions - this part I was nervous about! 4. Hydration and then 5. Protection) She got started with cleansing my skin, and then turned the machine on and got to work.

Each step had a separate little head that went over my skin, and kind of felt like a small, massaging vacuum. It was really cool! Marlo explained every step along the way. The extractions I was really nervous for, but they were truly painless. The whole procedure took only about 40 minutes, and when I was done my skin was a bit red, but not crazy red like I was expecting. When I got home, Tony asked if I was going to have crazy, peely skin for the next couple days, and I was happy to say that though the procedure was intense, and included an acid peel it was still gently, while being super effective. It's now three days later and my skin looks SO freaking smooth. No breakouts, just nice skin. I've only been using a light coverage tinted moisturizer as my daily makeup, and I haven't felt self conscious at all about going to the gym without a stitch of makeup. I am so pleased!

If you are local, I highly suggest you giving Blackhawk Plastic Surgery a call at 925.272.429 and asking about the HydrFacial! You can find them on Facebook HERE.

Musical Memories

It's funny how our senses can be connected to certain memories. I know some people have strong scent memories, and I do too. If I smell the combination of cigarettes and leather it brings me instantly back to an unpleasant memory. Or if I smell the perfume "Youth Dew" by Estee Lauder I am instantly reminded of my Grandma. Some people have taste-related memories. Me? One of my strongest and most vivid memories is connected to the song "Chariot" by Gavin Degraw.

It was a Tuesday night in mid-November, 2005. Tony and I had been married for just about a month. I remember it was a Tuesday because our dog Ramon had his puppy classes on Tuesday nights at PetSmart. We were both at his class that night, and when we walked out we saw a Christmas tree lot across the parking lot. We walked over, SO excited to get our first Christmas tree together. Our eager puppy Ramon, (who just celebrated his tenth birthday in July) dragged us via his leash the entire way. We looked at trees forever, arguing over what type to get. Tony wanted a big, beautiful Noble Fir, I wanted a sad looking Charlie Brown tree. (Still an argument I have with my family every year when picking out a Christmas tree.) After much debate we settled on a tiny tree, one that would fit on top of our tiny little kitchen table. It seemed perfect for our tiny little family, celebrating our first married Christmas together.

When we walked back to our car, which was our first big purchase ever, a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. (Man, I loved that car!) we strapped the tiny tree to the roof, instead of popping it into the trunk or the backseat, where it would have easily fit. It somehow seemed more grown up to do that. When we got inside the song "Chariot" came on the radio and I told Tony how much I loved it. We stopped at Target right then and there (after the song was done) so I could buy the whole Chariot cd.

To this day anytime that song comes on I am instantly transported back to that night. Not that there was anything particularly remarkable about it or anything, but it sticks in my head as a bit of a special night. A reminder of a simpler time.

Life is great now, just so much busier. Anytime I feel like the craziness of life is starting to get to me, I pop that song on and am brought back.



Do YOU have any songs that connect you to a memory? What about scents or tastes?

Six Month Fitness Journey Check In

Hey friends! I have officially been on my fitness loss journey for six months, and wanted to do a blog post check in/progress report to answer a lot of the questions I've been getting.

The #1 question I am asked - How did you get started? It's simple really. One day (the day after

Christmas, to be exact) I woke up with a complete mental change. I wanted to be healthy. I didn't want to be fat anymore. I wanted to enjoy family walks. I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin. More than anything I wanted to be a great example for my girls.

How did you lose the weight? I did Weight Watchers for a couple months but it really wasn't for me. So, I spoke to a nutritionist available through my insurance who told me I have to eat higher protein and lower carbs. So I do. I didn't eliminate carbs because that isn't realistic, but I do try to minimize them. I also work out a lot. I can't believe how much I've grown to LOVE working out! I take Zumba three days a week, cycle twice a week, and yoga once a week and I do strength training too.

Do you ever cheat? Yep. I'm only human. I have one cheat day a week, where I'll indulge in a favorite (usually carb-heavy) meal, but I still keep the rest of the day pretty much to my new way of eating. I haven't given up my favorite coffee drink - a nonfat iced mocha - and I don't feel guilty about that. I have it several times a week, and am fine. If I gave up everything this wouldn't be a realistic life change.

What do you enjoy most since losing weight? The energy!! I have a ton of energy now, which goes to show how little I had before! I truly do wake up excited to go to the gym. I never thought I'd be that person. I love going on family walks now, and my girls and Tony are wanting to go home sooner than I am! I also love shopping in non-plus sized stores! It's opened up a whole new world, lol!

My family and I did a 5K in honor of my Auntie Linda a few weeks ago. Pre-fitness journey I would have (of course!) done the 5K but I would have struggled. But now, the three miles was an absolute breeze!

What size did you start at? What are you now? I get asked this ALL. THE. TIME. in addition to what I weighed then, vs. what I weigh now. While I can't imagine I'll ever feel comfortable disclosing my weight, I will share the sizes, which is something I never thought I would do. I started out in a size 20 pant (at my very biggest I wore a 22,) 2X top and 2X (or 3X depending on the cut) dress, and size 42E (or DDDD) bra. As you can imagine that bra size was hard to find, and I often had to special order. I am now in a size 14 pant, which is getting too big, but I'm still not quite a 12 although I think I will be soon. I wear a size Large shirt and dress. I NEVER thought I'd see the day when my clothing size didn't have an X in front of it. Bra size is (currently) a 36DDD which is also kind of hard to find, but I manage. I can't wait until those bad boys go down even more!

Anything you're struggling with since losing weight? Yes. Loose skin, especially under my arms. I not-so-lovingly refer to that area as my bat wings, and it drives me batty. (Ya see what I did there?) It was also incredibly hard packing up my entire wardrobe and getting rid of it. New clothes are fun, but letting go of everything is hard. I donated most of it, plan to consign the nicer items, and have opened up an instagram account - @glitterandglosscloset - that I will start adding to soon. Also my shoe size has gone down from a 10 to a 9 (except tennis shoes!) so I've had to get rid of all of my shoes, with the exception of a handful that I just love too much, and will wear too big! Also, now the scale has kind of stopped moving. In the beginning I had really consistent, great loss. But I had a lot more to lose then. Now it's staying the same, going up, or going down just a few ounces. I am being told that I'm probably developing muscle, which weighs more than fat, but I'm not seeing any muscle.

Those are the questions I'm asked most often, but feel free to email me (or comment here) any others you'd like answered. Speaking of emails, thank you for the sweet emails I've gotten! I've tried my best to respond to each and every one of them, and your sweet words mean the world to me!

Now onto some measurements. Though I weigh myself every Friday, sometimes the scale goes up when I know I've worked hard. I started taking my measurements on January 6, my first day that I truly committed to this lifestyle change, and have been blown away by some of the changes! The biggest change I can see visually is in my thighs - they have gone down so much! Something I'd like to see more progress on - my calves. They're still massive.

I wanted to share something that has also helped - a great workout playlist for me is an absolute must when I'm doing weight training, or cardio on the elliptical machine. I switch up my playlist often, so I don't get bored. I made my current workout playlist available on Spotify to share with all of you, in case you like it too. You can find it (free!) HERE.

And now, some before and after pictures. They're not great, I know, but they will have to do:

That outfit is now swimming on me!! it was the first outfit I wore on my first day to the gym :)

Random Tidbits:

• I've had to un-follow almost every food board from people I follow on Pinterest, unless it's specifically marked as a healthy food board. I was never tempted by food pictures before, but now that I've restricted so many things, for the sake of health I don't even want to look at it. Also, some of the recipes I would have pinned before, now gross me out to even look at, which (I guess?) is a good thing.
• On a flip side I've started following a few new fitness-related accounts on Facebook and Pinterest. One of my favorites to follow is Pop Sugar Fitness on FB. They post a lot of helpful articles that I really relate to!
• I snack now more than ever (HERE is a great list of snacks!) but my meals are pretty small. I find that I get hungry quickly, but also fill up pretty quickly. It's probably the snacking, but it's keeping my metabolism going, so I'm ok with it!
• I also drink a TON of water, and have cut alcohol to once a week or less.
• I am BY NO MEANS an expert. I'm just sharing what has been working for me so far. I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to work out at a gym that I love, take classes that I love, with teachers that I love so often. I know it's a luxury that not everyone has, and I am so very grateful!

As always, thank you so much for your support!! If you got through this whole, long-winded post I especially thank you!!

If you're on Instagram, you can follow my fitness journey with the hashtag #glitterandglossgettingfit

Favorite Workout Gear

One of the questions I get asked often since I've been on this fitness journey is what my favorite workout gear is.

If I had all the money in the world I'd be sporting head to toe Lululemon, but since I don't I'll let you know my more affordable favorites. (With a pinch of Lulu thrown in....I have to sport my new birthday jacket!)

Fabletics. 

Their clothes are incredibly high quality and very well made. My most favorite thing from Fabletics are the workout pants. They have a bit of compression in them and hold my jiggle in while I'm bouncing around doing Zumba. I generally get one Fabletics outfit a month, and the shirts I have from them are great, but what really sticks out are their pants. HERE is my personal Fabletics invite link if you want to get your first outfit for half off. 

Here I am sporting some Fabletics pants, with an old Firedaughter shirt that used to fit tight. Old tees are another thing I like to wear working out, but they're not my favorite because they're not as breathable as some other favorites. 

My husband took this picture right when I got home from the gym - pardon the sweaty, tired face

This is my current favorite outfit, and I would live in it if I could. Fabletics pants, Lululemon jacket and my new Nikes

Breathable shirts:

I get so darn hot doing my Zumba class, and have been loving the super breathable shirts from Under Armour. Tony got me a few for Mother's Day, and they are awesome. They come in a bunch of fun, bright colors and look great on. They're vented all throughout the back, and help keep me as cool as possible.

Shoes:

These might be the most important part of any workout. Well great shoes, and some great music ;) I shared some shoes I got for a steal, and they are great, but lately my favorite favorite shoes are my Nike 4.0 Fly Knits from Kicks USA.

Kicks USA was sweet enough to send me a pair, and I am so grateful! They are incredibly light

weight, and have a pretty flat bottom, which is perfect for cardio dance (U-Jam, Zumba, Barre) which is what I love doing. I have fibromyalgia in my left foot and if I don't have comfortable shoes it gets worse, and I can't keep on with my workout. These shoes have been awesome for me, and if you are into cardio dance as well you should definitely check them out! (Plus they're super cute!)

Sports bras:

Someday I would love to fit into the super cute, fun patterned sports bras I see everywhere. Today is not yet that day. The one thing I still buy at Lane Bryant is their sports bras, because they're the only ones I've seen that have actual cup sizes that go up to a DDD. They are underwire, have great support, and keep the girls where they're supposed to be. (Note: the sports bras I love from them are not currently on their site. They're similar to the ones I linked, but not the same back.)

Fitbit Charge HR:

This is my obsession. I had a Flex but upgraded to this one, and couldn't love it more. It keeps track of my steps, my heart rate, my calories burned and so much more. I love the boost seeing my steps gives me. My goal is set to 10,000 steps everyday, and I generally always hit that and then some. If I check my steps before I go to bed and am close to hitting the next thousand (ie: if I'm at 14,671 stpes) I will do jumping jacks, jog in place, etc to hit that next thousand. It's motivation to push myself just a little more. Plus I love being able to connect with friends who have a Fitbit as well, and do challenges with them (even if I rarely win!) Word to the wise - get the large. Unless your wrists are teeny, tiny the large will be your best bet.

What is YOUR favorite workout gear? Please let me know so I can check it out!

If you're on Instagram, you can follow along with my fitness journey by simply clicking the hashtag #glitterandglossgettingfit

HUGE non-scale victory + real mama, real style

It's been ages since I've done a Real Mama, Real Style post, and I apologize for that. I get emails requesting more of them all the time, but it's hard for me to do them for a few reasons - I don't really have a willing (or great) photographer, and also for quite a while now I just haven't felt comfortable in my clothes. Don't get me wrong - I've always liked the way I dress, but for the last year or so I haven't liked the way I looked in anything. It's a huge part of why I started on my fitness journey.

A few weeks ago I was at the mall, and walked past Ann Taylor. They had the cutest pants in the front window. I sighed, knowing that I just couldn't fit in that store. Then last Friday Leila and I were at the mall (her request), and I audibly sighed at the cute pants in the window again. Leila said "Just try them on, Mama!!" We had time to kill, so I did. I was bummed when I found out the store only went up to a size 14, but I took the pants to the fitting room anyways. They fit. I. WAS. SHOCKED. Leila (sweet girl that she is) started clapping, and saying how beautiful I looked, and how of course she knew they would fit. She said I have to get them, and that I should wear them on Easter. Who am I to argue with that logic? I knew I didn't have any solid tops that would fit, so after buying my pants we went to Loft (Ann Taylor's slightly cheaper sister, lol) and I found the perfect black top. While I was in the fitting room one of the sales associates brought me two pairs of jeans and a sweater from their final sale rack, and encouraged me to try them on. I told her there was no way I could fit into their jeans, but she said "Well, I brought you the 14's, and I think they'll fit you beautifully. They're marked way, way down, but I can bring you the 16's too if you want to try them on." I asked her to bring the 16's, but they were too big (what in the actual hell?!?!) So I tried on the 14's and they fit!!!! SHOCK, I tell ya. One of the pairs is still a little too snug on me, but I'm confident they'll fit soon!

Here's my Easter outfit:

TOP // PANTS // NECKLACE // SHOES (c/o)

Now when I look at those pictures I think I look cute, but mentally I still pick myself apart (I may or may not have immediately started pinning arm workouts, and thinking about how much I neeeeeeeed to finally get some bras that fit!) Speaking better about myself, even in my head is something I still struggle with and am still working on. This is still all such a process, and I'm taking it one day at a time.

But to know that this was my first full outfit from a non plus size store (or the Target/Old Navy plus section) has been such a HUGE non-scale victory to me, though, and I'm feeling pretty happy about it!

If you're on Instagram, you can follow my fitness journey with the hashtag #glitterandglossgettingfit

Cinderella Love

Once a Cinderella girl, always a Cinderella girl. Cinderella has been my favorite for as long as I can remember. I feel like most little girls "pick their princess" early on, or at least I did. (And my cousin did too - hers was and still is Aurora.) Anyways, I finally saw the new Cinderella movie with my girls over the weekend, and absolutely adored it. I loved her message of have courage and be kind, and pretty much every other little thing about the movie. (And Robb Stark as Prince Charming? YES!)

me, circa 1985

Anyways, you can find Cinderella things year-round for little girls, but with the new movie out there are tons of things available for us big girls too. Here are some of my favorites:

The Lauren Conrad for Kohls Cinderella collection. I'm slightly embarassed to admit that I own most of this collection, and wore the light blue tutu and slipper sweater to the movies. Why should the little be the only ones allowed to dress up? ;)

The MAC for Cinderella collection. As far as I know this collection is only available in MAC stores and on MAC online, not any of their other retailers. Beautiful products, in Cinderella-inspired packaging! (FYI - I bought the lip gloss in Glass Slipper, and while it's gorgeous it's a total glitterbomb!)

Cinderella nail polish collection by Morgan Taylor. The colors are gorgeous, and the names are brilliant!  (If The Slipper Fits, Best Ball Gown Ever, Party At The Palace, My Carriage Awaits, Ella of A Girl and Watch Your Step, Sister!) I own them all. They are gorgeous, and I just love them!

Have you seen the new Cinderella movie?? Who's YOUR princess?