Do You Ever Get Bored....

Of blogs? It's an interesting question that came up in conversation recently with an old friend of mine. I was talking about a popular blog that I have somewhat recently become bored with, and she agreed that she also found it to be a snore. In fact, although I enjoy blogging myself and reading blogs from others as well, in the past six months I've found it to be quite boring. It seems like they're all so similar. I like the visual aspect of the blogs, but find myself bored with the content. Or, as with the aforementioned popular blog, I find myself thinking, "Come on, find something interesting to put on there besides all of your shiny expensive things that were either given to you by a label looking for publicity or purchased at a price that your average working girl can't afford." It's one thing to put the occasional pic of an awesome Michael Kors bag you found at a killer price or another great new makeup product you found by CHANEL or Dior, but another thing to on a regular basis post pictures of all the pricey items you purchase from week to week. It's fun to admire for a while, but eventually, the excitement wears off and it leaves me feeling quite bored. It also leaves me feeling like I don't want to blog myself, which is annoying to me. I've never been super great at keeping up with my blog to begin with, considering how busy I am and the fact that I have a real, full time, work-your-butt-off kind of job...and feeling uninspired makes me slack on it even more. So, I suppose the bottom line is that, although I enjoy blogging and reading others' blogs, sometimes it's boring to me. When the mood strikes, I will catch up on reading blogs I like (or at least viewing the visual part of those blogs) and occasionally, I'll even post something myself here on this blog of my own.

Extreme Weight Loss

Have you seen this guy...

(Trainer - Chris Powell)

on this show...

on this network...

This is officially one of my new favorite shows. Not only is trainer Chris Powell a little hottie to look at, but the show is actually really good as well. I really like watching the stories of the chosen weight loss candidates unfold over the year span that their lives and extreme weight loss are filmed. The stories are very emotional, real, and inspiring. Chris Powell also seems to be a great trainer and a genuine guy. He really seems to care about his clients. He and his wife, Heidi (who is often seen on the show as well) seem to be down to earth, mellow people who have a true passion for what they do without being in your face and too extreme - unlike Jillian Michaels (from The Biggest Loser), who drives me CRAZY! (Oy vey!) 

Other reasons I also like the show include:

1. Even though the show focuses on extreme weight loss, it is done in a healthy, realistic way, in which people set goals and work at a a steady pace of accomplishing those goals throughout a year's time.

2. It shows the realness of people having both achievements and set backs throughout the year - something that any real person trying to lose weight will also most likely struggle with as well.

3. It focuses on emotional stability as well as physical well-being. Throughout the year-long journey, the show manages to focus not only on the person's weight loss, but also on the root of what has played a huge role in mentally getting them to their heavy breaking point as well, and how to help them break the cycle of whatever it is that is emotionally and literally weighing them down. 

Bottom line:

This show seems to be keepin' it real. (Well, as real as a reality television program can, anyway!)  ;)

So, I just thought I'd share my thoughts on a new favorite reality tv show of mine so it may peak your viewing interest as well. *And the added bonus to watching this show is that once you finish an episode, it will probably inspire you to want to eat healthier and/or go workout!  

Happy viewing!  :)

Sacramento Manic Monday: Mangia on Capitol

As the name suggests, a new restaurant has popped up on Capitol Avenue in downtown Sacramento. Mangia is right next door to the original Paesano's restaurant. In fact, the two share the same owners. And, as with any other establishment these owners have created, Mangia is host to delicious food and an inviting atmosphere.

I had the pleasure of eating there for the first time last week with one of my best friend's, Nicole. First we enjoyed the food, and then we enjoyed almost three hours (!) of sitting and chatting in the sun-lit dining room near a picture window looking out to the sidewalk and street, allowing us to see all the cool hipsters and state employees strolling through the neighborhood. Oh how I love those long afternoon lunches with a good friend and some good eats + people watching!  ;) 

For your viewing/drooling pleasure...

Nicole ordered the Mangia! Club sandwich:

And I ordered the Mangia! Chop Salad:

It was delish, and I look forward to taking my husband here soon so we can try some more things on the menu. (This seems like a place the guys would like too.)  :)


P.S. I do realize this is being posted on Tuesday, however, I blame my husband for my tardiness. This was written and ready to go yesterday for a Manic Monday post, but he interrupted me to check basketball scores on the laptop...or some other sort of man craziness he was interested in at the moment!  Sheesh! Does anyone else's husband do that to them?!? Bless his heart....
xoxox

Bare Minerals

I went shopping last night for some new makeup products - which tickles my heart, by the way! I love having new products to play with. So, even though it's annoying when my current products are almost gone and it makes me feel like I'm putting ghetto nastiness on my face in the morning, I can't help but be a little happy inside because I kow that I get to go play in the makeup store (usually Ulta or the Macy's makeup department) and come away with new products to make me feel pretty again and not so ghetto! LOL! ;) 

Among the top of the list of my favorite products is Bare Minerals. I love how natural the products are and at the same time what great staying power they have. I really think I have yet to find another brand of eyeshadows that are both pretty and last through the end of the day. What's even better is that they currently have some new products and colors out for your shopping pleasure!

This is what I left the store with last night:

Hint Cheek Color

Nude Beach Eyeshadow



Pebble Eyeshadow

Sleeping Mask Causing Wrinkles?

I'm just curious...do any of you use a sleeping mask? And if so, do you often wake up with lines on your face from it, like I do?!? I love the dang things, and I'm addicted to wearing them at night. I can't even sleep without one at night. I have tried several different kinds, though, and I haven't yet found just the right fit for my liking. I currently switch between one that looks like this:

And one that looks like this:

I like them both, but I end up with lines on my face in the morning whenever I use either one of them. So, I'm wondering, does anyone have the same problem, do you have any recommendations for a mask that doesn't leave you with lines creased into your face in the a.m., and does anyone have any expertise regarding whether or not I should be concerned that these creases may eventually become permanent wrinkles on my face??

Wind, Wind, Go Away...Bring Summer Our Way!

It has been windy as heck here in my neck of the woods. Read: hello allergies! Oy vey! My poor little eyes. I am ready for less wind and more of this:

(sunshine and calm weather)

I'm also looking forward to these this summer:

 (Shasta Lake)

 (Newport Beach)

(San Francisco Bay Bridge lightshow)

 (Disneyland)

(4th of July Fireworks)

What are you looking forward to as we look ahead to the summer months?

Product Love

Here are a few products I'm loving at the moment:

L'Oreal Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner

This stuff is the bomb! It makes your hair sleek and frizz free in addition to smelling delicious. The scent is reminiscent of some of my other favorite products by Aveda. The best part about these products, however, is that they're friendly on your wallet. I picked up the shampoo and conditioner at my local Target for less than $20 for the pair. 

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

Upon a recent visit to my dermatologist's office, she sent me home with a specific face washing system. This includes using Neutrogena's Fresh Foaming Cleanser to cleanse dirt and makeup off my face. I love this product for its clean, gentle smell as well as how it makes a soft lather that feels great on your skin. 

Buf-Puf Facial Sponge

In addition to using the Neutrogena cleanser as part of my skin care regimen, my dermatologist also suggested I use Buf-Puf Facial Sponges to soak up the cleanser and then gently buff my face. I was a bit surprised that she suggested this, considering the fact that this is such an "old school" product. I can recall my grandma telling me to use these years ago when I was a pre-teen with developing acne. (Needless to say, my skin has been finicky for quite some time now.) As my doctor suggested, however, I have grown accustom to using this product and would probably greatly miss it if I skipped this step now before bedtime every night. 

Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Pads - 4 Hours

This is my own suggestion - not from the dermatologist - just something I picked up a while ago on my own and quickly became a huge fan of. I love these things! They contain salicylic acid, which smooths your skin. And, as the product description suggests, if you have a red, yucky looking pimple, I swear that within four hours the redness will be reduced and the size of your pimple may be as well - depending upon how well your skin responds to the ingredients. I use one to two of these small pads in the morning after cleansing my face and neck to help even out my skin tone and prep for moisturizer and makeup application.

Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel

I am a huge fan of Bath and Body Works products. I love all of their seasonal products they roll out every time we start to see the weather change. At the moment, I'm currently loving their Japanese Cherry Blossom shower gel. It's a nice combination of a warm, sensuous and light, springy scent. (Which seems to pair well with the weather we see this time of year here in California.) I don't know if that makes sense, but it makes me happy every morning to have my senses awakened by the sent this shower gel contains. 

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara

As someone who is saving all of her pennies in hopes of soon buying a new house, I find myself looking for a good deal even more now than I normally do. So, with as quickly as I seem to go through mascara, I have been on the search for a reasonably priced product....especially since so many of the ones that are a bit more costly so often turn out to be less than par. I'm happy to say that I recently found an affordable and good product in Neurtrogena's Healthy Volume Brown/Black Mascara, which is a perfect color for this natural red-head who wants to use a dramatic color that doesn't make me look like I'm too done up. 

Lorac Lips With Benefits Lip Gloss - Chuck

I'm a sucker for lip gloss! I am constantly picking up random lip glosses to stick in one of my many bags I tote around, so I was super stoked one Saturday when I found a sample size lip gloss of this baby in the bottom of my bag after an expensive trip to my local Ulta store! This, in my opinion, happens to be the perfect peachy color for any time of year. Pair it with dramatic eyes for a night out, or with soft overall makeup for day - either way, it's lovely! I love my Lips With Benefits lip gloss by Lorac in the color Chuck.  :)

Victoria's Secret Valentine's Day Gifts

 

Cute and fun ideas for Valentine's Day....

 

Maybe you wanna slip some of these ideas to your boyfriend or hubby so you get a good gift?!?

Betsey Johnson Love

Here are some cute Betsey Johnson items just in time for Valentine's Day next week!

Golden Globe Beauties

These are my favorites from this year's Golden Globe Awards. These ladies were stunning that evening!

Sacramento Manic Monday: Hook and Ladder

Hook and Ladder is a new Sacramento bar and restaurant from Jon Modrow and Kimio Bazett (co-owners of another infamous watering hole in Sacramento - the Golden Bear). Hook and Ladder offers an array of drinks, including draft beer from Berryessa Brewing Company, which is located in the nearby town of Winters, CA. The food menu offers an eclectic mix of fare including items such as swordfish wrapped prawns, Pho, and a crispy duck confit tostada with pineapple mango salsa. They also offer pizzas and housemade pastas made from unique ingredients. This is definitely a new Sacramento locale to visit!


P.S. I realize it's not Monday, but I did have this written and saved yesterday (which was actually Monday!) - I just got too busy to post it.

2013

May it be your best year yet!

I pray for everyone that we are able to be the change we wish to see this year, and that not only our young and future generations, but also the older generations will realize that they have the power to change things if they are willing to make the conscious effort to know better and then DO better! I personally would love to see and have challenged the people in my life, including my students, to think about what it says about our culture that we  are enamored by violence and find it entertaining. I have asked them to think twice before they choose a violent movie, video game, or television program the next time they are bored and looking for something "fun" to entertain their minds. Making the choice to go outside and do something physical, play an educational or family game, read a book, start a DIY project, or even play a physical or non-violent video game is such a better choice than allowing our minds to be warped by watching or participating in some level of violent act. If we want to see things like mass shootings at shopping malls and elementary schools cease, I truly think part of the answer is to stop allowing violence to be a norm of our everyday culture!

So here's to 2013, knowing better, and then DOING better! Are you up for the challenge?!?