The Next Beachbody Hybrid - The Focus T25 with Shaun T!

I'm like the unenergetic Energizer Bunny.

c/o Pinterest

As I'm really enjoying the Hybrid programs, and they keep me workout out, I decided to combine Piyo and Focus T25.

I'll review Focus T25 here (I didn't review it previously, but completed it early 2015), and Piyo Here.

What is Focus T25?

25 MINUTES. 5 DAYS A WEEK. 100% RESULTS.

The only thing standing between you and the results you
want is TIME.

Shaun T experimented for the last year to design a program that delivers the same kind of results you'd expect from an hour-long program, in under 30 minutes. He's pulled out the rest to give you everything you need, nothing you don't.

The result is FOCUS T25—and the name implies the intent: If you focus your intensity for 25 minutes, and you do it 5 days a week, you WILL get results.

This program includes 5 workouts in 3 different levels (so 15 different routines), including: Cardio, Speed, Total Body Circuit, Ab Intervals, and Lower Focus.

I'm trusting Shaun T will help me gain back the cardio workouts I've been lacking for most of the winter (My Bad), and make me hate him all over again.

I love to hate Shaun T - he pushes me to my limits, and I get results.

As usual, I'll follow my own detrimental meal plan, and hope for the best!

c/o memegenerator.net

1) Alpha Round (aka Learning the moves while sweating like a banshee)

Cardio

25 minutes of calorie-burning, sweat-drenching cardio

After the first 12 minutes, I was kind of guffawing at Shaun T - this program really brought me back to the basics and my beginnings with Beachbody.

Then we got halfway through, and he made us do squats of various forms. The intensity, immediate sweat, and burning come on all of a sudden - it is awesome!

I appreciate the 2-3 steps from more basic moves into more intense and burning movements - it forces me to focus and work my way from modifying to almost doing the non-modified movements.

I really found this Cardio routine fun, and it was over just as quickly as it began!

Speed 1.0

Ignite your quickness. Burn the fat. Fast-paced for fast results.

This was my first routine of my second round of T25.

I totally forgot that Shaun T had hair...and he looks smaller in this routine compared to his more recent videos (Max 30 and Cize). I'm ok with this.

He didn't glare at me either.

I think I'm not as intimidated by him now, therefore push harder.

This routine is full of quick cardio moves at minute (?) intervals and stretching moves for the following 30 (?) seconds.

Tania is the modifier, and I generally follow her and intensify it up a bit as Plyo moves still don't make my body happy.

There are no breaks in this routine, unless you're weird like me and consider the stretches a "break."

Prepare to be sweating within a few minutes of starting Speed 1.0. It only gets more intense!

Total Body Circuit 

Focus on strength and resistance—without lifting a single weight.

Whew - 5 minutes in, and I'm dripping sweat!

In usual Shaun T fashion, the moves are introduced in a basic method and then work their way up through increasingly intense intervals.

As this is my second time around, I find I'm integrating the advanced move with the more basic moves as I can push myself a little bit more now.  Not quite ready for some of those plyo moves, but I certainly feel every movement and sweat drip.

This particular routine works out your entire body - arms (stupid push ups and planks), legs (stupid lunges and squats), abs (olique twists and side crunches with arm/leg moves), cardio, and core.

Most of the workout I do off my mat, otherwise a slip & fall would be happening - the moves are dynamic and move around.

If you have weak wrists, wear your workout gloves - mine come about 4" above my wrists, and are the only way I can plank and push up at all.

Ab Intervals

Cardio and ab intervals that shred the fat from your midsection.

This is definitely one workout that I need my wrist protection for - most people use them for weight lifting, but I have weak wrists, so need the extra support when planks and push ups are involved.

Each set includes a basic move, intermediate move, and the full move, followed with a cardio interval.

I grunted and groaned my way through this workout, but that's a good thing, right?

Not quite a sweat induced by some of the other routines, but the following day, my abs told me I did a good workout!

Lower Focus

Focus on your lower-body muscles—the key to burning fat and kicking up your metabolism.

Your behind will burn and curse Shaun T with the amount of Lunges, Squats, and other butt burning moves - and Shaun T does NOT let you rest. 

On the other end, this is where your workouts start to really burn away the bad cells and brings in strong legs that can balance your body enough to push a tent trailer up your driveway because you're not skilled enough at backing it up with the car.

Seriously.

c/o Pinterest

2) BETA Round (Aka Sweating Even More with even more aches and pains!)

You have been warned - resistance is futile and weights are added to increase your full potential for awesomeness!  Start with smaller weights and work your way up to avoid extreme pain for 2-3 days after your workouts.

Core Cardio

Get your sweat on! This progressive cardio-core workout is about you getting shredded fast

Cardio mixed in with a bit of fun!  I actually really enjoy this routine. 

The Air Planks are pretty fun - and I even did the regular version instead of modified - don't get me wrong, you still get a fabulously sweaty workout with the modified moves, but it is nice to eventually push your limits and go full out some days

Speed 2.0

Rev up with Shaun's calorie-scorching, core-focused speed drills.

Speed to has your legs higher, no breaks, and your cardio going off the charts.

NO BREAKS.

Shaun t is hardcore, and I want to slap him silly mid way through, but I actually love the beats of the music in conjunction with the moves - it keeps me going strong the entire workout.

Rip't Circuit

Cardio … upper body … legs … abs … repeat! This is how you get ripped in 25 minutes.

More weights. Don't overdo it, or you won't be able to make it through the routine!  10lbs or less, or you will regret it!

You'll enjoy more squats, planks, curls, and push ups - most of them with weights!  Working two body parts out at the same time is efficient and boosts your body into working while you're not working out!

Dynamic Core

You'll go from vertical to horizontal and back again in this dynamic, crazy core routine.

Shaun T tries to break you with this routine.  You really ARE up and down - abs work, contractions, and beyond - there are 7 standing core exercises, and 7 seated moves.  Then Shaun T is a jerk and makes you repeat the rounds! 

Your abs will "thank" you the day after this routine!

Upper Focus

Shaun will help you develop the upper body of your dreams. All you have to do is FOCUS.

I am not strong with my arms, and this routine pushes my limits with push ups, row, presses, curls, and weights!

You do have the option of using a band, but I prefer weights for the mostpart. 

Definitely do some extra stretching of your arms afterwards to avoid extreme pain the following day!

Conclusion

I love Shaun t, and will integrate this program over and over again with any other program as a Hybrid.

Shaun T's intense glares of love fuel me through each and every routine!

The Next Beachbody Hybrid - The Piyo with Chalene Johnson!

I'm like the unenergetic Energizer Bunny.

As I'm really enjoying the Hybrid programs, and they keep me workout out, I decided to combine Piyo and Focus T25.

I'll review Piyo here, and T25 here (I didn't review it previously, but completed it early 2015).

What is Piyo?

Carve an intensely defined physique—without jumps, without weights, and without straining your joints.

Using your body weight, you'll perform fluid, low-impact, high-intensity movements inspired by Pilates and yoga. The result? Long, lean muscles, a high, firm booty, and tight, flat, sexy abs.

With PiYo, you'll work every single muscle to stabilize, stretch, and strengthen every inch of your body. And since Chalene Johnson cranked up the speed and the fun, you'll burn crazy calories while you're at it.

This program includes 7 workouts - Align, Define (Upper and Lower), Sweat, Strength Intervals, Drench, and Sculpt.

We will see how my results are, as I'm also just starting up in the cycling season, so I anticipate seeing fabulous results from this duo.

I realized during the last 3 weeks of cycling (in the cold) that my cardio sucks, so doing purely resistance and strength training right before cycling season was detrimental to getting back in the saddle.

Piyo Align - 40 minutes

This workout breaks down the most important and effective moves in the program to help you perfect your form and get the best results possible.

This is more of a tutorial for the actual moves - and I only did this once. 

I spent the majority of this one-time session stretching my neck up to see what the heck Chalene was doing.

Afterwards I kicked myself, as I have completed enough BB programs that I should of known that each session has a tutorial and gradual increase in movements throughout the workout.

Piyo Define - Lower Body  - 25 minutes

Firm and tone your entire lower body while you blast fat and burn calories.

This includes a bit of Yoga with Chalene's Vinyasa flow, but evolves into Lunges of every shape and size, Warrior poses, and balance. 

I definitely have to stretch my hips out afterwards with some lengthy Pigeon stretches afterwards, but it's SOOOO worth it.

My thighs have to be the most powerful muscle in my body thanks to lunges!

Piyo Define - Upper Body - 35 minutes

Use this incredibly effective workout to start chiseling away at your upper body to help shape your arms, carve out your triceps, and define sexy shoulders.

This one was more difficult for me, as my arms are the weakest part of my body for the mostpart. 

You will love Chalene after an extreme workout with Pushups, roll ups, planks (and moving planks), and goddamn beasts.

I had to modify this workout each time, but no one can say I didn't give it my all!

Piyo Sweat - 35 minutes

A traditional PiYo workout that incorporates effective dynamic conditioning, fast-paced cardio yoga-flows, and bodyweight resistance strength training to help sculpt your entire body.

This workout really DOES make you sweat early on! 

It works with your lower body, core, cardio, and goddamn more lower body with squats and the dreaded Burpees! 

I mean, who actually enjoys Burpees?  My knees don't, so I do the alternate version and keep up with the ladies (and gentleman) in the video.

I really feel Chalene does not avoid Squats in any of her sessions.  Even the Upper body sessions.  For seriousness!

Despite my gripes, I love this workout!  Challenging = motivated Systic.

Piyo Strength Intervals - 25 Minutes

Twenty-five minutes is all you need of this nonstop body-carving, calorie-incinerating workout that uses no weights, no equipment, and gives you no bulk!

Ugh - Legs, planks, Core, Cardio.

I do appreciate having the moves broken down into 3 stages, so I can work my way into deeper stretches and movement.  As much as my body screams at Chalene, it also reaps the rewards of this style of workout.  I need cardio. And Strength training. Together in the same workout creates my best results.

Piyo Sculpt - 30 minutes

This workout uses varying tempos to keep your muscles under tension for different periods of time. This generates muscular endurance and metabolic changes that will totally transform your figure.

Wow.

The movements are gradual, such as going from a basic squat to pulsing - arms included.

My arms and shoulders were burning within a few minutes, and my hips were screaming!

Within 10 minutes, I was dripping sweat, and somehow this workout turned out to be a great cardio and strength workout all in one.

There is a bit of yoga in-between - Warrior, Upward Dog, and Downward Dog to help strengthen and provide gradual flexibility.

My least favourite moves include tricep dips and push ups - but those are things I have to work on.  My arm strength has been lost over my winter choices of workout programs (leg and abs focused vs arm strength).

This 30 minutes flies by, leaving me wondering where the time went!

Piyo Core - 30 minutes

This ab-centric workout hits your powerhouse from every angle to build a strong core, flat, sculpted abs and obliques, as well as a strong and sexy back.

This workout is designed to workout your core muscles - back, sides, and abs.

You might not feel it DURING your workout - but trust me - you will feel it the following day.

The abs and core movements are different from the other programs I have completed - which means Systic is happy as Systic thrives on changing things up in her normal routines to keep her interested.

I totally just talked about myself in 1st person.

Some of the moves I was confused and un-coordinated enough to get the first time around, but practice makes perfect.

There are some curtsy moves, which are fun (to me), and I appreciate the step-by-step moves which start simple and get more intense as the move evolves.

There is also a little bit of yoga (downward dog), planks, and side planks too.

I wear my wrist guards for this routine as my wrist strength sucks, and the guards give me balance and support - don't be afraid to modify moves or to use supports - it is all about building your strength and endurance!

Another routine that left me wondering where the time went - sweet!

c/o www.quickmeme.com

Drench - 49 minutes

This endurance workout maximizes fat burning while it works every muscle in your body. It will not only leave you drenched—it will kick-start your metabolism as you scorch away the fat.

Within 10 minutes (so 5 minutes warm up, 5 minutes workout), I was literally drenched.

I'm getting used to the 3 step progressions Chalene uses as part of her fitness routines - and it makes it SO much easier to make sense of some moves.

But some of the moves are so quick that I get a little bit lost and it feels like I'm car singing without knowing all of the words, but I sing anyhow.

There are a lot of downward dogs, upward dogs, balance, and warrior moves - but no worries, as the moves are very fast, so you are not in any of the positions for very long.

This is also a full body workout, so a little bit of balance, legs, arms, more legs, legs, and core.

I definitely feel like a drenched cat by the end of this routine. I love it!

Conclusion

- This is definitely not the last time Chalene and I workout together!  I was skeptical due to the "Pilates" aspect, but there were no Pilates moves with respect to breathing, so I was safe the whole way through!  the workouts feel quick, and I don't get bored mid way.  She talks JUST enough, and is a great motivator! 

July 2016 Topbox Review

TopBox has been more of a Hit & Miss lately - but I am still wooed by at least 2 or 3 of my monthly samples, so I'm sticking with it.

Plus the joy on Gideon's face when he sees the Topbox Cardboard tube makes it worthwhile. We can both enjoy Topbox in different ways!

July's box includes products from BareMinerals, Revlon Professional, St. Tropez, and Clinique.

BareMinerals

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick

Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented color glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish  0.12 oz  $23.54  Available at bareescentuals.com, sephora.com

Lipsticks are a hit and miss – especially in a more lip gloss format.

I prefer a matte gloss for a) colour, and b) chapped lip prevention.  Husband prefers I wear no lipstick at all due to its normal sticky nature.

Marvelous Moxie’s Lipstick, however, is a pleasant surprise.  It applies smooth and evenly, and actually makes me lips “pop,” creating a fuller, healthier look.

I love the light pink colour – it’s not too pink and looks sort of natural.  Heck, I even kissed Husband this morning and he didn’t complain about me wearing “goop” on my lips (the reason I rarely wear lipstick – kisses are more important than lipstick).

I am able to drink my coffee without leaving residue on my cup, and it lasts about 5 or 6 hours before I feel the need to reapply it.

Overall, I am happy with this lipstick – winner (gagne!)!

 

Revlon Professional

UniqOne Lotus Hair Treatment

Repair treatment for dry and damaged hair. Smoothing, Regeneration, Color protection, Sun protection, Detangling, Shine and Heat protection.  150 mL  $17.18  Find a professional salon near you at Uniq-One.com, Trade Secrets & Chatters

I was not 100% sure what this hair treatment was at first, but I use it as a touch up spray after styling

It is a yummy coconut smelling spritz, and the liquid is actually thicker than I originally anticipated, hence brushing after application is a must in order to ensure residue didn’t remain clumped up in my fine hair.

I did try to use it as a detangler, but found my normal detangler was more effective – hence why I pretty much used this to make my hair smell like pretty coconut. It’s the perfect scent for summer, after all! 

For my thin hair, I did not feel I reaped benefits from this Lotus Hair Treatment, and more than 2 or 3 spritzes weighed my hair down enough that I had no choice but to wear my hair in a ponytail or braid.

For thicker hair, I am sure it will have better results!

ST. TROPEZ

GRADUAL TAN TINTED BODY LOTION

For an instant hint of bronze that illuminates the skin. Gradually builds to create a healthy sunkissed glow for instant skin perfecting coverage to blur imperfections.  200 mL  $39.26  Available at StTropezTan.com

I have never used a tanning lotion before as I generally go from pasty white to red burn and slather on so much sun screen every hour that I create a cocoon of sun protection. 　

I did have a nice base this year thanks to cycling, so this tanning cream has come in handy in covering up the pasty whiteness from my wrists to fingers, where my cycling gloves protect me fully from any tanning or sun. 　

It blends in quite nicely with a small amount in order to create a seamless blend from my arm tan to white hands, making my tan line less noticeable. 　

Once dried, it does not rub off on my clothing, and I generally only apply it when I know I won't be in a sweaty work out situation afterwards to prevent bleeding into my clothes. 　

It has no odour, and does not make my skin look fake or orange like some self tanners I have seen. 　

I don't feel I would go out of my way to apply a tanner once this is done, but I definitely like the fact that it makes my glove line disappear.

Clinique

Pep-Start™ Eye Cream

A pep rush for eyes. Just 3 seconds to look wide awake, refreshed. Hydrates, brightens, perks you up. Its cool touch and de-puffing tip help keep eyes looking fresh.  0.5 oz  $34.66  Available at clinique.com, sephora.com

I am generally exhausted, and my eyes show it more some days than others. 　

This eye cream helps a little bit, but is not a miracle cream (nothing will make me look totally alert). 　

It does help take away some of the puffiness and hides the small smile lines at the sides of my eyes (and mouth smile lines too!). 　

It's a light white cream, and a dab on either side of the eyes provides full coverage underneath and at the side of my eyes. 　

The container I have should last me for quite some time based on the minimal amount required.　

It does not do anything my alternative eye creams do, so at double the price, Clinique has not sold me on their cream.
*******
Conclusion:
July's Topbox was a winner, with some products I may not necessarily go out of the way for, but which added a nice touch to my normal beauty regime.  

Meal Prepping Lifestyle Continues...

So we are almost 2 months into meal prepping.

And I've actually been exercising less because my bike spokes broke 3 times in a period of a month - twice after a full truing job by Bushtaka - who overtightening the spokes, causing my rim to bend after the first ride, and another broken spoke 4 rides after that.

And because we aren't made of money, the wheel budget means I ordered a new set of wheels ($40 more than just one wheel because they were 50% off and just made more sense) from England.  I can't wait until we get the new wheels installed (hopefully) this weekend.  I am SO itching to bike.

I really have to get back into the Beachbody workout groove - it's hard to get back into when you've been doing a totally different kind of exercise and are feeling a bit blah.

So despite this slump, I've gone down a pant size AND a solid 19 pounds.

19 pounds.

Just by meal prepping.

How crazy is that??

I'm 4 pounds from what I thought was an unattainable weight goal.  So I will go back with my original weight goal that I had at the beginning of my lifestyle change from October 2014.

I feel we didn't eat crappy before this, but meal prepping means portion sizes, no lazy weeknight take out food when I don't feel like cooking, and feeling full all the time thanks to lots of protein.

I am fitting back into old pants that used to be too tight - and my previous sausage legs are actually drowning in material.  Jeans that were not too tight, but flattering are now blowing in the wind and sagging as my caboose and thighs have shrunk.

Husband even commented that I'm getting my thigh gap back again.

These were tight and NOT loose at all at the beginning of May 2016

It's weird.

I've been working out consistently since October 2014 and have never seen such rapid progress.  I was stuck at one weight for months and months before we started food prepping.

I spend time on Pinterest each week looking at new 21 Day Fix and Beachbody meal plan ideas, and put together 4 meals (2 lunches and 2 dinners).  I use one or two meals that we have enjoyed before, and the remainder are new.

So I do get lost in the Pinterest Vortex a lot more often now that I have in the past. It's hard to escape.

My Hard Core Meal Prep ideas are here if you would like to follow.  I do delete recipes once I go through the links that have a multitude of recipes (and I only add the specific recipes we want to or have tried), or ones that just didn't taste good despite following the recipes.

I treat Pinterest like my email and keep it as organized as possible.

Not getting bored and having variety in menus is VERY important to our success, as I need to keep this interesting for longevity.

Honestly, if I could meal prep forever(or until we win the lottery and have a chef), I would.

By following step by step instructions for the first 3-4 weeks, I gained the confidence to just choose our own recipes based on what meat is on sale, or cravings.

I mean. We can have Shepherds Pie, Jambalaya, Shrimp, Fajitas, and more.  It's generally tasty, extremely filling, and obviously doing something for us.

See what we've been eating!

Breakfast does not vary - now we just have a fruit bowl & homemade oatmeal packs (stinky egg at Husband's work is not happening)

Stir Fry

Thai Chicken and Veggies

Veggies, Chicken, Meat loaf, Shepherds Pie

I usually cover this whole table by the end of prep day - this is half the table.

More veggies and Squash

Pasta broccoli chicken casserole, more Meatloaf, More Veggies

Last week we had stuffed peppers, fish, stir fry, lots of veggies.

So you can eat healthy and delicious foods all week long, spend 2-3 hours of your weekend prepping all the meals for the week, have a lot more spare time during the week, and enjoy life a lot more. Weight loss and energy is just a perk.

Before food prep...

One Month after food prep

Downsize Jeans last week!

Really Late Topbox May 2016 Review

I've been so busy being bombarded with business request reviews that I finally have a moment to sit down and review my May 2016 Topbox!

For $12 ($13.56 with tax)CAD a month, get a surprise make up sample kit from Topbox - includes at least 1 full sized product and 3 generous sample sized beauty products.

The 16th of each month is exciting for me and Gideon, as I get the goodies inside the Cardboard tube, and Gideon gets the cardboard tube - he normally can't wait for me to take the products and plastic ends off before stealing his monthly prize away!

May's box was the last one to include a physical product card, as they are now just sending the descriptions via email to be more eco friendly (and cost effective).

I also have no idea where my pictures went, so stock pictures we go!

Novex - Novex Brazilian Keratin Deep Conditioning Hair Mask 
After washing your hair with your shampoo, apply Novex Brazilian Keratin Deep Conditioning Hair Mask onto your hair, massage it gently, and leave it on the 15 minutes.  Rinse well and remove excess water.  Finish as desired. Also use as a Conditioner with 3 minutes application for a daily care.  

414 ml $8.99 Available at NovexHairCare.com

I am usually hesitant about deep conditioners for my hair.  My hair is long, fine, thin, and straight.

This conditioner had a nice light tropical scent, and is a medium thickness for a conditioner.

To use after shampooing, scoop your fingers in the container, and cover your entire hair, and I leave it on long enough to do the rest of my shower things (like cleansing and shaving legs).

I'm not standing in the shower for 15 minutes for a super deep conditioning - who has time for that?

It leaves my hair feeling slightly smooth and greasy, but not as bad as some other deep conditioners I have tried in the past.  It does seem to give a boost of shine and health to my hair, So I use this once a week and just wear my hair in a pony tail to make it less evident.

For thicker hair, I'm sure this is a fabulous hair healer at a great price!

The FaceShop - Collagen Pomegranate Pack

Nourishes skin and improves its elasticity.  Its light texture quickly penetrates to firm and revitalize skin.

30ml $15 Available in stores and online at theFaceShop.ca

I miss that the Face Shop closed down late winter this year (and the following store has also closed after only a few months) in the mall across from my office.  I love their face masks, and TopBox has introduced me to quite a few different Face Shop products.  I'm not willing to drive through the maze of the Bayshore Shopping Centre's new illogical parking lot to go to that location either.

I received the full sized version of this cream.  It has a very light scent that is non offensive, and doesn't linger.

It is a light to medium thickness cream, and literally two dabs cover my entire face.

Obviously wash your face first - especially if you have worn makeup throughout the day.

I always rub it in a circular motion to increase circulation. It dries rather quickly.

Unlike other products that I have used in the past that tighen my face, this doesn't seem to do that - it does, however, leave my face feeling soft and moisturized.  So it failed me on the tightening part. so maybe that's the revitalizing part?

I am unsure if I would purchase it again - it is less expensive than some other night creams, but I feel fell flat on what it promised.  I have pretty good skin for my age, and did not see any improvements (but also did not see any regression), so it did keep my slowly aging skin at a stand still.

PurLisse - BB Tinted Moist Cream SPF30

This beauty balm glides on like tinted moisturizer and has all the age defying coverage, sunscreen benefits of a foundatin and BB cream!  Its formula will soothe your skin while locking in moisture to create a gorgeous, glowing complexion.

10ml $12.55  Available at Purlisse.com

This is a light cream that requires very little for full coverage.  It does not, however, cover up the redness I get in my cheeks, but does blend in beautifully.  I don't look like I am wearing any foundation at all!

I do wear my normal moisturizer underneath, however, it also works well without regular moisturizer.

The colour matched my skin perfectly and I only required a small dab on each cheek and forehead before blending it in with my fingers in a circular motion.

If I compare it with my CoverGirl, price point wise, I would go CoverGirl, just for the fact that it covers my redness and is a bit thicker (covering any other imperfections).


Maybe if the Pur-Lisse cream was slightly thicker, it would be worth the extra cost.

Morgan Taylor - Professional Nail Lacquer

It's whats inside that counts.  Inspired by luminous perals, raw gems, semi-precious stones, glimmering silvers, and radiant gold all drawn from the earth.  All pigments are saturated, pure, and finely milled for luminous metallics, never before seen shimmers, decadent cremes, stunning sheers, and more glistening glitters.

15ml $15.83

I received the "Hot Hot Tamale" colour - less dramatic than the Emerald Green colour I received from them last time.

This polish isn't as clean to apply as my Sally Hansen (the brush is straight vs curved), but goes on nicely in two coats.

It does, unfortunately, chip easily, and pics up dirt that seems to stick to it like glue.  I don't recommend using this polish before going camping, to the beach, or anywhere that dirt may be.  Even if you apply it a few days beforehand!

I would like to try one of their glitters (I LOVE glittery nail polish), but so far it's colours I can't wear alone (I wear the green with turquoises) or that I don't have 10 shades of (pink to red).

For the price point, there are better alternatives. It certainly does not stay on any longer than the other polishes I use, despite having lush rich colour choices.

Meal Planning 1-Doh!-1

So, as part of my Beachbody Programs, they always come with a meal plan for optimal results.  Which I promptly ignore, and go about our normal healthy-ish diet and last minute mish mash dinners of whatever is in the fridge after a long day at work, and the exact same lunches every-single-day because I run out of time in the morning.

Even making a 3 minute smoothie before leaving for work can be a catastrophe some mornings.

Yes - I could make these things the night before...but it never happens. There are too many other fun things to do after work. Like biking, reading, or Netflix.

So, Husband exclaimed a few weeks ago that we should hone in our diets so we can gain optimal biking results.

Thank you, Pinterest and Beachbody for giving me full meal plans for 5 days.  5 days good wholesome nutrition, 2 days, try our best to eat well, with the occasional poutine slip-up.  Poutine *is* Protein and Carbs though, so you really can't exclude it from the weekly diet plan.

So, Week 1, I prepped a Meal Plan designed for the 22 Minute Hard Corps (1200-1500 level) to see how easy it was.

These are the ingredients

I scoured our freezer for meat substitutions (use what we have first), and had to make two trips to ensure I had all the ingredients.

3.5 hours lately (90 minute prep time - my behind!), it was done.  I feel I was so slow because I was also reusing dishes and cleaning them in-between.

I made 10 breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and cut up vegetables for easy snacking (with hummus on the side to encourage fullness and give some yummy taste to the veggies).  I'm SO glad we recently got a slew of extra lunch containers a few weeks ago, as these came in VERY handy.

Organized food!

I have also found it really difficult lately to motivate myself to cook or get lunches ready.  I don't know how many days in a row I had chili for lunch.  It's yummy and nutritious (I make it and freeze it in big batches), but change is good.  Heck, I work in an industry where it's constantly changing! 

I also enjoy trying new recipes, so this meal planning this is up my alley.  

P

The 22 Minute Hard Corps Meal Plan Menu:

Breakfast: Spinach Egg Cups with Steel Cut Oats and 1 cup sliced strawberries

Shakeology Snack: Shakeology with 1 cup frozen raspberries or ½ banana and 2 tsp. nut butter

Lunch (M/W/F): Sesame Chicken with Asparagus

Lunch (T/Th): Quinoa Shrimp Cocktail

Dinner (M/W/F): Bison and Broccoli Stir Fry

Dinner (T/Th): Grilled Turkey Lettuce Wrap

Snacks: 8 walnuts sprinkled with cinnamon and cayenne or hummus with lettuceretty healthy meals!

Here`s my take on week 1:

Breakfast:  I don`t like spinach, but thought this egg recipe would be acceptable. Nope - it was so awful I ended up giving it to the birds; the oatmeal and strawberries were good though!

Husband enjoyed the egg muffins better once he added salt and pepper.

Lunches: I enjoyed both and they were quite filling!

Husband missed out on the Shrimp Salad, which I found was a nice change - filling, yet super healthy.

Dinners: These were also both quite tasty.  I substituted the bison with ground beef we already had in the freezer, and added in veggies and just used ground turkey for the turkey and lettuce wraps.  I am not pretending to eat a burger with lettuce buns.

Conclusion:

The directions are straight forward, and I can do what I love best - multi task!  While one thing is cooking, I'm prepping something else, and at the end, we have 30 meals. And save at least an hour every day in time.  And have a healthy dinner ready in 1 minute (heating time) when we get back from cycling after work.

I LOVE the free time after and before work - it has relieved a lot of anxiety and stress.

There isn`t old food in the fridge going to waste, and it definitely saves while grocery shopping. I like having lists and direction, so this makes Systic happy.

I do not say this anymore! 

We both lost a few pounds each, and were full all day long.  If we snacked, veggies and hummus was suffice.

Week 2 was a slight disaster with a Quinoa and Egg casserole - it was so dry and blech - these pucks just went into the garbage.  I admitted it was awful before Husband sighed in relief that he felt it was equally awful.  The lunches and dinners were delightful, however - and only a few substitutions were made with items we already had.

Week 3 I am going to prep today - PREP DAY SUNDAYS!

We have discussed breakfast, and are going with one egg muffin, oatmeal, and fruit.  I`m going to go with the original 21 Day Fix Egg muffin recipe that I used briefly last summer to get more protein into our diets.

And I`m going to use rice and tofu in the Turkey & Cauliflower rice recipe - again - we want to eat healthy, but not compromise taste.  Gagging down healthy food that just doesn`t taste good will not promote longevity of this plan and our health goals.

The rest of the meals are acceptable, and should taste divine!

For anyone wanting to cut down their grocery budget, time spent cooking every day, or meet fitness goals, this whole meal planning thing really IS all it`s cracked up to be!

Just do it!

My Topbox Review - April 2015

April's Topbox was full of some new products from companies I have not tried in the past.

For $12 a month, you get 4-5 beauty product samples (one is usually full size), either a surprise or chosen brand box.

OFRA Cosmetics - Lipliner

Water resistant pencil suitable for the most sensitive eye & lip areas.  Created with a synthetic beeswax base for a smooth, soft and long lasting application.

1.13g $17.25.  Available at OFRAcosmetics.com 

I don't use lip liner, so this is another eye liner to add to my collection.  

Initially, I found the tip quick sharp the first few applications, but it is getting better with use.

I use it with light pink and beige/cream eye shadow as a change from my normal black eye liner. 

It doesn't leave residue on my lower brow like some other eye liners, so that in itself makes it a decent product. 

PUR-Lisse - Blue Lotus 4-in-11 Eye Adore Serum

Apply day and night, using your ring finger, lightly tap (to reduce tugging) a small pump of serum around eye area.  

15ml $65.  Available at Shop.Purlisse.com

This eye cream is a medium thickness that requires very little to cover the under, side, and lower parts of the eye skin.  

After using this for almost a month, I've barely gone through 1/3 of the sample bottle.

It has a light scent to it, but nothing irritating.  

It dries quickly, and I can definitely see the fine lines around my eyes diminish after application.

If it weren't for the price point, I would definitely add this to my regular skin care routine!

Orofluido - Beauty Elixir

For all hair types, with a pure luxuriance that envelops your hair.  Three organic natural oils in an equisite mixture with a pleasant silky texture, that absorbed rapidly, leaving no residue in the hair.  

25ml $17.81.  Find a salon near you at Orofluido.com

Normally hair oils don't like my hair, leaving it lank and greasy looking.  My hair is thin and long - not a good combination with oil.  

This mixture has a lovely sweet scent - which covered up a shampoo/conditioner combination I'm currently reviewing (and don't like the smell of). 

I put about 3 globs of the thick oil in my hair ends, and brush it throughout my hair for even distribution. 

It leaves my hair looking healthier and swooshy - whether or not I have time to blow dry it in the morning.

I would definitely incorporate this into my beauty regime once this is finished. 

Lise Watier Cosmetiques Inc. - Sublimessence High Concentration Age-Defying Serum

Apply on clean skin, morning and night, before your regular skincare routine.  Smooth in gently all over face.  

28ml $84.  Available at The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, and LiseWatier.ca

This serum has a delicious scent that doesn't linger under the nose or on the skin.  

It is a thin-medium thickness serum, which requires a couple of finger fulls to cover my entire face.  In 2 weeks, the sample size was finished, therefore the full size would last less than 2 months.

It dries extremely quickly - in under a minute - leaving me a bit more time to get my skincare routine completed in an orderly and efficient manner.  

I haven't really noticed any difference from my normal serums, so it isn't much better than the $15-$20 serums I have from companies like Yalmeh and Garnier.