Last month a client of mine told me about the Jillian Michaels workout DVD called the 30 Day Shred. I was so excited by what she said about the video that I bought it right away and began my journey.
All you need is hand weights (I am starting with 3lb) and a mat if you're working on a hard surface.
This DVD has 3 different levels of workouts and each is progressively more difficult. Each workout is about 25 minutes and has a 2 min warm up followed by three 6 minute workout circuits and ends with a 2 minute cool down. The circuits consist of 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and a minute of abs. I was sweating at the beginning of the first circuit! I only skipped one day the first week. I moved up to level 2 for the second week and ended up skipping one day the second week as well. Unfortunately, week three didn't happen. Life got busy and I didn't make working out a priority.
After those first two weeks I was able to go buy new jeans that were a size smaller than I was wearing previously. I could tell a difference in my stamina and even changes in the shape and tone of my body.
The last two weeks of not doing the workout video have left me feeling sluggish. I have started the challenge again today and the level 1 workout was tough again! I made it through without taking a break (well except for a sip of water here and there) and I am feeling good. I definitely feel the muscle fatigue in my arms, that's for sure.
If you're looking for a great workout that doesn't take hours out of your day, try the 30 Day Shred. 25 minutes is all it takes... I can't wait to keep you updated on my progress! And I can't wait to hear about yours!!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Hair on my head, bare elsewhere
I have had my extensions in for three weeks now and I am still loving them! After the first two weeks, I had on of my stylists, Hans, cut a few inches off as the hair did not agree with the amounts of heat I had been styling it with. We ended up cutting three inches off and though I was incredibly sad about it, the hair looks so much better! When I am supposed to get them tightened, I am opting to put new, better quality, longer hair in instead. I'll have to save up for the new hair, but I still have a few weeks or so and it will be totally worth it.
After getting my new hair extensions, I've been on quite the beauty binge! I decided it was time to do laser hair removal. I had received a referral to Refine Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis in Chanhassen and made the appointment. This Med Spa offers 50% off your first treatment and uses the Light Sheer Diode Laser (with cooling hand piece) which was supposed to offer a comfortable treatment. I chatted with Deb as I filled out the paperwork and then it was off to the laser room. Pants off, dance off.
She asked me to undress and it was a bit awkward as she stayed in the room with me- but I guess she was gonna see it all anyway, right?! We both put on protective glasses to keep our eyes safe from any scattered laser light, she gave me two squishy stress balls to squeeze if I needed to, then she began the treatment. The laser treats a square centimeter at a time but it felt like it was only targeting one follicle at a time. I would feel a sharp needle like pain every once in a while but it was rather quick (30 minutes) and I tolerated the treatment well.
It's been a week and a half since I had my first treatment and I have been able to shave which actually sloughs off the damaged hairs. I am relatively hair free, but the next hair growth cycle should be starting within the next two weeks. My next laser hair removal treatment was scheduled 7 weeks out from the first and I am looking forward to it.
After getting my new hair extensions, I've been on quite the beauty binge! I decided it was time to do laser hair removal. I had received a referral to Refine Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis in Chanhassen and made the appointment. This Med Spa offers 50% off your first treatment and uses the Light Sheer Diode Laser (with cooling hand piece) which was supposed to offer a comfortable treatment. I chatted with Deb as I filled out the paperwork and then it was off to the laser room. Pants off, dance off.
She asked me to undress and it was a bit awkward as she stayed in the room with me- but I guess she was gonna see it all anyway, right?! We both put on protective glasses to keep our eyes safe from any scattered laser light, she gave me two squishy stress balls to squeeze if I needed to, then she began the treatment. The laser treats a square centimeter at a time but it felt like it was only targeting one follicle at a time. I would feel a sharp needle like pain every once in a while but it was rather quick (30 minutes) and I tolerated the treatment well.
It's been a week and a half since I had my first treatment and I have been able to shave which actually sloughs off the damaged hairs. I am relatively hair free, but the next hair growth cycle should be starting within the next two weeks. My next laser hair removal treatment was scheduled 7 weeks out from the first and I am looking forward to it.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hair Extensions!!!
Wow, so I had a lot going on for quite a while it seems and now I am back and have an awesome fun experience to share!
A couple days ago I had the pleasure of getting hair extensions! Katie from The Fox Den Salon in Uptown would have the pleasure of transforming my shoulder length, layered locks into the long luscious locks I've always dreamed of having!
I met her at the shop at 11:30 am as she was wrapping the thread around her arm and cutting the lengths that would be used to tie the hair in place. I sat in the chair and we discussed the pinch braid extension technique and placement for a while- after that, I just sat back and let her work her magic.
I had taken Ibuprofen before I came and honestly the process didn't hurt. At times, it would pull or feel tight but over all it was a pleasant experience. Three hours into it, the base of my scalp was getting uncomfortable, but it was bearable. By the time she finished (5pm) I was VERY aware of my scalp and the braids. My hair looked amazing and she took her time cutting the extension hair (and a bit of my natural hair) to blend it all together to become one cohesive style.
The colors of the natural hair extensions blend so well with my hair and I especially applaud Katie on the custom blending pieces she did as my highlights! People have asked me if I recently had my hair colored, not really noticing that my hair is longer than the last time they saw me, and this is terrific because it means that the extensions look like my natural hair.
The first night having the extensions was awful. They looked amazing, but my head hurt like crazy! I figure it was a combination of the fact that the braids were settling and the constant tension. --like when you wear a ponytail or headband too long and your scalp is telling you to take it off!-- Katie recommended a peppermint cooling spray by Knotty Boy and it was helpful, but didn't alleviate my "awareness" of the extensions attachment at my scalp. Sleeping was a nightmare. Literally... when I did drift off, I dreamt that I couldn't sleep because the extensions hurt and I kept falling off my bed in the dreams as well.... weird. Total, I think I got two hours of sleep.
The second night was much better. I went to bed with a full tummy, 600mg of ibuprofen, and a few cocktails. Sleep was easy.
Today was the second full day of having the extensions in and I washed my hair this morning. Shampooing/conditioning wasn't difficult. I had to let the shampoo rinse through my hair as I got between all of the braids. I only conditioned the hair beyond the attachment points as conditioning on the installations could cause slippage. I air dried my locks after using Moroccan Oil (one of my all time fav products) and they looked fab. Totally natural. By the end of the day they did look a little stringy so I think it will just take some getting used to in terms of how much product to use on the hair and styling technique.
I am so incredibly happy with my new lovely locks despite the first few painful days and nights. They are definitely worth the pain for me! I feel like a new girl- full of self-confidence.
The cost of the service is dependent on what you are looking for and the type of hair used. If you are interested in this service, please call The Fox Den Salon to schedule a consultation with Katie. Their number is 612-872-4556.
Katie is amazing! I feel so blessed to have long hair - it's longer than my hair has EVER been. I am one very satisfied client!
A couple days ago I had the pleasure of getting hair extensions! Katie from The Fox Den Salon in Uptown would have the pleasure of transforming my shoulder length, layered locks into the long luscious locks I've always dreamed of having!
I met her at the shop at 11:30 am as she was wrapping the thread around her arm and cutting the lengths that would be used to tie the hair in place. I sat in the chair and we discussed the pinch braid extension technique and placement for a while- after that, I just sat back and let her work her magic.
I had taken Ibuprofen before I came and honestly the process didn't hurt. At times, it would pull or feel tight but over all it was a pleasant experience. Three hours into it, the base of my scalp was getting uncomfortable, but it was bearable. By the time she finished (5pm) I was VERY aware of my scalp and the braids. My hair looked amazing and she took her time cutting the extension hair (and a bit of my natural hair) to blend it all together to become one cohesive style.
The colors of the natural hair extensions blend so well with my hair and I especially applaud Katie on the custom blending pieces she did as my highlights! People have asked me if I recently had my hair colored, not really noticing that my hair is longer than the last time they saw me, and this is terrific because it means that the extensions look like my natural hair.
The first night having the extensions was awful. They looked amazing, but my head hurt like crazy! I figure it was a combination of the fact that the braids were settling and the constant tension. --like when you wear a ponytail or headband too long and your scalp is telling you to take it off!-- Katie recommended a peppermint cooling spray by Knotty Boy and it was helpful, but didn't alleviate my "awareness" of the extensions attachment at my scalp. Sleeping was a nightmare. Literally... when I did drift off, I dreamt that I couldn't sleep because the extensions hurt and I kept falling off my bed in the dreams as well.... weird. Total, I think I got two hours of sleep.
The second night was much better. I went to bed with a full tummy, 600mg of ibuprofen, and a few cocktails. Sleep was easy.
Today was the second full day of having the extensions in and I washed my hair this morning. Shampooing/conditioning wasn't difficult. I had to let the shampoo rinse through my hair as I got between all of the braids. I only conditioned the hair beyond the attachment points as conditioning on the installations could cause slippage. I air dried my locks after using Moroccan Oil (one of my all time fav products) and they looked fab. Totally natural. By the end of the day they did look a little stringy so I think it will just take some getting used to in terms of how much product to use on the hair and styling technique.
I am so incredibly happy with my new lovely locks despite the first few painful days and nights. They are definitely worth the pain for me! I feel like a new girl- full of self-confidence.
The cost of the service is dependent on what you are looking for and the type of hair used. If you are interested in this service, please call The Fox Den Salon to schedule a consultation with Katie. Their number is 612-872-4556.
Katie is amazing! I feel so blessed to have long hair - it's longer than my hair has EVER been. I am one very satisfied client!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Academic Dermatology
Today I had my appointment at Academic Dermatology for my laser hair removal consultation. It was scheduled for 2:15 so I got there at 2 because I knew I would have to fill out some paperwork. I wasn't brought back to a room until 2:47... yeah, 32 minutes after my appointment. The nurse was with me asking about medications and medical history until 2:53 and Dr. Tope arrived to the room at 3:15pm. The consultation was quite short. He does the lasering himself using a Nd:Yag Laser. He examined the area that I would like lasered and informed me that the feeling of the laser is much different than waxing- more stingy, multiple times. They offer topical anesthetic at no additional charge~ you just have to make a nurse appointment 30 minutes before the laser treatment appointment. They use a combination they call BLT which is Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Tetracaine. The laser treatment for a modified brazilian would schedule for 45 minutes for the first treatment and likely be shorter for subsequent visits. He said that it usually takes over 5 treatments and each treatment is $300.
I am not 100% convinced that this is the place for me. The long wait put me off a little bit but the choice of getting an anesthetic would be nice.
I am not 100% convinced that this is the place for me. The long wait put me off a little bit but the choice of getting an anesthetic would be nice.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tomorrow!!!!
I am super excited to meet Dr. Tope with Academic Dermatology tomorrow!
I have a 30 minute massage with Lennon at Extrados in the morning then see Dr. Tope in the afternoon. I'm pretty sure that tomorrow is gonna be the best day ever... even though today was.... hmm~ yesterday was pretty amazing too. I love SPRING!
I have a 30 minute massage with Lennon at Extrados in the morning then see Dr. Tope in the afternoon. I'm pretty sure that tomorrow is gonna be the best day ever... even though today was.... hmm~ yesterday was pretty amazing too. I love SPRING!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Yowza!
Whoa, what a week... sorry I wasn't here!!
This week's beautiful thing: The semester is FINISHED! I am awaiting my grades patiently....
Thursday I had a great massage by Lennon at Extrados. My boss has given me the "assignment" of getting a massage every week for a month. Nice assignment, huh? I had never had a professional massage until a little over a month ago and oh boy, was I missing out! Lennon is fabulous~ he is kind and professional, always making sure my body is covered and draped appropriately, and takes cues from me as to if we are talking during the treatment or not.
Extrados is offering a special this month $50 for an hour massage. Call 612-920-0051 to schedule.
This week's beautiful thing: The semester is FINISHED! I am awaiting my grades patiently....
Thursday I had a great massage by Lennon at Extrados. My boss has given me the "assignment" of getting a massage every week for a month. Nice assignment, huh? I had never had a professional massage until a little over a month ago and oh boy, was I missing out! Lennon is fabulous~ he is kind and professional, always making sure my body is covered and draped appropriately, and takes cues from me as to if we are talking during the treatment or not.
Extrados is offering a special this month $50 for an hour massage. Call 612-920-0051 to schedule.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Beautifully delicious!
I missed yesterdays blog because I was in St. Cloud and my silly phone wouldn't let me write in my blog... boo!
We went to Granite City in St. Cloud for dinner and while the wait was long, my dinner was so worth the wait. While we were waiting, I was looking at the take-out menu and came across the "Honey Rosemary Tenderloin and Focaccia Salad." Priced at $16.99 it would definetly be the most expensive salad I have ever consumed. We are seated and begin looking at the menu and wait... it's not on the menu! Well, it was on everyone else's menu except for mine! Seems like I got an old menu~ good thing I checked with someone else at the table or I would have missed out on this experience and Granite City would have just missed a $17 salad sale!
The salad features a half-pound of fresh beef tenderloin that has been marinated in honey, olive oil, soy sauce, chopped garlic & fresh rosemary~ it was cut up into bite size pieces and served on greens with tomato, bleu cheese crumbles and parmesean cheese. It was dressed with a balsamic vinegarette and came with focaccia croutons (which I requested on the side).
Let me start by saying that this was the most tender steak that I have ever experienced! Everyone at my end of the table tried it and was in awe of how delicious it was. The dressing was paired with it very well and the focaccia croutons were SOFT!!! The focaccia was cut up into crouton shaped pieces and just barely toasted. I have to say this was much better than getting a steak served with a side salad.
I will absolutely get this salad again and whole heartedly recommend that you try it too! Mmm... it was incredible!
We went to Granite City in St. Cloud for dinner and while the wait was long, my dinner was so worth the wait. While we were waiting, I was looking at the take-out menu and came across the "Honey Rosemary Tenderloin and Focaccia Salad." Priced at $16.99 it would definetly be the most expensive salad I have ever consumed. We are seated and begin looking at the menu and wait... it's not on the menu! Well, it was on everyone else's menu except for mine! Seems like I got an old menu~ good thing I checked with someone else at the table or I would have missed out on this experience and Granite City would have just missed a $17 salad sale!
The salad features a half-pound of fresh beef tenderloin that has been marinated in honey, olive oil, soy sauce, chopped garlic & fresh rosemary~ it was cut up into bite size pieces and served on greens with tomato, bleu cheese crumbles and parmesean cheese. It was dressed with a balsamic vinegarette and came with focaccia croutons (which I requested on the side).
Let me start by saying that this was the most tender steak that I have ever experienced! Everyone at my end of the table tried it and was in awe of how delicious it was. The dressing was paired with it very well and the focaccia croutons were SOFT!!! The focaccia was cut up into crouton shaped pieces and just barely toasted. I have to say this was much better than getting a steak served with a side salad.
I will absolutely get this salad again and whole heartedly recommend that you try it too! Mmm... it was incredible!
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