A Personal Update

I hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas as I. For the first time in years, my entire immediate family (which totals 20 people) was present under one roof for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was awesome. My sister and I combined our creative juices and made this video of which we are quite proud. :)

In support of my fashion endeavors, my family was kind enough to give me a total of 5 scarves and a new brooch. Who's excited? ME! My cat, Luna, helped me photograph them, and apparently her favorite is the orange one.






Due to the crazy blizzard, we are snowed in today, which gives me great opportunity to return to my exercise routine with gusto. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season kept me from working out during the last two weeks. I was eager to get back into things this week, so before doing much else today, I got out my leg strap and resistance band and restarted the 30 Day Challenge on EA Active. I'm going to do my best to follow it's schedule, but as I've mentioned before, I find it difficult to work out 5 days a week. I have completed the 30 Day Challenge in 60 days before, and if I can replicate that again, I'll be more than happy.

Interestingly enough, my father has enlisted my aid in getting his health and fitness back on track. My father is a man of strong will power, and when he puts his mind to it, he does really well. But like so many of us, life's busy schedule creeps in and before you know it, you fall back into to your old habits and looser jeans. So, I agreed to hold him accountable, so we can keep him motivated and on track. I'm not sure if he realizes what he's in for! :) I think many of the "tactics" I'll be using to help him along are valuable to anyone who wants to take better care of themselves. So, I'll be sharing some of them via this blog.

Concerning my personal health and fitness (so you know I do try to practice what I preach): knowing I would not be able to find the time to exercise, I tried to be very careful in terms of what I ate. I allowed myself cookies and other great treats, but tried to keep the portions small and grazing to a minimum. Curious as to what the two weeks off did to the number on the scale, I weighed myself this morning. As it turns out, I "lost" 0.2 lbs. Now, I wasn't trying to lose weight; my goal is to remain where I am currently while improving overall tone. Nevertheless, based on this finding, I think I'm doing pretty well! Go me!

So, stay tuned for health and fitness strategies and enjoy the remainder of 2010. The start of a new year means more and different fashion trends will be emerging and opportunities to better yourself,  however you deem fit, will be plentiful. "You are what you give yourself the power to be." Remember that.
 

The Thoelen Clan on Christmas Day minus mom; she was taking the picture. 



Q-tips: A Quality Product

I recently marvelled at the versatility of Q-tips. Have you ever taken the time to read the back of a box of Q-tips? I'm a reader. Not so much of books, but I was the type of kid who always read the back of the cereal box on Saturday mornings. I read shampoo bottles and toothpaste tubes when *ahem* sitting in the bathroom. So naturally, at some point, I did read the back of the Q-tip package and thought, "Yeah, I bet that would prove useful for...." On Q-tip's website, they have a whole section dedicated to its "Variety of Uses," including Holiday Crafts; take a look!

But since this is an HBA blog, I want to focus on their great efficiency as it pertains to makeup application. I always knew that you could use Q-tips as a makeup applicator, but somewhat scoffed at the idea. Why use a Q-tip when my compact comes with those fancy brushes? Yeah, those fancy brushes that, if you are like me and use quad eyeshadows, end up messing up your application due to residual makeup. I would be carefully trying to apply a light, golden shadow to my upper eyelid (after having applied black eyeshadow up to my first eyelid crease - a feature of my smoky eye look) only to get an outline of black at the recess of my brow bone - not flattering at all. I was attempting to accomplish this very same thing the other day when I spotted a Q-tip on a nearby shelf. What did I have to lose?

Answer: nothing. Outcome: glorious. My application was flawless! There was no residual, unwanted shadow. Every shade went on cleanly and precisely, and after I was done, I simply tossed it in the garbage! Simplicity's genius! As it turns out, Q-tip is no stranger to how well it performs in the makeup department, and knowing that women put them to use in just that way, they have packaged the suave swabs in such a fashion that they are counter top friendly.

May I present to you the Q-tip Vanity Pack! It contains 285 Q-tips and retails for about $3-$5. They are biodegradable and also made from 100% cotton. The convenience is outstanding. I'm sold.

In addition to listing its many uses, the Q-tip website kindly gives consumers a guide for how to achieve a few commonly sought after makeup effects, such as the smoky eye. And since Q-tips work well for more than just eyeshadows, techniques for your lips and/or for "facial contouring" are also provided. 

Q-tip firmly believes in its product and its versatility. What makes Q-tips better than other generic cotton swabs? They boast that because the swabs are made with 100% cotton, they are the softest ones on the market. Furthermore, my mother says that unlike other imitations, the cotton sticks to the stick! Other brands have been known to unravel or pull away from the stick in mid-use - a scenario you do not want to be met with as you are hurriedly readying yourself for ____ (fill in social situation here).

So, for the time being, I think I will shy away from "fancy brushes" and start using Q-tips with more frequency. And for those who are environmentally friendly and may be cringing at the thought of the additional waste this adaptation will cause, may I remind you, they are biodegradable. Problem solved! I encourage you, readers, to try them as well. Part of the cause of my makeup mishaps likely has to do with the fact that I do not own a nice set of makeup brushes (a must have for makeup die-hards), so if you do own a set and have no problems, stick with them! But in a pinch when those brushes are not within reach, remember you can always grab a Q-tip and be confident in the resulting look. Happy Swabbing!

Scarves: A Must-Have Winter Accessory

Scarves are outrageously popular right now, and I am totally in on this one. I currently own 12 and counting. They vary in shades, prints, and fabrics. I love the variety possible with this accessory; manufacturers offer so many different ones to choose from! I also am a big fan of their versatility as most contain a few different colors within their patterns, which makes them adaptable to a greater number of outfits.

Here is my collection thus far:

Plaids

Chunky Ones

Dark Green & Black

Reds W/"Jewel" Accents

For Anytime

You can hardly mess up on this one. The key is in the tying. Sure, it is perfectly fine to employ the simple toss, basic knot, or European ascot. They are efficient and easy! But if you want, you can go that extra mile and employ some less known or worn techniques. This proves especially advantageous if, like me, you own quite a few scarves and jump at any opportunity to wear one. I recently learned how to create a pretzel-like knot, thanks to this video on YouTube. I had seen pictures of it, but could not figure out how to create it for myself. I think it's a neat spin on the regular knot.





I also found this video very helpful. It offers several how-to's that are rather easy, yet fun and stylish. I especially enjoy how one of the styles allows for a brooch to be added to the scarf to dress it up a little more. :)





For the men folk, this website offers 9 different tying techniques. Most techniques are universal and can be worn by men or women, but some of the more dainty looking ones I'm sure you would pass on, so hopefully this helps. (As a side note: KinoWear is a blog dedicated to men's practical fashion; it may be worth book marking if you are into that).

Lastly, I found this fabulous website that shows pictures of various styles with step by step instructions on how to create them. Score! Not only does it provide hints useful for chunky or pashmina scarves, but also for head scarves and bandana-like styles as well!

Scarves are an amazingly fun accessory. I absolutely love them and enjoy the flare they give my every day clothes. I hope these tying resources help you stay warm and stylish the whole winter through.

Misguided Op-POSE-ition

I really enjoy yoga...now. When it first became popular back when I was in college, I thought, "You'll never find me in a downward facing dog!" But how wrong I was for writing it off! My initial hesitation was due to the fact that I thrive off of heart pumping, sweat your pants off, sore the next day workouts. They energize me and make me feel strong. In short, they're empowering. Yoga seemed to me to be a snooze, having to extend through all off those awkward movements like a ballerina. And with grace? I do karate! I have little of that (just ask Jon). So, I never tried it. I totally respected those who did, as I recognized that they possessed a different type of discipline than I.

Downward Facing Dog

When I got the Wii Fit Plus last year, I was intrigued that it had the training option of yoga. Nevertheless, it was many a boxing exercise and strength training session before I even opened the menu. Eventually, I did - more out of necessity than want. I truly do strive to make exercise a daily part of my life. I don't usually succeed every day. Generally, I average a sweat session 2-3 times per week. Thankfully, my job is very active, so I do not feel so bad about that number. But anyway, if I find myself with the time to bang out a 20-minute workout, I do. (It is amazing once you discipline yourself to carve out 20 or so minutes for exercise how small a time commitment it actually is and how quickly it goes by - just saying). But there are some days when I have karate training that evening or my body is just physically tired from flipping kids all week that a hard, strenuous workout is impractical and could be injurious. This is precisely the predicament I was met with the first day I decided to give yoga a try.

I applied myself to several of the poses, paying close attention to the directions given by my virtual personal trainer. And to my amazement, I really enjoyed it. It did not give me the same endorphin high I usually got from working out, but the stretching eased some of my aches and pains. Furthermore, I've always been a fan of stretching. Training in the martial arts works your muscles rigorously. The only way to ease the after-class tenderness, and/or avoid injury during it, is by stretching. Plus, after having achieved a full straddle split somewhere around brown belt, I was not about to let my limbs' flexibility go by the wayside. Yoga, I found, is like advanced, intentional stretching. Combine the elongation of muscle tissue with deep breathing, and you have a lovely recipe for relaxation.

Gate Pose

Recently, I've been engaging in yoga with more frequency. I stick to the poses I can put together in the My Wii Fit Plus Routine feature, so I would still dub myself a novice. But I love what I do. The downward facing dog is probably my #1 favorite pose because of the nice stretch it gives to my lower back. I also really enjoy the warrior and gate. poses. They both engage a few different muscle groups, and the greater the overall stretch, the better I feel.

I've heard/read stories like this many times - someone was wary, even terrified, to try something new, and after mustering up the courage to try it, fell in love. I will likely never replace my strength/cardio training with yoga, but I enjoy supplementing with it. Variety in your fitness routine allows for your body to never get bored with or used to the familiar movements, which will allow for continued growth, not stagnation. (You're probably all too acquainted with that dastardly plateau everyone hits at some point in their fitness life). It still amazes me every few months when I take a week off completely (rest is important) or throw in something entirely new, how results appear so quickly. Changing things up is like a jumpstart to your body and in many ways to your metabolism also.

Warrior Pose

So, if you find you are in a fitness rut, change it up. If you run, try biking. If you dance, try boxing. The key is to challenge your muscles differently so you can "shock" them into further growth and/or refinement. Give it a try! What do you have to lose?

Dressing for the Holidays Made Easy

Undoubtedly, one of the most beloved features of the holiday season is the decorations. What would the holidays be without the trimmings? The bright colors, garlands, mistletoe, lights, etc. all turn our neutral homescapes into beautiful, wistful wonderlands that help get us into the holiday spirit. I love this time of year.

Along with the opportunity to "deck your halls," the holidays also offer an occasion to incorporate certain colors and looks into our wardrobe we may normally find a bit too over the top for the normal day to day.

For instance, jewel tones tend to appear in full force at holiday parties. They are beautiful and rich, intense and deep. When applied to one's wardrobe, they can really make your outfit pop! Designers have created pieces in many different colors with that great shiny, satiny look, so you can work with the colors that are in your palette. A simple jewel toned blouse or skirt can make this incorporation effortless.



What's more, the fashion industry is trying to lend a helping hand with your outfit shopping. Check it out!

JCPenney offers a "little red book" on their website that showcases some outfits and accessories that implement many of the most popular trends. Black is huge this season, so do not be surprised to see it everywhere.

Charlotte Russe's "Must Have Trends" are saturated with sequins and satiny finishes. They also offer options with lace, feathers, and/or ruffles. If it's hot right now, they have it. The dress on the left is a nice pick, I think. It strikes me as elegant, feminine, yet simple. (And its currently, 25% off!)





Macy's "Holiday Dressing" category has a subcategory solely dedicated to "Shine." Their other distinctions include fur, lace, velvet, and statement jackets. Another good place to find ideas!

Target offers a nifty tool via their facebook page, a My Look Maker. Using Merona fashions, you can piece together a whole look. You can experiment with various tops, bottoms, and even accessories and get a good feel for how the whole ensemble will look. It's rather fun!

And fashion should be fun! This past weekend, Jon and I attended our church's Christmas banquet. We helped with cleanup afterward, so we passed on our best duds. Nevertheless, I added some flare to a simple burgundy sweater and black jeans combo with one of my brooches. Jon kept it casual, but he made me very proud when it came to his outerwear. Not only did he choose to wear his spiffy peacoat, but he also wore a scarf and fedora. He looked great, and I was impressed that my husband was accessorizing.

Next week, I have my work holiday party, followed by Jon's work holiday banquet. I look forward to the adventures I will have in deciding what to wear. I hope the process of outfit decision making goes well for you in the weeks ahead! Feel free to post any pictures of outfits you really loved; I'd love to see them! Happy holiday dressing!

Burgundy sweater w/brooch.

Peacoat with scarf & brooch.

Jon looking snazzy!

Retraction: A Stinker? Not me!

Users & readers beware! I wrote my last blog only a few days after beginning to use the Mitchum Clinical Performance Deodorant. Since then, I have developed two small, severely dry rashes, one on each underarm. They're uncomfortable and remind me of when I had poison ivy in my armpits at age 9 (yes, it was terrible). I am unsure whether this reaction occurred because my skin is highly sensitive right now with the colder weather, or because I applied the deodorant twice in one day as a means of "freshening up".  I did a little research and found I am not the only one who has had this experience. Here are two reviews I took from Amazon.com. They are not written for the women's version, but I have to believe the formula is the virtually the same. Read on:

"I loved Mitchum's. I used to use the cream, great stuff but a little messy. I then switched to the solid, great stuff but the residue sucked. Then they came out with some Hydro or was it Hybrid protection and I LOVED IT. I guess they discontinued it but when I saw the smart solid it had all the makings of the hydro stuff. ITS NOT THE SAME. I tried this one and it made me sweat more, I know that doesnt seem to make sense but I have the sweat stains to prove it. I came home today and jumped in the shower because I was so sweaty and itchy (itchy?). Once I got out of the shower I realized my arm pits hurt and were red and swollen. IT SUCKS lol. So I threw some Gold Bond on it and did a search and here I am. I am sure it works for some, but just be aware that it can potentially cause a rash. SENSITIVE SKINNED PEOPLE BEWARE. Bring back the hyrdo (or whatever it was called)." - Clay Sanders

 "I know many have had good experiences with Mitchum, but I want to also let you know that there is a large group of people who have had very bad ones. Be wary that this stuff does contain the highest level of active ingredient allowable -- this can mean bad things if your skin has a bad reaction to it. Yes, it'll close up your pores... nothing's getting out of there. If your sole aim is to stop sweating in the arms, then this is the best you can probably get. However, people like me have negative reactions to it. It basically causes this really painful rash and makes the arms quite sore. I don't normally write reviews, but I figured this would be the best way to let others know that this product needs to be used with a bit of caution. Many others have experienced these strange rashes as well. It's likely the result of the pores being clogged and/or an allergic reaction of some sort. Be wary when trying this stuff, and if your arms begin to get sore or if rashes appear, stop using it immediately." - Marcus Stuhr 

Thankfully, with the use of Aquaphor's Healing Ointment, the rashes are clearing up quickly. But, I guess its back to Dove for me! I don't claim to be an expert. I write from my experience - both the good and the bad. I still think this product works very well. The high concentration of the active ingredient simply does not bode well for sensitive types such as myself. Hope this helped and saved someone some painful irritation! And I apologize for any I may have caused by my recommendation.