Review: CVS Facial Cleansing Power Brush

We've all seen various bloggers and vloggers talk about about the Clarisonic. While I fully believe that it is an amazing product, I just can't shell out $100+ dollars for a cleansing brush. While I do suffer from acne and breakouts from time to time, my skin isn't terrible so I just don't see the point.

Olay came out with a similar product called the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System. This is much more affordable than the Clarisonic ranging at around $30 depending on the retailer. While I toyed around with the idea of buying this product, I never seemed to get around to it. Lucky for me I was browsing around in my local CVS and noticed that they came out with their own version of the Olay Pro-X (for only $19.99 might I add).

The CVS Facial Cleansing Power Brush is really awesome for the price. It comes with the power brush, 2 brush heads, and 2 AA batteries. It is recommended that you use each brush head for about 3 months before discarding and getting a new one. You use this product by applying the facial cleanser of your choice to the skin. Next, moisten the brush head with water and turn it on. There are two speeds - high and low, as well as a button that allows for bi-directional spin. After using the brush on your face for about a minute, rinse your skin and pat it dry.

I've been using this tool for the last week and I actually see a noticeable difference in my skin. Now I must warn you, it isn't a miracle worker. If you are having really bad trouble with your skin, it's best that you rethink your diet and water intake, and perhaps see a dermatologist. In addition, the brush is only as good as the facial cleanser you use it with. Nevertheless, I can definitely tell my face is getting a much more thorough cleanse than it would with my fingers alone. I use the brush with my Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub. Although it has some little exfoliating beads, it is gentle enough for daily use and I haven't had a problem combining it with my cleansing brush.

What's your favorite skin care product?

Love & Blessings
- A

Recipe of the Week: Shrimp Tacos

This is something new that I am starting so that I can share my healthy recipes with all you other lovely ladies who are on a journey to get fit. This week it's all about the shrimp tacos. As a girl who grew up on Florida's Gulf Coast, seafood has been a staple in my diet. Unfortunately, I now live in landlocked Georgia and the seafood just isn't the same *sigh*. Nevertheless, I sought to make a healthy meal with one of my favorite foods...even if I had to buy frozen instead of fresh shrimp.

What you will need...

1 pound of fresh or frozen shrimp

Cooking spray or olive oil

1 can of black beans

2 pieces of Flatout Multi-Grain Flatbread with Flax (100 calories)

1/2 container of Greek Yogurt (personal size)

1/2 onion finely chopped

1/2 green bell pepper chopped

1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute (stevia, splenda, etc.)

1 + 1/2 tablespoon of curry powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

Optional:

Cayenne Pepper (to taste)

Hot sauce (to taste)

(Recipe yields 4 shrimp tacos)

Instructions

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine half the container of greek yogurt (more if you like lots of sauce), sugar, curry powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper and hot sauce 

2. Make sure to combine mix very thoroughly

3. If you like a sweeter sauce add more sugar or if you like a more spicy sauce add more cayenne/hot sauce

Preparing Black Beans

1. Black beans can easily prepared by pouring the can into a small pot and heating until they boil. I generally don't add anything to my black beans, however, feel free to add any spices or herbs. This is an easy way to add calorie free flavor to your food :)

Preparing the Taco

**Make sure your shrimp is thawed prior to cooking if required

1. Finely chop 1/2 of an onion

2. Chop up 1/2 of a green bell pepper

3. Using a nonstick frying pan, lightly cover the bottom with olive oil or cooking spray and warm on medium high heat

4. Place onions and bell pepper into pan and saute until just about translucent

5. Add in shrimp and cook for about 3 - 5 minutes...be sure not to overcook or shrimp will become rubbery

6. Cut each slice of flatbread in half. They are very long pieces and one slice will yield two taco shells

7. Add one serving of shrimp/onions/bell peppers (about 3 - 4 oz) per taco shell and add sauce

Although I can't give you the EXACT calories for this meal, it is a low calorie option. Shrimp is usually about 80 - 100 calories per serving and the flatbread is only 100 calories for 2 tacos. Black beans are in the neighborhood of 115 calories for every 1/2 cup (depending on the brand).

Let me know if you try this and feel free to share any of your recipes with me.

Love & Blessings,

- A

Weight Loss Goals

As you all know, I am on a mission to take control of my health and waist line. So far has been so good, but I figured I would share my goals with you.

I think the number one key to success on weight loss journey is setting realistic goals. If you need to lose 100+ pounds, that can be extremely overwhelming to tackle at once. The best thing is to break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks so that you have the best possible chance of success.I honestly have no long term goals when it comes to an actual number on the scale.  However, I do have very specific goals when  it comes to pants size. Currently, I am a size 20 (eek!), but I would L-O-V-E to be back in a size 12. That is my main goal for the year 2012.  Of course that is not super small or thin by most people's standards, but a 12 looks really good on my body and is something that I comfortable with.

I have lost weight in the past but gained it back due to stress and convenience eating. This time I'm making total lifestyle changes in order to get the weight off and keep it off. I'm also not looking for miracle results. I know that in order to reach my goals, I HAVE TO PUT THE WORK IN.

My short term goal is to lose 20 lbs before June 22, 2012. I have already lost just under half and I don't think 10lbs (ish) is a lot to lose in a month's time. I know that they say 2lbs a week is healthy weight loss, however, if you are fat, weight drops off of you quickly when you're really putting in the time. It's much easier for a fat person to lose 30, 40 pounds than it is for a smaller person to lose even 15 lbs. I know this from personal experience. I lost 30 pounds in 5 weeks time in the past and I was not taking diet pills, shakes, or doing anything unhealthy. The first chunk of pounds usually melts off if you are dedicated. The last 30 or so pounds of a weight loss is generally what becomes the hardest to lose.

After I reach the goal of losing 20 lbs I will check in with you guys for before and after shots, as well as an update on my pants size.

Love & Blessings,

- A

Nails of the Day & Beauty Subscription Services

Spring/Summer is my favorite time of the year because of the bright and bold colors. I also like to get carried away with bright and crazy nail designs. Today I am sporting the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in the color Animal Instinct (pink and black zebra). These strips were sent to me in my Influenster Vox Box. On my ring fingers I am wearing the Miss Beauty Nail Bling sent to me in my monthly MyGlam bag. The Sally Hansen strips were very easy to apply, seem to be holding up well, and are so darn adorable! I will definitely re-purchase these in the future. I am not as impressed with the Miss Beauty Nail Bling. They were sort of difficult to apply and they are already starting to peel off :(

Let's chat a little bit about Influenster & MyGlam... If you don't already know, Influenster is a completely FREE beauty tester program. You take several quizzes and earn badges based on your interests. Every few months Influenster comes out with a "Vox Box",or beauty box, full of several full size products. Recipients of the boxes are selected based upon prior participation and badges so you are not always guaranteed a box. However, there have only been 3 boxes since I became a member and I have received 2 of them. There is NO CATCH. It is totally free. They only ask that you review the products, share them on social networking sites if you like them, and take a survey once you're done trying everything out.

MyGlam is sort of similar to Influenster, except it is a monthly subscription service and there are no surveys to take. The price is $10 per month and you receive 4-5 samples and deluxe samples of beauty products in a cute little makeup bag. This company was started by Youtuber Michelle Phan and many of the stylists are Youtube Gurus (AndreasChoice, MissJessicaHarlow, etc).

So far I have LOVED both services, however, I prefer Influenster. MyGlam is nice, but I generally receive products that I wouldn't consider repurchasing. Influenster stocks their beauty boxes with affordable everyday products.

Love & Blessings,
- A

Oh My Peplum!

This spring being chic means bringing back a very feminine side to fashion. We have all seen the adorable pastels and sherbet colors rock the runway, and of course, the color blocking seems here to stay. Yet my favorite spring trend is most definitely peplum. What I love about this style is that it is so versatile. Pair a peplum piece with some neutral colors and you are totally office chic. Glam it up with accessories and a smokey eye and you will be sure to turn heads on a date or girl's night out.

Sometimes curvy girls shy away from this style, but all you need are a few key pieces of advice to pull this look off -

1. If you are concerned about the peplum making you look more "hippy" than you already are, pair it with something fitted at the bottom. A body con skirt, leggings, or anything in black will give you a more slender appearance and round out the extra curves peplum may give you

2. Statement piece necklace will draw the eye upward and there will be less focus on the wider frame peplum can give you

3.Spanx. Hey...everyone needs a little support now and then, right? Spanx or other body shapers will cinch you in and the extra curves won't be as bad. Don't be embarassed about wearing Spanx. There are different types, fits, sizes and even the skinniest of Hollywood beauties sport them.

4. Be confident!

Audrey Colorblock Dress with Peplum Tier 

Fashion to Figure

$45

Soprano Plus Size Dress, Sleeveless Peplum Sheath

Macy's

Sale: $53.99 (until 5/29/12)

Love & Blessings,
- A

Starbucks Is Not A Crime

Starbucks has been a serious addiction of mine since the 6th grade. Before the lectures about the health risks of coffee start rolling in, let me be clear...I have no desire to stop drinking coffee. I have cut down to drinking it a few times a week and the rest of the days I drink Earl Grey Tea. Everyone has their vice - that one thing that helps them cope. My vice just so happens to be coffee and I will happily accept any negative consequences that may or may not come along with it #YOLO

However, since I am on a weight loss journey, the sugar packed calorie filled drinks at Starbucks can put a damper on my goals. Every fitness blog and article tells you to stay away from lattes, but there are several ways to save on calories when it comes to Starbucks...

1. Don't get full fat milk. They have skim and soy (my fav) 

2. Get the "light" version. Most frapps and lattes come in a light version with sugar-free syrup. Yes, sugar free syrups are made with artificial sweeteners (which aren't the best for you), but you gotta start somewhere

3. Order a tall (starbucks version of a small). Smaller drink = less calories.

My current favorite is the Grande Mocha Coconut Light Frappuccino. At 16oz. and only 160 calories this is a great way to indulge and beat the heat!

You can always check the nutrition guide at www.starbucks.com

Love & Blessings,

- A

Here's To Change

First post (hopefully of many)!

Let me give you the low down on myself. My name is Alexa, I'm 23, and I LOVE clothes/shoes/beauty/fashion. I'm also a quite curvy girl. As many people know, being a curvy girl in a skinny world can be extremely challenging, but I take it all in stride. In my eyes fashion knows no size. It's all about finding fabulous pieces that fit and make you feel comfortable.

I have never been the type of girl with low self esteem. I love my curves! You don't need to be a size 00 to be beautiful, regardless of what the media may say. The point of this blog is to share my life and experiences with you guys. We will talk about beauty trends, hair, fashion, food, working out, and pretty much anything I think is worth a share. Feel free to follow me on this journey and share your thoughts, suggestions, blogs, and YT channels with me.

Love & Blessings,
- A