Life Update & August Goals

If you stopped by anytime during the last two weeks you may have noticed that I have been a little MIA. Things have been seriously hectic lately, and if I can be completely transparent with you all, I was feeling a little weighed down in my spirit.

Review: JCat Liptitude Lip Stain

They say a woman's best feature is her smile. Yet it's one part of our face we tend to neglect the most! I myself have been guilty on a regular bases of spending a good amount of time perfecting my foundation, eye, and checks yet walking out the door with nothing more than chap stick on my lips. If I do manage to put color on them you can absolutely forget about any sort of reapplying. When it comes to lip products I am absolutely a one hit wonder. 

10 Things That Will Get You Unfollowed

Instagram is currently the fastest growing social media platform. What began as a small site for sharing photos among friends has quickly grown to a community of over 300 million users. I read some where that the average person spends thirty minutes a day scrolling an Instagram time feed. For businesses and bloggers, it simply doesn't make sense for you to not be using it.

If You Give A Girl Bling: 90 Day Rocks Box Review

Okay, so I have been a RocksBox subscriber or “shine insider” as they call it for three months now (One month I received free and two I paid for). Over the last three months I have received a total of six sets. I decided it was time to do a full review.  

87 Things You Should Do Before You Get Married In Order To Actually Get Married.

I follow a lot of blogs on Bloglovin.  Speaking of, you should probably follow mine!

Shameless plug.

Anyway, about once a week I’ll get a blog that’s something to the effect of: “Five Things to Learn About Yourself Before You Get Married.” Or, “Twenty Things That God Wants to Teach You Before You Meet Your Spouse.” Or “Three Things You Need To Start A Healthy Relationship.” Or “Thirty-Seven Voodoo Rituals That Will Get You Married in 2015.”

8 Instagram Accounts You Should Follow Right Now

Oh Instagram! Raise your hand if you’re guilty of scrolling down your Insta feed at least half an hour before getting out of bed in the morning. Since most of us are spending so much time on the app anyway, you can better do it right, no? Many of us stick to following our friends, but Instagram has really grown into something much bigger than just seeing photos of what your best friend had for lunch.  Today I’m sharing my current favorite Instagram accounts you should be following...besides myself, but you should be following me you know!

Review: Zenni Optical

Okay, so I am so excited to share with you all today's review! If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed that noticed that I wear prescription glasses! And if you don't follow me on Instagram than you should be! Although you rarely see me photographed in my glasses. To be honest I think they make me look matronly.

5 Steps To Developing Your Personal Style

Let me start by saying that I never considered myself a “fashionable” person. I never really understood how to dress for my curves and until fairly recently my wardrobe typically consisted of scrubs, jeans and t-shirts. Last year I decided this was the year that I would finally dress the way I really  felt inside, and as part of my quest to figure out what being an adult really means to me. After a few months of going through my closet, lots of online searching, and too many exhausting trip to the mall to count, I’ve finally started to build a wardrobe I really love!  

Baby Got Bag: Summer Budget Friendly Bags

A new bag with a pop of color is the simplest way to update your outfit for summer.  I compiled a list of my favorite budget friendly summer bags! This list was incredibly hard to narrow down. There are so many amazing bags this season. The world of hobos, crossbody bags, totes, satchels, clutches, and shoulder bags is daunting.

Review: Regen FX Skin Care

Hello my beauties!

Today i will be talking about one of my favorite subjects...skin care! If I can be completely transparent with you all for a minutes, my skin has always been a major area of insecurity for me. I spent most of my teen years struggling with severe acne. I battled this issue well into my early twenties, and still have the occasional flair ups today. When I am not dealing with an acne flare up I’m battling the hyperpigmentation scarring it left behind. I also have issues with the overall texture of my skin, it’s just not smooth as I would like it to be. 

Why I Wake Up At 5AM

I am by nature a total morning person. My day usually begins at 5AM...generally when I tell people this I am met by blank stares of confusion followed my “why?”

The answer is simply because I enjoy a leisurely morning routine. Actually, the getting dressed process for me happens in thirty minutes or less... Today however I woke up with very little time to get ready. My alarm went off at my usual  5 am and  I kept convincing myself I could sleep for 15 more minutes. Just 15 more…and before I knew it an hour and half had passed.

DIY: Distressed Mason Jars

I recently posted a photo on Instagram of these distressed painted mason jars I made for my Mothers Day centerpieces. I got so many comments and emails of people wanting to know how I did it! Seriously guys this is the easiest DIY project ever.

Odedience Or Sacafice

Doing what God ask us shows our love for him.  John 14:15 says “if you love me, you will keep my commands.” What should motivate our submission to God’s way is our love for him. Is it possible to follow God concerning some areas of our lives and not in others?

Well imaging that your child uses profanity in school, but cleans his room, do you take joy in his  tidying his room and over look his misconduct at school? Absolutely not! I expect my child to follow my rules all the time and in all areas. Well the same goes for obeying God’s commands, he wants your full submission, your whole heart not just a piece of it. 

June Goals + A Possible Poo

I can not believe it’s June already! Where did the year go? I feel like it was just yesterday that I was setting my May goals! With June being here and summer weather upon us, my goal this month is to, stay focused on my health goals and get out of the house more!

Spring Trend Kimono Style

The Kimono is bar far my second favorite spring trend for 2015 next to the midi skirt! A printed kimono adds instant style to any outfit. It's so versatile, throw it on over a white T-shirt and a pair of jeans or rock it as a swim suit cover up!

What I Ate Wednesday + Week 2 Weigh In

“The journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step”- Lao Tzu

Week two of project "get healthy and lose some weight along the way" (I just made that up) was surprisingly much easier than I anticipated. In the past around week two is where m y momentum pretty much dissipated, I’m that girl that can pretty much do anything for a week but longer than that becomes a struggle. But because I have taken my focus off weight loss and placed it on health, I am finding it much easier to stay on track. Ok, now for what I know you're really here for; What I ate Wednesday!

Breakfast  

My day always starts with coffee! Three chicken sausage, two egg whites, one whole egg and a tangerine.

Daily Starbucks run

If you follow me on snapchat you seen that Wednesday was a terrible, no good very bad morning. Nothing was going my way, it was just one of those morning where want to throw a tantrum and go back home, however when you're 30 and you throw a tantrum it really doesn't get you too far. So rather than behave like a three year old I threw all caution to the wind and got a S'mores frappuccino! Oh’ my stars the marshmallow whip is amazing! Maybe it was the sugar high, but totally turned my morning around. 

Mid morning Snack

I had one cup of edamame!

Lunch

I’m only in the office five hours a day, I tend to have a lot of things to get done in a short amount of time so it’s not uncommon that I get busy at work and don’t have time for a lunch. This was one of those days, so I had more edamame and pushed through the afternoon. 

Dinner

For dinner I we had Trader Joe’s chicken fried rice, fried in coconut oil. This stuff is so good and one cup is only 5 points! I also steamed some green beans on the side!

 Evening Snack

After dinner I had some dried seaweed.

My last weeks goal was to cut sugary drinks out. With the exception of my frappuccino binge I was successful. I pretty much drank fruit infused water all week (with the exception of my daily coffee). I have noticed that since I have really made an effort to cut back on my sugar intake my overall appetite has dramatically decreased and I am noticing that I find myself not as hungry and I’m definitely not having as many sugar cravings.

This upcoming week I will build on last weeks goal of cutting sugary drinks and I am going to add meal prepping my lunch for the week. Because my work day gets hectic, unless I pack a healthy lunch I either skip lunch entirely or I have something quick from the vending machine. I want to set myself up for success by bringing a healthy option to eat.

Wednesday is my official weigh in day and this week lost two more pounds! My total two week weight loss is five pounds! I know it’s not much but this girl will take her victories where she can get ‘em!

Sunday Favorites + Memorial Day Sales

Girl with Curves wearing Maurices plus size dress | Maurices clothing |Plus size Deep V-Neck Sleeveless Romper Royal Blue | Forever 21 plus size pants | Lane Bryant wide shoes | BCBGMAXAZRIA clutch | Wayfarer glasses | Perfume fragrance | LSA International colored wine glasses

Hey lovies, I hope your having a fantastic three day weekend! This week I fell in love with so many amazing things and I wanted to share some of those things with you! My favorite is these Forever 21 wide leg floral print pants with a second close being the Lane Bryant Embellished sandals. You gals know I love my flats and with these beauties being office appropriate, I haven't taken them off all week!There are also a number of Memorial day sales happening this weekend, here are a few worth checking out.

ASOS 20% OFF everything// code LONGWKND

LANE BRYANT Buy one Get One Free entire site// Code EPICSUMMERLB

ELOQUII 25% OFF full priced items// Code OUTOFOFFICE

TORRID Buy one Get one 50% OFF entire site// Code LONGWKEND

Linked up with Beauty 101 by Lisa | Refined Eclectic Style Friday Favs

Check, Please! Four Ways to Wear Gingham

Gingham is everywhere! It’s probably the hottest trend for 2015. Its so refreshing, but it can be tricky. While trendy and fresh, it can quickly go wrong. The most iconic versions of gingham are looks worth avoiding; if not careful you could end up channeling Dorothy trying to escape OZ or an old school picnic blanket.  No, you've got to carefully consider all cliches (like milkmaids and cowgirls) and find a way to sidestep each.

If that simply sounds like too much work for you, never fear I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of 4 foolproof tips for always getting this checkered patterned right every time!

1. Stick to neutral and soft tones

I love Black and white gingham, pink and white is another great option. Avoid blue and white or red and white, you might run the risk of looking like a picnic blanket. 

2. Go for clean structured pieces 

Structured blazers and pencil skirts are a great way to keep it modern and polished. 

3. Modernize gingham with a graphic top

Add a graphic tee or sweatshirt and voilo, you’ve got a trendy unexpected outfit.

4. Go minimal with Gingham

Not ready to take the gingham plunge ? Add a touch of the trend with accessories, a gingham clutch or flats immediately freshens up any outfit.

There's nothing wrong with an all over checked pattern, as long as it comes on something sharp and not over-the-top, like a tailored suit.

Gingham is truly one of the greatest ways to incorporate a bit of pattern into your everyday look. Best paired with neutral pieces, gingham will make a great summertime look even better.

Linked up with// Style Elixir Fab Friday Favorites | Fashion Friday Fashion Linkup

What I ate Wednesday-Week 1 Weigh In

Hey guys, so week one of my new weight loss journey went pretty well. My focus this week was to simply get use to tracking everything I eat and less on staying within my points. So here is my What I Ate Wednesday /Day in The Life recap for you;

Breakfast
I have a major issue with egg white, think its just a visual thing for me so instead of having all egg whites I had one whole egg and two egg white scrabbled and sliced tomato with salt and pepper.

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I am slightly obsessed with Starbucks. Since starting my weight loss journey I have traded in my usual venti toffee nut latte with caramel drizzle for a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte no caramel drizzle in an effort to save points/calories!

Snack
My mid morning snack was 10 baby carrots and two table spoons of Trader Joes Hummus!

Lunch
Wednesdays are always crazy at work so I really didn't have time for a full lunch so I ran over to the Subway shop next door. I never finish a whole sandwich so I always order the kids meal. It comes with a juice box that I take home for my son to enjoy and apple slices which I saved for my afternoon snack. I love chips but I exercised control and didn't have any.  I got black forest ham with no cheese and avocado instead of mayo for an easy 7 Point lunch.

Afternoon Snack
I forgot to pack my afternoon snack so I just ate my apple slices from lunch.

Dinner
Because I had such a minimal afternoon snack, it goes without saying that I was starving by the time I got home from work. I made a quick dinner of some curry chicken using the bottled sauce from Trader Joes and fried rice with peas and carrots. I had a half cup of rice and a whole cup of the chicken!

Evening Snack
I had a good amount of points left after dinner so I made some stove top pop corn with real butter! I had three cups!

 One of the major things I am focusing on during this journey is making healthy lifestyle changes first and weight loss second. My plan is to focus on adding one healthy habit each week, while building on the previous weeks habit. This upcoming week I am really going to focus on staying within my daily point allowance and replacing my drinks with water and low sugar options.

My first week went really well. Wednesdays are my official weigh in day and today and I lost 3 pounds!!!!!!! Next week I may try to add a day or two of exercise into my life, I hate exercise so don't hold me to that it may or may not happen.

Weekend Shenanigans + Weekly Goals

Skirt-Forever 21

Top-Old Navy

Shoes-old

Bag-JustFab

I must say my weekend was pretty lazy yet rather productive, if that makes any sense! If you’re ever wondering what I am up to on a daily basis, just follow me on Instagram and/or Snapchat (SaprinaD) I’m always posting pictures and videos of my daily shenanigans!

Friday was a pretty productive day, it was Nic’s weekend with his dad so I was able to get some errands done.  I worked my day job, did my weekly Trader Joe’s run and headed over to Bestbuy to pick out a new lap top. I had my old laptop for five years so needless to say, a new one was long overdue, however it was an expense that I just did not want to incur anytime soon, but unfortunately last week my old laptop finally went on to glory and crashed.

Saturday was my kinda lazy day, I didn't leave the house and spent the entire day in my sweats.  I did some much needed house work in the morning.  I pretty much spent the rest of the day on my couch. I binge watched Bravo's “The Single Project”. Have any of you seen this show?  I seriously watched the entire season on Saturday, which caused me to be way to involved in these strangers lives, and for a moment I found myself yelling at the tv in frustration... which was about the point that I realized it was time for me to turn the tv OFF.

If you're a regular reader, and I hope that you are you may have notice the blog got a facelift, that was also a Saturday accomplishment.

Sunday was church and dinner with my best friend, followed by my sad attempt at meal prep, which really just consist of me packing up my snack servings for the week.

That was pretty much my epic weekend! Next weekend is a three day and Nic will be home so, I have no idea what type of adventures it will bring!

My goals for this week….

• BE//  ON TRACK WITH WEIGHT LOSS- Wednesday I will post last weeks weight loss recap, and I am pretty excited to share with you guys my week one results.

• DO// ORGANIZE THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS- Currently my Christmas decor is shoved in a few plastic tubs and stored behind my sofa (don’t ask) but this week I need to organize it and find it a new home!

• READ// Instincts by TD Jakes- new book I will be starting

• MEMORIZE// My memory scripture for this week is Galatians 5:22-23

I'd love to hear about  your goals this wee? 

Linked up // What I Wore To Work | Meet & Greet Blog Hop | Link Up With Lisa | Mahogany's Closet Mondays

Open Letter to My Future Husband

Dear Future Husband,

Please forgive me if I come across as snarky and slightly mistrusting in the beginning. You see, I have dated a lot of not so good guys before you. I’ve been broken. I’ve sinned. I’ve been wronged and I’ve done the wrong doing. I’ve willed the wrong and run away from what's right. I have been accused of flightlessness and manipulation. I have been lost. And at times have even lost sight of my virtue. I’ve looked for you on the street, I have prayed for you and at times I even doubted your existence. 

Weight Loss Wednesday: Start of a Journey

I love to eat and I love food. I do not love dieting! Overall my diets relatively balanced, I eat my veggies and I don’t make a habit of skipping breakfast, that being said I’m not one to turn down a piece of cake or a glass of wine! Truth be told I have always been  a “thick girl” but indulging a little too much, a little too often has resulted in a slow but steady weight gain over the last few years.

When I was younger I managed to maintain a healthy size. While I have never been a person to worry too much about the number on the scale, I find that I am comfortable somewhere around 180 pounds. Before having my son I easily maintained my weight by engaging in physical activities like dance team and I had a very active job. Now a days majority of my work day is spent behind sitting at a desk and have little to no motivation to work out!

180 Pounds circa 2010 at 180

My Tipping Point

Ok, so I read a lot of weight loss blogs and I must warn you, my tipping point is not some profound deep heart wrenching experience. I didn’t find myself unrecognizable in a photo, or find myself too large to fit into the seat of my favorite a roller coaster. No, my tipping point is much more shallow. Recently I ordered a skirt online from one of my favorite retailers, I shop this site often and my sizes are always very right on, a 16 if its an a-line and because this girls got hips I order an 18 if its a pencil style skirt. The size 18 skirt arrived and much to my dismay, it was too small. The buck stops here,  I refuse to go up to a size 20!  Currently I am at my heaviest weighing in at 225.4 pounds! Now let me start by saying overall I am happy in my skin, and if I never lose a pound I would be ok if I remained this size for the remainder of my life, my self image overall is a positive one. But, from a completely shallow standpoint I’ve invested too much in my current wardrobe to continue to grown and not fit into any of it and  honestly from a medical standpoint I know that I am carrying around a lot of extra weight, and I know it’s not healthy.


 Monique Lhuillier gown size 16.

The Plan

In the past I have started and stopped many diets! I have put pressure on  myself to loose an unrealistic amount of weight in an equally unrealistic amount of time. I have done every fad diet on the market, I get discouraged and I quit! This time I am not setting out with any “weight loss” goals, I simply want to live a healthier lifestyle, and lose some weight along the way. Shortly after my son was born I did Weight Watchers and I was successful on the program. I never felt deprived and for me, its just the most realistic option.

For myself as I am sure it is for most women, weight loss is a very personal journey. I don’t know how this will go, but my hope in blogging about it is to first make myself accountable to you my readers and second maybe I will encourage someone else along the way.

As I go on this journey I invite you to come back weekly for as I travel on this road to a healthier and hopefully thinner self!

Unboxing: Ipsy Glam Bag May

OMG, Yay! My first Ipsy bag is here. If you aren't familiar, Ipsy is $10/month subscription service.As a member you receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized products. 

Ipsy ships via DHL Global Mail and there shipping is super fast. I was impressed. It took only 4 days to get to me! 

Ipsy releases the contents of the bag on the 10th of each month, so your able to sneak peak on line on that months contents! Each bag has a theme. This months theme was "Jet Setter".

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil and Bonus Gloss

I love Urban Decay so I'm excited to give this a try!

Balanced Guru Style Me Hair Oil

I'm a devote coconut oil user so I doubt that I will be using this bad boy! 

Chella Eye Brow Color Pencil

In always on the hunt for a good brow pencil. I'll let you know what I think about this one.

Nuxe Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover

Eh not super excited about this but of course I'll give it a try! 

Jesse's Girl Pure Pigment Eye Dust

I life the neutral color I think it will be a pretty everyday eye but I'm not a fan of loose shadow.

Another thing I like about Ipsy is they offer a discount on each months product they send. So if you like it you can pick it up on there site for 20-25% off retail price.

If your interested in getting your own subscription you can subscribe here, and tell 'em I sent you!

A Day in the life: Mothers Day Weekend

My Mothers day weekend was filled with love and good company!

Saturday was my church’s annual Women’s Tea. I love this event and look forward to it every year. The women in my church sign up to host a table. You get to decorate your table how ever you like, while staying within that years theme. This years theme was "A Legacy of Knowledge". The women in my church go all out with the tables and it’s always so much fun to  see all the creative beautiful things they come up with. This is my second year doing a table.

My Best friend and I 

On Sunday I attended worship service with my son!

Dress-eShakti  |Necklace-Charming Charlie's|

Its So Hard to get him to take a serious picture!

Finally got it!

 Ever since I had Nicholas being a mom has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Becoming a mother myself  has caused me to appreciate my own mom so much more. She was a single mom who raised two children.  There are times when I feel overwhelmed with just one, and unlike my own mom I have so much help. I can not imagine doing it with two and no support! Wether your a mommy or not, I hope your weekend was blessed!