Saturday, May 18, 2013

EOTD Bahama Mama

For this look I'm using My Beauty Addiction Eye Shadows in:
French Vanilla - High Lighter Color
And from the limited edition Tropical Escape Collection:
Bahama Mama - Blue
Hawaiian Tropics - Brown

All of these shadows were used with MBA Shadow Poxy, and can be found at My Beauty Addiction:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyBeautyAddiction
http://mybeautyaddiction.com/

See this look on video!


*DEAL ALERT* If you purchase the entire collection, only $24 for all 8 eye shadows (Which is a $16 savings vs buying individuals), and mention my Name Maria/AgapeLoveDesigns at check out you will ALSO get a BONUS Shadow Poxy FREE! See more swatches from this collection {here}.
You can purchase on their website mybeautyaddiction.com, or in their etsy shop.

Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.


Friday, May 17, 2013

On Getting Comfortable And Uncomfortable

I've been getting quite a few requests and questions about my weight loss journey. I knew it was going to take some time and a lot of courage to write this post... But I've  finally made time in my hectic life to write out this post. In fact, I'm writing this in my bloggy journal, on a bus - coming home from a field trip with my daughter. Because its a 2 hour ride and this may be my only chance to get some "down time" where I'm not "mommy'd" a million times and can think while writing out my thoughts!
Anyways, the thing about my weight loss journey is that it has come to sort of a halt. Not intentionally, but ever since my last post about maintaining - that's all I've really been doing. And though there isn't anything wrong with that, the thing is that I haven't stopped trying! I've just gotten comfortable. So giving my all to this has been put to the "back burner". With the busy schedule my family now has - I've barely had time to go to the gym. I'm sure I could fit it in if I tried harder, but I've been so tired, that I'd just rather relax.

Before, I pushed myself no matter what! I didn't let myself "just relax". Now I've been a little less hard on myself. Why? Because, again, I've gotten comfortable. I can look at myself and am happy with what I see (with clothes on), and the weight I have lost so far. I still get compliments on my weight loss and how great I look. Most people are extra kind and tell me they've "always thought I looked beautiful, but can tell how confident/happy I am now and what a difference that makes as well".

People have asked about my weight loss and always when I say I'm still striving for 30 more pounds they seem shocked! They tell me "no, I dont think you need to lose any more weight!" or they ask me "why" like I must be crazy. haha And its wonderful to have those compliments. BUT its those amazing comments/concerns/compliments that I have helped me get too comfortable with where I am at.

Again, there isn't anything wrong with comfortable its a great thing to feel about ones self or body! And its not like Ive "let myself go" again. I've started eating more "regular" foods, and a couple other things I had limited myself on before, BUT I'm still eating healthier, AND being sure to still exercise here and there... It's just not enough to lose more weight, just enough to maintain.

Though lately, since I'm being honest, I will admit that my weight has been fluctuating. Going up 2 pounds, down 3, up 5, down 4. Which sort of worries me, and is a sign I need to be more careful. Weight tends to just creep up on you little by little. You think oh whats one pound gained here or there, and next thing you know its a couple years later and you're 70, 80, 100 pounds heavier! I dont want that to be me again! I cant let that me be again! I cant just be OK being comfortable.

So there is the "comfortable" part of this post. Now for the "uncomfortable" part... Because ladies, I dont want to be just comfortable anymore. I dont want to look great just with clothes ON. I stated in one of my first weight loss posts - "I want to look (and feel) good naked!" And right now, I DON'T! I am NOT comfortable naked. I still have that jiggle in my belly and arms and I want to WILL get rid of it! So for the sake of making myself uncomfortable again.. To push and motivate myself again and to answer the question "why 30 more pounds?" I'm posting these belly/body photos. They are embarrassing, but raw and real. I may look good with clothes on, but this is still the me underneath. And I'm not happy with it. Yes its better than it was, A LOT better. But I'm not done with this journey.
I hope you all will be kind. Putting these pictures up is something that is hard for me. But something I believe I needed to do to keep myself accountable, and push myself to keep at it and not give up.

I thank many of your for asking questions about my weight loss, asking for updates and really keeping me accountable. So THANK YOU. Because now I am "uncomfortable" and ready to push myself again. Ready to change this body from flab to fab! You just wait and see. And keep on keeping me accountable! :)

Ok and here are some answers to a couple other questions I've gotten:

Q: Can you post healthy recipe's or post more about what you eat?

A: Oh boy - honestly - I suck at food... Love to eat it, hate to make it. I am very un-creative when it comes to cooking. I DO have one recipe (here). And If I try I can maybe post a few more healthy recipe's on the blog... Or offer a guest post spot to someone with some? If any of you like to cook and have a few healthy or low-carb or low-cal recipes shoot me an email! Other than that, if you want to know/see what I eat every day, follow me on My Fitness Pal. I keep my food diary public so you can see exactly what I eat and how much. I was slacking for a while before, but I'm back at it again.... Accountability people!?

Q: What exercise do you do?

A: Mostly I go to the gym. When I am there I stick to the elliptical or bike because they burn the most calories. When The Hubs is with me he helps me with the free weights, when I am by myself I do weight machines! 

But recently in an effort to change up my exercise routine Ive started Zumba! I'm trying to go 3 times a week! Zumba is intense and awkward but so so much fun! I felt like a fool, but enjoyed it and laughed the whole time too, while sweating my butt off! Plus I was crazy sore the next few days after doing Zumba - which I love. It means I've gotten a great work out. The other "plus" of Zumba is that maybe it will help my awkward uncoordinated self learn to dance or something like that! ;)

If you have any more questions for me, feel free to comment below and I can do another weight loss "Q & A" post if you'd like that! ♥

Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Pretty Things #29

Pretty things Im lovin' this week.
#love #prettythings #blogdesign #glitter #faith #jewelry #nerdjoy #art  #diy


Illustrated Blog Banners / / Golden Ampersand Necklace / / Pink Bubble Necklace

Cosmetic Glitters / / Sequin Embroidered Shirt / / DIY Glitter Nails

Canvas Tote Bag / / Princess Bride Quote Pillow / / Scripture Clutch
Inspirational Quote Art  / / Neon Aztec Earrings / / Narnian Script Scarf

 What pretty things are you loving this week?
What blog posts are really inspiring and speaking to you this week?

Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Pink Hearts & Gold Studs

1. I have a thing for the color combo pink & black. You can probably tell, since I wear these colors a lot.
2. I have a thing for hearts.
3. I believe you dont have to have a lot of money to be fashionable, fabulous or look good.
4. I love shopping and supporting small biz the most.... BUT...I also love shopping big biz.
5. I am obsessed with knuckle/forefinger rings right now.

Share 5 things about you or your fashion thoughts, ideas, or likes right now. ♥

What I'm Wearing:
White Tank: Target
Vest: Maurices
Skinnies: Walmart
Heels: Payless
Hair Scarf & Bracelets: Mila Rose Designs
Knuckle Rings: Walmart

Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Maruti Beads Review & Necklace Idea!

Recently I had the pleasure of being sent a gorgeous mix of handmade Maruti, Lac & Kashmiri beads c/o Maruti Beads! Connect with Maruti Beads for special offers: FacebookTwitterPinterestGoogle+  
 
As I said already, these beads are gorgeous. And what makes them extra special is that they are all 100% handmade! Yes - "At Maruti Beads expert artisans individually handcraft our products. What this means to our customers is…that every order is custom made to the highest quality standards." Read more about Maruti Beads here.

Here is a peek at just a few of the beads I received. The variety is wonderful, and the quality is top notch. You cant help but think of all the beautiful jewelry and items you could make when looking at these beads, am I right?!
I was very impressed with how well the beads come packaged. They arrived nice and secure, stored in a plastic container, with styrofoam padding.
Its easy to think up all kinds of jewelry ideas with these beads. I personally plan on making a couple of bracelets out of my beads soon, but I also whipped up a pretty little "tassel" style necklace for myself using just one of the beads and some chain. Simple but beautiful. My favorite are the beads with the hearts on them! ♥
The prices are pretty great, considering the quality and handmade nature of these stunning beads. Ranging from $14-$33 (was the highest I saw) for 25-50 beads, depending on the type of bead, or $60 for the pack of mixed beads like I received.

Maruti Beads also sells jewelry too; Bracelets, bangles, earrings, pendant and necklaces! They would make wonderful gifts for a loved one, best friend or yourself. :) The prices are very affordable, so why not treat yourself. ;) The bangles are MY favorite, and the prices start as low as $5.50 and go to $22. ♥

Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad!  Click {here}for more info.


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...