Random Beauty Quote

A random photo from my flickr collection for a random post.  Really, I just wanted to see something lovely and bright this dreary January!

Wow--the end of the week is almost upon us.  I'm going to round out this crazy, time-strapped week with a quick quote from an anonymous source:

"It's beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.”

Nice, right?

I'll be back next week with reviews and better info--thanks for putting up with my lack of ambition this week!

Have a great weekend.

You Could Be The Face of ELF

Ok, my lovely ladies!  One of you could be the next face of e.l.f.!  If you think you have what it takes, keep reading:

For the second year in a row, e.l.f. Cosmetics will be spearheading a spokesmodel search – Beauty At All Ages 2011- turning to its own loyal customers to fill the role as the new face of the brand for 2011. The exciting, interactive opportunity will kick-off on January 18th and will run until March 20th, with finalist selection taking place in mid April.

e.l.f. Will be partnering with Explore Modeling (exploremodeling.com), a top online casting and modeling resource site to launch the contest that will be open to the general public for both entry submissions and voting. So anyone can certainly enter! Beauties of all ages and ethnicities are encouraged to enter their model-esque headshots for a chance to claim the coveted title. Submissions can be candid photos that capture both personality and features and need not be professional headshots.

Categories for the search include Teens, 20’s, 30’s and 40’s+. Four finalists, one from each category will be chosen by e.l.f. judges and brought to NYC where they will receive an exclusive makeover from Achelle Dunaway, Creative Director and lead makeup artist for e.l.f. They will also partake in a professional makeup photo-shoot from which the final winner will be selected.

The lucky winner will be crowned the 2011 “face of e.l.f.,” and will be featured on the e.l.f. website, e.l.f.’s facebook page, in e.l.f.’s makeover and tutorial youtube videos and e.l.f.’s newletters. The winner will also have the chance to design a signature makeup collection which will bear their very own moniker. Additional prizes include a "Makeup for Life" e.l.f. cosmetic package or voucher, with an estimated retail value of $250 and a cash prize of $500.

Aside from the grand-prize winner, participants also have the opportunity to win the titles of “Voter Winner” and “Popular Vote Winner.” Both participants and e.l.f. fans can vote in the contest – all voters will be entered into a raffle for a new Flipcam camera, with the winner drawn at random. In addition, the contestant who receives the most votes from her peers will win a 4 night all-expense-paid beach vacation sponsored by Beaches.

For further information on Beauty At All Ages 2011 please visit:
eyeslipsface.com/beauty-at-all-ages

Get Lippy for Your Valentine

So...Valentine's Day is almost here.  Yikes.  that means my birthday is almost here too!  Do you have plans yet for Valentine's Day (or should I say Valentine's Night?!)?  I do!  You're going to be sooo jealous when I tell you this, but my Valentine's Day plan includes working late.  Boy, do I know how to live or what?

My husband and I have been together forever, so we don't make special plans on Valentine's.  I guess we fall into the "I don't need Hallmark to tell me when to love my partner" camp.  But still, I get that it's a fun "holiday" and that special plans can make it all the more exciting. 

I received the tips below from makeup artist Jemma Kid.  Here is her advice to getting an enviable, romantic red pout, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Application:
- No lipstick looks good on chapped lips and some matte lipsticks dry lips even more. Keep lips smooth and moisturized with a balm containing natural oils, such as beeswax, and SPF. If you have chapped lips, apply balm and after a few minutes massage gently with a soft toothbrush or muslin cloth.

- Dab foundation around the lip are and over the lip itself. It will tone down any redness and ensures the line of the lips will be sharp and defined.

- Use a matching waxy lipliner to prevent any bleed around the lips. Spend time drawing the outline, making sure the lips are completely symmetrical and the bow is even. An uneven top lip shows up with red lipstick more than any other color. Start at the V of the Cupid’s bow and take the liner right into the corners.

- Fill in the lip with the pencil to hold the lipstick in place and make it last longer. Go over the pencil color with a lip brush, working it into any creases.

- Paint on the lipstick using a lip brush for precision, starting in one corner and working inward. Use the tip of the brush for the edges and the flat of the brush for larger areas. Blot with a tissue and apply another coat.

- Add a dab of gloss in a clear or slightly lighter shade at the center of the lower lip and press your lips together. High-shine glossy lips create instant glamour, make the lips look fuller, and draw attention to your mouth-a luscious evening look.

Attitude:
- Red lips spell grown-up glamour and should be worn with confidence.

- Hair color is irrelevant when choosing the right shade of red – it’s skin tone that counts. Pink tones are best suited to cooler “blue reds,” while darker, Mediterranean, and Asian skins are better suited to “orange reds.”

- Deep, plumy reds look fantastic on dark skin, cool blue-based reds suit pink-toned and pale skin, while orange-based reds are less draining on a warmer complexion (but make sure it doesn’t accentuate any redness in your cheeks).

- Red lips will be the focus, so keep the rest of your make-up minimal.

- A red-tinted lipgloss will give a more subtle effect.

- Try not to touch your mouth so you don’t risk smudging the lipstick. Matte finishes are more resistant to smudging than gloss.

Jemma says: “Lip color is one of the most fun and accessible areas of make-up, and also one of the most noticeable. From pretty and natural through classic and sophisticated to glamorous and vampish, how we make up our lips can change our mood in an instant”

I Need More Time!

I love the beach in the Winter.  Photo by me!

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

Wow--I feel like 2011 is flying by.  It seems like every weekend is super busy, and this last weekend was no exception.  I was at the beach with the Mister and made myself unplug--from my email, twitter, facebook, etc. Also, since I was at the beach, the last thing I worried about was my makeup.  When I was packing for my getaway, I only grabbed a mascara and some powder.  Apart from that (and a little gloss!), I was au naturale.

I swear, I can't go anywhere without mascara...it's my go-to product.

Anyway...I digress.  The point of this message is to say that I might be posting slowly this week, only because I just haven't had much time lately.  I do have TONS to tell you about.  In coming days, look for posts on:

• Valentine's Day tips--makeup ideas, skin care, etc. to get you ready for 2/14 (which, by the way, is just around the corner.  AND Valentine's Day is a mere 2 days before my birthday.  Ugh!)
• A lovely, zen-inducing face mask
• A super compact beauty collection to make you look good on the go
• new Beauty Products of the Week (I've been slack on these lately, but have a bunch of products to review)
• Nail care product review
• More cures for Winter Woes
• ...and much, much more.

I'll be back to normal posts in no time.  Hang in there!  In the meantime, tell me what your go-to beauty product is.  If you were on a deserted island and could only have one product, what would it be?

Get BOOTiful...and Get Savings!

I've been clipping coupons like a crazy woman lately.  I guess after the holidays, money feels tight and I don't want to spend more than I have to.  Sound familiar?  If you're looking for good deals, here's a coupon from Boots.  Take it to your nearest Target and pick up something good.  They have lots of kick-ass products to select from!

It’s time to get BOOTiful! Beauty brand Boots is offering a free Target coupon good for $3 off any one product in the award-winning Boots No7 Protect & Perfect range.Simply “like” Boots Beauty USA on Facebook and click on the “OFFERS” tab to receive a free printable coupon valid at Target stores, or a promo code to use online at Target.com. Included in the line is Boots No7 Protect & Protect Intense Beauty Serum, winner for Best Anti-Aging Serum in Good Housekeeping’s first-ever Anti-Aging Awards for its outstanding ability to fight deep lines and wrinkles. When first introduced to the U.S. this serum flew off shelves selling one every 8 seconds at Target, and continues to be one of its best-selling skincare items today!

Here's a link to get the coupon:  http://www.facebook.com/BootsBeautyUSA?v=app_172948136074239&ref=ts

Now...get over to Target and get stimulate that economy!

Hello, Sephora

I love, love, love this.  If you haven't been by your local, friendly Sephora, you're missing out!  They're unveiling their new big collection: the Hello Kitty line.

I'm a grown-up and should know better, but I do love me some Hello Kitty.  Combining Hello Kitty and Sephora to make some super cute products?  Freaking genius!  Here's a link to everything Hello Kitty related at the makeup mecca.  And here are a few of my faves:

Hello Kitty Brush Set, $45
Inside a shiny silver Hello Kitty (that would look adorable on any vanity!), you'll find a lip brush, an eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow brush, a shading/blending brush, and a face brush.

Hello Kitty Compact Mirror, $18
This cute compact contains a regular mirror and a 3x magnifying mirror.  It's small and perfect for your purse.  (I have a Kuromi compact from Sanrio in my travel makeup bag!)

Hello Kitty Sweet Gloss, $16
This super-sweet smelling gloss is available in a number of light shades.  I like that it's a Hello Kitty gloss for grown-ups.  The packaging is cute but not little girly, and the colors are more adult than bubblegum pink.  This stuff smells so good!

If you're a Hello Kitty fan, you're probably a makeup fan, so be sure to check these products out before they're gone!

Glee-ful Nails

Yesterday, I told you that OPI is heading south to Texas.  Well, Sephora by OPI is hoping on the Glee bandwagon with their Gleek Chic Collection.  Here's the scoop:

Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products has teamed up with Sephora Americas to develop an exclusive collection of nail colours and prints for the ultimate pop culture phenomenon – GLEE. The “Sephora by OPI goes Gleek Chic” collection will feature a limited edition range of 10 new nail colour shades and three print nail design appliqués inspired by the show’s colorful cast, fantastic music numbers and comedic references that all Gleeks know and love. The collection will be available February 3rd exclusively at all major Sephora locations in the U.S and Canada including Sephora locations inside JCPenney’s. Its launch will coincide with the much-anticipated special episode of GLEE that will air following Super Bowl XLV on FOX.

The Sephora by OPI GLEE Collection Nail Colours will include individual full sized colours and a six-piece mini-set collection that will feature exclusive colours only available through purchase of the set. The Sephora by OPI GLEE Collection Chic Prints for Nails Design Appliqués are easy-to-apply, precut strips that will be available in three different GLEE-inspired designs.

Let's take a look....shall we?

What do you think of this collection? Are you excited for a Glee-inspired line of nail colors?

OPI has GTT

Ugh.  I just don't know how I feel about this.

For its newest line of nail colors, OPI has gone to Texas (g.t.t.) with their new Texas line.

Really?  Texas?  OPI usually draws inspiration from far off lands with a rich heritage. But for Spring/Summer 2011, I guess they're playing the recession card and are staying state-side.  But of all states to pick from, why on earth would they select Texas?  Don't get me wrong, there are many wonderful things in Texas.  My husband is from there, and I genuinely like San Antonio.  Texas is such a....red state.  It's not my cup of tea. 

But ok...I'll go with it--if the colors are good.  So....let's check them out.

• Don’t Mess With OPI - A lean, mean, kick-grass forest green.
• Austin-Tatious Turquoise – Cowgirls love this bodacious blue-green.
• It’s Totally Fort-Worth It – A shimmery lavender grey that’s so worthy of you.
• Do You Think I’m Tex-y? A “berry” sexy bloom of Dallas Dahlia.
• I Vant To Be A-Lone Star – You won’t want to share this starry Texas-sky blue.
• Houston We Have A Purple – A galactic red-violet that’s ready to “rocket-roll”!
• Suzi Loves Cowboys – But she loves this campfire chocolate shade s’more!
• San Tan-tonio – A “honey” of a ten-gallon tan!
• Too Hot Pink To Hold ‘Em – A red-hot pink-red that deals a winning hand.
• Guy Meets Gal-veston – An “engaging” coastal coral.
• Y’all Come Back Ya Hear? – This Texas tangerine will be waitin’ for ya!
• Big Hair Big Nails - A rosy pageant peach.

Hmmm....I'm not impressed.  It might be that my aversion for all things Texas is impairing my judgement.  Maybe I'm just not ready for Spring/Summer nails.  Maybe I hate orange fingernails as a rule.  I don't see a whole lot to get excited about.  I think the only shades I'm looking forward to are Do You Think I'm Tex-y? and Houston We Have a Purple.

What do you think?  Does the Texas collection ring your chimes?

January Giveaway at Free Beauty Events

Every month, I remind you to visit the Free Beauty Events website for the latest in demos and giveaways. This month, for example, L’Oreal will demonstrating their True Match lines at select Rite Aids around the country as well as handing out coupons and samples. This information is available for free on the Free Beauty Events site. You can enter your zip code to find out what makeover, gift with purchase, spa open houses and sampling events are happening near your home.

In addition to listing in-store makeovers, Freebeautyevents.com also features a blog on product reviews (http://www.freebeautyevents.com/beauty-blog) and a monthly contest http://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest They also do a contest each week with a smaller prize on their blog. Please feel free to enter these contests yourself, the odds of winning last weeks contest of the week were 1 out of 8!

For the month of January 2011, they will be giving away 10 prizes. Each prize will consist of a Venus Embrace Razor Kit and Revlon Expert Shapers Emery Boards! The Contest runs from 1/1/2011 to 1/31/2011, winners will be chosen on 2/5/2011 and notified by 2/15/2011.

Head over there and enter!

Beauty Product of the Week: Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer

What is it? Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is "A lightweight, tinted moisturizer infused with a hint of shimmer and a protective SPF 15.  This multipurpose beautifier does triple duty: It acts as your moisturizer, sunscreen, and luminizer to provide sheer coverage that makes skin appear flawless, and its super hydrating ingredients and protective SPF 15 will keep your skin protected."  Available at Sephora and department stores (and occasionally on HauteLook, where I scored this and a bunch of other Stila products for less than $10) for $32.

What did you think?  I typically like products that try to multitask.  I just don't think this is the best muiltitasker on the market.  This product is very, very lightweight...which I like and hate.  I like that it goes on quickly and absorbs easily.  I just don't think it provides much in the way of color or coverage.  I was hoping that it would proved enough cover so that I could stick foundation during the day.  I was sadly mistaken.  I find that I still need to brush on my foundation in order to cover some of my splotches.  Then again, this is the winter, and my skin is less than lovely this time of year.

The final verdict? The moisturizer is not greasy, it's not unpleasant, and I think it does add the slightest bit of illumination to my skin.  That said, I would not re-purchase this item at the $32 price tag.  But what do I know?!

Winter Woes: Not-So Perfect Fingernails

Out of the way, buster!  I'm the one in need of a manicure!

Every Winter, I seem to deal with two nail problems: 1) peeling, messed fingernails and 2) stained nails thanks to wearing dark nail polish.  So how can I beat these two problems?

PEELING NAILS
Cold, dry weather is a beast...and it seems to do extra damage to our lovely little fingernails.  Like dry skin, the best bet is to add as much moisture as possible.  Morning and night, slather on a rich hand moisturizer, making sure to massage it into your nails.  At night, go an extra  step and throw on a pair of gloves to help lock the moisture in.  That should soften up and revitalize both hands AND nails! 

If that doesn't work, make sure you're getting enough protein, calcium, and vitamins in your diet.  Take a multi-vitamin once a day to be certain you're getting everything your body needs.  Other things to consider: take care when doing the dishes.  Get some rubber gloves to help you out, and while you're at it: avoid exposure to harsh cleaning agents and extremes in temperature.  Sounds like gloves are going to be my hands' and nails' best friends!  Also, make the switch to nail polishes that do NOT contain nasty things like toluene, formaldehyde, or DBPs.


STAINED NAIL BEDS
Since mid-October, I've been painting my nails every Sunday...usually with a super dark color.  Now?  I've removed all my polish to give my nails a rest, and I see that my nail beds have a distictive yellow tint.  Nice.  Here's what to do:

• Before using a dark color, try a clear base coat.  This will help reduce the amount of color that leeches into your nails.
• Try rubbing lemon over the nails to remove the yellow tint.  This sounds painful since I have the horrible habit of picking at the skin around my nails--I have tons of little nicks and cuts and I can only imagine how wonderful lemon would feel in them.  Eek.
• Check out the steps outlined here.  The idea of peroxide makes sense....though sounds a little scary.  Still--it might just work.

Maybe I just need a really good paraffin treatment and a decent manicure!

Smooth Operator

Shaving is a pain.  Not only do you risk injury, but you're probably also coating your legs in some iffy chemicals when you use normal run-of-the-mill shave creams, foams, and gels.

I recently tried a few products from Pacific Shaving Company and, though they didn't make shaving the most pleasurable moment of my day, they were a nice change of pace.  Pacific Shaving Company makes both an all natural shaving oil and an all natural shaving cream.

ALL NATURAL SHAVING OIL, $6.95
Designed for both men and women, shaving oil comes in a tiny bottle--but a little goes a long way.  Here's what the company says about the oil: provides a consistently smooth shave that leaves your face conditioned and moisturized, not oily. It also applies clear so you can finally see where you're shaving - particularly great for shaving around blemishes, sculpting a beard or moustache - even shaving your head! (Ladies - say goodbye to those cuts around your ankles.).  Here's my take: I didn't use this on my legs--I wasn't sure how it would do over a larger area.  But I did try it for my underarms and it was nice.  I liked that it was clear so I could see what I was doing.  It would probably be good for the bikini area, too.

ALL NATURAL SHAVING CREAM, $8.95
Also for men and women. From the company: With natural and certified organic ingredients, our unique, low-lather formula is about to become your skin's best friend. But this isn't only about closer shaves - it's got you covered before, during and after. Here's what you can expect: Softer whiskers and superior lubrication, Healthy, hydrated and soothed skin, Protection from harsh environmental factors. And now my take: Of the two, I prefer this product. I like the feel of it better and I really like that a shave cream wasn't a bright, artificial color. I used this on my legs and it did a good job. I think I am way too used to crappy shave creams, but this was a decent, more natural alternative.

Pacific Shaving Company products can be purchased at Whole Foods, Target, CVS, and drugstore.com.

Want to win a year's supply of Pacific Shaving Company Products?  Head over to their Facebook page by the 15th to be a big winner!

Age-Busting Tips from Women's Health

For many of us, a new year means undergoing a lot of personal assessments.  We think about ways we want to improve our bodies, our finances, our lives, and our looks.  Even if we're not planning huge changes, we often want, at least, to rejuvenate our looks for a fresh, new start.

The first step is to kick signs of aging—many that can be surprisingly unexpected. Women’s Health magazine highlights four under-the-radar areas women should treat early to radiate youth.  Take a glance and enjoy!

Yellow Teeth and Receding Gums: Bacteria and dark drinks cause enamel stains, while plaque results in receding gums. Bring back a younger smile with a timeless trick: floss daily, no excuses! Also, keep your pearly whites glowing by keeping disposable toothbrushes on hand and using whitening strips every six months.

Thin Hair: Hormonal changes, diet, and inadequate levels of iron in the bloodstream thin out hair with age. Save your locks’ thickness and shine by taking multivitamins rich in amino acids and B vitamins. Last resort options like a Rogaine prescription or precision laser hair therapy also boost hair growth.

Sparse, Brittle Eyelashes: Eyelashes grow sparse with age, whether through excessive rubbing or naturally slower growth. Invest in eyelash enhancing serums offered at drugstores to improve resiliency. Old mascara also lends to weak, brittle ends— replace mascara every 90 days and remove eye makeup at night.

Dry, Rough Nails and Damaged Cuticles: Age, frequent hand washing, and overexposure to cold temperatures rob skin and nails of moisture—especially as women age. Hydrate hands with petroleum-based creams and massage cuticle oils into the nail beds to prevent breakage.

Beauty Quote to Start the Year

This is a time when people are thinking of ways to transform themselves.  The start of a new year gives us a blank slate--a chance to hit the reset button and begin anew.  As I wind down the first crazy week of this new  year, I leave you with some words of wisdom from American writer and poet,  Maya Angelou:

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

Winter Woes: Dry Skin

Now that the holidays are over, we're headed into the bleaker period of Winter.  The days are shorter, nights darker.  The air outside is cold and biting, and inside too dry and static-y thanks to forced hot air.  It's a time when skin is dry, dry, dry.  Lips crack, cheeks turn red as they get whipped with icy winter winds, and let's not even get started on the condition of our feet and hands.  Winter's a tough time for our skin. 

If you're like me, right about now, your skin is thirsty and flaky.  So...what's a girl to do to beat the Winter woe of dry skin?  Here are a few tips to get your skin hydrated and glowing, so you can look and feel soft and beautiful under all those layers of clothes.

1. Start in the shower.  It pains me to say this, but those super long, hot showers I take every morning are not doing my skin any favors.  The ultra-hot water might feel great, but it's only speeding up the process of stripping away the oils from my skin.  Exposure to extremes (hot or cold) only aggravate things.  If I were smarter, I'd turn the heat down a bit to save myself from itchy, flaky dry skin.  But since I am a glutton (and because waking up is hard enough), I say damn it all!  I'm taking my hot, hot shower and opt instead for other skin saving measures.
2. Buff away the dead stuff.  While you're taking your tepid shower (and while I'm in the midst of a steamy spray), it's a good time to not only wash your skin, but to get rid of dead skin cells.  I use creamy, liquid-y soaps, not the bar stuff.  Try body washes from Dove (or others) that contain fair amounts of moisturizers and use a body buffer (those poofy things) to slough off skin cells.  Be gentle...there's no need to rub your skin raw.
3. Exfoliate when needed.  Every few days (once or twice a week, depending on your skin), you might want to try exfoliate your entire body. Exfoliating your entire body can help prevent body acne in many places below your neck, such as the chest, back and arms. It also might help you avoid ingrown hairs by preventing dead skin cells from plugging up follicles where you've shaved or waxed. And it can help even out skin tone and keep your skin hydrated and soft. Try using an exfoliating body scrub or bar, or opt for a salt-based scrub.  Like I said before, be gentle, though.  You don't want to trade flaky, dry skin for bloody, irritated skin!
4. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.  Now that you've started easing off the hot water, using gentle exfoliating methods, etc. your skin needs to drink up some moisture.  Take some time to try out different body lotions.  You may like gels, oils, or creams.  The key is to find what you like and to use it regularly.  I prefer cocoa butter based creams for my skin, and I use it every day.  This helps provide nutrients and moisture to your skin which will keep it soft and touchable.
5. Consider adding healthy fats to your diet.  I know, I know...it's the start of a new year and you're probably wanting to cut out fats from your diet.  Don't.  Essential fatty acids, like Omega-3s found in fish, are so good for your skin.  If you're really considering changing your diet, embrace a Mediterranean diet that incorporates healthy fats.  They're good for your skin...and they taste good.

There are my tips.  Now I ask you: what's your trick for keeping skin flake-free in the Winter?  Also: what's your biggest Winter beauty woe?

New Year: Time to Take Stock

Now that we're into a new year, it's a really good time to take stock of what you have lurking in your cosmetics bag.  If you're like me, you probably got some new things this holiday season...and you most likely have old, crappy products in the depths of your stash.

It's time to shed some light on what you have: to dump the old stuff and to see what you're missing.  It shouldn't take too long.  Give yourself 15 minutes (set a timer, if that helps) and dump out everything from your cosmetics bag.  Take an honest assessment of each item and either throw stuff away or put it in your keep pile.  Be merciless. 

To help you with this task, here are the shelf life guidelines for your favorite products:

• Mascara: 3 to 6 months. Mascara can easily get contaminated with bacteria, so it's best to buy this staple several times a year.
• Moisturizer: 3 months to a year. Manufacturers often include an expiration date on moisturizer, so it's best to heed their recommendations.
• Foundation: one year. If liquid foundation starts to change color or if it takes on an "off" smell (yuck!), throw it!
• Powder: two years. It can last longer, but it tends to dry out.
• Eyeshadow: powered shadow can last up to three years; cream shadows only last about a year.
• Eyeliner and lipliner: up to two years. Sharpening these products helps to discourage bacterial growth.
• Lipstick: two years. If it dries out, it's time for a new shade!
• Lipgloss: 18 months to 2 years.
• Perfume: up to 2 years. To keep them lasting longer, store them in the fridge or away from direct sunlight.

New Year, New You?

Happy 2011!  Wow...I can't believe that we're at the start of another new year.  I had good intentions last month to do some "Best Of" type posts for 2010, but it never happened.  Life got a bit too busy for me, what with the holidays and all.  And now, a "Best of 2010" feels a bit past it's prime.  It's a new year; let's move forward.

So...today's my first day back at the office in two weeks.  It sucks.  I much prefer my time to myself, though I must admit: I do like getting back to my boring routines.  Routines help me stay on track.

That said, it's a good time to ask: did you make any New Year's Resolutions?  If so, leave me a comment.  I want to hear 'em!  I do not make resolutions....especially in the dead of Winter.  I don't make resolutions at the start of the New Year for this simple fact: it's cold, it's Winter, and the last thing I want to do at this time of year is make radical changes to my routine.  For me, I can take on new projects and challenges better with the light and warmth of Spring.  Weird, huh? 

Even though I am not making any resolutions, I am continuing on in my efforts to become healthier and tinier.  If you've read my blog for the past few months, you may have noticed that I have been undergoing some personal transformations.  In May 2010, I decided I was tired of being fat.  There's no nice way to put it, so there it is.  I was sick of hauling around too many extra pounds, and of being lazy and tired all the time.  For me the answer was simple: join Weight Watchers, stick to their plan with my eating, and increase the amount of exercise I do daily (I went from no exercise ever to at least 40 minutes 5 times a week). 

This plan has worked.  Since May, I've shed about 50 pounds and have gained a whole new outlook on things.  I don't feel depressed or woeful--I am anxious to see what's around the corner.  Losing weight and developing healthier habits have made me look better and feel better, both inside and out. 

So I ask you, what are you planning on doing or changing this year?  Leave me a comment--I'd love to hear what you're working on.