Most of us have an image in our heads of our ‘dream figure’- how we would ultimately love to look. Perhaps it’s how we used to look when we were younger, or maybe we aspire to achieve a celebrities enviable shape. This can be useful in motivating you in your diet and exercise regimes. However, it’s important not to get hung up on a shape that’s not actually achievable for you personally. Here are some of the things to consider when working towards your dream body.
Have You Considered Your Bone Structure? If the ‘dream figure’ you have in your head is tall and petite, and you’re five foot nothing with naturally wide hips, then you’re just setting yourself up for disappointment. It doesn’t mean to say you won’t look incredible at your goal weight. But all of the diet and exercise in the world isn’t going to change your bone structure. It’s the reason why the ‘thigh gap’ trend and other similar fads are so dangerous. Not all women are naturally built in a way where this will ever be possible at a healthy weight. Focus on looking like the best version of yourself, rather than a celebrity or model that’s built completely differently.
Will You Be Losing a Lot of Weight? Losing weight if you are above a healthy BMI is of course fantastic for health, as well as confidence reasons. But sometimes after losing weight, the body doesn’t ‘spring back’ to the smaller shape it once was. Some people can find loose skin or pockets of stubborn fat an issue. These kinds of things can be treated successfully with plastic surgery, but it’s worth knowing that this may be a hurdle to cross when reaching your dream figure. You could check out a cosmetic surgeon such as belredcosmeticsurgery.com to find out the different procedures available. Alternatively, you could look into non- surgical body sculpting methods such as fat freezing and laser fat removal.
Have You Had Children? The miracle of pregnancy and childbirth is of course incredible. The only problem is pregnancy can permanently change some areas of your body. For example carrying a baby can make your ribcage expand meaning you look wider in this area regardless of how much weight you lose. This is why even if you’re looking at an old picture of yourself as your ‘dream figure’ inspiration, it’s not necessarily possible to get back to exactly that. Hormones change during pregnancy as well as from just natural ageing. This means you’re likely to carry any excess weight differently to when you were younger.. So something to bear in mind when trying to slim down to your pre-pregnancy body.
It’s always good to have a goal and something to aim for (providing it’s a healthy goal). It’s just important to be aware that ‘perfect’ doesn’t exist, and aiming to be the best version of yourself is the best way to look at things.
Are you working towards your ‘Dream Figure’?
FTC Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
With the hot and humid days of summer upon us, I want to keep my skin routine to a minimum. I do not want to put much of anything on when the temperature reaches 90 degrees and above. If you have heard the expression ‘sweating off your make-up’, that definitely will happen when the humidity reaches 100 degrees. I am always on the look for a moisturizer that will keep my face feeling fresh; but not oily and will last the whole day through. Vivo Labs recently contacted my about trying its Vitamin C and Amino Day Moisturizer. I was intrigued and curious to see if this moisturizer would be an ideal fit for those humid days of summer.
GIVEAWAY!!
A big “Thank You” to Mayank and the team at Vivo Labs for providing me with the opportunity to try the moisturizer; and to give one to one of wonderful followers to try as well. The moisturizer comes in a sleek and sexy bottle. It is a 1.62 ounce bottle and retails for $58. Details on the giveaway are at the end of this review.
Directions (from the box)
Apply the Vitamin C+ Amino Day moisturizer generously to the face and neck. For me, I only needed one pump. I do not like to waste any product. When I tried one pump, it was more than enough and my face did not feel oily at all. For dry skin, you may need two pumps or more. But I suggest that you start with one pump and see how it goes. You may need a second or third pump, but you don’t want to overdo it and be looking oily and shiny. The bottle should last a long time if you are only using one pump.
Applying the moisturizer Thanks to God and good genes, my skin is in pretty good condition. I applied the moisturizer by massaging from my neck to my face in upward motions. I apply moisturizer this way because it decreases wrinkles and it is just a great massage. The Vitamin C+ Amino Day moisturizer absorbed into my skin well. My skin felt soft and supple. The moisturizer never felt weighty or heavy, so my SPF glided on smoothly. It lasted the whole day through. My skin never felt dry or rough; always fresh and smooth.
JT applying Vivo moisturizer
Benefits
The Spotlight ingredients are ProVitamin B5, Citric Acid, and Chamomile. Enrich your skin with ingredients like coconut, cucumber and pro vitamin B5 Features Shea Butter and Green Tea Leaf Extract Helps moisturize and replenish your appearance Leaves you with a healthier looking complexion Great for all skin types
I have sensitive skin with an occasional acne breakout. I have to be very selective about what I use for my skincare regime. I have used the moisturizer every day for two weeks and I am still using the product. I like how it feels as it is absorbed into skin.
Discount Code!! Vivo Labs is very generous and offering a 60 percent discount to all of my readers and subscribers on its website.
Use this code to receive the discount: JTWISDOM60
Giveaway Rules — Please subscribe to my blog or to my YouTube Channel
— Please leave a comment on this article
— Please leave a comment on my Youtube video review
New Giveaway ending date is Sept 30, 2016
Winner will be announced on October 1, 2016
* GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! *
* THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED! *
Disclaimer
If you have any concerns about compatibility with your skin please check with your doctor first.
This week was full, but very productive. Our church went to see the movie Ben Hur Thursday night. The movie was full of intrigue and action; so if you have not seen it yet, please go see it.
It has not been cool; but I already notice that it is getting dark outside at 8:30pm now. Well, with fall right around the corner, I have been looking for a natural chest rub because the traditional rubs in the stores are petroleum-based and I wanted something different, something more natural. I have made my own body lotions and periodically I will have to purchase my favorite oils for my concoctions. One of my favorite oils is the 100% pure Eucalyptus oil by Aura Cacia, which is very therapeutic and has a spa-like aroma. The chest rub made with eucalyptus oil is great for a rub; but it also a good stress release. I will take a little bit and massage a little on my throat or temple areas.
Natural Penetrating Chest Rub
*Recipe from Aura Cacia
Natural Penetrating Chest Rub
Aura Cacia’s ingredients for a natural penetrating chest rub has only two ingredients:|
1 tbsp. of Coconut oil (unrefined)
9 drops of Eucalyptus oil
A glass jar (I used a Burt Bees clear jar)
You can massage the rub onto your chest area and you can add a warm pad for more deep penetration.
I repurposed a Burt Bees glass jar to put the ingredients in and a stirred with a wooden dowel. The coconut oil turns to liquid when it is stirred. But don’t worry, it will solidify in time. You may want to place the jar in the refrigerator if you are in a rush to use it. The finished product is pictured below.
Natural Penetrating chest rub
This rub is great for gifts for family and friends. There is nothing like creating your own gifts because you made it with love.
Tip: The jars can have decorative labels with pretty ribbons.
In the heat and humidity, I find that you still must wear your moisturizers and your SPF. On those hot and sticky days, it is important to wear the protection, but you don’t want to feel like your wearing anything on your face. I have tried several different types of skincare for my face, although I don’t have many wrinkles, however it never hurts to be preventative when it comes to my skin.
I recently had the opportunity to try the Advanced Anti-Aging Moisturizer from New York Biology, The ultimate cosmeceuticals that is
-Firming
-Rejuvenating
-Toning
Key Ingredients
Green Tea, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Propolis, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter
*It’s important for me to list all of the ingredients and how they appear on the box.
Aloe Vera (certified organic), Palm oil, Sunflower Oil, Phospholipids, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Potassium Phosphate, Cassia Augustifolia Seed, Vitamin E, Stearate, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Jojoba Oil (certified organic), Stearic Acid, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Shea Butter, Propolis, Pathejnol (Vitamin B5), Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Xantham Gum, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol.
About the Product (Amazon.com)
ADVANCED FORMULA 2.5% RETINOL CREAM also known as Vitamin A, is highly lauded as an anti aging treatment. It acts as an antioxidant, scavenging the free radicals responsible for wrinkles and other signs of aging like no other moisturizing cream.
FIGHTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES this advanced moisturizer includes natural ingredients such as Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter along with Hyaluronic Acid providing all the benefits of a retinol facial treatment while reducing the irritation that often accompanies it. This anti aging face cream is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, and can even be used around the eyes.
BEST ANTI AGING MOISTURIZER our formula, with a list of antioxidants helps to halt the progress of time on your face. The Retinol Cream increases collagen production and may be involved in building elastin, both of which help to make your skin firm and smooth.
HELPS DIMINSH ACNE & HYDRATE SKIN with its carefully designed balance between Retinol and all natural moisturizing agents such as Vitamin E. Also included is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in human skin that helps it retain moisture. This retinol moisturizer gives your skin a healthy glowing appearance when applied as part of an acne treatment.
MADE IN THE USA, our Retinol Cream is made using the Highest Quality Ingredients. This anti aging anti wrinkle moisturizer, produced in their FDA Approved cGMP Facility does not contain alcohol, parabens or sulfates and is Cruelty Free.
The smell
There really isn’t a fragrance, very light and pleasant.
Facial Routine After I wash my face, I rub together a couple of drops of Argan oil in my hands and gently apply under my eyes and my face. The second step, I apply a small amount of the luxurious New York Biology Advanced Anti-Aging moisturizer to my face.The moisturizer absorbs into my face and eye area instantly as I massage it in. It does not make my skin feel oily. And last but an important factor, I always make sure I wear my favorite SPF before I go outside.
The Design of the Jar
The jar is designed so well that you never have to think about contamination of the product. When I took the clear top off and pushed down the white applicator of the jar the right amount of moisturizer came out that I needed. I never touched the product because of the design of the jar, so no cross contamination worries. It took me less than a minute to figure out how to use it, when I first got it I took the top off and there’s a lot of product that will last me a while.
The Price The skincare sells on Amazon.com for $14.95, retails for $39.95 and has 2,236 customer reviews. For the price, I got a lot of product that will last a long time.
Four skincare tips for wearing moisturizers when it’s sticky, humid and hot.
Make sure you wear a moisturizer that doesn’t feel oily to the skin.
If your moisturizer doesn’t have an SPF, make sure you apply it over your skincare.
Go light on the makeup.
Get out there and enjoy the outdoors.
FTC Disclaimer:
I received this product for a discounted price for my honest and unbiased opinion. All opinions are from bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com.
It rained and hailed tonight right after hubby and I got home from church, thank the Lord the pellets were small and did not damage our Jeep or our house. Seeing lightning so clearly on the horizon as we drove home reconfirms that it is spring. After dinner, I had a few more steps to get in to reach my 10,000 daily goal. I realized how much I work out my body – with weights, Zumba, Daily Burn and other forms of exercise. While exercise is important, it is also good to take vitamins and supplements to give your body the extra nutrients that it needs. One key area, but often overlooked, is taking a supplement for your eyes. For the past month, I have been taking Vision Support 1000 Lutein Eye Supplement, which can be purchased on Amazon for $12.99.
Vision Support 1000 Lutein Eye Supplement
The company says on the bottle Vision Support Lutein Eye Supplement will
Promote healthy vision
Support Maximum Eye Support
Eye Strain Aid
The capsules contain Vitamin A, Zinc (as aspartate) Quercetin, Lutein, Lycopene, Bilberry, L-Taurine, Grape seed (95% extract),N-Acetyl1-L-Cysteine
Other ingredients:
Gelatin, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Slicone Dioxide and Magnesium Stearate.
For me, a typical day includes working on the computer for many hours and using my iPad or Kindle. It is a necessity for me to make sure that I look away from the screen at regular intervals, at least every 15 to 30 minutes. Taking a vision supplement is an added benefit for overall eye health; and making sure you get an annual eye checkups. Please check with your physician to see if a vision supplement is right for you.
DISCLAIMER:
I received this bottle of Vision Support Eye Supplement at a discounted price in order to write this review. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All opinions are strictly my own.
Whether you’re going for a romantic dinner or a trip to the cinema, when you’re on a date you want to look your best. This is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your special someone. So you understandably want to look and feel your absolute best. Getting ready for date night is something that many women look forward to the most. Instead of just sticking to your everyday look, you can make more of an effort and get dressed up. This can make any woman feel more confident and beautiful. To help you achieve the most flawless finish possible, here are some at-home beauty treatments you should try.
JT out with her hubby at a special event.
Teeth Whitening
Who doesn’t love having a bright looking smile? Teeth whitening has become a highly popular beauty treatment that you can do yourself at home. You can use toothpaste, bleaching trays or strips to help you get a celebrity worthy smile. They can remove stains and yellowing on your teeth while also making them look healthier and cleaner. It also takes little time to get the results you desire. Making them an ideal treatment to prepare you for a romantic date night. Do your research into the different types of teeth whitening before you buy. You can read reviews on the best teeth whitening strips here or ask for guidance at your local beauty counter.
Conditioning hair mask
Hairs masks are a brilliant beauty treatment that will make your hair look healthy and shiny. They are quick and easy to apply and have long-lasting results. Making them perfect for your date night beauty regime. You can buy pre-made hair masks from reputable brands such as Aussie and L’Oreal from most drug stores. Just make sure buy one that is suitable for your hair type and that works in little time. Or you can create your own using ingredients from your kitchen. Egg yolks, olive oil, and mayonnaise can all be combined to create a nourishing hair mask. Find out more on making your own hair mask here. Your hair will have never felt so soft and looked so glossy.
Face and Body Scrub If you want to have soft and smooth skin all over, a body scrub is the perfect beauty treatment for you. This will exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells, makeup and dirt from your pores. This will make your skin glow and also makes it easier to apply your makeup evenly. Again, you can make your own face and body scrub using coconut oil, brown sugar, and lemon. Or you can read reviews on exfoliating scrubs online. Never scrub too hard as this can cause damage to your skin and always consider your skin type before you buy. Your date won’t be able to stop looking at you when your skin looks this clean and clear.
JT and her hubby at home after a special night out.
Give yourself plenty of time to try these beauty treatments out before your date night begins. You’re bound to receive endless compliments from your boyfriend or husband about how good you look. Which is bound to make you feel incredible throughout the date.
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
Follow!