HLNB Summer Challenge III - Day 16

August 16th Day 16:
Exercise: 
Yesterday I rode my bike 3.5 miles and walked 2 miles.  I also watered my garden.  I'm almost at the end of two weeks of riding my bike every day.  I have noticed that my leg muscles are feeling stronger and as I'm peddling up small hills, I'm feeling the muscles in my upper legs being used more.  I'm also feeling more energetic overall.

    Pamela Anderson rides a bike.  We will see her return to Dancing With The Stars-All Stars next month.



Food:
I ate some oatmeal with strawberries, some chicken tacos with pico de gallo, homemade salsa and made with ground chicken. I also drank 100% fruit juices with all three meals.

                                                              Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.                                                                   



Items to note:
       See my contact information on the tabs above if you want to send me an email with any questions or suggestions.  With my "HLNB Challenge" I'm logging my daily activities of how I keep moving.  I'm not offering any medical advice or making any guarantees.  This is meant for fun and if you want to follow along I hope it will be fun and encouraging  for you too.  I'm also not logging everything I'm eating, only listing the healthier items. I'm trying to convert my family's food choices to more healthy options and fresh foods selections as well.  On days I'm listing more it means I'm replacing less healthy foods with healthier choices.  This is one of my personal healthy living goals. One day when I look back, I hope to see improvements on my activities and on my eating habits. Thanks for following along in the journey.

HLNB Summer Challenge III - Day 15

August 15th Day 15:
Exercise: 
Yesterday I rode my bike 3.5 miles and walked 2 miles.  I also watered my garden.

Food:
I ate some oatmeal with strawberries, another homemade burrito with healthy pinto beans (no lard added), some pico de gallo and homemade salsa, some Pad Thai with tomatoes, basil and scallions from our garden added to the noodles and sauce.  I drank 100% fruit juices with all three meals.

                                                                 Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.



Items to note:
       See my contact information on the tabs above if you want to send me an email with any questions or suggestions.  With my "HLNB Challenge" I'm logging my daily activities of how I keep moving.  I'm not offering any medical advice or making any guarantees.  This is meant for fun and if you want to follow along I hope it will be fun and encouraging  for you too.  I'm also not logging everything I'm eating, only listing the healthier items. I'm trying to convert my family's food choices to more healthy options and fresh foods selections as well.  On days I'm listing more it means I'm replacing less healthy foods with healthier choices.  This is one of my personal healthy living goals. One day when I look back, I hope to see improvements on my activities and on my eating habits. Thanks for following along in the journey.

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY THERAPY™ Review

 
    I received a sample of Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner to try from Influenster's VoxBox testing program.  My sample was the Total Care nourishing shampoo and Total Care nourishing daily conditioner.  I like that you only need a small amount of the product to clean your hair.  My hair is long and I only needed a nickle size amount of the shampoo.  I used a little bit more of the conditioner and used a comb to spread it through my wet hair. I left the conditioner on my hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out.   My hair felt soft and didn't get tangled while I was drying it. I used it for a few weeks and my hair color didn't seem to fade or wash out either which is a plus. I noticed that it does have Sodium Laurel Sulfate so if you are trying to use shampoos without it, you might want to pass on this one.  However, the scent is nice and clean and it didn't make my hair feel dry or show any signs of split ends.  I also wash my hair two to three times per week because I don't like over washing.  For me this worked well.  I personally like using shampoos without Sodium Laurel Sulfates and if they could make this formula without that ingredient I would be more likely to want to purchase it in the future.  I like the price and that you only need a small amount to get clean, soft and beautiful looking hair.

                                                                    Pictures courtesy of Influenster. com


    The concept of this line of hair care is that it works from the scalp rather than treating the ends of your hair.  There are six shampoos and five conditioners to choose from in this line which is infused with Nutrium 10 technology.  The Nutrium 10 is a blend of vitamins and nutrients for your hair.  Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy™  nourishes the scalp and creates the right foundation for strong, beautiful hair from root to tip.  Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy™ gives women stronger**, more beautiful hair in just 7 days.  You can visit their website to learn more about this great line of hair care at Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy™.  You can buy Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide. The suggested retail price is $4.99 - $5.99.










Disclaimer:  This product was received complimentary through the VoxBox product testing program at Influenster.  All opinions expressed are my own.

**Disclaimer: Less breakage upon combing vs. non conditioning shampoo

HLNB Summer Challenge III - Day 14

August 14th Day 14:
Exercise: 
Yesterday I rode my bike 3.5 miles and walked 2 miles.  I also watered my garden. 

                                                        Sophia Loren riding a bike.





Food:
I ate some oatmeal with strawberries, a tuna sandwich, a spinach salad and some Spanish peanuts for a snack.  I drank 100% fruit juices with all three meals.

                       
                                                   Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.




Items to note:
       See my contact information on the tabs above if you want to send me an email with any questions or suggestions.  With my "HLNB Challenge" I'm logging my daily activities of how I keep moving.  I'm not offering any medical advice or making any guarantees.  This is meant for fun and if you want to follow along I hope it will be fun and encouraging  for you too.  I'm also not logging everything I'm eating, only listing the healthier items. I'm trying to convert my family's food choices to more healthy options and fresh foods selections as well.  On days I'm listing more it means I'm replacing less healthy foods with healthier choices.  This is one of my personal healthy living goals. One day when I look back, I hope to see improvements on my activities and on my eating habits. Thanks for following along in the journey.

Product Review "Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar"

    I received a Quaker Soft Baked Banana Nut Bar to test from the Influenster VoxBox program.  This is a bar I like because it tastes good and it is made with real bananas and almonds.   It contains the following ingredients:

-5g Fiber*
-20% daily value of 5 B Vitamins
-6g of Protein
*Contains 3.5g of total fat per serving

There are also whole grain rolled oats (my favorite breakfast food is oatmeal) and it is made by Quaker which is a brand I like since I buy my oatmeal from Quaker.  It is a much healthier snack than a candy bar and if you are someone who doesn't like eating breakfast, this is a bar you can eat on your way to school or work.  You can also warm them up as well.  When I buy a box, I'm going to try warming them up especially when the weather starts to cool down.   I would also like to try them in the flavor Cinnamon and Pecan.

 
If you are wondering what kind of snacks to give your kids, this is a much better option than a candy bar.  If you start to get hungry mid day or mid afternoon at work, this is a good snack to eat instead of running for the nearest vending machine for junk food. You can easily carry this in your purse or pocket and if you buy a box of bars, you can store it in your desk at work or in a locker at school. 

                                                     

                                                                     Pictures courtesy of Influenster.com

  These bars can be purchased at most major retailers.  The suggested retail price is $3.29 for a box of 5 bars.  You really can't beat that price.  If you buy a candy bar in a vending machine it will cost you more.  This is another great product at a great price. A healthier option!





Disclaimer:  This product was received complimentary through the VoxBox product testing program at Influenster.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Product Review "Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen"

                                                                    Picture courtesy of Influenster.com
                                                                     

    Recently, I received a sample of Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen to try out from the Influenster VoxBox program.  I have been using this for a few weeks now during summer, mostly while riding my bike during our HLNB 30 Day Summer Challenges, and I really love this product. The scent is so wonderful, it smells like a light tropical blend of flowers and fruits.  It really smells like a summer scent.  I also love that this sunscreen really is like a lotion and this sample had an SPF 30.

                                                                

                                                            Picture courtesy of Pinterest. 


     It feels like a regular hand and body lotion you put on everyday.  Most sunscreens leave you feeling kind of sticky or gummy.  This one blends in so well once you apply it to your skin.  You don't even notice that you have sunscreen on with this lotion.  This is going to be my go to sunscreen each summer.  I absolutely love this sunscreen.  I already went out and bought a larger size in the SPF 50 (for more sun protection) and I'm thinking I'll use it all year on my hands.  The ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons in this lotion smooth onto your skin and feel so soft.  The lotion lasts for 12 hour protection, so far I hadn't been out that long for one duration, but I would reapply it if I were.  It so easy to apply and rubs in quickly so you won't have to worry about an anxious child wanting to get back to play time.  They will be back out in no time!



    Normally, I would not do this because the sunscreens don't smell very good and they leave that tacky feeling on your skin. But this one smells great and feels great on my skin.  I will use it to keep my hands protected while driving.  The sample size I was given is perfect for my purse, because I can fill it up with the new Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen I just purchased.  I can carry it around with me while I'm out and about.   You can purchase Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen at most major retailers and the suggested retail price is $8.99 for a 6 oz bottle.  If you are looking for a great sunscreen to use for you and your family, give this one a try. It's such a good product for a reasonable price and it works.



Disclaimer:  This product was received complimentary through the VoxBox product testing program at Influenster.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

HLNB Summer Challenge III - Day 13

August 13th Day 13:
Exercise: 
Yesterday I rode my bike 7 miles and walked 2 miles.  I watered my garden as well. One thing I've noticed, since I've started eating my oatmeal with strawberries in the morning I have more energy to ride my bike.  When I ate cereal or even the raisin cinnamon toast, the ride seemed harder to me.  Oatmeal is really the best breakfast!

                                   
                                                Brad Pitt riding a bike and dressed so nice!


Food:
I ate some oatmeal with strawberries, some homemade burritos with healthy pinto beans (no lard added), some pico de gallo, homemade salsa, I also had some Linguine with homemade sauce which had tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and peppers. I drank 100% fruit juices with all three meals. I had some Spanish peanuts for a snack and 4 small pieces of dark chocolate.

                                                                     Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.



Items to note:
       See my contact information on the tabs above if you want to send me an email with any questions or suggestions.  With my "HLNB Challenge" I'm logging my daily activities of how I keep moving.  I'm not offering any medical advice or making any guarantees.  This is meant for fun and if you want to follow along I hope it will be fun and encouraging  for you too.  I'm also not logging everything I'm eating, only listing the healthier items. I'm trying to convert my family's food choices to more healthy options and fresh foods selections as well.  On days I'm listing more it means I'm replacing less healthy foods with healthier choices.  This is one of my personal healthy living goals. One day when I look back, I hope to see improvements on my activities and on my eating habits. Thanks for following along in the journey.

HLNB Summer Challenge III - Day 12

August 12th Day 12:
Exercise: 
Yesterday I rode my bike 2 miles and walked 2 miles. I also watered my garden.

                                             Patrick Dempsey enjoys a bike ride.





Food:
I ate some oatmeal with strawberries, some rice with black beans, some chips with homemade salsa and drank 100% fruit juices with all three meals. I also drank 8 oz of green smoothies.

                                                           Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.



Items to note:
       See my contact information on the tabs above if you want to send me an email with any questions or suggestions.  With my "HLNB Challenge" I'm logging my daily activities of how I keep moving.  I'm not offering any medical advice or making any guarantees.  This is meant for fun and if you want to follow along I hope it will be fun and encouraging  for you too.  I'm also not logging everything I'm eating, only listing the healthier items. I'm trying to convert my family's food choices to more healthy options and fresh foods selections as well.  On days I'm listing more it means I'm replacing less healthy foods with healthier choices.  This is one of my personal healthy living goals. One day when I look back, I hope to see improvements on my activities and on my eating habits. Thanks for following along in the journey.

Tip of the Week - 10 Beauty Mistakes You're Probably Making

    Today I'm posting some beauty tips from Redbook Magazine by Holly Corbett.  These are some common beauty mistakes we sometimes make without realizing we are doing them.  With these tips, we can avoid them with ease. We have talked about a couple of them on HLNB in past posts such as properly cleaning your makeup brushes and the importance of knowing which chemicals are in our beauty products. Do you have any other great beauty tips? Leave us a comment with your tips.

#1 Wearing shimmer on your eyes:

"Shimmery eye shadows can enhance wrinkles, so it's best to stick to matte products as you get older," says Abdo. Use a base color that goes over your entire lid, such as in a shade like sandstone. "It'll brighten your eyes and even out redness for a flawless look." Also opt for a colored shadow to apply to the crease of your lids to give the illusion that your lids are receding for a more wide-awake look.

#2 Forgoing a topcoat:

It's frustrating to take the time to paint your nails, only to have it chip a day later. "You need to do some maintenance by investing in a really strong top coat, and apply it daily to seal in color and add shine," says Abdo. One to try: Seche Vite dry fast top coat ($10; at drugstores). Also try wearing rubber gloves when doing housework to keep polish from chipping or chemicals in detergents from breaking down color.

#3 Over-washing your face:

"I find that most women wash their faces at least twice a day, but doing so actually strips your skin of moisture," says Abdo. "You need only wash your face at night and remove eye makeup by gently swiping a circular cotton pad downward over your eye area." Since you're not wearing makeup while you sleep (we hope!) you can skip sudsing up in the morning.

#4 Plucking your eyebrows:

"Your brows shape your face and set the canvas for your makeup," says Tivichi. She sees many women who pluck their brows too thin for their features, and so recommends that every woman see an eyebrow specialist who can create the most flattering shape for her face. "And don't touch your eyebrows in between appointments - you must let them grow in," she says. If you're letting your brows grow out, try using a brow pencil to create a higher arch or filling in bald areas for the illusion of thicker brows.

#5 Forgetting to clean your makeup brushes:

Grime and oil can build up on your makeup brushes and result in clogged pores. "It's important to clean your brushes once a week," says Abdo. Use a few drops of shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and then lay flat on a paper towel to dry.



#6 Stressing about adult acne:

Zits aren't only for teenagers. In fact, acne may affect more than half of adult women at some point in their lives, according to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Stress triggers your adrenal glands to release extra cortisol, which in turn stimulates sweat and oil production to aggravate breakouts," says Jeffrey R. LaDuca, Ph.D., M.D, president of Reflections Dermatology & Psoriasis Center in Auburn and Skaneateles, NY. You can lower the levels of stress hormones in your body by getting at least seven hours of sleep and cutting back on simple carbohydrates and sugar that boost inflammation.


#7 Slathering chemicals on your skin:

Putting harmful chemicals on your body can be just as dangerous as putting them into your mouth. "We absorb chemicals through our skin, so your makeup and skincare products should be clean," says Tivichi. "Today we have a choice about buying products that are full of chemicals or that are organic and made with natural ingredients." Apart from checking labels to ensure your products are phthalate and paraben-free, you can find out if your favorite products contain harmful ingredients by checking out the Environmental Working Group's database.




#8 Applying lotion after an airbrush tan:

Lotion and airbrush tanning don't mix. "Many women arrive for an airbrush tan wearing lotion, which only creates a barrier and hinders the color from fully absorbing into your skin," says Erica Abdo, a professional makeup artist who works at Fashion Week in New York City, as well as for celebrities such as Samantha Harris. "You should also skip moisturizer afterward because it interferes with the DHAs, or tanning agents, that take six to eight hours to develop."



#9 Using these products before waxing:

"Skip glycolics or retinoids - ingredients found in many acne treatments and anti-aging products - at least three days beforehand if you're getting a facial area waxed. These ingredients cause cells to turnover faster, making skin more sensitive and wax more apt to pull off a layer," says Lidia Tivichi, a clinical esthetician and founder of Maris Dusan Spa in New York City.





#10 Not shaving before laser hair removal:

Laser hair removal is now a normal part of many women's beauty regimens. However, one of the biggest mistakes laser technicians see clients making is arriving for treatments with some stubble. "Unlike with waxing, it's best to shave before a laser treatment to reduce pain and increase effectiveness, says Erin Lindemann, a certified national LaserFast Hair Removal trainer at Syracuse Laser Spa in Syracuse, New York. However, nix waxing and depilatories before and in between laser sessions. "Lasers work by detecting a contrast in pigment between darker follicles and lighter skin, but these methods destroy hairs' roots," says Lindermann.



Keeping these 10 tips in mind, can help you in your regular beauty routines and keep you looking your best. 

 (All pictures -photos by Getty Images and iStock-and article content is courtesy of Redbook Magazine, also published on Shine from Yahoo!)

 

 

HLNB Summer Challenge III - Day 11

August 11th Day 11:
Exercise: 
Yesterday I walked 2 miles and watered my garden.  I didn't get the chance to ride my bike yesterday but I intend to keep up with it before the weather cools down too much.

                                                      Picture courtesy of Pinterest.





Food:
I ate some oatmeal with strawberries, some beans with pico de gallo, some guacamole and some homemade salsa.  I also drank 100% fruit juices with two meals and drank 8 oz of green smoothies.

                                                                   Picture courtesy of Women's Health Magazine.




Items to note:
       See my contact information on the tabs above if you want to send me an email with any questions or suggestions.  With my "HLNB Challenge" I'm logging my daily activities of how I keep moving.  I'm not offering any medical advice or making any guarantees.  This is meant for fun and if you want to follow along I hope it will be fun and encouraging  for you too.  I'm also not logging everything I'm eating, only listing the healthier items. I'm trying to convert my family's food choices to more healthy options and fresh foods selections as well.  On days I'm listing more it means I'm replacing less healthy foods with healthier choices.  This is one of my personal healthy living goals. One day when I look back, I hope to see improvements on my activities and on my eating habits. Thanks for following along in the journey.