A Subtle Daily Beauty Trick

When it comes to beauty, there are certain small things that are unnoticeable in themselves...but really contribute positively to the overall product. One easy beauty trick that makes a surprising difference is coloring in your eyebrows. Just make sure you do it right or it can work against you, leaving you looking like some Hialeah chick (Miami people know what I'm talking about) with dark eyebrows that totally clash with you hair. The trick to it is to make sure you use one shade lighther than your eyebrow color. That way you won't end up with harsh-looking eyebrows that, in turn, make the rest of your features look rough and tuff and will blow your house down! Of course, if you have the lightest color hair imagineable, that does not apply to you. Below is a video tutorial that will you show you the dramatic difference.

Physique 57: Not What I Expected

CC by D'ashley-Heather

My sister signed us up for a Physique 57 class that took place yesterday. I read up a little on the exercise and it sounded so feminine and...pretty. I read that it was this great exercise trend that swept New York and Los Angeles and it basically consisted of using a ballet barre, free weights and your own body weight for toning exercises, followed by some stretching to elongate and lean your muscles. And lucky me, Physique 57 will be in Miami for one day! Nice.

Ehh! Don't be fooled! As I've mentioned in previous posts, I AM aware that exercise is not fun...it's hard. That's how its supposed to be. I get it. But this crap was ridiculous! The instructor was very sweet, but girlfriend does not mess around! I'm used to exercise instructors telling you to modify their instructions to whatever fits you best. "You know your body." Not this bitch. She really was very nice...but urged you not to stop and not to modify. I constantly felt like my ass was on the verge of cramping. Actually, even today - the day after - my ass still feels on the verge of cramping. My muscles were shaking during the work out and I felt like my legs were gonna give out when I'd climb the stairs to my apartment for the remainder of the day yesterday. Sore is good. But in this case, that work out was just not worth it. I would NOT do that horrid Physique 57 work out ever again!

Anyone else ever tried Physique 57? What do you think?

Power Plate Conclusion

What I look like after a good Power Plate Session

So this Monday was the last of my 3 Power Plate sessions. The conclusion:

Do I think it works? Yes.
Why? Because it hurts to walk for the following two days.
Do I like it? Not so much.
Would I do it again? Yes.

Though the sessions normally don't last longer than 30 minutes, the Power Plate really tires you out. Of course, that's a good sign that its working, but...if you're someone that prefers a pleasant workout that doesn't cause too much strain or pain (ahem - like me), you won't appreciate how the Power Plate exhausts you after 1 minute. I like to be encouraged to come back and work out next time. BUT, don't get me wrong...the time does go by quickly AND I know that almost any exercise that really works will not feel pleasant.

Photo Credit: CC by JustinLowery.com

My Second Power Plate Session

Think Skinny Thoughts

Today is my second Power Plate session. I am still sore from Monday's Power Plate session, so that's a good sign. Honestly, I was able to do like 10 minutes-worth of exercise on Monday...but I feel like I was working out hard for over an hour. I constantly took breaks between sets because I felt a bit dizzy. Also, the trainer told me he had a girl pass out on him earlier that morning. Yay. It didn't help that the A/C had just broken in the facility. Yay, again. Only other thing I want to say about the session is that the vibrating makes your nose and ears itch like a mother bitch!

Photo Credits: CC by tollieschmidt

Power Plate: Cuts Down Exercise Time and Cellulite!

CC by stephane_michaux

Today is my first of 3 power plate sessions. I try to regularly go to the gym but I really don’t like straining or sweating. Unfortunately, I can’t get defined calves or abs by sitting down, eating snacks and watching TV. I’m hoping the power plate can be the answer to my prayers and will help me get a beneficial work out in a shorter period of time. The power plate is a vibrating exercise machine that is popular in Europe. You stand on the power plate and do exercises and supposedly, trying to maintain your balance while doing your work out causes your body to perform 25 to 50 reflexive muscle actions per second. They claim it also helps get rid of cellulite. I’m willing to try it and see for myself. I doubt I’ll be able to see visible results after just 3 sessions but I guess I’ll notice if it’s working by comparing the soreness I feel afterwards to the soreness I normally feel after my regular workouts. I'll let you know how it goes. Has anyone else tried this? Please share your reaction!

No More Bubbles in My Nail Polish

I get my nails "did" once a week. Most times they come out fabulously; but every blue moon (like today) they dry looking like I secured some notes in Braille on my fingertips. Well, in order to prevent this tragedy from reoccurring, I need to know what causes them to get that way. So I found out. There are several different factors that may cause nail polish bubbles.

• Your nail polish may be too thick. Some acetone can thin it out.
• Don't shake the bottle, as it may cause bubbles to form. Instead, roll the bottle between your palms.
• Stay away from gusts of wind while you paint and as it dries (A/C, fans, etc.).
• An additional coat may have been applied before the previous coat dried at all.
• Moisture may have been left on your nail before you started painting (moisturizer, oil, etc.). Make sure you dry out your nail sufficiently with acetone before applying nail polish.