Sunday Funday!

Another super busy week at work!  I think my new job (well, newish - been almost 6 months now!) has many more interesting aspects to it than my old one.  I actually work hard all day and don't even mind staying later, whereas I was so bored at my old job that I was counting down the clock and shopping online all day long.  This explains why I've been shopping less since I started my new job lol.  Maybe a change of environment also provides more motivation.  But things are definitely going quite well at my new job, and I even got a raise already this week!  Hahaha.  I'm quite happy with the new setup and everyone I work with.  It's just such a stark contrast to where I was before.  I think I didn't even realize how bad it was until I left.  Funny, I run into other ex-colleagues from my old company sometimes, and a common theme is that everybody is super happy for each other and congratulates each other for getting out of there... lol!  Sad, but true.  Some work places are just dysfunctional!

One thing about my old job though, was that I never cared to work overtime or anything, so I always had a pretty regular schedule which was really good for fitting in the gym.  Nowadays I'm finding it a bit harder to make it.  This week, I made it 3 times, which would have been very unusual in the old days.  But lately, that's become more and more the norm.  I've really got to figure something out because I think I need to go at least 4 times a week.  Though I've also mentioned in the last couple weeks, I'm realizing that getting enough sleep may be just as important as getting in a workout, if not more.  So I need to work out the right balance.  

Recently, I was tested again for a regular blood panel for the second time in about a year.  And for the second time in a row, my cholesterol level is higher than it should be.  This was kind of alarming because I've always had very healthy cholesterol level.  In fact, I used to not even fast before getting my blood drawn, and I'd still test normal.  A year ago or so, when I first tested higher, I thought maybe it was a fluke.  But this time it was the case again so I have to face this problem now.  I eat healthy for the most part, and I have been working out regularly (definitely more than their recommended 30 minutes).  So I think lack of sleep (and getting older??) is a factor in making my cholesterol higher!  It's the only thing that has changed in the last couple years for me (other than getting older lol).  So, that is why I've been really focusing on getting more sleep rather than getting in all the prescribed workouts.  Sigh.  The struggle is real!

Anyway, I digress.  So here comes the fun part... outfits!  Haha.

Monday 3/14 - Rest

Tuesday 3/15

What I did:  Strength #1, followed by 20 minutes on the gauntlet.

What I wore:  Had a little fun on this day!
Top:  Splits59 Tank

Bra:  Lululemon Free To Be in spry blue

Bottom:  Lululemon Reflective Inspire Crop

Shoes:  Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 5 Metallic

To and From:  Splits59 Olivia Matrix Run Tee - Haha!  A bit much, but I thought it was kind of funny.  Plus, I go to the gym at 5 am so not that many people see what I wear when I walk in and I can be goofy sometimes lol.

And here is my work outfit on the same day:

Top:  BCBG MaxAzria Anderson Carbon Print Silk Blouse

Bottom:  Ann Taylor Coated Zip Skirt

Shoes:  Brian Atwood (I don't know why I never wear these!)

Wednesday 3/16

What I did:  Strength #2, followed by treadmill class that kicked my ass!

What I wore:  

Top:  Lorna Jane Macy Tank

Bra:  Lululemon Free To Be Wild in star crushed silver fox deep navy

Bottom:  Lorna Jane Mercedes Tight

Shoes:  Nike Free 3.0

To and From:  Lululemon Just Breathe LS in Heathered Parfait Pink

Thursday 3/17 - Rest day, but here's my work outfit:

Top:  Splendid Cowl Neck Top

Bottom:  Halogen Windowpane Check Knit Pencil Skirt

Shoes:  Vince Camuto Dacoma Pump in hurricane gray

Friday 3/18

What I did:  Strength #3, followed by 20 minutes on the gauntlet.

What I wore:

Top:  Nike Elastika Tank

Bra:  Lululemon Free To Be Wild in butterfly texture/flash light

Bottom:  Lululemon Empower Crop in coal/passion

Shoes:  Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 4 in fusion pink/atomic mango

To and From:  Ramy Brook Spencer Mesh Back Top

Saturday 3/19 - Rest, but here's a casual outfit I wore that is not a look I usually rock - matching denim look!  Lol.

Top:  Vince Drop Shoulder Top

Jacket:  Random denim jacket

Bottom:  Black Orchid Billie Zipped Distressed Skinny Jean

Shoes:  Diesel Fame Strap Kristaly

Sunday 3/20 - Rest day again.  I was actually planning on going to the gym, but ended up hanging out all day with a friend who came to visit.  We had yummy brunch and dinner though!  Here's what I wore:

Top:  DvF Jeanne 2 Wrap Dress in chain link print

Purse:  Chanel Medallion Tote (I've decided I should sell this - anybody interested?  It's in great condition because I never really used it much)

Shoes:  Boots I got in China a couple years ago

Ok, that's it for the week!  I just realized tonight that this coming week will be only a 4 day work week because Friday is Good Friday!  Woohoo!  I'm looking forward to a little longer of a break to do what I do best, which is chillax lol.  Have a great week everyone!

Round of Beauty Product Reviews Again!

Well, it's about time I talk about the new beauty products I've been using lately!  I've been using this magical pencil for the past 2 months or so, and I am still so amazed by it.  It is the Benefit Cosmetics High Brows pencil, and I got it in "champagne pink" color which is apparently online only.  All I have to say is... Omg, trust the reviews.  I almost didn't buy this because I thought it was kind of expensive ($22), but let me tell you... it is worth every penny!

So this pencil is meant to be used on your brow bone to define your eyebrows.  It's great for that.  I used to achieve the same effect with an eye shadow in a similar shade.  However, it was kind of a pain to do so and I would only do that on occasion.  Using a pencil is so much easier so I now do it on a daily basis.  

In addition to highlighting my brow bone, I also use it to highlight my nose bridge, my waterline, and to line the outside of my upper lips to make them look fuller (try this trick, it works great!).  This pencil is literally a do-it-all magical device!  The color is sooooo perfect as well.  It doesn't go on very strong.  So you just get a subtle but noticeable effect.  You really have to try this.  I am addicted.

Ok, next I decided to try the Lancome CILS Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base since it has almost 1500 all 5 star reviews.  

Well, this one I am not as excited about.  It works fine, but I much prefer my Shiseido Mascara Base (my review here).  The Lancome one has a wetter formula, while it does feel like a "conditioner", if I curl my lashes before using it, it will totally drag my lashes back down.  On the other hand, the Shiseido one actually makes my lashes stay up better.  I've figured out that if I curl my lashes AFTER putting on the Lancome base, it actually works better.  However, the formula makes my lashes clump together slightly whereas the Shiseido one doesn't do that at all.  So this will not be a recurring purchase for me.

The next product I've been trying out is kind of interesting.  It is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Oil. 

I was hesitant to get this since I feel like oil would make my face break out.  But I was curious enough to give it a shot.  Well, it doesn't make me break out.  It does, however, make my skin look dewey and fresh, though oily.  After a few uses, I have figured out that a little of this product goes a loooong way.  So if I only use a tiny bit, the effect is really nice and I don't feel extra oily.  If I accidentally use too much, then I feel oily all day.  It really takes practice to do it.  

I just read a review in which someone mentions that you need to wait a while for the product to completely dry before putting on foundation or powder to avoid oiliness.  So I may have to try that and see if I feel less oily.  If it works really well that way, then this product may just be worth the $42 price tag.

Lastly, I got the Sephora Collection Triple Action Cleansing Water.  I got a sample of the Dr. Jart Dermaclear Micro Water a couple months ago and really liked it.  The Sephora Collection one is basically a cheaper substitute.

I actually don't mind the Sephora one at all.  And if I didn't use the Dr. Jart one at all, I'd really love it even more.  I think compared to Dr. Jart, it is a little bit inferior.  It feels a little heavier on the skin.  But the big price difference (less than half the price of Dr. Jart) makes up for that completely.  I just use this product like I would with a toner.  So I clean my face, then put some of this product on a cotton pad and go over my whole face.  I actually even go over my eye area with it, because it's very gentle and it's supposed to be some kind of cleanser anyway!  

And that's it for now!  I'm always trying out new beauty products, so I'll be back for more later!

Sunday Funday!

Wow what a crazy week I've had!  I can't really say much now, but I've been trying to make some life-changing decisions lol (more on this later!).  I also had to go up to my mom's in Nor Cal for the weekend, because my grandmother had her 85th birthday party yesterday!  So it's been kind of nonstop this week, and I haven't had much time to blog.  Still have to drive back home later today too.  Not to mention we lost an hour today due to Daylight Saving time change!  Argh.

Anyway, I did complete week 4 of Get Glutes month 15.  I have to think about what to do next week.  Usually I take a week off in between, but next week I may just push onto month 16.  We'll see!  Due to the time change, I may not be able to get up early to workout before work lol.  Lately I'm really trying to prioritize getting enough sleep, rather than getting in all my workouts.  I had been doing the opposite for the past couple years and even though I'm used to less sleep now, I don't think it's good for me.

Monday 3/7 - Rest day.  It was cold and rainy, so I busted out my boots and wore them to work!

Top:  C by Bloomingdales Cashmere V-Neck Sweater

Bottom:  Express Pieced Pencil Skirt

Shoes:  Vince Dempsey Boot

Tuesday 3/8

What I did:  Strength #2, since we ended with Strength #1 last week.  I then added about 20 minutes on the gauntlet.

What I wore:  Super matchy-matchy haha!

Top:  Lululemon If You're Lucky Tank

Bra:  Lululemon Free To Be Wild in star crushed deep navy silver fox

Bottom:  Lululemon If You're Lucky Pant

Shoes:  Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 5 Metallic

To and From:  Lululemon It's A Cinch LS Tee

On the same day, I wore my recently favorite shirt to work again lol:

Top:  Banana Republic Chiffon Layer Blouse

Bottom:  Express Houndstooth Pencil Skirt

Shoes:  Christian Louboutin Bianca Patent Pump

Wednesday 3/9 - I didn't go to bed early enough so I slept in!  But here's what I wore to work:

Top:  Express Chiffon Overlay Ruffle Cami

Jacket:  Vince Rib Sleeve Draped Jacket

Bottom:  DVF Lace Skirt in Navy

Shoes:  Ivanka Trump Pinkish Pump

Thursday 3/10

What I did:  Strength #3, followed by 20 minutes on the treadmill.

What I wore:
Top:  Onzie Glossy Flow Tank in vanilla

Bra:  Lorna Jane Quick Step

Bottom:  Lululemon Wunder Under Crop in pretty palm cadet blue

Shoes:  Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 4 in fusion pink/atomic mango

To and From:  Lululemon Karmacollected Jacket

Friday 3/11

What I did:  Strength #4, followed by 30 minutes on the gauntlet.

What I wore:
Top:  Lululemon Swiftly Tank in heathered plum

Bra:  Titika Milton Bra

Bottom:  Lululemon Pace Crop

Shoes:  Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 4 in ash

To and From:  Zobha Biker Jacket in moss

And that's it!  Alright, I am going to get ready here to drive back home.  Hope you all had a great weekend!

DVF New Jeanne Two Dress in Blue Arrow Tooth!

Ok, this one is really my last DVF dress in a while!  I've been buying so many of them!  I really love this one though.   It is the New Jeanne Two dress in blue arrow tooth (on sale at Saks Off 5th!).  The New Jeanne Two style is such a classic style that I really don't mind having in multiple colors/prints.  I feel like every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments!  One of my recently acquired DVF dresses - the Newsy Dress - is also in arrow tooth print, but in the green version.  I really like this print.  It's not exactly subtle, but the print somehow just works for like every occasion.  I am stoked to have the blue version now too.

As usual, I got size 4 and it is true to size.  One thing that surprised me is that this dress is a cotton/silk blend.  It's actually mostly cotton (80%).  Aside from the solid black version of this dress, which is viscose, all the other prints I have are 100% silk.  I can definitely feel the difference between the material in the solid black versus the other silk ones.  However, this blue tooth arrow print in cotton/silk blend feels very similar to the 100% silk material.  Keep in mind that DVF uses this silk jersey material, which is thick and drapes very well.  It's quite the opposite of the lightweight silk that you normally find in blouses and scarves, etc.  So anyway, I like the material a lot and I'm glad this one doesn't feel any different.

Isn't the color pretty?  The blue is a cobalt blue.  I think this print/color is actually going to be easier to wear than my other Jeanne Two dresses, especially if I want to wear it to work.  Some days I feel like wearing something bright to work, and some days I feel like wearing all black or dark colors.  I think this one may actually suit my mood on most days.  =)