My Current Skin Care Routine and Finding The Best One For Yourself

I know, I know.I said that I would post every Tuesday and Thursday by 10 am PST, and I have failed! I am so so sorry! Sadly my computer died on me and it took me a week to get the hard drive replaced, and get my computer close to where it use to be. I tried to get a post up from the app on my phone, but I am not a fan of typing that way, and not being able to look at everything I have written because I am not on a computer screen.

Note to all that are like me and don’t backup their data as much as they should. DO IT, NOW, this very moment in time, because you never know what could happen. I do not want any of you lovely people to have to go through the heartbreak of losing all of your documents, photos, ect because you haven't backed up your computer. I know not all of us are Mac users, but if you are, they make it super easy with time machine. I went and purchased an external drive, set it up, and now every Thursday I have an alarm set to plug it into my computer and in a whopping 15 min all of my info is backed up and saved!

Well there is my excuse, rant, and advice on technology all in one! But, back to the real topic of this post, Skin Care!

I am just like any other person who has struggled with a skin condition. You can open up my medicine cabinet, and see TONS of different facial cleansers, toners, lotions, and serums and more. Any product was promising to give me the chance at beautiful, clear, skin.

I was recently introduced (not personally, but over the internet haha) to LUSH products by a vlogger I love, Jaclyn Hill, a makeup artist, and her sister Rachel Barkules, an esthetician. I don’t live near a LUSH (but one is coming soon to my area, yey!) I waited until I went into San Francisco, to make sure that I was getting the right products, and boy, did I! I have been using the products now for 2 weeks, (It has been so hard to contain my excitement over them) and my skin has already responded wonderfully to my new routine.

I am using Herbalisim as my facial cleanser, Tea Tree Water for a toner, Enzymion as my moisturizer.

I also purchased Ocean Salt for an exfoliator a couple days a week on my face, and daily on my body ( I have horrible ingrown hairs).

All of these products are made with fresh materials, and if they have synthetics in them they are “safe” or as I say, easy to pronounce and easy to look up to see what they are. 

Over all,  my face is clearer, toned, and moisturized with a matte feeling, just what I like! With only 2 weeks under my belt, and because my skin has responded wonderfully to LUSH products and I will be keeping this routine as long as I am seeing these results. I will be sure to do another update in a couple of weeks.

My advice is do your research. Talk to estheticians, cosmetologists, dermatologists about what is good for the skin. Pick up a basic anatomy book and learn about how the skins layers work together, how what we do on a day to day basis affects the way our skin looks/responds. Remember, products that work for me, will not necessarily work for you. It is a journey for all of us, but take the time to put your best face forward by finding the products that suit you.

Biggest Loser Controversy

While I was waiting for my car to be done at the shop for a routine oil change( which has now turned into new tires! Yey! This is why this post is late, so sorry!) I noticed that one the "trending topics" for pages that I follow and,  posts that my friends have made are all regarding the most recent Biggest Loser winner. 

I personally have not followed the show this season, but it is always cool to see what the winner accomplished in the time spent on The Biggest Loser set. After seeing SHAPE Magazines post,( here is the link SHAPE Magazine) I decided to comment. Especially because of the horrible things that people were commenting. 

I personally have worked at a summer camp, for children from the age of 9-18, and our main focus was weight loss. Children and Teens came for any time from 3 to 9 weeks, to achieve their weight loss goals. Some came with true goals to accomplish, and took the most from the camp. Others, this was a routine thing, a place where their parents sent them every summer, to lose the weight they put on throughout the year. 

I  mainly worked with a group of girls that ranged from 15-18, some were at the camp for the first time, and others were returning campers. They had and followed a strict meal plan, and every hour we rotated through "stations" if you will, to different workouts/games to keep them active throughout the day. The camp weighed in every Sunday before breakfast, I would say based from what I heard campers lost an average of 5-10 lbs (depending on their effort through out the week, and their starting weight) and this type of weight loss continued for the duration of their time at the camp.

This program is very similar to The Biggest Loser in the sense that it is an immersion program, where the campers for me, and contestants for the show, live and breath exercise, diet and, weight loss. Where meals are made for them, there are trainers that have workout plans made for them, and staff on hand for mental support. With this type of program, you will see DRASTIC changes, there is no avoiding them. The real challenge for these people is when they get home, thrown into their old world, and have to do things themselves, that were done for them for 9 or 14 weeks.

Personally, I do believe that the weight loss Rachel had is unhealthy, ideally you do not want to lose so much weight so fast, but for the program she was in, and the supervision that she had, I feel that she did it the best way she possibly could. I think what we all forget is that not everyone is made to look the same, and at the day of her weigh in, like other contestants that is the lightest they will ever be. Many of them say they put on about 10lbs when they get home, and that they are comfortable with that, for the reason that they understand they are not in the same environment any more.  

I say CONGRATULATIONS Rachel! You had many physical and mental challenges through those 14 weeks, and not only did you win a good chunk of money, but you also bettered your life. You can live the life that was intended for you, and no longer be hindered by weight or social stigma. I am so sorry that because you have publicly gone through your weight loss journey, you will never be good enough for society, you will forever be too thin or too large. But, always remember you are a beautiful, strong, and loving woman ( based off the interviews I read/saw) and no one can ever take that away from you.

A Good Sports Bra, and What It Could Do For Your Girls

A Good Sports Bra

and What It Could Do For Your Girls.

Other than a good pair of shoes ( after having your gait evaluated, of course), the second most important piece of gear for a womans workout wardrobe is a supportive bra. A bra that is going to offer you exactly what you need for whatever sport you are participating in. It is so important to consider the impact that is being put on your breasts during that 30 min run or the killer WOD with box jumps, double unders, and running.

I am going to give a few different descriptions of what a bad bra feels like during/ after a workout, what a good bra should consist of/ and feel like when wearing, what brand I would personally suggest for high impact activities ( like running), and what brands/style bra’s I wear for activity and everyday wear.

“Support, comfort, fit and style” (Moving Comfort) are all factors that women should consider when finding our next pal to support our girls, does that sound like it could apply to another part of our lives ;) ?

Have any of you finished any type of workout, and notice the “give” that your bra has, like the elasticity has worn since you took it out of the dryer? or when you finish up with a run are you noticing the pain in your breasts rather than the soreness in your legs already coming on from that long run? Those are both signs that the bra that you are currently wearing is not giving you the support that you need. Ultimately you are causing permanent damage to your breast tissue,by putting them through constant bouncing and stress. Basically, you need support that is going to minimize any excessive movement, no matter what breast size you are, from A-E

I have gone through m y share of Target Champion brand sports bra’s, thinking that was all I needed, and if I felt that I need a little more support, I would just double them up. That works and should be good enough right? WRONG!

After coming to work for Sole2Soul (a running specialty store in Fresno, California)  I was exposed to Moving Comfort, a company that makes workout clothing specifically for women. They go through extensive testings,all the way to a bio-mechanical level to make sure their bras are providing women of all sizes with the support that they need.

I am a 32 D, and after my first run with the Rebound Racer, made by Moving Comfort, my world was changed! and I can never go back to a champion bra ( unless I am using if for yoga, maybe). I no longer have to double my bra’s, I have no tenderness after a long tough run, and am fully supported during my crossfit workouts. The Rebound Racer would be my #1 suggestion for high impact activities.   

For other activities I do use a range of Lululemon’s bra’s for low to medium coverage. I am going to talk about a couple of their low coverage bra’s that are my favorite!

For everyday wear, I use the Free To Be Bra, it has a super cute design and is beyond comfortable. I am lucky enough to still be a student and have a job at a running store, so I do have the luxury of wearing this type of bra every day, and I hope that never changes! :) I like that it gets away from the typical racerback style that I wear frequently, I feel that this helps me avoid issues like back acne, give my skin a chance to breath, but continue to have support.

Next, I use the Flow Y IV. This bra reminds me of a Target Champion bra, but with better fabric, which I think flows over to the feeling of more support. I love that it has removable cups   (as do most of   Lulu‘s bra’s), breathable mesh on the back, and can easily be worn under any racerback tank.

End of story, every woman works hard to keep her body in the best shape, this is why we workout. We don't realize that while we are working to stay in the best shape possible, we are losing the shape of our breasts! I hope that the information about good and bad bra's,what they are both doing for your body, will help you find another bra that works best for you, during whatever activity you are doing. Here are some reminders for finding the right bra!

Tips For Finding a Bra That Will Work Best For You:

• shaped straps
• compression
• wide bottom band
• hook- and- eye closure
• adjustable straps

If you are in the Fresno ares, Sole2Soul Sports sells moving comfort bra's, Sports Authority also carries them. You can find any Lululemon store/showroom with their store finder on their website.

Till next time,

xoxo

Tori

For reference: I would suggest using Moving Comforts Bra Finder!

http://www.movingcomfort.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-MovingComfort-Site/default/SBFR-Show

Out With The Old, In With The New.

I have decided to change the focus of my blog.
I want to still use this a place/site for me to express my opinions, but to also help others with whatever journey they may be on.
I have recently started following a TON of YouTuber's, Vloger's ( I am not sure what the right term would be haha) and I love what they are doing with subjects that they are passionate about. Whether it be make-up, fitness, health, skin care, or politics; they are getting their point across, and helping others along the way.

I am interested in so much, and this is a great place to share it.
So! Some of the things you will see (more frequently) on this blog are tips, tricks, inspiration, or just a Q&A format for things I need help on working through and more on topics that I love. Like: fitness, giving tips on what types of exercise is most effective, proper warming up and cooling down, the benefits of certain types of workouts, my spin/circuit class playlists and more.

I am excited to see what is to come of this blog!
I will be posting every Tuesday and Thursday by 10am PST, keep your eyes open!

Stay golden,
xoxo
Tori

It's Been A While...

Well hello, 

Life has caught up with me, like I figured it would. 

I am working and started school, so I now have no life. 

First, I cut my hair... and I regret every inch of it. 

I know that my hair was dry, brittle and beyond dead... nothing could bring it back to life.

But, I miss is so much :( 6 and a half inches was way to much. 

It is not ridiculously short, but I still hate it. 

Now that I have vented once again about the fact that I cut my hair, I can fill you in on my workouts.

The last couple blog posts were about my new fitness/health commitment. I have not followed these as intended, I actually forgot that I posted about it, and that I wanted to change and make the commitment to change ( which obviously means I was not really focused on it. 

I did start running more, but once school started I can't seem to force myself to wake up early to run on the days that I don't wake up early to teach my spin class... What makes it harder is getting off work the night before at 10, so I am not getting as much sleep as I would like.

I have been struggling with myself for the past couple weeks. I finally dropped 5 lbs, and it seemed to be off for good , I was happy! Then I stepped on the scale the other day and it is back! Ugh, this gets so frustrating. I once again need to re evaluate what I am eating, and my exercise routine. 

I have really been struggling with the size of my legs, I know I am strong, but I am not as lean as I would like to be. I just want to look like Stacie Tovar, is that to much to ask for haha!

Last, school is school. Chemistry and Statistics are just not for me... I have to stay as positive as I can with this though, otherwise I know I will just want to drop out... haha

Well thank you blog spot for letting me rant, I hope to keep you a little more up to date, and hopefully with a little more positive of an attitude! 

Cont Finding Motivation

Last week I set 3 fitness/ health goals for myself:

3 Fitness/ Health Goals

1. Get up and run 3 times a week, starting July 15th 

2. Strength train with Garrett ( Strength work, and Oly lifts)

3. Eat clean healthy foods, limit eating out to once a week

Sadly, last week I came down with a horrible sinus infection, and what I believe to be the beginnings of bronchitis ( I have not had the chance to get back into the doctor, since diagnosed with a sinus infection for an official opinion, but I get it so frequently, I pretty much know what is wrong.) So, I took my antibiotics and the refill the doctor prescribed, I am making sure I am taking my Zyrtec twice a day, and have been doing breathing treatments to get my lungs back to par. Yesterday was the fist day that I had without coughing and any flem! ( Yey! because I know flem is what everyone likes to read about, but there is just no other way to put it, when you go from a sinus infection and are trying to get all of that yuckiness out of your lungs!) 

Now that I have that set back behind me, and am physically ready to start working out again... My work schedule blew up! I am constantly going from the gym for either training clients, teaching my classes, or working front desk, to swim lessons. It is going to be so tough for me to want to also go back to the gym to work out! So I am recommitting to running, I am going to wake up and run Monday and Wednesday of this week. I know it is not the 3 times a week I committed to, but after being sick, I do not want to wear myself to thin. I will get 2 strength sessions in with Garrett this week, it is not as much as I would like, but again I do not want to get sick again, I am sure my body still and will need as much rest as it can get for the upcoming week. 

Garrett and I have been doing really good about not eating out everyday! Although this past week we did eat out twice, rather then the once I committed to. It was completely our fault, it was already 2 pm, neither of us had eaten, and we were both unprepared. Today we will be heading to fresh and easy to buy our chicken and veggies to prep for this upcoming week! I am super excited! I am also excited about the fact that I have been cooking at home more recently, and the family has like what i have been cooking! I will do anything to get them eating more then fast, processed, unhealthy foods, so it looks I need to buy double the chicken! ( since they won't let me pay rent, I figure this helps out and is giving back to the family the best that I can. I am so blessed to have the Hueburt/DeFore's as a second family) 

I know this week is kind of just a repeat of last weeks topic, but I was really upset and struggled with the fact that I got sick and couldn't commit to my fitness goals like I wanted to. I was mentally prepared to tackle this obstacle that has been in front of me, but I wasn't listening to my body and what it could physically do.

Hopefully this week goes a little better! Until next time, arrivederci!

Needing/ Finding Motivation

Last year I was training to run my first marathon. My training schedule was put on hold when I got my job working at WPA... Well it wasn't put on hold, but I did not make it a priority because I was already up, running,playing games, and activities with the kids for 12 hours. So when I got home, and was ready to get my running routine back on track, I hit the ground running... literally. I was hitting the pavement every morning .

My marathon training consisted of low miles at least 4 a day, cross training activities of  no less then 10 + miles on Saturdays, and my only rest day was Sunday. I was dedicated, and motivated... I had a goal to finish my marathon under 5 hours and I wanted to reach it. Sadly, I didn't reach my goal, I finished in 5 hours and 30 min, but considering the circumstances I feel like I did pretty well!

Getting down to it, I wore my body down fast, with not enough sleep or nutrients, I developed a stress fracture in my left femoral neck, which at first I only thought was a pulled hip flexor (I didn't find out it was a fracture until after I ran my marathon, it is kinda nerve racking because my leg could have snapped at any moment with that kind of pressure. )

<-----  This is a picture of my left femoral neck.The white blur is where there is bone swelling which is the number one sign of a fracture or break...When I got the results back, I was immediately put on crutches and bed rest... I was miserable. I thought that once I was cleared I was going to jump back into it like I never left, but that didn't happen. What actually happened is I became more paranoid then I have ever been, and I had s constant fear that my fracture was going to come back, I was going to snap my leg, and have to have a massive surgery. I have not had the confidence or the will power to get back into my routine of running and cross training.

Nike Women's Marathon October 2012 ----->

I am lacking motivation and am searching for it. I am not enough motivation for myself at the moment.
I have been drained mentally, physically exhausted and have had an over all feeling on being unhealthy. I have a very strange relationship with running, I love it but I hate it... and after sitting back and not doing it for months I am beginning
to realize how much I miss it, and how much I actually loved when it was just the open road, the sunrise and myself. My self esteem has hit close to an all time low, but I am getting ready to pick myself up, dust off my knees and try again.

I am done being unhappy... I want to look in the mirror and feel strong and confident again. I want to mentally feel ready for what ever comes my way. Last but not least I am tired of being sick! I went on a streak, I wasn't sick once until I was told to go on bed rest for my leg, and that is GREAT for me because I was the girl that got sick every 3 months. So it seems with my lack of training, the pattern has returned.

<----I found this picture on Tumblr, and it is what inspired to to write down and commit to my training once again. I can not sit here and complain about all the things that need to change and expect them to do as I wish without taking action.

I am ready to start my fitness journey again. This time I will be a little more cautious, and learn from past mistakes. Overall, I am ready, I know what I want and I am going to achieve it.

3 Fitness/ Health Goals

1. Get up and run 3 times a week, starting July 15th 
2. Strength train with Garrett ( Strength work, and Oly lifts)
3. Eat clean healthy foods, limit eating out to once a week