Winter skin blahs!

Hi Everyone!

I'm not sure where you all may be reading this post from BUT here in beautiful Canada (Toronto area lol) our winter has been pretty abnormal!

When you think Canadian winter you think... COLD!!! Well, I'm a pretty seasoned Canadian girl so this winter has been pretty easy on us lol.

Having said that... one thing that is always an issue for me this time of year is my skin. I am also finding that since my weight loss, my skin has changed even more than just the average winter dryness.
Being a makeup artist, I am very conscience of my skin and how it appears and feels.

Here is a breakdown of things that are super important to help keep your skin looking its best AND some of my favourite products too!

First and probably most important... DRINK WATER!!! LOTS of WATER!!! lol

For those who know me, this is an everyday struggle. 8-10 glasses of water per day is recommended, I do my very best to drink 3L of water each day. Soooo very worth the effort... without proper hydration you are rendering even the most advanced and expensive skin lotions and potions useless!

Second is diet and nutrition! lol (Honestly, did you really think you were going to get away from this one ; )
Without a balanced diet your skin doesn't all the nutrients, antioxidants etc. it needs to look its best.
Adding a multi vitamin and source of Omega 3,6,9 and EFA's (essential fatty acids) are also super beneficial!
I use BeautyComplex and BeautySlender myself ; )

Now... on to some of my favourite skin care products!!!

I make no secret that I am a total LUSH... wait.. that doesn't sound right :P 

Lets try this again... I love LUSH products!!!

This is what I am currently using to keep my skin clean, clear and moisturized...

LOL Ok! I know it looks weird BUT... this is LUSH "Angels on Bare Skin" cleanser. 

It is clay based with ground almonds for exfoliating and rose and lavender to help balance your skin.  

Next is...

LUSH "eau roma water" toner. While I never want to admit I'm getting older :P this toner is great for "more mature" and sensitive skin. It helps balance out Ph levels and remove excess product that is left behind from cleansing.

NOW... I am sooo very excited to share with you all my new favourite moisturizer!!! :D

I literally have been using this product for less that a week and the changes to my skin already have been incredible!!! 

I was pretty skeptical at first, I had only really used Argan oil on my hair. My fave girl Cara at Sephora

assured me that it feels so great on the skin and not greasy at all... she knows her stuff!

Bursting with vitamin E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids... this is like soul food for your skin!!!

Check out Josie Maran cosmetics for a complete list of detailed benefits of using Argan oil... not to mention her amazing philosophy of "Luxury with a Conscience".  

So there you have it folks... a complete breakdown of what is working for me! 

Lifestyle changes and weight loss isn't just about the change in your physical size... there are so many "little" differences and changes that occur (like my skin). 

As I run across them, I promise to share my experiences!

Til next time... 

Hydrated Hugs... Crystal : ) xo

How to Lose 100lbs… Pt. 2

Hi Everyone,

So the last time I wrote about "How to Lose 100lbs" I ended with posing the question…how bad do you want to make a change?
I hope you’ve really thought about it, because part 2 is where you’re going to put it to the test!

A few days ago, I asked Sam (Sandra) what the "hardest" part about training me was when I first started. Her answer surprised me…

I thought she was going to say something about all my "limitations" of being so overweight. I honestly thought she’d file me under lost causes after our first training session :P
Instead, Sam said that the hardest thing about training me (or I’m sure anyone, for that matter) is what I did the other 23 hours I wasn’t with her.
Hmmmm…. Made you think huh!? Lol

Lets be honest here, I remember one of my big excuses being that I had no idea what to eat!… Really?! I’m pretty sure I know what not to eat! (quote from Jimmy Mentis himself lol).
I can do exactly what I’m told for one hour of training but if I follow it up with a cheeseburger… what good is that? Add insult to injury, it’s the trainer that gets s#!t on when the client doesn’t see results.
Wow… that was harsh! But totally true ;)


If I sound like I’m on the proverbial soap box, I don’t mean to honestly! Lol Truth is I was that person for a VERY long time! Starting a new "diet" or exercise routine or whatever. I never achieved my goals because I wasn’t really ready. Ready to do EXACTLY what needed to be done to get the results I wanted.

Sam told me (and this is my big GOLD STAR!) that I was the "ideal" client because I listened to her… always!
I’m not looking for a pat on the back here lol
This time was different because I had made the choice that enough was enough and I was READY.

If it meant getting up an hour earlier to train… OK
If it meant skipping lunch with friends… OK
If it meant cooking separate meals from my family… OK
If it meant making a sacrifice now for a result later… OK

In the words of Coach Compton (Sam)… "the food will always be there" lol.
Cheesecake is not going to go extinct right before I reach my weight loss goal! Hehehe

So here’s the next step for you…. If you’ve decided that you’re really ready.
Commit to what you’re choosing to do!

If it’s the gym, boot camp, a trainer, weight watchers… whatever! DO IT!!!
If you’ve hired someone… listen to them… see what happens when you honestly give it your 100%!!! No more, no less!

Something that I heard (no clue where, forgive me if I’ve used it before lol) that really stuck with me is that… time is going to pass regardless of what you do… so why not use that time to your advantage and each day get one step closer to where you want to be.

While we’re on the subject of "goals"… I told Sam when we first met that in my wildest dreams I would want to look like the girls in a Pitbull video!!! Lol Totally still true! Matter of fact… that’s my next focus. Shaping and toning!
I’ll keep you posted on my "bootylicious" progress!!!

Til next time…

Badonkadonk hugs... Crystal :) xo

My Birthday Adventure... Dad don't look!!!

Hi Everyone!

As you can tell by the title of my blog, I celebrated my birthday this past Monday! It was one of those "milestone" birthdays... I turned 35!!!

(I promise I will be continuing my "How to lose 100lbs" series... part 2 is almost done.)

I thought this was a great opportunity to show how much of a big deal this birthday was for me.

First, this is the first birthday I have ever had where I've not been overweight! Seriously!

Last year I was about 4 months into my weight loss adventure and I was about 200lbs. Wow... how much can change in a year!!! It just goes to show that time doesn't stop for anyone... you can choose to do something or stay the exact same and time is going to pass regardless.

So a full year later... I'm not celebrating another birthday feeling trapped in my body.

As for all my journeys milestones, Coach Compton (Sandra, Sam, you know who I mean) lol was there.

First, lunch at The Bauer Kitchen... start off with some wine... yes please! why not?! : P

Then a yummy roasted chicken pesto sandwhich with.... yep... sweet potato fries!!! Mmmmmm!!!!

Hey! Sam was right there... it's my birthday! lol

Ok! Lunch is done... here's where things take a BIG turn!!! : D Only read on if you're A) open minded

B) not squeemish and C) not my Dad!!! heheheheeee

Part of this birthday being a milestone was doing something that I have wanted to do for about 10yrs now.

I told myself it would never happen if I was "fat", I would only do it if I felt confident in how I looked.....

Curious?! LOL

DAD... Don't look!!!!

Here it is.... my Chandelier tattoo!!!

Why a chandelier you ask? Well... my name is Crystal... I love ALL things sparkley... and I absolutely LOVE chandeliers!!! It just seems to be something that best represents me : )

Here we go...

I look dead lol

Outline done!

And shading : )

And FINISHED!!!!!! : )

Absolutely in LOVE with it!!!

Honestly, I can't even explain to you all how amazing I felt seeing this in the mirror for the first time! I cried, not cause it hurt.. it did mind you, but I did it!!! I actually DID it!!!!!!! I felt a little silly at the tattoo shop crying AFTER it was done but he didn't seem to mind. lol

It's pretty surreal to me that after wanting something for so long... I finally have it. I have wanted to be fit and in shape and I have been working for over 15 months to get where I am... slowly but surely... but in 3hrs I have gotten something that has taken a lifetime to build the confidence for.

I feel like I've just customized myself : P

Check another thing off the "list"!!!

Up next... what better way to celebrate then dessert! Here is Sidney looking strung out on sugar even before she started!!! Lol Funniest pic ever!!!

All said... an awesome birthday!!! Can't wait til this tattoo heals cause it's wicked itchy today! lol

Til next time...

Tatted up hugs... Crystal : ) xo

How to lose 100lbs... Pt.1

SURPRISE! lol

While many of you who know me or follow me on facebook already know, as of Dec 31 I hit my 100lb weight loss! What a great way to end 2011!!! :D

So as the saying goes... the proof is in the pudding (or oatmeal in my case)...

I cannot even describe to you how I felt seeing this number on the scale. :)
Lets just say there were tears... lots of tears.

I have spent easily 95% of my entire life being overweight, this is the lightest I have been since about grade 7... yes, you read that right. There was a very brief period in grade 9 where I battled with an eating disorder and went down to 105lbs... that accounts for that other 5% of my life.
So when I talk to women (and men) about the struggles of being overweight, I am talking from experience... I HAVE been there and experienced it all. The name calling, low self esteem, rude looks, low self esteem... oh right I said that all ready.
In the end, it was my self esteem that took the beating as much as my body. The feeling of absolute hopelessness... like I was a less valuable person because of my weight. (This was never true but that's how I felt).

To give you an idea of how I felt in my body at 241lbs, I'm going to share a great visual from one of my favourite movies... Wall E!
See how the little people keep getting fatter and their bones more padded? Well the last one one the right is exactly how I felt!!! Extreme? Not to me. Honestly... that's how I felt.

(I apologize for the quality of the screen shot but you get the idea! :P)

I distinctly remember the day I found my calf muscle.... I thought I had a tumor in my leg!!! lol Nope! It's called a muscle... and now I have lots of them!
To be able to feel the definition of my bone structure, muscles etc. underneath my skin still amuses me!!!


So, here is an updated photo for you all...

And now to tackle the "big" questions that I get asked.....

Am I done losing weight now? The answer is no :)

While I am over the moon happy with what I have acheived so far, remember... I am 4' 11". While I know that I look "normal" and even "thin" to those who are used to seeing me, I still have a little bit of weight to drop.

More improtantly... I have toning, strengthening and compacting to do. I have an hour glass shape, I am "curvy" period. I love the look of a feminine shape... (like the curvy ladies in Pitbull videos!!! lol).

The next question... "So you don't have to watch what you eat ALL the time now, right?"
I'm going to answer that by showing you a photo of my breakfast...

Egg whites with salsa, oatmeal with blueberries. lol Were you expectiong chocolate chip pancakes? :P

Seriously though, I am completely happy eating a clean and balanced diet. If I eat something that's "off diet" I make up for it in the gym!


Last question.... "How do I lose (whatever weight)?

Well... first ask yourself if that's what you really want? Sounds silly? Who wouldn't want to lose weight?!
I tried losing weight so many times... too many to count.
It wasn't until I got sick and tired of being sick and tired, that it all started making sense to me. I had to hit absolute physical rock bottom... I was a mess.

So lets stop here for right now... you know how I began and where I currently am.
Consider this homework ;)
Take this time to evaluate how you feel about changing because believe me, it's not easy.
It's a ton of work, it will test all your limits and most of all... it's completely worth it!
Once you've decided... the next step will present itself :)

Til next time...

100lbs lighter (but still big) hugs... Crystal :) xo

Cheers... Here's to YOU!!!

Hi Everyone!

I hope your holiday season has been filled with friends, family and wonderful memories made!

Incase you missed it... here's the link to Sandras blog about our BeautyFit beauties team making soup for local charities with the Soup Sisters organization!
http://beautyfit.com/blog4/2011/12/21/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-at-christmas/

Such a great time for an amazing community based project! What a way to feel the true spirit of the holidays!

There are many articles, blogs etc. devoted to the issue of how to stay on track with your diet during the Christmas/holidays. This is not one of those blogs lol.

In the words of my BeautyFit mentors (Sandra and Jimmy) "You know what NOT to eat" :P Does that mean I refrained from all Christmas goodies? HECK NO! I enjoyed a great dinner with family (2 dinners actually) complete with a couple of sweet treats! What I didn't do is completely go nuts and gorge... I felt bloated enough with the little extra I did have! Ugh... thank goodness for peppermint tea!!!
When you look at things, like the holidays, with a realistic view... it's so much easier to deal with and get through.
As a matter of fact... the glass of wine pictured below was a prescription direct from Sandra (Sam). Two days out from Christmas I hadn't reached the goal I had in my head. I was stressing and not looking forward to the idea of Christmas meals. Sams response... "chill, enjoy a glass of wine and relax! You'll get there... just don't go nuts."
Well, I always follow Sams orders lol. I did indeed have that glass of wine (which was funny enough since I'm not a big drinker :P) and also enjoyed my family dinners. More importantly, I felt empowered knowing that I was in control of what I ate and I knew my limitations!

Like I've said before in the past... when I do eat something that's "off" my regular diet plan, I know that I need to ramp it up at the gym to get back on track. That's what this week has been about. Refocusing, re evaluating and setting new goals for the new year! With that being said...

You may be wondering about that goal I was stressing about... well I'm working on that for my next blog post! lol So you'll have to keep your eyes peeled for the next one!!! ;)

In the meantime... take this time to evaluate whats important to YOU! What do you want? and what are you willing to do to achieve those goals? I promise it's worth the effort!

Til next time!

Happy New Year Hugs... Crystal :) xo

Feel the fear... and do it anyway!!!

Hi Everyone!

Many of you may know that besides being a blogger for BeautyFit Inc. my full time profession is as a makeup artist.

In my industry I work in so many different realms with all types of people from brides to actors, models to fitness competitors. But no matter the client or job, one thing is always the same... I'm BEHIND the scenes! lol

So when the opportunity arises for me to be in front of the camera or a large group of people, my first reaction is to avoid and shy away from the experience!
This was especially true when I was at my heaviest... oh the chances and experiences I missed out on because I was so worried about how I looked and what others may think of me.

I am still very apprehensive of being in front of the camera lol (the fact that 2 of my closest friends are photographers makes this especially difficult!!!)
So you can imagine my thought process when confronted with the reality of going onstage to present awards at the OPA London Championships... as one of their major sponsors... YIKES!!!

BUT... as the title says and I'm learning very quickly about SO many things... it's OK to be afraid!!! Feel the fear, embrace it, and DO IT ANYWAY!!!
I know, for me, I'm done passing up opportunities because of fear!

Here we are with the Overall Figure winner!

And here is the presentation to the Overall Bikini winner (oohhhh... recognize BeautyFit Inc' s very own Sandra Compton ;)

And here we are... having a photo op at the booth!

(from left...)

Nancy Barbosa Alaimo, Lauren Fazio, Katie Lesperance, Sandra Compton and Me :)

What did I learn from all this? Well, I went up onstage and didn't get laughed off! lol I didn't feel out of place AND I had FUN!!! Who knew?!?! lol

Til next time... 

Feeling free Hugs... Crystal :) xo

 

Failing and quitting... there's a difference!

Hi All!

Here's a great quote to get us started...

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually, it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever" ~ Lance Armstrong

The "universe" works in amazing ways... I love it when I come across exactly the right motivation when I'm most needing it. 

With all victory, there comes defeat and with all success, there is some level of failure.

It is what you do with the defeats and failures that ultimately determine whether you reach your goals.

I remember vividly my first attempt at a military push up... hahaha It was BAD! I could barely hold myself up, let alone go through the full range of motion! I thought to myself, is this EVER going to be possible for me? 

Well, after attempting one... and face planting lol, I figured it couldn't be that bad again :P Even if I did one push up and wiped out on the second... at least I did ONE! lol 

Eventually, one turned into 10 and then to 30. The point is, after the face plant I could've said f#*k it and not ever tried again. What would be the point in that though?!

 So here I am... doing military push ups! Wow, that's a bad angle!!! hahaha Oh well! Point IS that I'm doing them! :D

I know I've thought about quitting, the days when I'm sore or tired or when I have guilt over all the time I'm putting into making ME better. In the end its what you can and can't live with. I choose not to stop where others would be comfortable. That's my choice.

Its not just about being "not fat" anymore, its about being the best Me I can be. Exactly the way I see myself in my head, but was always afraid to hope to become.

For me, once I got a taste of a healthier body and mind, having anything less is now unacceptable.

I don't want to be stick thin. I am, and will always be curvy. I love the look of hips and booty... and boobs lol

I do however, want to reach the goals I've set for myself. Regardless of how many people tell me that I look "good" now and I don't need to continue. I'm not "there" yet. ;)

So here I am with Sam on back/shoulders day, that was a push to failure workout! lol

Each day we all have the choice to either push til our body fails OR to try a little and then quit before we ever see our full potential OR not even try at all... which do you choose today?

Remember, no matter how slow your pace... you're still out running the people on the couch! (I take no credit for that quote but I love it! lol).

Til next time...

"You can do it" Hugs... Crystal :) xo