Checkin' off my "Happy List"!!!

Hey Everyone!

Some call it a bucket list... but in my world it's a Happy List! lol And nothing feels better than checking off something on that list!
Well... that's not entirely true! Checking off TWO things in the span of 4 days feels pretty FANTASTIC!!! :D

So what did I do? Well....

First and so mind blowing-ly (is that a word?!... it is now!) unbelievable is that I got to see.... wait for it.... PITBULL IN CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Guacamole!!! (My spanish is limited so cut me some slack! :P)

If you are unaware of my absolute LOVE for Pitbull, just rest assured that it is a HUGE love and borders on sickness! lol Seriously, I go numb from the waist down when his music comes on! (Don't judge! lol).

Here are Dani, Nancy and I waiting for the show to start... I had to scam their photos since I was too excited to remember to take some of my own! Jeeze!!! hahaha

And here he is!!! Mr.305/Mr.Worldwide himself!!! GRrrrrr! ;)

And another cause... well who needs a reason for more Pitbull?! lol

I promise to update this blog with more photos and possibly a video, once I get hold of them... cause I know they exist ;) lol

But let me assure you... I shook my money maker the whole time, couldn't stop smiling AND and giggled every time he said Dalee!!! Yep I did! *sigh* lol

Ok... on to the second thing I checked off!

Another one of my happy list "to do's" was to have my picture taken with a BIG bodybuilder man!!! 

If you think this is weird, just know that I am a) 4'11" and b) have an affection for big and or tall people... can't explain it... I just do! lol

So just four short days later I found myself being introduced (by Coach Compton) to the one and only... 4x Mr.Olympia himself... Jay Cutler!!! Oh Yaaa!!! And what a total hottie he is!!! (if by any stretch of the imagination he actually reads this... I will be SOooooo embarrassed!!! :P)

And here we are! :)

hehehe.... so cute!!! Thanks Jay for helping a girl with her "Happy List" ;)

In hindsight, I am now wondering why I don't have a pic of just myself and Mr.Jimmy Mentis?! Seriously?! OK! The great thing about these lists is that you are always adding new things... at least you should be!!!

I have just decided to add the following.... have a photo taken with Jimmy in full "gun show" pose hahahaha AND to see Pitbull again... in MIAMI!!! ;)

Yep! They are formally added to the list!

I hope if you're reading this that it has inspired you to either create a list OR add to one you've already started!

I know that even as recent as two years ago, I would've been too self conscious to do half the things I'm doing now. But I am now realizing the following...

Life is worth living... in the words of good ole Abe himself...

Til next time...

Happy list hugs... Crystal :) xo

Arnolds Sports Festival 2012!

Hey Everyone!

Here it is... the rest of my recap from the Arnolds!

Friday Day 2 was our day to check out the expo. I was so excited to see everything and everyone!

I knew it was going to be busy there but… WOW!!! Now I'm a people watcher and one of those crazies that enjoys crowded Christmas shopping etc. so this was just plain FUN!

I was completely blown away at how diverse the crowd was! I was a little intimidated when preparing to go to the Arnolds... was I going to "fit in" or look like I don't belong there at all?! I know, it sounds crazy but those were the things that ran through my head leading up to the weekend. 
Needless to say, I was so excited to see so many different people from hard core body builder types to those that looked more like runners and yoga buffs :) 
Then there were people that looked like I used to... men and women that were overweight and much "softer". These people inspired me! Why? Because I know how terrified I was to go into a gym for the first time... let alone one of the biggest sport/fitness shows in the world!


Speaking of diversity, the booths were just as different as the crowds!!! Obviously there were amazing clothing booths and supplements but also vegan/vegetarian lines, products to organize food etc. gym bags and gear the list goes on and on! There was even a guy selling roofing supplies?! lol


If the crowd and booths weren't enough to keep me entertained I actually got to catch the pre judging for Ms.International Fitness and Figure! WOWZA!!!
These women looked incredible...It was pretty cool to see!


I even got to have my photo taken with the beautiful Ava Cowan! :D

Wow... I need a tan! lol 

Day 2 of the Arnolds ended with a trip to a local club... nothing more needs to be said about that... except I had a ton of fun dancing!  ;)

From L: Me :), Nancy Barbosa Alaimo(finally in front of the camera lol) and Lauren Fazio

just before the dancing started!!!

Day 3

I was so excited to start day 3 bright and early! It began with a trip to the host hotel to get Sandra "Coach Compton" ready for her day with BeautyFit Inc. at the LoneStar Nutrition booth!

Once again, video genius Derek was in tow, ready to capture all the action and possibly blackmail material! :P lol 

After getting Sam ready, we all headed down for breakfast with the BeautyFit team... Mr. BeautyFit himself Jimmy Mentis, Sam "Coach", John and Sophia. I honestly can't tell you enough how much I ADORE my BeautyFit family just straight up good people!


So after changing... and missing Mr.Arnold himself :(  Derek and I headed back to the expo to see the BeautyFit booth and get some video footage... at least that's what was supposed to happen! lol


We get to the the LoneStar distribution booth where BeautyFit is stationed and its a MAD HOUSE!!! Mr. BeautyFit (Jimmy Mentis) gets us behind the booth to save us from the crowd, I finally get to meet fellow "BeautyFit blogger" IFBB Pro Stephanie Billings, give Sam a hug...  and then it happens... I feel at "home"!!! I feel like I actually belong here... as part of the BeautyFit Family. 
It's so busy that I start handing out samples and catalogues and talking to people about the great products... talking to people that reminded me of "me" less than 2 yrs ago. Women were flocking to the booth to see what we were about... what made us different? 
I found myself telling my story about training with "Coach Compton" doing what she told me, the BeautyFit Values and showing my before and after photo. I was blown away by the response!
Jimmy stopped me at one point and asked what I was doing lol I thought I was in "trouble"... I said "helping" and he just laughed and told me to keep doing what I was doing :P


In the meantime... Derek and his video camera are in prime location to get kick a$$ footage for him to work his magic with! 

Me, IFBB Pro Stephanie Billings, Sandra "Coach Compton"

Derek "video genius", Sam (Sandra) and Me!

We finished up at Lone Star... got some much deserved coffee and sat down to chill with the crew!
The rest of the day was spent pretty low key... chilling at the hotel, getting Sam ready for her evening meetings, having dinner and great conversation and getting ready for the next day at the booth!!!




Day 4


The last day of the Arnolds  : (
Our day started out much the same... get Sam ready (hey, I'm a MUA... it's what I love to do!) lol
Meet the BF family for breaky and get to the expo! But this time I was prepared to represent! :)

Steph and I in BeautyFit RED!!! :)

And the weekend wouldn't be complete without...

a pic with my Coach ; )

Once again the booth was buzzing with amazing women wanting to know all about BeautyFit!

Unfortunately, like all good things, this too had to come to an end.

HOWEVER!!!

When you travel with your own movie man (i.e. Derek) you get the killer bonus of a kick a$$ video recap!!!

So... here it is! ENJOY!!!

Until Arnolds 2013... I'll be back hugs (in Arnolds voice) ;) 

-Crystal :) xo

Day 1 at the Arnolds!!!

Hey Everyone!

I am so excited to tell you all about my amazing time at the Arnolds Sports Festival weekend!

There are so many reasons this trip was special to me, that I am finding it hard to focus for just one blog lol (doesn't sound like me at all huh?!) 

Soooo… having said that, be prepared for this to "Be Continued".

Just some insight on myself, I love road trips! When the chance came up to go to the Arnolds with some of my favourite people… I was NOT about to say no! 

Our road trip crew consisted of Sandra "Coach" Compton, Derek "video genius" Montalbetti, myself and a whole lot of Pitbull CD's (much to Derek's dismay lol). How could this NOT be a total BLAST?!?! : ) Well, let me tell you… we had SO much fun driving to Columbus that I completely forgot to take any photos!!! :( 

Good thing we had our favourite video guy with us to document our weekend and antics! : P

Can't wait to post those for you all!

In the meantime...

I had been wanting to go the Arnolds for a couple years now, to see what it was all about. When you start hitting the gym, training and being surrounded by "fitness people" you can't help but be curious about the one of the biggest shows in the industry!

Being part of the BeautyFit family has been such a blessing in so many ways. Not only has it given me the BEST coach/friend a girl could ask for but it has allowed me to meet amazing women (and men) from so many walks of life. From figure and bikini competitors to "everyday" women like myself that struggle with weight and health issues. This trip to the Arnolds was going to give me the chance to meet some of these women that, until recently, were a name and photo on Facebook, Twitter or a blog.

Now add the fact that I'm a MUA and work with fitness competitors/models and this trip has just become that much cooler!!!.

I now have the opportunity to see and meet so many of the same female athletes that grace the covers of so many magazines, up close and ready to go onstage!

Soooo stoked!!! 

So here is the first pic of me in Ohio! lol

(Arnolds crew #2 lol at Smokey Bones BBQ in Grove City OH... From left Tony Alaimo, Lauren Fazio, ME lol and Derek Montalbetti... behind the camera as usual... Nancy Barbosa Alaimo!)

My first night in Ohio was spent eating with great company (above) and having 2 drinks (I'm NOT a big drinker) but the drink of choice was called a "Skinny Redheaded Hottie"!!! SO I had to have one... then a second! lol

I'll leave you at day one cause day two and three are super exciting!!!

Til next time...

Skinny Redheaded Hottie hugs... Crystal : ) xo

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