Monday Motivation

One of my goals is to get into better shape and I definitely started the year off with a bang. I am stupid sore right now. Its so bad that I haven't left the house at all today even though I have a couple of errands to run. I am just beyond drained right now. I have been using a massager I got last year to help with the soreness and its working. I think I will be okay for tomorrow. 

This past weekend I had drill and on saturday I was responsible for conducting PT. I was so nervous because I have always managed to avoid not getting picked, but not this time. In the end it wasn't so bad, I smoked myself to muscle failure which is a good thing. Then on Sunday I had to climb part of a mountain for a Best Warrior competition. I was a safety which is basically a person that makes sure everyone who passes by me is safe and going in the right direction. It was pretty motivating to see the soldiers really push themselves to complete the event. They had to deal with two days of physical labor before they even got to this event. The last event was a 9 mile ruck march with a 40 lbs ruck and 2 gallons of water. It wouldn't have been cakewalk had it not been for the steep mountains they had to climb! I didn't have nearly as much gear as they did and it was a mission for me to get up that mountain.  And I was walking!!! Needless to say, I am going to work on my fitness because I can be better!

I decided to refresh myself on spanish while I waited on the soldiers to come thru

This is only one of many and they got worse as they went through the course

Coming through the finish line and we are cheering them on!

And with the new year comes the start of a new semester!!!! I have a math class that is starting today! I am determined to not get behind on this class (it is self paced) and to pass this class without struggling to do so. I have four more semester left (3 if I take 2 classes I need during the summer) and I am happy to be almost there. And thankful that Uncle Sam is paying for it. I was working part time, but I got really overwhelmed with all the school work and shifts I was getting. I am ready this time and I am motivated to do well :)

Happy Friday And Updates!!!

So this girl right here just signed up for a half marathon. When I was deployed I participated in the Army Ten Miler and it was intense! This marathon is a 3k so it not much more than the 2 miles I have to run on a PT test. One of my goals is to get into better shape, plus I have another PT test in April so this will help keep me motivated to get and stay in shape. So far, so good though, I am stupid sore right now.

I am really loving this candle right now. It smells so good and fills the entire room with its fragrance. I love candles like that. And I got it on sale of course. I think I will go pick up a couple more tomorrow when I get home from drill. I believe the sale is until January 20th.

Finally figuring out what to do with my hair. I have been natural since 2005 when it wasn't the thing to do. I got fed up with my hair never growing and always breaking off so I cut it all off in frustration. Even after doing that I didn't always take the best care of it. Over the last few years I have been doing better and this last year I have really been into keeping it moisturized helping it grow. I am starting to see my efforts pay off because I have never had any kind of hang time in the front. I will have to write an detailed post later about what I have been doing because as all curlies know, what works for one will NOT always work for another. Can't wait to see how much it grew by the time my birthday comes in April!!!

One of things I did figure out is that I don't need to buy or even use those expensive products geared toward natural hair. Thank God, because he knows I am frugally savvy! 

Now that I am not in active duty anymore I am noticing even more growth. I no longer have to pull my hair back everyday so I am able to retain length which is excellent. 

Until next time!!!

My Favorite Winter Facial Moisturizers

While some part of the states are experiencing record breaking low temperatures I can't say the same about LA--the weather here is great!!!! Seriously, we are still wearing shorts and sandals. Nevertheless is still somewhat cooler than usual so I have had to change up my facial moisturizing routine. I have dry skin as it is and when winter rolls around it will go crazy if I don't up the ante on moisturizing. When I was stationed in Texas I had to use thick butters on my face at night so I wouldn't freak out, but now that I am back in LA I can use much lighter options.

1. Garnier Fructis Moisture Rescue Gel-- I have to admit I really like this. It is gel consistency, but soaks right into your skin. I have the one that is pink because I have dry skin. Whenever I travel I always try to pack like and this is the moisturizer that I bring because of its portability. It doesn't have a smell that

2. St. Ives Collagen Elastin Moisturizer-- I love this moisturizer!!! Not only does it moisturize, but it keeps me looking young with that collagen :) 

3. Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil-- This is a light oil that actually absorbs pretty quickly. Its known for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, but it kind of has a weird smell. Luckily the smell isn't too bad and doesn't last long otherwise I would chuck it.

As you can see, my moisturizers are pretty basic. Nothing too fancy or expensive (Well maybe the maracuja oil which I got in a Tarte gift set I bought right before Christmas).  I am really trying to get out of my product junkie ways and really stick with what works and right now, these are the winners.