Starting From Somewhere: A Workout Plan.....

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Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

Here’s my truth, plain and simple, I do not like working out. Here is another truth, I need to work out. Lol! I really do need to start working out again. Oh, and I have a plethora of an excuses too! Like to hear them, here they go:

“I’m tired.”

“I’m focus on something else right now that’s more important”

“My kids need me!”

“I don’t have any time!”

“Where am I going to work out?”

“I don’t want to become one of those folks who post my sweaty workout face on Instagram.”

“I’ll have to change my eating habit even more!!”

“My knees hurt sometimes.”

“I don’t have the proper shoes.”

“I don’t have any decent workout clothes.”

Let me just stop right there.

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Even though I listed it last, workout clothes are the biggest excuse for me. However it’s the truth. How I look fashion wise is important. One of my favorite quotes is “I never take a day off from being stylish”. I’m a plus size girl, so I need a decent sports bra or three, yoga pants, shorts, tees, and socks that don’t cut off my circulation. Plus, they need to be cute and very affordable. So, I do what I do best and that’s get on Google and Pinterest to the research to find workout clothes. Maybe a good fitting sports bra and some fun sneakers will put me in the mood to hit the mat or do some jumping jacks.

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Pinterest is a great tool in finding ideas on “starter workouts” and “plus size workout clothes”. I just simply “like” a pin then go back and created a board “Workout Motivation”. I even pinned some helpful tips, workout plans and of course cute pieces that might work for me. I also pinned some pieces from sites like Walmart, Target, Nike, Sweaty Betty and I will adding more soon from other retailers.  If you are interested, stop by this link to my Workout Motivation Pinterest board, check it out and share a pin or two!

If you have any starter workout motivation of me, let me know in the comments!

Rural Style: My Obsession With Leggings….

 Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

I once heard on the Oprah Show, the leggings should not be worn as pants. It’s even in an article on the Oprah.com site! Guess what I WEAR leggings as pants and I’m proud of it!

Sure, I own various pants, jeans even shorts (and they are cut offs! *gasp*) but a pair black leggings with a flowy top just puts me in a comfort zone. I've finally zoomed in on a style, “Casual Luxe”. I’m still working on the “luxe” part( buying high quality, sometimes higher priced pieces) but a pair of black leggings always works with what I’m feeling style wise.

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In addition to black leggings, I own grey, denim, and patterned leggings. I find that the patterned leggings are fun and add a bit of personality to my casual style. I also shop all of over the place for leggings, Walmart, Belk, rue 21, Cato, and the list goes on.

Because I’m a plus size gal, I style my leggings in a number of ways to that keep it classy but show off my curves. Here are some of my personal tips:

1)            Make sure your top covers most or half of your bum. I like my tops to cover my bum when I’m wearing leggings.

2)            Get the right size. Buy your correct size in leggings. Too big and they will look like sagging pants and too small will look TOO SMALL!

3)            Proper undergarments. If you need to wear a full coverage panty or a shaper so that you have a smooth “finish” please do so.

4)            Don’t be afraid to wear leggings as pants! Listen, fashion should have some sort of comfort level. 

If leggings are comfortable and are a part of your style, you should wear them.

Leggings are pants are just fine with me. Fashion is personal.  It evokes who you are as a person and should be your own personal flavor. Personally, leggings rock!

So what are your thoughts on leggings as pants? Is it a no-no? Is it a yes? Are you on the fence? Or do you have leggings outnumbering jeans, your favorite maxi skirt and shorts? Let me know in the comments!

DIY Waterproof Mascara Remover!!!

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.

In the summer, because of the 90 degree humid weather I face in the South, I switch to waterproof mascara. It seems that my mascara and eyeliner are the first make a run for it in this hot weather! My choice of waterproof mascara is tarte cosmetics lights, camera, splashes waterproof mascara in black. It doesn’t one move off my lashes until I’m ready to take it off.

Now, let’s talk about taking OFF waterproof mascara. That is a job in itself!!! Some waterproof mascara will not move, even with the best of makeup removers and wipes.  However, I have found a great and inexpensive way to take off waterproof mascara.

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1 1)      Olive Oil or Coconut Oil- I literally bring the whole bottle in the bathroom to use to remove to waterproof makeup or mascara from my eyes.  Just less than a teaspoon with get the job done with little irritation.

Use a piece of paper towel or a warm, wet face cloth to remove the oil.  I pour the oil of choice on a paper towel, place the paper towel over my eye for about 30 seconds and gently wipe it off. Make sure to be gentle with the eyes! I don’t use cotton pads or balls with oil remover because the cotton fibers tend to adhere to my lashes and get in my eyes. A warm, wet face cloth is also a great removal alternative with the oil. Just make sure that you give each eye at least 30 seconds a piece with the oil to break down and remove the mascara!

Tip: Store your oil out of the way of lights and warmth so it keeps it emulsion and consistency better.

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2  2)      Vaseline- I know this man made salve is not every natural minded girl best friend, but it works miracles in removing waterproof mascara. Just a dab on each eye, followed by a paper towel or face cloth will remove the mascara just as quick as the oil.

I hope that both of these products save you time and money when removing your waterproof mascara. I know for sure they have helped me! Have a beautiful and gorgeous lash summer!