I don’t know if it’s spring being here or the winter blues melting away slightly but I’ve been trying a few things to take better care of myself and my skin the past few weeks. Sometimes its just a few small things that make us feel us better about ourselves. Here are a few things that I’ve been doing lately:
1. OPI Gel Manicure – I love getting my nails done but I don’t love the fact that a regular manicure starts chipping three days after you get it done. So about a month ago, I saw on the product listing this thing called “OPI Gel Manicure”. So I went home and researched it. (If you hadn’t noticed I don’t buy much without research! 
) And it got great reviews – it’s suppose to be better for your nails, stay longer, not chip, etc. So I decided to try. I got it done this week for the second time and it is great! It stays on my nails for almost two weeks without chipping. My nails underneath do not get weaker as they typically do with a regular manicure. The Gel Manicure makes them look shinier and the whole thing just makes me feel better, more professional and put together. Because the other manicures never stayed long, I didn’t waste my money on them. But this is something that I feel is worth the investment.
2. Skincare – Oh I how I love Sephora. It really is a bad place for me to be. But last week I did get some good recommendations from them and of course I did some research at home afterwards before I bought more products. I have super sensitive skin which is acne prone. So I’ve been through lots of skincare lines and the line by Kate Somerville is by far the best line I have ever tried. It feels like a spa treatment for my skin. It’s doing wonderful things for my skin in just the week that I’ve been using it. My acne has gone down, my skin is smoother and softer. You should try it! I’ve never before actually looked forward to washing my face.
3. Health – I’ve been going back and forth for awhile now on different detox diets. One of my friends has given me one that I need to do soon. It’s a week long diet. And then I read about this Elemis detox diet on Anna’s blog and purchased it this week. She really liked it and is getting good results from it. So I am trusting her! I will let you know my results when I get it. Also, I read on the Alkaline Sisters about the health benefits of Coconut Water, so I have increased my intake of Coconut Water this week.
4. Fitness – I have been trying my best to hit the gym at least three times a week. I use to be able to do more cardio but lately I’ve been having some health issues that have been limiting me in the cardio department. Which has been frustrating to me. But in the last week, I’ve discovered that I can at least walk on the treadmill without too much problem. It’s been a struggle mentally not to push myself beyond what my body is capable of these days. But it does feel good to go to the gym and get the workouts in. So that’s my fitness goal and pampering.
5. Mentally – This is harder for me. I’ve been trying harder to write more things down in lists so I don’t worry about it. These relieves some of my anxious worries. Also, I’ve been trying to take time off the computer to read some of these books I’ve got stacked up! But I know there is a lot more in this area that I need to do!
What are some ways that you are taking care of yourself lately? What ways do you pamper yourself? It’s important to do. We all need to do it.
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5 comments
Piper says:
April 29, 2010 at 10:55 am (UTC -5 )
such a great pampering list – good for you! i know for me i’m trying to do the same thing…take more time to read books & magazines that have been piling up! also i’m trying to get back into the fitness groove…i’m hoping to get my bike out soon
thanks for the tip on opi gel…gonna have to try that!
.-= Piper´s last blog ..{shake it up – week 17 scoop} =-.
Anna says:
April 29, 2010 at 2:00 pm (UTC -5 )
What a great list! I agree. We need to be pampered and take care of ourselves. And as always, thank you, thank you for the kind mention. I have never heard of OPI gel manicure or Kate Somerville. Something I will definitely check out. We’ll have to compare notes about the Elemis detox program. I may even interview you…
Have you tried yoga? I find that yoga is not cardiovascular challenging but has other benefits as well. I can’t run or perform strenuous exercise because I get short of breath. I found that putting the treadmill at the highest incline, 15 at my gym and walking 2.8 -3 miles in speed gets me perspiring and I burn app. 300 calories. That may not seem a lot of calories for some people but it is a start for me.
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Identifying Intentions =-.
Brigitte says:
April 29, 2010 at 4:15 pm (UTC -5 )
I just bought a few items from Kate Somerville — thanks for the recommendation. My mom always tells me that I can thank my oily skin for staving off wrinkles (not that it’s a worry quite yet), but I hate being nearly 30 with the “blemishes” of a 16 year old. I never broke out until I hit my 20s!
.-= Brigitte´s last blog ..Housekeeping =-.
The ChicGeek says:
April 29, 2010 at 6:58 pm (UTC -5 )
Piper – Thanks! I hope you are able to take more time to read books and magazines that have been piling up! I need to get my bike out too. I got it tuned up last year, so it’s time to try it out.
I hope you have good weather this weekend to ride it! Definitely check out the OPI Gel Manicure as it definitely rocks!
Anna – Thank you! We will have to compare notes. I think it’s suppose to arrive tomorrow, so I’m really excited to get started. Especially if I can lose a few pounds.
I’d love to be interviewed. I haven’t tried yoga but I have heard good things about it. Do you go to a class? Or do you have a video that you follow? I might have to try that and put the incline up further while I’m walking. That’s definitely a great start for burning calories!
Brigitte – Yay! I hope you like them. I’ve struggled with acne since I was a teenager and have been in and out of dermatologists since then too. And I am 30 now! The whole ProActive stuff broke me out more and so does Clinique. So this stuff does work for me and I hope it works for you! Did you get the Anti Bac Clearing Lotion? That has good stuff in it for acne. Definitely let me know how everything works for you!!
Anna says:
April 30, 2010 at 9:49 am (UTC -5 )
Lori, I do go to yoga class. I found that going once a week is not enough. I am still in the process of incorporating all of the stuff I want to do into my schedule. So now, I do once a week for yoga and 2 times a week at the gym. Yoga can be $$$ so look for community classes in your area. I know in NYC they have Yoga for the people which is donation based but maybe they have something like that in Atlanta.
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Identifying Intentions =-.