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| Winter 2007 Dallas, Texas |
| If ever there is any topic I'm e-mailed about most, it is this one. Here are a few FAQ's: Where do you get your motivation and how do you stay so motivated? See below. Do you ever slip or gain weight? Never - not after what I've been through to get here! After years of tireless calorie and fat gram-counting with the daily cardio I have done since the 5th grade while inexplicably never losing an ounce (which is why I actually envied yo-yo dieters, because at least they lost the weight to begin with!), and after finally, FINALLY finding my ace in the hole of staying permanently slim, energetic, and incredibly content with my physique, I'm sure you can understand my utter unwillingness to backslide. Forget it! These 36-24-36 measurements are here to stay. How do you stay away from foods you know you're not supposed to eat? Easy: I just do. Again, it's a choice. Plus, it doesn't hurt that I have regular "Fun Days" every 3 weeks to keep me in order! For maintenance, this absolutely works for me. The fact is, motivation for me is innate. While I've always had it, it only increased as I committed to Atkins. If I want something, it's mine ... and trust me, it's not because it is given to me or comes easily. I simply give everything I do in life 100%, and there are no excuses. Excuses are ultimately sabotaging, self-inflicted roadblocks, and I don't let them get in my way of personal achievements. Why should you? My "secret" may be a bit of a letdown - but the fact is, motivation comes entirely from within. You have to decide which it is you want more, and you must be ready to make that permanent commitment. BUT IT'S STILL A CONSTANT EFFORT FOR ME! I will say this, however: nighttime after dinner is by far the hardest time for me, because at times I want to nosh on things like nuts! Even though I have nothing whatsoever against nighttime snacking (good thing, since I partake in it often! A shake, bunless burger, shirataki noodles, Greek yogurt, or chicken breast are just a few examples of extremely low-carb snack options) and allow healthful foods like nuts on a daily basis, I'll want to snack on more than what I know is my personal daily carb limit of 90-110 grams. I literally have to talk myself out of the higher-carb nut temptations - and thankfully, lower-carb nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds often come to my rescue! I call pumpkin seeds my "Slow-Mo Nuts," because a 16-carb bag will last me for an entire movie! The above said, I have to say that keeping slim is so easy (i.e., with Atkins, I do not restrict calories, fat, or portions), and yet at the same time it is most certainly a daily endeavor for me - and this interesting little contradiction is so very important to reveal here on my website, because my visitors need to know that while I've successfully lost weight and maintain it with a vengeance, this has not changed my urges for overdoing the carbs at night! Also, when it comes to low-carb baked goods, I reserve eating low-carb chocolate and/or my favorite low-carb treats - in reasonable amounts, of course - for weekends when I bake my desserts. Knowing this is ahead, it keeps me on track on all other days of the week. There is no "spiraling out of control" when it comes to maintenance and the way I eat; that is a path I make a conscious choice not to go. Done. It's not magic; that's all it takes! Regarding motivation: there is more to it than simply "having" it, because believe it or not, there is more to feeling and looking your best than merely getting to a lower number on the scale. Boy, that only scratches the surface in terms of achieving your absolute potential. What I am trying to say here is that if you find yourself not having motivation, drive, and feel utterly uninspired, then honey, this simply means that it is up to you to GENERATE it! Cultivate it! So essential is it to enhance and illuminate every facet of your own unique beauty in the meantime - and that is where objectives such as excellent Skincare, Makeup, Hair, a doctor-approved Fitness Regime, Teeth, Nails and more come in. Self-improvement in all areas will heighten your confidence, magnify your self-esteem - and ultimately makes backsliding and plateauing catalyzed by cheating and binging (which is essentially self-disrespect, in my opinion) out of the question! My philosophy on beauty is this: be high-maintenance so you can afford to be low-maintenance. Be meticulous about fitness and beauty routine, and you will find your appearance - particularly hair and makeup-primping time - to be beyond minimalistic. Nothing better than a wash & wear beauty! There are so many areas to address for looking your best, and to get your wheels turning, I will address just a few of them on this page. Enjoy! |
| June 15th, 2005 On a British Isles cruise, sailing out of Belfast |
| August 27, 2006 At NorthPark Mall, after seeing Little Miss Sunshine. As usual, I'm not prepared for the photo! |
| March 12th, 2006 At Allen Premium Outlets |
| April 29th, 2005 Oklahoma City At a friend's, having a "Fun Day"! |
| Like the Bronzed Look? Do you tan using either the sun or tanning beds? Stop immediately. Tanning beds are at least as damaging as the sun, and sometimes even more so. UVA (aging) & UVB (burning) rays damage the DNA in the skin surface cells and contribute to skin cancer. UVA rays damage even more deeply, damaging the layer under the skin surface, where damage to precious collagen and elastin can occur, leading ultimately to loss of elasticity of the skin. (Read: facial sagging.) As you can tell from all other parts of this website, I don't ever mince words, so I'll lay it on the line here: Ever notice the often leathery, frighteningly wrinkled faces of the 20-something workers behind the counters of many tanning salons? Consider UVA rays responsible for this - and to add insult to injury, UVA rays notoriously contribute to melanoma. Think you're not getting damage as long as you don't burn? Think again. Any tanning of the skin, by its very virtue, is skin damage - no matter what the high school students behind the counter at tanning salons try to tell you. But aren't I tan in some of my photos? Well, I'm naturally quite fair, but just love how I feel when I have some color, so I may do this in the spring/summertime. I only purchase when they're running special packages at $10 each (unit price is generally $25 each), but Mystic Tan is a great means of getting bronzed. See the photo above? That was two days after a Mystic Tan. My tips for Mystic Tan? Exfoliate thoroughly (and also shave for even better results) the entire body from head to toe not merely the day of your Mystic, but 2-3 days in a row beforehand. This will lessen chances of unevenness, and will enhance your tanning results, giving you a beautifully seamless color. Right before stepping in the booth, saturate hands/heels of palms & feet with lotion, rubbing in completely so it will not function as a barrier cream. Use barrier cream you don't rub in on palms & fingernails only, and make sure the heels of your palms are not globbed with it as to avoid an obvious line of demarcation. Add a bit of lotion to the elbows, Achilles Tendons, & knees as well, rubbing in completely, before stepping in the booth. So that I don't take a ton of time doing this in the salon's room, I do all this in my car in front of the salon right before going in. When I do Mystic, I never get anything darker than the lightest Level 1. Don't let yourself get wet for at least 8 hours, but wash only hands with soap & water & moisturize feet with ordinary lotion about 2 hours after your spray-on tan. This keeps your hands and feet from getting too dark. You'll wake up the next morning with a gorgeous tan. Oh, and don't worry about the bronzer getting on your clothes or sheets. The solution is so weak, it even comes out with just water. SELF-TANNERS I RECOMMEND They're few & far between! I have a spray-on tan every 2 weeks in the summer months. To keep myself tan in between these sessions, only one body self-tanner has impressed me, and I've been using it since it came out on the market: them with Neutrogena Micro Mist Tanning Sunless Spray in Mediumthem withNote: I use latex gloves for body application, and reapply every 4 nights, 2 hours before bed.) Note: I use latex gloves for body application, and reapply every 4 nights, 2 hours before bed.) : I use latex gloves for body application, and reapply every 4 nights, 2 hours before bed.) For the face: Lotions are my preference for the chest, neck, and face, and I adore Garnier Ambre Solaire Perfect Bronzer Self-Tanning Cream SPF 8 Face. Since it contains Mexoryl, it is only available overseas. I picked one up in Dublin & just fell in love with it! The SPF is weak, of course, so I only apply it at night. Other recommendations for facial self-tanners? L'Oréal Sublime Bronze in Medium-Deep. SMOKING, DRINKING The above are personal choices - but know that they can wreak havoc on your skin. As if yellowed teeth and bad breath weren't enough, smoking damages skin cells by depriving them of oxygen (read: WRINKLES). With excessive drinking comes the semipermanent flush on the face, puffiness in the skin, bloodshot eyes, and more ... So. Are you ready for your close-up? SUNSCREEN If you make the choice not to tan, congratulations! But that's only half the battle since it isn't necessary for one to lay out by the pool or at the beach for the skin to experience sun damage. Frankly, your skin cares not where you are, so never leave your house without sunscreen! In fact, you can experience sun damage by sunlight creeping in through the blinds of your windows. A good rule of thumb: if there's enough sun inside to read without a lamp, there's enough sun to damage. On that note, keep in mind that you need BROAD-SPECTRUM protection. A high SPF (I use one all over the body, every single day by Vichy, La Roche-Posay Anthélios XL, Avène, Bioderma, or Ombrelle) is one of two components to look for when considering a particular brand - the other being, most importantly, the proper active ingredients. Simply looking for a high SPF on a sunscreen is not sufficient, as this only refers to UVB (or burn) protection; however, keep in mind that you do not have to go high-end in order to get a high-quality sunscreen. I get all of my sunscreens from pharmacies (drugstores) and wouldn't dream of buying from Chanel, Estée Lauder, etc. I'm not impressed by their active ingredients anyway. Again, an excellent sunscreen is all about its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), and especially its active ingredients. So, which active ingredients to look for? Below are the 3 American FDA-approved active ingredients ensuring the most effective protection: Titanium Dioxide (Physical protection - UVA & UVB filter) Zinc Oxide (Physical protection - UVA filter) Avobenzone ... also called butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane or "Parsol 1789" (Chemical protection - UVA filter) Helioplex Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid & Drometrizole Trisiloxane ("MEXORYL SX" & "MEXORYL XL," respectively) - a chemical UVA filter, not yet FDA-approved. These are just two of the active ingredients found in the sunscreens I use every single day, and I will NOT expose my skin to sunlight without it. This means I must order them directly from a pharmacy in Europe. The sunscreens I use contain Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl LX (or Tinosorb, depending on brand), titanium dioxide, Parsol 1789, and sometimes zinc oxide as well - all in one bottle. To top it all off, the levels of these active ingredients are each dramatically more potent than U.S. sunscreens. I highly recommend them. Tinosorb - Another not-yet-FDA-approved chemical active ingredient. This is in Avène sunscreens! Make sure the active ingredient in a sunscreen you purchase is listed first & foremost in the Active Ingredients list - not last. If you're going to spend the money, you may as well get your money's worth! Sunscreens I recommend: La Roche Posay Anthelios - Not yet available in the U.S. [Note: I have no intentions of buying/using the new La Roche-Posay Anthélios SX SPF 15 , which made its U.S. debut in the fall of 2006, as the ingredients are nowhere near as potent as the original European Anthélios. It's a step in the right direction; however, this sunscreen has got a long way to go. I sent L'Oréal/La Roche-Posay this letter in November 2006. No response.] I use (European-only) La Roche Posay Anthélios SPF 40 or 50+ all over the face and body. It amazingly contains both physical - titanium dioxide - and chemical - Avobenzone / MEXORYL XL / MEXORYL SX - sun protection. Absolutely unheard of for a U.S. sunscreen. La Roche-Posay Anthélios W Gel SPF 40 - Not yet U.S.-available. I wear this one on gym days since it's not as matte for regular day wear as the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 40 spray I wear otherwise. No white cast with either of these Anthélios sunscreens, though the Anthélios W Gel SPF 40 is quite shiny. I won't wear anything but the two aforementioned La Roche-Posay Anthélios sunscreens, Avène Emulsion, or BioDerma Photoderm Max Fluide SPF 50+, because of the far superior active ingredients. I wish the FDA would hurry up and approve both Mexoryl SX and XL as well as Tinosorb already, as I am tired of ordering them from overseas! The only use I have for an American sunscreen is on my legs (I use a 3% Avobenzone Neutrogena SPF 45 spray, which also contains Helioplex.) A Word About Application: 1.) Shake for 20 seconds before applying. Annoying, but necessary! 2.) A sunscreen's protection takes at least 20-30 minutes to take effect. Please take that into account, and time your applications accordingly - in other words, not as you are running out the door. 3.) How much to apply? A quarter or teaspoon-sized dollop for just the face alone is required. For example, if you're applying just an eighth of a teaspoon of an SPF 45 sunscreen, even one with 2-3% of chemical active ingredient Avobenzone/Parsol 1789, you're actually getting about an SPF of 10 - at the most. Apply another quarter-sized/teaspoon amount to the neck. As for the body: a shotglass-sized amount (at least!) is required to cover everywhere else. 4.) "Waterproof"? "Water-resistant"? No such thing. The second you get out of the water, reapply! 4.) How often to apply even if you stay dry? Every 2 hours, as this is the extent of protection for even the most amazing-ingredient, highest-SPF sunscreen. Since I personally don't want to bother with reapplication, I simply limit my daily sun exposure to well under 2 hours a day. MY NIGHTTIME SKINCARE REGIME FOR THE NON-SUMMER MONTHS I'm sure you all know to wash every stitch of makeup off your face before going to bed. I use an Olay cleanser, which washes off even eye makeup. My routine outlined below is an anti-aging one, and quite easy and affordable: After cleansing, I apply Gly Derm glycolic acid to the face, neck, chest, arms/hands, back a couple of times per week - I always apply all of my actives all over the face and upper body. (Why should the face alone get all the benefits?) The only moisturizers I use are either non-synthetic Vitamin E oil (antioxidant d-Alpha Tocopheryl), or AEA-certified, fully-refined Emu Oil. I don't recommend any particular brands, so long as the oils meet the aforementioned specifications. I apply whatever product I'm using that evening to the face (concentrating around the eyes), neck, shoulders, and chest, before retiring. As for Retin-A Micro, I alternate this every 2-3 nights in the non-summer months. The important thing is that I do only what my skin can tolerate - and everyone is different. If I feel that actives are beginning to be "too much," I pull back for a day or two and use only sunscreen and moisturizing oil at night. I do not use eye creams; my daily La Roche-Posay Anthélios SPF or Bioderm Photoderm SPF, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (a Vitamin C serum applied every third morning), Retin-A, glycolic acid, & Vitamin E / emu oil are all applied to this area and are therefore all the products I need. The above routine applies to 9 months out of the year. During summer, I use self-tanner every 4th night or so, sunscreen daily, then Vitamin E or emu oil at night. Unfortunately, glycolic acids do not mix with self-tanners unless you are going for the Vitiligo look. I tried that once years ago; fortunately, it was during the weekend!) Note about prescription retinoids: Tretinoin (Retin-A / Renova) is fabulous for stimulating collagen production in the underlying layer of the skin (dermis). Sunlight inactivates retinoids, so make sure to apply these at night. Visit your dermatologist to find the right percentage of Tretinoin is right for you. Prescription retinoids too irritating for you? Consider Kinerase! Note about potent glycolic acids: Using these alternately with prescription retinoids further enhances benefits by thoroughly exfoliating and smoothing the top layer of the skin (epidermis). It's like having the Marines and Navy working for you at once! No prescription needed, but a strong formula may be necessary to heed truly visible results. More information here. Note about SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: I cannot rave enough about this Vitamin C serum. Not only does it provide an instant glow almost comparable to a light tan (again, I thus apply it all over!), it offers 8 times the protection your sunscreen provides alone. Not only that, since it cannot be washed or rubbed off after application, one only needs to reapply every 2 days. Lovely! One very interesting thing I have heard from more than one dermatologist: "I can always tell which side a patient sleeps on the second they walk in the door." Yikes. Imagine making a grimace for 8 hours every night the way you do when you sleep scrunched on one side of your face. So, sleep on your back, ladies! SUPPLEMENTS For the skin, in addition to the other vitamins I take daily (detailed in my FAQ), I also include 2,000mg of Vitamin C, as well as 25,000 I.U. of Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), and 1,200 I.U. Vitamin E. I feel it's best to take care of your skin externally and internally with antioxidants! (With Vitamin E, avoid the synthetic dl-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate form, and instead look for its more-absorbent natural form, d-Alpha Tocopheryl.) Heliocare is also a great product, recommended by many dermatologists. AVOID PAYING RETAIL WHEN POSSIBLE Do not let these listed prices alarm you. (I only link to online stores to demonstrate a visual and am not necessarily a customer.) I get all of my pricey anti-aging actives items from eBay sellers with 100% Positive feedback - brand-new, sealed, and for up to 70% off. As for my sunscreens? To avoid the notorious Internet price-gouging for them, I order direct from an overseas chemist I visited while overseas. AVOID BEING RIPPED OFF ONLINE In addition to owning a current copy of the brand's official price list, while in Europe, I notice that a La Roche-Posay sunscreen never retails for more than €18 (or about $21), TOPS. Americans, please arm yourself with this information while choosing an online seller. Many sellers ask for an astounding $40-$60 for an $18.50 bottle of Anthélios sunscreen, using their own overseas shipping expenses as a bogus excuse for their price-gouging. As someone who has shipped heavy items to and from Europe and knows what standard foreign shipping actually costs, I find this practice shameful. La Roche-Posay is high-quality indeed, but it is in fact a drugstore sunscreen - so please, expect it to be priced as such. Kindly Note: I do not recommend any sellers or vendors for any of my personal product purchases. Also, if a specific brand isn't cited alongside a product I use (e.g., Vitamin E oil), this means there are a plethora of other brands I've found that are just as good. A sunscreen, glycolic acid, retinoid, and Vitamin C serum have got to be extraordinary to get a mention here, as I'm an ingredient and value girl! * Also, if you are interested, I have a few reviews available on MakeupAlley, one of my favorite websites. Just search for "SugarFreeSheila"! |
| In addition to being a fanatic about wearing sunscreen, I also have the Llumar UV Shield, which provides 99.9% both UVA & UVB protection, on all windows of my car. This is a great idea for moms, students, or anyone who spends time in the sun driving! Also an excellent investment to have installed on the windows of your home. Note: Some states have mandates on how much area certain windows of a car may be tinted (i.e., in Texas, only the top 6" permitted for the front windshield). However, a dermatologist can very easily overrule all of this with a note. |
| June 22nd, 2005 Outside Blackeyed Pea, Dallas I picked up this dress in Holyhead, Wales |
| While I was always into my skin, hair, and makeup before I lost the weight, I never really became truly interested in fashion and accessories until I met my goal weight. Until then, I was more of a Gap girl: plain shirts, jeans, boots. Really, I was just glad something fit me; so if it was reasonably priced, SOLD. Well, I'm considerably more choosy now! There is just something about buying clothes in beautiful colors and fabrics that work for you that make you feel beautiful; for me, it serves as major motivation to stay on track. After all, if you've spent time and money on those snug - yet flattering - jeans you plan on wearing tomorrow, the absolute last thing you'll want to do is spoil all of your diligent work by deviating from your low-carb plan the night before! I may or may not personally be into the following, and may discuss here & there my own fashion preferences. Going more for stylish rather than all-out trendy, here are my recommendations to save you the precious time spent flipping through magazines. It's all right here! Some things remain on the runways from seasons past ... but thank goodness the flashy "bling-bling" trend has fallen by the wayside, making way for less ornate flash and more sophistication and understated elegance. So, what's in style, and more importantly, wearable, for late 2007 and 2008? Tops : Sleeveless shifts remain. Lots of sheer for tops lately, Victorian. Ladylike styles. Cropped jackets and structured vests. 3/4 sleeves - my personal favorite and GREAT for showing off your favorite bracelet or watch. White and lace are lovely and so feminine. Victorian-inspired blouses. Ruffles. Over-sized tunics cinched with a gorgeous belt. "Gauzy" tops. Femininity reigns supreme! Belts. Skinny belts remain a good choice, as are the wide, 2-3" ones. Patent leather belts. Cinch the waist you work so hard at keeping tiny with a belt! They look sharp paired with a plain long dress or minidress, or over a fitted blazer. Experiment! Handbags. Hobos. Structured bags. Crescent shapes. Still seeing metallics. Note: I've always noticed that 90% of the designer handbags I ever see in larger U.S. cities are by Coach - you know, the ones with the LOUD 360º logos. That's it. Please explore bags without logos! I just came across this site; it articulates my thoughts exactly about logos. Pants: Skinny jeans are still in, tapered rather than flared - these are practically a necessity for tucking into high boots. Straight-cut jeans is the only cut of denim I personally wear, and hit the middle of my (always high!) heel. They make the legs look miles longer! A slightly higher waist for pants is a welcome break, as is the wide-leg jean. I stick with a lower waist, and the wide leg look is a fun shift; I just make sure to keep the top a rather thin, close-fitting fabric. May aim is to work with my proportions rather than against them. Skirts/Dresses: The pencil skirt!! Knee-length dresses: silk, sheath, belted, empire. '50's-inspired dresses and full skirts, silk, lacy, ruffles, jewel tones. Full circle skirts are still in. Shoes. Bright colors and metallics. Patent leather! Stacked heeled and round-toe. Peep-toe heels. Flats; ballet flats are still around & spruce up a casual outfit. Earrings. Bejeweled, rich styles. Diamond studs never go out of style; these are a staple for me, as I tend to wear very little accessories. Necklaces: Now necklaces, I'm into. Long, layered necklaces have gone by the wayside. Chunky necklaces in jewel tones or earth tones. Knot necklaces. Department stores have an excellent selection of fun fashion jewelry, so there is no use in spending a bundle. Gold! It's a nice little break from platinum & goes especially beautifully with warmer, darker skin tones. Bangles are a great idea. Fancy-looking layered gold necklaces paired with an otherwise ultra-casual outfit looks hip and current. Sunglasses: Big shades are still around. I just love them! Quick tips regarding hot pieces to avoid looking like the dreaded fashion victim, regardless of the season or fashion: Of course, only buy what suits YOU - not simply because it's "hot." Use the information provided here to create your own personal, unique look. Have FUN with it! - Wear one trendy item/piece at a time - if at all. - You're an individual and so should be your own personal style. Take inspiration from what is out there & form your own style, but for heaven's sake, never mimic someone else. A stranger should never be able to look at you & correctly guess your favorite singer/actress. On that note, if there is a ubiquitous "It" bag by a specific designer that everyone has/wants ... isn't that enough reason not to get it? - Ostentatiousness is the antithesis of elegance. Tiny insignias are one thing - but if you cannot bring yourself to buy or wear a designer piece unless loud logos are splashed at 360º, ask yourself why. You have nothing to prove - so wear your labels on the inside! - If you feel wearing something would embarrass you in 5-10 years if you were caught in a photograph, skip it. - If you're into fashion, look ahead of the times - not behind! In other words, never go by what you see the masses wearing at the mall. Classics are always a go - which marks the distinction between fashion & style. - Conversely, when it comes to deciding what's acceptable to wear and what isn't, YOU make the call. For example, take the scrunchie. I saw the same 2003 "Sexy & the City" episode everyone else did about the scrunchie - and though I haven't seen these little elasticized fabric rings worn since I was in junior high, the aftermath of women everywhere emphatically parroting this sentiment right after the episode aired practically had me wishing I liked them so I could run out and buy one to wear myself. lol The moral: when the chips are down, don't hang on anyone's word but your own with respect to what you wear. Besides, one can't lead from the crowd! General Clothing, Shopping, & Tips For Fit: Fit is everything. Everything. It can make an inexpensive outfit look incredible, and a pricey outfit look dimestore. It may be wise to invest in a good seamstress to take things in and up if it is necessary. I have to go to mine constantly for alterations. With longer skirts, the most flattering length is right above or below (rather than right at) the knee. If you are in a boutique & notice that the tops on the mannequins are severely pinned in the back, run. This is the sign of a very poor cut and fit. Vanity sizing is to blame for this - and it is only getting worse. Don't think it's a real problem? Consider the late Marilyn Monroe, whom women today are always wanting to tout as overweight or "plus-sized." Not bronzed and excessively buffed like many of today's actresses? Certainly. But she was by no means a "big girl" & appeared to be in great shape to me. (Here is a link to outtakes of a 1962 shelved film shot just 3 months before her death. Beware: it's campy!) The fact is, according to her dressmaker & studio's claim for her widely-published measurements (35-22-35 & 37-23-36, respectively), the 5'5", 120-pound actress would have easily fit into a today's Gap size 0. My own waist and hips are 24 & 36 inches respectively, and even I can fit into most size 0's. Did you know that a 24-inch waist used to be a size 6 in the early '90's? Vanity sizing is getting that out of control. Quick tip for saving lots of dough: If I spot something high-end at a boutique, I take note of the brand, style name/model number, and purchase online later on - in new condition, of course. Most importantly of all: Never, ever pay retail for high-dollar items. It's the 11th Commandment. |
| February 5th, 2006 - Dallas At Outback (again!) with my nice big Caesar. I douse it in extra-virgin olive oil before getting started ... My no-seasoning 9-ounce rare fillet with steamed veggies are up next! |
| June 20th, 2005 Sailing out of Edinburgh I picked up this top in Glasgow |
| Outback Steakhouse, October 2004 (I squeeze lime in my diet colas - it makes them taste like regular.) |
| April 29th, 2005 - Click To Enlarge At a friend's, I threw on this dress before taking it to a tailor to demonstrate a perfect example of an ill-fitting, inexpensive dress with potential. I picked up this simple cotton piece at NY&CO. for less than $40. It's an XS, but rather long and baggy on my frame, & likely meant for a taller woman. After having it taken way in & up, it was a really nice improvement. Update: I took one photo of the alteration results last May. The photo didn't really turn out, & I decided at the time not to include it here for obvious reasons. But here's a peek anyway! |
| July 27th, 2005 - Oklahoma City Department stores like JC Penney & Kohl's offer an array of cool fashion jewelry at appropriate prices. |
| August 3rd, 2005 |
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| June 19th, 2005 On a cruise tender in Edinburgh (Queensferry), Scotland |
| June 16th, 2005 - Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland At my favorite store in the U.K.: Boots! In the bigger cities, it's like Ulta & Sephora combined. On my cruise, I bought a TON of the superior sunscreen not available in the U.S. & shipped it all home on the last port of call. |
| August 16th, 2006 Ft. Walton, Florida |
| It's easy to eat low-carb anywhere! July 16th, 2005 Boston Market, Dallas |
| Easter Sunday 2005 |
| August 18th, 2006 Ft. Walton, Florida |
| May 24th, 2005 Dallas |
| May 24th, 2005 Dallas |
| May 24th, 2005 Dallas Exercise balls are terrific for tummy work & even for support while using free weights! Just $10 at Ross. |
| After years of drumstick arms, inner-thigh rub, back fat, & tummy rolls, IF I CAN DO IT, ANYBODY CAN!!! |
| June 13th, 2006 - Dallas Leaving a Bikram Yoga studio Boy - even with 4" espadrilles, I *still* look smaller than that toddler behind me! |
| My personal fitness regime is outlined in my FAQ, but I will list it here for convenience sake, and in greater detail. Before hitting the gym, I have my Flax/Psyllium(for fiber) /CLA/GLA/Omega/Borage Oil snack (recipe in my FAQ). When I get home, sometimes I have an SOS Shake, nuts, fruit, or salmon sashimi as a little post-workout snack, then lunch later at around noon. For the record, I have never had a trainer.
Resistance training I do in the gym: 3 sets of 15. There is always improvement to be made, so I like to add/change a new machine or two every couple of months. Leg press, I do 135 pounds. Hip Abductor, 100+ pounds Hip Adductor: 65 pounds Overhead Tricep Extension, 20 pounds. Overhead Press - 12 pounds Chest Press - 12 pounds Row - 12 pounds. This keeps bra bulge (i.e., back boobs!) at bay. Seated Hamstring Curl Machine, 55 pounds; ditto for Seated Quadriceps. Glutes: 60 pounds Rotary Torso Machine - 30 pounds I wholly recommend Callanetics, which I have been a fan of for years. For more information & reviews, click here. I must be cautious of how I train, as I'm petite and the epitome of a Mesomorph. The truth is, since every woman is built differently and may or may not be predisposed to building larger muscle mass that what she prefers. Just as importantly, women have different goals, so you must cater your resistance training to your own specific body type - and unfortunately, sometimes this takes some trial and error. Should you choose to use a trainer (I have never used one), it is crucial that he or she keeps this in mind. This is why I keep all resistance training very light and repetitions high, as I personally build muscle very easily. Here is more information on the 3 different somatotypes. It's very interesting! See if you can spot your own ... I love "self-improvement" fitness videos with no cardio component, as aerobics or any kind of choreographed or high-impact cardio is so not for me. I see these DVD's as fun and more relaxing than anything else - and should they result in a further lift or tuck somewhere in the process, all the better! The Bar Method Body - Designer Sculpting is something I like to incorporate in the summertime. Among my favorites are the exercises targeting the front and back of the arms and shoulders, the moves crafted to lift and carve out the "seat," as well as the stretching for the all-important Flexibility component of Fitness. I cannot recommend this DVD enough; something about doing this 30-minute workout makes me just want to strut, I have so much body confidence. If for whatever reason I were ever unable to go to a gym, my regime would be: the treadmill at home, a 10-minute abdominal video, & the Bar Method DVD (I skip the ab segment because it isn't for me) - each 3 days a week. The only necessary equipment would be a set of 3-pound weights and enough space on the floor to form an X with your body. A new ab workout I have recently incorporated is 10-minute "Slim & 6 Pack" segment, instructed by Debbie Sieber, currently offered On-Demand with my cable company. It is hands-down the toughest, most thorough abdominal workout I have ever done - for several days after the first time I did this workout, I was sore all over the span of my abdominals, the sides of my ribs, lower abdominals - even the tendon area right underneath where a front-close bra fastens ached! Needless to say, I am very impressed. ** Looking to try something a bit different from the cardio and resistance training you've been doing? I've never been much into Yoga, as I feel it is a bit too static for even my tastes. However, back in early '04, I gave Bikram Yoga a go for the first time and just fell in love with it. Done in a studio heated to 105º+F, it is 90 minutes of glorious stretching, toning, and just good old fashioned character-building via 26 challenging-but-doable hatha postures - or asanas. Taking a Bikram Yoga class is something I wish I had the time to do because I am so fond of it, but I urge you all to please give it a try! For more information and for Bikram-certified studio locations in your city (a class merely dubbed "Hot Yoga" is not the same as Bikram), please click here. Want to be MOTIVATED to go to the gym? Wear something sharp! I get all of my workout pants from Old Navy; they're comfortable and the colors are great. I pair these with fitted ribbed tanks I get from Old Navy in lots of different colors, or the vintage cotton tees from Target's Juniors department, and I've been wearing the cute Nike Shox sneakers since they came out in 2001 - they have a great mini-liftl! (I love the Nike Shox trainers; they're incredibly comfortable, cute, and very "bouncy"!) For me, it's important to wear attractive colors (to the gym or anywhere!) and that suit and complement my skin tone: whites, brights, and pastels if I'm self-tanning in the summer; jewel tones for the other 9 months of the year. I generally steer clear of black, grey, and brown tops or anything thick-fabric or baggy regardless of the season or occasion. They just do nothing for me. If you have trouble finding your perfect color sneaker, consider using their NikeiD program where you can design them yourself. Here is my latest little creation. Because I am petite and want to lengthen the look of the leg as much as possible, I match the shade of my sneakers to the color of my athletic pants - and make sure that the length of the pant extends to the heel of the shoe, and that the cut of the pant is straight as opposed to flared. The lift of the Shox doesn't hurt either! ** My heartiest recommendation regarding maintaining motivation for hitting the gym and not slacking off, is to keep what you wear cute, simple, and body-conscious. Then the last thing you'll want to do is binge the night before if you've got to work it out and show it off the next morning - and conversely, knowing you always have something sharp, flattering, and functional to wear to the gym is guaranteed to keep you continuously pumped to go! Another suggestion for combating boredom? Your favorite music! I travel very frequently, and since Walkman reception at gyms can be rather unpredictable, and since I have no patience for music I don't like (or commercials for that matter), and I never got into the whole trendy iPod thing, I always take my XM Pioneer Inno and listen to only what I love throughout my entire workout. (This new XM walkman comes with MP3, but I don't use it.) It makes my gym experience a total breeze - and most importantly, the music is never the same two days in a row. I have had XM Satellite Radio in my car since early '04, and will never go back to regular FM radio! Interested in downloading my favorite tunes? Click here! |
| November 6th, 2005 |
| Skincare and makeup are topics so closely related, it's almost difficult to separate them. Please consider this category a quasi-continuation of the above. If you find yourself having common adult skin issues such as acne, Rosacea, brown spots, keratosis pilaris, eczema, scarring, etc., please make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. It's just a wise idea to see one who knows your skin issues at least once a year - just to make sure everything is in order. EYES Now eye makeup, I love and wear regularly, as it is the facial feature I tend to play up most. I often am e-mailed about what eye makeup I wear in my photos. It is typically brown mascara (lashes curled first, of course), lip gloss, and sunblock for me when I wear makeup; but if I am feeling fancy, I'll also throw on some of the other cosmetics listed below - and they almost never deviate from the following: (I stick with what works!) 1.) After applying SPF 50+ all over, I first curl my lashes with Shu Uemura eyelash curler - available at Sephora for $16.50, or brand-new-in-box on eBay for around the same price. 2.) Voluminous Mascara in True Brown; since this shade is discontinued, I have to special-order mine. This mascara is just amazing! Also, if you want to wake up looking great and know that you won't have time for mascara, Revlon's ColorStay Overtime Lash Tint lasts 3 whole days - even through face-washings. Just curl lashes & go! If I wear blush that day, I finish off the above with Maybelline's Dream Mousse Blush on the apples of my cheeks. If it is a very special occasion or if I'm going out at night, I will probably wear foundation. My main go-to foundation? Christian Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation. (Throw on a surgical cap & a towel on your chest before applying!) Favorite Lip Glosses (I'm very much into lip glosses!) Prescriptives Moonbeam Reflective Glosses Avon Fruity Lip Juice With Sparkles - my favorite shades are Vanilla Frosting & Strawberry Delight! Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment - I have all the colors. Shimmery and very emollient; great coverage. LASHES A few years ago, a friend of mine in Tokyo sent me a gift I'd been hearing some major raves about: a lash-growth/thickening serum by Japanese brand Nouvellemoi called Lucia Eyebrow Essence. (The company does not ship to the U.S.) I wanted to wait a solid month and found that it works nicely - see the two white-background photos below. (See the two tiny thumbnailed photos below.) Another product that gets raves is Ardell Brow & Lash Accelerator. I've been using this one before bed lately & it seems to work! For Online Purchases Keeping in mind that eBay is a place for buy items at a bargain, please know that the Nouvellemoi Eyebrow Essence, with the box, retails for just under $30. As you can tell, I have a strong distaste for any vendor who attempts to take advantage of a product's unavailability by marking it way up - when selling something for its retail value on a discount site would be bad enough. So, please note this or any item's true MSRP when selecting your seller on eBay. Likewise, when placing any order online, make sure to price you are quoted for shipping does not exceed what is postmarked when your item arrives - another thing I am a stickler for. |
| November 6th, 2005 What's on my face: - La Roche-Posay sunscreen SPF 50+ & that's it - Lashes not curled yet ... (This first photo was taken in the bathroom, so the fluorescent lighting's a bit "cold"!) |
| November 6th, 2005 What's on my face: - La Roche-Posay sunscreen SPF 50+ - Shu Uemura-curled lashes - L'Oréal Voluminous mascara in True Brown - Avon Fruity Lip Juice in Vanilla Frosting (No foundation/concealer/powder.) |
| August 16th, 2006 Ft. Walton Beach, Florida |
| July 25th, 2005 I had just had my regular 9-ounce filet at Outback, my favorite steakhouse. |
| Sunday, August 28th, 2005 With Sassy, my now-9 year-old "dog-ter" & best friend in the whole world |
| August 19th, 2006 - Destin, Florida Camille's Sidewalk Café at the Silver Sands Outlets Such a lovely European flair - and great music. A very balmy day! |
| HAIR |
| I do not consider myself much of a mane maven; however, I do take really good care of my own in addition to having 2 inches trimmed every 2 months. Below are some tips that work for me: - Essentially, do as little to it as you possibly can. The less you stress out hair (think hair dryers, hair gel/hair spray, hair coloring chemicals, excessive washing, constantly tugging at it, curling, straightening, etc.), the better. If you must color your hair, try to space appointments as far as you can (which saves money and precious time anyway!) and it is best to avoid bleach at all costs. My own hair is naturally a dark sandy blonde, so I have highlights every 2 months to get it the baby blonde shade it is now. No bleach, no ammonia. My colorist is the greatest! - Washing hair every second or third day. This is where hair powders like Brush & Ready Instant Volumizer For the Hair or Stila's new Creme Bouquet Hair Refresher as well as Psssssst (been using this $5 product since junior high - there's a lot you can do with it!) come in handy, as they give day-or-two-old hair lots of luscious volume between washings. Excessive washing can fade color and dry hair out - especially in the winter and if hot and/or hard water is used. - AVOID SULFATES. Think using a color-treated shampoo and conditioner is enough? Check the ingredients of yours, and chances are, a sulfuric acid of some sort is among not only the ingredients, but typically the first few. Harsh sodium laureth sulfate shampoos are notorious contributors for fading color - particularly if you must shampoo every day. A few sulfate-free product lines? Pureology, Mastey, Enjoy, Pravana, Alchemy/Ylang Ylang, Earth Science Pure Essentials. One thing I have been doing lately is using weekly protein pacs on my hair - you know, the ones you can pick up at the beauty supply store for just a couple of dollars. I shampoo, apply a protein treatment throughout my hair, and leave it on while I shave. I always have a really amazing hair day when I use these, and highly recommend them. |
| Let Me Help! I'm always putting together ensembles for my family & girlfriends, and it's a blast for me! Also, when it comes to finding amazing deals for high-end apparel and accessories, I always find what I'm looking for. So, if you're looking for an outfit for an event or party, but don't know where on earth to start, send me an e-mail, & I'll see if I can help you find something just right. Don't forget to include your size! Also: If you see a particular top or handbag you like on my website & would like to know where I got it, feel free to ask. |
| June 18th, 2005 On the cruise tender in Kirkwall, Scotland |
| November 1st, 2005 At the supermarket gearin' up for my next Fun Day |
| Edmond, OK - January 23rd, 2005 At Akin's Health Food Store, stocking up on vitamins and yummy Gram's Gourmet and Optimum Nutrition Pro Complex products! |
| Christmas Eve 2005 At the Galleria in Dallas - I cannot tell you how much I love Christmas |
| May 28th, 2006 - Dallas After dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse - and you know I got the Caesar & rare 10-ounce filet with no seasoning. |
| October 30th, 2006 - Los Angeles At my niece's Fall Festival |
| June 24th, 2005 - Dallas Willow Bend Mall I was going for "impromptu" to keep things interesting ... but alas, it just ended up looking like a photo I was trying to make look impromptu. LOL |
| Fourth of July 2005, Oklahoma City In a red/white/blue halter I'd snagged at Old Navy Just ate at a Bahamian restaurant! |
| My tips for this category are quick, brief, and to the point - because I feel that nails should be the most no-nonsense aspect of a woman's physical appearance. It is so easy to make them look good, because the upkeep takes such little effort. Yes, I'm talking about natural nails. Not high-maintenance, pricey silk or gel wraps, and not acrylics, which I no longer do. In fact, since high school, I had acrylics on my nails. As the years passed, they began to exasperate me more and more, because after only a few days of having them done, the tips would invariably begin to lift, leaving me with the inability to simply run my fingers through my hair without being careful of them "catching." Plus, I discovered - and finally accepted - that acrylics only really looked fresh on me for the first 72 hours after having them done. Well, since I have a very big problem with the nuisance of time-consuming, inconvenient nail appointments any more often than every two weeks, this lifting either meant living with it until my next appointment, or begrudgingly making yet another premature trip to the salon for a fill-in, where I had to sit for another hour. After my last appointment in February 2005, I decided that I had had it. The slight "ridging" on the natural nail after acrylic tip removal is to be expected and should take 2+ months to grow out (mine finally have!), certainly, but my, have I forgotten the next-to-zero maintenance of natural nails - not to mention the lack of expense and especially the newfound convenience. So, what do I recommend for the everyday, natural look? First of all, file and shape nails to mirror the shape of the cuticle, as this looks best. The length is up to you; however, I've personally always preferred short, round nails. Ultra-long nails, blue/purple/green/yellow/orange/black-polished nails, French manicures, or nails bearing designs or art, are looks that are not for me. Secondly, if you are considering getting rid of acrylic nails and wish to nurse them back to health over the next few months, I highly recommend Jessica Restoration Post Acrylic Treatment. As it does its job, it adds a lovely shine to the nails. My favorite topcoat, due to its mega-shiny, vinyl finish, is Rimmel's 60 Seconds Nail Polish in Clear. I also love using the Sally Hansen 2-In-1 Nail White Pencil. It works so well - and with the above clear, shiny treatment, it looks just like the American Manicures I used to get with acrylics. I wish I had started this years ago! Also great is Sally Hansen's brush-on Cuticle Oil, and does a lovely job of smoothing cuticles - essentially the hallmark of the hands and nails looking finished and, well ... polished! OPI's Bubble Bath and Embrace are among my favorite hues for all 20 digits. On short, round nails, I absolutely love a bright hue that pops. The color depends on the mood, and I have been loving OPI Big Apple Red (crazy about this color). Just have fun & experiment! |
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| April 14th, 2006 - Chinatown, NYC I went to see the doctorfor a check-up that morning (who is in Manhattan), so I'm barefaced & sporty! Of course, I can't be without my "Tall House Blend" with heavy cream, transferred over to a Venti cup of ice! |
| June 25th, 2005 - Dallas I picked up this little sequined skirt on Grafton Street in Dublin |
| June 2006 - Plano, Texas At a friend's wedding - a little "dewy" after a night of dancing! |
| July 30th, 2006 - Whole Foods, Dallas Shopping for some peanut butter! I only purchase "Natural" brands because I love the oil at the top! |
| The market has been booming with all sorts of tooth-whitening products - and increasingly so as the years progress. Not only is teeth-whitening a billion dollar market, it is expected to grow by 24% annually - and it is estimated that 7 out of 10 Americans whiten their teeth. In fact, teeth whitening tops the list of most-requested procedures performed at the dentist office. With the exception of the hard-to-find Natural White's Rapid White system, I am not particularly interested in (or impressed by, for that matter) the over-the-counter/drugstore tooth-whitening methods, so I stick with advanced strengths for ultra-white results. Nite White is among the brands of teeth-whitening products commonly offered at dentist's offices, and the process of making an appointment, fitting for the custom trays, and purchasing the product itself has been known to cost hundreds of dollars. But if you know me ... you know that I never pay retail! Thankfully, eBay sellers - very often dentists - with good user feedback provide custom-fittings by mail (it sounded crazy to me at first, too!) as well as refills for a mere fraction of the price. At the time I began using Nite White, the system and syringes cost $90. Now, I see the entire custom experience and syringes going for around half the price. It's worth a search! (You may need to sign in to see the product list.) For years, I have used 22% Nite White for one hour, just once every few months to maintain my pearly whites. I only have to purchase refills about twice a year, from a reputable eBay seller for under $20 - shipping included. It's so easy to feel gorgeous for cheap ... you just have to know where to go and what to look for! |
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| June 18th, 2005 Sailing out of Kirkwall, Scotland (but this green dress is from Hong Kong) A bit worn out after a long day of sightseeing! |
| Sheila, Low Carb Coach & Self-Improvement Motivator! This page is no longer updated - Check out the new & improved page! |
| January 8th, 2007 At the Galleria La Madeleine again - a nice pit stop amidst all the post-holiday shopping! |
| January 11th, 2007 At Antares in downtown Dallas. A rarity to find sweaters that don't make me itchy! |
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| March 21st, 2007 On a cruise, heading for Montego Bay |
| March 19th, 2007 On the way to Montego Bay and having a bit of a Marilyn moment. Got to watch that top-floor wind! |
| March 21st, 2007 On a submarine in Montego Bay, Jamaica |
| March 23rd, 2007 Quintana Roo, Mexico |
| April 11th, 2007 Shopping in Dallas Throw-on-and-off dresses are a necessity for me when shopping - especially when trying on pants, shorts, and skirts is concerned. |
| April 29th, 2007 For my niece's Flat Stanley Project. Flat Jordie's first day at the spa! |
| May 20th, 2007 Dallas |
| August 29th, 2007 - New Jersey Exhausted at the airport ... and not ready for my closeup A cloche is essentially the only type of hat I like - and I've had this one for years. |
| Summer 2004 Dallas, Texas |
| August 12th, 2007 At the Dallas post office, picking up SFS.com mail! It was over 100ºF (38ºC) outside. P.S: Tank top-style bras work wonders if a button-down in your size pulls a bit at the bust - and unfortunately, I didn't know this particular dress did until after the fact! |
| August 30th, 2007 - NYC I'm in Queens!! |
| November 2007 - Madeira At Pingo Doce supermarket. I'm looking for travel essentials like bath gel and local heavy cream. Their store brand of the latter proved to be pretty excellent! I brought a bunch home and will even be reordering it, I liked it so much. |
| November 28th, 2007 - NYC Outside Wigs & Plus. I picked up some of the neatest stuff in there - a braided blonde elastic and a blonde temporary touch-up wand. Honey, it's been 6 weeks, & that's why I'm wearing the hat! |
| November 28th, 2007 - NYC At Bergdorf's Bar III I had the Lobster & Crabmeat Salad, with the brandy chive sauce on the side. |
| December 17th, 2007 Christmas shopping at Grapevine Mills with my niece, stopping at the Island Carousel. |