The Summer of Highlighters, 2016!!!

Last Fall 2015 we were introduced to such beautiful highlighters for the face and skin.  Some amazingness that comes to mind is Becca's "Champagne Pop", MAC's "Oh Darling" and Anastasia Beverly Hills "Glow Kits"....

While I was still processing what was happening there ha, highlighters quickly became the most popular item of Spring/Summer 2016.  We began to see different colors that didn't "stay in the lines" and daring colors that could be used in a variety of ways.  Also different formulas to further blind anyone in your radius.

Can we just talk about the Cover FX Enhancer drops for a minute?  Because that came out of left field and they probably had the most WOW factor out of everything released so far.  For someone like myself this didn't really seem like a practical purchase for $42.  What I did think was cool is if you don't want to drop that much on something that you're not too sure about Sephora will give you a sample of one or ALL 6 shades for FREE.  After using up my sample, It all of a sudden seemed like a practical purchase ha.  So here we are in July and not a day goes by that I don't mix one drop of Celestial into my foundation.  Ugh it makes your skin look so glowy and luminous!  Im fair/medium skin toned so Celestial was the best shade for me.  I like that in addition to glowing up your foundation they can also be placed directly on the skin with your finger or placed on top of makeup with a damp sponge.  They are currently out of stock on Sephora online and in my area stores, but there is an email waiting list available.  

Colourpop was another line who came through this year with their new cream based highlighters.  There are currently 18 colors available in a huge variety of shades.  Ive personally never been a fan of the cream highlight but Colourpop's "Lunch Money" and "Monster" made me eat my words.  

I think one of the most anticipated releases this year was Jaclyn Hill's collab with Becca which consisted of a variety of products.  For myself I couldn't wait to get my hands on the palette which released their new shade "Processo Pop" with 3 blushes and the original "Champagne Pop".  They hadn't said at the time that the shade would be available in a split pan with a blush later on or I think I would have passed on buying the entire palette for $52.  Nonetheless the packaging is Everythinggggg and its a beautiful addition to your makeup collection.  This collaboration release also included eyeshadows, shimmering skin perfecters (similar to the Cover FX), and shimmering sticks for more a specific application of the liquid highlight.  

The summer isn't over yet but in my opinion Anastasia Beverly Hills closed it out with the release of three, yes THREE highlighting palettes; the new Glow Kit in "Sun Dipped", "MoonChild" and "Sweets".  The variety of colors, the formula, and very smooth application took the highlighting to another level.  These palettes took the common concept of highlighting the high points of the face to now doubling as eyeshadows, body sparklers and lipstick illuminators with beautiful, creamy colors like "Tourmaline" and "Lucky Clover."

These are just a few of my favorites from the summer so far.  Soooooo many brands came out with such innovative and beautiful highlighters this year.  Cant wait to see whats coming up next! 

xoxo @van_renee

Weight Loss Tips, Part 2 ("Abs are made in the Kitchen"...)

As I began my journey on this lifestyle change; and I call it "Lifestyle Change" because thats exactly what it is; I began to learn that there were MANY aspects to losing weight correctly.  In Part One of this blog I believe I mentioned I would work out for hours, often twice a day, and never see any results.  The reason is because abs are truly made in the kitchen.  To be honest, at this point I work out very lightly throughout the week and maintain my weight due to my diet.  Diet gets a bit tricky; especially when you have a full time job.  And also many focus on that "cheat meal" so to speak, and that should not even be on your mind if you are fully going into this lifestyle change.  This is your new life!  And that means a NEW YOU! :)

As mentioned before I began to cut out "little things" that make a huge impact regarding calories and weight loss.  I started slowly because you cant just cut yourself off and go into shock ha.  First: The small things that started to go were the Vanilla creamer (even though it said "low fat"), regular cokes, alcohol, those tempting starter dinner breads at restaurants, chips, and desserts.  The desserts was not a big deal for me because Im not a big sweets person to begin with but the pasta was a killer!! (We'll get to that later)  And Im Hispanic, so no tortillas...RIP.  Those "small things" alone in combination with my supplements mentioned in Part One started to shape the body that I wanted.  Toned and healthy.
Next began the full transition into a completely new way of eating.  I wouldn't even use the word "diet"; this was the way I was going to eat, period.  I felt excited about this new change!  I actually looked forward to going to the store because I didn't want things to get boring and wanted to see what I could put together.  You would be surprised on how far spices can change a boring meal!   The Paleo (ish) route seemed to be the easiest most feasible method.  Other wise known as "the Cavemen Diet," however I tailored this to my needs.

    (Steelhead Trout w/ Pepper Lemon Zest)

Second: The next items to go were processed foods.  These are just really bad for your body in general. Sandwich meat, bacon, pepperoni, sausage, hot dogs and burgers....goodbye.  Those items also happen to be accompanied by buns and a pizza crust, so those went as well.  This was really easy actually.  Watch a few of those processing food movies on Netflix and you'll have no problem with this, ha.

So whats left on the menu?  A LOT.  Mornings were very simple.  Egg white omelets with vegetables, greek yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit, 6 hard boiled eggs, and even maybe a sirloin with eggs.  *Load up on the fresh salsa and jalapenos; those are also secret metabolism jump starters*.  Personally, I am not much of a breakfast person; I wake up late and fill that time with coffee :)  *A few cups of Black coffee in the morning is another secret metabolism booster*.  For me, Lunch and Dinner were really the areas of focus here.  First trip to the store that beginning week consisted of salmon, chicken, sirloins, and more salmon.  Then of course items to make salads and fresh veggies as the sides.  Forget your old friend Ranch dressing because you have broken up ha!  The new salad dressing would be extra virgin Olive Oil and Salad Vinegar; which ever type you like.  I began to play around with spices like adding crushed red pepper to veggies before baking them (*another metabolism booster*) and making ground turkey breast meatballs with italian spices.  The salmon and chicken started to get a little repetitive at times so I began to grill shrimp and bake trout as well.  

(Seasoned Rainbow trout w/ Red Leaf lettuce salad)

And soon, after about six months of eating this way, it was time to begin to start going out to restaurants again.  I thought this was going to be very challenging because I no control of what was being used behind the kitchen door, so to speak AND I also didn't think there would be anything for me there to accommodate my new eating lifestyle.  I WAS VERY WRONG.  There is something to eat at every single restaurant you go to and if it is not on the menu, do not be afraid to ask!  The Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory, Outback, and Yard House are just a few places that come to mind that have very accommodating menus for your new lifestyle.   

-Unknown 

Slowly over the course of 4-6 months I really hadn't taken a good look at myself, but I noticed my family started to look damn good haha.  It was then that people started to point out how thin I looked, I honestly hadn't paid attention I guess.  But after a doctor weigh in, the scale showed I had lost 40 pounds!  I was in shock.  Did i even have 40 pounds to lose haha!  I had lost my butt for sure ha, but specifically I was able to see all of the definition and muscle that had been hiding under the fat for so long.  My wrists, arms and face showed it all.  YOU CAN DO THIS friends if you really want to make it happen.  Whether you're in it to lose weight or become more healthy in general; I promise you can make it happen.  Even if you only want to make "small adjustments" like the ones above, in conjunction with the tips from Part One; you WILL see results.... :) 

*My butt is still at large, last seen Summer of 2014 tubing down the Comal.  Please contact with any information*  

-Black Zip Bodysuit, Black Milk Clothing

-Fall of Pheaton Skirt, Black Milk Clothing, (No longer available) 

-Ballet Bae Lace Up Heels, YRU, Dollskill.com

-Shadys Rainbow Sunglasses, UNIF, (no longer available, though I have seen them on eBay and Poshmark) 

          

The Periodic Tables...Breaking Bad (ish)

Monday was an awesome day for me as I ran to the mail to grab my shiny black package from Black Milk Clothing!  Ahhh my Periodic Table vs Mathamatacool Inside Out Dress was finally here!! It fit absolutely perfect!  I have to say it right away that this dress is still in stock on blackmilkclothing.com for $136!  The inside out dresses are very flattering to your body and curves, much more so than the general skater dresses that they sell.  I had to wear it out asap!
I took my dad to a newer restaurant he had never been to called Whiskey Cake, and since it was "Happy Hour" I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to have a Moscow Mule :) They're my favorite old "cocktail."  If you're not familiar, it was a very popular drink in the 1950s that is known for coming in a chilled copper mug.  Vodka, ginger beer and lime are the ingredients; then garnished with a lime and yesterday they added a ginger garnish.  We can never seem to make these taste good at home so him and I have just given up trying and go out to have them now haha!  I personally love this place, if you have one in your area you have to check it out.  On the way in you pass their vegetable garden where they actually grow all the items you eat indoors.  Inside you could call the interior a "blast from the past" with vintage sofas, lightbulb vases on each table, and McCall's magazines and books everywhere that remind me Grandma's house when I was little.

I received many compliments on the dress during dinner and afterwards around the mall.  These dresses are not only flattering to your curves but I like that you can spin it inside out at anytime to appear to be wearing something completely different in an instant.  The other side of this dress has whats called the "Mathamatacool" print which just stresses me out all together ha.  I hate math.  Its bright blue with equations and math problems everywhere.  I probably wont be wearing that side ever because Im not one to wear a lot of color and I'm not exactly "Good Will Hunting" over here haha!  The black periodic table side is enough for me because it reminds me of school and of course....Breaking Bad.

To get this look or (OOTD):  My hair is done professionally; this particular color is a permanent dye by Pravana called "Magenta."  I have written another blog regarding how to slowly get your hair all one bright color called "How Do You Get Your Hair Like That"; if you have any of questions on that :)

The dress is again by Black Milk Clothing and called the Periodic Tables IOD (IOD=inside out dress).  For shoes it was safe to go with something colorful since the dress is black, so these are the "Daydream" by YRU.  Sunglasses are the "Shadys" by UNIF.  The blue rosary was my mother's and the silver cross necklace is by James Avery Jewelers.  If there is not one in your area, they do have a website.  I have worn the cross necklace, which was given to me by my father, to represent how many years I have been sober (11 years now).  On my right wrist I wear an orange National Multiple Sclerosis Society bracelet everyday for two years now to show my support for the disease and because I work closely with the society to raise money for a cure.

-Periodic Tables IOD, $136 in all sizes on the USA site, www.us.blackmilkclothing.com
-UNIF Shadys Sunglasses, (no longer available), although I have spotted them on Poshmark.com and eBay
-Daydream in Multi, By YRU, $115, www.solestruck.com
-Serenity Cross, James Avery, $69-$155 (depending on chain), www.jamesavery.com



    

Low Priced, Magical Wedding or Vow Renewal? (Yup, In Las Vegas)

When I thought about my upcoming wedding I immediately felt STRESS.  All that came to mind was this is going to cost $20,000 if not more, I have to find food for 200 people, I need bridesmaids, I have to find a venue, and my head was probably going to explode before that.  Seriously.  I am a control freak.  I was already thinking about flower colors and lighting and music, and AHHHH!  The only thing I knew FOR SURE was that I wanted my Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas and I wanted my Honeymoon in Las Vegas.  Because after all, that is my favorite place in the entire world....specifically the Bellagio fountains.  You can park me in front of those fountains and it is probably the only time you'll hear silence from me for HOURS ha!

It became clear overnight that we were moving this wedding to Vegas.  No doubt about it.  But how could I allow someone I don't even know plan my wedding for me with me not there being able to see every single detail?  My girlfriend said it best, "its a blessing in disguise."  And it was.
I called the Bellagio the next morning and we got started.  I personally couldn't imagine it being in any other place in Las Vegas than in front of those stunning fountains.  I told her everything I imagined for that evening, and she said she could make it happen.....for $2000.  Now, for us, that was an excellent price for a 5 Star hotel and a property like the Bellagio.  They were going to take care of all the details for us.....it did start to sound better and better.  But everyone's budget, needs, and wants are different.  There are a lot of factors that go into your Vegas wedding or even Vow Renewal, and those factors also effect the price.  Also, think of the fact that you will be trusting someone to do this for you and if you're going to be ok with that.  If you have a $150 budget or an endless budget; there is something unique in Las Vegas for you, if that is where you want to have your Wedding or Vow Renewal. However, the point here is to make it memorable with a reasonable price.  And its possible!!  The day of the week, inside or outside, the amount of guests attending, the time of day/year, photography, and if you want a full reception afterwards at a hotel all effect the price of your wedding.

One great deal is at The Little White Wedding Chapel (off strip), which may sound familiar because this is where Brittany Spears got married (that one time, ha).  This venue offers the Drive-Thru option, an inside or outside ceremony and a Michael Jackson or Elvis option to serenade you afterwards. :)  This place is really cute!  Their packages start at around $200 and include photography and free limo service from wherever you're staying at to the marriage license bureau and to the ceremony.  They also rent wedding dresses there for your ceremony, which isn't a bad idea if you think about it.  Wedding dresses cost ALOT of money and are hard to sell afterwards.  

Another reasonable option is Planet Hollywood if you're wanting a more "traditional" ceremony in their indoor chapel.  When this property was the Aladdin, this is where Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married.  One can find a very reasonable deal there from $400-$1,600 that includes flowers, photography, a personal coordinator, and even your two night stay at the hotel!
Caesar's Palace is also very affordable, though you wouldn't think so.  I attended an indoor chapel wedding there that included the chapel, photography, and a dressing area for the brides and bridesmaids.  Again, depending on whether indoor or outdoor, time of day, and amount of guests; these start at $1500.  This particular wedding was a smart decision, because the reception was at the Cheesecake Factory afterwards and I believe everyone paid for themselves.  Regardless of the price, this wedding was very beautiful and the indoor chapel was stunning!

If you want to scare the crap out of all your guests you can have your wedding at the top of the Stratosphere inside on the 108th or 109th floor OR you can take your guests outside on the observation deck on the 112th floor. EEK!  I can't even put into words how memorable a ceremony there must be for you and your guests.  Or even if its just the two of you.  The "Just The Two Of Us" Package starts at $299 and around $500 for an outdoor ceremony with 15 guests.  That is hands down, an amazing deal!  

Now ANY of these packages at all Las Vegas chapels and hotels do offer "upgrades" if the package does not include something you really desire.  Additional chapel time, bringing more guests, decorating the chapel with rose petals/flowers, specific music, and requesting to have a photographer longer are all examples of options you can request to make YOUR day more special.  These add ons are all for an extra price though, of course.
Regarding a reception: the venue can make a full blown reception happen for you on property which WILL cost ALOT, you can pay for all your guests and take them out to dinner, or you can make an reservation at a restaurant and have everyone pay for themselves.  Or you don't have to have a reception at all.  Its your preference and budget.

   (Eiffel Tower Restaurant in the evening)

When it came to my wedding, we didn't really have too many requests, needs, and extras.  Everything need was already included in the package; even a few extras I didn't expect.  Specifically I wanted to make sure my father could walk me down the isle, I wanted all our best friends to be there, I wanted a red rose laid out for my mother who passed away, I wanted to be in front of the fountains at sunset and really I just wanted it all to go smoothly.  She told me to trust her.  I probably called her about twice a day until the wedding ha!  To be honest my biggest concern was probably the song they would play on the fountains after we said "I DO."  What if it was "Luck be a Lady" or "Viva Las Vegas?"  No Bueno!  But I did start to fell the stress of it all melt off my back.  The only things I had to do on my end was find my dress to take on the plane with me, invite all of our best friends who could go, book the plane and hotel, make the invitations and find a place to have a semi-small reception.  I probably did all of this in two days, no joke!  I already knew our favorite restaurant in Las Vegas is the Eiffel Tower at the Paris so the dinner reception would have to be there.  We had too few of guests to have a huge reception, and it really wasn't necessary.  The Eiffel Tower Restaurant is an experience in itself as its on the 11th floor and has some of the most breathtaking views of the strip.  Again, booking this was too easy.  The events coordinator from the Paris hotel called me asap and sent us several 4 course menu for our guests via email.  We decided on the best meals, and boom paid for it online that day.

And very soon, I was dragging my 50 pound dress onto the plane headed to Las Vegas for my dream wedding at the Bellagio.  I was scared, (control freak) that something was going to go wrong, but nothing did.  That evening I walked down and there was my father waiting for me holding the red rose.  We walked out together and everything was perfect, although I saw nothing but my husband.  I don't think I heard a word the minister said, it was unbelievable....I cant even describe it.  Everything seemed so silent, like we were the only two people there.  We said "I do" and the fountains lit up.  And God (Fountain Control) played "Billie Jean!!" I could not stop laughing and dancing.  Everyone was silent and in shock because anyone who knows me, knows how much I loveeeee Michael Jackson! Haha!  It was such an awesome moment!  My son ran up and started dancing with me :)

All the guests headed over to the Eiffel Tower Restaurant for cocktails while we took wedding photos around the Bellagio.

It didn't cost an arm and a leg.  Everyone we loved was there.  For $2,000 I feel we had an unforgettable wedding and it WAS a blessing in disguise to let them make this happen for us.  I look at those photos and feel so grateful that I was able to experience something so magical and memorable.  It wasn't some crazy expensive wedding that was over the top, but to me it was perfect.  Thats what your wedding should be all about.  Don't worry about impressing anyone, because at the end of the day when you're standing there; the only person you see is the one you're about to marry.

-Dress and Veil: Alfred Angelo, Disney Collection (Dress now Discontinued)

-3 ring Tanzonite set: Zales 

-Wedding Band: Tiffany and Co. 

*All wedding package information is available on all hotel or chapel websites*

Goodnight Loves, xoxo
Instagram and Twitter: @van_rogue83   

How To Visit Las Vegas On A Budget! (It's Possible)

I have learned Las Vegas the hard I would say.  I would go and spend easily over a thousand dollars in a few days each trip on food, gambling, cocktails, clubbing....you name it; I probably blew a lot on it.  The good news is I have learned a smart way to pull this off, WITHOUT breaking your bank.  I'm going to share some tips on how to make the most of your trip and still come home with money!
Clubbing is probably one of the most expensive experiences that you want to partake in while in Vegas.  With admission being anywhere from $20-$40 and drinks costing $11 each, you can spend a lot really quickly.  There is a way to avoid this problem before you even arrive though.  Get on every club website that you want to visit about a week before you leave home and scroll to the bottom to where it says "Guest List."  Put your name, email, number of guests and phone number on as many club guest lists as you want to visit.  The day of or even the day before you WILL receive a call from one of the club promotors, if not all.  This call is to verify that you will be attending and how many will be in your party.  Keep in mind if you are a group of all males, this probably wont work so well.  Its not unheard of though.  The goal of the club is to fill it with more women than men.  When you arrive at the decided club that night you will be directed to a smaller line and given two free drink tickets each.  Now its not going to be tickets for Grey Goose, but nonetheless you got two free well drinks at least.  Another way to get your name on the guest list at your club of choice is to just walk by it while you're there a few times during the afternoon.  Usually you will see a club promoter looking to bring in a good looking group of folks that evening and he will either give you a free admission ticket or write your name down directly on the guest list right there.  

      (Looking at the strip from inside Tao)

Drinking is another way to drop a lot of money very quickly.  It's no secret that if you're at the slots drinks are free, BUT, who wants to sit at the penny slots for hours just to get free drinks?  You've got places to be and things to see!  A lot of people forget that Las Vegas is just like any other town in the U.S. and they have this thing we love......Happy Hour!  These aren't your whole in the wall happy hour places either.  These are places where you can have quality appetizers and cocktails for $5.  Lavo in The Venetian, Sushi Roku in The Forum Shops, and The Yard House in The Linq are just a few where you can get cheap drinks and pull off dinner with their appetizers.  Call ahead to check any places happy hour times so you can add it to your itinerary.  If you are looking for the "Best Bang" ha for your buck then purchasing a yard cup with your favorite frozen drink from Fat Tuesday is your best bet.  For an additional $3 they'll even throw in an extra shot.  They also give you a coupon for money off if you decide to do a refill later.  Then there is also of course the poker machines on the bar at any hotel bar.  If you are playing, the bartender will ask what you want to drink.  Now I didn't say you had to insert $100 and play it all away.  At most hotel bars they must see that you have inserted at least $20 and your drink is free.  Play a few games for 25 cents and then cash out and move along.  Most of the bartenders are super sweet and basically tell you that to your face; just don't forget to tip them!

So at this point you've got your evening planned and you're carrying around a yard of vodka and redbull ha!  Take this time to do the FREE things that Las Vegas has to offer.  Starting with a players card at the hotel you're staying at and any ones you hit along the way.  Most players cards cover several properties, for example, if you get one at "Caesar's Palace" you're covered with that one card at 5 properties.  If you get one at "Mandalay Bay," you're covered at about four.  Why is this card important?  When you get that card at the desk in the hotel you will receive a coupon book and in addition to that, this card will get you discounts at any of the properties it covers.  Discounts on buffets, merchandise, show tickets if purchased at your hotel and even cocktails.  Show this card EVERYWHERE you go.  Including when you play any slot or before you put money down to play a table game.  Even if you put $100 down at a Blackjack table and spend 10 of it, the pit boss will document on your card that you put down $100.  Also, do not forget to grab those coupon books that are in the back seat of any cab you ride.  They all contain coupons for all Las Vegas experiences that cost money.  Start your walk through "Caesar's Palace" to the Forum Shops to see their Greek Gods show for free that starts every hour.  One of my favorite free things to do is to hit Hyde Lounge inside the Bellagio.  No reservation, just walk in at 5pm for free and pick your table.  I always buy a few drinks but here you are sitting on the other side of the Bellagio waters and the view is breathtaking.  I will sit at my favorite table for hours with my face smashed against the glass just feeling grateful that I have this view of something so mesmerizing.  

                 (Hyde during the day) 

                  (Hyde in the evening) 

The Mirage Hotel has a free "Volcano Eruption" starting at 8pm nightly.  Walk down through the new Linq area to hear live music and see the "High Roller" Farris Wheel in action.  Grab a cab and head down the strip a bit to visit the "Pawn Stars" pawn shop.  Take a cab back and get dropped at the Cosmopolitan Hotel to see the three floors of the beautiful "Chandelier Bar."  Its amazing.  If you want to have a drink there, drop $16 to have the best Cosmo of your life hands down.   

Food.  Food in Vegas is going to be your biggest source of dropping money because its outrageous.  BUT, you have a few options here.  The first is happy hour which we discussed above, but that only covers dinner..ish.  The Hooters hotel is great place to gamble offering $5 Blackjack but also, one restaurant offers a $10.99 prime rib special and the other restaurant (Hooters) always has wing specials.  The Hard Rock Hotel is another place for a "secret deal," at Mr. Luckys.  Just ask for the 777 deal and for $7.77 you will get a steak and shrimp with sides....BOOM!  The best deal though for quality food in buffets in Vegas is purchasing the buffet pass from any Caesar's property.  It is $49.99 with a players card and for 24 hours allows you access to any of the buffets at any of their 6 properties for that time period.  Meaning, buy it at 10am, have breakfast at the Flamingo.  Have lunch at Harrah's and dinner at The Linq hotel....and somewhere after all that drinking go to Planet Hollywood buffet at midnight.  Wake up at 9:45am and catch your last buffet at The Paris for breakfast.  Each of these buffets also offers "all you can drink wine, champagne and beer" for $10 as well.  This is an amazing deal all around considering each buffet is $39 if you were to not have the buffet pass.  
I hope some of these tips have helped.  I know learning these little tricks the hard way took time but it is definitely worth knowing.  My trips are more feasible now that I know how to play Vegas instead of it playing me ha.  After a few trips I was shocked to see that I had earned enough points since I flashed that players card everywhere, to get my rooms comped and even some buffets.  Until next time my darlings.....

IG: @van_rogue83 xoxo  

Weight Loss Tips That Are Easily Overlooked (Part One)

Over the last two years I have lost 40 pounds, but not intentionally.  I never thought I was over weight in any way, because I wasn't.  I've always considered myself a healthy person and because I was in the gym twice a day most weekdays, I thought that was the key.  I began to notice that I was working out so hard constantly, but I never got the muscular definition I really wanted.  AND, I never lost any weight.  This was baffling to me.  How could someone working out twice a day for an hour and a half not lose a single pound?  Why was I lifting more than ever but could not see any muscular definition in my body?  To answer these questions I decided to do this blog in two parts.  This being the first, and the second portion will focus more on diet/food and exercise.
After going to the doctor to have a routine blood check because I was suffering from migraines, I was told that I was deficient in many vitamins.  These vitamins are not only crucial to your health, but I did not realize that they played a major role in losing weight.  Its no secret that so many women are deficient in Vitamin D due to very little sun exposure, unless you live in a tanning bed.  In addition to having low vitamin D levels, I was also low in Magnesium and B12.  I spoke with my friend who is a Marines Boot Camp instructor about my concerns regarding my vitamins and how after hours at the gym I was still not showing any muscle definition.  I went on and on about how I do 500 sit ups everyday and I was drinking the protein shakes correctly.  He took one look at my stomach and bluntly told me, "You have a very strong core, its just covered in fat."  Whoa.  Don't go easy on me or anything bud ha.
One step at a time right?  It is generally recommended that adult women can safely consume 4,000 IU of Vitamin D, but since I was deficient I opted for the bottle with the 10,000 IU (one per day).  I could no longer stand the migraines so I wasn't going to put up a fight about Magnesium helping them stay far away.  I began taking 800mg in the morning and 800mg before bed.  It not only was a god send for the migraines but it does also calm your nervous system.  And then the B12.  I had noticed I had no energy for sometime and small tasks began to seem overwhelming because I was so fatigued.  I not only picked up an "overall" Super B Complex (to cover all the B Vitamins), but I also purchased additional B12 supplements in 5,000IU and took one of each daily as well.
As I did more research on diet, vitamins, etc it became clear that I was missing Omega 3, fish from my diet, and COQ10 for heart health.  I decided to begin taking the Fish Oil in 1200mg two pills in the morning and two at night.  Then got the COQ10 capsules which were quite expensive but when it comes to your health it doesn't matter the price in my opinion. Or you can go for the liquid form which hits the blood stream faster, I take 200IU daily.  When it came to the other supplements I did not break my bank but at the same time I did not opt for the cheapest product they had. And here I had the "Big 5" if you will....ha.

Over the next few months I started to lose weight which surprised me very much because I had stopped my two gym visits a day to 3 visits a week.  I took them religiously and still do to this day.  Little did I know that this combination was the key to kick starting your metabolism.  Over the next few months I lost 10 pounds and I started to see that my arms looking more defined as I wanted before.
I began to realize that the quest for weight loss was more than just the gym.  If anything, the gym was last in the "order of operations" here.  It was diet, supplements, and then the gym.  If you've ever heard the term, "Abs are made in the kitchen" it is no lie.
I started adding more vitamins to my daily intake.  Not for weight loss purposes, but because I wanted to be healthy all around.  I also started to notice some very bad habits I had that seemed small, but were huge additions to causing my goal to back track.  I cut out regular Coke (which is my favorite), started drinking my coffee black without my gallon of Vanilla creamer, quit the $7 Starbucks trips, and never drank a beer no matter what.  As a matter of fact, I took my drinking from twice weekly, to twice monthly.  The coffee. My vice that has its flaws but does 100% hands down get that metabolism going!  It's not for everyone though. Those small things alone I believe aided in dropping another 7 pounds.

*In Cancun about 4 months after adding the supplements and small changes*

As said above this is just "Part One" of a few easy tips I wanted to share.  Losing those 17 pounds boosted my confidence and made me feel better about my body....especially when my muscles began to show through the fat that was covering my body, as my friend so bluntly put it.

*Of course, always consult a doctor before adding supplements and vitamins into your lifestyle change. Because that's exactly what it is; it's something you plan to commit to for life. If I had never gone to see a doctor I would have never known how much I was really lacking from my diet. 

-Do not ever get discouraged in your quest to become more healthy or lose weight.  It will never happen over night, patience is our greatest friend here, yet the one we hate.  Taking very small and very easy steps like the ones above will get you in the right direction towards your goal.  Do not give up.

Very much love my friends, xoxo IG: van_rogue83        

2016 is long away for Penny Dreadful fans...so in the meantime?

For big fans of Showtime's Penny Dreadful, we know that we just had an amazing Season 2 Finale.  But we also know there's a lot of questions still, and we're not going to get these questions answered until sometime in 2016.  I've never been one to watch TV so now Sunday nights Im totally bored.  I know two things about myself though, I love to read and I love to write.  But I want Penny Dreadfulllll whahhhhh haha!

I started reading "The Picture of Dorian Grey" a few weeks ago to keep my craving for British Literature satisfied as I had previously mentioned.  That was a few weeks ago.....I generally blow through a book in a few days.  Holy Sleeper!  I don't know why this book was so controversial at the time, I cant even keep my eyes open to read it.  Its a free sleeping pill ha.  I know that Oscar Wilde was forced to write an apology when the book was first released and the publishers also had to remove 500 words.  Im sure I didn't give it chance, but I went ahead and put it down.  To be picked up later....way later ha.

Thank god my order my Amazon finally arrived.  I ordered Penny Dreadful Season One on Blu Ray so I have something to watch in the meantime.  It seems like these episodes are longer because there's a lot of content I don't recall seeing before.  While I was ordering it, at the bottom it suggested to me a book to order with the DVD.  WOW, so glad I ordered that as well.  This absolutely beautiful large book came in the mail last week called, "The Art and Making of Penny Dreadful."  I don't want to say too much about it, but just the photography alone is stunning.  It touches on the history of the time period, creative processes to create the show and goes into every episode as well.  The book is about 8x10 so I plan on framing several of these high quality photos for my office.  I do recommend ordering Season One and the book together.  Especially if you're a big fan, its an amazing collectors item.  These are two things you must own.  Blew through that beautiful book pretty quickly.  Taking my time watching the episodes; Season Two will not be released until October 6, 2015 but is available for preorder on Amazon for around $40.

I started Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein" this evening and THAT has definitely held my interest.  Half way through it already.  Mary Shelley's writing is much more easier to follow than that of Oscar Wilde.  I, like millions of others, have always thought that Frankenstein was the scary green man with all the stitches from the old movies.  But, that is also I suppose what we were raised to believe as kids right?  Her book really doesn't drag on, it jumps right into it and holds your interest.  Coincidently, I saw today on the Showtime store that they are offering a "Special Edition" VF Journal, just like the one he carries in the show.  Its leather and has his initials on the front and the pages lightly have Victor's work printed on them.  I plan on picking that up at some point.
If any of you have read something interesting on the subject matter or have any ideas on what to expect in Season 3, I'd love to hear about it.  Have a great Sunday friends :)

-"The Picture of Dorian Grey", Amazon, $7.99

-"Frankenstien", Amazon, $7.99

-"The Art and Making of Penny Dreadful", Amazon, $18.99

-Penny Dreadful Season One Blu Ray, Amazon, $18.99

-Special Edition "VF Journal", Showtime Online Store, $29.99

xoxo IG@van_rogue83