Get it right, keep it tight..Ab Challenge! (eeekkkk)

Two reasons why you should workout your core muscles

Health Beauty Tip: In order for us to look good, we must feel good. And in order for us to feel good, we need to exercise...no surprise there. Now contrary to what many people may believe, strengthening your core muscles DOES NOT get rid of abdominal belly fat.  You need to involve cardio and aerobic workouts to get those results.  However, strenghtening your core muscles are very important. 

The two main reasons why you should workout your core are:

1. Core exercises will help improve your balance and stability.  When you work out your core, you are working out your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen all at the same time.  Most sports and physical activities depend on your core. Ladies, did you know that if you work out your core, it will help with your posture? Yes, working out your core muscles can even help you when you wear your heels...which is always a plus.  If you're anything like me, whenever I wear heels of any length..especially those that are over 3", I tend to be more nervous of tripping and losing my balance..while at the same time, twisting my ankles! So trust me, when I work out my core, I can definitely tell the difference when I wear heels when I'm out in the town or at work.

2. Surprisingly, working out your core does not mean you have to break the bank on gym memberships or specialized expensive equipment.  Any exercise that involves the use of your abdominal and back muscles in coordinated fashion counts as a core exercise. 

Many health and fitness experts recommend starting a core workout routine immediately and at least doing it 2 to 3 times a week for muscle strengthening.  It can be anywhere from 10-30 mins, whatever works for you.  With that said, I have a challenge for you.  I came across this 30 Day Ab Challenge on the Internet and I challenge you to try your best.  Do as much as you can and log it on a piece of paper and see your results at the end.  I guarantee you that you will definitely see a difference and FEEL a difference with your body.  Don't give up and stay motivated!  If you can do only two out of the four exercises listed...GREAT! Keep doing it and see how much you will improve.  Something is better than NOTHING!  Feel free to comment and let me know your results or any tips that you may have.

Summer Essentials with a Budget

Summer Essentials for that Golden Glow

Summer officially began last Friday (June 21, 2013).  If you're like me, and live nowhere near a beach, I settle for the next best thing.  Luckily I have a lake/beach where I go. Acworth Beach is located just outside of Atlanta, GA in the suburbs and is simply beautiful.  You also have alternative ways to get some Sun this summer but laying out in the yard or doing some outdoor activity.  Whether you are at the beach, washing your car outside, or walking the dog..you have to make sure you have the "Essentials" to achieve that healthy golden glow. 

Now I personally don't like to go to tanning booths. I work in public health and have been in the health care field for over ten years now, and I can tell you a thing or two about the negative effects on your health from tanning booths.  The fact that it can cause skin cancer and can give you wrinkles gives me the more reason not to go to such extremes.  So what do I do to achieve that "golden glow"?  I settle for some time out in the Sun when I go out to the lake and tend to my garden outside my home. I also discovered some self-tanners that work pretty well. I like to look for products that work and give you the most bang for your buck.  Let's face it, in today's world, just because it has a nice price tag does not necessairly mean that it truly is a good products.  With that said, the products I mention are some that I have tried personally and can give two thumbs up for the price and the results.

Number one and two on my essentials list is Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Self-tanning tinted lotion, and Beach Sexy Self-tanning tinted cooling gel.  They are available in Victoria's Secret stores and online, both for $30 together or $15 each.  You can use these before or after being out in the Sun.  I personally like to put them on after I get done outside and get showered up.  They're both fairly easy to use, giving full coverage and both have a pleasant smell.  I believe they also offer them in mini sets along with a body oil included in the set.  So go check it out..you will definitely not be dissapointed. So far, the tanning lasts about 6-10 days and that is with me showering everyday..but I think it would last longer because I use it every other day...so we shall see..but for now, it works for me.

My third summer essential is a good day moisturizer for your face.  I've always used BeautiControl's line of BC Spa Facial. BeautiControl uses skin sensors to determine what kind of skin you have, and it specially formulates the products for you to use depending if you are Normal/Dry, or Dry/Oily, etc.  You can pretty much tell, that if you are Normal/Dry you will be using the BC Spa Facial Defend and Restore Moisture Creme with SPF 20.  If you are oily, you will most likely be using the BC Spa Facial Defend and Restore Moisture Lotion with SPF 20.  All you need is a dime size, maybe even less to put on your face to give you the protection throughout the day.  The thing I like most about this product is that it has SPF 20 in it, it's fairly light weight and does not feel too greasy on your face.  It runs about $34 each, and can last you about 4-6 months! That's awesome if you ask me.  I am a Certified Beauti Control consultant and you can order it at www.beautipage.com/marjoriereaves.  You can message me if you have any questions or concerns about your skin.

 

And my fourth must have summer essential is a great bronzer. I always try to stay on top of any deals on beauty websites and I found a great deal on Sephora.com. The Tarte Golden Opportunity Tarte-To-Go is an amazing deal for only $10!!! Can you say SCORE! You can purchase it online or go to your nearest Sephora store to see if they have this deal. It's normally $19. I think it's perfect for taking on the go..you can put it in your purse and always have it with you. It also comes with a mini Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanner. But I personally love the bronzer. It really gives you that essential healthy Golden Glow that everyone wants for this summer without spending all that cash that some would spend at those tanning booths! Think of all the money you could save.