My Weight Loss Journey #2
Just over two months ago, I had a lower back injury (lumbar strain) from doing cardio intervals on the treadmill. I had been doing cardio for a while and decided it was time to up the amount of times I was running on the treadmill so I started doing intervals of running for one minute then walking for one minute. After doing this for a couple of weeks, I noticed that my lower back was getting a bit sore so I lessened the amount of times per week that I was doing my cardio intervals and started doing lower impact cardio as well as the stairs at the gym to supplement my higher impact cardio until my back was feeling better.
About a week or so into changing up my cardio to a lower impact routine due to my lower back pain, I was at the grocery store doing some shopping when I bent down to pick something up off the bottom shelf when I felt an extremely painful shooting pain going up my spine and into my sciatica. I immediately had to leave the store, and in tears struggled to get into my car because of the extremely amount of pain that was effecting my lower back. I could barely sit without being in horrible pain and I didn't even think about bending over or twisting my body in any way. The only relief I felt was standing up or laying down on my back.
As soon as I could I went to see my primary care doctor who told me to that I had a lumbar strain and that I should put some heat on it as well as taking some pain medication to subside the pain until it went away on its own. I was also given some at home exercises to try to loosen up the muscles that were tight due to the strain. Unfortunately, this didn't help the situation as much as I would have liked. Over the last two months, I have still had lower back pain although the sharp pain went away so I had normal movement back but I still had dull pains all the time so I couldn't do much intense exercise like I wanted to.
Fast forward to yesterday while I was at work, I bent over to grab something off of the floor that I had dropped off my desk, and I had the same shooting pain that I had at the grocery store going up my spine and into my sciatica. I work at a doctor's office so I immediately clocked out and went to see one of the doctor's where I was told that I again had strained my lower back (lumbar strain). I am now taking a steroid to try to repair my back as soon as possible as well as I just started physical therapy today in the hopes that this will once and for all heal my back from this injury so I can get back to my workout routine.
This whole experience has been very disheartening because nothing is worse than wanting to reach a fitness or health goal and then injuring yourself which puts a pause on the whole situation. I am hoping beyond hope that the medication as well as the physical therapy will help me to get back into good enough shape to start my regular exercise. I will keep you updated on my progress as well as the exercises that I am going to be doing that is prescribed by my physical therapist. If anyone has dealt with any kind of injury during a fitness journey before, you will know how hard and discouraging it can be on you. Prayers for a fast recovery are appreciated and I will pray for those who are also suffering from any time of injury.
God Bless!
Showing posts with label fashion blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion blogger. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
#GIRLBOSS
#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
I have recently started reading the book #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso and I love it! I have only read about two-thirds of the book and I can barley put it down. If you are looking for a great book to read, this is definitely one to pick up!
When I initially purchased #GIRLBOSS, I thought it was going to be more of a personal development type book about being a badass girl boss, but when I started reading it I realized this is more of a biography about Sophia Amoruso with some tips on how to be an awesome girl boss as a bonus.
If you don't know who Sophia Amoruso is... where have you been!!! All jokes aside, Sophia is the founder and executive chairman of the amazing and uber popular clothing store called Nasty Gal. In #GIRLBOSS, Sophia talks about how she created Nasty Gal and what the famous clothing company has done for her. She also touches on tips for being a kickass entrepreneur and what it really means and takes to be a boss lady.
#GIRLBOSS is an easy to read book that has kept me interested throughout the whole book. It motivates you to want to follow your own dreams and not try to just fit in with what society classifies as being "normal" or "the right thing." Sophia Amoruso is truly an inspiration to young women about being your own #GIRLBOSS!
Price: $16.00
Where you can buy this: barnesandnoble.com, nastygal.com, amazon.com
All photos by Becky Schutten
I have recently started reading the book #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso and I love it! I have only read about two-thirds of the book and I can barley put it down. If you are looking for a great book to read, this is definitely one to pick up!
When I initially purchased #GIRLBOSS, I thought it was going to be more of a personal development type book about being a badass girl boss, but when I started reading it I realized this is more of a biography about Sophia Amoruso with some tips on how to be an awesome girl boss as a bonus.
If you don't know who Sophia Amoruso is... where have you been!!! All jokes aside, Sophia is the founder and executive chairman of the amazing and uber popular clothing store called Nasty Gal. In #GIRLBOSS, Sophia talks about how she created Nasty Gal and what the famous clothing company has done for her. She also touches on tips for being a kickass entrepreneur and what it really means and takes to be a boss lady.
#GIRLBOSS is an easy to read book that has kept me interested throughout the whole book. It motivates you to want to follow your own dreams and not try to just fit in with what society classifies as being "normal" or "the right thing." Sophia Amoruso is truly an inspiration to young women about being your own #GIRLBOSS!
Price: $16.00
Where you can buy this: barnesandnoble.com, nastygal.com, amazon.com
All photos by Becky Schutten
Sunday, July 17, 2016
My Favorite Hairsprays
My Favorite Hairsprays
One of my hair stylist's and a close family friend once told me that hairspray to your hair style is equal to mascara to your makeup. Basically, it is the finishing touch to getting your look to be just right. That's some pretty important stuff!
Equally as important as the hairspray itself, is the brand and type of product that you are using. Again, like mascara, if you don't pick a brand or type of hairspray that you need for the style you are going for, it can majorly impact your look and its longevity.
There are a ton of different brands and types of hairspray on the market from affordable drugstore hairsprays to high-end more pricy hairsprays. Both drugstore and high-end stores have great options for everyone. Picking your perfect hairspray (or hairsprays) is all about figuring out actually what you need to use the hairspray for. Do you want it to hold your up-do in place all day and all night? Do you want it to just finish off the loose waves you created?
I have three great hairsprays and one dry shampoo that are my ride or dies when it comes to finishing off my hair. There products range from drugstore to high-end and I use each of them for a different reason. These hairsprays are in no particular order.
The first hairspray I love is Sexy Hair's Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray. Even though the bottle says "spray and play" on it, I think that this is a stronger holding hairspray. I love to use this type of hairspray when I want to keep my hair style in place all day. You want to be careful with how much product you spray on your hair because this formula can tend to build up quickly which in turn can make your hair seem a little crunchy if you spray too much. However, if you are doing an up-do or don't want your hair to move around a lot throughout the day, this would be a great choice!
Price: $17.95
Where you can find it: Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-Big%20Sexy%20Hair%20Spray%20%26%20Play%20Volumizing%20Hairspray?ciSelector=searchResults
The second hairspray that I adore is Sexy Hair's Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray. This hairspray does exactly what it describes on the bottle: touchable and weightless. This is a great product for when you want to keep your hair style in place, but want to be able to run your fingers through your hair and not feel like there is a ton of product built up in it. This product is great for loose waves or a more relaxed hair style. Also, the Healthy Sexy Hairspray is made with Argan Oil which keep your hair moisturized and shiny.
Price: $17.95
Where you can find it: Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/healthy-hair-soy-touchable-weightless-hairspray?productId=xlsImpprod4270103
The third hairspray that I'm obsessed with is the L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray in Strong Hold. I like to say that this hairspray is a mix between the first two hairsprays that I've mentioned. Since it's a "strong hold" hairspray, it can hold your hair style for a long time. Yet at the same time, it is touchable and brushable! You can keep your hair looking great while you have the freedom to run your fingers through your hair without having to worry about getting them stuck or sticky. Plus, you can get this great find at your local drugstore!
Price: $13.76
Where you can find it: Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target
http://www.walmart.com/ip/L-Oreal-Elnett-Strong-Hold-Hairspray-11-oz/13060319
Last but not least, my favorite dry shampoo is the Batiste Dry Shampoo in Dark and Deep Brown. You may be asking yourself why I'm mentioning a dry shampoo in my top hairsprays and I'll tell you why. I love using a dry shampoo as a finishing spray on freshly washed hair. This dry shampoo helps to create volume and texture to my hair while lighting hold my soft waves. In particular, if you spray this product in your roots after you wash and style your hair, it will create body while keep the oils at bay before they even have a chance to start. Instead of waiting for your roots to get greasy, you can spray this on "first day hair" and it will help to prevent the build up of oil which in turn prolongs your hair style for an extra day or two. Plus, it is a dark color for my beauty lovers out there that have deeper locks! (Note: This is also available in different colors and scents.)
Price: $8.99
Where you can find it: Ulta, Walgreens
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-Batiste%20Dry%20Shampoo?ciSelector=searchResults
Note: All of these hairsprays and dry shampoos have a scent to them, and everyone has different preferences to what they can tolerate. I don't think that any of these products have too strong or terrible of a smell personally.
All photos were take by Becky Schutten.
One of my hair stylist's and a close family friend once told me that hairspray to your hair style is equal to mascara to your makeup. Basically, it is the finishing touch to getting your look to be just right. That's some pretty important stuff!
Equally as important as the hairspray itself, is the brand and type of product that you are using. Again, like mascara, if you don't pick a brand or type of hairspray that you need for the style you are going for, it can majorly impact your look and its longevity.
I have three great hairsprays and one dry shampoo that are my ride or dies when it comes to finishing off my hair. There products range from drugstore to high-end and I use each of them for a different reason. These hairsprays are in no particular order.
The first hairspray I love is Sexy Hair's Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray. Even though the bottle says "spray and play" on it, I think that this is a stronger holding hairspray. I love to use this type of hairspray when I want to keep my hair style in place all day. You want to be careful with how much product you spray on your hair because this formula can tend to build up quickly which in turn can make your hair seem a little crunchy if you spray too much. However, if you are doing an up-do or don't want your hair to move around a lot throughout the day, this would be a great choice!
Price: $17.95
Where you can find it: Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-Big%20Sexy%20Hair%20Spray%20%26%20Play%20Volumizing%20Hairspray?ciSelector=searchResults
The second hairspray that I adore is Sexy Hair's Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray. This hairspray does exactly what it describes on the bottle: touchable and weightless. This is a great product for when you want to keep your hair style in place, but want to be able to run your fingers through your hair and not feel like there is a ton of product built up in it. This product is great for loose waves or a more relaxed hair style. Also, the Healthy Sexy Hairspray is made with Argan Oil which keep your hair moisturized and shiny.
Price: $17.95
Where you can find it: Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/healthy-hair-soy-touchable-weightless-hairspray?productId=xlsImpprod4270103
The third hairspray that I'm obsessed with is the L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray in Strong Hold. I like to say that this hairspray is a mix between the first two hairsprays that I've mentioned. Since it's a "strong hold" hairspray, it can hold your hair style for a long time. Yet at the same time, it is touchable and brushable! You can keep your hair looking great while you have the freedom to run your fingers through your hair without having to worry about getting them stuck or sticky. Plus, you can get this great find at your local drugstore!
Price: $13.76
Where you can find it: Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target
http://www.walmart.com/ip/L-Oreal-Elnett-Strong-Hold-Hairspray-11-oz/13060319
Last but not least, my favorite dry shampoo is the Batiste Dry Shampoo in Dark and Deep Brown. You may be asking yourself why I'm mentioning a dry shampoo in my top hairsprays and I'll tell you why. I love using a dry shampoo as a finishing spray on freshly washed hair. This dry shampoo helps to create volume and texture to my hair while lighting hold my soft waves. In particular, if you spray this product in your roots after you wash and style your hair, it will create body while keep the oils at bay before they even have a chance to start. Instead of waiting for your roots to get greasy, you can spray this on "first day hair" and it will help to prevent the build up of oil which in turn prolongs your hair style for an extra day or two. Plus, it is a dark color for my beauty lovers out there that have deeper locks! (Note: This is also available in different colors and scents.)
Price: $8.99
Where you can find it: Ulta, Walgreens
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-Batiste%20Dry%20Shampoo?ciSelector=searchResults
Note: All of these hairsprays and dry shampoos have a scent to them, and everyone has different preferences to what they can tolerate. I don't think that any of these products have too strong or terrible of a smell personally.
All photos were take by Becky Schutten.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Chunky Heel Trend
Chunky Heel Trend
One of my favorite new (or should I say "reoccurring") trends is the chunky heel trend. I think this trend puts a twist on our "everyday" heels. Don't get me wrong... I love my stiletto heels as much a the next shoe addict, but I also love to mix up my shoe collection with a variety of different classic and trendy shoe options. I think that the chunky heel is a great way to rock a stylish shoe while also taking comfort into consideration. The chunkier the heel, the easier it is to walk in (and who doesn't want to be comfortable.)
Now that we've established why I love the chunky heel trend, let's talk about where I love to buy my chunky heels! One of the best affordable shoe stores I have found is Lola Shoetique. Lola Shoetique is a shoe store based out of Los Angeles. Since I am located in the Chicago land area, I usually order all of my shoes from Lola Shoetique's online site. I am so in love with this shoe store! Not only are the shoes extremely stylish and affordable, they are also great quality and have amazing customer service! I would definitely recommend checking out their site if you are a shoe lover like myself.
www.lolashoetique.com
Here are a few of my more recent chunky heel purchases from Lola Shoetique.
One of my favorite new (or should I say "reoccurring") trends is the chunky heel trend. I think this trend puts a twist on our "everyday" heels. Don't get me wrong... I love my stiletto heels as much a the next shoe addict, but I also love to mix up my shoe collection with a variety of different classic and trendy shoe options. I think that the chunky heel is a great way to rock a stylish shoe while also taking comfort into consideration. The chunkier the heel, the easier it is to walk in (and who doesn't want to be comfortable.)
Now that we've established why I love the chunky heel trend, let's talk about where I love to buy my chunky heels! One of the best affordable shoe stores I have found is Lola Shoetique. Lola Shoetique is a shoe store based out of Los Angeles. Since I am located in the Chicago land area, I usually order all of my shoes from Lola Shoetique's online site. I am so in love with this shoe store! Not only are the shoes extremely stylish and affordable, they are also great quality and have amazing customer service! I would definitely recommend checking out their site if you are a shoe lover like myself.
www.lolashoetique.com
Here are a few of my more recent chunky heel purchases from Lola Shoetique.
All photos and opinions are my own.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Beauty Haul
Recent Beauty Haul
One of the most peaceful experiences for me to do when I'm feeling down, bored, or uninspired is to go makeup or beauty shopping. There is just something about walking up and down the isles swatching makeup or smelling perfumes and hair products that makes me feel uplifted and inspired again. I was feeling a little uninspired recently so my sister and I decided to take a day and go to a bunch of beauty store to see what was new.
So, I have picked up some new products from a couple stores and I wanted to share my great finds with you! Some of the products are repurchases and others are brand new to me. I will let you know which products are new and repurchased in the descriptions below. The following products were purchased at the drugstore, beauty supply stores, and high-end beauty stores.
Note: If you would like swatches or reviews on any of the products below, please leave a comment and I will be happy to do that.
Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes (New)
Cost: $4.49
Where you can find it: Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Costco, Target
One of the most peaceful experiences for me to do when I'm feeling down, bored, or uninspired is to go makeup or beauty shopping. There is just something about walking up and down the isles swatching makeup or smelling perfumes and hair products that makes me feel uplifted and inspired again. I was feeling a little uninspired recently so my sister and I decided to take a day and go to a bunch of beauty store to see what was new.
So, I have picked up some new products from a couple stores and I wanted to share my great finds with you! Some of the products are repurchases and others are brand new to me. I will let you know which products are new and repurchased in the descriptions below. The following products were purchased at the drugstore, beauty supply stores, and high-end beauty stores.
Note: If you would like swatches or reviews on any of the products below, please leave a comment and I will be happy to do that.
Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes (New)
Cost: $4.49
Where you can find it: Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Costco, Target
Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash (New)
Cost: $5.49
Where you can find it: Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, Target
Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant in Stress Response (Repurchase)
Cost: $7.99
Where you can find it: Walgreens, Walmart, Target, CVS, Jewel
Batitse Dark and Deep Dry Shampoo (Repurchase)
Cost: $.7.99
Where you can find it: Ulta, Target, Walgreens
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel (Repurchase)
Cost: $22.00
Where you can find it: Ulta, Sephora, Macys, Nordstrom
Pureology Hydrate Hydra Whip Hair Mask (New)
Cost: $50.00
Where you can find it: Ulta, select beauty supply stores
Bath and Body Works Hands Soap (Repurchase)
Scents: Golden Pineapple Luau, Turquoise Waters, Tiki Mango Mai Tai, Black Cherry Merlot, Hawaiian Pink Hibiscus
Cost: $6.50
Where you can find it: Bath and Body Works
The Body Shop Sorbets in Mango and Strawberry (New)
Cost: $15.00
Where you can find it: The Body Shop
Bath and Body Works Body Lotions (Repurchase)
Scents: Waikiki Beach Coconut, Limoncello, Pink Chiffon, Tahiti Island Dream, Tiki Mango Mai Tai
Cost: $12.50
Where you can find it: Bath and Body Works
Wet Brush Detangle (Repurchase)
Cost: $11.99
Where you can find it: Ulta, select beauty supply stores
Origins Drink Up Intensive Face Mask
Cost: $17.00
Where you can find it: Sephora, Macys, Nordstrom
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita
Cost: $20.00
Where you can find it: Sephora
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Gleam
Cost: $40.00
Where can you find it: Sephora, Macys, Nordstrom, Ulta
All Photos by Becky Schutten
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