Category: Pin-Ing!

Follow my journey as I tackle a new Pinterest Pin every week! From health, fitness, diet, crafts to just about everything in-between. Even plan to vlog too!

8. The Morning Routine

MichelleR

This Pinterest challenge is a real winner in my book. I am not a morning person, but this Pin and my motivation to instill habits of health in my life have created a routine that I find myself looking forward to. The premise is that the way we start our day and what we focus on can play an important role in how we deal with the challenges and opportunities that will present themselves. Since I get up about 4:30 am every morning with my husband, I have plenty of time to do all this before work. I don’t need to be on social media or watch the news, I need to focus on what is best for me and my health. I have been doing this for about 3 weeks now (which is why I named it Pin #8. See, I have been doing my part – just slacking in the posting department), and I have to say, I can tell the days I skip. I am finding I need this routine because it grounds and focuses me on making healthy eating choices, moving more, smiling more, listening more, and not being stressed out about everything that is happening around me. And with the pandemic, I need to stay focused on the positive and my locus of control. I love all the the Habits here but I focus on these seven every morning and I love it! It has helped me so much, and I hope it helps you too! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172755335695075662/

  • Habit #1: Get up right away. At the sound of your alarm count down, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” and get up. This eliminates thinking about how much time you have before you have to “really get up”, which isn’t restful anyway. Set the alarm for when you have to get up and do it.
  • Habit #2: Make your bed right away. It makes you feel like you already have accomplished something before the sleep is even out of your eyes.
  • Habit #3: Repeat an affirmation: I have this link here for the affirmations I love and I start my day with the next one on the list. If I really love it, I write it on sticky note and keep it at the front of my planner. This is my day’s “battle cry” and I like to remind myself of what I am capable of. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172755335695626568/
  • Habit #4: Journal – It doesn’t have to be long, just write. You can free write, dream journal, or use a prompt like the ones in this link. Just get your mind moving. I like the prompts because they inspire me to keep focused on working on becoming a better version of myself: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172755335695531390/
  • Habit #5: Meditate: In the blog, Laivana gives links to some great 4 and 5 minute morning meditations to get you in a positive mindset. You can definitely find hundreds on youtube of any length. I started with her blog recommendations but I definitely have expanded to try lots more. Searching for a good mediation is now a fun part of my morning routine.
  • Habit #6: Yoga. This is probably the #1 reason why this routine has really kicked in for me. I love to use the youtube videos called Yoga with Adriene. She is awesome, not annoying, has videos from 5 min to whatever you have time for, her dog is frequently assisting her, and they are DOABLE! I will even post the video that got me hooked and has now has me doing longer and longer videos because it makes me feel good! https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
  • Habit #7: Focus on the positive. List 10 things you are grateful for each morning. I include this with my journaling time and many times am smiling while I write them!
  • There are three other habits she recommends in her blog but I sort of wrap a few of them later into my day. She lists a morning skin care routine (but I incorporate that with my shower); prepping in advance (like setting out your clothes and making your lunch the night before), but with the Virus I haven’t needed that yet; and taking inspired action – you choose your life every day. I try to take that with me throughout the day (especially right now as I remind myself that I choose everything that I eat) so make good choices. Choices that make you healthy and happy.

Maybe it seems overwhelming to try 10 new habits to add to your day, so just try one or two. Then add a few more each week. It really doesn’t take that much time and has been a positive mindset changer for me. Tell me in the comments: What is one part of your morning routine that really makes you feel awesome and you absolutely can’t do without. (And you can leave out the coffee and the constitutional – that goes without saying.)

Here is the video that got me hooked! Anyone can do 5 minutes!

10. Makeup Tutorial -Part 2

MichelleR

To round out the house-bound beauty pageant I was throwing for myself I chose an eye make-up tutorial for brown eyes. Yes, my eyes are brown, thank you for never noticing. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172755335695584249/

I normally do not wear a lot of makeup. I would consider myself a slight to moderate makeup connoisseur. I own more than I would ever wear (especially lipsticks) and mostly because I don’t really know how to wear it. I love how it looks on other people, but I don’t ever feel like I really pull it off. So, this pin, “Simple Everyday Eye Makeup – Beauty Point of View” sounded easy enough for me and since there were only a couple of items required I chose it. Looking back, I wish I had chosen something more wild and crazy and completely ridiculous, but we’ll save that for another Pinterest Challenge week. So here is Part 2 of the makeup tutorials: Pinterest Challenge #10: Eye Makeup.

9. Makeup Tutorial – Part 1

MichelleR

It’s been a while since I posted a video of me making a fool of myself and with the quarantine in place and an insane amount of time on my hands, I decided not to clean my closet and video myself doing a couple of Pinterest Makeup Tutorials. What could go wrong?

Here is the link to the Pinterest tutorial I followed (because I had this makeup already): Anastasia Beverly Hills Cream Contour Kit Review and Demo https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172755335695584212/

For my 9th Pinterest Challenge I chose a tutorial that I have been fascinated by for a few reasons: Contouring. Firstly, I know that you can use this trick for stage to either age yourself or make yourself appear younger. But, I always thought that was because you are so far away from the audience. I never thought about wearing contouring makeup for real life and walking outside in public! It seems insane unless you were having it done by a professional makeup artist (aka you’re a Kardashian). Nevertheless, there are countless tutorials on the site, with all ages of people, claiming they look magazine-cover-ready, all from a shading tip. I was like, really? This cannot be for real. Especially if you are older than 20. And since I am well past that age, this is going to look like a I was in a Mud Run. So, while it’s a little long (I cut as much as I could) here is my first ever attempt at contouring:

12. Pinterest Health Challenges

MichelleR

The follower or two I might have for this blog will have realized by now that I am just a tad “behind” on my Pinterest Challenges and blergs. The bulk of you will not doubt be thinking, oh, yeah, I sort of remember her doing something like that. And in this bizarre time of quarantine I sort of skipped ahead to this week to write about what no doubt many of us are thinking of: our health and wellbeing. I am not trying to be trite in the slightest, I think now more than at the beginning of the year when I started this challenge, my own health, and that of my family’s, is at the forefront of my thoughts.

My health issues have been ongoing for some time and while I am grateful I do not have disease to the level that many people do, I am still considered unhealthy. My weight, an issue for decades, has always been a challenge. But beyond my weight I just felt awful, sort of all the time. Between lethargy, stress, headaches, pains, skin issues like eczema and never feeling rested I just feel like existed. I wasn’t living. I always felt uncomfortable in my body (if that makes sense at all). I didn’t like the way I looked in the mirror, in clothes, and there were times when I was thinking – who is this lady I’m stuck inside of?

Compound that with my family’s history of heart disease and cholesterol, my mother’s diagnosis with early onset Alzheimer’s in her early 60’s and my younger brother’s near heart attack and stint just 2 years ago, I could see the writing on the wall. Something needed to change in my life. I struggled all last year on Noom, because I already understand the psychology of why I overeat and don’t exercise but the bottom line is I didn’t have a permanent plan to change my life for the long term. I wanted a quick fix.

I even alluded to all this in this very Pinterest Blog Challenge at the start of the year and had set aside several weeks (and more) to Pins that involved fitness, diets and lemon water “miracle flat belly” drinks. All just a continued desire to change without the actual plan.

About a month ago I reach out to my dear friend Jessica who had been looking particularly happy in recent months. She had lost weight but more than that she was happy, energetic and engaged with her life. I wanted to feel that way too. She told me about a program she had started where the focus was on gaining optimal health in every aspect of your life. That weight loss was a part of that, but the big picture was to take small steps in areas like sleep, hydration, stress, food intake, movement and meditation (or self-reflection if you prefer the term). These small steps, over time, would become daily habits that would take me to where I would have wellbeing in all the areas of my life. While I was hesitant, I was also desperate and I loved that it was more of a strategic plan than a weight loss program.

I started the program 3 weeks ago and just completed week three. While I have lost 12 pounds so far that is nothing compared to the energy, clarity and focus I have found again. Even amid this pandemic and self-quarantine I have to say that I feel better these last 3 weeks than I have felt in years. I am sleeping better, and my skin has cleared up so much that I do not use my rash cream at all anymore. I wake up rested, not tired or groggy. Despite the world’s chaos, I just feel, well, happier.

So, all this to say that I will not be posting ANY more Pinterest diet or quick fix lemon water challenges. I have finally found what works for me and I cannot wait to continue the path to optimum health for myself and stay there for the rest of my life. And while we watch in grief the stories of people with underlying health issues being most susceptible to this virus I am grateful that I am trying now to make my life as healthy as I can. I wish everyone out there good health, safety from this virus, and a long life filled with wellness!

Crazy side note #1: For those that have known me a long time, get this, I LOVE broccoli and eat a huge salad every day now. I CRAVE foods like Salmon, shrimp, sprouts, vegetables, lean pork loin and grilled chicken breast. I haven’t had fast food, alcohol, chips, or pizza in 3 weeks, and I don’t miss it all. I have no idea where the “old” Michelle is right now, but this Michelle is not hungry and not constantly thinking about her next meal. Good riddance!

Crazy side note #2: I know this may sound like a sales pitch – it isn’t. But, I am happy to share what I am doing if you want to PM me through text or Facebook though. I will probably even create a page for health on this blog at some point in the future for those who want to follow or join me!

5. How I Set Up My Self-Care Space

MichelleR

Pinterest Challenge for week 5 is all about creating a space for reflection, mediation and relaxation and I definitely can use more of that in my life. I was inspired by this Pinterest image and here is the link if your interested: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172755335695077655/

Step 1: Choose a space. According to the pin this doesn’t have to be a large space or in a separate room. It can be a shelf, the top of a dresser or a little table in the corner. The key is to have it in a place where you can create some peace and tranquility.

Here is what I did: I chose to a spot in my craft room/office. It’s a space of my own, where I write and store the yearly Christmas wrap, but I like the room and it’s a place I can definitely have to myself. The table was my mothers and she used it as a desk while in school. I really love it but it’s fragile so I generally just put scrapbooking things on it. Frank made me the peg board a few years ago for some of my supplies but I definitely don’t need to see that every day. So, I cleaned everything off and chose this as the space I could come into everyday and reflect there with gratitude.

Secondly, your space needs some flair to make it your own. For example, you can choose lace or material that is soothing to you to hang on the walls. Or cover the table, or surface, with special family table linens or doilies, or leave it plain.

I was given the frog flag by one of my closest friends for Christmas who knows that I believe the Frog is my spirit animal (look it up). This way my peg board is covered but I can tie it up anytime I want to use the supplies under it. It was a perfect fit. I already love looking at the imagery and the vibrant colors. I placed a table runner on the desk to protect it from the essential oils and candle wax.

Next, and of vital importance, is the mood you create and how your senses are a part of your self care. Sight: you don’t want hard lights or florescent bulbs as you are trying to mediate or pray. You can choose salt lamps or any type of serene lighting. Sound: you can set up a small water feature or a speaker for music. Smell: get a diffuser for essential oils or, if you prefer, incense or candles.

I choose a very low watt light that is slightly yellow in hue. I also was given a rose quartz globe and light box that I love the look of. I added a diffuser for my essential oil blends and I wish I could share smell-a-vision as it is already more relaxing with lavender and patchouli gently wafting in the air. I have my old phone that only works with wi-fi hidden behind my diffuser with amazon music on. I can play music that I enjoy with just a quick touch.

Finally, and most importantly, add the things that are meaningful to you and will bring you joy, peace, and serenity. Everything on the table should mean something to you, remind you of someone or take you to a place you have wonderful memories of. The point of the space is remind you of all you have to be grateful for; all the people you love and who love you; and inspiration to make the most of the person you are and are becoming.

Everything in my space was given to me by someone special or something I picked up as a remembrance. My space will be different than yours but I hope you recognize how worthy you are of loving yourself enough to create a small space where you can think, journal, pray, meditate or just reflect. I used the area right away and immediately was thankful for this challenge. I love my self-care space!

4. Dark Circle Eye Serum

MichelleR

This week’s Pinterest Challenge is a beauty/health Pin. I’ve been a fan of essential oils for a few years now, but definitely a novice user. I use diffusers and have made a few roller bottles combinations for stress and relaxation but haven’t yet tried any as an actual “beauty aid”. I’ve always relied on store bought items for that type of thing but believe if you can find something that works just a good and is more natural (not to mention cheaper) then why not give it try!

I am actually excited about seeing the long term results of this challenge. If it works, I will be ecstatic. Primarily because I would love to get rid of the circles under my eyes and secondly, it seems so easy that I can see it being something I can continue long-term.

Here is the Pin that inspired me (sorry folks but I won’t be posting the actual link as it appears to go nowhere and I don’t want to share potential spam). The “recipe” is right on the picture though so there’s really no reason to click the link.

The first part of the challenge is to gather supplies. I actually had every one of these items in my “essential oils basket” in my Marie-Kondo-linen-closet. This challenge cost me nothing. I used vitamin E capsules that I take daily and cut off the tops to squeeze the oil into the elixir. I chose Coconut Oil as the carrier oil because I love it so much. (I use coconut oil any chance I can get.) It took me less than 5 minutes to add the 15 drops of each oil (lavender, lemon and frankincense), squeeze out the vitamin E, and top the bottle with the carrier oil. Easy – peasy! And it smells AMAZING!

(Posting a picture of me without makeup is fairly traumatic for me – but I am all in for this Pin-Ing challenge so be KIND!) This is my under-eye circle before I used any oil at all. I have two pictures just to be sure I can monitor the improvement (if any).

  • Both under-eye circles before using the serum.
  • Week 1: Under-eye circles after using serum for one week.

Ok, this is one week in – after using the serum both morning and night. I don’t notice a difference yet in appearance but I will say:

The skin under my eyes feels tighter and less fragile since using the serum.

The aroma is very pleasant and non-irritating. I was worried it may burn my eyes but it doesn’t. Note: DO NOT PUT TOO CLOSE TO YOUR EYE. ONLY USE ON THE AREA UNDER YOUR EYE!

Stay tuned for more pics in the upcoming weeks!

3. 4-Week Beginner’s Work Out Plan

MichelleR

Whoop! Whoop! It’s Week 3 my friends and here I am ready to get my next Pinterest Challenge on! This week is a work-out challenge and please note in the title the use of the word BEGINNER – as defined by Merriam-Webster (which is a dictionary for the younger reader):

one that begins something especially: an inexperienced person.

That part about beginning something especially, I think that’s me. While I have worked out in the past it’s been at least a decade since I have stuck to a workout program for a long period of time. So I set about this with the mentality and most especially the appearance of a beginner. Shall we begin?

Here’s the Pinterest Pin if you’d like to join me: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/172755335695075667/

Also, check out my Workout Challenge Vlog (and try not to laugh at me too much) – I mean, hey, at least I’m trying. Huge thanks to my daughter Morgan for her fun finishing touches too:

UPDATE: Jan 31st – So, as it turns out I really did hurt my knee pretty bad doing those damn jumping jacks. I had to rest it a few days and it’s still not 100% but, I looked up some of the exercises to try doing a modified version and it seems to be working. I’m just now getting back on track so I’ll keep pushing on while trying not to injure myself. I guess those disclaimers to consult a physician before starting an exercise program are legit.

2. 19 Day Keto Diet Meal Plan…

MichelleR

…AND 15 Cheap Keto Meals. I combined 2 Pins so deal with it.

I did it! I made it to week 2 of the Pinterest Challenge! I am already impressed with myself. Also, side-note, I realized I don’t even have tens of followers so I need to amend from last week’s vlog to be: welcome back Bily and the one person who reads my blog from Canada (whoever you are )! This week’s challenge is a food/weight loss challenge because one of my biggest goals for myself is to be healthier and look decent in a dress for my daughter’s wedding at the end of 2020. So, since I am currently, highly motivated, I wanted to start right away with a food challenge. I’ve done Paleo before and I really loved it – and an additional benefit is that it is closer to the “grain-brain” diet that Dr. Pearlmutter recommends for a healthier brain and I definitely want that in my life. So I thought I would give Keto a try. If it is something I think I can get used to long-term I think I will probably keep it up beyond the 19 days.

The reason I combined two Pins this week is that once I starting looking into the “19 Day Keto Meal Diet Plan” I was very upset by the huge quantity of food it was requiring me to purchase with no adjustments for leftovers. With a household of two it is wasteful to cook a quiche that can feed at least four and never plan to eat what is left. I don’t like that. Also, the plan is designed for someone who does not work, go out to socialize, or have anything else to do but stand in the kitchen prepping the next meal right after you eat the current one. The prep was way too much for my schedule. Then I found these receipes for Cheap Keto Meals and they not only sounded delicious but look fast and quick. Plus I will be able to take the left-overs to work for lunch each day. I think my odds of staying on track are much more doable now.

If you like to join me here are the links:

https://www.ieatketo.com/cheap-keto-dinner-recipes/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=492255138_16368604_209191 and http://www.ketodietyum.com/keto-diet-plan/

Watch my vlog on this Pin Challenge, and huge thanks to Mothehalf for her amazing editions to the final cut; I think it makes it way more fun. See you next week!

So. Much. Broccoli.

UPDATE: Day 6 of 19 – Someone for the love of God help me! I am STILL eating the Broccoli, Ham and Egg casserole for breakfast each day! Actually, it turns out I love it. Honestly, this challenge has been tough to stick to and I think I needed to do a bit more research into all the foods that are allowed and restricted on this diet. For example – which alcohol am I allowed to drink? Why can’t I have a low fat yogurt if I want? Let me get this straight: apples are bad but berries are good? It’s all so much! At this point I don’t see myself taking it beyond 19 days. On the other hand I’ve made 4 of the recipes so far and loved each one. My favorite was the most simple – Cabbage and Bacon Stir Fry. So fast and delicious. Chop up bacon, fry it. Chop up cabbage – fry it in a little of the bacon drippings. Combine add salt, pepper and chili flakes. I love it! And I have been eating the leftovers for lunch each day so that makes me feel good. I’ve only dropped 2 pounds so who knows if that was water weight or pair of shoes but I’m going to keep trying to make it work. I think doing a little research on Keto foods is on the agenda for today though if I stand a chance of not hating this. We’ll see!

UPDATE: Day one of STUPID – Ok I literally hated almost everything about this challenge and Pin and completely quit about day 10. Keto (or any restrictive type of diet for that matter) is NOT for me. If anything it made me feel resentful and angry. I loved some of the recipes and would definitely eat them again, but there is no way I can live with this type of diet the rest of my life so why set myself up to gain any pounds I lose back? I need to focus on exercise and eating in moderation. But to say I can “never” eat any food again (especially the ones I love) is just setting future Michelle up for failure and I do not need to have even MORE feelings that revolve around food. Done. Finito. Over. NEXT!

1. Yearly Savings Plan

MichelleR

Well here we are! The first week of the new year and my new challenge to Blog or Vlog about a Pinterest pin that I have chosen.

This first pin is a financial challenge entitled, “Yearly Savings Plan” in which I will place a predetermined amount of money away each week and at the end of the year should have saved $1000. Sounds pretty good eh?

Watch my very first Vlog here to find out more!

It took almost 24 hours and 3 people but I think I just posted my very first Vlog!

Update: Jan 17th – week 3 This Pin challenge is going great with a total of $6 saved as of today!

Update: Jan 31st – week This Pin challenge continues to be a no brainer with a total of $15 saved as of today!

Disclaimer

This blogger acknowledges that she knows little to nothing of Arizona, its people or its history. She is however, excited to learn as much as she can. This blog is just her “notes from the journey” on making an epic life changing move. If I get something wrong, meh – get used to it. Blerg.