My Stitch Fix Review-July 2015

I've discovered a new love!  I have to start by saying that I have never subscribed to any of the super popular subscription boxes before.  I have certainly been tempted by boxes full of makeup, healthy food, dog toys, etc. I won't rule out any of those boxes for the future, but my first subscription box was to Stitch Fix.  I complimented a friend on her outfit and she casually told me "Oh thanks, it's all Stitch Fix." I really wasn't sure what this was, but I knew I needed to find out.  My friend explained how it worked and I figured, why not?  I'll give it a try! I signed up about a week later and shortly thereafter my first Stitch Fix arrived on a Saturday when I was cleaning my toilets and scrubbing by showers.  The doorbell rang and I went to see who was there. I found a beautiful tan box with a striking aquamarine logo on my doorstep!  I picked it up and scampered off to try things on-forget cleaning.  I have to say, there is nothing quite like opening a box of clothing that someone else has picked out for you and knowing you don't have to keep it, but it's so fun to see what they found for you and sent to your house!  Here's how it works: You sign up on Stitch Fix and fill out a style profile so that they know what you like.  You get to put in your clothing sizes, whether you are shapely in certain areas, how you like your clothes to fit, and they show you several outfits and you can rate them so that they can get an idea of your style.  You pay a $20 styling fee but you get that back when you purchase an item from your box. There is also an option to write a note to your stylist. I took that opportunity to tell them what I was looking for at the time.  My first Stitch Fix Box was so fun.  I really enjoyed taking that break from my day and trying on clothes that showed up on my doorstep.  Here's a pic of the stylist card from that order:

They gave me ideas on how to pair the items they sent.

Now I was kind of picky with this order and it wasn't 100% what I was looking for at the time but I ended up keeping the halter top in the top right corner.  It's really cute, the fabric is great quality and I've gotten tons of compliments on it.  I sent back the other items with some hints to my stylist.  Then she pretty much hit a home run with this next order.  Here is the cute note she sent me with order number two:

Jessica knew I was looking for the perfect pair of distressed jeans and also that I loved the polka dot top she sent in the last box, I just didn't care for the bow on the back.  I gave her access to my Pinterest Fashion board also where I pinned clothing items I liked. 

Here is what Jessica sent me this time:

I love these distressed denim boyfriend jeans! I could have gone for a bit more distressing, but I tried these on and the fit was so perfect, and they were so soft and comfortable, I knew I had to keep them! Should I cuff them more or less than this? I never know! 

I adore the detail in the top of this blouse and the fit is very flattering! It's so unique and she just happened to send me my very favorite shade of blue! 

This maxi dress must be made of feathers from the wings of baby angels it was so soft! I love the pattern and the color. I do wish there was a little more detail in the top like maybe some embroidery or a v-neck. I also think the waistline hit a bit high on me and didn't look the greatest, but I still think it's a beautiful dress!

This is where she missed the mark a little. She knows I like polka dots and blue, so this would seem like a great choice, I certainly can't fault her there. I was disappointed when I tried it on and the neckline just seemed weird to me. Also, the dots were a bit close together and they kind of hurt my eyes to look at! I'm sure she'll find the perfect polka for top for me in the future though. That's what I like the most about Stitch Fix, you don't have to keep everything and you can always try again! 

Finally, this layered necklace was a definite keeper. I can wear it with lots of different outfits for different occasions. 

I was really happy with this Stitch Fix and I look forward to getting that box of clothes delivered to my door each month!

 

If you would like to try Stitch Fix for yourself, check it out here:

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5311336

 

 

I'd love to see what you get in your Stitch Fix!

Affordable Workout Gear I Love!

Good Morning!  I'm about to start my workout for today, Lower Fix from The 21 Day Fix and I thought I would share some of my favorite workout gear with you.  I should mention that I like sharing recommendations for products I like, but nobody is paying me to recommend this workout gear, I just like it, so I thought I'd share.  I like that most of these items are very affordable and easy to add to your collection!

First, let's talk about Old Navy Go-Dry Racerback Tanks

I ABSOLUTELY love these!  I have 4 of them and I'm definitely ordering more.  They are incredibly lightweight and the air flows through them very easily.  I also find the cut to be very flattering.  They are long and flow enough to cover your tummy (generously) and most of your bum which is great when I am wearing tight yoga pants.  The coverage just makes me feel like my lower half is less on display while I am trying to tone and shrink it!  I also like that the cut nips in at the waist a bit - just enough to make the top look feminine and not baggy.  Some colors are on sale right now for under $10!  There are some others colors for $16.94 but I noticed that today (07/15) the entire Old Navy website has a sale going on.  Type in the code REALDEAL at checkout and you'll save 35% off regular-price styles and 30% off SALE styles!  It's a really good time to try these!

Danskin Now Front Close Plunge Sport Bra

I discovered these YEARS ago and I really can't stand wearing any other sports bra.  These bras snap closed which means one important thing - you don't have to wrestle them off like a boa constrictor!  There's something really gross about peeling off a sweaty, sticky sports bra and pulling and twisting it over your head after a good workout.  Some may say it's the workout after the workout, but I'd rather snap, remove and move on with my day.  These are also very affordable (under $15) and mine have held up very well over the years.  They also are lightly lined and give a good amount of coverage and solid medium support.

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

I know there are all sorts of workout gadgets and gizmos out there.  I have some other ones, but I can honestly say that I enjoy wearing this one the most.  I really think it's important to keep a close eye on your heart rate while you are training.  It's always nice to know what is normal for you at different levels of your workouts and it helps you to get to know your body and how to push it best.  I also love that this seems to give me a fairly accurate idea of how many calories I have burned.  You can save all your workout data and go back and review as well.  They have many different colors and they are all under $60 right now.

90 Degree By Reflex Yoga Capri

I love that these pants are super-comfortable, breathe easy and they are reversible!  They also have a sewn-in front pocket for little things like hair ties or a few dollars.  They have a ton of great patterns too!

I hope you try some of these ideas.  It's always fun to have new workout items.  What are some of your favorites?  I'd love to hear about them!

My Favorite Summer Beauty Products

I love trying new beauty products, I always have.  Fortunately for my wallet, the nearest Sephora and Ulta are about 40 minutes away.  That's far enough to keep me from making too many impulse purchases while browsing in those stores.  I use a healthy mix of higher end products and drugstore items, so that's what I will be recommending to you in the future.  Here are some products that I'm currently loving!

Loreal Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray

This stuff is great!  I didn't expect to like it as much as I do.  I don't know if it's because I've tried all sorts of mattifying solutions to keep my face from looking like an oil slick at the end of the day and I'm always still a little shiny (at best).  This spray really seems to seal my makeup.  Whether I wear BB cream or mineral powder foundation, this spray really seems to "lock it in" and keep it from sliding off of my face despite the humid summer.  It's a keeper.

e.l.f. HD Blush - Headliner

I rarely use powder blush anymore.  I started using this about a year ago and I can't tell you how many compliments I have received on my BLUSH!  I mean, how random is that?  People have complimented my makeup in general, but I have had actual compliments on my blush alone.  I think that's because this stuff gives such a nice rosy glow, it just stands out!  If you haven't used a liquid blush before, it may take a little practice.  You really only need a tiny dab. I place it (with my finger, but you can use what you want) on the apple of my cheek and blend in a small circle up and out toward my hairline.  Make sure to blend it in all the way or you'll look like an Anna Lee doll or and actual ELF.  I love the shade Headliner because it looks natural on most skin tones, but their other shades are great too!  Like all e.l.f. products, it's super affordable too.

Hempz Fresh Coconut and Watermelon Body Moisturizer

I picked this up on sale a few months ago when I actually ventured out to Ulta.  This lotion is amazing! Not only is it incredibly moisturizing, it smells like summertime in a bottle!  Now, I don't mean that it smells like Uncle Ron after 3 hotdogs and a round of horseshoes at the BBQ summertime, I mean the good kind of summer smell - a beach day, suntan lotion, a pina colada in your hand, wind through your hair kind of summertime smell!  They use hemp seed oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C...and it's still got a lightweight feel.  It's on sale again at Ulta and I think you should treat yourself!

Well, that's it for now!  Thanks for reading and if you like these recommendations I'll be back with more soon!  Feel free to share this page with your friends!  

Back in the Saddle Again!

I'm back!  I have been wanting to start blogging again for quite awhile.  I tend to get caught up in other things like work, cooking, cleaning...Orange is the New Black, you know, important stuff!  ;-)
I've really missed blogging though so I decided to jump back in and fire up the blog again!
I'll be sharing recipes, favorite beauty products, great books...basically a hodge-podge mix of things I like or like to talk about!  I hope you tune in!

Beachbody's Specials for April

As requested - here's what is on sale for April - just in time to get in shape for summer. Both programs have been wildly successful. Contact me for me info or if you would like to be part of a Challenge Group.

www.beachbodycoach.com/colleenmac

Where Has the Time Gone?

Wow.  Well, my plans of taking pictures of my meals and blogging about the Ultimate Reset just fizzled out, didn't they?  Let me tell you, it has been an interesting journey!  I'm finally now checking in and it's almost over!  I am on Day 20 of the 21-day Reset.  I can truly say I gave it everything I had.  Man, this was challenging.  I am so excited that tomorrow is my last day.  Don't get me wrong, I feel better, lighter, calmer, and more in-tune with myself, food, everything!  I can't say that I felt great the whole time though.  I went through a lot mentally and physically.  I would wake up with calf pain that I hadn't felt since I had growing pains as a child.  I would rush home from work, take my supplements, cook an elaborate dinner, only to sit down and eat close to 9pm and then go to bed shortly after.  My back hurt, my neck hurt, my stomach hurt.  I had pains everywhere.  I was moody, tired, and SICK OF COOKING! Was it worth it....Yes, I would say so.  I truly feel that my body is 100 times healthier now than before I started the Reset.  There isn't a doubt in my mind that my body is processing the food I eat so much more efficiently.  I also can add a lot of new healthy recipes to my collection.  I know I will eat a lot of the new foods I tried on the fix going forward.  I've learned that, when I put my mind to it, my self-control and will-power is amazing.  I also learned what hunger really feels like (not to be confused with boredom, sadness, anger or any other emotion that triggers needing to eat). 


I just figured I would check in so that you know that I didn't give up, I am still going strong and I will post my results on Wednesday.  I'm typing this quickly as I eat one of my last salads on my lunch break.  I should note that it's one of my last salads on the RESET, not ever.  I see a lot of fruits and veggies in my future now, and I'm not sad about it! ;-)

Ultimate Reset - Day 3

Day 3 was weird.  I didn't even feel like writing about it, I was so exhausted.  It started pretty well.  I enjoyed Day 2 breakfast, I made it again.  I like that you can repeat meals or swap meals as long as they are in the same phase.  I didn't take a picture of it again, so here's the one from Day 2.  It was just as delicious I assure you!

My morning was going great, but I was very busy at work.  I had a 2:00pm chiropratic appointment and I had hoped to scarf down lunch sometime before then.  Well, I never did get the time to eat.  It was insane.  I was ridiculously hungry until about 1:00, then miraculously, the hunger wore off.  It's a good thing it did, because I wouldn't eat until a little after 2:30 when my appointment was over.  I scarfed down my micro-green salad and lentil lime salad in my chiropractor's parking lot!  It looked a bit like this:

I don't mean the cute little girl in the front of the cart.  I'm pretty sure I looked like the little boy hovering over the pretzel!  So lunch was decent.  The microgreen salad was filling and this time I got to add some toasted pumpkin seeds which added some good flavor.  I didn't take a picture of the salad, but it looked like the one I ate the other day.  Here's a picture of the lentil lime salad.

It was pretty flavorful.  I've never had lentils before, so this was a first. As if eating late wasn't hard enough, I forgot my Alkaline supplement at home.  Oh well.

I had to stop at Lowes on the way home which I knew would only prolong dinner, but I needed to use a $10 off coupon before it expired.  It had to be done.  But hey, the guest bedroom gets a new ceiling fan!

Pretty, isn't it?

Now, on to dinner.  It was another night like last night.  I had to slice and dice and bake and roll.  My husband said his theory behind this cleanse is that you lose weight because you get so stressed and crazed in the kitchen, it just revs up your metabolism!  Ha ha.  Could be.  The funny thing is, one goal I have for this Reset is to be calmer again and to be able to deal with stress better.  Well, I definitely need that to happen soon!  So, here are some dinner pictures.  

Prep seemed to be going well.  I didn't really understand from the instructions where I should put the rice.  I also was determined to use my new sushi mat.  Apparently, I should stick to my EZ sushi maker.  I think I will break that out next time.

This is the Japanese Cucumber Salad.  This actually turned out pretty well.  I didn't let in marinate in the fridge for an hour because, well...

Sorry, I had to!

I stuck it in the fridge until I was done making the soup and attempting to roll the sushi.  Nothing I was doing could keep the sushi together.  I finally decided to eat the sushi roll burrito style.  Even that didn't work, so I used a fork.

The miso soup was delicious, as usual.  The baked tempeh in the nori roll actually tasted really good.  I loved the flavors.  I would definitely eat that all by itself.  

I have to say that one thing I absolutely LOVE about every Beachbody program I have done is that you can always find a wonderful, supportive challenge group online.  I found mine on Facebook for this Reset.  You can also find them on www.teambeachbody.com.  I've been able to find people that are going through a program at the same time as me, or maybe they have already been through it and let me know what to expect.  I honestly don't know if I could get through some programs without this support.  I told my group about my Nori Roll challenges and I found out I am not alone. I got some good tips from people that finally mastered it.  I got good advice that I don't have to do absolutely every meal they recommend.  It's acceptable to swap meals, and they even have a list of quick meals you can substitute.  I was going by the recommendation that I had to try everything.  Trying all of these new foods would be ideal.  I would definitely do it if I had the time. I don't, so I will just the best I can.