January: All About Skincare

I have been obsessed with my skincare lately. It started when I got a stye in my eye, which I was overly stressing about (and ironically, stress can be one of the causes, right? COOL) and then I had some sort of weird reaction to... something. I tried a lot of crap to get rid of my stye, and something caused my skin to FREAK OUT. I'm not really sure what. But, my face was red and peeling, my tone was uneven, and I just looked rough.

I decided to really focus on my complexion. I love makeup, but no matter how great the makeup is, it won't look good going on crappy skin. So, I got to reading. I got to testing. I got to getting rid of my dark circles, come hell or high water.

Ooh, water.

Here are some of the things that I KNOW have worked for me so far, and I will keep using to see if I notice long-term impact:

1. Coconut Oil
I love to wash my face with coconut oil. I get it from the grocery store, but I always look for organic, plus important words like raw, and unrefined. Do some research... they aren't all created equal. The one I linked is "so pure you can eat it". How is that a bad deal? If it's truly good for you, you should be able to do whatever you want with it, right? To use it, I scrape a little from the jar, and rub my hands together to warm it up/melt it. Then I massage it into my face softly, and rinse off with a hot washcloth. I don't rub the oil off, either... just press the hot washcloth into your skin and softly remove. Add more hot water, and press into your skin to remove. It takes off the excess, but still leaves a really light film there for added moisture.

2. Toner
I've used two in recent weeks: The L'Oreal Hydrafresh, and this new and much preferred one, here. The second one, by Avalon Organics, is a much better choice - full of vitamin c, aloe, cucumber and papaya... and is free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.

3. Other oils
Right now, I'm using Frankincense oil - just a drop or two into a small amount of coconut oil, and 100% pure argan oil. I got mine at my local grocer. I have only used this a few times, but I love that it absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave me feeling greasy. I have heard AMAZING things about cacay oil, so I'm doing my own research and will probably try this next. If I had an extra $100 laying around right now and I didn't think my husband would serve me with divorce papers, I would splurge on this Bamford Restore Elixir. This elixir has rosehip oil, which I've also used in the past and will probably buy some of that again here soon. Basically, I am in love with oils and elixirs and I want to put it all on my face.

4. Wash your face morning - AND NIGHT
I know, I know. Sometimes it's just not feasible. But I've seen a noticeable change in my skin - without using any of the above products religiously - when I wash morning and night. Think about it. You're laying on a (probably somewhat dirty) pillow all night. Oils, room dust, drool... it can't be good for that complexion, girlfriend.

5. DRINK WATER
I don't even need to provide any supplemental information here. WATER WILL HELP YOUR SKIN IF YOU DRINK ENOUGH OF IT.

I also love the Yes To Cucumers and Yes To Blueberries lines (I use the blueberry moisturizer), but I just found this - and I'm sold. Going to add this to the list and get it in my bathroom immediately.

What are some beauty routines or products you swear by? I'm in the market for a great eye cream, so if you have any suggestions, I'l take 'em!

I'm having my pasta, and eating it too.

If anyone is interested in ordering, 21 Day Fix is back ordered 2-4 weeks - BUT - that is actually a lot better than it's been! You won't be charged until your order processes and your Fix ships, so don't fret.

Here's the link - excited to grow this team and get us on the fast track to HAPPY, HEALTHY BODIES. Summer is coming fast!

> > http://beachbodycoach.com/corianneburton < <

I got a lot of messages today about the Fix, so I thought I would reiterate some things: this program takes dedication. It takes hard work, and it takes commitment. You get out what you put in. That being said, I've always been the first person to back off or make excuses, and I didn't allow that to be an option this time.

It wasn't even a temptation, because I liked what I saw each and every morning. I've seen results. GOOD results. Lifelong results - I understand portion control, I understand the components of well-rounded meal - so, even when I'm not "on the Fix", I can make great decisions and maintain these results. Without cutting out my beloved carbs and swearing off cheese.

I'm having my pasta, and eating it too. And you should be, too!

21 Day Fix - Round 1

21 Day Fix was incredible. Paul and I finished up round 1 on March 30th, and I couldn't have been more thrilled with my results. Down 10lbs overall, and minus 16 inches from all around my body!? I'd been losing it in the places I wanted the most - legs, waist, hips, chest - and not just because I was dropping water weight... because once ounce at a time, I was sculpting and changing my body for good.

What I really should have measured was my face. No, seriously. All of a sudden, I have a feminine, defined chin. Where did that come from?

December 2013 vs March 2014

I look like a different person, right?

We decided to take a week off before beginning Round 2. During this week, we ate what we wanted, but we didn't overindulge at all (ok, maybe once or twice). I stayed mindful of my portions, but I stopped downing entire bottles of water in one breath and measuring out teaspoons of olive oil to cook with. It was a nice breather, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't notice an immediate change in my body and my energy levels. You truly ARE what you eat.

All that to say, Paul and I are so excited to be jumping in to Round 2 today! We went grocery shopping last night, I did some prepping (made/peeled hardboiled eggs for quick protein/snack, cooked an entire bag of quinoa and 2+ lbs of ground turkey for salads/wraps, etc), and I sucked down my last iced white mocha from my favorite coffee shop in record time. I couldn't stomach a cheat-dinner, because I had a cheat-lunch and felt like absolute crap all night.

Paul and I are also using these days of structure to fill ourselves FULL of what God wants to fill us with - His word, prayers together, time with no phones, reading books, talking, growing, and loving as a couple. This 21 Day Fix is way more than a diet for us - it's a complete and total life overhaul. It's a process - a process that is becoming more habitual each week - but it's nice to stay focused and know that this isn't an overnight change. It takes a conscious effort and we're in it to win it.

And now, IT BEGINS AGAIN! If you'd like to join in with us for Round 3 - you have to order your 21 Day Fix now, so you'll get it in time. Visit my site to order (oh yeah, I'm a coach now!), or email me at corianneburton (at) gmail (dot) com. My site is http://www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/CorianneBurton#

I'm happy to help you with meal planning, check in with you on your workouts, and answer any/all questions you have. I truly love this program, and I'm happy to take people along on this journey with me.

#21DayFix Me!

I'm a serial dieter.

Atkins, HCG, raw, juice, "eat-kind-of-clean all week and then binge on the weekends" (no joke, I actually thought that would work).

I have a friend named Chelsea, and I watched her total transformation from Day 1. She never harassed me to join her, she never stalked me and tried to sell me... what she involved herself in was so impressive, I started to want it. I started to realize that it wasn't about building a following for her, she just genuinely loves what she does - and has seen her body/life/mind completely change as a result. So, a little over a week ago, I tracked her down and told her I was ready.

She'd been waiting for me. ;)

What had sold me was all the before-and-afters I was seeing of the 21 Day Fix. It looked amazing - totally attainable.

There are a few reason why this program appeals to me:

- It sounds short term. I work so much better if I have the finish line in site... even if that just means it's the finish line for round 1, I still have a finish line. Just like when I was laboring to bring my son into this world, I so badly wanted to know when it would be over... how many more pushes? How much longer do I need to suffer through contractions to give birth without an epidural? I love that there's a finish line with this program, but every time you cross the finish line, there's an upcoming Monday that awaits a fresh start.

- The meal plan is foolproof. Not gonna lie, the color-coding system seemed a little intense at first, but it's really not bad. And, there are lists of foods that you can have. Figuring out how many containers of each color you get is simple. And guess what? Bread is on that list. Whole grain pasta is on that list. CHEESE is on the list! Portion control is key, and that makes me beyond happy. It's ALL about portion control... learning to eat for fuel, and not for fun. 

- Workouts are only 30 minutes and can be done in my living room (and all the working moms say "aaaaamen.")

Paul is doing it with me, which is wonderful. He doesn't need to lose any weight, but he needs to get healthier! Americanos aren't a complete diet. ;)

We are on Day 2 now, and I'm loving it so far! I also did an extra Yoga class last night (two a days? Who am I?) and so I'm feeling the pain today like no other. Today's workout is called "Dirty Thirty". Safe to say, I'm shaking in my Nikes.

Stay tuned!

Pan Seared Chicken With Olives. Except Not With Olives.

I made this dish last night, and it was delicious! So much flavor!

Pan Seared Chicken With Olives

My modifications: 

• I didn't use olives. Instead, I used mushrooms.
• I didn't have any chicken broth, so I omitted that from the sauce as well. I just used the juice from the rested, cooked chicken.
• I didn't pound out my chicken, I just cheated and bought the thin-cut boneless/skinless breasts.
• I didn't let them marinate for 30 minutes. I mixed up the marinade and poured over the chicken, then flipped the chicken around a few times to be sure they were evenly coated. Then they sat for a minute while I prepped the ingredients for the pan sauce, and then heated up the oil in the skillet.
• I didn't use dijon mustard, I just used plain ol' yellow mustard and it was still good.

Other than that, I followed the recipe perfectly, and it turned out so well. Of course, I had a major recipe win when hubby is out of town all week. I'll be making this again upon his return so he can ooh and ahh over my domesticatedness. ;)

Every Day In May: Day 7

I used to be able to answer today's blog topic with a resounding and emphatic: "CHILDBIRTH."

If you're guessing today's topic to be: "what in life are you most looking forward to?" you'd be dead wrong. Nope, in fact: completely the opposite. Childbirth was my single-most greatest fear. In fact, when I found out I was pregnant last April, I cried... and it took a few days before they became tears of joy.

Ok, weeks.

But anyway, I cried because I was terribly afraid I wouldn't be able to do it. It seemed impossible.
But, it wasn't. And, ironically enough, it's now what I consider to be my greatest accomplishment.

So, today I'm supposed to talk about what I'm most afraid of.

I don't like to give my fears a face, so I'm not going to.

I will say this: I spend a lot of extra time talking to God about my health, the health of my precious son and husband, and the health of my family and friends. I spend a lot of time thanking God for complete and total wholeness in me and in all of those I love, and for the long life I've yet to experience. I thank God that my days on this earth will be long and full of blessing, and that I will grow old with my husband and children by my side. I thank Him for not giving me a spirit of fear, but of power. And of love. And of a sound mind.

I am at my very best when I believe every single promise of God, even if there are days when I struggle to do so. Some days, I Google things I shouldn't, or I worry about what I would do if _______ (fill in the blank here). I worry. I worry too much, when there's no reason to.

I am healthy. My husband is healthy. My baby boy is healthy. My parents are healthy, my friends are healthy, my family is healthy and happy. 

The funny thing about God's promises: the more you repeat them, the more you believe them. And the more you believe them, the healthier you become - spiritually, emotionally, and even physically. Which, is my greatest goal in life.

Who got the BOOCH?

(Haha, see what I did there?)

Anyway. Once upon a time, I decided to try something healthy. And I'm talking about the time I decided to only drink regular Coke instead of Diet Coke because, eww, aspartame.

I was 39 weeks pregnant, and was on my way home from a scary overnight stay at the hospital (my anxiety was getting the best of me, my blood pressure had skyrocketed). We stopped at a neighborhood grocery store, and I decided to try Kombucha. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and there's nothing like a freak hospital stay to scare the health into you.

Hot Yoga: is that what it feels like to do Yoga in hell?

Jessica: I'm doing Hot Yoga tonight!
Me: Oh, you are? By yourself?
Jessica: But it starts at 4:30.
Me: Oh, that sucks. I was having an inner debate on going, on whether I wanted to join you. I'm scared to try Hot Yoga! But I'm off at 4:30. :( Sad!
Me: And by "oh, that sucks" I meant that I sighed in relief.
Jessica: Yeah, I could tell you were super upset about missing it.

An hour later:
Jessica: Hey guess what?????
Me: WHAT.
Jessica: Hehe. I just called the gym and there's another 90 minute Hatha class that starts at 6:30!!!!!
Me: *signs off*