The Reasonable Blog

Fitness shopping list

2016-10-01T12:41:00.001-04:00

Fitness shopping list by thereasonableblog featuring how to wear nikes

Under armour sports bra
thredup.com

NIKE mens caps and hat
macys.com

Bkr fragrance
$48 - neimanmarcus.com

Nike Text Foam Roller 13in
$78 - nelly.com

TriggerPoint GRID STK Handheld Foam Roller (Orange) Athletic Sports...
zappos.com

My Super-Comforting Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

2015-08-21T12:49:00.001-04:00

This recipe is a super-favorite in our house! I created it because we wanted something comforting, homey, and that reminds us of mom's cooking, but on the lighter, healthier side. My husband practically races home when he hears we're having this for dinner. I like to serve it with garlic mashed potatoes (try Bob Evans brand for a pre-made, refrigerated version that cuts down on time in the kitchen) and French-cut green beans. Leftovers are just as delightful as fresh out of the oven. Bon appetit!

Meatloaf
1.5 lbs fresh ground turkey (I like 1 pound lean, 0.5 lb extra lean)
2 beaten eggs
3/4 cup milk (I use reduced fat and prefer it)
2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/2 medium yellow or Sweet Vidalia onion (or 1 whole small onion), finely chopped
2 tbsp dried parsley
little bit of salt (no more than a teaspoon)
little bit of black pepper
a good healthy dose of dried sage (1 tsp at least - I like more)

Glaze (mixed in a small bowl)
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tspn dry mustard

1. Pre-heat oven to 350.
2. Combine milk and eggs in a bowl, then add breadcrumbs, parsley, onion, salt, sage, and a little ground pepper, mixing. Add meat and mix again.
3. Pat mixture into a loaf pan (I use a Pyrex pan).
4. Bake for 80 minutes, then brush with the glaze and bake for 10 minutes more.
5. Rest 10 minutes, then serve. Or just serve right away and burn your mouth, which is what we do.

How WeightWatchers Changed How I Manage My Closet

2015-07-31T14:45:00.003-04:00

Years ago, I did Weight Watchers to lose the pounds I had gained in graduate school from poor eating and exercise. (This post isn't about that.) One day, a girl hit her goal weight and the leader asked if there was anything she wanted to share about what she'd learned, experienced, whatever.

She thought for a moment and told the story of how she'd was going to watch a movie with her boyfriend, and they stopped at the store for some snacks. She wanted chocolate, and like all of us watching our weight, she was reading nutrition labels. The first instinct is oftentimes to go for the lightest option - whatever low fat, lower sugar, "lean" option is there. However, she found that she wasn't satisfied with those "cheaper" options, and found herself eating more of it to try to reach satisfaction. She'd realized that she was better off truly treating herself with good quality chocolate. She was satisfied, felt totally indulged, and ended up eating less than the "diet" options.

Her story resonated with me with food, of course, but it also really works when I started looking at my closet. I had approached my wardrobe like diet food - if I purchased cheaper clothes, I could purchase more. I felt like I had more options, a better closet. But really what I ended up with was racks and drawers full of cheap clothing that didn't fit right and rarely satisfied me. I never put something on and felt good about it. Loose threads and popped buttons were common. I never felt like I was dressed nicely. I just never felt satisfied.

I remembered that girl in Weight Watchers, and how I'd agreed with her take on chocolate. Quality over quantity. And so I tackled my drawers and closet. The very first thing I did was take all maternity clothes and put them into vacuum seal bags from Dollar Tree. (The bulk of my pregnancy clothes are winter clothes, so they wouldn't work well for post-partum anyway.) Then I started clearing things out. Old leggings, cheap shirts, things that don't fit (some that possibly never did), ugly patterns, shirts from 5 years ago, stuff that I keep thinking I'll get back into but won't... it all went into bags and donated to Goodwill or thrown away. Then I got down to restocking and rebuilding a quality wardrobe I could love.

I bought one good pair of leggings. I purchased good quality shoes that offer support and are a variety of colors. I waited for a JCrew sale and ordered shorts, a skirt, and several shirts. I went to H&M and picked up basic tees in black, white, blue, cream and some new camis for underneath. I used an online coupon for Old Navy and ordered a couple shirts, a pair of black pants, and a summer dress. All of these were purchased in my current size, which is 2 sizes larger than I was before, but they fit and flatter, and that's most important. I didn't spend a ton of money and now my closet has a lot more room and you know what? I feel like I have WAY more things to wear than I did before.

I joined Stitch Fix and am only keeping one skirt from this round. It isn't like anything else I own, and my son smiled and squealed when I put it on, so I'm keeping it. The rest? Meh... so I'm sending them back. If they're not satisfying now, they'll just take up resources (space, money) from getting something that truly DOES satisfy me. So that's what I'm doing. Holding out for what I really like... and no settling for poor substitutions! Like the chocolate, sometimes splurging on one good piece of apparel is way more satisfying (and cheaper!) than a bunch of cheap substitutions that never satisfy.

Have you done any closet cleaning recently? How do you determine what goes in there and what gets tossed?

XO,

Kelly

Get to Know Your Blogger: 32 Random Questions Tag

2015-07-22T08:47:00.003-04:00

I felt like posting, but don't have pictures to go with my planned recipe post yet, so here's something a little lighthearted and fun - a tag post! Found this one randomly online... and I didn't read through all the questions beforehand, so here we go!

1.) Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Closed! That way the monsters can't get us.

2.) Do you take shampoo and conditioner bottles from hotels?
I do sometimes, but not usually. We don't have room to hoard a bunch of little bottles.

3.) Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I like them tucked in at the foot of the bed, but out along the sides so I can stick my feet out over the side of the bed if I get hot.

4.) Have you ever stolen a street sign?

Nope.

5.) Do you cut out coupons and then never use them?

All the time! And I save them (like the ones from Bed Bath & Beyond) and put them on the counter, then go to the store without them.

6.) Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees?

Bear. Bees are the DEVIL.

7.) Do you always smile for pictures?

Not always, but most of the time.

8.) Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

Not really, no. My FitBit does - does that count?

9.) Have you ever peed in the woods?

Yes I have!

10.) Do you still watch cartoons?

Yeah, LOL. My husband and I watch Family Guy and now we sometimes watch Little Einsteins with our little one.

11.) Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

Probably in my backyard?

12.) What do you drink with dinner?

Diet Coke, water, tea.

13.) What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

Honey mustard!

14.) What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

The Devil Wears Prada, 13 Going on 30, Identity Thief, Bridesmaids. (I like silly dumb lighthearted movies, obviously.)

15.) Were you ever a girl scout?

Nope. My mom wouldn't let me join because I played sports and had dance. To be fair, I only wanted to join because they got snacks after school during their meeting and I wanted a popsicle...

16.) Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

How much money and airbrushing are you offering? Probably not.

17.) Can you change the oil on your car?

I can pay for someone to do it.

18.) Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?

Nope!

19.) Afraid of heights?

No, actually. But I don't like free-falling to my death.

20.) Do you sing in the car?

Yes. My poor baby!

21.) Is Christmas stressful?

It can be due to family and if I'm doing the seven fishes. That's a LOT of cooking. Plus I love giving the perfect gift, so that requires some creativity and a lot of thought, which can be stressing.

22.) Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid.

Secretary, doctor, librarian, princess, cashier, researcher. Guess which one I am now...

23.) Do you believe in ghosts?

Not really, but I'm afraid of them anyway.

24.) The first concert you ever went to.

Billy Joel or The Hollies.

25.) Walmart, Target, or Kmart?

TARGET.

26.) Nike or Adidas?

Depends on the item, but I guess I'd go with Nike.

27.) Can you curl your tongue?

Yep!

28.) Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

Yes, especially lately with the birth of our son.

29.) The last concert you saw?

Billy Joel.

30.) Can you swim well?

Yes. I was a competitive swimmer. Freestyle is my jam.

31.) Can you knit or crochet?

Technically, I guess. I'm not very (any) good.

32.) Are you a dog person or a cat person?

Both. It's fine to like one over the other, but if you hate either, chances are I won't like you very much. My dog and cat are awesome.

Mirrored Vanity on a Budget (with links!)

2015-07-09T18:14:00.001-04:00

My husband and I recently redid the bathrooms in our home. Most of the changes were just minor cosmetic changes with new toilets and paint, but we elected to totally gut our Master bathroom and redesign. I gave up my tub (that wasn't really used very often) and we had a large tiled custom shower built, plus new flooring and new bathroom cabinets and sinks. Now I had space for my dream vanity.

Picture source - Pier1 imports

Arguably the most popular mirrored vanity is the Hayworth Collection vanity from Pier1 imports. I have wanted one since we bought our house, but because our bathroom didn't have enough room, I held off. Now that I had my own little available corner, I started doing the math.

The vanity itself is $399.95 with a $40.00 large package surcharge.
The mirror is $229.95 with a $15.00 large package surcharge.
The matching bench seat is $169.95 with a $15.00 large package surcharge.

This adds up to $869.85 before tax and does not include any organizational details that I may want to add.

I looked at ways to get the price lower. I can take 10% off the prices of each unit by signing up for emails from Pier1. I can elect to pick up in store and avoid large package surcharges, which takes my total to about $719.87 before taxes. If I go through Ebates (and you should ALWAYS go through Ebates before shopping online. I can't tell you how much money I've gotten back for nothing!) then I can get an additional 2% cash back from the total, which would give me back about $15.40... Still over $700 before tax. That's pretty pricey and I haven't gotten to the organizing elements.

So... I took a different approach. And here it is!

This vanity is by SEI and is easy to put together. It just involves putting the legs on and then inserting the drawers and putting on knobs. The table has two deep drawers (as opposed to Pier 1's one flat drawer). I can put my palettes on their sides and they fit nicely, which is great for organization as well as protecting my makeup.

The drawers have a lining that keeps things protected:

The stool, which wasn't a companion piece to the vanity table but worked out really well, took a little effort to put together. The cushion is a pearlescent, alligator-skin type material (don't worry - it's faux!) with pretty crystal elements.

The mirror is smaller than what I had originally planned on getting, but I liked the shape and quality. Of course, I wanted to maximize use of space, so I got the idea to stack the mirror on top of some acrylic organizers in order to raise it up to where I need it, plus allow me to store my lip products, single shadows, blushes, etc. I also got an acrylic organizer to sit off to the side. To keep my brushes, I used two hammered metal candle holders I've had for a long time.

This setup ended up turning out PERFECTLY! So how much did I spend?

The vanity table was purchased for $194 on Amazon.
The mirror was purchased for $149 on Amazon. That particular one is currently unavailable, but here is a similar one.
The seat was purchased for $103.39 on Amazon. As of the writing of this post, it is a lower price of $80.62.

This brought my total to $446.39, significantly less than the Pier1 Imports option! As an added bonus, it also allows more storage in the drawers.

Here are some detail shots of the organizers I got to sit on top:

Home-It Clear Acrylic Organizer

Muji 5-drawer Acrylic Organizer

So that's it - that's my new setup. I love how I can see everything and how I finally have a special place where I can sit and put on my face. It's pretty, is a great size, and holds a lot of stuff.

I am thinking about doing a video tour of the vanity so you can see all the details and get a better feel for how it all came together. If this interests you, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

Cheers,
Kelly

*Some referral links listed. All items shown were purchased by me with my own money. This post is not sponsored and I received no compensation for using or posting about any items.

Too Much Television: My Day in the Dark

2015-06-16T20:02:00.000-04:00

I have recently realized that I watch WAY too much television and spend too much time sitting on the couch. I look at the coffee table that is cluttered with papers, items that need to go to the basement but instead have been sitting by the stairs for a month, unfinished craft projects and unwritten thank you notes on my mess of a desk... it's all strong evidence that I've been slacking. And television has a lot to do with it! So, I'm trying a little experiment.

One day without:

Television
YouTube
Facebook

What is allowed:

Music
Email
Calls and texts

I'll keep some notes and check in here in this post on what gets done with the tv gets turned off. Here we go!

8:00 AM
We're all awake by now, and I spent some time snuggling in bed with my favorite little guy. Instead of watching tv, we listened to some music on my Amazon Prime music app. I sang and danced a little to a couple songs and got precious smiles and a giggle or two in return.

10:00 AM
We're back from a walk around the neighborhood (sans puppy due to humidity levels and the fact that he'd just returned from his morning walk with my husband so he was tired), and I discovered an epic diaper blowout which warranted a wardrobe change for both of us. We sat down to nurse and I read "The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV". Seemed appropriate!

12:00 PM
Another diaper change and more nursing, plus I finally finished up the last two thank-you notes I needed to send to people for gift cards after the baby was born. Finally!

2:00 PM
I've been vacuuming the family room (the main area for the pets to hang out) and listening to Amazon Prime music. The baby is enjoying the white noise of the new vacuum and I'm enjoying the fact that it's actually cleaning up the pet hair! (If you're curious, we got the Dyson DC65 Animal Complete.) I even used the attachments to clean a YEAR of pet hair off the couches. Moved the furniture and got everything cleaned up.

4:00 PM
More nursing and instead of staring blankly at the tv while he eats, I read some of my "It Starts with Food" book on my Kindle. Continued vacuuming the other rooms downstairs, tidied up the coffee table, organized/tossed greeting cards we've received recently, and pulled all the nipple shields together in one place to be cleaned and put away.

6:00 PM
Hubs came home from work with a frustrating problem that I helped him troubleshoot and solve. I hung out with baby (who was being his usual awesome friendly self, by the way) and logged into my various accounts to pull financial information (savings, retirement, student loan) to update our spreadsheet of assets/debt. Then I updated my virus definitions on my work computer and changed my work network password because it had expired. I'm not back to work for a while, but I still check in every now and then so I'm not completely slammed when I return. RSVP'd to a baby shower, paid my Visa bill and a hospital bill, tidied up the fridge.

8:00 PM
Things started to get squirrely here. The time spent helping hubby with work meant I didn't get food prepped when I had someone around to entertain baby... so I still hadn't eaten and had only had a light, early lunch so far. Texted a good friend and started prepping veggies for a vegetarian stir fry dish (carrots, onions, red pepper, toasted cashews and pineapple... YUM) and a shrimp and broccolini entree. My husband was out with friends... 'cause you know, he needed a night out of the house *eyeroll*. Kept getting interrupted to nurse hungry tank baby.

10:00 PM
Stood in the kitchen up against the stove (so I wouldn't fall over from no food) and crammed a plate full of food into my face, chugged some water, and did the dishes while my husband played with a very happy and full baby. Practically limped upstairs to take a shower, nurse one more time, and hit the hay.

My day without TV, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook was, all in all, a good day. It reminded me that there are plenty of hours in the day to get things done, take in the special moments with my son, throw shade at my son's clueless father, and still get a homecooked meal in my belly at the end of the day. It was exhausting but productive and the house looks great. It's finally feeling a bit organized and put together again. It got so bad while I was pregnant and then when baby finally arrived, it took things to a whole new level! If you find yourself mindlessly staring at the TV and constantly closing the day with too few checks on your To-Do list, try going dark for a day and take a look around you. It's amazing what you can get done.

Cheers,
Kelly

Healthy Eating

2015-06-11T16:01:00.000-04:00

We've all heard the phrase "Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym." Well, as I'm trying to get my post-pregnancy body back into something I'm at least a little comfortable with, I've started spending a little more time in the kitchen and a little more attention to what we're putting in our bodies. Here are some meals we enjoyed last week!

Meal One: Grilled Chicken Bruschetta (with chopped salad and fresh baked bread)

This recipe was delicious! Here's the link.

Meal Two: French Dip (with steak fries and homemade cole slaw)

This one made WAY too much food, which is actually a rarity in our house, and was too time intensive. We enjoyed it, but it's easier to just order this from a restaurant if we're really in the mood. It did taste very good, though! Here's the link.

Meal Three: Ranch Pork Chops (with roasted new potatoes and green beans)

Tasty and easy to make. A nice, simple meal. Here's the link.

Other meals included flank steak with chimichurri sauce (with corn and salad) and pizza delivery from a local place. I am saving recipes to my Pinterest board here, so join me and pin along!

In an effort to get more vegetables into our diet and still keep things satisfying and delicious, I've planned this week's meals from two trusty favorite cookbooks, both ordered from Amazon (here and here). I always feel so much better when I eat well... don't you?

Cheers,
Kelly

Stila Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer

2015-06-09T14:42:00.002-04:00

As mentioned in a previous post, I recently picked up the Stila Perfecting Primer on a binge trip to my local Ulta and have been trying it out. I got asked for more information on how it performs, so here it is!

The facts:

Price: $28 USD (at Ulta)

Amount: 0.67 ounces

"Format": Stick - can apply directly to face or to fingers and then to face

First ingredient: Water (total ingredient list at bottom of this post)

My skin:

Face tends to be dry.

Cheeks are prone to redness.

Tone is uneven.

Pores, pores, pores!

How I use the primer:

Apply directly to face after moisturizer has set in, drawing 2 lines on my cheeks, one line down the bridge of my nose, one line across my forehead and one above and below my lips. Blend using clean fingers.

My experience/thoughts:

This primer is fantastic! It goes on cool and light, with no silicone or greasy feeling. It's not heavy at all, and absorbs nicely into the skin. I have found that my foundation (CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous or Makeup Forever Mat Velvet +) sits beautifully after applying this primer. I have found that my skin looks more even, my blush lasts longer, and I am seeing more foundation on my makeup remover cloth at the end of the day than I was before this primer. (Note: I did not change my foundation routine at all, other than adding this primer.) I have also noticed that my skin is smoother in general, even when completely naked.

Compared to other primers:

My most-used primer previously was Too Faced's Primed and Poreless Pure, which is an effective primer, but is very heavy with a silicone feeling. I always felt like it was a blanket on my skin, and since I'm prone to redness, it felt a little suffocating. Stila's Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer sits SO light on my skin and feels GOOD going on, especially in these warm summer months and/or after a hot shower!

In terms of value, Too Faced's primer is $30 USD for 1.0 ounce and Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer is $36 USD for 1.0 ounce, making Stila's Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer more expensive per ounce than some other popular options. However, due to the different packaging I imagine the Stila primer lasts longer in the end due to less waste - no issues squeezing out too much product.

I hope this product remains in the permanent line because I love it. I've already recommended it to several ladies, including my mother in law! If you're in the market for a new primer and you have concerns like mine, check this one out. It's fantastic.

XOXO,

Kelly

All Ingredients (via Ulta.com)

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phytantriol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Boron Nitride, Palmitic Acid, Dextrin Palmitate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Hexylene Glycol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocophery Acetate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Lysine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Camelia Oleifera leaf Extract, Montmorillonite, Illite, Kaolin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide (CI 77947), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Ultramarines (CI 77007).

This Week's Workouts

2015-05-30T09:49:00.003-04:00

I made it through the first week back to working out! Here's what (and how) I did.

	Day	Workout
Friday	1	Total Cardio Fix + walk 2 miles
Saturday	2	Rest (family time)
Sunday	3	Upper Body Fix
Monday	4	Lower Body Fix
Tuesday	5	Nothing
Wednesday	6	Nothing
Thursday	7	Pilates Fix + quick walk

I have a long history of starting a DVD workout and quitting halfway through because I'm tired, bored, distracted, whatever. One thing that attracted me to the 21 Day Fix is that the workouts are 30 minutes long and they have modifiers (which I never followed in the past). Because I'm still healing from labor & delivery, I resolved to do the workouts in their entirety using the modifications. It actually worked out well - I completed the workouts and was able to focus on my form and listen to my body better.

Day 1: Total Cardio Fix (and a 2-mile walk with baby and puppy... hubby too)

Although I'm not following the diet for 21 Day Fix, I did follow the recommended order of workouts on the DVDs. The first workout, Total Cardio Fix was reasonable, but tough! My legs and booty were burning for a couple of days after, and I was stiff the next day, despite the long walk later that evening.

Day 2: Rest

The plan doesn't call for a rest day, but I took one because my son was being baptized and we hosted a big family cookout at our house after. I was on my feet, running around getting food prepared and the baby ready for church, so it was busy enough as it was. I honestly did not have time to work out, nor the energy.

Day 3: Upper Body Fix

This one went by surprisingly fast - usually workouts devoted to arms are boring as crap! This one included abs as well, and the moves were gentle enough for postpartum, so I enjoyed the workout a lot more than expected. I did do all the modified moves, and decided at the end of this workout that next week, I will continue the modifications but increase the weight for a bigger push.

Day 4: Lower Body Fix
Ugh, leg day! I didn't love this one... I actually felt like it wasn't hard enough, even though I paused several times and didn't complete the minute. I may have just not been in the mood.

Days 5 - 6: Fail
Tuesday afternoon, I had a dentist appointment and Wednesday was a lunch date with my mother-in-law. I had intentions of working out in the mornings before showering and heading out to appointments, but I ended up nursing and snuggling baby instead. And evenings were spent dozing on the couch. Not good excuses at all, but there it is. I actually contemplated scratching this week and starting this post next week, but the whole point of these is to be honest and open, so there it is. I got lazy and distracted and didn't do what I was supposed to do. You should see my FitBit counts for these two days... ouch!

Day 7: Pilates Fix
I started the workout with a really short walk around the block to get my son to take his morning nap so I could work out. I put him in his swing and buckled him in, set the video monitor on him, headed down to the basement, and fired up the DVD. Five minutes in, momma duties were needed and I ended up pausing the workout to go nurse and soothe baby. When my husband came home, I tried again. Completed the workout, with the exception of the last round - it's on your stomach, and I am breastfeeding so I can't really comfortably do those. Instead, I jogged a little on the treadmill until I was once again called for duty.

Summary
Overall, it wasn't a terrible week with workouts, but it could have been better. And my eating could have been WAY better. I'm planning meals for the next week and am hoping to get back to healthier choices and fewer binges on junk. Potato chips and sweets are the death of me. And of course, I've just discovered S'mores Oreos. Uh oh!

Here's hoping for a stronger Week 2!

Xoxo,
Kelly

Summer Beauty Haul: Stila Aqua Glow

2015-05-26T08:54:00.003-04:00

Summer is almost here! So excited for warmer weather, sunny days, cold lemonade, ice cream, and summer beauty products. Stila has a great line out right now, and I picked up some goodies at Ulta recently. Here they are!

First up is the Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush in the color Water Blossom. The concept is pretty interesting - it's a liquid blush.

Packaging is nice, but I did notice that the pictures on Ulta's website are not the same as the packaging of the product I purchased. It's black online and this is white. That doesn't matter, but I thought it was interesting to note.

I chose this color over the others because it's cool-toned and bright, which is what I wanted. It seems like there are a ton of warm or coral-colored blushes out there, and with my complexion (I'm a Spring, I think, with pink undertones) I thought this would be pretty. I want a nice polished glow.

The formula is really nice. It's bright and smooth, and it's definitely a liquid, not a gel or cream.

It blends nicely, as you can see. You can really sheer it out. I read some preliminary reviews that stated that it didn't show up on the skin and/or removed foundation when being applied, but my experience wasn't that at all. I build a little more coverage by patting on a second application. (Think Beauty Blender patting on the skin.) Lasting power is good, and I actually love the really pretty glow it gives me.

Next is the Aqua Glow Perfecting Bronzer.

All of my bronzers are your typical powder compact versions, so this is new territory for me.

The packaging is nice with a pump, which is convenient for sanitary reasons, but does make controlling how much product you get for one application a bit difficult.

A little goes a long way here! The color is alarmingly dark for someone with my skintone, but it blends out nicely and leaves a subtle, sheer tanned effect. I like how it looks on my face, but I definitely must remember to bring it down my neck in order to avoid looking like I'm using the wrong color foundation.

The amount that comes out of one pump is actually too much for my face - a little goes a LONG way! I'll keep working on pumping out a smaller amount. It's definitely a nice little pick-me-up for the summer.

Then we have the product that was the most out-there for me... a super bright lip color. This is the Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in the color Bella, which is a nice bright pink.

The formula is matte, and it doesn't apply as smoothly as lip glosses do - it applies like a liquid matte lip color.

The color doesn't stain the lips as I'd feared, which is good. The first time I tried this out, we were going to our friends' house to hang out, and I didn't have a mirror right in front of me to make sure I wasn't getting clown mouth. Because I don't love the completely matte lip look and my lips tend to be a little dry, I put a balm underneath and a very light layer of gloss over top. It left a lipstick mark on my water glass... not a big deal. It also came off on my hamburger bun. I feared it was moving all over my face, but it turns out, all was fine. By the time we'd eaten and come home, I'd left all of this lip color on my napkin and was back to essentially bare lips. So - this is not a stain.

UPDATE: This lipstick IS long-lasting. I tried it out again without a gloss over top and without a layer of lip balm immediately applied before. I went out to eat, wiped my mouth as usual and drank using a straw. The color mostly lasted, and only got slightly patchy by the end of the afternoon. It did not dry my lips out, but I did moisturize them before beginning my makeup routine (just not immediately before applying this lip color). It still doesn't seem too much like a stain, but it is long-lasting and can survive eating, talking, etc. I needed a makeup remover cloth to get the rest of it off my lips.

Last but not least, we have the Aqua Glow Perfecting Primer.

I actually love this packaging. It's one less thing I have to get on my fingers and one less thing I have to wipe off my fingers.

I like this primer because it feels like a thin, cooling gel. It doesn't have that thick, silicone, suffocating-my-pores kind of feel to it. This is perfect for summer time because it's lightweight and feels so nice and cool on the skin, almost soothing. I also noticed that my foundation looks smoother with this underneath it (which I guess is the point!) and it's really nice!

I have been paring down my makeup inventory and have definitely slowed down purchasing, so now I make more purposeful choices, and I'm happy with these purchases. They're all good quality, packaging is good, and they each are different from things I already own.

If anyone is reading this and planning to shop any fun summer makeup releases, tell me about it!

Items presented in this post were purchased by me with my own money and without compensation or affiliation. Stila has no idea I exist. All opinions are my own.

Breakfast Chat Blog

2015-05-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

Hello, world! I said I would be back, then promptly disappeared again, but here we are. I thought I would just take a few moments to sit down and write about life and such. One thing I have been thinking about is the kinds of blog posts I want to do moving forward. I started thinking about various blogs I have read over the years, and something I realized is that my favorite blogs aren't just strictly reviews/hauls. They talk about life, share experiences. So I have been thinking about writing more about daily life, things we do and places we go. Stuff like that. If nothing else, it will encourage me to take more pictures and reflect on life more positively. Who can argue with that?

So, here's what's up!

Post-partum is going well. Andrew is 6 weeks old, and I'm totally smitten with him. He's a really good baby! Someone said I make it look easy, but trust me - it's tough. Sleep is precious and insufficient, and because I am breastfeeding, I'm basically tethered to baby at all times. I'm very fortunate to be able to feed him that way. I've heard a lot of horror stories of women struggling to produce enough. I'm definitely not having that trouble! Thank goodness. I have been using nipple shields (TMI?) and although they work wonderfully, I think Andrew and I are sort of hooked on them and now I have to make sure I have one on me at all times. It sometimes makes a mess, too. But they work well and the pediatrician, lactation consultant, and my midwife have all agreed - if they work well, keep using them. No worries. So, that's what we're doing.

I gained 50 lbs in my pregnancy. I know that many women would sneer at that (frankly, you can just f*ck right off) but I did not have gestational diabetes, I stayed somewhat active, and I never once had a blood pressure issue, cholesterol issue, etc. I was carrying a lot of water and my son was 9 lbs, 11 ounces at birth. So, it wasn't surprising that I'd gained a lot of weight. What I also gained was stretchmarks... a lot of them! So, the process to lose the weight and fade the marks is fully underway.

So far, I've lost all but 14 pounds. I seem to be stuck at this weight, but I've just started incorporating weight training and cardio, beyond walking, back into the mix. Puppy, baby and I have been taking long walks around the neighborhood during the day to get the blood flowing. We all feel better for it!

For training, I'm actually doing the 21 Day Fix workouts. Currently, I am not eating the diet because I am breastfeeding. However, at some point, I may start that. I have also been considering Weight Watchers. One reason WW is very attractive is because they account for breastfeeding when calculating daily points allotment. I've personally seen coaches educate new moms about eating enough, especially if breastfeeding, in order to lose weight properly and produce enough for baby. I like the idea of the accountability and community, too.

So why not join now? Well... I've done the counting before. Points, calories, macros, whatever. Truthfully, it makes me neurotic. Counting is not what I want to do for the rest of my life. So, for now - I'm practicing mindful eating (think Eat Q and Eating Mindfully) and working on cleaning up the diet. I'll update here as things progress. So, here's what I'm doing so far:

FitBit One to track daily activity and encourage more movement in general. (I have had a FitBit Flex - two, actually - as well as the One and I really don't love the idea of wristband pedometers. You have to move your arms to count steps, so holding things in your arms or pushing a stroller is never counted. No thanks!)
Eating more cleanly, making better decisions. I just downloaded It Starts With Food to my Kindle, so I'm anxious to learn more about making healthier decisions. No, I'm not going to go fully Paleo. I'm trying not to "diet." I just want to naturally make better choices!
21 Day Fix DVDs for workouts. I'll be writing more about this as I go through them. I haven't done enough to comment so far except to say this - YOUCH my legs and buns are sore! (That's a good thing.) And no, I will not become a BeachBody Coach and I'm not going to EVER do Shakeology. Don't worry.

I'll update here as things progress. I'm also going to post about my planned menus and some recipes. Friends and family are always commenting on those things, so maybe I should share things more broadly. And if anyone is actually reading this, feel free to comment and share your favorites! I'm always up for new ideas.

Peace out,

Kelly - The Reasonable Blonde

Open Letter to My Body: Post-partum Edition

2015-04-22T10:44:00.000-04:00

Dear Body,

I haven't written you in a while, and the last time we spoke, I promised to take better care of you. In light of recent activities, it's time to write you again. This time, it's to apologize.

I'm sorry for not thinking you were good or strong enough. Even at my fittest as an adult (three years ago today on my wedding day), I didn't think you were enough. Arms weren't defined enough. Tummy was still a little soft. Legs could have been more muscular.

I'm sorry for constantly being ashamed and trying to hide under ill-fitting clothes instead of just sizing up and dressing to flatter.

I'm sorry for not exercising you more in general, and for taking your strength and capabilities for granted.

Now I know better...

I look in the mirror now and see your war wounds. You carried a human life for 9 months, and delivered a nearly 10-lb baby who is healthy, happy, and wonderful. Now I see what I took for granted.

Those legs that weren't strong enough? You took my pregnant body up and down stairs every day. You carried me down the hallway to the labor and delivery ward. You lift me up and carry me to my son when he cries for me. You're stronger than I ever thought you were.

Those undefined arms? You hold my son now, and he thinks you're fine. And you know what? You are.

It's been 2 weeks, and you, body, look more and more normal every day. I may never wear bikinis again and my belly may never be as close to flat as before, but life will get back to normal - a new normal - soon enough. But is that important? Not really. What's important is that you continue to hold me together, get me where I need to be, and feed and nourish my baby.

That is worth far more than any bikini.

A (Pre) Post-Partum Haul

2015-04-05T20:00:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone,

I know it's been FOREVER since I posted, and here's my first one back - a haul?! Well, don't worry, I have other posts planned, but I figure I can just ease myself back into blogging. It took me a long time to get blogging tendencies out of my head (it's amazing how 'habit' it had become!), so now I'm trying to ease myself back in. So, here we go.

For the last few months, I've been wearing mostly maternity wear... I can still fit into pre-pregnancy yoga pants, sweat pants, and pajama pants, so I've been wearing those when I am able, but for the most part, it's been those lovely gathered shirts, longer-in-the-front tanks, and so on.

I decided that once this baby comes, I'm going to want to wear clothes that are comfortable and accommodating, of course, but for the love of God, I don't want maternity clothes anymore. I'm so OVER it. So, I splurged and placed a Nordstrom order. Here are some clothes from that order:

Post-partum Haul by thereasonableblog

Tildon v neck top
$58 - nordstrom.com

Caslon petite top
nordstrom.com

Wildfox white top
nordstrom.com

Zella high waisted legging
nordstrom.com

I read an article about good quality yoga and workout wear (rivaling Lululemon) and one brand highly praised was Zella. When my friend said she had a pair and was loving them too, I decided to give them a shot. The Wildfox jumper has been on my list for over a year now (it's SO DAMN SOFT) and the pink Caslon shirt was on clearance so I got it for a great price. I love comfortable button-downs, and I already have a white puffy vest I found at Marshall's for 12 dollars to go with it!

I also ordered a couple beauty products, and I have some things I want to review here, including the new Neutrogena moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. (Spoiler alert: it's AMAZING!) When baby arrives, I probably won't post for a while, but I'm hoping this post kicks me back into blogger mode and I can get this thing up and running again more regularly.

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. I'm so happy spring is finally here, and my little guy is coming any day now!

Cheers,
Kelly

Clean-Out Post: Too Many Body Lotions!

2015-01-28T21:37:00.004-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I ran out of my favorite body conditioner. I didn't feel like making a long drive in either direction to get to the nearest store, so I went online to order a replacement. The price, which I'd conveniently forgotten, made me cringe. It was $32.95. I bought it anyway because I'd been using it nearly every day for months, especially since getting pregnant. But it got me thinking... how much lotion and body conditioner do I own, and how much do I use?

This week I went around our master suite with an empty cardboard box, collecting all things moisturizing from my nightstand, dresser, bathroom counter, and shower. The results were astounding:

If I used all of these, I wouldn't be concerned... but many of them are old and dusty, or don't get used because I just don't like them. Why on earth am I keeping them?! It's time for a Clean Out!

First up is the Body Butters by The Body Shop (strawberry and tangerine scented):

I don't love the packaging on these - I've dipped my fingers in these two so many times. But I do like the consistency and I love the fragrance. No, they're not deep conditioning, but they're fun. I've used them, so I will keep these around a little bit longer. If they're still around in 4 weeks without serious use, then into the trash they go! Keep.

Next we have body butters from Fortune Cookie Soap (Whipped Cream [a Christmas holiday scent] and a small Candy Aisle edition):

I've used both of these, and tried SO hard to like them. But I don't. They smell bad and they don't moisturize enough to get around the fragrance. Whipped Cream has a metallic medicinal smell, and Candy Aisle has a really strong fragrance I cannot identify - it reminds me of baking, but the smell is so strong, it's impossible to enjoy it. Toss.

Then we have a freebie that came in one of my beauty subscription boxes. I can't remember which one, but it's not one I'm still receiving now, I'm sure. This is Ayres Body Butter:

It smells like old lady. No thank you. Toss.

Next up? Shea Suffle in Ecstasy by Carol's Daughter:

This was another one included in a beauty box. I remember reading blog posts and seeing YT videos where people were pissing themselves in excitement over this one. I don't get the hype. You can tell I've used it a bunch of times, but it doesn't heal my dry hands at all, and the smell is not what I would call "ecstasy." Pew. Toss.

The next is a popular Lush choice: Celestial.

Although this is actually a facial moisturizer, people do use it for general body moisturizing. It didn't totally suck, but it's alright. I used a lot of it... but it expired last year, so into the trash it goes! Toss.

Next is Sacha Juan body lotion:

Yet another lotion from a beauty box... PopSugar MustHave maybe? Or Fit Fab Fun. I can't remember. Either way... it smells strongly like kitchen cleaner and I never ever EVER reach for it. Toss.

We have another beauty box... this one came recently. It's First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream:

I have their repair cream in a squeezy tube and love it - use it every day. This still has the seal on it, and I know I will use it. It actually moisturizes. Keep.

Next is Johnson & Johnson Melt Away Stress lotion:

I don't know how long I've had this, but I have used most of it. Because I have had this so long, I think it's probably done. We'll have plenty of delicious baby products coming into our house in the near future, so I can let this one go. Toss.

Next is a fragrance lotion, TokyoMilk Dark Tainted Love lotion:

This came with a the perfume, which my husband and I both love! It's the sexiest scent ever. Keeping it, not for the moisturizing, but merely for the fragrance. It can help my perfume last longer. Keep.

Another perfume-companion lotion (or two) are the Clean lotions below:

These are still sealed, and are the perfect size for my handbag. I like the Clean fragrance line... who doesn't like smelling like they just got out of the shower? So, I'm going to hang onto these for my bag. Keep.

This takes us to the reason for the clean-out in the first place - my holy grail body moisturizing product: Lush's Ro's Argan body conditioner!

This is my third or fourth container. You apply it after bathing in the shower (I do it as the very last thing before rinsing quickly and turning off the water) and it works SO WELL! It smells lightly like roses and honey, is creamy, and I find my skin is very moisturized and soft. Now that I am pregnant (with the big belly to prove it - seriously, my laptop is resting on it now), I need extra help in the moisture department because as skin stretches, it itches like CrAzY! I have found that Ro's Argan takes care of that... I concentrate mostly on my boobs and belly, but it works all over. I wouldn't put it on your face, though. I don't need additional body lotion when using this. Keep keep keep keep KEEP!

Then we have another Lush product: massage bars.

I don't know the names of these two, but the fragrance has faded over time. They're nice to rub over my belly if I really need it, but they do leave a slightly greasy feeling. I will keep one (the one on the right because it smells a little like chocolate) and let go of the one on the left. Reduce.

Then we have an oldie but goodie, Aquaphor:

This is okay, but I can't really use it as a body moisturizer. It's thick and greasy. I don't love it. I've also had this for a while without a lot of use. Toss.

The maker of Aquafor also has another lotion, and I just happen to have that one too:

I like to have something without fragrance that is simple and effective, especially when my skin is REALLY hurting. I've used this one a bit too... so let's use it up! Keep.

Next up are two body lotions I also use and enjoy:

The Vaseline Spray and Go moisturizer (with aloe) came in handy when my husband had a sunburn on his shoulders and back. My back gets dry in the winter, and this is so convenient. It's lightweight, smells lovely, and actually works. Keep. And then the Hemp body moisturizer is great beside my bed. It smells really nice (not too feminine, not too strong, not too sweet... just clean and cuddly and happy) and I like how it works. Keep.

And finally, this dusty beast:

I don't remember buying the Nivea Body Pure Moisture, but I imagine it's been several years... like 4 or more. This bottle has a layer of dust on it. It doesn't get used, is probably expired, and clearly was a waste of money. Toss.

So, all in all, I reduced quite a bit of my stash of moisturizers. Here is the final survivor pic:

Some aren't completely out of the woods (I'm looking at you, Body Shop butters), but it's a good step in the right direction. Hopefully I will be able to use some of these up and reduce the "collection" even further.

How about you? How much lotion do you have? Have you cleaned anything out recently?

Pregnancy Post: My Labor & Delivery Playlist

2015-01-18T20:41:00.004-05:00

I am a music person. If I could have a soundtrack for my life, I totally would. I guess it started with dance lessons. My parents enrolled me at 2 and a half years old because I was leggy and awkward, and dance would help me gain some semblance of gracefulness. I've always had a response to music... fast and upbeat to get your heart pumping, slow and calm to relax, fast and angry to work through frustration, soft and sexy to get in the mood. And who can resist dancing (even just a little bit) when a favorite upbeat song comes on?

So, I decided to create a labor & delivery playlist. It's perfectly possible that zero music will be played during labor (I've never done this before and frankly don't have a lot of perspective to go on), but in the case of a long and arduous process, I know that a good way to distract myself from the icky parts (blood, needles, etc.) is to have some music ready to go. I listen to my playlist every now and then, just to get in the zone, and I thought I'd share my list here for prosperity. And yes, my taste in music is all over the place and "kind of lame." Whatever.

The Reasonable Blonde's Labor & Delivery Playlist (in no particular order)

1. Breathe - Michelle Branch

2. Come Baby Come - K7

3. Haven't Met You Yet - Michael Buble

4. Doing It All for My Baby - Huey Lewis & The News

5. Great Balls of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis (A throw to the infamous "ring of fire")

6. Hard On You - Rob Thomas

7. Born in the USA - Bruce Springsteen

8. I Want a New Drug - Huey Lewis & The News

9. Scream - Michael Jackson ft. Janet Jackson

10. Push It - Salt-n-Pepa

11. Twist and Shout - The Beatles

12. I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross

13. Could It Be I'm Falling in Love - The Spinners

14. Safe and Sound - Capital Cities

15. Hourglass - Mindy Gledhill (I need tissues with this song!)

16. Push - Matchbox Twenty

17. Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon

18. Closing Time - Semisonic (Did you know this song is actually about being born? It is.)

Some of these songs are more about adventure of labor itself (1, 4, 5, 8 - 11, 16, 18), and others are geared more from me to my son (2, 3, 13 - 15, 17). And some are from our baby's perspective, kind of (6, 7, 12).

So, some happy songs, some fun songs, and some borderline-angry songs. I figure it's a good combination to sum up every single emotion that will be involved in bringing new life into this world. There's one more song that I love hearing (despite not being a fan of the artist), but to my knowledge, this song isn't yet available on iTunes, but he's been performing it already on the talk show circuits. The song is Mom by Garth Brooks (get your tissues for this one too).

My 2015 Resolutions

2015-01-10T22:04:00.002-05:00

2015 is going to be a pretty epic year. It would be hard to top 2014 for me personally, but we already know that 2015 is going to do it. So, in an effort to get myself to feel somewhat together, I'm going to create some resolutions for the year that I think can help manage all the major changes and life experiences headed our way.

Waste less time

I admit it... I waste a lot of time. I will sit on the couch and watch tv with a blank, stupid expression on my face for hours. It's shameful. I will sit and stare off into space instead of doing a simple task I set out to do. I lose interest in hobbies as fast as I discover them. I go to bed a lot of nights knowing that I wasted my day and didn't do all that needed to get done. I can't stand it.

I've battled what's been suspected as ADHD for decades. In college, I was told by a psychologist and a learning support specialist that it appeared that I had a pretty good case of it, but because of my academic achievements, it was obvious I had learned to compensate for it somehow. I still don't know exactly how I overcome it, but I recognize the need to work more to pay better attention. Another doctor actually theorized that I have OCD tendencies (perfectionism) and the anxiety over doing something not perfectly leads to procrastination and wasting time. An interesting thought! Whatever the reason, I intend to better this year about doing more with my time. I'm adding a major job to my resume - "mom" - which inspires me to put even more effort into making the most of the time available.

To help combat the overwhelming tendency to get distracted and get NOTHING done, I have returned to using a planner. Months ago, I ordered an Erin Condren Life Planner and carried that around for a while. Not gonna lie... it's a beast in terms of size. It also has a poor layout that doesn't work for me (professionally or personally) and it has somewhat of a juvenile feel to it. So, it was back to the drawing board. I decided I wanted a luxury brand planner, but wanted to make sure this, too, wasn't just a phase, so I busted out an old planner of the same size I wanted to buy and used it for a couple months at the end of 2014. Well, it seems to be working, so I took the plunge and purchased this baby (the Louis Vuitton Medium Ring Agenda [MM]):

I'm using the two-pages-a-day format from Franklin Covey, and it's working very well so far! If any of you are interested in a tour and how I'm using my agenda to stay on track and waste less time, let me know!

More positivity

I've worked on this one before, and have made a lot of improvements, but I want to keep going. More kindness, more empathy, more support for people around me. Less back-biting, less complaining, less judgment of others. I'm calling this my "Elle Woods Plan." Focus on blessings and happiness and being yourself... less concern on what others think. Believe in yourself. Embrace the girliness. Have faith in people. Smile at people. Be confident... or at least fake it. Use more glitter and be unapologetic about it.

Focus on health

I am anxious to challenge myself to lose this baby weight... after the baby gets here, of course! I learned a lot from my personal trainer and the nutritionist I visited a few years ago, so I plan to use that information to get back into shape and start our son's life off in a healthy home with a focus on good, balanced food and lots of activities! I am actually thinking about blogging our meal plans and some of my recipes as we get started. Is that something that is of interest to people? Might give you ideas. I know I love seeing other people's meals and snacks throughout the day, especially if they're healthy and delicious, so maybe that's something I should share?

So, those are the three big resolutions I have for 2015. Nothing specific on losing weight, spending less, whatever... I believe resolutions should lead to lifelong changes, so I kept to this list. What are your resolutions? Happy 2015!

Pregnancy is Sexy?

2014-12-11T20:17:00.000-05:00

Pregnancy is not sexy. People will tell you it is. They'll tell you it's the most amazing thing ever. A miracle, they say. The greatest experience a woman can have, they encourage.

It's incredible.

You want to know the truth?

Details ahead that may not be for the squeamish... You've been warned.

It is incredible. It's also terrifying, gross, and hilarious all at once. Here are some of my favorite things no one bothered telling me when recruiting me to their little parents' club. Of course, when I mentioned these to my girlfriends, they all smiled knowingly and admitted experiencing it too. What. The. Hell. Thanks for the heads up, "friends"!

You bloat like a balloon, and are full of gas too.

I've seen so many posts on my pregnancy app's forum where women who are 6 weeks along are posting their "bumps." I can assure you, that's not a baby we're looking at. It's one of two things: a belly that has been there before pregnancy, or, like in my case, bloat. Your intestine muscles apparently relax upon conception, leading to slower digestion... meaning constipation and gas. No one bothered warning me about that. I can assure you, practicing immense strength not to wince while your insides threaten to explode from air overload while having a conversation with an unsuspecting acquaintance, is not something anyone prepares you for. Take it from me - it's normal, it's common, and you should expect it.

Your boobs hurt.

This one I was actually warned about. "Oh, you get really sore boobs." Okay, got it. Then it started... the shooting pains of milk ducts activating. That's not soreness - it fucking hurts. And speaking of boobs...

Your nipples increase in size, among other things.

I'm talking National Geographic stuff. My husband made ONE comment... my reaction was strong enough that he won't make that mistake again. I'd ask my friends if they go back to normal after pregnancy, but since not a damn one of them warned of plate-sized nipples in the first place, I don't trust their responses.

Emotions run haywire.

I've always heard pregnancy makes you more emotional. I figured I would cry a little over ASPCA commercials, not have a breakdown over some Carrie Underwood song on the radio. The Cosby Show had me in tears on the couch because Claire yelled at Vanessa when she snuck out to a rock concert with her friends. The Dollar Tree made me bawl. Dirty Dancing had me yelling at my husband for not wanted to punch random people who were rude to me. Stuff like that. Batshit crazy. I'm not alone - I've asked around. It seems like every mom has at least one hilarious story of her emotions gone wrong. There's no reason to downplay it for the next round of mommies-to-be. Just be aware it's coming... and no, you're not alone. We're all a little crazy.

Crazy dreams will leave you scratching your head.

They're like television shows, they're so vivid and detailed. And they usually make VERY little sense. It's best not to even try to interpret them. No, if you dream you're cheating on your husband with a dragon, it does not mean you're falling out of love with him. It means you're pregnant, and your hormones are fucking with your brain. Just laugh and roll with it.

It's not a pregnancy glow...

That's not a glow. That's what it looks like when all of your pores are simultaneously clogged and zits are pushing their way through like Black Friday shoppers in the Walmart electronics aisle. All you can do is wash your face (but check the endless list of banned ingredients before you put anything on your face, lest you permanently disfigure your child with your own vanity -- that's sarcasm, if you can't tell), use moisturizer, and invest in a good concealer and foundation combo. But that "glow" everyone sings songs about? Yeah, not exactly. I think it's more about the twinkle in your eye, not a glow in your skin. That's just acne.

And last but not least... Morning sickness lasts all. damn. day. I recommend keeping a large bag of Jolly Ranchers near you at all times. Crackers and ginger ale are fine and dandy, but the only thing that kept me from up-chucking all over the conference table during the middle of meetings was sucking on a little Jolly Rancher. Little known secret - you're welcome.

Now a disclaimer:

This post is intended to be humorous, and I hope that it comes across that way. The body is an amazing machine, and I am continuously awed by what it can do. Knowing now that pregnancy involves as much as it does, would I still recommend it? Absolutely. Not only does misery love company, but the end result is nothing short of miraculous. I haven't even met my little guy yet, but I dream big for him and his future. It makes it all worth it. The ends far outweigh the means... even National Geographic boobs. Besides, I'll save a killing on bras - I can just tuck 'em in my pants.

Special Announcement!

2014-12-07T10:02:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. I'm back!

And I have a special personal announcement and update on the direction of this blog.

We're expecting a baby boy!

Baby boy is due in April 2015 and we're thrilled. It's our first baby, so of course we have no idea what we're doing, but 2015 is sure to be an exciting ride!

Now let's talk about this blog...

Is this becoming a "mommy blog"?

No. I may be alone here, but I'm not a big fan of social media-izing motherhood. Everyone has different perspectives and opinions on parenthood. New moms, including myself, get so much anxiety and conflicting information about how to best raise a child. At the end of the day, you have to make the choices that are best for you, so that's what I will be doing. No judgmental posts here, and certainly no "mother of the year" posts. There are plenty of those out there already!

Will you talk about motherhood and your baby at all?

Yes, of course! The extent of what is shared isn't yet determined completely, but I will certainly share things. Posts will likely be more about myself and my own interests, but baby will make appearances.

What's changing in terms of content?

I will be trying to lose baby weight, etc. and getting my family off to a super healthy start, so expect more recipes and food posts. I am currently researching programs to participate in (Weight Watchers, for example) after baby is here, so I will likely post a bit about that. I will also be posting about exercise and fitness. You can expect product reviews, as usual. And most of all, you can expect personal posts about experiences, funny anecdotes, things I am learning, etc. I just want this to be a conversation, and a way to share my experiences with friends.

What about beauty reviews? This was a beauty blog.

Yes, those will be back, although they'll likely be targeted at current situations. For instance, I was told to find a good serum for my skin this winter due to dry, cold air and pregnancy hormones, and I have found one I really like! I plan to post on my face maintenance routine, things like that. I have some friends who are pregnant right now, and we like to share information about what works for various little problems that arise. Believe me, there are SO many things no one tells you when trying to encourage you to join their "breeders" club!

Will you actually post more often?

Ha, yeah, I hope to. Blogging is not my job, nor do I want it to be. I have a professional career that allows me to travel and continue to be inspired every day by the brilliance of my colleagues. I blog because I like the creative outlet, I like to share things, I like writing, and I love photography. I'm not the best at any of that - I just enjoy it. However, this blog will never be my lifesource. It's just something I do for fun. But, yes, I do hope to update a bit more often and share more. Feel free to comment and join in the conversations!

So, that's it. Moving on to a new chapter in my life, and I hope you, readers, will come along!

The blog is back!

2014-11-30T21:38:00.001-05:00

Stay tuned for an exciting announcement about The Reasonable Blog!

Hint: Food is involved. More food than usual, as perhaps someone is eating for two...

Updates on Previous Posts: Le Tote

2014-03-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

As my blog passes 80,000 hits and rounds the corner to 100,000, I decided to look through my posts and find some of the more popular ones and give updates this week. I noticed that a lot of beauty bloggers and vloggers post raves about various products that you never, ever hear about again, and it can be helpful to hear an update on whether or not they're still loving things they reviewed.

Today's topic is Le Tote, originally reviewed here.

If you're not sure what Le Tote is, a long explanation can be found at the link above. The bottom line is this: for a monthly fee, you get sent unlimited "totes" of clothing and accessories that are chosen just for you by a stylist. Should you like the items they send, you may choose to keep them at a discounted price. Or, you just pack it all back up in the envelope and send it back for your next tote.

So the million dollar question is… am I still loving it? Am I even still subscribed?

Yes! Other subscription services have come and gone, but Le Tote has been a mainstay in my life since I first subscribed over a year ago. Since first launching, they have revamped their website to allow you to easily give feedback on your totes, and choose items to go in your "closet" for future totes. I have emailed back and forth with some of the employees a couple of times, and they've been very responsive and friendly. The clothes, for the most part, have been good quality. (I did have one situation where a dress arrived with a hole in it. It was handled by customer service to my satisfaction.)

I do wish the site allowed us to give more detailed feedback on some of the items. For instance, I have gotten a lot of sheer shirts, and ultimately I had to email them to ask them to stop sending those, as my work style is casual but not that casual. They also have sent a few items that didn't fit exactly right or had a fabric that was unappealing (like static-magnets) and it would be helpful to be able to tell them quickly why it didn't work.

I have kept a few of the items, especially in more recent totes. They've held up well so far, and I've gotten more compliments about things I'm wearing than ever before. I love that I always seem to have some new fashion option to try out without having to brave the mall, wait in lines, bear dressing rooms, and pay dearly for something that may end up never getting worn!

Since my original post, Le Tote has started offering different types of totes at different price points. They've also expanded the lists of designers and brands they offer. They're growing nicely and it's nice to see!

Le Tote links:

Le Tote site.

Follow them on Twitter.

Le Tote's Instagram.

This post is not sponsored in any way. I pay the monthly subscription fee myself. Some affiliate links may be listed above - but as always, enough information is provided that affiliate links can be bypassed.

Week Wrap-Up

2014-03-02T12:39:00.002-05:00

Hello, TRB Readers! It's been a while since my last update, so I thought I would come back and do a little recap of the last week or so.

We had a wedding in the family! It was a lot of fun seeing everyone, and it's always nice to be back in (and near) New York City. I miss my days living there.

I had jury duty, but ended up serving my time in one day and was able to pick up our dog from "camp" early. He didn't have to spend the night there, which clearly thrilled him (as evidenced by his refusal to look at me in the picture).

On the plus side, I'm finally starting to feel better from the really bad cold I caught a couple weeks ago. It's one of those that knocks you on your ass! Whew. And I got a little Sephora order I placed in a moment of weakness…

Then this happened.

The diamond is gone. We even had a plumber take apart the sink to see if it was in there. No dice. That was not a good day.

I am getting back on track with my fitness, and hit the treadmill yesterday… finally! I've lost 4 pounds so far and I'm looking to push through this wall and keep going.

I tried a new recipe for chicken salad. This one has cubed chicken (I just boiled chicken breast and then diced), cranberries, steamed broccoli florets chopped up really good, then a "mayo" sauce of fat-free plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and a little bit of sugar. I mixed it up and put it in a whole wheat pita with some Organic Girl Super Greens. (Served with some bbq kettle chips, which are my faaaaaaavorite and a Diet Coke.)

So this week had its ups and downs, but I'm feeling better, getting better sleep, and I've got a fridge full of delicious foods to cook in the next few days while we endure the newest snow storm. How was your week?

Sick Day Beauty Essentials

2014-02-16T23:49:00.001-05:00

Few things are worse than catching a cold that makes you feel like you've been run over by an 18-wheeler. And this week, it was my turn to get knocked on my rear end.

I am lucky enough to have a job where I can work from home if I need to, and even though no one sees me but my husband and pets on those days, I still find that taking a shower and making myself somewhat presentable (or at least resembling a human) really helps me actually be at least a little productive.

So here's a list of my essentials for those days when I'm just not feeling my best, but need a little something to perk up my look. Note: on my worst sick days where I'm flat laid out in bed and on the couch, I wear no makeup at all. That's all there is to it. These are for the better sick days with some semblance of energy!

Here they are:

My favorite lip treating product is actually the Blistex Lip Infusion rollerball (in cherry) which apparently is no longer made (sad face). So, I have put in another Blistex lip product: Cold and Allergy lip balm. I have basically tried every brand out there and Blistex seems to be my favorite. When I'm sick, I don't like thicker lip products, as I'm already sort of phlegmy and gross-feeling (TMI?) so I want something that's going to heal chapped lips and make me feel better without leaving a waxy buildup.
Origins GinZing Eye Cream - I love this stuff and have been using it for several months now. I like that it's creamy, soothing, doesn't irritate my eyes, and helps reduce puffiness - a great thing when you're not feeling well. When I'm sick, I definitely make sure to wash my hands thoroughly before putting a finger in this jar, then I get enough for both eyes in one dip. I don't want to contaminate anything with these germs!
Origins VitaZing moisturizer - This moisturizer is a staple in my routine. It helps moisturize my skin, and adds a slight amount of radiant color that can seriously perk up otherwise dull and pale skin when I am sick.
I don't love wearing eye shadows when I'm sick, but I like perking up my eyes a little, so I reach for my MAC paint pot in Bare Study. It's a light, nude color that adds a teeny bit of sheen and light to the lids. Looks natural and healthy and stays in place.
If I'm going to blow my nose and rub it all day, I need something soft and moisturizing. Currently, I'm using Puffs Plus Lotion. I like that the boxes are cute, too.
If I'm feeling really adventurous, I try to make my skin look a little less awful. One product that really helps is my It Cosmetics CC Cream. This is moisturizing, lightweight, and yet full coverage. I like that it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a blanket of makeup, yet it reduces redness and makes me look a little more alive. I'm nearly through my first bottle of it, and have already purchased another - it's that good. I feel like I'm doing something good for my skin while looking more polished at the same time.
I've said this time and time again, but mascara is a must for me. Because I've been sick, I've been wearing my glasses every day, but I still like a little something. I don't like waterproof mascara ever, so I have been trying out a new water resistant mascara, CoverGirl's Flamed Out mascara. I like it so far, and a full review will be coming soon. Bottom line, a nice water resistant, natural-looking mascara can help waken up the eyes and perk up your look.
My husband got me this for Christmas, and thank goodness he did! It's the Bath & Body Works Sleep Well bubble bath in Lavender Vanilla. It's so soothing and calming… very relaxing. I like that the fragrance is pleasant without being overpowering, and lavender is a great scent to use when preparing for a night of restful sleep. When I'm sick, I can use all the help I can get in that department!
Last but not least is an electric toothbrush. I used to only use regular toothbrushes until my dental hygienist recommended I get one like my husband's. I find that the sonic toothbrushes clean my mouth better than anything else out there, and when I brush my teeth, it refreshes my whole self. It feels good to have clean teeth, and it takes away some of the yucky feeling of being sick.

One last thing I like that I don't have pictured above is a good body wash. I am currently enjoying the Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash that came in this month's PopSugar Must Have Box. Although I was initially disappointed that it was in the box (it was random and is not a luxury item), I am glad to be given a chance to try it out. It's not only moisturizing for my skin, it also smells divine and is gentle and comforting. It feels good to be soft and nice-smelling when I'm sick. Helps make me feel better, like a soft comfortable blanket.

What are some of your sick day favorites? Share below in the comments!

Cheers,

Kelly

All products mentioned have been purchased by me with my own money. All opinions are honest and my own. No sponsorships here. No affiliate links posted.

Pink Week Review 2: NYX Butter Glosses

2014-02-11T04:00:00.000-05:00

It's Pink Week here on The Reasonable Blonde, where I'm celebrating beauty items in one of my favorite hues: PINK! Today's topic? NYX butter glosses. Let's go!

I purchase these two Butter Glosses before Christmas as last-minute stocking stuffers for myself (yeah, I admit it) and I have to say… I loooooove them! I love them so much, I went online and order four more! The two colors shown here are Creme Brûlée and Eclair.

They have a doe-foot applicator (pretty standard). There is a fragrance - it's very pleasant.

Here are swatches - Eclair is on on the left, Creme Brûlée on the right. I have found that they are pigmented enough for people to notice without looking nuts on my lips, they're not sticky, and they have decent lasting power. If you're averse to the fragrance of the regular NYX glosses, these may be more to your liking, as they do smell somewhat sweet, but are not very strong at all.

I will post again when the other colors arrive, but if you're looking for shades that are more on the natural, "your lips but better" side, these are two you would probably like. I get compliments on these (I even used Creme Brûlée yesterday to tone down a pretty bright pink lip balm stain (Revlon) and got a lot of compliments on the resulting look. I definitely recommend these, if you haven't already tried them out! If you have checked them out, let me know which ones you recommend!

Cheers,

Kelly

All items in this post were purchased by me with my own money, and all opinions are my own. I am an honest blogger.

Health & Fitness Update 2

2014-02-09T14:59:00.000-05:00

It's time for another check-in for health and fitness here on TRB! This week had some rough weather, but for the most part, I did okay. Let's jump right in.

I'm still aiming to move more, and am trying to hit my step goal (8000 steps) each day. I've also been "gently" logging things in a FitBook. The reason I am logging this way, as opposed to using an app like MyFitnessPal is because I want to get away from counting calories, measuring everything, and obsessing over numbers. I have been reading some literature on diet and exercise from the psychology perspective and I have found the material really intriguing. Here are two books written on the subject by Psychologists:

And the book I'm currently racing through:

Some folks on Instagram were asking me about Cameron Diaz's The Body Book. I can't comment on whether or not she wrote it herself, but I do like that it's not written at a level so stupid that it's a waste of your time, nor at a level that is too advanced and dry to keep you interested. It flows well, contains a lot of common sense, but also has a lot of science and history that backs up her arguments and explains things very well. It's not a diet or exercise plan… more of a nice commentary on the value of good nutrition and finding exercise that works well for you. She has a lot of personal stories and I actually find her voice surprisingly relatable.

As for the other two books, Eat.Q. and Intuitive Eating, perhaps it is my background in Psychology that attracts me to these books, but I do appreciate learning more about the psychology of the human response to food and nutrition, and it's nice to feel like I'm not just a weak-willed soul because I struggle with over-eating and mindless munching. When it makes more sense and you understand your behaviors a little more, it's a little easier to modify them in the direction you want. I definitely recommend these books if you're interested in this kind of thing.

Okay, so how did my FitBit counts turn out? Let's see!

	Last Week	This Week
Monday	5,533	9,806
Tuesday	7,868	9,746
Wednesday	N/A	4,020
Thursday	3,132	2,567
Friday	4,416	10,072
Total	20,949*	36,211
Daily Average	5,237.3*	7,242.2

* Wednesday didn't register, for whatever reason. So the average for the week is calculated on four days, not five.

I definitely stepped up the movements this week, but totally dropped the ball on Thursday. I have tried to make up for it today (already surpassing my goal with this morning's workout) but the weather is so gross and I was feeling run down, plus my husband had been out of town. I need to work on making sure I stay active despite work and weather issues! Friday was a slow day at first, but then we had a wedding to attend, so shaking my groove-thang on the dance floor helped get that step count up!

We got a treadmill (finally) and I have been able to stay a bit more active now that I can workout at home in our basement, so I will soon be increasing my daily step goals to reflect that change. I like watching Netflix and YouTube videos while I'm on there - makes the time go by faster!

And like I mentioned earlier, I've been writing in my FitBook, of course. I like keeping track of my goals, inspirations, water intake, workouts, how I feel, etc.

So, that's where I am right now. I am looking forward to spring… warmer weather, sunnier days, outside activities, and lighter clothes. I just hope I fit into mine!

What are your goals? How are you all doing?

Cheers,

Kelly

All products mentioned in this post were purchased by me with my own money. Some links may be affiliate links, but as always, TRB strives to give enough information that you may choose to purchase a product from your own chosen retailer. I am an honest blogger.

Pink Week: PopSugar February Must Have Box

2014-02-07T13:57:00.001-05:00

Today's post for Pink Week here at TRB is about this month's PopSugar Must Have Box!

Let's open 'er up, shall we?

Say it with me now… womp womp. Hm.

This month's box includes the following:

K. Hall Designs Peony travel candle (because every glam girl travels with an overly-fragranced jar of wax that you light on fire…)
Gorjana jewelry roll that would be better as a clutch
ModelCo lipstick and lipgloss combo in a neutral pink
SugarWish mini cinnamon red-hots candies
NCLA nail polish in a burgundy red color ("Rodeo Drive Royalty") - looks like the color of dried blood
Nourish Organic argan face serum

and the "piece de resistance"?

Dial Vitamin Boost body wash.

Seriously… soap. Liquid Dial soap.

That's in a luxury monthly box.

Soap from the drugstore. Red-hot candies I can get at the gas station. Nail polish people are constantly trying to get out of their Little Black Bag carts. Lip gloss that I've gotten before in beauty boxes that always ends up in the garbage. A really overpowering, smelly candle that is meant for travel. Some face serum and a jewelry roll that is flat so it wouldn't actually hold my jewelry, as usually my necklaces have a pendant or something on them, and I wear earrings, rings and bracelets that won't fit.

This one is a fail. A big February fail box.

Ick.