Friday, April 26, 2013

Exercise and Losing Weight

Still working on getting in shape, and I'm happy to say that I'm making progress! I'm down about half a jean size. This puts me about half way between one jean size and the other so all my pants are either to tight with a muffin top or to loose and make me look bigger than I am. What a nice problem to have! If I keep going then the tight ones will start to fit great! 

I'm exercising more often, the last few weeks I've been focusing on things like crunches to build up my muscles, and today I added in one of my favorite cardio videos. My back is killing me, but what the hell! If I get in better shape then it'll be worth it.

Potty Training

Jaydra's almost three, and she's finally starting to get the hang of using the potty. She was initially reluctant to try it, and she still needs a lot of encouragement to stop what she's doing and use it. I've started using a few different rewards because when I was using just one she'd get bored with it and start resisting again. I got her a book that came with a princess crown and stickers. We let her wear her princess potty crown when she's sitting on the potty and when she goes in the potty she gets another jewel sticker to stick on her crown. Also I got her some kandoo flushable wipes and she likes to open it herself and wipe, then throw it in the potty. This is a BIG DEAL because she loves to do things for herself.

I have to keep saying and doing things to motivate her because she says she wants to be a baby and wear a diaper. I've tried pointing out that if she uses the potty she's DOING IT HERSELF, but apparently I just don't get it. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there with a kid that struggles with this, so I thought I'd share some other things that have worked for her:

-Telling her that it makes her potty happy when she pees or poops in it. Also that it makes Mommy and Daddy happy. When she succeeds, I make a big deal about it and how happy and proud I am. Do I feel ridiculous? Yes. Is it worth it. Oh hell yes!

-Letting her play the zoodles app on my phone while she's trying to use the potty. It keeps the kids locked in the app so they can't make calls or anything, and it has a variety of age appropriate videos and games in it for free. You can also add any apps or games you want onto the menu. *note- I have her sitting on a little potty on the floor when she plays with my phone, so don't worry my phone won't be taking a toilet bath any time soon.*

-Stickers and tattoos when she uses the potty. She likes the crown, but switching it up with a temporary tattoo now and then helps to keep things interesting for her.

-www.pull-ups.com has info and helpful tips, apps, coloring sheets and all sorts of great stuff. You can even set up a phone call for them from Cinderella or Mater to remind them to use the potty.

-I got some reusable pullups that have plastic on the outside that help to contain some of the mess, but don't absorb everything away so she can be more aware of when she's peeing. Plus they are much cheaper than buying packages of disposable pullups.  

She's just about gotten the hang of it now, and only has accidents when she's sleeping. If she's doing something extra fun like playing outside or watercolors I still have to remind her to take potty breaks, but at least we're making progress.

**My younger daughter Alicia used the potty twice today and she's not even two yet. Woo hoo!** 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

A new BB cream I like

I was interested in all the new BB creams I kept hearing about, so I went out and bought one. Big mistake. I have oily skin that break outs if you even look at it funny, and that BB cream did just that. 

Luckily, I got a free sample of Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream. I like it because it helps cut down on the oil on my skin, and doesn't come off when my skin gets oily like so many other things do. It has a nice level of coverage, letting the skin show through while helping to hide my numerous acne scars. It cuts down on shine, but doesn't make me completely matte. I have some spots that are super oily so that's not to surprising. It also has a thin drippy texture that can be messy to apply but is easy to blend.

After using this for a while, my skin looks healthier. I don't think it faded my dark spots, but the moisturizers in it make my skin look healthier even when I'm not wearing it.

Bottom line, I would recommend this to anyone that has oily skin.

#gotitfree# #buzzagent#