Protein Powder for Workout Fiends Like Me!

As a workout fiend, I workout 2 hours a day 5-6 times a week between trying to get to 8 hours a sleep a night, which requires a bedtime of 9 or 10 pm to be able to get up at 5 or 6 am, tutoring a bunch of chemistry and biology students, attending class and finishing homework while trying to achieve a 3.7-3.8 GPA from a school termed a "Public Ivy"...wiki it if you want to know more. 

Anyways, although I am busy, exercise does help with the high amounts of stress. If for even 2 hours a day, I am only focused on working out and not on midterms and homework, to me it is something worth investing time in. Physically, however, sometimes the intensity of the workouts make me feel, for lack of a better word, trashed. I mean, my muscles are sore and I'm tired and I just wanted to get through that pain as soon as possible so I can work out again. So I decided to try protein powder, which insanely enough I hadn't tried before. 

Protein, one of the body's macronutrients, and considered to be the workhorse of cellular processes comes in powder form or in a bar to be ingested and speed up muscle repair, which must be healed and rested to actually develop. However, when I go into shops like GNC, I am terrified my those bulky plastic containers filled with powder that is 2000 calories per serving in the back of the store. Instead, I went to the Vitamin Shoppe and I asked the salesperson for some brands that women like me find unintimidating yet effective. Luckily for me, they were more than happy enough to point me towards the aisle with a little known protein powder product called Spiru-tein. 

LET ME TELL YOU...I'M HOOKED. FYI I bought the Cookies n' Cream flavor for $26.06 (which was the online price they matched at the store at my mention :D). I have had a couple of cups already and when I run out, I will definetely be running back to the store.

Here's some reasons why I like it...

1. IT'S YUMMY! There's no chalky consistency and it actually tastes like Cookies n' Cream <3
2. Gives you energy and keeps you full for another 2 hours
3. Repairs muscles and gives what your body needs for only 120 CALORIES!!! Gasped? I KNOW!
4. Satisfies your sweet tooth so you won't be reaching for your calorie-dense nutella at the back of the cupboard...which, really, its placement didn't really deter you before from eating it tablespoon at a time by the sink
5. Incredibly inexpensive compared to other brands. Trust me 87 cents per serving is a bargain. If you go the gym, sometimes they are $2 per cup 
6. 1 serving unfortunately has 10g of sugar BUT it does have 14g of protein!
7. Can be mixed with milk, juice, water, fruits...it's practically the most flexible protein powder around
8. Lastly, the packaging isn't scary :P

So for those people who need to feel repaired in no time, purchase this product and try it out. You WON'T regret it, but if you do, then just return it...duh!

Until my next protein powder purchase...

KOSH <3

Presenting...My Favorite Outfits from the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards

Tonight, the Screen Actors Guild Awards aired and the fashion was just complete perfection. The ladies looked, of course, very beautiful in all their designer gear and men like George Clooney turned so many heads that it's a wonder how some women didn't fall over their gowns trying to sneak a peak at THAT! 

However, I picked my top 10 favorite outfits of the night and I couldn't be more than thrilled to show them to you. All these looks were sexy and beautiful. If you agree or disagree, feel free to comment so I can know what you think. Go ahead and tweet me too @Janelle_Lora.

Here we go in descending order, my top ten favorite outfits starting with Natalie Portman...

10. Natalie Portman looking gorgeous at the SAG Awards

9. Sarah Hyland from Modern Family

8. The Good Wife star, Julianna Marguiles, looks incredibly sophisticated and stylish in this beautifully simple Calvin Klein number

7. Amber Heard's style which perfectly encompassed rocker chic sophistication was eye catching and just plain unique. Thank you, Zac Posen

6. Stacy Keibler, George Clooney's arm candy, looks more conservative in this Marchesa slightly sleeved lace gown

5. Modern Family's Sofia Vergara dressed in Marchesa

4. Glee's Naya Rivera in a tight-fitting yet flattering Naeem Khan dress

3. Actress Emily Blunt in a stunningly bright Oscar de la Renta gown

2. Love = Angelina Jolie in this edgy metallic number from Jenny Packham

 

1. MY TOP PICK: Viola Davis looking so sophisticated and daring - a perfect combination for this SAG Award Winner :D

So there we go...agree? disagree? We have a LOT to talk about :D

But until my next blog,

HEYDA <3

I Got New Ecotools Brushes - So Excited!

I have asked many a makeup artists how important makeup brushes are and they all say the quality of makeup brushes are just as, if not, more important than the quality of the makeup. They all say (something along these lines)  that "those are your tools and to make great art, you must have the best of the best." Yet, although I love department store makeup, I seem to be able to save on makeup brushes (see the blog entry about MAC brush dupes). Recently, I bought 2 face brushes from Ecotools and although they are significantly cheaper than department store brushes, I must say, they are just as good!

Ready for more reviews?

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1) Here I purchased the Ecotools Blush Brush:

• Inexpensive and yet as attractive as an expensive brush
• Insanely soft
• Picks up loose or soft powder with ease
• You can easily manipulate how much you want on your brush and then build it up on your face
• Wide side (brush on the left) is great for applying blush on the apples on your cheek
• Thin side (brush on the right) is great for contouring you cheekbones with bronzer
• Ditto previous bullet point with the tapered end of the brush
• Easy to hold and does not shed

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2) Now presenting the Ecotools Recycled Retractable Kabuki:

• Great for applying any kind of powder, whether it is foundation, pressed powder, loose powder or finishing powder
• AMAZING at buffing! Leaves a soft, smooth and non-cakey finish
• Great for taking out any harsh lines between blush and bronzer (contouring on your cheeks)
• Soft, compact, dense and does not shed
• Great packaging and handy for people constantly on-the go, yet still a bargain :)
• Grabs onto a lot of product if you want

I believe that Ecotools is a great company for people who are on a budget yet want brushes just as good as the $30+ ones. The brushes are made of recycled material and the company overall is very eco-friendly...hence, the name. This is very important to me as a person who was raised in New Zealand.

I can't wait to need more brushes so I can shop from them...yay!

'Til next time...

ZBOHOM <3

Two Bronzers I Am in Love with Right Now!

For some reason, I had never been into contouring much. It's not that I didn't know it existed but I just always saw it as something exclusive for the celebrities. But one day, I tried it...and now I'm OBSESSED. I just want to contour my face everyday, but I wanted to do it with a bronzer that really matched my skin tone. Now my one-month hunt for those aforementioned bronzers has lead me to my treasures.

Here's a look inside my treasure chest...

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1) Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush & Eye Shadow

I know most of you who read this will be relieved that I am reviewing something that is NOT from Nordstrom or Macy's. Though I do love department store makeup, I strongly believe you can get just as good a product from Target or any drugstore. Anyways, I bought this for $10 in Waikiki Strip/Peachy Glow Bronzer and it was perfection. 

This thing is 3 products in one though I do not really see it as an effective blush. As a bronzer however, it's amazing. It is great for contouring your cheeks to instantly take 5 pounds off your face, and if you don't want to contour, you can apply this to all the parts of your face where the sun would usually hit resulting in this sheer tan glow that is just oh so beautiful. You get this sun-kissed look that works year round. The color I chose had a pink undertone which was perfect for me because I'm not really fond of the whole brown-on-brown look.

As for this product working as an eyeshadow, know that it is just as exceptional. The color can be worked up on both your eyes and cheeks for either a sheer effect or something shimmery. It is long-lasting with primer underneath and does not crease or cake. The pigment is intense and will not be lost when blending with other shadows on your eyes or blush on your cheeks. It is a very VERY versatile product that is inexpensive. This product should definitely be expecting a repurchase from me :)

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2) Clinique's True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer

This bronzer is another favorite of mine although unlike the one above, it is much pricier at $25 per case. My absolute favorite thing about this bronzer is that it lasts ALL DAY...without primer! The intensity and pigment is the same from application to removal. 

This bronzer is much better for contouring than the Physician's Formula bronzer as the powder is more concentrated and not as shimmery. It gives you a brilliant shadow underneath your cheekbones making you look like a runway model! However, if you are a pro at applying makeup and manage to apply it on your entire face without looking blotchy, then you can achieve a more natural sun kissed look than with the Shimmer Strips.

I purchased the compact in the shade Sunkissed because the other two choices were two brown for me as opposed to this one which has a red undertone. Personally, I would use a real blush brush or contouring brush for application as the brush that comes with it is not effective at all.

So that's why I think your go-to bronzers should be. Nice to have an inexpensive alternative huh?

SUDIE <3

Mila Kunis: Amazingly Fashionable and Fabulous

I have been a fan of Mila Kunis ever since I learned she was this down-to-Earth immigrant who had a hard time assimilating to American culture. From an early age, she had been working as Jackie on That 70s Show, and from then on she has been Meg on Family Guy (another guilty pleasure :P), and other films playing roles opposite the likes of Justin Timberlake and Natalie Portman. She's intelligent, very pretty and actually CHOSE to GAIN weight after being under 100 lbs after the filming of Black Swan...now that's unheard of in Hollywood. Not only is she not controversial but she is also very realistic about how the word "art" is applied to Hollywood.

But my favorite thing about her is that she is incredibly fashionable...I would really love to see her wardrobe! I love all of her red carpet outfits and I decided to show everyone the kind of fashion I adore. Here are five of my favorites in no particular order...

 

So those are my favorite looks from here...here a several more I think are worth noting

 

 

 

Enjoy some good fashion and class

Until the next celebrity who is all-inspiring...

 

ADIJO <3

Continue the Must-Haves with Concealers

So my previous post on cosmetics were on your must-have primers, now I want to tell you what I believe your must-have under-eye concealers should be, and mind you, both are from the wonderful brand that is Benefit Cosmetics.

Benefit Cosmetics, in my opinion, have the best packaging in all of the beauty industry. That says a lot because it's not like makeup ever comes in dull gray boxes, yet Benefit's packaging is unique for each and every one of their products. The packaging is girly and youthful, yet a professional woman could pull any product owned by this wonderful brand out of her purse with all the confidence and coolness in the world. So besides my obvious love of anything Dior, Clinique and Urban Decay, know that I have just as much an intimate relationship with Benefit :)

So enough chit-chat...let's talk about concealers!

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Benefit Boi-ing

Although I strive to get about 8 hours of sleep a night, I unfortunately am not immune to the horrid sign of aging that is under eye circles. Mine are, I believe, quite prominent so I am very big on under eye concealers. A salesman showed me Boi-ing and I was quite impressed with the product. First of all, when the salesman applied it to my circles, they practically disappeared. The coverage is incomparable as it made me look much more awake. I use the medium shade but I do wish there were more options; I mean, if I put it on my face to cover blemishes, it wouldn't work well as it is obviously a different color. Nonetheless, if you use it exclusively for under your eyes, it will not be a regretful purchase. The formula is thick and can be applied via ring finger or concealer brush, but beware, if you tug down your skin everyday while applying this concealer, you will make your skin droop at a faster rate. The creaminess makes it able to be blended out well and not only that, it's pretty crease resistant too :). It is $19, which is typical of a department store price, but if used correctly, it can pretty much last the good part of a year.

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Benefit Erase Paste

This concealer won my heart the first time I ever used it. I was so impressed with this product, that to this day, I challenge anyone to find a better concealer (though your desire to disagree with me is totally respected). I do want to point out that it is a very itsy bitsy tub of concealer for $26, however, you use such a little amount per application that it will actually last longer than Boi-ing. Now about the product itself...I again used the medium shade and also believe that the formula is thick yet more than happy to blend. It feels a little bit heavy but the coverage and look of complete LACK of fatigue more than make up for that minute downside. It does not look cakey at all, rather it has the opposite effect. Also, like the prior concealer, it is quite immune to creasing. It also stays on all day and all of these features about the product convince me that this is one hell of a concealer worth purchasing...LOVE!

So there you go...now you have no excuse to ever look tired...as for me, I'm going to take a nap now...

TAM BIET <3

People's Choice Awards 2012: Best and Worst Dressed

On Wednesday night, the 2012 People's Choice Awards aired and was hosted by the actress playing one of my favorite characters on the Big Bang Theory, Kaley Cuoco...for those who watch the show, isn't it the best comedy around? I think so!

Anyways, OF COURSE I'm going to have to do a blog about the best dressed people of the night, although it is worth saying that I wasn't really a fan of most of the outfits the celebs wore. There were a lot of short dresses and there was plenty of color, but the overall designs of the chosen outfits were not that great in my opinion. Some of the dresses were rather flat in design and either they were just plain weird or were able to be bought at Macy's. 

Again, this list is composed of my opinions, in no particular order, of who were fab completely perfect. Agree? Disagree? Comment and tell me what you think?

BEST OF THE NIGHT

 

Demi Lovato in Marchesa

 

I have only become a recent fan of Demi Lovato...you know, after she came back from rehab, and I love how mature she has become. She's gone a long way from being a Disney star and that progress shows in this outfit. 

 

This dress is a beautiful color, however, it does wash her out. But the way it flows is gorgeous and that LARGE embellishment/design in the middle of her torso is beautiful. Though the neck is quite plunging, it is done very decently and classy. This dress is very mature yet doesn't age her at all.

GORGEOUS AND CLASSY

Kaley Cuoco

I have a special place in my heart for anything related to the Big Bang Theory, so when Kaley Cuoco, a star in my favorite show, looks amazing on the red carpet, you bet she'll be on my list!

This lovely nude ensemble did an exceptional job flaunting her very slim physique! This symmetrical and non-poofy dress was down-to-earth yet stunning. The embellishments were simple enough to make the dress a stunner yet did not overpower her look. Her volumized hair was easy-going and was a perfect juxtaposition for the softness of her dress.

 

I am definitely looking forward to more of her on the red carpet because she did it right this time!

GO BIG BANG!

Stana Katic in Valentino

 

Stana Katic is one of the star's on the hit show Castle. This dress though amazingly simple is just plain perfect on her. The body hugging aspect of this dress is so flattering on her toned and slim physique and the simple drop of the skirt is also very pretty. The neck is wide and does not fail to glorify her collarbone and the long sleeves succeed in making this dress incredibly sophisticated...if only she had a beautiful necklace to match...

Anyway, she was very smart in her color choice, because let's face it...who can go wrong in black?

 

 

 

 

 

Emma Stone in Gucci

 

 

 

 

Emma Stone was easily the winner of the night. She upstaged all the gowns and cocktail dresses with this feminine pant suit combination. The gorgeous green blazer from Gucci was obviously the main component of her outfit but she matched it to a T with a white blouse underneath and slim, black dress pants. The contrast of her red hair and green jacket was genius and everything topped off with simple heels put everything together.

She looks modern and completely in fashion...yes, this is achievable even without a dress.

WINNER :D

 

So that's all I've got to say. Until the next awards show...

TOT STRAKS <3

Your Must-Have Eyeshadow Primers!

When I was young and naive, I used to put on my eyeshadows straight onto my lid and to my great surprise, they'd almost always be gone by the end of the day. Now I have mentioned on another blog entry that I am not very fond of reapplying my makeup during the day because it is just too time-consuming and I have already woken up earlier than I have to to put my makeup on, so I don't want to give it anymore time than I have to. 

I went online and found that eyeshadow primers are a great way to keep your eyeshadow and eyeliner on...FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. To me it was like David Copperfield pulling a car out of thin air...primers equal joy and magic wrapped into one ball of goodness. 

Over the years, I have tried on many primers and here are my favorites (in no particular order)...

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1) Too-Faced Shadow Insurance

This is the one I have in stock now and if I must say, it's AWESOME! It's keep my makeup on all day AND in place. I think primers who meet both of these criteria are the best kind of primers because if a primer keeps the eyeshadow on the lid, but not where it was initially applied, then it is ineffective and not worth investing in. 

Not only is it long lasting, it is very smooth and easy to apply. The primer's color is a great foundation to put eyeshadow on, and during the course of the day, eyeshadow does NOT crease...a MIRACLE! The colors also look more vibrant and I think that's important if you are using expensive shadows because you get the most use out of them aesthetically.

Lastly it is easy to take off which is a bonus. My only disapproval of this product is that when you open it in the morning, there's an excess of oil that comes out first before the actual primer...just make sure you don't put the oil on your lids and you are good to go :)

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2) Urban Decay Primer Potion

To me, I can already hear women around the world saying that the famous Primer Potion is the best primer around...and I do agree! Even on Ulta.com, there are 5 "pros" and  0 "cons" for this product. I think that says something about the primer because I have yet to find a product everyone unanimously loves (if you find another one with ratings like this, please tell me. I'm very curious as to what the product would be).

Anyways, to continue on with the review, I will point out some stuff most people probably already know about this miraculous product. It really does stay on your lids all day, and just like the prior primer I mentioned, it keeps shadows in place! It's smooth, the packaging is very pretty, and the eyeshadow is very crease-resistant when applied on top of this primer.

If you purchase the original primer, the eyeshadow colors look great. But if you purchase Sin, you give your eyeshadow a shimmering effect. The effect of this primer is so good that I know people who use it as their actual eyeshadow, so I think that's pretty nifty.

The only con I would have is that though the packaging is pretty, it isn't so great for retrieving product. If you use the one with the wand, you pump air into the tube every time you dip the wand back in, drying the product faster which I think is a waste of money. If you purchase the primer in the packaging you can squeeze the product out of, you definitely salvage more of the primer but it still takes effort to squeeze out the remnants. Personally, I say cut it open and take out the last remaining primer so you get your money's worth because it is expensive. Nonetheless, Urban Decay's Primer Potion is a great product which have given plenty of women, me included, that WOW moment when applied for the first time...it's AMAZING!

PA <3

My New Mascara: Clinique's Lash Doubling Mascara

I really like Clinique...usually. However, I was at the mall with my sister and mother and we happened to buy some stuff from Clinique. Along with what we purchased were a couple of samples of this and that, but what really had me giddy was the mascara tube that the sales lady put into the shopping bag. Of course, at the nearest mirror I could find, I dug the mascara out of the pouch and put some on...boy was I disappointed :(

LASH DOUBLING MASCARA

 

When I put it on my eyelashes, it didn't really do anything. I was waiting for that "WOW" moment which indicated love at first sight, but it just didn't happen. Although it is $15, I would say it is a waste of money to purchase. If you want better quality, then splurge. But if mediocre mascara is what you are chasing for, which I'm sure you are not, then there are plenty of other drugstore mascaras that top even this department store formula.

Here is a list of what I (and other reviewers) have to say about this product:

• Some good things where that it kept lashes separated and kept the lashes curled as well...but that's it
• It did not really elongate my lashes and forget about any volumizing effect
• It smudged!!! What a nightmare for me :(
• There is a problem when applying the second coat - it clumps...
• If you aren't used to big brushes (I trained with Diorshow), this mascara wand might be hard to handle

Well, let's just say I won't be heading back to the store any time soon to purchase this mascara. But still, I remain a devotee to Clinique. Let's just hope the next mascara is better than this one...

AVE <3

Weight Loss: Here I Come!

So January is here and I can almost hear all the women around the world scribbling on their calendars their weight-loss New Years Resolution only for them to stop striving for their goal less than a month into their program.

Well why do women quit so early on? Because dieting is hard...simple as that. It requires the person dieting to really want to see results. Dieting can't be pushed onto someone by another person, rather motivation must come from within. Also, dieting requires a person to be okay with 'failure,'  which to women means not losing 10 pounds after one hardcore session of exercise. I understand the mentality, aka sadness, of a woman who doesn't see results right away, but if it took years and years to pack on the pounds, do you really think it will all come off after 2 weeks?

Not seeing results right away is OK, so by changing you New Years Resolution to becoming an overall healthy person, this could lead to an easier goal to strive for which will most likely have you lose weight anyway.

So those are some of my words of wisdom. Now I want to show you some upper body exercises I do to build lean muscle so I can be strong, energized and healthy :)

These are, for me, the five important parts of my upper-body that I target to get stronger: biceps, triceps, shoulders, chest and back.

My bicep routine consists of bicep curls and hammer curls with dumbbells

Bicep curl - palms in starting position should be facing the ceiling

Hammer curl - palms in starting position should be facing each other

My tricep routines consist of tricep dips and kickbacks

Tricep dip - can be done on any chair, bench etc...to make it harder, extend the legs out or even lift one up

Tricep Kick Back - I actually use my stabilizing hand to hold onto the crook of my elbow so my upper arm does not move. Also, don't swing your wrists.

My shoulder routines consist of simultaneous front and side lateral raises and the military press

Raises - these raises get you tired quick so opt for lighter weights. To do 2 workouts in one, use one hand to do a front raise and the other to do a side raise in one motion

Military Press - I do these standing. Also, when the weights come down, only let them make a 90 degree angle then press back up

 My chest routine consist of push-ups, chest flies and chest presses

Push-up - start off with knees on the ground if you can't do a proper pushup, then work your way up until you can do them like men...can you say "accomplishment"?

Chest Press - you can stand to have more weight with this. Also dumbbells or barbells both work. Lastly, it's always a good idea to have someone spot you

Chest Fly - don't ever let gravity dictate your movement. Control the dumbbells on their way down to get best results

My back routine consist of the Superman and the bent over row

Superman - get the name now? Be careful not to strain your neck but this is a great low-intensity strength exercise

Bent Over Row - to even fine-tune this workout even more, alternate arms and really feel the twist :)

Note: these are not all the exercises I do but they are my favorites. If you plateau, either do these exercises with heavier weights or go searching online to find new workouts to break out of your plateau. As for the number of reps, since I'm a girl, I will not bulk up so I can either do a small amount of reps (say 15) slowly with heavier weights or I can do a minute's full of reps with a medium to fast pace with slightly lighter weights. It's definitely up to the person but just make sure you get weight training in.

So here is some more stuff I do...until next time (where I may talk about the lower body or abs)

POZDRAV <3