Dying to be Skinny

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

So some of you may not know this...but my whole teenage life, I weighed about 118lbs. When I took on a sedentary position at a medical office, I gained 25lbs in the first year. After that, it has been a steady 10lb increase every year. Top that off with getting married, having babies....you could only imagine the absolute horror on my face when I stepped on the scale during the last week of pregnancy with my second son.

204 pounds.

I always used to joke that if i ever hit 200lbs, I would kill myself. Sounds a bit much, I know. I never meant it literally. But I did think that at my height and build, 200 looks an awful lot like Violet Beauregard from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. See photo below for an almost exact depiction...

Okay, so not exactly like this.... as I'm not blue.
Anyways, after I delivered my son in January 2016 - and was back down to about 180lbs - I promised myself that during my 1 year maternity leave, I would get down to a healthy weight of 135lbs. I had I had a game plan. This had to work! It's fool proof!

It is now the September, and I am currently weighing in at 184lbs. Way to go me...
So the NEW goal is to get down to 150lbs before I returned to work in January (lol).

So what is it going to take to get to my new goal weight? I've done fad diets before, and none of them worked. Mainly because I would binge eat by lunch while only 2 days in... I needed to try something different this time. What has always worked for many people that doesn't necessarily need a butt load of exercise? Because, lets be honest...I had to Google the word exercise for spelling purposes.

Should I do the ABC diet? 2,4,6,8? So many anorexic diets to choose from....but it what elze?? Oh, I know...Counting calories!

I set out a goal for myself to consume no more than 500 calories a day. DONT EXIT THE PAGE YET! 500 VERY large and filling calories! If I ate more than that, I had to get on my air stepper and work off the surplus. The first day was not so bad, because I think seeing myself in a photo during labor day weekend had me feeling way too determined to want to eat anything anyways.

Here's how my first week went:

Starting weight 184lbs

September 6 - 182.5
September 7 - 180.2
September 8 - 179.5
September 9 - 178.8
September 10 - 177.6
September 11 - 176.8
September 12 - 175.8
Total Lost: 8.2 lbs

Now I gotta be honest, the following weekend I ate like a piglet at 2 family events. The morning after those 2 days, I was up 3lbs. But I thought to myself....not bad at all...I expected to put it ALL back on, so this was a bonus. Needless to say, my motivation was there.

Game Plan:
I would eat any and everything I wanted so long as it stayed within my caloric limits. If I couldn't add it up on MyFitnessPal, I was not going to eat it. And here is where this blog comes into play. I had to find new and creative ways of making big meals (cause I am always hungry) that would stay within that target range, and help me lose weight. This was not as hard as I thought at all.

Now because I CAN eat anything I want, I don't feel as restricted, which always made me binge eat shortly after I gave up. If I want to eat a cookie, I can have it. But that means I'm giving up 70 calories of my daily allowance. Will it satisfy me? Probably not. Will it satisfy the craving so I don't binge eat later? Absolutely. This is what makes this diet different. You don't have to restrict. Eat whatever. Just count everything!

There are no other rules other than...stay within the 500 calorie limit!

Now I know many of you will comment on how this is very unhealthy and leads to anorexia and blah blah blah. But listen, to each their own. Its a great jump start to your weight loss journey even if you only did it for 2 days or 1 week! For me, this was a great head start and definitely has me motivated and ready to lose the rest of this excess I've weight. Now I can't guarantee I will stay eating 500 calories. But maybe once a week in addition to exercise and a a restricted diet.

Now if you are an avid fad-diet-trier (you like that one?), or ABC diet lover, then these recipes should be a God send to you, seeing as to how your family will be amazed at how much you're eating, all the while keeping your calories super low. a HUGE salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions has practically no calories. Top it with your protein of choice and low cal dressing, and you've got a meal that looks like it should be 500 and up, but its really about 200-250 calories! Don't make stupid choices. I find the bigger the meal (fill it with low calorie veggies and protein) will be ridiculously filling.

Don't forget to chug at least 2 liters of water throughout the day!

So stay tuned, and don't forget to subscribe! Because I will be sharing with you some super low cal recipes that you may not find on pinterest. I know my photos aren't professional, and the meals may not be GOURMET. But hey, it beats eating a celery stick and a bag of skittles for the day and praying to lose weight and not be hungry. =)

Madam Glam Gel Nails

Thursday, August 25, 2016


Hey everyone! I know its been a while since I posted on this blog...but the inner Carrie Bradshaw in me has been dying to get back into it. I've been writing a lot on my phone, but never really uploading it to this website. Mainly because my .com expired due to me not having an online presence anymore! SUPER SAD.

Anywho, an email came in a few weeks ago from a company called Madam Glam asking if I would be interested in reviewing a gel polish kit for them on my YouTube channel. When I mentioned it to my husband, he said it was about time for me to get back to doing what I love.....which is creating online content while quietly talking to a camera in a room all by myself hoping my husband cant hear me or my silly outtakes repeatedly....... *blush*

So back to the email. I replied within a few days and waited patiently for a response. When the email returned, the woman (Mirela) at Madam Glam pointed out that it had been a little while since I had uploaded a video.... *dies inside*

I explained to her that I was looking for a chance to get back into all this YouTube stuff, and this seemed like a great opportunity. THANK YOU Mirela for taking a chance on me and giving me the incentive I needed to get off my no-longer-preggo butt and get working again!

SO, the video below is my review of the product. I hope you guys enjoy it!



GIVEAWAY TIME!

Anyone who has followed my channel in the past (thank you for your continued loyalty) knows that when a company asks me to review something I will only do it if I can get a promo code for my viewers as well as a duplicate product(s) to do a giveaway. Otherwise, no deal.

Needless to say, Madam Glam was nice enough to offer a 30% discount when you use this code: MARIAMKSMA30. However, here is an insider tip..... If you sign up for the mailing list on their website you can catch constant sales and promos were the products are actually 50% off!! So unless you are dying to try it right this moment, sign up for the mailing list and give it a weekend or two!

So onto the contest details.... You know me, I like to keep things VERY simple. I ask you to leave the same information every time. So the rules shouldn't surprise you much. I am hosting all the contest information on my website going forward because apparently YouTube has changed the way it works and I have yet to read and understand the full specifics. So rather than jeopardize the entire video being pulled down (which wouldn't be fair to anyone including the company) I decided to just put it here.

OK, SERIOUSLY! ENOUGH BLABBING! 
HOW DO I ENTER TO WIN?!?

1. Comment on this post with:
  • Your YouTube user name, age and location.
  • As well as why you would like to win this kit?
2.  Comment on the YouTube Video with the words ENTERED or I WANT TO WIN (or something along those lines, so that I can cross check you entered on both sites) I will be checking and verifying!

3. Contest ends on Friday, September 2, 2016 at midnight!

Thats it guys! I will be drawing the name and contacting you on YouTube via a private message on Sunday, September 4, 2016 in the evening! So make sure you and everyone you know enters as well to increase you chances! If they are willing to give you the product that is, lol.

Thanks again for watching and I look forward to seeing you all again soon in the next video!

xoxo - Mariam Monroe

3 DIY Make Up Removers! | Pinterest Tutotrial Tuesdays

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

 Okay guys, we are trying something new here... Once a month (to start) I want to find some DIY pinterest tutorials and put them to the TEST! That way YOU don't have to waste time or money trying to do it yourself!

I pin so many wacky DIY beauty tips that sometimes I question the credibility of the photos.... How do I know the result was done in the same day using that exact method??

Well, the only way to really find out is to embark on this journey myself. Well...if you guys are joining me, then were doing it together! Leave a comment down below or on the YouTube video of tutorials you've seen on pinterest that you would like me to try or compare!

For my first edition of the Tutorial Tuesdays (I only gave it that cool name cause it they went well together, the downside is....I have to schedule everything to post on a Tuesday instead of the weekend! Ughhh!) where was I......?

........Oh right!

The first Tutorial Tuesday I am going to present to you guys is the 3 most commonly seen (and pinned) DIY eye make up remover tutorials!



I followed the pins to these websites, and got to work immediately trying to replicate it!

Photo credit: ATravellingWife.blogspot.ca
#1 - The Baby Shampoo, Baby Oil, and Water Method can be found HERE via ATravelingWife.blogspot.ca


Photo credit: MyFrugalAdventures.com
#2 - The Whipped Coconut Method can be found HERE via MyFrugalAdventures.com


Photo credit: Thriveonadime.com

#3 - The Olive Oil and Water Method can be found HERE via Thriveonadime.com


NOW ON TO THE VIDEO EXPERIMENT!



Thanks for watching guys and I hope you enjoyed watching this as much as I enjoyed making it!

XOXO,

Mariam Monroe

Burn, Baby, Burn!

Saturday, November 22, 2014

I'm one of those people who use curling and flat irons without the protective glove that comes with the tools. I like to think I've got a pretty good handle on what I'm doing. But every now and then I give myself a scar to remind me of why I SHOULD be wearing that protective glove.

I clearly should have been wearing the glove.
I'm pretty sure everyone has experienced this burn before. Whether you were in la la land dreaming about your hot date, watching an episode of the walking dead, yelling at your dog who is sitting next to you biting his paws, or just plain old distracted......we've all been there!

So anyways, it got me thinking....(Actually, the burn I gave myself when I yelled at the dog during my last video got me thinking)... What can I do to remedy this burn to ensure there is as little scarring as possible? And how on earth do I stop this painful throbbing??

Let's start by saying that if the burn is severe and pussing or blistering badly, be sure to see your doctor ASAP! But for minor burns, here are 10 remedies you can find around the house, and fast!



 ______________________________________________________________________________
 
1. Cold Compress! Using a washcloth, soak it under cold running water and apply it to the burn to help cool it down. Our first instinct is usually to grab ice and apply it, but this is not the same thing, and could cause frostbite and seriously damage your skin!


2. Aloe Vera. When we get a sunburn in the summer or on vacation, the first thing someone tells you to use is aloe vera! Destination hotels even include them with your shampoo and conditioner in your bathroom! So the same goes for a curling iron burn. Apply a small pea sized amount to the area for instant cool soothing feeling and to help with the healing.


 3. When topicals arent enough. Taking a dose of Advil or Ibuprohpenn can help with the inflammation of the burn and bring it down, it also will help if you you are experiencing throbbing in the area and pain.


4. Prescription/OTC. hydrocortisone cream. Whip out a tube of 0.5 - 1% percent hydrocortisone, this lotion or cream can help also bring down the inflammation and ease the pain. If you have medical coverage, you can ask your dr to give you a prescription for it and keep it stored in a cool dark place for future use.


My personal favorite moisturizer!
5. Moisturize. Make sure to keep the skin as moist and hydrated as possible. Keep a small tube in your purse to apply liberally throughout the day.


6. Apply honey to fresh burns. Honey helps to prevent infections and scar tissue. Honey has also been known to heal older burns and scars, including those from previous falls or surgery, when applied regularly.



7. Apple Cider Vinegar. Is there anything this stuff cant fix?? Use apple cider to speed up healing time and prevent blistering and peeling.


8. Essential oils. Rub lavender essential oil or tea tree oil on a burn to speed recovery time and prevent bacteria from entering the wound.



9. Whats in your fridge? Place fresh papaya slices or fresh tomato wedges on burned or damaged skin. Both of these fruits contain enzymes that encourage the creation of new skin cells, collagen and elastin to help your skin renew itself! Slice up a few extra pieces to snack on while healing



 10. Cleansing.  At night, use a gentle cleanser (like Cetaphil) to gently cleanse the area. And of course moisturize before bed.


And, if you'd prefer to watch these tips rather then read it, here ya go:



Well I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and learned a thing or two! I'm off to remedy my own burn before bed....ouch!

XoXo

Mariam Monroe

Big Curls and Waves, Without the Blowout

One of the things I always hated the most when I wanted to "Kim Kardashian" curl my hair is the fact that I had to straighten it first...

After spending an HOUR straightening my hair, making sure nothing was frizzy, I THEN was able to curl it, but not without dousing it in hair spray to get it to hold the curl...So my now clean hair was considerably dirty, and will surely begin its usual: hair-spray-residue-that-resembles-lice-or-flakey-skin-that-people-feel-the-need-to-point-out-to-you.

How annoying.

Anyways, it was until one lazy morning, where I decided to shower the night before and sleep on it wet, and curl it the next morning, regardless of what it looked like. To my surprise, this not only held the curl better than straightening it first, but it cut the time by more than half!!

The next step was to try to see if the curls could be achieved the SAME DAY by blow drying the hairs enough to get them dry, but just not super straight........... Eureka!

With that being said, lets just jump into the video/tutorial:


I hope this helps!

XoXo,

Mariam Monroe


Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Friday, November 14, 2014

After having my son, I noticed my slightly bald patch had become way more obvious.
Hair was falling out left and right. I would swiffer daily and find enough hair to make a wig every 2-3 days!

With that being said, I decided to look into ways to deal with the temporary loss, and put them into videos for you! I hope you enjoy, and please leave a comment if you have used the items, or have some tips and tricks of your own to share!


Product used to conceal hair loss/balding - Tutorial


And of course, a video with numerous tips and tricks for hair loss

Xoxo,

Mariam Monroe

Giveaway Time!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014


After a very long absence from the online world, I think its time to do a giveaway to kick-start my comeback...

As the video below describes, I am doing this giveaway to basically clear out my product box, because there is NO way I'm going to be able to do a review/tutorial on all of these items. I just want them GONE!



CONTEST:
- 3 Winners will be selected at random by using a random comment generator.
- Contest begins today, and will end on October 31st, 2014. Winners will be contacted on November 1st, 2014.
- If you receive a private message on YouTube from me congratulating you on winning, kindly reply with your mailing address ASAP so that I can get your goodies out to you.

HOW TO ENTER:
- Comment (as many times as you'd like) with the following: Name, Age, Location, and what videos you would like to see in the future.
- MUST BE A SUBSCRIBER

PRIZES AT A GLANCE:






Good Luck to everyone who enters!
Xoxo,
Mariam Monroe

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