Hey, I can do this!!

My first progress picture. Four months of hard work!

                                            

Hello! 

So this is my first post in regards to my weight-loss journey. I just came back from vacation- a little scared to get on the scale! Lol But screw it! I've lost 40lbs since I started this marvelous journey and if I gain any of them back I know I can loose them again.

I initially started this weight-loss journey because I really hit a point in my life where I would just cry for no reason. Looking from the outside in, I was fine. I was doing fantastic at work, had been given a raise, my projects were all excelling within budget and schedule. I was planning to go back to school & although that was a stress and a half my ducks were lining up nicely. At the time I was in a relationship and even that seemed fine. He supported me when I needed him and encouraged me to hit the gym. But when ever I went into my closet I felt discouraged, I would get dressed to go out and feel absolutely miserable. Working in an office and dealing with clients, I would always get dressed up: business dresses, heels, makeup and accessories. That quickly stopped. I told myself I wouldn't get all fancy because I had a long commute and didn't want to wake up any earlier just to put on foundation. But the truth was that I just gave up on myself. I felt super sad all the time and it showed! I stopped wearing makeup, didn't get dressed up for work, I had not been in a salon in months! And all this affected me but, also those around me. I felt bad about myself so I pushed those who cared away; family, friends, loved ones. I seriously did not like this person I became- she was ruining my life. 

But now it's been 3 months. And I feel great. I have lost 40lbs and it feels amazing. I look in the mirror and don't flinch away. Haha! I'm short, 5 feet. So you can notice absolutely everything! But you also notice the loss. And seeing my progress makes me want to go further and see what more I can accomplish. I don't feel sad as much as I used to. Going to the gym and working out, burning calories and sweating bullets it all fuels me with happiness and hope. I go running and at the end of it I'm puffy, sweaty and out of breath but wow, emotionally I am at 150%. It makes me feel like I can keep going through life.  

I think my weigh-loss has been healthy. There are some who have asked if I'm starving myself or over working at the gym. And hearing things like that makes me sad, the answer is no. I exercise regularly, I stuff myself with proteins, vegetables and fruits, I gave up alcohol (except for that minor moment at the resort  lol) and there is no more fast food nor junk food. I feel proud of myself. I know I have always been a girl who gets the job done right; work has never been a problem to me. And I'm looking at this journey as the ultimate project. And I know I can do this. I was upset at myself for close to a year. Now I am appreciating everything that I am. I am smart. I am kind. I am forgiving. I am beautiful.

Starting Date: May 11, 2015

Staring Weight: 198 lbs 

Current Date: August 21, 2015

Current Weight: 156.1 lbs

At the hotel. 

                                                           

At the hotel.

                                                           

La Isla Saona 2015

                                                               

Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 2015

                                                               

California Girl

Overlooking the Hollywood hills on the Griffith Observatory - July 2015

There came a day where I did a random act; I contacted my ex on facebook. This is a guy I hadn't spoken to in years! And yet, we were on the phone for nearly two hours catching each other up on our perspective lives. Then I did something even more random; I booked a flight to California and went to see him.

Should I have done this? Probably not. Was it something I needed to do? Definitely, yes.

Unfortunately, I am all in support of the idea that to get over someone you need to get under someone else. You know what I mean! Lets say "fuck it" to the stereotypical notion that a woman who enjoys casual sex is a slut but, a man who enjoys casual sex is praised. No, no.

Anyways, after my current break-up from hell, I was still stuck in the rhythm of wanting someone to talk to, someone to snuggle up next to, someone whom I can just be quiet around and not have things get awkward. But all that added up to a boyfriend and I was not in the mid set for "boyfriend" but, at the same time I wasn't about to give the guy I called "fuck boy" more emotions than his title entailed. So, I went to the next closest thing, an ex-boyfriend. Someone who already knew me and knew my craziness. Best of all, he already knew how to hold me and I wouldn't have to play the "lets-get-to-know-each-other-so-fucking-isn't-weird" game. Yes, I went to California with one purpose; to get laid.

Overall my trip was great. On the first night there I went out to a club and got completely wasted that I do not remember how I got back to the apartment. But, to be completely honest, I have always been a light weight and I that night was my first drink in 5 months! My body had gotten rid of every trace of alcohol and when I reintroduced the liquid gold my body just couldn't handle it. That, or as I was told, I kept real close to the bar and buying continuous shots of Patron. I mean, I don't remember it but, I believe it; pictures and videos in my phone proved it! But that was just one night.

For the rest of the trip (which was too quick), I went hiking with my little brother (who is an LA resident!) and of course with my guide, "The Ex". There was also a museum involved, the Griffith Observatory, a few restaurants, an art gala, the beach, more beers, and a hot tub. And, I am proud of myself because somewhere in between all that fun I found time to exercise. There was a fitness center where I was staying at and I took full advantage. Having fun makes me happy but, feeling the burn and sweat after a workout has a longer positive effect on me. And you better believe my mouth touched the floor when I saw all the calories I consumed in alcohol during that trip. 

The flight from California to New York is crazy. Six hours on a plane made me feel like I should of been in a completely different country after getting off - but, I would definitely take that trip again. One, because my brother lives there. Two, because there is so much to do over there and I didn't have enough time to do it all. This trip was the quick escape from New York that I needed. I was around family and "new" friends. Although I was still very cautious about the way I looked, I surprised myself at how confident I felt and how easy it was to look at myself as pretty (just 2.5 months since the start of my weigh-loss journey!).

Please enjoy a snap-shot of my trip on being a California Girl. Pictured with me is my little bro. 

California - July 2015

Let the Beet in!

All week I've been adding beets to my smoothie! 

I've had a real high on making my breakfast very liquid but hearty too! I've been going to the market and buying fresh fruits and vegetables. I'll even say I've had more spinach than I ever had in my life- I'll start looking like Popeyes soon! 

Each morning I wake up and slice and dice a few pieces of fruits and either add cucumbers, spinach or both! One time I decided to add a beet. They taste good in potato salad and are high in iron- which unfortunate for me my body does not have enough of. Well, if you've had my mothers potato salad you'd notice it's pink and that's because beets stain absolutely everything. 

After peeling and slicing it up my cutting board had pink stains, the knife was bleeding in pink and my hands looked like I dipped them in paint and never washed. So be warned! Use gloves, wash up everything right away and do not get it on your clothes! 

I threw it in the blender and had a very, very thick shake. I enjoy some pulp in my drinks but this was too much. So the second time I decided to add beets to my beverage I took out an old family helper- the juicer (which has been collecting dust, untouched for over a year). I juiced a bunch of beets, which were about four heads and it gave me 100% pure and pulp free beet juice. It made so much of the dark red liquid that I have been adding it to my smoothies all week long! 

So far I've tried two variations: 

Smoothie #1:

•Beet Juice

•Almond Milk

•Kale

•Blueberries

•Green Apple 

•Strawberry meal plan from Herbalife 

•Protein Powder 

Smoothie #2: (featured on the pic above!) 

•Beet Juice 

•Almond Milk

•Kale

•Strawberries

•Black Berries

•Seedless Green Grapes

•Cantaloupe

•Vanilla meal plan from Herbalife 

•Protein Powder 

Enjoy! 

International Badge Day 2014

To all my sorority girls, Show off your badge! Today is international badge day! 

That means that every Greek woman around the globe will be showing off her love and admiration to her house and her letters. 

It was such a delight to see all my Theta Phi Alpha's posting pictures of their badges on social media. How can I not press 'like' on every single post I saw? 

Here is my beauty. Shinning bright and pure over my heart. It was such a delight to wear this to work today- and trust me when the questions came rolling in (like I knew they would) I was ready! I love the surprised look I always get when someone finds out I'm part of a sorority. With that look of shock I know I changed someone's perspective on Greek life- I am a hard and pationate worker so, when they look at me and see that I am always willing to help it's a pleasure to have them know that Theta Phi Alpha taught me those values.   

Theta Phi Alpha, be to us a symbol of friendship, sisterhood and loyalty. 

Skin regimen for every skin type!

Your skin should not be subjected to trial and error. Everyone is different and so is everyone's skin. 

Mary Kay's skin care has a regimen for every skin type! 

The Mary Kay® Botanical Effects® set is a simple regimen infused with botanicals specifically made for sensitive and delicate skin. It comes in 3 different formulas for dry, normal or, oily skin. The four piece set includes a cleanser, mask, moisturizer and, freshener. You can get all pieces in the same formula or you can mix two formulas together to get an exact match of your skin needs. 

The TimeWise® Miracle Set® includes 11 age fighting benefits to target early to moderate signs of aging. It comes in two formulas specific for normal/dry skin or oily/combination skin. The set includes a 3-In-1 Cleanser (that means you cleanse, mask and freshen all in one step!), Age-Fighting Moisturizer, Day Solution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 and, Night Solution. 

The TimeWise Repair® Volu-Firm™ Set is made to target advance signs of aging.  Includes Foaming Cleanser, Lifting Serum, Day Cream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30*, Night Treatment With Retinol and, Eye Renewal Cream. 

The Clear Proof™ Acne System Set is intended for those with occasional or persistent acne. With the same amount of medication as over-the-counter drug products, Clear Proof™ Acne System is clinically shown to provide clearer skin in just 7 days. Set includes  Clarifying Cleansing Gel, Blemish Control Toner, Acne Treatment Gel and, Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin. 

#MaryKayMariela


Stay Blessed & Beautiful!

Satin Hands Give-a-way!

I have been really getting into promoting my business on instagram. And, it has been quite fun! It makes me think like someone in marketing. I guess it's good that I already had a passion for creativity. 😜👌 Although many of the followers I have "migrated" from my personal page a lot have been completely new! Ladies who enjoy makeup & skincare & glamor like I do. So, I have been wanting to have a giveaway for some time now & I think now is that time! 😃 I've been having so much fun posting & talking to new people all around the world. 🌏 Getting to know my followers, complementing pictures 📷 & giving beauty advice 💁. The giveaway will take place on my professional Mary Kay page on Instagram. I will be giving away a free mini set of the Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Pampering Set. 💖 It includes a hand scrub, a hand cream and, a hand softener. 👍👌 Seriously, with the harsh winter we have been having, making our skin so dry, your hands will thank you! 👏👏 Anyone can enter. For a chance to win you have to be following me at ✨@marykaymariela✨ repost the photo above & tag me in it. That simple! 😉 I will have a random generator randomly pick out a winner & it will be announced on March 15th! That gives anyone and everyone 3 weeks to enter, follow, repost & tag. 😁

Hope everyone is as excited as I am. This is going to be so much fun. Good luck! 💋 #MaryKayMariela 

Take a look at the the Mary Kay Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Pampering Set above & see what the full sized set includes. 

• Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Softener, 2.1 oz.

• Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Satin Smoothie® Hand Scrub, 7.75 oz.

• Fragrance-Free Satin Hands® Hand Cream, 3 oz.

Price $34.00 (tax not included)

Need to have it now? Send me an email with your order!

 

Stay Blessed & Beautiful! 

Facials, Wine, & Chicken

I knew that I wanted to have a good time with these crazy girls. And, by "crazy girls" I mean my old coworkers Keyra and Carla.

Now let's forget about how it took me two hours to get to Keyra's house-  because the R train decided to go express over the bridge and skip all local stops even though there was clear notices stating that R trains will not run into Manhattan for 14 months. Or, how I couldn't make a transfer at Jay Street for the A train and basically had to go almost all the way back home to transfer to the F that took me to the A. And, to top it off the A train wasn't in full service and I ended up taking a shuttle bus. *Sigh* But, besides the big headache with NYC transit I really enjoyed myself.

After a month of absence it was nice to catch up with these crazies. And, my bag was super full with all the Mary Kay products they were going to try. I started them out with the Satin Hands and Satin Lips set. Both of which were loved.

Then after showing them the different types of skin care options that Mary Kay has to offer we settled for the Timewise Miracle set- one tried the cleanser and moisturizer for combination skin while the other one tried it for dry skin. It's really important that you use the right formula for your type of skin.

Of course there had to be a little color fun in the night. After finding the right foundation for each  girl I gave them some tips on makeup application and each of us had a different shade of rouge. 

At the end we cheered to us with some wine and and then finished off the night eating some chicken, biscuits and fries!

Can you guess where? :) 💋