Weight Loss on a Beauty Blog?

 As you'll know (if you've read a couple of my latest posts) that I've recently got back from an amazing ski holiday in Canada. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to go there and ski for a couple of weeks and experience bitterly cold temperatures (down to -30*c) that we just don't get in New Zealand. I had such a great time, doing my best with beginner level skiing and everything, but the thought that was there in the back of my mind the whole time was, 'What more could I do if I was fitter or weighed less?'

I've never been ashamed of my appearance and I've never thought I was ugly. I just guess I got too comfortable with my weight because people told me 'you suit being a bit chubby', 'you're still in proportion so you look fine'. However, I avoided going on the dog sled tour because I knew that Chris and I wouldn't be able to ride on the same sleigh due to our combined weight. I turned down going for a snowshoe walk because I knew my fitness level would hold up the group. 

Something snapped inside me when we got home to New Zealand. I decided I wanted to be truly healthy and part of that is losing weight. I don't want self-inflicted heart problems or diabetes. 

I don't think I've ever known how good my body is designed to feel. 

My fiancé is actually a Personal Trainer and leads such an active lifestyle. I know that we could do so many more things together if I had a better fitness ability. Just last weekend, my brother rang Chris and asked him to step in and do the AMI Round the Bays run with him. On a whim, at 7.30am on Sunday morning, I decided I'd walk the same distance. By myself. At that point I knew I was serious about transforming my life. Since I've been home from holiday I've been on lots of walks, drank several green juices, rejoined the gym and have already lost a couple of kilos. Heck, this morning I even did a Bollywood style dance class at my gym!

My future goals now include:

- losing 40kgs

- Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing next summer

- Running the 10km next year at Round the Bays

- Spending more time outdoors with Chris

- Working on my upper-body strength

and lastly....

- posting a picture of myself in a bikini at my goal weight on this blog!

The reason that I wanted to document my journey on this blog, besides holding myself accountable by sharing it with the world, is that I want to talk about the beauty side of weight loss. 

I want to talk about how my body is changing. What products I'm using, including what works, what I love etc. I know of people that have lost loads of weight and haven't thought about 'treating' their body along the way until they've lost all the weight. It's too late then. I'm young, so I know I have a fighting chance of looking amazing at the end of it. But if a firming cream is going to help me along the way, then yes! I am keen to try it. 

For example, Clarins have an Anti Eau body treatment oil that contours and helps get rid of excess fluid build up. Those are the things I want to try.

I want to try vitamin supplements. I want to try resistance bands during exercise. 

I want to try anything that is going to help me along the way to look good and feel better.

I want to amaze myself (and other people!) at what I can do and what I am doing.

I don't want to look like this on my Wedding day, because I know I'm not comfortable with myself. I'm not saying women can't get married at my size. I'm absolutely not saying that. I'm being selfish here and am only talking about myself. I have picked out the most perfect dress already. It just so happens to have a plunging back, and there's no way I'll wear that with back rolls!

Chris and I want to backpack around Europe in a couple of years. I don't think I'd physically be able to do that at my current size and ability level.

It's about getting fit, getting strong, getting healthy and sharing my journey along the way. 

I can't wait to share with you my beauty finds.

And don't worry, this blog isn't going to be taken over by weightloss, I'll still be posting regular Beauty by Lizy posts most often.

I'll need to come up a name to identify these sort of posts in the subject line. I shall have a ponder :)

I'd love to hear your tips (beauty or health related) on getting fit too.

Who is with me?!

- Lizy xx

February Favourites 2014

It's been a while since I've done a 'favourites' post, but it occurred to me a couple of days ago that I've been reaching for the same products all month. Much of that has to do with the fact that I took these to Canada on holiday with me or I bought them over there. 

From top left:

Olive Pomegranate Hand & Nail Cream* - This gorgeous little tube arrived on my doorstep on Valentines Day and I couldn't have been any happier to see it! First off, the packaging is so cute and at 50mls, is a great size to throw in your purse. It is hydrating without being greasy, has loads of star ingredients rich in antioxidants and smells amazing. I've really enjoyed using this product and for a limited time you can get one free when you purchase two Olive products from participating pharmacies.

Prevens Makeup Remover Wipes with Vit C Antioxidant (pocket size) - I don't normally use makeup remover wipes, but I appreciate the ease of use when travelling. I picked up the pocket size of these wipes (I could only find this brand at Kirks) to pop in my in-flight beauty bag. Unlike other wipes I've tried, these don't dry my skin out. We took several flights over the course of our holiday in Canada and these freshened me up instantly when needed, getting rid of that sweaty, tired look that comes during a 14 hour flight. I like the smell of these too, and if you're a regular BBL reader, you'll know that smell accounts for a lot.

Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Rollerball - I'm currently obsessed with anything Tory Burch and her new perfume is no exception. I tried this in her store in Vancouver and fell in love instantly. It's so feminine and crisp but altogether quite subtle. A great scent for warmer weather. The Jasmine Sambac and Peony notes in it remind me a little of Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gioia but I prefer the Tory Burch scent on my skin. I didn't buy a bottle at her store (because *cough* I bought some shoes instead! *cough*) but I later regretted it, knowing that I wouldn't be able to get it in New Zealand for a while. I went to Sephora and bought the roller ball to tide me over until I could commit to the full size. It is pretty delicious, I've been wearing it in place of my Flowerbomb, J'adore, Coco Mademoiselle rotation. The bottle is just stunning, too!

Savar Jet Set Travel Treats* - I don't know what I would have done without these on my trip! They took my in-flight regime to the next level and were fabulous throughout the trip too. I always have a hard time getting to sleep on the plane but decided to rub a little of the Temple Relief Balm on my temples after I put my eye mask on. The lavender oil in the balm calmed me down and encouraged me to sleep. It was a super luxurious treat that I repeated a few times throughout the trip. I find it works better than Rescue Remedy! The Magic Rescue Balm was the most useful life-saver. I'm not sure if you've experienced -30c temperatures but it takes it's toll on your body! Dry cuticles, dry lips and a dry nose are pretty common, so I was glad to have this balm to the rescue that I could slather on where needed. The NZ beeswax, and super oils like Blackcurrant, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Apricot and Meadowfoam do a brilliant job at boosting moisture. Exactly what you need when skiing down the mountain with Arctic air whipping at your face!

I wish I had the First Aid Balm back when we went to Thailand in June because this balm is fantastic for all those hot weather ailments. It's terrific at healing insect bites, minor cuts and rashes etc. These travel treats have got some outstanding ingredients in them to help with inflammation, and have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

EOS Lip Balm Honeysuckle Honeydew - After seeing these lipbalms around forEVER, I was finally able to buy them in Canada. I bought the Honeysuckle Honeydew and Strawberry Sorbet although I prefer the HH. I pretty much apply it 4,742 times a day.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream - I always look at Kiehls if I'm in a store that has it and mean to buy something but I'm not sure why I've never bought anything until now. Unused CAD$ at duty free on the way home will make you do that. I bought an introductory set 

(for a ridiculously good price) that included this moisturiser, that I love! It's not too thick and greasy but it is still moisturising enough. It's a really no-fuss product. Just gets in and gets the job done. Although the Antarcticine - Glacial Glycoprotein ingredient does sound rather serious! It protects the skin from cold temperatures. Should have bought it on the way there not the way home!

NIVEA Stress Protect Deodorant* - I was sent this from beautyreview.co.nz to try so I could review it on their website. I've since developed a healthy respect for the stuff. I never knew aerosol deodorants could work so well, naively thinking you needed a roll-on to get great anti-perspirant protection. I was wrong, this stuff is the bomb! I like spray-ons because they dry quickly and don't make marks on your clothes. I will definitely purchase a full size when this runs out - but in the meantime I'm enjoying it's portable size.

Linden Leaves Footcare Foot Reviver* - Picture this: You get back to your lodge from a long day of skiing, manage to wriggle out of your death-grip ski boots and finally flex your toes. What do you do next? Spray on Linden Leaves Foot Reviver is what you do! A breath of fresh air that perks your feet up to the point that you want to race back outside for your après ski drinks! A real miracle worker. I used to kill for this stuff when I got home from my old retail job. Any time your feet are hot and tired (or sore and stiff!), spray this on. They'll be right in no time.

Stila Magnificent Metal Eyes Kitten - I was in Mecca trying out a few things when I noticed the sales assistant's eye shadow and asked her what it was. She showed me this product and I bought it right away, because it looked that good on her. It is such a beautiful product and I always receive compliments when I wear it too. You can use it in a couple of different ways, because it's a foil-type product you can mix it with the primer they give you in the little tray or you can apply straight on with your finger (which is what I've been doing). The colour payoff is ridiculously good and I didn't even realise until I got it home that it was part of the famed 'Kitten' collection. It is shimmery/glittery/foil so it does shine, be under no illusions about that. I've loved mixing it with my new Urban Decay Naked 3 palette.

L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense - This is the felt tip liquid eyeliner I have been waiting my entire life for! 5 years of watching TiffanyD videos on Youtube have turned me crazy with not being able to buy it. You better believe I bought 2 backups too. This eyeliner is literally impossible to stuff up. The felt tip is so easy to apply and I prefer it over the Lancome Artliner I used to use (because it was similar to this one) not just because it is about seven times cheaper! If you ever get the chance to buy this product, do it!

And lastly....

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - Need I say any more?! My best friend and I bought them in Sydney together and they have changed my eyelash curling life. They are just that much better. The fit is better in terms of eye shape etc. and you don't need to apply as much pressure as my trusty 10 year old Manicare one. RIP Manicare eyelash curler, you've served me well, but your snazzy cousin just outdid you.

Hope you enjoyed my favourites this month. What have you been loving?

- Lizy xx