Well guys... the 30 days has come and gone.  The challenge is complete!  I wasn't able to do the full 30 days because I ended up injuring my back while doing the bridges.  Embarrassing!  I tried to finish it out as best as I could, but lower back pain does not go well with squats or leg lifts!  The fact that I posted that I was doing the challenge in the first place is the only reason I continued to try with modifications.  You all were great motivation to keep going!

I found that I would forget in the mornings, and even during the day, so I would end up piling everything in the evenings around bed time.  I wasn't noticing any soreness until around day 19 when it started increasing a little more and the reps were going higher each day.  I also learned that I had the wrong squat form and was putting too much weight in my toes which was causing me to overcompensate in my back and causing the lower back pain to flare up even more.  This was a great learning experience for me!

1/13/19

This photo was a huge wake-up moment for me.  I really didn't want to post this (still kind of don't) and was embarrassed of what I had seen, but didn't want to hide it either.  I wasn't hiding it really-- I wear leggings all the time.   This is what people see, so it wasn't like this was a big secret!  Everyone always presents the "best" of themselves on social media and I am a perpetrator of only posting pictures that I think look good and maybe not always posting the most "realistic" portrayals of myself.  Who wants to show of the not great parts of themselves? Not me!  But I need to break that habit.  It isn't easy, but something that I need to do.

2/17/19

Since my before photo I have been working out (with small breaks due to my back) and have lost 7lbs!  I have also been following the new WW Freestyle Program which has helped with the weight loss as well.  I didn't take measurements, but have noticed a slight difference.  I think that now that I know the proper form for squats and have learned a few other exercises that will help to target the specific areas I want to work on I will start to see more results.  Fitness is a journey and I am learning to be patient with that time.

I know there were a few other folks that were doing the 30 day challenge with me.  How did it go for you?  Please share in the comments below!  What kind of challenge should we do next?  Let's get this going!

Ya'll... I have a new found appreciation for the beauty section at Marshall's and TJ Maxx.  They have so many different high end products for super low prices!  I stopped at my local store recently and found some really great, high-end products!

Let's see the goodies that I got!

L’Ange Ondule Ceramic 32MM Curling Wand $119
I paid $16 on clearance!  I have heard so much about the L'Ange hair tools and I have wanted to try them, but never wanted to pay that price!  When I saw this is the clearance section I immediately took a quick video to send to my friend Alison and tossed it in my cart.  Wasn't going to pass this one up!


L’Ange Aplatir Ceramic Flat Iron $109
I paid $16 on clearance!  I rounded the corner after finding the curling wand and saw this flat iron on another clearance shelf and picked it up too!  Good flat irons are hard to come by and for $16 I couldn't pass it up!

BUXOM Big & Sexy Bold Matte Gel Lipstick in “White Russian” $22
I paid $4.99!  White Russian is an iconic shade from Buxom and I already own the gloss.  When I saw this matte version of the lipstick I was really excited and for that price who wouldn't be?!

Here is a look I created using the liquid shadow.  Also used Jaclyn Hill Morphe products.

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in “Into The Blue” $24
I paid $7.99!  I have gotten a few of these Glitter & Glow liquid shadows from TJ Maxx before and I love them.  A little goes a long way and I have never wanted to pay full price for the larger versions because I was afraid they would dry out or expire before I was able to use them all.  The fact that these were so expensive is why I keep picking them up.  And this color was too cool to say no-- the duo chrome is beautiful!

DryBar Detox Dry Conditioner $23
I paid $9.99!  My ride or die dry shampoo is the DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo.  I am obsessed and have gone through too many cans to count.  I have only tried the Dry Conditioner once when I friend that was visiting had it.  It was an interesting concept and when I saw it for more than 50% off I had to pick it up!  Will report back if I love it!

Urban Decay Perversion Angled Eye Brush $16
I paid $9.99!  Good brushes are hard to come by especially for reasonable prices!  Granted-- this wasn't a huge discount, but still cheaper than I would have paid at an Urban Decay counter, so I am happy!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Blush Trio in “Peachy Love” $30
I paid $10.99!  I love a good peach blush and the ABH formulas are to die for!  I love these colors and I am really looking forward to using them as the weather warms up.  And for more than 50% off I will really love using them!

I was quite please with my little haul and myself for finding the great deals that I did.  *Pats self on back*  I got $350.00 worth of products for $80!  I saved over 75% on these items and they were all brand new and in perfect condition.  I may never shop regular retail again! That's a lie and we all know it-- but it's nice to say lol  Have you found any incredible deals like these?  Please share any finds you have made at TJ Maxx, Marshall's or any other store!   I love hearing stories of bargain shopping!

So, I was in Target and got suckered into trying something new.  I use the Kristin Ess "The One Purple Shampoo" and love it, but I haven't tried any of her other products.  I have seen their temporary rose gold hair tint each time I've visited and, as much as I would love to try it, I never grabbed it.  Well, this weekend I saw that she added a new product and I fell for it.  The range now includes an Amethyst Temporary Tint and I was intrigued.  I already use the purple shampoo to get an ashier tone to my blonde, so what would adding a little lavender do?  I wanted to see!  Markiesha-- don't look! You did an amazing job with my Mushroom Brunette and I don't want you to see that I used an at home product!

Can you believe we are already one month in to 2019?  I can't-- It feels longer.  I saw a meme on IG today that said "It feels like January 74th" and all I can say is FACTS!

I am a YouTube junkie (Hello, my name is Carlye and I have a problem) and I have always loved watching monthly favorite videos.  I like seeing what people choose as their favorite things each month and have even gotten some of my own favorite things from these videos!  I am not going to make a video, but thought it could be fun to make a list here each month that showcases some of my favorite things and hope that maybe they can spark an interest for you and maybe they will become some of your favorite things too!

One of the main criteria of a good favorites video is to cover all bases-- I like covering a wide variety of categories!  So, I decided that I would pick one thing as my favorite in each category:

I have been verrrry into candles over the last few months and of course hit up the BBW candle day sale for some seasonal favorites. They usually have different sales throughout the year that you can catch and during one of those sales I saw a gorgeous candle stuffed in the back of a shelf.  The outside was beautiful, but I wasn't sure if I was going to like the scent.  Y'all-- Pistachio Ice Cream smells so damn good!  It throws a strong scent, but that is fine with me!  It is incredible.  The notes are roasted pistachio, almond extract and vanilla extract.  I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this candle, but just take my word for it.  You need this in your life!

I had never shopped at a Trader Joe's before I moved to Baltimore and I didn't know what I was missing!  Everything is so delicious, but I discovered their Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad and it is so good!  It is a cold pasta salad and when paired with some grilled chicken is lunch time perfection!  It's got spinach, sun dried tomatoes, feta and a yummy dressing.  It has become one of my favorite things to pack for lunch.

Photo Cred: Become Betty Blog

I got a few eyeshadow palettes for Christmas and they are all gorgeous!  I got the Jeffree Star Cosmetics "Blood Sugar" palette as a little gift to myself this year and recreated one of my favorite looks by Jaclyn Hill.  I have never worn bright colored shadows like these and was very impressed by the pigmentation and quality of the shadows.  I've never bought anything from JSC, but this has convinced me that I may need more in my life!

Kristin Ess range at Target

I watched all 8 episodes during a four-day off stretch and cannot wait until season 2 (fingers crossed it gets renewed).  Do yourself a favor and watch this show!  It may be a bit awkward if someone walks in and sees the show out of context, but it does make for a hilarious story!