Stiff and Sore sure feels good.

I've been trying a few new things lately, and since I've now decided I kinda like them, I'm going to share them with you:

1. I've started a new skin care regime. Remember my complaints about my pepperoni pizza skin here? Well it was about that time that I decided to try Big Mama's suggestion of Olive Oil and Castor Oil.

I know putting oil on your face sounds counter-productive, but something about this mixture of a cleansing oil like Castor oil, and another pure oil like EVOO, has had an amazing effect on my skin! In fact, when I started this regimen, I took "before" pictures of my face...and although I won't be posting them on the INTERNET for all the world to see, I myself can already tell the difference!

Personally, I mix 1 Tablespoon of Castor Oil and 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil at a time, and that lasts me about 2 weeks of applying the mixture every other night. If you decide to try this mixture, you may find that a different ratio works better for you. The morning after this cleanse, I merely rinse my face in the shower, using only water. If, when applying my makeup, I feel my skin is particularly dry, I simply add a light moisturizer before starting with the makeup.

On my "off" days, the days I don't use this oil mixture, I use my regular cleanser and moisturizer.

If you have any issues with your skin, I suggest giving this a try!


2. Another thing I've tried lately is Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.

I've been saying for a while now that I need to do something to get active. I really don't have time to go to a gym. Seth leaves the house at 5am, and I'm not getting up before then to EXERCISE! (Or for any other reason, for that matter!) And when he gets home at night, I'd rather spend time with him and the kids than EXERCISE! (Do you see a pattern here?)

So anyway, when I read this post by Vicki Courtney, I decided, "What the hey? I'll try anything once".

Famous Last Words...

This morning was Day 3 of the Shred for me. And I can hardly hear anything above the screaming that is coming from my calf muscles right now.

Listen, I haven't worked out since high school! And the only reason I did then, is because it kinda came with the territory when you played organized sports.

After my first morning, (I get up at 5:30 in order to have a little personal space while I'm doing the workouts.) my legs and arms were like jello. I know this because after my shower, (since I don't smell very good post-workout) I was carrying Mathias down the stairs and Madison was walking right in front of me. I told her to hurry up so that I wouldn't run her over. Right at that very moment, my right leg involuntarily came out from under me and caught Madison in the behind!

I immediately apologized profusely, trying to explain to her that I wasn't trying to kick her, I just had no control over my body!

But for some reason, I don't think she really understood that one could actually lose control of their own bodily extremities, because she told me it was okay, but her face said it wasn't.

So now, in the name of exercise, I've started abusing my own children...I blame Jillian Michaels.