And the winner of the "Spring Fever Giveaway" is....

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CLOSED: Spring Fever Giveaway!!!

Hello my lovelies! It's finally SPRING!!!!! Okay, I know it's been spring for a little while now, but I am finally feeling the spring-y spirit. I thought the perfect way to launch my blog into this lovely weathered season is to celebrate with a giveaway!

Last week I was browsing my local Fred Meyer's cosmetic aisle and I couldn't resist a handful of items. I had already snagged a few products for myself and decided that I wanted to treat my loyal readers to some goodies!

As I was picking up item after item, I thought.... this will be a nice little collection to get ya'll into the mood of spring!

 

Personally, I LOVE Baby Lips Lip Balm; when I saw this gorgeous pinky / red color, I thought it would look lovely for spring.

I'm a HUGE fan of Tree Hut products; granted, I've only used their Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub and Body Lotion. I think this hand cream would be perfect for your desk, purse, night stand, anywhere! The scent of fruit, especially tropical fruits, reminds me of spring / summer.

This was totally a last minute add-on. When I saw the witty saying and adorable classic lady on the front, I had to buy it! Every person, man or woman, should think they are "stunning, fantastic, AND perfect!".

Never tried Physicians Formula, but when I saw this packaging, I about died! The mascara is in a delicious candy apple red tube, covered in a black velvet design and adorned with a little silver high heel charm; adorable!

 

The pictures don't do this polish justice. "Toucan Do It If You Try" reminds me of a pinky / peachy coral; leaning more towards orange than pink. It's part of their new Brazil Nail Lacquer collection.

Okay... down to the nitty-gritty.

I purchased all of the items with my own money, the companies selected to be included in this giveaway were selected by me while browsing the cosmetic aisles of my local Fred Meyer. I was not contacted by any of these companies in any way to promote or gift their products. The contest is only open to U.S. residents (sorry, will due an international giveaway down the road) and I am not responsible for any damage caused during shipping or lost packages. There will be only one winner and will be contacted once they are randomly selected by Rafflecopter. If the winner does not claim the giveaway within 48 hours, another entry will be selected. Good luck my dears!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filling “Salad” without the Lettuce + Weight Watchers Breakdown

Hello my lovelies! I thought I would share with you a new creation I made last night and loved it so much I’m having it as part of my lunch today! I’ve seen different versions with similar ingredients floating around Pinterest for a while, but whipped this one up on the spot last night based on what I had in my fridge.

I’m currently following the Weight Watchers plan and although there are a TON of different things about this program that I love, I will simply share one item for now; calories = meaningless! The Weight Watchers plan focuses on fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Using some magical calculation, it takes these four items of a food / product and calculates the point value per serving; also known as the “points plus value” (pp.).

Depending on your gender, age, and weight, you are allotted “X” number of points per day and 49 “extra” points that you can use throughout one week. You can use a little bit of your extra points here-and-there, or splurge on the weekend! OR you can opt not to use them; which is what I’m currently choosing to do.

You can also exercise and earn points that you can later eat and there are even “free” foods that are worth ZERO points! As in… YES, you can eat until the cows come home! Those holy-grail foods are most of your fruits and vegetables; there are some exclusions like starchy foods (potatoes, peas, corn, etc.) – those have a point value per serving.

As I am of the larger end of the “fluffy” scale, I get allotted quite a few daily points: 54. The lowest number of points you would ever be assigned as a female is 26; this number will still allow you to lose weight. Once you get to your target weight, and if you want to maintain, your points per day will increase to a stabilizing weight value.

Because some of you may have a lot less points to use than myself, I’m going to provide two versions of my “salad” recipe: “Ferga-licious” – the one I ate (because I had enough points) and “Skinny-licious” – the one I will be eating as I get smaller (and for those not as voluptuous):

 

Ferga-licious Ashly’s Ingredients

• 1 cup 2% cottage cheese (5 pp.)
• 1 medium avocado (9 pp.)
• 1 tomato (of your choice / size) (0 pp.)
• Salt + Pepper, for taste (0 pp.)

TOTAL POINTS: 14

Skinny-licious Ashly’s Ingredients   

• 1 cup of fat free cottage cheese (3 pp.)
• ½ medium avocado (4 pp.)
• 1 tomato (of your choice / size) (0 pp.)
• Salt + Pepper, for taste (0 pp.)

TOTAL POINTS: 7

 

RECIPE

1. Scoop that wonderous cottage cheese into the prettiest bowl you own; rock that food!
2. Dice the avocado and tomato into the size of your liking; although I’m a big girl, I love itty-bitty baby bite-size pieces.
3. Mix the avocado and tomato into the cottage cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper; the touch of salt and pepper is what makes the dish! Just be careful of your sodium levels.
4. Enjoy!

I love this “salad” as it is quite filling and mighty-tasty! It’s perfect for the warmer weather and makes for either a great lunch or light dinner.

BIG Girl Spring Time Wardrobe for the Office + The FAT Talk

Hello my lovelies! Long time, no post :( After taking some time today to peruse the blogs that I follow, one in particular caught my eye; The Anna Belle Blog. Today she featured a fun spring fashion post about neon colors. I honestly thought that I would NEVER write a fashion-y type post, but a few things changed my mind:
 

1. Her post was undeniably cute and got me excited about the fun-filled spring colors that are just waiting to be incorporated into my makeup and fashion!
2. WARNING - this is going to be a mini-ramble: Some of you who follow me on other Social Media sites, or know me in person, understand that I struggle with food and weight. I've been on countless diets and the only one that really seemed to be successful (when I actually followed the program) was Weight Watchers. My mother recently purchased me a 6 month subscription for my birthday (yay mom!) and I weighed-in / went to my first meeting last night. I've made it thus far with my breakfast and am just about to devour my lunch. I'm still battling a sever cold / cough so I'm mainly going to focus on changing my portion / eating habits this week; next week I'll incorporate fitness!
   
   The reason why I don't normally enjoy reading fashion posts is due to my size, I'm not able to enjoy the typical fashions / shop at "normal" stores. There is literally two stores that I "shop" at and since they've closed their location near me, I solely shop for clothes online. Boo-who-who; no biggie! I'm just glad I have at least ONE place to buy clothes. However, you can see my point? Fashion is NOT fun for me. With that being said, I decided that there's no reason I can't put together a fun spring-y wardrobe with the available online retailers; I may just have to get creative! And I may even create "future" wardrobes for WHEN I reach my many, many, many goal weights. Yes, I have an ultimate "goal," but it's a long ways-off, so for now, I'm going to make mini-goals and celebrate each one!

So.... without further ado, onto the spring office wardrobe! FYI: I like to look cute, but remain incredibly comfortable and find items that can be used in multiple outfits. I also live near Seattle, WA and it actually got to 72 degrees F yesterday; so the tanks may appear to be "summertime" clothes for some of you, but for us FLUFFY girls, we carry year-round insulation!
 
 

SKIRTS

 

 Okay, I pretty much always wear a black skirt and alternate pretty tops. Therefore, I thought I should add a little variety into my "black skirt" collection.

 

Sleek Hi-Low Skirt

$48.00 - $58.00 (depending on size)

Sizes: 0X - 5X

 

To Be Paired With: Either tank and corresponding Beachwalk Cardigan

 

 

Polyester / Rayon / Spandex

Machine Wash

24" Long

 

This style is unique with its hi-low hem with slimming vertical seams on the back. Bi-stretch fabric stretches two ways for ultimate comfort and style. All-around elastic waistband (MY FAVORITE PART) gives you an easy, pull-on design. Complete with a discrete zip opening on the side.

 

Cozy Linen Skirt

$68.00

Sizes: 0X - 3X

 

For the days I don't feel like shaving. LOL

 

To Be Paired With: Either tank and corresponding Beachwalk Cardigan

 

 

Linen / Rayon

Machine Wash

34" Long

 

Cozy style has an elastic waistband on the back for complete comfort. A delicate openwork design cascades down and flares at the hem. Complete with a discrete zip opening on the side.

 

 

TANKS

 

Greenhouse Tank

$48.00 - $52.00 (depending on size)

Sizes: 0X - 5X

 

To Be Paired With: Either skirt and White Beackwalk Cardigan

 

 

Polyester

Machine Wash

30" Long

 

Palm trees blend along a sea foam backdrop on our silky sublimation talk. We updated the scoop neckline with raised fabric for a touch of texture. Bust darts. Asymmetrical hem.

 

Layering Tank

$48.00 - $52.00 (depending on size)

Sizes: 0X - 5X

Color/Design: Light Red

 

To Be Paired With: Either skirt and either Beachwalk Cardigan

 

 

Polyester / Rayon

Machine Wash

30" Long

 

Our long scoop neck tank comes in an assortment of one-of-a-kind prints for versatile style. Light and cozy fabric features layered tiers for a flattering effect. Complete with a bust darts at the armholes for added fit.

 

 

CARDIGANS

 

Beachwalk Cardigan

$44.00 - $48.00 (depending on size)

Sizes: 0X - 5X

Color/Design: White

 

To Be Paired With: Either skirt and either tank

 

 

Color/Design: Light Red

 

To Be Paired With: Either skirt and Light Red Layering Tank

 

 

Polyester / Rayon

Machine Wash

30" Long

 

This cozy cardigan comes in an assortment of essential colors for lightweight layering all season long. Open-front piece features a burnout stripe design that offers a touch of see-through style. Complete with short sleeves and a draping, asymmetrical hem that falls longer on the sides.

 

 

TOP

 

Gentle Drape Top

$68.00 - $74.00 (depending on size)

Sizes: 0X - 5X

Color/Design: Mineral Teal

 

To Be Paired With: Either skirt

 

 

Polyester / Spandex

Machine Wash

31" Long

 

Silky stretch top. Clinched, draping fabric cascades from the V-neckline to visually slim your shape. Gemstones and embroidery at neckline. Three-quarter sleeves. Solid color.



 

 

As you can see, most of the items can be interchanged. I don't currently own any of these items, but I have never been disappointed with the quality or look of clothes from CATHERINES. These are all items that I hope to purchase soon and start wearing immediately. When I no longer need to turn the heat on at night, I know it's time to get into some lighter / shorter clothes!

 

As for the "FAT Talk" of this blog's title, I was wondering if you all would be interested in getting updates of my journey? I was considering doing weekly check-in's with the weight-loss, perhaps tips / tricks that I've learned along the way, and of course, commiserating! If there are any fluffy friends out there that would like to join me on this journey, I'd love to form an alliance of bulge! Regardless if you have a kazillion pounds to lose (like mwah), or just a few.

 

Disclaimer: This post and future weight-related posts are in no way an attack on the fluffy community. I joke about weight as it is a personal struggle, and I am in NO WAY referring ANY of my comments/jokes to anyone else but myself. I love all, judge none, and have just learned that I need to laugh about myself and LOVE myself; regardless of my size.

 

30% off EACH of these items with code LOVECA

Birchbox Review: February 2014

A little late to the game, but I figure as long as I haven’t received my March Birchbox, it’s still okay to post my February Birchbox review. I like to thoroughly use each product before forming an opinion; but next month (or rather this month) I will ensure a more timely post... onto the review!

Birchbox is a monthly beauty subscription service that provides 4 – 5 upscale samples (sometimes 6 – which is usually a well-known / affordable “Birchbox Find”). You will occasionally receive a full size product here and there, but they typically provide generous sample sizes. The subscription is only $10 a month and has a phenomenal points system. Each $10 monthly box you receive, you earn 10 points and each monthly sample you review on their website earns you an additional 10 points. If you buy full size products from their online Birchbox store, every dollar you spend earns you one point. Once you’ve accumulated 100 points (which happens in the blink of an eye), you receive $10 to spend in their online store.

Hello Perfume by Harvey Prince

Retail Price: $55.00 (50 ml)

 

[Birchbox Breakdown]

The brother duo behind Harvey Prince decided to mimic the joy of waking up to a warm day with the sun shining and the flowers blooming. The resulting blend is an energizing mix of citrus and floral notes that will keep you optimistic even when you get up on the wrong side of the bed.

Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer.

[My Thoughts]

I have a difficult time detecting any scents. If I am able to detect a smell, it’s either on this magical spectrum of Ashly detectable scents, or extremely strong. I was able to grasp a hint of citrus and floral notes from Hello, but they were extremely faint. I will continue to use this sample as I always wear perfume; regardless if I can smell it or not. Although I may not be able to smell the perfume, I want to ensure that I always smell delicious to others around me. My mom and sister both loved this fragrance and described it as a perfect step into spring. I especially loved the adorable packaging and the fact that the perfume bottle was an actual “sprayer” and not the typical cheap dauber.

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Shampoo

Retail Price: $19.99 (8 fl. oz.)

 

[Birchbox Breakown]

Dull strands? Heat styling, one too many hair coloring sessions, a not-so-great diet, and even aging could be to blame. Get the glow back in your mane with this luxurious shampoo from Fekkai. Natural olive oils encapsulate each strand to soften, hydrate, and add megawatt shine. Added bonus: This creamy rinse is totally safe for color-treated hair.

Most hair products that promise “extra shine” contain silicones, which weigh hair down and cause (gasp!) major frizz. Not the case here. Lightweight olive oil creates shine from the inside out, strengthening hair and repairing past damage.

[My Thoughts]

I was a little apprehensive with this shampoo as it stated its “scent” was olive oil, but was pleasantly surprised. It had a light floral / clean scent and was a great detangler. It provided my hair with a deep clean, gave it a slight shine, and did not strip it of its natural nutrients. I was not blown away with this product and will most likely not purchase a full size version, but enjoyed the sample while it lasted.

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Conditioner

 

Retail Price: $19.99 (8 fl. oz.)

 

 [Birchbox Breakdown]

Ready to get your shine on? This creamy conditioner from Fekkai strengthens strands and adds a gorgeous gloss —all without weighing hair down. Best of all? It’s perfect for all hair types: curly, straight, color-treated, and, more importantly—yours. Brilliant, indeed.

Fekkai’s award-winning olive oil formula coats strands in lightweight moisture, so hair looks healthier, shinier, and decidedly frizz-free. A special encapsulated shine-release complex renews shine all day long.

[My Thoughts]

I thought that I would be more impressed with the conditioner than the shampoo, but was sadly mistaken. The shampoo seemed to provide more moisture and shine to my hair than the conditioner. Using the duo did leave my hair shiny (not oily) but I’ve had similar experiences with less expensive hair products. As stated with the shampoo, I enjoyed the sample while it lasted, but was not impressed enough to purchase a full size version.

32 Oral Care Effervescent Breath Crystals with IsoVoxy

 

Retail Price: $14.75 (30 count)

 

[Birchbox Breakdown]

If you miss spending your summer days with nothing but time to kill and a packet of Pop Rocks, then you’ll be happy to find these Effervescent Breath Crystals, which attack halitosis with the ferocity of that sweet, crackling candy. The science rests on a mix of bacteria-fighting ingredients that, when in contact with germ-filled teeth and gums, erases the effects of embarrassing odors caused by things like coffee, onions, and garlic with a series of mini-mouth explosions.

Unlike gum and breath mints, which only mask bad breath, these teeth-cleaning crystals pack zinc and IsoVoxy to kill odor-causing bacteria. Once dissolved, they leave a fresh scent courtesy of natural peppermint flavors.

How to Use

Pour the contents of an individual pack into your mouth and swish the crystals around, rubbing them against teeth and tongue. Let them dissolve or swallow and enjoy peppermint-fresh breath!

[My Thoughts]

I received two individual breath mint packets; one was Lemon Mint and the other was Spearmint. The company also offers Peppermint and Honey Mint. If you’ve ever had Pop Rock candy as a kid, then get ready to be launched back into your childhood! These breath mints were not only effective, but fun to use! I normally cannot tolerate most breath mints or gum for too long as they seem to always be overpowering. These little crystals packed a great minty punch, left my breath fresh for hours, and dissolved quickly. They were tolerable and not at all overpowering like most mints. These are perfect for on-the-go and great for last minute breath-freshening!

Revealed Palette Set by Coastal Scents®

Retail Price: $34.00 (contains: 1 Revealed Eye Shadow Pallet with 20 pots of eye shadow, 1 Elite Large Shadow brush, 1 Elite Dome Shadow brush, and 1 Elite Doefoot Blender brush)

 

 

Without Flash

 

With Flash

 

[Birchbox Breakdown]

Coastal Scents®… [created] this bevy of go-with-anything nude and metallic hues in one convenient palette. With 20 neutral shades ranging from a light beige to a deep black, this palette has you covered from day to night, even on the go. The smooth, powdered shadows glide on and blend easily.

 

[My Thoughts]

OMGosh these shades are amazing! When I first saw what four colors I received I was a little disheartened at how dark they were; I’m typically a much lighter / natural colored girl, when it comes to eye shadow. However, the moment I swatched this quad, I was blown away! The pigmentation of each shade is beyond this world, they are easily blendable, and are actually quite natural looking when applied. I wish that the quad detailed the names of each shade, but at least I received four colors that work beautifully together. I do not own many pallets and am looking forward to snagging this one in the near future. For only $34.00, you receive 20 amazing colors and three brushes; you cannot beat that value!

What did you receive in your February Birchbox? Have you tried any of these products in the past?

Interested in trying Birchbox yourself? Feel free to use my referral link here!

February 2014 Favorites

Hello my lovelies!

Although it’s a little over a week into March, I wanted to start featuring monthly favorite posts; beginning with February. I did not necessarily receive these products in February, but I started using them on a regular basis during the “month of love”.

100% Pure Coconut Nourishing Body Cream

I received three foil packet samples of this lotion in a previous Birchbox and although I truly dislike foil packet samples, I was blown away by the scent and quality of this lotion. I immediately ordered a full size tube of this wonderful concoction from the Birchbox shop. I have always loved tropical scents, but have recently developed an intense addiction to anything coconut-y; possibly wishing for a tropical paradise vacation.

This is one of the most luxurious body lotions that I have ever used and I LOVE that it is 100% natural and 100% vegan. I normally don’t care if a product is “natural,” but I have lately developed a penchant for all things wholesome. I use this almost every day and will soon need to restock. Even though this lotion has a scent, I am able to apply it to extremely sensitive areas that are prone to dryness and cracking; and it not only seems to “cure” that area, but the scent does not at all cause irritation.

Black Magic Mascara by Eyeko

 

I received this generous sample size of mascara in a previous Birchbox and although I was immediately drawn to the unique packaging and curved wand, I tossed it aside as I was not “into” wearing makeup at that time. I picked it up about a month ago and decided to start experimenting. I have a handful of different mascaras, but find myself constantly using the Eyeko tube. It provides length, separation and definition, volume, and gives your lashes a great curl! It is extremely easy to use and the perfect size to stash in my purse if I didn’t have enough time to apply my makeup before running out the door!

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm

 

This fun find was in a previous Ipsy Bag and although the application process is not ideal, I love the formula, the scent, and how hydrating it is for my lips. I only use this product at night before bed and lather it on like there’s no tomorrow! Even if my lips are cracked, after one night of using this lip balm, I wake up to nourished and silky smooth lips. The mojito scent is fun and provides a nice tingling sensation. The only downside to this product is that the ingredient list is about a mile long; but as stated above, that doesn’t currently deter me from using products.

Smooth Minerals Lip Gloss in “Crystal Coral” by Avon

 

 

As a previous second job, I was an Avon Representative; and because of that, I have gobs and gobs of lip gloss tubes. Although most are nearing their expiration and will soon be tossed, I recently rediscovered this gem and love, love, love it! I keep this baby in the glove box of my car and apply it EVERY time I buckle-up. It’s a beautiful natural looking color, but still provides a nice pinky petal touch to my lips. It adds gloss, shine, and just enough color to really make my lips pop! You never know when you’re going to run into Prince Charming (or Princess Aurora) at a stop light.

***You can no longer buy this from Avon, but it can be found on eBay :(

Balm Me Up Organic Sweet Cocoa and Tangy Body Balm by Balanced Guru

 

I was lucky enough to be introduced to this company via my January Ipsy bag. This jar of heaven is beyond moisturizing. It is not something that I would use at the office, as it does not immediately absorb and can be slightly greasy, but oh my goodness is it phenomenal! I love anything and everything that provides moisture and this body balm is certified organic to boot! It has an enticingly sweet and tangy scent and provides long lasting moisture. Just like the Malin + Goetz lip balm, I apply this body balm at night before bed. I use it on my hands, elbows, knees, feet, etc. The essentials contained in this formula are: Cocoa Butter, Babassu Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Orange, Lime, and Mandarin. From the picture, you can see that I’ve almost licked the jar clean. I plan on purchasing a full size jar in the near future.

Shea Sugar Body Scrub in “Coconut Lime” by Tree Hut

 

 

I’m almost embarrassed to say how long I’ve had this product and have only recently started using it. I was fortunate enough to score this Body Scrub (along with a gorgeous green loofah and Body Lotion) in a previous giveaway by extraordinary beauty blogger, Michelle from Beautiful Goodies. I’ve tried countless body / sugar scrubs, even extremely expensive brands, but have never come across one as superb as Tree Hut’s formula. It is extremely thick, not at all watery, and has a uniform consistency; even to the last drop of the container. This was my first introduction to Tree Hut and I couldn’t be more pleased. It provides an excellent exfoliation, the scent is divine, and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I have a ridiculous addiction to baths (bubble baths, oil baths, milk baths, baths with fizzies, etc.) and have found myself constantly using this Sugar Scrub near the end of my evening baths. Once this jar is empty, which is bound to be any day now, I will be on the hunt for another jar!

 

Have you tried any of these products? What were your February Favorites?

FIRST Mani Monday!

YAY! My first ever Mani Monday!

When it comes to applying nail polish, I’m still very much a newb. If I want a new set of color on my nails, I typically apply it on a Friday or Saturday night; allowing the excess / smudges enough time to vanish before I return to work on Monday.

Sadly, I was in a bit of a dark place Saturday night and decided to use a mood-fitting color. I’m struggling with a few things in life right now and am just trying to “keep calm and carry on”. Perhaps I’ll touch on this more in a future post… onto the mani!

For this week’s manicure, I decided to feature a dark purple; almost plum color as the base and regardless of my mood, I can never say no to sparkles. As a top coat, I used a glitter polish that has several different sized glitter flakes and appear slightly green / turquoise after application. Then finally, I used a recent purchase from Sally Beauty Supply (future mini-haul post in the works) to speed up the drying time of my polish.

Base Polish: “Midnight Plum” by Avon (Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel)

 

Top Polish: “Kristal” by Nubar

 

 

Top Coat: “RapiDry Quick Drying Top Coat” by O.P.I.

 

 

What do ya’ll think about this color combination?