New Year, New Me - Really!

I'm back!

Life has changed a lot since my last blog post. I have been cheating on my blog with a book that I'm writing. I wish I could say that I'm sorry for the hiatus but really, I'm not. Life has been absolutely amazing! I moved to Kingston, got two amazing jobs and am taking care of myself. I've kept busy doing things I love rather than distracting myself from things that made me unhappy. For this reason, I haven't had time to blog as religiously as I used to. I think it's a worthy excuse.

Oh, I've also been blogging for Lovebird Bridal Boutique so technically, I have been doing something right in the blogging world! www.lovebirdbridal.wordpress.com - just cause! :)

Yes, I'm writing a book! I figure if Snooki can write two best seller books and Courtney from the bachelor can publish a book on being a reality show villain, I sure as hell can write an meaningful book about life's turmoil and how to overcome it... right?

Yes, I moved to Kingston. I work in a bridal boutique! I just love it! Working with wedding dresses is seriously a dream come true! There is truly no happier job! If you're looking for a wedding dress - come to Kingston! You'll be happy you did :)

No, I haven't been tanning! My last blog post was about a horrible habit I kept even after promising someone I would stop. I promised a makeup free selfie on my 23rd birthday aka typically the coldest day of the year. I am very white and happy to say that I love it! Stay tuned my friends.

That's it for now! I promise to update more often. You can certainly count on posts about my favorite dresses from this award season and perhaps my take on .. anything I feel like talking about. Probably wedding related stuff, I'm obsessed!

Oh the joys of blogging.

Till next time,

DD

Should you handle the heat?

Since I can remember I've been going in tanning beds. 

Woah now, ok, I'm not the only one, but it doesn't make it alright.

It's truthfully a terrible thing to do to my skin and, 3 years ago I promised a little lady that I would quit for good. She wanted me to take care of my skin and not end up in her shoes and asked me to stop. By no means was I addicted and going twice a day or anything. But going at all was wrong. How could I say no? I made the promise. What's next is horrific, I know. But I kept going in the tanning beds in spite of the gut wrenching guilt that haunted me. Ugh, I was and still am the worst for not following through on that promise. 

You see, everyone has that thing! Some feel beautiful in a gorgeous pair of new shoes, or with a good spread of makeup up and rockin lashes, some even feel beautiful with their hair did, everything did and some feel it when they put a fresh coat of lipstick. Everyone feels comfortable with a certain additional oomph! Mine? A tan. God I felt horrendous when I was pale! A good tanning session brought up my confidence and God forbid I'd go a whole winter without tanning. Out of the question. It was a question of feeling beautiful and asking me to take it away? Ya right! Try telling someone to go to shopping without a perfect outfit or to dinner with no makeup on. I can think of a few people who know what I mean will understand this feeling. 

Now, I've come to the realization that it's really about inner beauty in the long run. Why torture my skin to have a glow right smack in the middle of January when it'll create problems for me in when i'm forty. My insecurities took over after I promised that I would stop. I'm battling insecurities every day of my life and this is the next war, ladies and gents! No fake bakin for this girl all winter! You mark my words.  

Look, here's my new promise: on my birthday, January 30th, usually the coldest day of the winter (it's true!) I will take an infamous selfie with not an ounce of makeup on! Y'all are gonna this Irish white freckle face chick for who she truly is. More than that, you'll see my imperfections! As much as I hate them, its what makes me perfectly myself. I suspect my skin will appear much healthier without a weekly tan and perhaps a day or two a week with no makeup, IN PUBLIC!! Feels amazing to say that I will follow through on her promise. Besides, saving money from no tanning is quite awesome! 

I know a lot of you go for an occasional mid winter tan and I'm encouraging you to join me on my mission! The war against my insecurity commences this very second! Anyone else taking the pledge? If you do, you have to show off your true beauty with me on my 23rd birthday! No makeup selfie for everyone! Let me know! I sure as hell will show it off! Will you? 

DD

Make it count

As I sit here eating some well deserved Easter chocolate, I would like to share my latest adventure with you! As mentioned, I completed Insanity and, 31 days ago, I started the Asylum, which is essentially a step up from insanity! Just when you thought it couldn't get any harder right! Well it does! And it is well worth the struggle! 

(after last workout April 2, 2013)

Lets just say the first fit test, I was dying! But when you get into the groove of it, you get stronger and stronger and that's what the asylum is all about! It's about athletic training so you get faster and stronger just like the pros! 

This time around I did it right! I did the fit test on day 1 and day 30, I took before and after pics of each angle and I measured myself day 1 and 30 so i can earn my asylum tshirt! I gained some inches where I wanted to (arms chest and thighs, though it's hard to tell)  and I lost inches where I wanted to as well (waist, hips)! And through all the muscle gain (which the pounds are unknown), I also managed to lose 5 pounds all while defining everything!

March 5th, 2013 (130 pounds)                                   April 2nd, 2013 (125 pounds)

Ok listen, a year and a half ago I weighed 155! Now I weigh 125! Last time I weighed 125 was grade 8 people! This goes to show that ANYONE can hit their goal weight! Or in most cases, look the way they always dreamed they could in a bikini! Think I ever thought I'd look good in a bikini? HELL NO! When I lost the first 15 pounds I figured: ok this is as good as it gets! I'm ok with this weight but there is always an extra step you can take.

I went from:

• 155 to 140 by eating ''healthier'' and working out. (keep in mind, ''healthier'' consisted of more subway, less mcdonalds and no pop except on the weekend. a long stretch, i know, but it worked to get that water weight off!)
• 142 (upper left corner below) to 135 by cutting out bread and milk ONLY (paleo style) and continuing the same workouts. 
• 135 (middle picture) to 130 by doing insanity. 
• And now 130 (bottom left corner) to 125 by doing asylum. 

PLEASE EXCUSE THE UNDERGARMENTS. Never dreamed of getting anywhere close a weight loss to have it published on the Internet, guess I cant complain!

What's next? Who knows! All I know is that good things for your body will only help you achieve what your body is meant to look like! Impossible is not an option when it comes to your body. If you know it's bad for you, cut it out and make it a cheat item! Read up and get unbiased opinions on nutrition and do what's right for your body! So don't give up and don't settle, is the moral here! 

And to all those who discouraged me and said that 125 would make me look skeletal, i hope you're eating your words. 

Because this is fit and healthy. 

Toned is the new skinny. Sore is the new sexy. And you wont get results if you don't work at it.

It only starts working when you feel the burn. Pain is all in your head.

Now i know and I feel fantastic! 

You only have one life to live, so make it count.

October 2011 - April 2013 

30 pounds in a year and a half.

how to dress for this spring/summer

It's backkkk! 

Here are a few trends to look out for when you're searching for new summer clothes! 

Now that I am posting these pictures, I'm seeing my oblivious attitude towards keeping my bed clean when taking pictures. I SWEAR, I just pulled out all my clothes to take pictures, it is always much cleaner. So sorry! But here it goes...

First thing is first, MAXI SKIRT. Everyone needs one! Paired nicely with a tank top, you can find them for very cheap at FOREVER 21!

Another skirt/dress trend would be the MIDI. It falls just below your knee. It usually a flowy style. This one is from AMERICAN APPAREL, but they have some really cute snug & flowy ones at ARITZIA and FOREVER 21.

WHITE PANTS are the perfect go-to jean for the summer season. They are hard to pull off during the winter so take advantage during the summer. These are boyfriend jeans from AMERICAN EAGLE.

Anything NEON is in right now from tops, dresses, pants even necklaces. It makes a statement and it's one of the top trends this summer. The shirt is from AMERICAN APPAREL and the pants from FOREVER 21.

Eeek, this is my favorite look!!! Combining the CHAMBRAY BUTTON UP and TEXTURED SKIRT, this is a super summery look that can work for anything! Especially a country music festival ;) Shirt from AMERICAN EAGLE and skirt from FOREVER 21. Totally from Pinterest, too! 

COLORED SHORTS! No need for more detail. It can be done as a dress up look or dress down. Here is an example of dressing it up. Again, from FOREVER 21.

Like the white pants, a WHITE BLAZER is also a must... for similar reasons of course :) This outfit is also a good example of using neutrals with pastels. Its light and summery which is exactly what we should be aiming for! Shirt is from ARITZIA, and blazer and skirt are from ZARA.

You see this next look everywhere on Pinterest: JEAN JACKET with a MAXI STRAPLESS DRESS. It's perfect layering that will workout for the spring or "in between" months. Jacket is from SIMONS and maxi dress can be found at FOREVER 21.

LACE SHORTS are all the rage! They are also very comfortable! What's especially wonderful about them is that it can be both fancy and casual, depending on the top. These shorts are from ZARA and the top is from DYNAMITE. Oh, and sheer tops are good to have as well! Especially when you need to dress up for work and its like 40 degrees outside!

 Another one of the favorite trends: HIGH WAISTED JEAN SHORTS! One of my secrets: i got these as men's 90's pants for 3$ at VALUE VILLAGE, and destroyed them myself! It's the perfect casual "walk in the park" outfit. Top is from AMERICAN EAGLE. It's also great to have a bunch of strapless flowy tops to avoid attrocious tan lines, ya know.

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES! 

OK, so I'm really excited for GREECE! But this can still apply for a day at the beach or going for a walk downtown. Important to have:

• A hat: hats are really in right now. Doesn't have to be a fedora like me, anything beachy is in, so go nuts!
• A bunch of light satchel bags: nobody wants to lug around a big leather purse so having a "barely there" one is perfect! You can find these anywhere, really.
• Cute pair of flip flops: ok, so I'm a loser and I have gold flip flops, black flip flops and colored ones so I don't clash when I wear silver BUT, comfy sandals are perfect for beach time or a casual dinner.
• Sheer headband: nothing too heavy but it's just something to add to your outfit instead of a scarf! Again, on those super hot days!
• Comfy walking shoes: yes friends, I learnt my lesson: don't go to europe with only flip flops, flats and mocassins. I get it. So I got myself some Sperry Topsider Boatshoes! Something with a little more support will help this time around. You could even go for Toms or flat's Crocs! Anything to give you a big of support if you're sightseeing or just walking your dog!
• Beach bag/carry on: something to keep all your stuff together! Enough said! Mine has cute birdies on it! What ever guys, it's cool!

SCARVES! Something very light and airy for those early mornings! The bottom one was from URBAN OUTFITTERS. They have a bunch of circule scarves like that! 

Finally, a little dress up fun! Other than maxi dresses and skirts, everyone needs a HIGH-LOW DRESS! It's one of the biggest trends this summer and you can find them virtually anywhere! This one is from FOREVER 21.

The last trend this summer, which might seem a bit weird, is LEATHER. To avoid a "Ross and baby powder" situation, get something flowy this this skirt from FOREVER 21. Another super cute trend that works wonderfully with high waisted shorts is bralettes! There is a huge variety at GARAGE! 

I think we all learned one thing today: FOREVER 21 has almost everything! So go have fun and post your own pictures!! Gonna be a fabulous summer ladies and gents, just fabulous! Stay tuned for a bikini post soon enough!

..for anyone who didn't understand my FRIENDS reference, I feel sorry for you..

Watch it here - too funny

DD

Insane is an understatement

I'm feeling a little more excited since I have seen my results with my latest health and fitness endeavour. So much so, that I am starting the next level this week. It was no easy task, let me assure you but if you want results, this is the way to go.

The gym can only take you so far. No matter what, your body hits a plateau and I never truly understood it until this past summer. Then I tried the Paleo diet, which I am sure you have all read about it in my previous posts in September. That whole food routine change allowed me to lose 5 pounds (my goal weight), but I still lacked a bunch of definition because I was still following the same old gym routine. Cardio, weights, cardio, with a bit of sweat if you run long enough? Ya. No good.

Insanity is insane. Let me just put it out there. The name does not fall short from how truly intense the work out is. I must say though, it has changed my life. It is a 60 day challenge that pushes you to your max. The first month is a lot of cardio and muscles. The second month seems like a whole of muscle but the workouts are much longer. What is so great about it is that you don't need a single accesory. More importantly, you don't need that much space. It saves so much time and effort when you just need to go in front of a TV and workout. An even better workout then if you went allllll the way to the gym.

When you purchase the ''hardest workout ever put on DVD'', you get a calendar telling you which workout to do and a nutritional guide. The best part about it all is that you get a personal trainer. Shaun T  designed intense workouts with a combination of cardio, muscle plyometric workouts as well as yoga techniques to get the best results. It's not intimidating like P90X. He is an encouraging and the environement is bright and welcoming. You can't ask for anything better. Plus, you don't do a SINGLE crunch or sit up!

If that didn't convince you, maybe this will. This is my before insanity picture and after! 6 pounds later and only God knows how much muscle gained! (Please excuse the bra and panty in the first one. I guess i just never thought my body would change enough for me to feel the need to share it!)

Now, its not perfect but I shrunk a lot and became a lot stronger. For instance, I went for a run the other day and bolted through my usual paths and ended up running double the distance I usually do. At a faster speed! It truly works wonders. Now I'm trying the Asylum. Its a step hard from Insanity but you still have Shaun T. It's athletic training so I will be sure to keep you posted on it.

I'm just another person on the long list of people who got their lives changed by Insanity. I know two people who were inspired and bought it for themselves. There is no better feeling than comparing before and after shots. That's when you realize you can sculpt your body. It's not just a dream, anyone can!

And for those who are wondering, I followed paleo for the first month. However, the second month are the ''max'' DVD's so I continued a low carb diet. Carb right before workout and protein and sugar after! Works just fine!

Please let me know if you try it!

DD

que pasa for VFF, you say?

We are picking up all your pennies, that's what!

Say HELLO to our ''SEE YOUR PENNIES SAVE LIVES'' campaign!

Our government suggests offering all the rejected and sad looking pennies to charity. SO, Valérie's Flutter Foundation came up with this sweet little campaign to collect the unwanted pennies and give them one last job : save lives!

Were working a little promo bit to encourage everyone to give, but I thought I would give you guys the inside scoop in the meantime.

So here's what you can do (its super easy):

• Take out all your pennies from your wallet or pant pocket (lose a couple pounds, ya know)
• Dig in your couch and break the piggy bank
• Find a plastic bag and dump it ALL in there!
• Email me (deborah.desmarais@hotmail.ca or message the foundation on facebook)
• I'll be at your doorstep to pick up your AWESOME donation

You see, when it comes to cancer research, even the pennies count. It all adds up. It is that ONE penny we couldn't offer to cancer research. But now, we can!

For more info and upcoming events for our ''See your pennies save lives'' campaign, check out our Facebook page (Valérie's Flutter Foundation) or check out our Twitter page (@FlutterFnd)

Thanks for all your support!!

DD

globes to oscar: best and worst

GOLDEN GLOBES : ANNA HATHAWAY IN CHANEL COUTURE
She has a hint of peplum and the strapless looks gorgeous with her short hair! She's a simple girl and the simple look is amazing with a touch of texture in her dress.

GRAMMY'S: RIHANNA IN AZZADINE ALAIA
It's so obvious why this is a winner. It's a calm version of Rihanna with a hint of sass. The red is so beautiful with her ombré hair and the way it flows makes it absolutely perfect!

SAG AWARDS: JESSICA CHASTAIN IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
She made up for her flop at the golden globes. That blue number with the saggy chest was disgusting. Red on red looks amazing with her skin tone and totally flatters her curves. Can't go wrong wit McQueen.

OSCARS: JENNIFER LAWRENCE IN DIOR HAUTE COUTURE
AHHH, she kept the best for last. Bridal or not, this look was amazing. Though I agree it looks like a wedding dress option, it still takes your breath away. She won her first oscar, it's probably more important than her wedding day. I'm surprised she hasn't said something silly like that yet? Nonetheless, she looks stunning! She is totally the BEST role model for a healthy body image ANYDAY!

CONSISTANT THROUGHOUT: JENNIFER GARNER
Though Ben Affleck was in the spotlight, Jennifer Garner was a gem by his side. She never failed to impress. Her mix of fashion and subtlety made her a winner at each award show. Her hair was also perfect every time!

WORST DRESS: ADELE @ GRAMMY'S
She looks like a lamp? I think this one speaks for itself. She usually KILLS it. But I think this look just killed her reputation. At least she redeemed herself at the oscars. She does have one of each, after all. So i guess she can wear sweat pants next year.

FAVORITE NEW TREND: BACKWARD NECKLACE
Personally, I love JLaw's necklace more than Anne Hathaway. But it's still a pretty cool trend!

DD