Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Lashes For Days


I recently got lash extensions as you can probably tell from the title of this blog post, and Ladies, they are life changing.

You know how you're always on the hunt for that perfect mascara? Length, volume, no smudging, no flaking, super black, doesn't irritate your eyes, waterproof would be great but it's so hard to get off and it makes your lashes feel stiff so you usually get regular...lash extensions check all those boxes and you don't have to worry about putting them on and taking them off everyday. 



You wake up in the morning and your lashes look amazing, so amazing in fact that you can easily get away with no other make up because your eyes are on point.



If you want to glam it up a little more with some make up than the lashes are the perfect counterpoint.



These will make summer make up so easy, swim, play at the beach, sweat...your lashes continue to look amazing and no raccoon eyes.

 Please remember folks, lash extensions are getting quite popular and there are a lot of fly by night types popping up. Make sure you are going to someone who has been properly trained in application. Badly applied ones not only look bad they feel bad too. 

I had my lashes done by Eyelash Extensions by Marissa, and she did an excellent job. She was quick, thorough, and when she was done the lashes felt great, I can't feel a thing, it's like they are my very own.

Marissa and I had a great chat and I told her I would love to share these lashes with you, my readers, so she is offering all of you an excellent discount of $10 off an application of classic lashes, which is what I have, or $20 off the application of a full set.

To book an appointment you can message her through her Facebook page in the above link or call: #250-701-4247.


This post is not sponsored in anyway, I just love my lashes and wanted to share.

The necklace I am wearing is from Often Wander.










Monday, April 25, 2016

Bring on the 5k's!

I have been running quite a bit, at least three days a week, sometimes more, and I decided to enter not one, not two, but THREE 5k races.

I'm starting with a local colour run and I can't wait. I have wanted to do one of these for awhile as they just look like so much fun! It's not timed so not competitive, it's all about getting out there and enjoying yourself while running. Ella, my nine year old daughter is running with me too while husband Chris and son Marshall (6) will be along to take pictures. If you are in the Ladysmith area and think you might want to join in you can register here.


The next run will be the Goddess Run which is all about the ladies! This woman's only run is in it's fifth year and supports some amazing charities. There are lots of choices as far as distances and the whole weekend promises to be a fun one with yoga, concerts, beer gardens and prizes. If you want to join in you can click here.


The third run is the Foam Run which is muddy, foamy and full of obstacles. I suspect there will be a lot of laughter as well. I've been thinking a Mudderella run might be fun and this will be a nice taste...a baby mud run if you will. Want to join in? Click here. Don't forget to watch the video...looks like so much fun!



A big thank you to my friend Dana for committing to run these races with me, always more fun with a buddy. The more the merrier so if you decide to enter be sure to let me know.




Sunday, April 24, 2016

Three Week Update


Oops..somehow three weeks slipped by without a blog post. I think I've been busy. ;)
I have been very committed to getting myself fit and healthy and have had just one rest day in the last three weeks, many times working out twice in the same day. I do some form of cardio everyday which is either hiking or running as well as a the Kayla Itsines workout I mentioned in my last post (they are killer by the way..and are a mix of cardio and strength training). 


I am starting to see changes already which is definitely encouraging. Pardon the crappy phone picture but I'm starting to see some muscle definition and I'm thrilled.


Most of these pictures are taken from my Snapchat or Instagram accounts, you can follow me @mariahdupuy for both.

Switching up the same boring workout bun with some fun braids.


I have been making sure to get at least three recovery workouts in a week as well which is either a yoga class at my favourite yoga studio Harmony Yoga, or a half hour at home of foam rolling and stretching at home. Foam rolling is my new best friend by the way, stayed tuned for an upcoming post about that.


Eating has been probably 80-85% on point. I am not cutting anything out of my diet as that has not worked for me in the past, I'm just being reasonable in my choices. Eating mostly clean with the occasional taste or two of things that I have a craving for. Even this stuff is mostly clean and unprocessed like mixed nuts with a few chocolate covered peanuts in there. Lest you think I'm always on however, I have also had some frozen yogurt with the kids and every morning I have a teaspoon of sugar in my tea. I have tried different sweeteners (honey, coconut sugar etc..) in an effort to avoid the refined sugar but quite frankly I love my sugar tea and that's how I'm going to drink it. I used to have a cup in the morning and one in the afternoon but I have cut the afternoon one out and have been drinking way more water.

We have been using the grill a lot for quickly grilling up some veggies with olive oil and fresh herbs.


This cottage cheese, cucumber, grape tomato and fresh ground pepper mix has quickly become one of my favourite snacks. Lots of protein and veg, it fills you up and it's delicious.



I'm feeling really really good. It's quite amazing the change in how I'm feeling when I'm pushing myself like this. I have way more energy, I sleep really well, I feel very driven and accomplished, and I am just overall happier.




Happy Sunday!




Monday, April 4, 2016

A New Workout Plan

 Last week I decided to download the Sweat With Kayla app. I had been following Kayla Itsines on Instagram for awhile and the before and after pictures she posts of the people doing her program (called the Bikini Body Guide) are crazy inspiring. Thanks to these photos she has become an Instagram sensation and as you can see from this pic has nearly 5 million people following her. Clearly I'm not the only one feeling inspired.



The first week is a free trial so it's a nice way to check it out and see what you think. This is a picture of me after completing a workout:


Yep, there I am in all my red faced and super sweaty glory. It's a butt kicker but it only takes a half hour and you're done baby (and sore the next couple of days!). Equipment needed is minimal so you can do it at home. 
 The app also includes an eating plan, a place to keep track of your water intake and you also take weekly progress pictures (don't worry, you don't have to share them unless you want to). My free trial just ended so I'm only a week in but I'm going to go right through the 12 week plan and I'll keep you posted on how I do and will post progress pictures at the end.

Have you tried this program? What did you think?