Birthday Haul - Pacifica, Sephora, Goodwill, and More!

My birthday was on July 27th and I just wanted to show a couple of the things I got. And I'm focusing more on birthday perks/rewards from some of the companies I follow than actual gifts. FYI, I filmed this video a while ago but have just been able to successfully get it off of my camera *sigh* Thankfully, I was able to upload it before the end of this month. Check it out to find out more. Please rate and subscribe. And please watch in HD. Oh, and I'm at the beau's place here.

          Coconut Kiss Lip Butters and Enlightened Gloss from Pacifica

                     

                     
              Beauty Insider Birthday Gift From Sephora

             Canon Powershot A4000 IS

              Tone Fitness Gloves

                 Buffalo top from Goodwill

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links for which Favoritethingsetc Blog will receive a small commission if products are purchased from the link. 

I'm Running! Yay?!

For the past few weeks I have been running (2-3x per week) with a group called Black Girls Run (BGR). I started running with BGR because I've been in sort of a workout slump for the last few months.  I would do workouts at home with dvds, magazines, YouTube, and Pinterest. I started getting really bored with them though. And I didn't want to join a gym so I decided to give running a go.


I figured running with a group would make it more fun because I'd get to be outside and meet/befriend new people. There's also the factor of accountability.  Plus, my group (and many of the others) run quite early. So that helps with discipline, creating a new routine, structure. And I feel like I need that right now because it's not always easy to structure yourself when you're working out at home.


When I first joined BGR it took be about a month to actually get out and run. I wanted to wait until I got new gear because most of my old workout clothes have been killed by crafts (glue, paint, markers,etc...,). My running shoes are a little too. But I've become a firm believer of starting where you are because waiting for perfect conditions is usually waste of time. So one day I decided to just go. I threw on a t-shirt, some leggings, and met up with my group at about 6am on a Tuesday morning; I'm so glad I did. It was just the jumpstart I needed to get my A in G.


I must mention that I have ran on treadmills in the past but I never really set any goals; I would just run/jog for a bit then walk. With the running group we run/walk at least 3 miles every time we meet. I've even ran a few times on my own on days that we don't/can't  meet. So I'm getting a little more serious now. In fact, I'm trying to get increase my endurance and speed so that I can run a 5k. Could it be that I'm becoming a runner? Perhaps! I'll keep you posted.


Are you a runner? Love it? Hate it?


Note: the photo above is of a local running trail

How Many Calories Do You Burn When....?

A few weeks ago I had a workout slump. I did not feel like doing my usual routine which mostly consists of one of a couple workout dvds, or self magazine workouts that I have collected over the years, or a run/walk. And, although I was not in the mood to do my regular workout, I knew I had to do something so on some days I warmed up a bit with some jogging in place. And then I did a few push-ups and a couple of pilates planks. And on other days I just did some freestyle cardio, or dancing, or just stretching.

I then began to wonder how many calories I might have burned with just those few exercises so I did some google searches. And I literally typed "how many calories do push up burn" into the search bar. This search turned up a website called Fitday.com which had a page full of exercises (and other everyday activities ) along with how many calories these activities burn. The amount of calories burned are based on your weight, height, gender, and age. And according to my height, weight, etc... I can burn 420 calories an hour doing push-ups. And although I could never do an hour of push-ups row, I could break them up during the day. I also checked out a couple of other activities like running in place (420 an hour) and dancing (210 an hour). You can even find out how many calories you burn when walking and carrying a baby (150 an hour for me).

I guess the lesson here is every little bit does count-literally. Even on those days when I feel like I don't have energy or when I feel like I don't have time-I can do something. Whether it be a few push-ups, jumping jacks, run/jog in place, dancing around, or whatever. Some is better than none.

My Fave Workouts

My favorite workout dvds of the moment are from Women's Health Magazine (womenshealthmag.com). There is the Total Workout in Ten which have 10 minute routines each of cardio, upper body strength, lower body strength, and flexibility/balance. There is also a bonus core strength segment. I like this format because it allows you to customize your workout. You can do one ten minute routine (if you're feeling lazy, or dont have time) or build the routines to workout your whole body. I find the intensity of these routines to be moderate. They are not too hard but if you never workout it will be difficult. Three pound hand weights are used for this dvd but I use 5 lbs dumbells. The bonus core power segment requires a balance ball.

My other favorite is the Ultimate Fat Burn which claims to burn up to 500 calories. It also claims to rev up your metabolism-so you are burning calories when you're resting. This workout combines two cardio blasts and two strength training blasts. There is also a warm up and a cool down stretch session. I would say this workout also has a moderate intensity level. Though the stronger you get the easier it will become. And I defintely have become stronger with these workouts. Three pounds hand weights are used for this workout.

The trainer on both dvds is Amy Dixon who I find very easy to workout with. She is not too over the top, corny, super- hyped, or annoyingly smiley like other trainers -but still manages to motivate. There are also 6 or 7 other participants working out with her. One of these ladies perfom easier or modified versions of some of the moves. I find this helpful for those times I don't have as much energy.

I bought both of my dvds from Amazon.com but I am sure they can be found at other video retailers.