Fake Tan - the Banana Boat Way

 Looking out of my window on a gorgeous but humid sunny day, I always think to "lay out" and get that healthy glow from our natural, FREE sun. But of course, you can't really do that these days, since it's pretty much "pounded" in our heads that the sun can cause skin cancer. So, to avoid that, and keep my skin, wrinkle and freckle-free.... Fake it!

Yup, I admit, my tanned skin is NOT real.  I've used Mystic Tan Spray for a few years but it's not affordable all year long; besides the spray tans only last 5 days. 

In my frugal mode, I splurged on:  Banana Boat's Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion in Deep.  It was on sale, plus I had a coupon too.  I was crossing my fingers when I first applied it on, hoping the color develops nicely.

In 3 hours, I was tanned.  Surpisingly, it worked great.  The smell is pleasant and the lotion is tinted so you can blend them in evenly.  I applied it 3 more times within 7 days to achieve the deep color I sought.  Now, I only "lotion up" my tan twice a week to maintain the deep color.  I love this stuff and it's economical, available everywhere and the color is believeably, tan, dark. I didn't use this on my face, since it's sensitive. I usually apply my Bare Minerals Bronzer. 

Faking a Tan with Mystic Tan

On occasion, I do splurge a little on myself.  Like signing up for a package of Mystic Spray Tan.  I like going to L.A. Tan the best, since they're booths seem to spray better than other places I've tried. I would guess their sprayers are used more often by their clients and they always seem to have customers in and out of their salons.

What I like about the spray tanning booths, is the convenience (except that I have to drive to get there).  On top of not having to worry about getting my bathroom messy from spilling self-tanning lotions, the color from the Mystic Tan is gorgeous!  It's application is sprayed on evenly.  I tell everyone that using a  tanning spray booth is like going thru a car wash.  You stand there and get sprayed.  In the video, you will see how it's done.  

It's definitely worth trying at least once if you are considering this method of faking a tan.  Try to go on a day where they offer spray tans cheaper.  At L.A. Tan, (as of this writing), spray tans are $10 (US) on Mondays.  Depending on how well you prepared your skin, your sprayed tan can last up to 7 days.  Though, in reality the best you can hope for to keep a beautiful tan color to look its best, is 5 days tops.  It starts to fade unevenly after that; so it's really important to apply lotion daily after your first day of Mystic Tan.  This will ensure your tan lasts longer, looks moist and dewy!

3D Programs on DirecTV

Put your 3D Glasses on!

DirecTV launched new 3D Channels

DirecTV added 3D DirectTV on Demand and I downloaded the Dinosaurs of Patagonia. Here come the dinosaurs, literally in your face!  I was very, very impressed by the quality of the picture and its 3D effects.  It's one of the best 3D effects I've seen, much better than some of the theatre movies that claim to be in 3D.

Another 3D program I downloaded from Directv on Demand is: "S.O.S. Planet". It was created by World Wildlife Fund, and hosted by Walter Cronkite.  Even though this "docu-movie" was slow at times, the 3D effect was Spectacular!  There were times when I swear, I can touch the earth hanging on a mobile, 'cause it seems to really pop out of the TV and it was right in front of my nose.  The snake "came at me" and it seemed to be only a few inches away from my face! 

As much as I was a fan of Peter Gabriel, it was for me, disappointing.  It's part of the series called "Guitar Sessions".  Mr. Gabriel bored me this time, as the songs were slow and he sat playing piano, with his giant coffee mug on top of it.  I would skip this one, unless of course, you're as mellowed out as he is now, then, watch him sing.

Jane's Addiction also played in the series.  A bit more 'moving" than old Peter, it was OK.  It's like watching MTV's Unplugged sessions, well uh, except it's on 3D Directv.  The people are so "3D-ish", you feel like you're right there on the stage with them. The picture is super-crisp.

This is great 3D programming, like I said, much better than the two 3D movies I saw in in theatres!  For folks out there with Directv Satellite subscription, tune in the FREE 3D channels 103 and up and watch some of the best 3D programming.  Afterall, you've spent the money on that 3D capable TV and have the 3D glasses-- enjoy yourself!

Clif's Builder's Protein Bar

In my other posts, I have devoted my time to exercising, getting fit, feeling good, not gaining weight, building muscles, etc.  Usually, I am on my treadmill for 30-45 minutes six days a week.  I sweat my butt off, drips of sweat on my face, chest, back.  I feel good afterwards, because I walk/jog 2 miles a day.

I noticed my body didn't get as lean as I wanted it to, so I read up on getting tone and nutrition.  I was missing a BIG part of my nutrition-- of feeding my muscles.  To build muscles, you must also add enough protein.  (I devour tons of fruits and veggies)

The protein bars that taste the best: Clif Builder's Entirely Natural Protein Bar, in Chocolate.  I tried the Peanut Butter flavor which did not taste like peanut butter at all.  I recommend the Chocolate or the Chocolate Mint.  It packs 20g of protein per bar.

Plus, snacking on these bars are convenient on trips since I can just throw them in my purse. They're chewy and easy to bite into without straining your jaw!

New Workout Routine

After working out for many months on the treadmill and not seeing a more toned physique, I decided to try a new routine.  It's frustrating putting in all that work and sweat and not seeing results.  The scale did move maybe 8 pounds here and there, but eventually, it climbed back up steadily and remained there, despite the increase in cardio activity. 

I bought Shape Magazine last month.  I also bought Fitness Magazine too.  Then went to my local library to get books on fitness and toning as well as nutritional advice.  What I found was book by Jorge Cruise, " Body At Home".  It's about building up lean muscle mass and revving up your metabolism. 

According to Jorge's plan in the book, you workout for 20 minutes a day, 3x a week.  Precision exercises that targets certain muscles so they will become lean and tone.  Since, that's what I'm looking for now, I decided to try it.  Since last week, I lost 5 pounds! 

It's strange, because in week #1, you only have to do each exercise 3x.  It didn't seem like I was exercising at all during the time, while performing the exercises, but the next day, my triceps were burning.  It was a good burn; you know you worked on that muscle.

I also protein to my diet, which I will write about in another post.

Kelly Ripa's Toned Arms

I finally found some cool looking tank tops that doesn't make my arms look fat.  The cut that goes around the shoulder actually makes them slightly toned. After all, I've been consistently exercising for the past 10-months. Both cardio and strength-training.

Since it's summer, I'm really obsessing about making my biceps, shoulders, and triceps to look toned, like Kelly Ripa's arms!  I've downloaded alot of YouTube videos about her arms; there's alot of them. Upon watching video after video about her, I realized she does alot more than just concentrate on her arms. She's really fit!

Since I'm the same height as her, 5'3", she's become my inspiration to not only just exercise everyday (just to be fit and feel good), but to start looking as toned as her too.  Unfortunately for me, I don't think that Kelly Ripa has written any books on diet, exercise, and fitness yet.  But I'm still waiting.  I'm sure she gets lots of requests to come out with one.  She could combine all the different personal trainers she works with into one great book or DVD.
Another YouTube and googling I did was for Michelle Obama's arms. My inspiration with her? Well, she's in the same age-group as me. Ms. Obama, puts in the time to workout and stay in tip-top shape. Again, not just her arms, but her whole body is in top physical shape too.

Homeschooling: History Curriculum

It's that time again, when as a Teacher, I have to start thinking about what books, programs and curriculum we will incorporate into our second year of homeschooling.  Last year, I used the Core Knowledge Book:  "What Your Sixth Grader Needs To Know", written by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.  I included many lessons and homework using this excellent source.  I highly recommend their products to use for new homeschoolers.

I'm going to continue to incorporate  some of our school district's curriculum for 7th grade. Our school district is currently using Adventure Tales of America in addition to a world geography book. My child enjoys cartoons once in awhile, but I'm not sure if we will enjoy using this book for most of the year. What I do like, is the downloadable PDF files, FREE, which you can print one page at a time or pay a small fee for the complete download which you can print all or select pages. As a complete program, it has a downloadable Teacher's Guide and Student Activities Book too.

In addition, I am currently reviewing two History "hands-on" curriculum, and giving this approach a try.  This method claims to have students fully grasps the materials much better and supposedly more fun too.