Hello Ladies! I hope everyone is having a great week so far! Mine has been busy, but that’s a good thing, the work week always seems to go by faster that way.
I have a few things to address/share, so I’ll do them one by one.
1. I am addicted to spray tans. I just got back from doing another Versa Spa spray tan (I have an unlimited month so I figure I should use it as much as possible.) I also continue to use my Clarins SPF 6 tanning milk
on my face twice a week (usually Sunday night and Wednesday night before bed.) There’s something about having a tan that makes me feel better about life (especially since my body completely went downhill after I stopped working out.)
on my face twice a week (usually Sunday night and Wednesday night before bed.) There’s something about having a tan that makes me feel better about life (especially since my body completely went downhill after I stopped working out.)2. Despite feeling so flabby right now (skinny fat, as I like to call it) I am still totally lacking motivation. I know the moment I do ONE workout I will get my spring back, but that’s the problem…I never do that ONE workout to get me there. I seriously need an intervention. Any Houston readers who want to kick my butt into gear? LOL! I need it!
3. It has come to my attention (thankfully) that most people prefer my blog without random highlighting, bolding, italicizing etc. I so very much appreciate the people who gave honest and constructive feedback because I had no idea people felt this way. The reason I started to highlight/bold/italicize text was because I thought it would make it easier for people to read, not more difficult. I tend to be a blog “skimmer.” I read so many blogs that it would take me forever to actually read every single word so I tend to skim. When text is bolded it makes it easier for me to get the most important parts of the entry read…but I now understand that’s not the way everyone reads and that most people prefer a cleaner text with occasional bolding. If you have any comments or thoughts about this, please leave them below. But I did want to thank everyone who gave me great advice. I have to admit I was a little highlighter happy. I think bolding still has its place, but I will stop with the obsessive highlighting. It’s NOT a textbook. It’s NOT a textbook. I have to keep telling myself that!
4. Some people have asked me why I’m not blogging as much as usual. I try to blog 5 days a week or so, but lately I’ve had work commitments or weekend social events so I’ve been too busy to blog as often as I usually do. Everything is OK and hopefully I’ll be back to normal posting soon.
5. My amazing friend Ed who is the most tech-savvy person ever bought me 2 amazing things for my birthday. One- a tripod for my camera and two, a wireless card for my digital camera so any photos I take directly upload to my computer. No more cords! I can’t even express how thankful I am for these items because they are going to make my life so much easier. I think I’m going to buy a camera remote too, so I can take photos of my OOTD’s using the clicker and tripod. I think the quality will be better like this but I need to figure out where it’s going to be set up, etc. If you’re a blogger and you take a lot of photos, you NEED this wireless card. It’s called Eye-Fi
.
.6. I’m actually having my entire blogging template redone professionally, so look out for that in the next few months. My friend Maja’s husband has his own graphic design firm and generously offered to do it for me! So sweet! It will be nice to have something cleaner and more professional looking. I think the layout will improve dramatically, too.
7. What’s in the water? Melissa Rycroft (of Bachelor fame), Christina Applegate and Miranda Kerr (who just married Orlando Bloom) have all announced they are pregnant! It seems like last year we had a flood of celebrities who had babies (Jessica Alba, Ashlee Simpson, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Garner and many more come to mind) and now it’s continuing. I’m really happy for Christina in particular because she overcame cancer last year and now she’s with child. Such a wonderful thing. I am baby crazy right now, as you can probably tell.
Do you think there’s something in the Hollywood water? That’s A LOT of baby bumps!
xoxo,
Veronika.
I liked all of the pretty pink highlighting! That's so exciting that your page is going to be redone professionally! I think you've done a great job keeping things streamlines…it's super easy to navigate, but I'm sure it'll look wonderful.
Do you plan on trying for a baby soon? I have to admit that I'm not a kid person, but it's always crazy to see the newest celeb bumbs…
Even with all the crazy highlighting, bold and italics I still enjoy your blog. =) Can't wait to see the new blog layout.
couture- I just didn't realize it made it more difficult to read. I think people prefer cleaner text so I'm taking it constructively and giving people what they want 🙂
AWWW. I love the bold/highlighting. I do it, too…because I'm a blog skimmer as well and it really does break things up and makes it easier for me to read.
THANK YOU!!! I was able to read everything and not fly into an epileptic seizure. I'm excited to see the new layout.
Christina Applegate was on Jimmy Kimmel last night and she looked great! My husband and I were discussing her age (he used to watch Married with children, lol) and I didn't realize she was 39. She definitely doesn't look like she is almost 40!
leslie- 40 is the new 25, seriously! celebs are looking so great these days (the ones like Christina, who probably have some work done, but not to the extent of say, Heidi Montag.)
Hey missy,
Baby crazy? Does that mean you are hoping to be a mommy soon? heheh
Leah
Leah- not soon soon, but in the next couple of years!
I am so excited for Christina Applegate too, that news made me smile when I saw it on the tabloids (for once, LOL).
I can't believe another VS Angel is about to have a baby. I would seriously love to know how these women bounce back so quickly. I was in pretty damn great shape when I first became pregnant, and……..well…..3.5 years later and I'm still not back where I started. I don't know how they do it!
Some of your exercise motivation must be rubbing off on me because I've become addicted recently! If you have a Pure Barre studio in Houston, I would def recommend taking that class. This workout is insane!! I swear my legs are already smaller after doing it twice.
Yay for the new layout!
xoxo
when i saw your post title today. i thought you became pregnant…
but i like your highlight in the post. it helps some readers to save some time.
Julia- i think it's 50/50 some people (like me) who skim blogs find it helpful and others don't. I think people don't like all of it at once. Like if I just bold or just highlight it might be better.
I like the pink highlighting but maybe that's because I like pink so much hehehe!! so excited for the new page 🙂
my husband calls me skinny-obese! haha… I totally know how you feel. My stomach rolls are becoming a real problem. LOL
Justine- we need to go to a fitness boot camp.
Wow I didn't realize people didn't like your random Golding and italicizing. I do that a LOT on my blog, but mainly for the same reasons as you – to draw attention to certain words, and to break up the text into more readable chunks. Although I read a ton of blogs, I actually read every word. It takes up a lot of time, but I love it!
Ahhh your note about the spray tans reminded me how badly I need to go back and get one. I actually have an unlimited Mystic Tan membership.
Hope you're having a great week Veronika!
I like when you highlight, bold and all that jazz. It makes your blog pop. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your life with the world. 🙂
That's very cool that you are getting your blog professionally done! I'm sure it's going to look great. Congrats!
If you are seriously considering doing a boot camp, check out Adventure boot camp (www.houstonareabootcamp.com). They have a spotts park location. I did it a few times and saw great results, and it really improved my endurance. It's outside, so maybe wait till the heat dies down.
Excited to see the new layout!!!! =)
Can't wait to see the new blog design!! I feel the exact same way right now about my lack of motivation when it comes to working out. Hopefully my upcoming wedding will be the motivation I need to tone up!!
I also liked the highlighting but am excited to see the new blog design. Either way is fine with me :).
I bounced back pretty quickly after having my son a year ago and I really think breastfeeding had a lot to do with it. I could literally feel my uterus contracting right away and I burned calories like crazy!
I can't believe Christina Applegate is 39!! She really doesn't look like it! I don't think I'd want to wait that long to have a baby though…I had my first at age 30 (I'm 32 now) and thought that was late!
Bah, I really like the highlighting and bolding. I agree with Natalia that it makes your blog "pop". I don't enjoy reading a "wall of text", I do enough of that at work! Don't change a good thing!
I didn't know Christina Applegate was pregnant, I'll have to pass that on to my mom. She has breast cancer and loves to hear positive stories about women who have overcome it:)
Hi Veronika, I've never commented before, but I read your blog all the time. I have a health & fitness blog and just started fitness coaching. So, if you need some motivation, let me know!
Hi Veronika!
I love your blog- and am looking forward to the new layout. I work with Maja- I adore her and her Hubby is a complete angel. Your new "look" will be amazing.
I am also baby crazy right now…so many friend have had or are having babies!!!! Good things come to those who wait.
I am a HUGE fitness freak, daily workouts, strick diet…and I read bodyrock (dot)tv. Her name is Suzanna and her workouts are all body weight training that you can do (and I often do) right in your living room. Most workouts are really instense and don't last much longer than 15 minutes.
Can't wait to hear how it all turns out!
Aww, as far as random highlighting/bolding/whatever goes, you have to write in a style you're comfortable with. So if that's what you like to do, then do it! It didn't bother me at all, but I'm also a random bolder/italicizer (ha, there's a word…).
Hooray on the new layout- can't wait to see it! And I'm having the same problem as you; I have no motivation to work out right now. Just need to find the energy…blah. 🙁
lol. I think there is just something in the water. Period.
We are in the process of building (luckily I work for a custom home builder!) and then it is baby time for us! Im excited to see so much happening in life.
You should look into Crossfit – I go three times a week in Katy. Its sort of more extreme boot camp, I guess. Never the same workout, really pushes your body, combines cardio and strength, plus its a serious challenge! When I finish a workout, I really feel like I accomplished something.
I started marathon training last week. Ill be running for 30 min at Memorial tonight! You should come run with HoustonFit!
I think the key is making workouts fun and a social thing. Then, you will want to go and not feel like you have to go!
Liz- those are some great ideas. I have looked into cross fit before…I just can't imagine working out outside I guess? isn't it too hot?
I agree with you, I workout more when I go with a friend!
I am laughing at "skinny fat"- love it, that totally describes me :). I have a small frame so a little fat goes a long way on this body!
I'm right there with you on being addicted to spray tanning! It's a good addiction though, I think 🙂 I hope you get the workout motivation you are looking for. Before and After pictures on Google images usually do the trick for me. Look for some of your favorite workout people on Facebook, I do Tracy Anderson DVDs and her Facebook page is a wonderful source of inspiration!
If some of your readers didn't like the italics or highlighting I'm wondering what their thoughts are on hyperlinks…I'm excited to see the new blog layout! 🙂 xoB
brebeauty.com
Uh oh…another victim of the *** Groupon! I ended up renewing for 3 months. I'm highly, highly addicted. Also, try the Hydration Station and the Lumiere–you can use ALL services on the Groupon!
lauren- all those all UV-free? I must try it! can you use the massage thing before your spray tan?
Jenn- I watch Zuzana's workouts too! she is crazy fit! I think me, you and maja need to get together for a fitneess bootcamp!
I definitely want to try spray tanning, It will be a splurge item for me i think! My camera is a Fujifilm Finepix S1500. I got it from Shoppers with points! I'm really trying to take better pictures, so I'm glad you've noticed!!
I totally know what you mean about skinny fat! LOL. I've been reading your blog for a few months now and enjoy it immensely! I also click on and read a lot of your blog list, hope that's ok!!! I enjoy reading about your shopping trips and your makeup routines. The BB blush Peony looks so pretty. What do you use to take off your eye makeup? I'm looking for something new. Thanks!!!
Ugh I am totally lacking motivation too. I've been terrible, I haven't worked out in about 3 months!! 3 freaking months! I feel like all my muscles are turning to flab and everyday I say I will work out but I NEVER do. I really need to just DO IT!!! Once you get it going then you can start a routine but the motivation to just get there is so hard! I feel ya!! And its actually to the point of being pathetic – I did a few push ups, dips, and squats the other day just inside my living room, no weights, just my body weight, and I mean like, 10 reps 3 sets… and I was SORE after!! What has happened to my muscles?! LOL.
To the previous poster, I don't know what V uses for eye makeup remover but have you ever tried Johnson's baby shampoo? It works really great and its super gentle. The only thing is it doesn't work well with waterproof mascara, which I don't wear. Just thought I'd throw that out there! If you don't wear WP its worth a try.
I use target brand eye makeup remover it's oil free in a clear bottle with a light purple cap
i'm personally liking the highlighting and bolding.
i can't wait to see your new layout, you have the cutest blog, i just know it'll be beautiful!
Yes–all but the tanning beds, of course! Ask to go into the Hydration Station before you spray. You will go in for 20 min (it's hot & humid, but SO worth it!) It's a moisture bath that preps your skin for spraying and tanning.
You will be SO pleased at how even your Versa is and how much longer it lasts!
I've never commented before, but I enjoy reading your posts! 🙂 I am the half that prefers it without the highlighting and bolding. It just looks neater, which makes me happy. 🙂
We also use Versaspa in the UK but we are pushing the boundaries of the machine by spraying a lot more solution on cudtomers that need it. The results are exceptionally dark for those 'tanning lunatics'.
see http://www.versaspa.eu
Great to see you are loving the versaspa.
anon- I think the level I use is level 3 which is the highest one. I also get the pre-spray and post-spray. My only concern is that if you are a larger person, the spray wouldn't cover your entire body properly. It seems like the nozels that deliver the color don't spray out wide enough? That's one improvement I would suggest…maybe to make the nozzles swivel more to each side as they go down.
Overall though, I do LOVE the results of the versa spa.