Jillian, you salty siren…

So this is kind of off topic, but it does make my bones ache so I thought I would write about it. I have started Jill’s 30 Day Shred. For those who haven’t heard of it, Jillian Michaels is a trainer on the Biggest Loser and her workout DVD is popular on the bridal and spring break circuit. I am convinced that she is trying to kill me in 5 minute intervals.

I started it this week with my “break” days being yoga class. Her workout consists of at 3-2-1 plan, 3 minutes Strength, 2 minutes Cardio and 1 minute abs. You repeat this for 20 minutes and do a cool down, easy peasy right? I can do anything for 20 minutes. WRONG!! I can barely walk or sit down, my thighs are screaming in pain and it hurts to raise my arms. The worst part is the actual work out. After about 8 minutes I am huffing and puffing and after 12 I am yelling out loud like a body builder. I have had to banish Jason from the house during these workouts because he can’t stop giggling at my poor performance. The good news is, it is working! I am feeling stronger in just 1 week and a smidgen trimmer too. I plan on following this through at least until the wedding and maybe if I am motivated until the honeymoon in late April.

Does anyone else have experience with this workout plan? Or thoughts on dropping a few pound in a few weeks without drastic diet changes?

spf 100

I'm heading to the beach next week so I just purchased some spf 100. I've been keeping it in my handbag and wearing it on my hands everyday since. I think for me, the sun, and previous sun damage is a major factor in my personal "aging". I used to be a major sun seeker, I grew up on a lake so I was out there everyday in the summer from sunup to sundown wearing bikinis and baby oil on my skin. Yesterday I went to the derma for a cancer check and she said "I can tell you are a real outdoor girl!" Not what I want to hear. I rarely go in the sun now, I wear tons of sunscreen and a hat. But time will march on...

I'm curious about everyone else's skin routine. What are you you using every day and night on your skin? What kind of extra treatments do you get if any?

I recently had a Rhonda Allison peel. I loved it! My skin looked great afterward, and didn't peel that much. The problem is you are supposed to keep getting them every 3 months until your skin looks how you really want it to, and they are pretty expensive (about $150 each). Other than that my derm told me to use dry touch spf on my face, no moisturizer needed because I'm so oily naturally, and a daily vitamin A (she prescribes differin or retin A).

One thing I'm in the market for is eye cream so if anyone has a recommendation please share!

I have some other sub - topics on this issue but I will save for another post.