Ahhh, it's that time of year again.  The time I look forward to every year.  What am I referring too?  The NYC Makeup Show.  This is one of the most well known makeup industry events in NYC and across the country.  I always look forward to previewing the new collections and trends from such brands as Makeup Forever, Becca Cosmetics, Inglot, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics and MAC, just to name a very few.  I also look forward to new and upcoming brands that will be unveiled.  Oh, did I mention the shopping?  Artists can shop for ALL things for their kits.  Makeup afficiandos can rack up for their personal stash. Because the show is a pro event, items are discounted.  One year a friend and I came home with a whole set of foundation for bridal makeup at a price, we normally wouldn't be able to afford!  Not for a whole set, anyway.

A little more about the show:
The Makeup Show NYC will continue to deliver the largest pro-driven beauty event in the global epicenter of beauty and fashion – New York City!


Join us for two days dedicated to Artistry, Networking, Community, Inspiration and Education. Fill your kit with pro-driven essentials. Refine your skill-set in our exclusive hands-on workshops and seminars. Work with FX, Fantasy and Beauty. Explore Business strategies and opportunities during forums & Keynotes. Unite with fellow industry insiders. Network with brands execs and CEOS.

The event takes place May 5-6, 2013.   For more info and to view other cities, visit www.themakeupshow.com.  I'll be attending on Sunday.  You? 
Here is a preview of me at the show from a few years back.  It's even bigger and better today.  

I'm so happy to be able to say 'family'?  I mean I've always considered my husband my family but with our new addition my life feels complete. This past Saturday we took a trip out to the Manayunk Food Festival in Pennsylvania.  Twin (our nickname for her - she was born on my birthday, but looks JUST like her dad) had a slight cold, but it was too beautiful to stay inside.

    Manayunk Restaurant Week started April 14 and runs thru the 26th

     I don't even know what to say about this car and yes someone drove it

     My other love:PIZZA.  This was organic and cooked by wood...YUMMY!

   What would a food festival would be without Funnel Cake??!

This week marks seven months since I had my little miracle baby.  Not sure how much longer I can use 'I just had a baby' as an excuse for the extra weight, though.  Now, I must pat myself on the back because I was in the gym as soon as December rolled around, but now I need to rev up my routine.  I have big plans for my first Mother's Day and I've already bought my dress: a European made size 8, so you know it's really a 4...HA!  This year will also be my 10th wedding anniversary...PRAISE GOD!  I want to look better than I did when I first tied the knot.  I have a bit of time before my anniversary, but Mother's day is right around the corner.  Anywho, it's time to really get serious about getting a portion of my body back.

Stats:

Height - 5'8" (I've been claiming 5'7" for the longest time??)
Pre-pregnancy weight - 160lbs (before meds)
Pre-pregnancy weight - 165lbs (after IVF meds)
Highest Weight - 205lbs (during pregnancy)
Current Weight - 170lbs
Short-term Goal Weight - 160lbs
Long-term Goal Weight - 150lbs (I actually will be happy at 155 - my baby gave me a nice little booty and I don't want to lose it..lol)

Eventhough I've had my baby, I'm still dealing with PCOS symptoms, so it takes me a little longer to get this weight off.  I could  starve myself, but that's not an option. So, I plan to eat more often as I usually do, try and lower my carb and sugar intake (especially before bed) and work out 4-5 times per week(a mix of weight training, cardio and pilates).  The food is the hard part for me.  I'm also taking B-vitamins because I heard it's really good for PCOSers and may start taking D-Chiro-Inositol again (natural supplement that acts like metformin - also good for PCOSers). 

That's it in a nutshell.  Pray for me.

Pictures coming soon.

Check out my bestie supermommy Porfiria Gomez, who is also trying to get her FabFit on after having three kids. 

I had a productive weekend.  Productive in terms of figuring what I want to do with the next nine months. Figuring out what I want to possibly do for the rest of my life. I've been arguing with God to speak to me and He did: Loud and Clear! I went to church service on Saturday evening and it started from there.  I had a baby last year.  It was one of, if not THE greatest moment of my life. But while struggling to have a child, I put most of my life (especially my career and dreams) on hold.  All I could think about was having a baby.  Now that it has finally happened, my life must go on.  While speaking to one of my BFFs, I came up with the term that will shape the rest of my year....MAKE IT HAPPEN! That's what I plan to do in most every aspect of my life.  Not sure how I will make some things happen, but I'm trusting God and will not allow lack of money, procrastination, fear or insecurity stop me.  Will you join me? Stay tuned...


                                                       Me, hubby and our miracle baby

(This was reposted from my old blog platform from February)

I'm about a month late, but better late than never...HAPPY NEW YEAR! I have been uber busy the last few months. For those of you who don't know, after seven painful years of struggling with infertility, I HAD A BABY! God is good all the time and all the time God is good! So, I've been getting used to my new life as a mom. My little miracle baby was born on my birthday (God gives the best gifts, no?), September 6, 2012. I was home for four months, but didn't have time to do anthing but cater to my little one. I just went back to work about a month ago. Working, being a mom, trying to lose this baby weight and being a wife, doesn't leave room to do anything else. I do miss blogging and making videos for my Youtube channel and I am going to try my best to fit that back in. Just wanted to check in and say I'm alive and hope you all are ready for an EXCITING year!






     

There used to be a large furniture shop around the corner from me, that has since closed and vacant for the last year. I drove by a few months ago and noticed that it is now a THRIFT store! Be still my heart. It's literally in walking distance which is no beuno for me and my pockets. They had clothes, bags , shoes and a lot of furniture (hmmm, I wonder if they were pieces that never sold in the old store). Didn't find anything in the clothes section (rather couldn't fit), so I went over to the bags and accessories. I got three bags and two pairs of earrings ($1 each) for $11!


The last two bags were bought on seperate occasions. The animal print bag I saw on a street corner while driving home from work and did a u-turn to cop it (advenutures of a shop-a-holic). The guy charged me five bucks for it and claimed it was real fur...don't think so but love it regardless. The last bag I got for a $1 at my thrift store down the block and I wear it ALL the time.







From top: burgundy bag with short gold handle and long strap, white and cream fabric and (p)leather bag, black (p)leather detailed bag with short chunky handle and long strap, cheetah fur bag, large Summer straw tote and thrifted earrings.

Are you guys ready?  I mean REALLY ready for the new season of Project Runway?  It's one of my favorite times of year and has consistently been one of my top 5 shows.  I was counting down the months, days, hours.  Can't wait to of course look at what the new designers will bring, but I LIVE for Heidi's wardrobe (on the show, not off) and smart comments and I live for Michael Kors' facial expressions..lol.  Anywho, will you be watching?  For more info on this season and to check out the list of new designers, click here!