Remember when you were told, never say never (and I'm not talking about Justin Bieber)? I feel like having said, "I never want to be 170 lbs," is haunting me because it simply won't go away. While everyone says not to pay attention to the scale, but rather how you look, I know I should listen (but it is so hard to do!) Due to losing inches, I've definitely noticed that my favorite blue shirt is looser on me. I also noticed on Sunday that a shirt I haven't worn in a while (due to muffin top issues) suddenly looked a lot better. Not to mention that my jeans are looser and require a belt (or at least me pulling them up multiple times until I buy one.) My husband even told me that it's hard to believe I haven't lost weight because I look like I have (brownie points). Which got me wondering. Both hyper and hypothyroidism run in my family. After playing Dr. Google, I found on WedMD that I do meet a lot of the symptoms. Unfortunately, I do not have health insurance, so I can't have the blood work done to be sure. I'm beginning to wonder if this is why that despite following the Nutrisystem diet plan and exercising, why I am not dropping pounds. I admit that I didn't get around to getting plain water and flavoring it naturally with fruit just yet...but I making that change this week. I also got wrapped up in work and spending the holiday weekend with my family and have not yet contacted the Nutrisystem dietician. Something I will do as soon as I finish this post. My week 5 results are: 2 inches lost, a half pound gained. I'm at 170 again. I can tell you that not seeing the pounds drop off after all this hard work makes you feel defeated. But as I'm constantly pulling up my jeans, I'm reminded that Nutrisystem IS working. I'm not where I want to be weight-wise, but otherwise I am healthy, eating the right portion sizes and toning up. I have to remind myself that those are good things too! I feel like my weekly updates end up being pep talks to myself! Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ *Disclosure: Sponsored

A few different people have mentioned Mixed Chicks hair products to me on a number of occasions and I have honestly been meaning to try it, but just never got around to it until just recently.  After feeling like my regular shampoo and conditioner were no longer performing as well as they have in the past, I decided to try something new and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give Mixed Chicks a try.  I opted for the Sulfate Free Shampoo and Deep Conditioner as my naturally curly hair has been feeling really dry lately thanks to regular hot yoga attendance. The Sulfate Free Shampoo is supposed to mildly cleanse my hair without stripping my hair of its natural oils and the Deep Conditioner is supposed to penetrate, reconstruct and restore my dry hair.  After trying both for two weeks, I was pretty bummed that I didn't get around to trying them sooner. The Sulfate Free Shampoo actually felt pretty moisturizing for a shampoo, even though it did thoroughly clean my hair, my hair did not have that dried, stripped feeling it normally has after shampooing. I also really enjoyed the clean, pretty scent.  The Deep Conditioner is decadently moisturizing.  It's really thick and creamy and my hair felt soft, hydrated and absolutely pampered after using it. After using both of these products, my curls have more hold and definition and a lot less frizz.  Even when I blow dry my hair it just feels healthier.  I plan on purchasing the Leave In Conditioner as soon as possible so that I can define my curls, eliminate frizz and restore the health of my hair all at the same time.  I'm absolutely ecstatic that there is a product on the market that was created specifically for my hair type, I'm just so disappointed in myself that it took me so long to start using it. Have you tried Mixed Chicks? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure

Since I have been receiving frequent requests for how-to’s on my eye makeup looks (especially on Facebook), I decided to do a step-by-step picture post for my dedicated readers and those to come on a 2013 fall makeup look that I created. I like trends, but I also like to do my own thing, too. Today I opted to create a look that reminded me of a favorite past time of taking fall drives in my home state of RI on the back roads in the small town of Scituate. Just imagine listening to the crunching sound as your tires roll over old dirt roads while staring out at a beautiful reservoir surrounded by vast amounts of huge trees in the prime of fall filled with gold, orange, red, purple, and green leaves…some being whisked away by a gentle breeze. Are you all starting to get why I am in LOVE with fall, and all the more inspired by it? There was not one year in my childhood that went by that I did not take that drive with my mom and family, and then follow it up with apple picking and hot pie a la mode! Just writing about it makes me want to return home right now…but I will patiently wait until October to do that! To create this New England-inspired 2013 fall makeup look, I decided to use Smashbox’s 24K (lid and inner corner), Aveda’s 991/Antique Gold (brow bone and highlighter), Cargo’s Moreton Bay (center of my lid), and Aveda’s 990/Bronze Patina (outer corner and lower lid). I used Tarte’s Strike a Pose lash set, which included the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara and the Lash curler. Cargo HD Picture Perfect Eye Shadow Primer was used as my base/enhancer to help the colors pop and Rimmel London’s Scandal Eyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner was used for my liner to finish it off. *Quick tip: Blending is one of your most important elements for a nicely finished look. If you notice in the picture before I apply my mascara the colors are popping (but not yet blended), then look at the last picture. Do you see the difference blending makes? Also, don’t be afraid to blend and then lightly re-apply where it needs enhancing or contrast (and lightly blend again.) If you are new to applying eye makeup: practice, practice, practice…I promise that you will get it! I am still learning new things too! How many of you were able to figure out why I put the green (Aveda’s 990/Bronze Patina) in the outer corner of my eye instead and the deeper plum color (Cargo’s Moreton Bay) in the middle instead of vice versa? I'd love to know what you thought of this New England themed makeup look! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Courtney on G+. *Disclosure

I've been wanting to get on board with the BB and CC Cream trend, but I have to admit that I've been having a hard time buying into the hype. When BB creams first came on the market, everyone was buzzing about them. I've tried a few and while they've been fine, they kind of felt like glorified tinted moisturizers that I saw no real benefit from. With most BB creams, I needed to wear foundation on top of them to achieve full coverage. I just didn't see the point in straying from my beloved moisturizers. Then came CC Creams, which was kind of confusing because many of us wondered, what’s the difference? Before I tell you about my new obsession with a product that really has made it's own little spot in the makeup world, here's the rundown: BB stands for blemish balm. It was meant to be an all-in-one product to cover you with moisturizer, primer, SPF, foundation, and serum. For me, most felt like tinted moisturizers. BB’s provided me with little to no coverage. The CC in CC creams stands for color and/or complexion correcting. A CC is pretty much a BB, but with better skin care benefits and coverage. CC's have a matte texture, so they work well as a base and look great standing alone. I was super confused when BB's started being shown up by CC's, but after trying a handful of different products, Pur Minerals CC wins the BB-CC Challenge as far as I’m concerned. Pur Minerals CC Cream lives up to everything I was hoping for and felt like we were being promised in a cream! Its light weight mousse-like formula gives great coverage, takes care of minor imperfections, is SPF 40, and has skin care benefits! I have pretty fair skin and unlike a tinted moisturizer, Pur Mineral's CC Cream Light blended really well with my skin tone and gave some great coverage … almost full coverage. So much so really, I wore it on TV with no other face makeup. That's the real test when it comes to complexion correction and coverage. I felt confident enough with my complexion that I didn't even bother with foundation for a TV appearance! It's that good! It comes in 4 different shades, light, medium, tan, and dark. I’m very fair, light was perfect for me. For many women, I know the wear time of a product is super important. I’m not one who brings makeup to work and does any reapplying besides lips once I leave the house. It’s just not something I ever think about or feel necessary. The days I wore Pur Minerals CC Cream on its own for the day, I did notice needing a little refresher by the end of the work day. On the flip side, the days that I used a little powder to set it, I was good to go all day long and didn't need any touch ups. A little bit of powder to set is the best way to achieve a full day face without touch ups! The only thing I’m less than in love with is the packaging. While I love how clean and neat the packaging is, for me the tube pump isn't ideal. At the same time, when you love what’s inside, you don’t mind working for it a little. If you've been curious about CC Creams and whether or not this is a product to get on board with, I'd suggest trying Pur Minerals CC Cream before any others. Having tried so many that are out there, I can safely say no other CC Cream actually lived up to the C's (coverage, complexion correcting) like this one. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure

My friend, fellow blogger, and holistic skincare expert, Rachael Pontillo has a book coming out on September 3rd: Love Your Skin, Love Yourself: Achieve Beauty, Health, and Vitality from the Inside Out and Outside In. It'll be available on both Amazon and Kindle. Considering that her skin is absolutely flawless and nothing short of amazing, I needed to find out all I could about what she is dishing in her new book. Women with skin issues often feel like they have to hide or that there is something wrong with them. Whether the condition starts as early as adolescence, or develops later on during a pregnancy or for other reasons, it affects much more than just the skin. Sometimes issues that accompany a skin condition are physical such as weight gain, digestive issues, systemic infection, chronic inflammation, etc. Other times, however, the issues are emotional and even spiritual. This was the case for author and coach, Rachael Pontillo. After living the majority of her life with acne, she cleared up her skin for good (and simultaneously lost 80 lbs) once she cleaned up her diet and upgraded her lifestyle. Though she looked and felt better on the outside and was healthier on the inside, she still had issues having to do with self-image and self-love. These are issues common to many women, especially those who have experienced a visible skin condition, and many feel misunderstood, alone and insecure because of it. By incorporating simple practices into her daily routine, Rachael was able to feel beautiful, confident, and empowered—that’s what she wants her readers to experience after reading this book. By reading Love Your Skin, Love Yourself, women with skin concerns and self image issues will discover how to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Q&A Shannon: What is holistic skincare? Rachael: I define “holistic skincare” a little differently than some other practitioners who use the term. Many aestheticians and spas consider themselves "holistic" if they use all-natural, organic products and provide non-invasive and wellness oriented services. While this is a piece of the puzzle, it isn’t the complete picture. Other practitioners like health coaches and nutritionists define holistic skincare simply as "beauty from the inside out." Again, this is an important piece of the puzzle, but after my years of education, personal life experience, and professional experience as a health coach, aesthetician, and health and wellness writer, I’ve come to realize that both are necessary to ensure the best results. So my definition of holistic skincare is “caring for the skin from the inside out with proper nutrition and lifestyle choices and from the outside in with safe and healthy products, proper hygiene, and the right skincare regimen. Shannon: Why did you decide to focus this book and your career on holistic skincare? Rachael: I've lived more than half my life feeling ugly and insecure because of acne. I tried everything from prescription medications to over-the-counter medications, chemical peels and microdermabrasion, drugstore products, department store products, mail order products, and professional strength products. Some things worked, and many didn't…and those that worked usually had side effects and only worked until I ran out of the product. I knew I was missing something. When I changed my diet and saw the quick and dramatic improvement in my skin, I knew I was onto something. However, based on my knowledge of the body as a whole and the skin as its barrier, I knew that the skin needs hydration and nourishment on the outside too. Plus, there are so many harmful chemicals and toxins in products and in our environment that the skin takes quite a beating. My own experience changed my life and I've had clients with similar life-changing experiences, and I knew that this message needed to be brought to a larger scale with this book and in my other work. Shannon: Is holistic skincare as effective as expensive and high-tech spa and cosmetic treatments? Rachael: Holistic skincare and conventional/medical skincare are completely different modalities—it’s like comparing apples to oranges, and the efficacy in this case is subjective. Some people consider quick and dramatic results to be effective, even if those results fade quickly and require numerous ongoing treatments to maintain and come with risks and potential side effects. Others consider long-lasting, sustainable results that can be achieved at home over time to be more effective. The efficacy of holistic skincare varies per person, since each person’s condition, current diet and lifestyle, and physical and emotional constitutions are so different. Some people do achieve quick and dramatic results like I did, and these results continue to last and my skin continues to improve years later. Others see a more gradual improvement over time, but also experience improvements in other areas of their health and lives—all of which become part of a permanent lifestyle. That being said, holistic skincare is not a quick fix for everyone…but the results are long lasting for everyone. Because of that and the fact that it doesn't come with a laundry list of risks and side effects, I’d say it’s more effective than conventional aesthetic and cosmetic treatments and procedures. Shannon: How is this book different from all the other skincare books out there? Rachael: There are many great books covering the nutritional aspect of skincare, with certain diets and detox regimens that really do focus on the "inside out" piece. There are also many wonderful books covering the importance of natural skincare products, with recipes for handmade products as well as information about the effects of the chemicals in conventional products. And of course there is a myriad of self-help books that talk about transformation, lifestyle, self-esteem, finding one’s true self, and more recently, the concept of self-love. However I haven’t seen many that encompass all aspects—nutrition, lifestyle, topical skincare, and self-love—and really tell the whole story. Without all of these components, my own healing would not have been possible or sustainable. I've also noticed that many holistic skincare and diet books out there tell people what to do and why to do it, but not necessarily HOW to do it—meaning how to incorporate these new changes into their existing lifestyles without feeling completely overwhelmed. Many also insinuate that these changes are easy for everyone, and I think that this message is part of the reason why so many people have a hard time keeping up with diets or lifestyle changes. In Love Your Skin, Love Yourself I tell it like it is—some of the changes I made were easy for me but some did not come naturally at all; and there were times that I almost quit completely. I discuss how I came through those challenges and also share tips for how readers can get started and what to do if things seem overwhelming or challenging. Life is not always sunshine and rainbows and most journeys of true healing and transformation have areas of shadow…but the shadow passes and then the sun returns. That being said, we can’t ignore the shadow. Too many books don’t talk about the parts of the process that are hard for people—I wanted to present my own journey as well as the changes I recommend honestly and authentically, and for me that means telling the whole story—the triumphs but also the challenges and how I dealt with them in that moment. Shannon: Was this book hard to write? Rachael: Yes and no. A large amount of this book came to me in spurts from my muse late at night. I’m a very creative person, and I've learned that when the muse wants to work I step out of the way and let her have at it. However a lot of these late night musings didn't transition well from one thought to another. I decided to get some help and work with a book coach as well as a very talented editor to help me organize my thoughts. Though I've been writing for nearly half my life, writing blog posts and magazine articles is very different from writing a book since they are more condensed and one doesn't necessarily have to flow into another. The thought of writing an entire book on one topic was very scary to me. This book is also much more personal than my more fact-oriented articles and even most of my blog posts. Piecing together the manuscript and going through the editing process was very emotional for me, since I didn't realize when I initially wrote some of it how raw my own thoughts and experiences still were for me. That’s the part of the process I was expecting the least—feeling vulnerable. Writing has always come naturally to me, as has expressing myself in other ways, so the actual writing part was not hard—it was the feeling of vulnerability that was more difficult. The process of going through the editing, design, formatting, proofreading, and getting the book published was challenging at times but was an incredible experience at the same time. I am so blessed to have consulted with my incredible topic matter experts: Dr. Ben Johnson from Osmosis Skincare, Dr. Georgia Tetlow from Philadelphia Integrative Medicine, Sharonah Rapseik, PhD from Spa Holistica, and Christine Arylo, bestselling author and Queen of Self-Love. My editor, Daniella Thoren, designer Michelle Fitz of Hat Trick Strategies, and publisher Sennin Group also really helped the process run smoothly and helped me create something that looks more amazing than I ever could have imagined. Overall it’s been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life and I look forward to doing it again! About Rachael: Rachael Pontillo is a holistic health and image coach with more than 15 years in the beauty and healthcare industries. Following her own challenges with acne and weight, she has helped many women overcome skin conditions and self image issues in her private coaching practice. She is also a published author whose work has been featured in the top aesthetics trade journal, Dermascope Magazine, the international magazine Complete Wellbeing, as well as on several blogs and websites such as Spa Week Daily, Holistic Vanity, Organic Lifestyle Magazine, and WholesomeOne, in addition to her own popular blog, Holistically Haute. She is a recipient of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s prestigious Health Leadership Award, is a featured skincare expert for NeoCell Health, and spoke on a national stage before the Association of Holistic Skincare Practitioners Conference where she educated aestheticians about the benefits of offering nutritional counseling services to their clients. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

Just like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, I'm ready to call my Life Line. That Life Line being a Nutrisystem dietician. On a sidenote: I wish the above picture was really me. I've been on the Nutrisystem weight loss program for a month now. I've definitely learned a lot during this time, but I've also encountered a lot of frustration. 30 days of Nutrisystem has only results in 4 pounds lost for me, the majority of which were in the first week. For the last few weeks my weight has been at a stand still. Inches have been lost in some places, while in others it fluctuates. There have been a few times due to my work schedule that I've skipped the Powerfuel snack...or my eating hasn't been every few hours. I can only speak for myself, but that's just a reality. Not everyone can be chained to their kitchen 24/7. I have 4 kids and a full time job...sometimes this means working long hours without coming up for air, or running around to appointments and stores making it impossible for a fresh food snack-a-thon. Additionally, I've made sure to keep active and to switch up how I'm exercising. So far I've done walking 1-2 miles, working out with weights, calithetics, hiking, high impact aerobics and pilates. The only one that made a measurable impact on my weight loss was hiking.  This past Sunday I hiked 5 miles through Lacawac Sanctuary which is hillside to Lake Wallenpaupack. It was a vigorous workout and definitely not something I'm up for on a routine basis. I woke up to a 1.5 pound weight loss and I was stoked. Yet, by this morning I already gained a half pound back. Since my weight fluctuated all week, that 1.5 pound loss voided the gain that happened all week, leaving me at the same weight for the last 3 weeks. Mentally I am feeling defeated. I want so badly to lose these 40 pounds. But I also know that I need to do it the way that fits into my lifestyle now and that is maintainable. I haven't quite figured out what the cause of the weight gain then loss then gain is yet. My sister seems to think it's also partly to me drinking flavored water. I drink Nestle Pure Life Splash and she tells me that it is filled with weight holding preservatives. I'm not sure how to drink 32 ounces of water a day without some sort of flavoring to it that has no preservatives. I hate unflavored water. Would love your suggestions on this one. If I could look in the mirror and see changes, maybe I wouldn't be down on myself...but I look at myself and still see the same chubby, big chested girl who hates what she looks like. This week I'm going to change up a few things and get suggestions from the Nutrisystem dietician. Let's see what happens when I check back in a week from now! Why I Started Nutrisystem Nutrisystem Portion Control Week One Week Two Week Three Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ *Disclosure: Sponsored

Two Everyday Heroes Translate their Inner Strength into their Outer Pow!

Sherona McFadden of Harleysville, PA and Keara Ramos-Coles of Greenlane, PA are two women who define what it means to be everyday heroes. Sherona is a wife, a mother of five children (two are affected by a disability and a serious medical condition), a friend, a working-woman, a singer/songwriter, and a community/church volunteer. Sherona emulates creative flare to the point where she seems to breathe it with every idea she speaks and song she writes. She is a natural visionary, but with much of her time spent caring for her family and/or living between frequent doctor appointments and hospital visits, Sherona struggles with a sense of zapped energy. She longs to reconnect with her keen sense of artistic allure when it comes to makeup, and shared with me that she is looking for some products/looks to reignite this flame. Keara is a wife, a mother of three children (all of which have a learning disability), a friend, a professional caregiver for the elderly and those affected by disability, and also volunteers in her church and community whenever she is able. Keara so poignantly shared her struggle, which so many caregivers face, with balancing taking care of her self vs. others. Her compassionate heart for others wins in weight, but with that she said, “I am now at a time in my life that as much as I love taking care of everyone else I am also learning that I have to find ways to take care of myself.” They’re inner strength and love has an overflowing glow, and I think that Keara hit a key note in understanding that it doesn’t have to be about choosing to care for someone else vs. yourself, but rather finding the delicate balance and boundaries to care for both. Keara further shared that she has come to this balance by “Placing God first and trusting Him with all I have.” It’s the spiritual aspect of beauty we so often forget, as it is this peace that has allowed her to rest assured that she doesn’t have to combat her struggles or that of others alone. There really is a beauty in peace. Harnessing the power of their wow factor during our self-created mini-caregiver retreat was no trouble at all! My awesome husband kindly took the children out for a swim while we started our evening with some good conversation, a homemade dinner, and quenched our thirst with water-enhanced Stur (of course)! We followed up dinner with hysterical laughter while striking the before shot poses. Boom! Then these gorgeous ladies took a seat to discuss what they wanted for their look. Sherona wanted to flesh out her creative nature with some bright colors on her already exotic-looking eyes, while Keara opted for an elegant glamour that she could recreate during her daily routine, more then just what she said, “Is my once a month dress up night.” Before applying their makeup both ladies cleansed their faces with Kaia’s 100% biodegradable juicy bamboo cleansing cloths. Keara commented, “Ooooh I LOVE the smell!” and Sherona joined, “and it feels so good on my skin…doesn’t dry me out.” I informed the girls that the cloths were also vitamin rich, packed with 8 purely plant-based essential oils, alcohol-free, sulfate-free, and awesome for so many other reasons. Next, I moisturized both ladies skin with Delivre. I decided that since I only tried it on myself I wanted to see if they felt the same as I did about it (Read: 5Products That Will Help You Transform and Revive.) Ding, Ding, Ding, just as I had felt in my last post, Delivre delivered! Sherona and Keara have dry patches on their skin too. Hydrating with water and using topical hydration like a moisturizer are imperative elements in maintaining the health of one of your most important, and definitely the largest organs in your body (yes it is an organ!), which also happens to be one of the primary defense systems of your body too…so treat it especially well. *Note: it is also essential to have a smooth base for the application of great looking makeup. Then I applied the makeup mediums to create the elegant and innovative look that each woman aspired to produce. As always, eyes first when applying makeup, so you can clean up the rest of the face later. For Sherona’s eyes (Creative/Innovative look), I used MAC’s Back to the Beach Collection Sweet & Punchy, TIGI’s Posh Quad, and Smashbox’s Nocturnal and Nude, e.l.f.’s super affordable liquid eyeliner, and I intertwined her lashes with Butter London’s Wink Jaded Jack with Kevyn Aucoin’s Rich Pitch Black The Curling Mascara. For Keara’s eyes (Elegant Glamor Look) I used AVEDA’s petal essence Ginger Root, TIGI’s Posh high density quad eyeshadow, and Smashbox’s Bark from their Studio Pop eye palette, e.l.f’s liquid liner, and Kevyn Aucoin’s Rich Pitch Black The Curling Mascara. Let me just add that I LOVE Kevyn’s Mascara, I have had countless people ask if I was wearing false lashes…that is how good we are talking! Finally, the rest of their resilient canvases were finished off using Mally’s Pro-Tricks correcting palette, the variance in Mally’s palette allowed me to create just the right combo to match each of their skin tones. I added a natural looking shimmer to their skin using e.l.f.’s baked blush peachy cheeky, and accentuated their cheek bones using MAC’s In the Groove collection: Mineralized blush duo, New vibe. For the lips I used AVEDA’s lip liner Plum Petals coated with their rehydrating lip glaze on Keara, and on Sherona I used AVEDA’s lip glaze by itself. Check out the final results and drop our awesome heroes a line of encouragement! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Courtney on G+. *Disclosure

Nutrisystem's weight loss plan is not The Biggest Loser. This is the reality check I had this past week. In my pre-Nutrisystem life, I ate junk food like it was going out of business. I consumed fat like there was no tomorrow. Portion size? That would be two helpings of everything. Vegetables were only to be eaten at dinner time and late night snacking was a must. Exercise? Wasn't being a mom (aka taxi, chef, maid, organizer, grocery shopper and overall "clean your room" harasser) enough exercise for one day? I'd sit and watch The Biggest Loser religiously and think, "That's going to be me." I wrongfully assumed that as soon as I cut calories, ate healthier, ate the right way with the right portions and included more exercise that BOOM! the weight would drop off me like a sack of potatoes. But I was so wrong. Last week I posted a very depressed Facebook update wondering how in the world my weight goes up and down if I am doing everything right. I received a variety of answers from: 1200 calories a day is putting my body into starvation mode and clinging to the fat resources TO muscle weighs more than fat TO add more calories TO you're retaining water TO you're taking in too much sodium TO exercise more and so on. All I knew is that I watched my weight bounce up and down on the scale and it depressed me. I wanted to be that person who stepped on the scale and saw a big weight loss, certainly not a weight gain. My measurements have been all over the place as well, my hips and waist seem to be the only spots that are losing inches (which is great of course) while my thighs and arms vary from week to week. I'm not sure if this is the whole "muscle vs fat" argument or not. I haven't stuck to the program 100% as there was a day or two last week where I skipped the afternoon snack because I was out running errands and didn't want to keep something perishable in my car in the summer heat. Also, my husband took me out for dinner on Saturday night for a pre-birthday celebration. Dinner was prime rib. PRIME RIB. I was good though, I cut off all the fat, didn't eat much of the baked potato and ate all of the broccoli. The funny thing is that I think my body is definitely getting used to the smaller portion sizes as I felt full a lot quicker and made myself stop eating...which isn't something I would've done before. And thank goodness for Nutrisystem members. I had asked about how to curb chocolate cravings and got some great answers from fellow members on the boards. Who knew that sugar-free Jello with fat-free whipped cream would only be 15 calories and no fat!? It's great to know I'm not alone in this and can get support and help from others on the program as well. My reality check is that I don't have a personal trainer, dropping an enormous amount of weight so quickly is unhealthy and that less calories doesn't mean more weight lost. So no, Nutrisystem is not The Biggest Loser, but despite my battle with the scale, I know that the program is helping me to lose weight and inches in a healthy way that, in the end, will help me to keep it off. My week 3 weight loss was a 1/2 pound bringing me to 169.5.  For inches, I lost a half inch on my arms and waist each, my thighs remained the same while my hips and chest appeared to gain in inches. So in 3 weeks, I've lost 4 pounds and 5 inches. Which is why I have to keep reminding myself that losing 1-2 pounds a week is totally normal and I am right on track. When you began Nutrisystem or your diet plan, what reality check did you have a few weeks in? Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+

15 Minutes That Could Save Your Life...
With summer in full swing and the intensity of the sun’s UV rays at their peak, it’s a great time to talk about skin cancer detection and prevention. Many people are frightened when they hear the words skin cancer or melanoma; but when detected in its early stages, skin cancer is actually highly curable. While it is certainly important to have your skin examined regularly by a dermatologist, there are some things that you can check for at home.

As a caregiver, both on the floor as a nurse who works 12-hour night shifts and a parent of children with special needs, I often don’t get the recommended hours of sleep. Yes, I’ve seen all the studies of just how bad lack of sleep is for you…and no I would not recommend skipping out on the Z’s if there is a choice on the matter, but the truth remains that it is part of my (and many other caregivers) unavoidable realty. Since this is the case, instead of stressing about it, I implement little things throughout my day to help revive my energy and keep my look lively. First, it’s part of my self-care routine. Secondly, I truly believe that it helps those I care for to know that they are in good hands. I mean do any of you really want a tired-looking stressed out nurse to walk into you or your loved one’s hospital room and say she is the one who’s going to take care of you for the next 12 hours? Not if we had the choice, right? I am not sure of many who would contend the ideal notion of wanting a nurse with a positive attitude, know-how, and a put together look that sends an unspoken message of trust.

5 Products That Will Help You Transform and Revive http://t.co/xeumiPGEaW

— A Girl's Gotta Spa! (@agirlsgottaspa) January 14, 2015

The saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” So, since I have recently been struggling with anemia and recovering from a painful injury, I thought it would be a neat opportunity to allow a personal picture story post for you as I got ready for work. Here is a peak at my paler then usual face (from lack of sun, sleep, and anemia), undone hair, and the five product lines I used to transform and revive. The last pic is a must see for the transformation! Step 1: Take a refreshing shower with Marc Anthony (pause, lol) sulfate-free Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner for some super workable soft hair. When you get out of your makeshift oasis, toss in a bit of his Argan oil treatment and then some volumizing mousse. I am very picky when it comes to my hair products, as I have plunged the pocket in the past and came up with less than satisfying results. However, I am happy to report that Marc’s line is healthy for your hair, fantastic feeling, and super-easy on the wallet. It’s hard to find this type of a triple threat! Step 2: Grab myself a cool glass of H2O to sip on while I get ready, and add a 10 second squeeze of water enhancer, Stur. I love that Stur has no calories and uses Stevia to sweeten. Besides the fact that I am hydrating, it allows me to throw back SEVEN energy giving, health-enhancing, essential vitamins. Stur meets the win-win category in my book! Tastes great too with your choice of six different flavors to yum it up with. Step 3: Moisturize! My skin is normally that beautiful Italian-olive tone and supple, but with my recent conditions it’s been pale and suffering from dry patches. Yeah, OK plus I’ve hit my mid-thirties too and can’t go on without it anyway. I used Delivre's daily nourishing moisturizer for my face and their hydrating lip balm for my puckers. Delivre delivered! It was thick, creamy and smooth, but not greasy. It was also just the right skin basis for an over-all smooth look.   Step 4: Be successful in achieving transformation by including your base and primers. They truly make a HUGE difference in the outcome. I used Mally’s pro-tricks correcting palette to hide the dark circles under my eyes, as well as some age spots on the side of my face (thank you Mally!) I also use and swear by Urban Decay’s Eye shadow primer potion, as well as their Naked Skin (my foundation base). Naked Skin fused with my skin as if it was my own, giving it a natural appearance while improving my skin tone. Let’s just say that Naked Skin is a totally appropriate name.

Step 5: Apply your makeup. A tip I learned from makeup artist, Ashley Smith, is to apply eye makeup first. That way you can clean up underneath later for a clean finished look. I used Mirabella’s eye shadow, as well as Urban Decay’s Moondust Zodiac and Intergalactic. For my lashes and liner, I used Rimmel London’s waterproof gel liner and ScandalEYEs flex mascara. Lastly, I brushed on L’Oreal Project Runway’s the Temptress’s blush/226. AND VOILA! As usual I LOVE to hear from my gals, so give me your feedback and share some tips on what you do to transform! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! for more beauty reviews! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!Courtney on G+. *Disclosure