Goal-Getters

 Tips on how to set goals and get results.

Write it down: Goals are different and unique as we are, and there are no wrong responses.

Time Resources: Do you have the time to put in to achieve what you're after? In order to achieve our goals, we need to set realistic expectations in our businesses and make adjustments, where needed. 

Do The Math: What is it going to take to reach your goal? If the goal is to replace a husband's second job income, what is that number and what does that require? Then, break it down by the numbers and work them into your financial goal.

Break It Down: A quantum leap is not a quantum change, but instead a one percent change or increase that magnifies over time.  Bigger goals can sometimes be paralyzing, so focus just on the next step.

Get to Work: If you want something you've never had before, you have to do something you've never done before.  What will that be?

Share Your Goal: There's real power in telling others what you want to accomplish. Especially on those days you feel like hanging it up. People in your life want you to succeed.

Visualize Your Success: Tape it up!

Don't Stop Until the Buzzer Sounds: So many times, amazing things happen just before you are ready to give up. Work intentionally and consistently and that can pay off in big rewards.

Don't Give Up: If you're successful - congratulations! But it's ok if we don't reach every goal set.  Reach for the moon and land among the stars.  Trust the process. If it's happened for others, it can happen for you.  Don't give up.  Learn from the process - what worked, what didn't and adjust. Next time you'll get it....and then some!

PCOS Meal Prep Tips

 "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!"  How to avoid common obstacles!

With any new eating habit, life will get in the way.  When life gets in the way, frozen pizzas come out! TRUTH!  Get one-step ahead of any predictable barrier to success.  This includes:

1.  Plan out the meals for 1 week alongside your family's schedule: "I was going to make..... but forgot we had baseball" can't come up.

2. Make a grocery list for all the needed items and shop only 1 time per week:  "I was going to cook ....but didn't have any ......" can't happen.

3.  Prep as much on your day off (for me it's Sunday) as possible: "Lunch is my difficult meal because I'm so sick of ......" can't happen.

4.  Meal prep larger meals in 2 days.  Chop one day....cook it the next day...have enough for leftovers: "I get home from work and I'm just too tired to do anything" can't stay in the way.

It might surprise you to learn how common your barriers to success are and why so many people are not successful with diet regimes that require fresh cooking.  Try to anticipate the different problems you have, and come up with a creative way to avoid, eliminate, or mitigate them.  

For more PCOS tips join my group: Repair Adult Hormonal Acne in 20 minutes a week:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164076597262404

How does Micellar Water change the Skincare industry?

Just 8 years ago, micellar water was a niche insider secret deep within French pharmacies.  It wasn't heard of unless you took a beauty pilgrimage to Paris with an insider.  Since then, this humble water has reached stratospheric heights.....and it's about to get even bigger and you have a chance to get on the rocket ship!

What is Micellar Water? 

"My-sell-or" water is an effective makeup remover.  It's made from purified water to counter the minerals and heavy metals found in tap water and then infused with hydrating ingredients and mild surfactants which break down oils.

How is it different from cleansers?

Other cleansers may strip your skin.  Micellar Water will be much gentler.  It focuses on attracting just the makeup and grime.

How is it different from toners?

It actually looks similar to a toner, BUT the texture will be much thicker than a toner.  The main purpose is to remove makeup.  The purpose of a toner is to rebalance the skin's PH after cleansing.  Toners prep skin before moisturizer and can also exfoliate.

The Rocket Ship is Taking OFF!

This month, we launched a brand new Micellar Water designed to attract impurities, break down makeup, cleanse gently, lightly hydrate...... all with no need to rinse!  Take it on trips, the gym.....

My personal business grew when we released Retinol in January.  I'm ready to see it double again with this simple product.  Not only will it fly out of the warehouse, it's so simple and easy to share...because it's what American Women are currently searching for!

If someone offered you a seat on a rocket ship, do you accept or do you unsubscribe?  To be crystal clear, I see this product as a Rocket Ship for mompreneurs and boss babes.  Of course, I have a full strategy for you to see results in your own business on day 1.  

If you are interested in getting on the Rocket Ship, apply to join my team here:  https://forms.gle/gC6D5y6jBheKArMr6

Chin Acne? or Forehead Acne? and What that reveals about your skin type.

50% of 20-29 year-olds suffer from Adult Acne.

25% of 40-49 year-olds suffer from Adult Acne.

Adult acne is more than aesthetic, it's painful and it can scar.

Knowing what type of acne you suffer from also determines how you should treat it.

Acne on the forehead = examine the type of hair products you are using

Acne on the cheek = wash pillowcases more regularly to remove excess oil, and wash face thoroughly.

Acne on the chin = Hormonal Acne...which is more painful, and harder to treat.

This week I launched a free training on "3 Ways to Treat Hormonal Acne Different from Teenage Acne."

1. Try to avoid hormonal treatment.  This can lead to even more hormonal irregularities, blood clots, and high blood pressure.

2. Retinoids and Gylcolic Acid are 2 great topical ingredients to work into a comprehensive skincare routine.

3. Overall Skin Health includes washing your face every morning and evening, applying no more than a pea size amount of any product, wearing sunscreen every day, use only noncomedogenic products to reduce the risk of clogging pores, and a diet of non inflammatory foods.  

If you would like to know more about Good Skin Health, complete the skin survey and results will be emailed to you. 

https://forms.gle/uApGUgbwT1sV8s1V8

To join the Facebook Group for Repairing Adult Hormonal Acne in 20 minutes per week, click below:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1164076597262404

Come Clean

 The daily act of washing your face may seem mundance, but it's actually the foundation of healthy, glowing skin.  

1.  Time it Right: twice a day.

2.  Work it in and Rinse: with clean hands and luke warm water.  If its too hot, you are pulling out moisture from your skin.

3.  Lock in Benefits: pat dry and use a moisturizer right after.

Choose the right cleanser!

1. Oily/Combination Skin: it is important to remove all your skin's natural oils. (Timewise 3D Cleanser for Combo/Oily Skin)
2. Acne Prone: If you have hormonal acne and bacterial acne....wash with a Benzoyl Perozide first to fight bacteria (Clearproof Cleanser) before launching into exfoliator for hormonal acne.
3. Dry Skin: Creamy formulas are your friend but avoid irritating ingredients like salicylic acid. (Repair Volu-Firm Cleanser)
4. Sensitive Skin: Have hormonal acne and Rosecea? It's possible...because Rosecea gets worse in your 40's. (Naturally 100% all natural and vegan Cleanser, then exfoliate, then follow by Moisture Renewing Gel Mask).

Get Hydrated

     Inspired by February's edition of Martha Stewart Living magazine, I decided to dive deep into what specifically creates dry skin this time of year.  With months of low humidity (when we here in the South will experience a drastic change in the next two months into months of HIGH humidity) and heat blasting throughout your house, your skin will dry out!  Now is the best time to rehydrate your skin.

     Dial Back The Hot Showers.  Although a hot shower feels amazing on a 27 degree day, the hot water actually strips the body of moisture.  

     Turn Down The Temperature.  Artificial heat is dry heat and will dry out your skin, and can cause nose bleeds.  Dial back the heat and wear layers.  One trick Steve and I use is we lower the heat at night but sleeping on a heated mattress pad.  That way the air we breath is cooler, allowing for less congestion.

1. Hair and Scalp. The Moroccan Oil is great for hair.  I also use the Mary Kay Naturally Nourishing Oil $48 on hair and cuticles.  

2.  Lips.  Prevent chapping by dabbing on balm after brushing your teeth and eating.  The Shea Butter Balm is amazing and only $12.

3.  Hands. Sanitizing gels that live in our bags and cars have at least 60% alcohol.  Rehydrate with Satin Hands cream $12.

4.  Knees and Elbows. These joints are weight-bearing so they naturally have thicker skin.  Extra Emollient Night Cream  leaves skin supple and not scratched up.  $15

5.  Legs.  If you shave in the winter, lol....that was a big IF...razors sweep away your skin's natural oils.  Use a shaving wash to protect the skin like Mary Kay Wash and Shave $16, but them immediately moisturize the skin stat!  Moisturizer penetrates more deeply into still-damp skin.  I prefer the Mint Bliss energizing feet and leg cream. $11

6.  Feet.  Calluses and cracks and even bleed in the winter when they dry out more.  I use the Satin Hands Softener and Scrub on my feet with a pumice stone in the shower that I buy at the Dollar Tree.  $36 for Satin Hands Set

Stuck?

      I'm in a hotel room, 900 miles from home, with no power or running water, located on the 5th floor, I have a rental car that can't go through snow, all flights are canceled for at least 2 days, the external temperature is 23 degrees, and there is ice and snow on the ground.  

I have never felt so "stuck" before in my life.

Stuck =  helpless, hopeless, confused, conflicted

Do you currently feel stuck?  

"Getting unstuck is not easily done," Dr. Seuss, Oh The Places You Will Go.    

Getting unstuck is a MIND game.  Here is what I found that works.....

1.  Let go of the past (or in other words, what you can't change).

2.  Chanage your perspective (and your attitude).

3.  Take small steps to start.

4.  Explore your purpose.

5.  Belive in yourself.

6.  Practice hope, and humor.

7. Consider a professional.....reach up!

For the record: I took a nap to change my perspective, let go of the knowledge I would "lose" some money,  I did a brain dump to explore my purpose and refocus, then I took a small step by zipping my suitcase and saying "Steve, let's go."  He was my professional snow driver.  And, we made a 19 hour drive home!

How to Care for Your Dry Skin, According to a Dermatologist....from BHG 1/5/21

 Keep your body hydrated this winter with these expert tips.

By Jennifer Aldrich

I'm barely going outside right now, but my skin is still feeling the effects of the cold, harsh winter. As someone with dry, sensitive skin, the low temperatures and the lack of humidity can make my body feel super itchy and flaky, which are major signs that I need to moisturize ASAP, says Orit Markowitz M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York City. She says these are symptoms of severely dry skin, and no one should wait until it gets to this point. "If you start to see a white film, or your skin gets red when you scratch it and it doesn't go away, or your skin just isn't as supple or smooth, you need to manage it so it doesn't get worse," she explains. Just like your face and your hands, your body needs lots of moisture, too.

Here are Markowitz's top tips on how to moisturize your dry skin this winter.

Pay Attention to the Formula: 

Choosing the best products is pretty easy. When it comes to moisturizer, the thicker the formula, the better, Markowitz explains. So, the best would be an ointment, then a cream, next a lotion, and lastly, gels and most oils.

When it comes to washing your body, Markowitz says to avoid shower gels and anything with a strong fragrance as they can all be drying and irritating.

Moisturize Right After the Shower

The best time to apply your cream is right after you shower, and it doesn't matter what time of day it is. You just need to take the time to moisturize thoroughly, Markowitz says. "Once you get out of the shower, pat your body dry, but do not rub or scrub," Markowitz says. Then, apply your thick moisturizer to seal the moisture into your skin.  I apply my body cream right after I put toner on my face.

Use a Humidifier

Even if you're not spending much time outside in the cold, the air inside your home can still negatively affect your skin. A humidifier increases the amount of moisture in the air and can help with dry skin.

Don't Scrub Your Skin

Markowitz says to never harshly scrub your skin in the shower, especially with micro beads. "Skin is your barrier from the outside environment; when you’re scraping your skin, you're compromising your barrier," she explains. "Originally, you'll think, 'Hey, my skin feels so smooth,' but over time, the skin requires more and more products to repair it."

Bree's Popular Suggestions:

Mary Kay® Extra Emollient Night Cream $15   For dry patches that are peeling or bleeding, this intense oinment forms a protective shield to minimize moisture evaporation and allow increased hydration of dry areas, especially hands, elbows, knees and feet.

Mary Kay® 2-In-1 Body Wash & Shave $16.  The Mary Kay^® 2-in-1 Body Wash & Shave is a unique botanical gel that delivers the convenience of a cleanser and shaving cream in one product.  No added fragrances or micro beads that would dry out skin.

Satin Body® Silkening Shea Lotion $18   Shea butter bliss for the whole body.

Satin Body® Whipped Shea Crème - White Tea & Citrus $22  A thick shea butter cream which is shown to moisturize instantly for 24 hours.

• Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy
• Dermatologist-tested

To request a sample of the Shea Lotion, email breestillings@gmail.com and explain your concerns.  To order, visit: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings

Aldrich, Jennifer. "How to Care for Your Dry Skin, According to a Dermatologist." Better Homes and Gardens, 5 Jan. 2021, www.bhg.com/beauty-fashion/skin-care/dry-skin-body/?did=601461-20210126&cmp=bhgdailyinspiration_012621&utm_campaign=bhg-daily-inspiration_newsletter&utm_source=bhg.com&utm_medium=email&utm_content=012621&cid=601461&mid=49591947261.

God's Not Done

 I was scrolling back through old posts.....and I found this entry from 2015.  I have no idea who the friend was I was talking about, or what the problem was....but I felt that the thoughts I conjured up for her/him that day could easily be applied to anyone today:

I'm sitting here...confused and hurting...for a friend.  When life throws us a damaging blow, how do we respond?  With guilt?  With anger?  With sadness?  With resentment?  Its hard to find the peace and love in some moments in time.  Everyday in my car before I walk into work I ask God "Let's make something great happen today."  I have to keep hearing the words "God's not done."  But, when the bad news doesn't stop how is it SO hard to keep hearing this?  I don't know.  I can't know. However what I do know is that God's not done.  He can't be done.  There has to be more to his plan than this.  He does have a plan for us all, and its is good.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans of good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 All we can do is wait for it.  If we keep doing what is right every day, the blessings will come at just the right time - his time.   "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith" Galatians 6:9-10 We ask for him to bless us even when all we see are pains and brick walls, but we ask him to bless us so that we can enlarge his territory.  "He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, "Oh that you would bless me and expand  my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted him his request." 1 Chronicles 4:10  Somehow, these burdens may or may not be part of his plan for us, but his plans are that we enlarge his territory.  So, then by process of association, how are/can these burdens be part of the blessing?   I hope we find an answer..I don't have it...but God will never be done! And he hasn't left you my friend. There is work still to be done.

Fresh Year, Fresh Skin...Skin Care 411

Who's ready for a new year?

Who's ready to keep it simple this year?

Dr. Cristi Gomez, Director of Product Safety and Environmental Toxicology, and David Gan, Senior Principal Scientist, Skin Research and Technology answered questions for 2021. 

Q: Why do I need a skin care routine?

Christi: Skin is the largest organ, made up of millions of skin cells, and it renews itself every 28 hours.  That's a lot to take care of, and a skin care routine helps do that.

Q: I don't like a lot of steps in my daily routine.  What is the bare minmum I should do?

David: At the very least cleanse and moisturize each morning and night.  Also use suncreen to decrease the risk of skin cancer.  Tip: Use a moisturizer with SPF to avoid an extra step.

Q: Why is cleansing important?

Cristi: Washing your face morning and night helps remove makeup, dirt, grime and impurities that can lead to blocked pores and breakouts.  Makeup tends to migrate to our fine lines and creases while we sleep.  You will wake up looking fresher if you remove makeup and the day's dirt and grime at night.

Q: Why is moisturizing important?

David: Our skin naturally produces oil to moisturize itself, but it's important to replenish moisture after cleansing skin.  Skipping moisturizer can lead to extra oil production or dry skin.  If you have oily skin, an oil-free moisturizer can be a good option.

Women are going to need to lead in 2021!

      Do you wonder "What happened in 2020?"  or "Why did 2020 happen?"  Put the events of 2020 aside for a moment to reflect on Esther.  When she was put into the care of an uncle, then selected to be in the company of the King for a year, then selected to be Queen.....she never knew that any of those events would put her into a place of power.  

     God's hand is not always obvious in our lives.  But, perhaps we have been put in a place for "just a time as this."  It's easy to struggle with times and situations, but who knows! 

     Before Esther made history, she told her uncle that the King could kill her for speaking out of turn.  There are 6 principals that Esther embodies that we all need in 2021, the year of the woman!  We can emulate these 6 charcteristics in business and in life in 2021 for "such a time as this!"

1. Authority - Walk into 2021 with the authority of the scripture. John 15:15....I do not call you servants any longer, because the serant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 

2. Wisdom - Rely on the WORD for wisdom.  My greatest achievement of 2020 was making scripture reading a part of every morning.  For 2021, I'm encouraged by a friend to also write the word every morning also.  

3. Courage -Step out! If 2021 is going to be your year, it's going to take courage.  Courage to ignore the memes saying "Everyone walk in quietly."  Courage to shake off everyone saying that 2020 was a horrible year.  Courage to be the light for others to see.

4.  Boldness - Esther knew the rules.  She couldn't enter the King's chambers unless she was called.  But, instead, she dressed in her royal gowns and took a huge risk to walk before him.

5. Strength - Women are going to need to lead this year.  AND, be a role model for young girls, our girls.  How did we model 2020 to our daughters?  How will we model 2021

6. Grace - receive it.  

SO NOW!  Go Esther!  What do you do first?  Write those bold, couragous, wise, goals:

Habakkuk 2:2  Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.

The Best Pant of 2020...and 2021

     Call it a quarantine lesson or style....but I have aquired a new appreciation for prestige active wear that "works from home," in the yard, and also works professionally.  I've also learned that a CAPSULE Wardrobe is clutch!  Whatever you call it...a few star pieces are worth the investment.

     It is possible to have a comfortable fit and still maintain a flattering silhouette.  These joggers strike the perfect balance of wide waistbands and four-way stretch fabric...blended with a tailored fit that SLIMS your shape.  These are not pajama bottoms or yoga pants that we are trying to wear in public.  The drawstring waist and fitted cuffs make them perfect for even work!  Check me out here ready for yard work, and working at school!

    Size Up or Down?

    I am 5'3 (with long legs) and 158 pounds.  The plum pair are a size large.  The black pair are a size medium.  Look at the photos.  They both fit, but the mediums (true to size), fit more like leggings.  I like the fit of going up.  I like the loser fit of the plum pair.  But, that's just me.  Decide what "look" you are going for and get your first pair.  

https://www.myzyia.com/SUBURBANCHALLENGE/shop/PRODUCTDETAIL.aspx?search=jogger&page=3&prod=498

Mediums....getting ready for yard work.

Medium Black pair

Medium Black pair at work

Large Plum Pair at work

Loser fit of large

Bourbon Apple Cider Cocktail

 I found this recipe from https://tidymom.net/.  I was searching for a specific way to use the GALLON jug of apple cider in my fridge as a Holiday Cocktail.  I found this....tried it last night....and I'm gearing up for an encore performance tonight!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

3 oz Apple Cider

2 oz bourbon

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

2 oz ginger beer

Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.  Add all ingredients.  Shake for 30 secs.  

Cup Suggestion:

Do you have gorgeous stemware you got as a wedding gift that you never use?  Well, it's Christmas 2020: our parties have been cancelled, we can't see the family we normally see.....GET THE DAMN GLASSES DOWN AND DRINK OUT OF THEM!  Make an ordinary night the truly extraordinary experience it is meant to be.

(These cups were a wedding gift, they live on the top shelf of my kitchen where I need a stool, I absolutely love them, and I think I have used them 5 times in 16 years.)

Can coffee help you lose weight?

 I found an interesting article yesterday published by Natalie Butler, RDN, LD. (A register dietitian who specializes in food allergies and intolerances, digestive diseases, diabetes, fasting, and nutrigenomics.)  Here were the highlights:

1.  It breaks fat: caffeine consumption promotes the release of the hormone epinephrine, which signals fat cells to break down fat in an attempt to increase available energy.

2.  Promotes thermogenesis: the process of heat generation from food, which increases the body's overall energy expenditure and promotes weight loss.

3.  Increases basal metabolic rate: which means you'll burn more energy than normal in a sedentary state, ONLY in younger and leaner individuals.

4. Suppresses Appetite: great!  Especially helpful if you are during a fasting phase.  Make sure coffee is black during these phases.

Coffee can help you lose weight  - but you also need to eat right and stay active - DUH!  Try not to exceed 4 cups of coffee per day and avoid at least 6 hours before bed.  

So the moral of the story....wake up, drink your black coffee (not your mocha frappuccino), get your day started, and feel great about making healthy choices for the rest of the day.  It has really helped me get through intermittent fasting phases.

UnPacking the Zyia Starter Kit

 I know a good deal when I see one....AND, as a fitness professional for 20 years, I appreciate high quality performance wear.  I guess I'm officially a High Maintenance Bruh Girl, LOL.  See the previous post.  

In the starter kit.....I got:

• Black Pocket Light-N-Tight Hi-Rise 7/8  24" leggings  (the best ever!  I wear a medium.  These are the most popular leggings with a firm compression that feels oh-so supportive whether you plan to run or just rest.)
• Black Unwind Jogger (Sorry, these are the best ever.   I now own a large and a medium.  I like the looser fit of the large.  The medium has more of a legging look/feel.  Is it possible to have a comfortable fit and still maintain a flattering silhouette? Duh!  They feel like pajama bottoms masquerading as workout wear..or work wear.)
• Navy All Star Bra (I got a medium and should have sized up..kinda tight.  This is not my favorite bra.  This bra was designed for long workouts.  It's got a high-fit neckline for big breasted women and mesh panels in all the right places to keep you cool.  The wide back panel offers additional stay-in-place support. I am in need of all new sports bras, so I'm going to use my consultant discount to buy them all up.  I'll let you know which is the best!)
• White Twist Tank (Definitely a style mandate. I got a large because I like a loose fit around my bigger belly.  The subtle detail of the twist in the back is sexy.  Not too much, not too boring.)
• Zyia Hat....mine came with a corduroy hat.  Now the starter kit comes with a mesh hat for spring.)

These 5 items came with a $100 gift card to spend on more Zyia, a stack of catalogs and sales slips to start a business.  What a great deal for only $295.  

The clothes alone would have cost $250.  So you are getting $60 in free Zyia with the potential to start a little business.  Make success simple - even if you're new to direct sales.  All the shipping is done at corporate!

Want to try the products first?  I totally get that and recommend that.  I was a customer first, fell in love with the quality, and then decided I need to help others fall in love with it.  Explore any new piece that I'm sure will inspire your next personal best.

My advice:  TRY ONE PIECE FIRST!

https://www.myzyia.com/SUBURBANCHALLENGE/shop/catalog.aspx

Joggers are perfect for Saturdays in the yard.......

but I also wore the Joggers to work!

Leggings, Bra, and Tank

That HAT!

Bruh Girl? What is it? High Maintance Bruh Girl? ......I'm going to go ahead and claim it!

      Urban Dictionary Time:  We all know a Bruh Girl and most of us have all got a little bit of bruhness to us. The Bruh Girl is your girl who never takes things seriously, can be guaranteed to bring the fun and will happily make a fool out of herself. ... They're both down to earth chill girls who are basically one of the boys.

     But then I saw a TikTok that introduced the High Maintenance Bruh Girl.  The girl who is down to earth, but spends a ton of money on skincare and wears $60 leggings.  Do you relate?  My hand is raised!  This is me...minus the cuss words.  (We all know that I don't say those words.)  And instead of "eyelashes and nails" its "earring and eyeshadow" for me....with my flawless skin and $60 leggings!! 😂

Watch It Here:  (Warning!!!  Language)

https://www.tiktok.com/@theirongiantess/video/6901417775475002629?lang=en

     

Getting Control of Cystic Acne...My Top 5!

     Cystic Acne is the most serious type of Acne. It develops when cysts under the skin create painful bumps that will not go away. It is deep within the skin, often times never coming to the surface, and is most likely to cause scaring. Bumps are tender to touch and (in my case) had their own heart rate, lol! They are most noticeable on the face, but I've been known to get them on my chest and back, and one time behind my ear. 

      Due to the severity of this type of acne, and the fact that half of the time it is caused by hormone irregularities in teens or in women with PCOS....cleansers are not enough. I have spent the last 20 years fighting and educating myself about this type of acne. I have had doctors recommend and try many different things. Here are my favorites based on fewest side effects and most results. 

 1. Oral contraceptives are a viable option for cystic acne in some women. This method is especially effective if you tend to develop acne cysts during hormone fluctuations related to your menstrual cycle. Although I hate the idea of birth control as a treatment for PCOS...during my early 20s, it was very effective in getting the cycst under control. Then I stopped the contraceptives (because of all of the other side effects of birth control) and moved onto other forms of maintenance. Therefore, I say again...great treatment for SHORT TERM USE. 

 2. Chemical Peels from a dermatologist including Glycolic acid or Salicylic acid or both. During peak times of bad acne, this is a great treatment. I drove home from college to get these during my 20s. After a peel, you will look like you have a mild sunburn for a few days following treatment. Your skin will peel just as it would following a sunburn. I got 3-4 per year. Search local dermatologists or plastic surgeons near you who perform chemical peels. These will be more potent than peels from an esthetician. 

 3. Chemical Peels at home for maintenance. I found an over the counter chemical peel in Glycolic Acid that I use every Sunday night to stretch out the time between dermatologist visits....and to eventually prevent them with at home maintenance. There are no side effects from the at home peels. When you first apply the "lotion like" cream, it will tingle for about 3-5 minutes, and then allow it to soak in to the skin for at least 12 minutes. You wash off easily with water. Buy Here: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/all/timewise-repair-revealing-radiance-facial-peel-300524 

 4. Topical retinoids are also derived from vitamin A, like Accutane, but do not require a prescription and have fewer side effects. The over the counter version is going to be Retinol. Find a good moisturizer with retinol at night. Because of the vitamin A, you will need to use a day cream with sunscreen because all retinoids make you a little more sensitive to the sun. By itself, retinol or retinoids, are not powerful to fight cysts. But they are good to use as lotions and creams after the skin has been treated. Here is my retinol cream: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/products/all/timewise-repair-volufirm-night-treatment-with-retinol-100904 

 5. Diet. Although there is still a lot of conflicting information out there about the relationship to diet and acne....I have personally noticed a connection with foods that create insulin inflammation with increased PCOS symptoms. Since cystic acne is often linked to PCOS, by reducing the inflammation in the body...you reduce the body's reaction to it's side effects. Foods that increase insulin resistance are white bread, gluten, sugars, dairy products. Although still uncertain if cutting all of these foods out can/will reduce acne...it's not a bad idea to reduce the intake of gluten rich foods, dairy products, and sugars. Your waistline will also benefit. 

 For more support on fitness and wellness from a PCOS Queen, follow my private instagram account @suburbanchallenge.

Holiday Makeup..... Mom Edition

 No time to watch 20 minute long Youtube tutorials that are impossible to recreate?  I took the most popular Holiday Look for 2020 created by makeup artist Luis Casco, and simplified it for the “uninfluenced mom,”  lol!  Whether celebrating at home or out on the town, this look is everything!

1. Get your foundation on like normal….don’t use foundation?  Hit up some CC Cream for a more balanced look, it’s just a tinted moisturizer.  I also never leave the house without an undereye corrector to hide the dark circles under my eyes.  Need help finding the perfect foundation shade?  Here is a Foundation Finder quiz that is spot on!  

https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/tips-and-trends/beauty-extras/games-and-quizzes/timewise-3d-foundations-shade-finder-quiz

2.  Eye Primer is next.  This keeps eyeshadow on longer and prevents it from creasing up.  

3. Start with Emerald Noir (#1 in picutre) eyeshadow over the entire eyelids.  Then apply Hot Fudge (#2 in picture) to the creases of the eyes with a crease brush.  Apply black eyeliner (5 pictured)...then smudge it with a small brush.

4. Brush Sand Castle (3 pictured) eyeshadow in the corners of the eyes and under the brow bones.

5. FInally, lightly apply liquid eye shadow in Meteor Shower (4 pictured) in the middles of the eyelids to add a touch of highlights.  Finish off with your best black mascara (6 pictured).  

6. Get a holiday glow on the cheeks with Wineberry (7 pictured).

7. For a subtle lip to complement the dramatic eye, use a lip liner in Deep Nude and then a semi-matte lipstick in Bashful You (8 and 9 pictured).

8. Then I highly recommend spraying down with Finishing Spray so your hard work stays on ALL night.

WIth the right colors...this look is so easy that I fit it into a 1 minute TikToK.  Enjoy!

Shop the look here: https://www.marykay.com/bstillings/en-us/

Watch the TikTok......careful, I only have like 23 followers, lol!

https://www.tiktok.com/@breestillings/video/6904593157137222917

Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread Pudding rich in protein and antioxidants.

      Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, PUMPKIN is incredibly healthy. What's more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.  

     Check out my post from Nov. 27th, 2013 to see how I take a Halloween decoration and turn it into many family meals. (In the search bar at the top of the page…..enter “pumpkin” for all the resources) 

     Last weekend, I finally removed our Halloween pumpkin, froze some squares for stew, steamed the rest of it, and purred it for recipes.  (I’ll admit though,  it was looking real cute next to the Candy Cane decorations, LOL!)  I tried a new recipe last night for Gluten Free Bread Pudding rich in protein and antioxidants.

All these ingredients were found at Aldi.

Ingredients

2 cups pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

4 eggs

½ cup coconut oil (melted and then cooled)

½ cup coconut milk

3 ½ cups Almond Flour
2 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon pumpkin spice seasoning

1. Heat the oven to 350.  Lightly grease 2 metal loaf pans or 1 square 8x8 pan.

2. Palace the pumpkin, eggs, oil, and milk in a large mixing bowl and blend.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, boda, powder, salt, and seasonings.

4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

5. Bake for 60 minutes.  Allow to cool.

6. Scoop and serve. 

Served in the picture with a scoop of Almond Ice Cream

Perfect Legging for a PSOC Belly

      Women with PCOS have more of an apple shape.  Because weight gain is triggered by an increase in androgens, the weight is typically in the abdomen....giving us an apple shape instead of a pear shape.

     I have found 2 features that have now become mandatory in my leggings (and there are pockets!)

• Hight Waisted: they stay up and over my belly while working out instead of rolling down
• Compression: I feel this feature sucks in all that extra belly fat and keeps me firm while exercising. 

     You can find both of these features in 2 different leggings in high-quality activewear:

1. The "Light n Tight" legging 
2. The "Brilliant" legging

I've posted a picture of myself wearing my favorite Light n Tights in Pink.  For reference, I am 5'3 and 158 pounds.  I am wearing a 8/10 which is a Large.

To shop:  https://www.myzyia.com/suburbanchallenge