This week, I lost 0.6 pounds for a total weight loss of 32.0 pounds. I’ve discovered the last pounds come off a little slower than before. But that is okay. I feel stronger and more healthy each day. In fact, I just bought my first bikini in about 10 years. But the real highlight of the week was some amazing news on the family front.

If you have been following my journey, you know my father has also joined me on this Nutrisystem adventure. And he went for his first check up since starting the program around the end of November. The doctor’s report was nothing less than astounding.

First, he landed himself a solid victory in his office’s annual “Biggest Loser” contest. Since Thanksgiving, he’s lost 37.4 pounds. As a side note, my uncle, father and myself have lost over a hundred pounds combined. But here’s the real juice. My father’s BMI has dropped from 31 to 26. His blood pressure fell from 132/92 to a picturesque 120/82. His triglycerides fell so far, he was able to go off a medication that costs a whopping $3500 a year. (Nutrisystem basically pays for itself). And the doctor reported, he’s likely to go off cholesterol medication if he keeps it up.

I’m bragging on my dad… only because he’s such an inspiration to me. I am so glad we’ve embarked on this journey together. And when I hear news like this… it makes me realize how impactful this lifestyle can be. Not only are we all happier, but healthier.

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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This time Kate has come up with something I never thought I needed, but now I’m not sure I could live without! You know that dreaded feeling when a little summer glow just disappears – poof – after a couple days? Well, Kate Somerville’s new Tan Maximizer can make it last longer whether it be a faux or real tan.

Just replace your usual lotion with the Tan Maximizer and a specialized peptide-and-lipid complex works to keep that bronze. Get a touch too much sun? Black snakeroot soothes skin, replenishing skin with moisture and preventing peeling. I love the beachy, fresh scent and can see myself reaching for this all year round.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

There are loads of sunscreen tips and tricks floating around this time of year. But with the rise of skin cancers, particularly among younger women, I believe this is such a great message to be echoing. The fun part for me is so many of these sunscreens have become a pleasure to use. And you can’t go wrong with drugstore budget standout, Neutrogena.

Of particular interest for Neutrogena, the FDA now requires stipulation for a new test to be run in order to claim broad-spectrum protection on sunscreen products. Cathy Salerno, Vice President of R&D, Global Skin Care Product Development at Johnson & Johnson highlights that “Neutrogena spent years researching and developing and patenting a technology that provides photo stable protection over time.” Takeaway number one, you can count on Neutrogena for broad-specturm UVA and UVB thanks to their Helioplex technology.

So, what else do we need to know to play safe in the sun? Dr. Doris Day addresses three myths that I am embarrassed to hear repeated all too frequently:

Myth #1: 50 minutes a day of sunlight a day is necessary for vitamin D

“This is one of the biggest myths I have heard. Incidental sun exposure is plenty for most people. If you think you are vitamin D deficient, get a blood test. There are fat-soluble vitamins available, which you do not need to take every day. Thus, vitamin D is not an excuse to get a tan and certainly not an excuse to go to a tanning bed.”

Myth #2: A base tan is necessary before vacation, or spending a lot of time in the sun.

“Does anybody still believe this? There’s no such thing as a base tan, it’s just one more excuse to have a tan. If you don’t want to get sunburn on vacation, use your sun protection and be sun smart.”

Myth #3: Most of your sun damage has occurred by the age of 18.

“No matter your age or how much exposure you’ve had, every exposure you get at any age is cumulative and damaging to the skin. Your skin has the ability to repair no matter how old you are. If you start today just by using sunscreen alone, all of those other expensive products that we are spending so much money on will work so much better. It is never too late to start protecting your skin.”

I’ve been testing out the Neutrogena suncare line for a couple weeks… here are some thoughts:

• Neutrogena Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 has everything that you could ask for in a “at the beach all day” sunscreen. Not to mention it smells like pina coladas – yum!
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Body Mist Sunscreen is a pleasure to use. The spray dries clear and without a hint of greasiness. I particularly love this for getting hard to reach areas. Just remember with sprays to totally coat the area you are protecting.
• Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+ might be designed with kids in mind, but I love this when you are in for a marathon swim session. It gets so hot here in the summer, we often spend the whole day in the lake or pool. Love this for quick reapplication even if you are wet.
• Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 is perfect for those with acne-prone skin. Dr. Doris Day points out “sun exposure can actually make inflammation worse in people who are prone to acne. Thus, it is important to protect your sensitive skin with sunscreen.”
• Neutrogena Age Shield™ Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum is for those of us chasing the dream of youthful skin. This formula works beautifully under makeup and provides extreme protection.
• Neutrogena MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan dries fast, gives great color and is a breeze to apply. I love the continuous spray for hard to reach areas and even application.

Want a chance to enter to win your own gift basket full of Neutrogena suncare products? Talk about stocking up for summer! Enter using the widget below. Good luck! (US Only)

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Flower Lash Knockout Volumizing Mascara in Brown has been my daytime mascara pick for the last couple of weeks. I am liking the softer look of brown, but still with some pretty serious fullness. The formula contains Red Seaweed to strengthen and protect lashes. Enriched with Vitamins C & E for antioxidant protection. And the brush is a gentle fluffy style that doesn’t pull or tug on my lashes.

L’Oreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm was on the blog last week, but I felt it deserved a revisit. With some additional uses, I’ve found this mask is particularly transformative. My hair is super soft and bouncy. But the biggest plus, it makes for a great treatment after a day at the pool or lake. I’m certainly keeping this on hand as my hair gets put through the ringer during summer playtime.

Skintimate Signature Scents Moisturizing Shave Cream in Raspberry Rain takes me right back to high school when I was so religious about using shaving cream. It really does make a difference, I’ve discovered, especially in the summer. Vitamin E & Olive Butter along with 10 other moisturizers leave skin smooth and soft. Not to mention, prevent those nasty nicks.

Limited Edition Schick Hydro Silk Razor is giving me an insanely close shave and not one cut yet (knockonwood). For those of you who love disposables, I also am adoring the Schick Hydro Silk Disposables with five Curve Sensing Blades plus skin guards. They say it is the highest performing disposable razor out there.

Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70 Lotion has all you can ask for if you are headed for a marathon day at the beach: broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection, lightweight, fast absorbing, oil-free and water resistant for 80 minutes. But here’s the bonus: it smells like pina coladas. Winner!

Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color Bare It All is another winner from my drugstore beauty guru, Jessica. It is a long-wearing lipstick that doesn’t feel like it. The smooth formula glides on and has a semi-matte finish. Hyaluronic Microspheres helps color adhere while natural marine plant extracts Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins A & E help smooth lips. Not to mention – this is a fabulous nude. AND it is under $2.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

I’m not really a lipstick girl. My lips are usually so dehydrated that the thicker formulas look flaky, so I opt for a nourishing gloss. But when one of my favorites, bareMinerals, came out with a lipstick that promised to be like “butter”, I was keen to give it a whirl.

Marvelous Moxie Lipstick is part of a collection of lip gloss, lipstick and lip liners – expanded from last summer’s lip gloss collection. The lipstick promises to provide more coverage and pigment, but still is packed with those minerals for a healthy lips. Abyssinian Oil and Omega Fatty Acids add hydration while vitamin A, C and E complex act as antioxidants.

I might be a convert! The Marvelous Moxie Lipstick has great color, lasts a couple hours on me and hydrates my dry pout. While I think I will stick to the gloss on a daily basis, I love having these as an option to change things up. As part of a little contest, I’ve been Instagraming some of my favorite shades. Here are my top three – would love to know what you think!

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It wasn’t but a couple short weeks ago I was thinking about Kiehl’s and hoping the famed skin care brand would come out with a tinted moisturizer. It was like they are reading my mind! Now available online and in stores on June 1st, Kiehl’s Skin Tone Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream is at the top of my list and a best of breed.

Now, you probably are thinking there are so many BB Creams out there – how can this one be that different? Well, you know how I go on and on about my dreaded hyper-pigmentation? This BB Cream actually works to correct skin tone while concealing imperfections. Using Vitamin C – something we already know Kiehl’s is good at – the BB Cream effectively goes after uneven skin tone and dark spots. Often prone to seperation, the Vitamin C is combined with natural mineral pigments making it stable and gentle.

The formula is silky and lightweight, but still buildable enough to offer moderate coverage with no greasy or cakey finish. On the skin, the cream looks balanced – not too luminous nor matte. The color wears for a full day and color stays true. There is bit of a mineral/chemical smell, but nothing offensive, likely due to the heavy duty SPF 50 and natural mineral pigments.

I’ve been spending lots of time outside lately, so I am actually wearing Medium (above left) but could get away with Light (above right). It is offered in four shades: Fair, Fair/Light, Light, and Medium. This stuff isn’t leaving my regular rotation anytime soon. I love the way it looks on my skin and am so encouraged about what it can do for my dark spots and sun damage.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

This week, I lost 0.2 pounds for a total weight loss of 31.4 pounds. Not a huge number like I enjoy, but hey… at least it is in the right direction. I knew these last 15 would be slower and a little more difficult than the initial 30. I’ve found that my body is changing differently over the last couple weeks. I continue to tone and lose inches, but the fat loss isn’t happening as quickly. But I am enormously encouraged by my measurements. I’ve lost a total of 15 inches since December 1st. And incorporating barre classes, yoga and strength training, I’ve found my endurance has improved and I just plain feel better! Bottom line – I am sold on sweating everyday.

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

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All these beauty products aren’t just for ladies. Today, I am taking a peek into his shower to let you know what he’s loving lately.

L’Oreal EverStrong Thickening Shampoo

This drugstore shampoo isn’t specifically for men, but the rosemary scent and strengthening action makes it perfect for a guy facing thinning hair. The formula works to strength fibers and prevent breakage. It also is great for the scalp, gently removing build up of excess oils and environmental pollutants.

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Buffing Beads For Face and Body

This gentle exfoliator can be used for both the face and body – men love a good multi-tasker! The formula works with both jojoba beads and active ingredients like glycolic acid complex and salicylic acid. Not only will skin look better and smoother, but can also smooth the look of fine lines.

 Anthony Logistics For Men Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash

I’m loving the alpine wood scent of this body wash. And again, a great multi-tasker – you can use this body wash as a shampoo. The invigorating effect is perfect for the guys who love a good workout or get down and dirty for work or fun.

Elemis Time for Men Energizing Skin Scrub

My tester specifically like this polisher because of its fine granules. It resurfaces, brightens and cleanses. It is particularly helpful in preventing ingrown hairs and blemishes when used pre-shave. The vitamin E base nourishes skin.

Kate Somerville Micro Glycolic Polisher

Again, not a product specifically for men, but certainly a crowd pleaser for the guys. My tester raves about this stuff. While I use this mixed with my moisturizer for an exfoliating treatment, the guy uses this as a spot treatment for ingrown hairs and patches of thicker skin. The glycolic and lactic acid promote cell turnover and blue lotus works as an anti-inflammatory.

If you are interested in more men’s goodies, check out this page.

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

The love affair with Net-a-Porter’s new beauty department continues. They have continued to add brands that are unique and luxe, curating a collection that is distinctive and irresistible. While I have heard of many of the brands – By Terry, Josie Maran and Tata Harper – some are new to me. I dove into Ilia by checking out their lip conditioners – and I’m smitten.

Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner is that hybrid lip product that is oh-so-hot right now. The buttery texture and just a little tint make it easy to use and healing for your lips. I’ve been wearing Nobody’s Baby which is a very sheer nude. But if you want a little more pigment: Blossom Lady (softer pink), Bang Bang (hot pink), or Desert Angel (a darker mauve). And for those who want zero color: Balmy Days.

The formula gets its nourishing properties from Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. Jasmine and Orange oils give it a pleasant, spa-like scent. While you are hydrating, Pomegranate Seed Extract works as an anti-aging anti-oxidant. Better looking lips over the short and long term!