INSANITY: Day 8 to 13 (Week 2)

Yes! I haven't given up yet. In fact, I'm actually really enjoying this madness. The workouts are really tough, but I'm loving the challenge and the fact that I'm 2 weeks in and still alive.

Here are my daily updates from this past week's workouts:

Day 8 - Cardio Power & Resistance (Monday)

I felt sluggish all day because I didn't sleep well, and ate way too much over the weekend. Today's workout kicked my a**, but I did feel a little better afterwards. Nothing that a little crazy jumping around can't fix.

Day 9 - Pure Cardio (Tuesday)

AAAAH! This workout is insane! I knew it was going to be crazy, as this is the same one we did last Friday. Definitely the toughest one out of the bunch so far. I managed to finish it without collapsing... actually, I might collapse right now...

Day 10 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit (Wednesday)

Damn, this was the 3rd cardio workout in a row, and I really had to push myself not to give up. Many of the movements are so fast, I can barely keep up. I feel awesome now though, because I know tomorrow is "Cardio Recovery" time. Woohoo!

Day 11 - Cardio Recovery (Thursday)

Mmmm... now that felt good. Just like last Thursday, we did the "Cardio Recovery" workout today. I can't describe how amazing it feels to stretch out my sore muscles and give them a break. This was a very welcomed recovery day. You're welcome, Muscles.

Day 12 - Cardio Power & Resistance (Friday)

I did tonight's workout at home, as I had an appointment and didn't have time to do it at work. I had a loooong day, and didn't feel very excited about this one. Now that I'm finished though, I'm glad I pulled through and did it. The week's workouts are almost over.

Day 13 - Pure Cardio & Cardio Abs (Saturday)

As if doing "Pure Cardio" on a Saturday morning isn't bad enough, today we had to do "Cardio Abs" as well. Quoting Shaun T, our insane INSANITY trainer, "This sh*t is bananas y'all!". I was already DONE after "Pure Cardio", but decided to just do "Cardio Abs" and get it over with. I think I'm gonna have to pass out for the rest of the day...

This week flew by, and at the end of week 2 I'm happy to say that I'm definitely starting to see and feel some major changes in my body. My core is getting much stronger and I'm feeling more toned all over.

My weight has remained consistent, although I'm eating a lot more lately. Once my metabolism gets going, it's hard to stop it. I'm making much healthier choices though and have definitely been spending more time in the fruit and veg aisle at the supermarket. (My mom will be proud!)

Today's healthy breakfast (muesli with blueberries, almonds and cinnamon)

I had to do the last two workouts at home, which means I can take a much-needed shower straight after my workout, instead of having to sit on the bus from work for 40 minutes, giving the usual smelly and sweaty junior high boys' baseball team a taste of their own medicine. I still prefer working out with my co-workers though, it's more fun.

This is were the action happens after work.
Lots of space, and a big screen to see Shaun T the way he should be seen...

Check back for next week's update. Have a nice weekend, everyone!

Easter Weekend Online Shopping Deals 2013

I like to think of myself as a good friend. And, because I consider you guys my friends, I've decided to share this list I've compiled of some awesome online shopping deals over Easter weekend. You're welcome!

lookfantastic.com

At checkout, use coupon code EASTER for 10% off on your order.
At checkout, use coupon code BUNNY for 15% off when you spend $115 or more.
Valid until: April 1, 2013
FREE international shipping

feelunique.com

At checkout, use coupon code SWEET15 for 15% off on your order.
Valid until: April 1, 2013
FREE international shipping

Shopbop.com

No coupon code required for 25% off Calvin Klein Underwear.
Valid until: March 31, 2013
FREE international shipping

ASOS.com

At checkout, use coupon code APRBDAY2013 for 10% off on your order. 
Valid until: April 1, 2013
FREE international shipping

REVOLVEclothing.com

At checkout, use coupon code TULIP for 10% off on your order.
Valid until: April 1, 2013
FREE international shipping

Bath & Body Works

At checkout, use coupon code RMNMAR13 for 20% off on your order.
Valid until: April 8, 2013
At checkout, use coupon code RMNAPR13 for 20% off on your order.
Valid until: May 6, 2013

Victoria's Secret

At checkout, use coupon code SPRING13
for $15 off $100
for $30 off $150
for $75 off $250
Does not include shipping

Steve Madden

At checkout, use coupon code LOVEIT for 25% off on your order.
Valid until: April 3, 2013
FREE shipping in USA

If you know of any other great deals for Easter weekend, please share it with us in the comments. Because that's what REAL friends do!

Happy Easter Shopping!

Fashion Review: SABOSKIRT White Eyelet Dresses

SABOSKIRT White Embroidered Dress (AUS$52)

It was only a few months ago that I discovered the gem that is SABOSKIRT. They are two lovely ladies, based out of Australia, selling their gorgeous pieces online.

SABOSKIRT White Embroidered Dress (AUS$52)

I purchased the White Embroidered Dress back in January and it arrived in Taiwan, 10 business days later, right in time for my summer vacation in South Africa. Shipping from Australia to Taiwan was AUS$15, which isn't that bad.

SABOSKIRT White Embroidered Dress (AUS$52)

I was nervous about the size, as I'd usually buy an XS, but I was hesitant with this fabric and that it wouldn't be able to stretch, so I got the Small. It ended up being about two inches too long for me, and also about an inch too wide, so I got that taken in and altered and then it was perfect.

SABOSKIRT White Embroidered Dress (AUS$52)

The dress has three wooden buttons on the back, and you have to wear a skin-colored camisole or bra under it, as the top does not have any lining. Although, the rest of the dress is lined quite nicely and is definitely not see-through.

I wore the dress a few times on vacation and got so many compliments. So when I got back in Taiwan after summer vacation, I was browsing SABOSKIRT again and bought the White Sleeveless Eyelet Dress, and this time in XS. It took only 8 business days to arrive in Taiwan and it fit perfectly. The length is also just right this time around.

SABOSKIRT Sleeveless Eyelet Dress (AUS$52)

These dresses are just gorgeous and totally appeal to my girly side. It is covered in eyelet embroidery and has a beautiful scalloped hemline. Also, I'm a white-clothes freak and always gravitate towards anything white when I shop. I'll never have too many white shirts and tank tops, and now I have these perfect white dresses, too.

SABOSKIRT Sleeveless Eyelet Dress (AUS$52)

If you're looking for some unique pieces to add to your spring and summer wardrobe, definitely check out SABOSKIRT, you won't be disappointed. You're welcome!

Disclaimer: This product review is not sponsored by any company and the product was purchased by the owner of this blog. The owner of this blog is not receiving any compensation for writing this review. All opinions are 100% honest.

INSANITY Day 1 to 6 (Week 1)

Yeah baby, I did it! Week 1 of INSANITY is done and dusted. At the moment, I'm sweating a puddle around my computer chair, but I feel great! Last week I told you all about my plan to do INSANITY, you can read that post here.

Here's a breakdown of my workouts this past week (I wrote a paragraph straight after doing each workout):

Day 1 - Fit Test (Monday)

After 15 minutes of struggling to get the DVD working, we were finally able to meet Shaun T and do the "Fit Test". To be honest, it was easier than I thought it would be. (Not that it's easy. I just expected way worse because of what everyone else have been telling me about it.) I guess this must be one of the easier workouts out of the bunch, so I'm not even gonna feel good about myself. I'm feeling great and excited for tomorrow's workout.

Day 2 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit (Tuesday)

I've been so motivated since yesterday and looked forward to today's workout. This one was a bit longer than yesterday and also A LOT tougher. We pulled through and felt great afterwards. Nothing like some "happy hormones" flooding your body. I'm definitely gonna feel it tomorrow. Actually, I already feel it... 

Day 3 - Cardio Power & Resistance (Wednesday)

I just finished today's workout and I'm still a little shaky. Today was really tough. I didn't start off great. I woke up at 5:30am this morning from a mosquito, and couldn't fall asleep again. Then I worked 9 hours straight and immediately after that took on Day 3. To top it off, I was hungry before I started. Not a good combination. But, I did it and learned my lesson about going into a workout on an empty stomach.

Day 4 - Cardio Recovery (Thursday)

I have died and gone to heaven. Today's workout was a nice break from the insanity. "Cardio Recovery" was just what I needed after 3 days of crazy workouts. It was short and consisted mostly of stretching and controlled yoga-like poses. Feeling great right now! And I think my sore muscles can finally catch a break.

Day 5 - Pure Cardio (Friday)

Lawd have mercy! I seriously don't know how I got through this one. "Pure Cardio" is definitely not for the faint hearted. I think this one has been the hardest so far. Many times I wanted to yell at the screen: "Shaun T, where's my water break!?", but I couldn't because I was gasping for air and barely breathing. Really really tough!

Day 6 - Plyometric Cardio Circuit (Saturday)

I had to do today's workout at home by myself, as I've been doing it with two of my co-workers after work at school. We have a huge room with a big screen and projector there, perfect for this madness. The Boyfriend helped me move away our ridiculously heavy coffee table, so I had space for my workout this morning. I enjoyed blasting the air conditioner, and today's "Plyometric Cardio Circuit" was easier for me than on Tuesday. Maybe because I knew what to expect and what to do. (I didn't have to look at the screen all the time to see how they're doing it.) I feel energized and motivated right now, and especially happy that tomorrow is a "Rest Day".

So far, I'm enjoying this challenge. It's hard, but I can already notice the benefits of doing it. Even though my muscles have been sore every day since I started, I can also feel it getting stronger. I also noticed that I have a lot more energy during the day, and sleep better at night. It's also been a lot easier for me making healthier choices when it comes to food. It just feels wrong to eat junk when you're working out this hard. 

Like I said, two of my co-workers are doing INSANITY with me, and some of my friends. We've been motivating each other, and it feels so good doing this together with other people. Is there anyone else out there participating in this madness right now?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

I can't believe...

I'm linking up with the lovely Robin from The Sunshine Diary today for this post. I haven't done this in ages, but this one is right up my alley, as there are many many things I can't believe...

Robin from The Sunshine Diary

I can't believe... it's Thursday today. Really? Where did this week go!?

I can't believe... I'm on Day 4 of the Insanity workout and I'm still alive and breathing...

I can't believe... The Boyfriend and I will celebrate our 4-year anniversary soon. Time sure flies when you're having fun.

I can't believe... I just ordered a bunch of stuff from ASOS.com again last night. I have zero self-control. 

I can't believe... that the finale of How I met your Mother is coming up soon and that we'll finally get to see who "The Mother" is. Actually, no, I CAN believe it! Ted's been telling this story for, like, 500 years already.

Visit The Sunshine Diary to link up your "I can't believe..." post, or just share with us here in the comments below.

Insanity Day 0

A few months ago my good friend in South Africa asked me if I'd like to do "Insanity" with him. I wanted to say: "I'm already doing insanity, I wake up at 6 am every morning to go to work." But, I realized he wasn't talking about THAT insanity. He was talking about the infamous workout by Shaun T, apparently "the hardest fitness workout ever put on DVD."

I only had to look at one short intro video about Insanity on YouTube to decide that it was, indeed, insane. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about fitness, health and exercising, and I've done many fitness challenges, but at that time, it was winter and if I'm going to torture myself like that, I need to do it during a season where I can at least show off the results and not hide my "insane" body under three layers of clothing.

Rightfully called, Insanity, this workout is totally insane with "nonstop intervals of strength, power, resistance, and ab and core training moves." You can do it at home and you don't need any weights. It promises "the hardest body you've ever had" by doing this workout for two months. And I'm guessing it goes along with a well-balanced, high-protein eating program.

Now that spring is finally here and sundresses and shorts will come out of hibernation, I've decided to take on the insanity and challenge myself physically, and I'm guessing, emotionally. I've "coerced" my co-workers into partaking in this madness with me. If I'm going down, I'm taking everybody with me...

(Click image to enlarge or download the Insanity Workout Calendar here)

We'll be starting Insanity next week, and do it together after work. And on Saturdays we'll all do it at home. I'm excited, as I've seen lots of incredible results online. You can Google some before and after pics. My goal is definitely not to lose weight, but to be fit, strong and toned. Also, I'm curious to see how far I can push myself, as I've heard that it's really really tough.

I'll be documenting my progress here on Pretty.Random.Things.,of course, and share my before and after pics after two months. If you'd like to join us, you can download the program illegally buy the DVD program and start with us on Monday. Also remember to print out the Insanity Workout Calendar (PDF) and the Fit Test sheet (PDF).

Also, I'd love to know who of you have done this and what your experience was. And, if you're joining us, let me know, so we can offer each other support and share our progress.

Let the insanity begin!

Mini Makeover

I've been itching to change things up a bit on Pretty.Random.Things. for a while now, and realized that I haven't changed the design of my blog at all since I started blogging back in June 2011. Shame on me! Not that I think that she (yes, my blog is a girl; a pink-lovin' girly girl!) wasn't beautiful already. But after a couple of years, it's necessary to undergo some maintenance I think.

I played around with a color palette that I like, and finally ended up with this new design. I'm really pleased with how it turned out, and it makes me excited that Pretty.Random.Things. has changed a new leaf and can start a new chapter.

I also changed Pretty.Random.Things.'s Facebook fan page, so go and check it out as well and tell me what you think.

I still have to post a new "About Me" profile pic, get a new Favicon and code a new Facebook Social Plugin, and I know I'll end up making another tweak here and there. It's an ongoing process.I actually had so much fun redesigning my blog, and enjoyed playing around with new fonts, banners and icons, and learned A LOT more about HTML coding.

I would love to hear what you guys think about Pretty.Random.Things.'s mini makeover. Yay or nay? And if you have any other suggestions, I'd like to hear them. Are there any things you'd do differently? What do you think I should add or delete? I welcome your thoughts!

The Spring Clean-Out

If you know me well, you won't be surprised that I do a major organizing sesh every year. Okay, that's a lie. I do it way more often... I get a big thrill out of cleaning and organizing my apartment, and actually look forward to this event (*shakes with excitement).

This year, I thought I'd share my Spring Clean-Out Checklist with you guys. Maybe you'd like to join me in getting our places organized and ready for spring and summer. It'll be fun! Well, fun for me... I created this list specifically for my small apartment in the city, but you can easily tweak it to fit your place. 

I typed out all the rooms in my house. Then, I focused on organizing. Or as I like to call it "The Clean-Out". Organizing to me means throwing out the stuff that we don't use anymore, getting rid of expired products and throwing out broken things. Also, things invading my space and unnecessary junk need to go, too. 

After "The Clean-Out", I'll do "The Big Clean". I'll clean and wash everything in, and out, of sight. Outside, inside, under, on top. You know what I mean.

"The Spring Clean-Out" Checklist 

(Feel free to download this printable checklist in PDF format.)

It usually takes me a few days, or even up to two weeks, to complete The Clean-Out and The Big Clean, as I only have time in the evenings and on Saturdays. But that's okay, it makes the job seem less daunting by only having to complete one, or a couple, of tasks every day. 

I've already started clearing out my closet of items I don't wear anymore. I usually give it to our cleaning lady, or donate it. Next I'm going to take on my makeup and jewelry collections. I'm sure I'll get a lot done this weekend, but like I said, I don't rush and only do a couple of tasks a day. 

Of course, after I've organized and cleaned my apartment, I make a trip to IKEA or MUJI to stock up on some new junk to clutter my place. It's a spectacular vicious circle really...

Happy organizing!

Fashion Review: ASOS LOST ballet flats

Long time no speak! Sorry for the lack of activity here on Pretty.Random.Things., I've been a little under the weather. But, I'm feeling much better and ready to start blogging away again.

Wearing the ASOS LOST ballet flats for the first time

I'm excited to start a new series of posts on the blog where I'll be reviewing some of my favorite fashion, beauty and random items. You likey?

ASOS LOST ballet flats (US$42.39)

I'm starting off with one of my favorite new purchases; the ASOS LOST Ballet Flats. If you're not familiar with asos.com, it's an awesome online shopping site that offers free shipping worldwide and has new items available almost every day. Their items range from very affordable to designer, so there really is something for everyone.

I've ordered from them quite a few times, and usually shipping will take about 8 to 10 business days to Taiwan. Which tells me that everywhere else in the world will be much faster. Also, it's easy to send stuff back if you're not happy.

I love browsing ASOS and will click "Save for Later" on items, which will then stay in your basket for 60 days. You can check back regularly to see if any of the items you saved are on sale. By the way, ASOS has sales very frequently and there's almost always a promotional code available for a discount. Google "ASOS promotional code" before checking out, and try to find a deal first.

ASOS LOST ballet flats in nude

Okay, enough babbling about the awesomeness that is ASOS. Let's get down to business. I was eyeing the ASOS LOST ballet flats for a few weeks, when one day I saw that it was on sale. I didn't even think twice before I purchased it. Because of the sale on shoes at that time, I got it for around US$35, which is a steal.

I wore these beauties for the first time yesterday, and love the look with a pair of rolled up skinny jeans. (You gotta show of the ballet straps!). I wore them out for about 5 hours and had a few blisters by the end of the day, but that's normal for a new pair of flats I think. I'm sure once they're "broken in", we won't have this problem. Plus, beauty is pain, as they say. 

These flats run true to size and fits very comfortably. As you can see in the picture, I wore them with a pair of skinny jeans, which is my favorite look. I haven't tried it on with shorts yet, but I'm sure they'll look cute with a pair of white, or denim, shorts. I adore the girly, feminine look of these and I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of wear out of them this season.

Chloé Square Toe ballerina flats (US$450)

My friend actually mentioned that they reminded her of the Chloé Square Toe ballerina flats that she has. I agree, although obviously the Chloé ones are way more expensive and are way better quality. 

ASOS LOST ballet flats in black (US$ 42.39)

The ASOS LOST ballet flats also come in black. They're nice, too, although I leaned toward the nude ones because I'd like to wear it in spring and summer. In general, I'll give these flats an 8 out of 10. Only because I don't like blisters. Who does!?

So that's it for my very first fashion review. Let me know if you'd like to see more of these types of posts. And, of course, tell me what you think about my latest purchase.

Click to start SHOPPING!

Disclaimer: This product review is not sponsored by any company and the product was purchased by the owner of this blog. The owner of this blog is not receiving any compensation for writing this review. Some links in this post are affiliate links.

Sigma Beauty Travel Kit WINNER

I'm guessing you've been waiting, not so patiently, for the results of this giveaway? Well, I won't keep you waiting anymore...

A huge congratulations to Rossyana Dewi, you are the lucky winner of the Sigma Beauty Travel Kit!

Rossyana, I sent you a message on Facebook. Please respond so that I can get your shipping information. I'll be waiting for your reply. If I don't hear back from our winner before March 11th, 2013 I'll draw another winner.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and who has been so supportive of my blog. Your lovely comments inspire me so much and I'm so grateful to have so many wonderful readers here on Pretty.Random.Things. I really appreciate all your kind words, and that you take time out of your day to comment on my posts.

If you didn't win this time, don't be sad, because I'm already planning my next giveaway!

Here's how I picked the winner for this giveaway

Again, I picked the winner the old school way.

First, I went through all the comments on the giveaway post, and copied and pasted your GFC (Google Friend Connect) and Facebook names on a list. If you Tweeted, Pinned or Blogged about the giveaway, you got extra entries.

Then, I went through the list and double checked whether you are actually following my blog with GFC and if you liked it on Facebook, which were the requirements. If you claimed to have Tweeted, Pinned or Blogged about it, I also checked out those links. (Yes, it took quite some time, but I wanted to be sure an honest person won this giveaway.) I deleted your entry if you entered yourself more than once, or if you didn't follow this blog with GFC or liked it on Facebook.

In total, there were 342 entries.

Lastly I went on Random.org and generated a random number to get our winner. And voila!

Once again, a big thank you to all my loyal readers. Have a wonderful week!