Beauty: 6 Products to Combat Dry Winter Skin

I’m in complete denial that it’s getting cold outside and winter is on the way (I was just at the beach with my toes in the sand!). With cold weather comes many other things, and dry skin is not excluded. I have already started to stock up on my favorite heavy-duty moisturizers and realize that I might have a slight obsession. Especially after TSA threw away my favorite moisturizer at the airport. After that episode, I vowed to never be without it, and went home and ordered three! Did I say I was a little obsessed? Okay, let the rundown of my favorite moisturizers for winter begin!

Check out my favorites on Second City Style..!
(Kelley for Second City Style)

The Best No Fuss Matte Lipsticks & Lipstains | Second City Style

When it comes to lip color I am never one for fuss. The whole lip liner, lip stick and gloss combo is just way too much for my everyday liking. I have come to love anything that doesn’t require a mirror and steady balance. Which is why I really love matte lip color and lip stains.......


Check out the rest of the article at Second City Style!
(Kelley Woods, Beauty Editor for Second City Style)

Top Nail Trends Of The Season! | Second City Style

.......via Second City Style ---- "I wouldn't say I'm the 'know-it-all" when it comes to nail trends, but I couldn't help but notice the amazing nail looks I have seen at New York Fashion Week, in salons and on women around town. I love what I am seeing this year! From matte to crackle to shellac, there are so many nail trends to be noticed this season and I have the 411 that you need to know! Check out this Season Top Nail Trends at Second City Style! Kelley -for Second City Style

Restore and Renew Your Winter Skin | for Second City Style

With spring on it's way, some of us have started our spring cleaning, got our gym memberships back and scheduled our salon appointments. For me it's always the time to get my face back to it's pre-winter radiance. My skin always faces the biggest challenge over the winter months due to breakouts from food allergies, dry skin from the air, and splotchy skin from product over-use. I know we have all had our share of the winter blues, but we can revive and renew our skin with some great treatment masks that will bring it back to life.....

Check out my Article to get your skin back to life at Second City Style!

-Kelley Woods Beauty Editor

Five Beauty Tools You Should Never Be Without ! | Kelley for Second City Style..

There are some essentials that are staple in my beauty routine, and some that I run to in time of a crisis, hence a major breakout, lol. And thought that everyone should know about these little gems that have changed my life..! Plus, the Holiday's are here and an even more reason why you should try these goodies.. They are great stocking stuffers or even just a gift to someone. ;)

Check out my article on Five Beauty Tools You Should Never Be Without @ Second City Style...

At the Finish Line..w/ The Race of Life To Go; Nurtrisystem Week 16

Never would I have thought I could continue a weight loss/ maintenance program for 4 months! Nutrisystem has been an interesting journey of pounds lost, calories cut, and a new way of eating. For the past month, I have been trying to incorporate regular food choices into my diet, and I can say I have done pretty good! I have dramatically cut out starches, and red meat, and pork. Now, its lots of chicken and some fish.

Even though I only lost 2 to 3 pounds every 2 or 3 weeks, I can say I have not gained and have been able to maintain. I'm steady at 150 pounds, as I had started at 167. I am so happy and really can't explain how great it is to know I can maintain my weight, and even lose a few pounds, eating what I want, but not a lot of it. I'm still fitting in all of my clothes I could only now fit because of Nutrisystem, and they are not getting snug. That's how I know I'm not gaining, which is a true feat.

Nutrisystem has really changed my life and I still incorporate my favorites, like the frozen dinners of Glazed Chicken and Rice, Turkey Pepperoni Pizza, Steak & Cheese, and Fudge Ice Cream. Yes, that's how I was eating, and it was all Nutrisystem. I still will incorporate my NS dinners in with my regular eating, and that will help out allot, but all willing I will definitely try to stay on the journey of healthier living.

Signed and Concealed! 6 Of The Best Concealers For Dark Circles | Second City Style

If it's one thing that I have with me at all times, it is a concealer!... Most days I get 'wow, you have such beautiful skin'... "Oh well geez thanks", and thank you concealer! Yes, I must have concealer everyday, to hide the darkness under my eyes, and yes, even to spot conceal. I can make do with just concealer and powder, but I do need all my fixin's... ha!

If we are not getting lines, and wrinkles, we may have bags from a late night, or just hereditary under eye circles that never go away no matter what. So, because I am one of these people,
I have tried many concealers not only for me but for my clients, and have listed some of my favorites. Check out my article on Second City Style Signed and Concealed; 6 of The Best Concealers for Dark Circles!

Still getting Skinny! Nutrisystem Week 15

Here I am almost coming up on my month on Nutrisystem, and honestly I didn't think I could do it this long. Yes, I have been replacing some NS Meals with my own, because hey that's what I'm going to have to do when I'm no longer on NS, so it has been working.

I finally weighed myself after not weighing myself for a few weeks, because I just knew I wasn't losing any weight. I had, had a few cheat days, but I had been making a conscious effort to stay on the same calories as I would with NS. However. to my surprise one morning when I stepped on the scale it said I had lost 2 pounds. I thought it was an inaccurate reading so I weighed myself again twice, and to my surprise it said the same thing. I think I was more than excited, especially because I didn't think I would continue to lose, but more so, now I know I can live a healthy diet, of maintaining my proportions, and still lose.

This gave me so much hope for the months to come. As, I finish my NS program, I can say it has really helped me in my lifestyle changes, not only for me, but for my family. I want to live healthy, and I want them to live healthy. The example comes from me first, so I'm on a mission!

FTC Disclosure: All products have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem15 program. Views expressed here are my own.

Seems to be the Never Ending Journey.. Nutrisystem: Week 13/14

So, here I am at the end of week 14. My goal was to update my progress every week, but some week, i'm too consumed with work. However, I'm not too consumed that I can't stay on my Nutrisystem track. I have been weaning myself off of Nutrisystem for some meals, and I am very much surprising myself. Not only am I choosing healthier options, some of the foods I use to love, I no longer love as much. As I use to have a huge bowl of cereal, I now only have half a cup. I just never knew how big my portions actually were!

When I do try to eat more I get miserably full, even though it still may not be close to the portions I use to eat. I'm more so now trying to cut wheat, and grains out of my diet, and eat more substitutes for my starch like instead of Potatoes, i'm not trying whipped, and mashed cauliflower with cheese, or even my newest recipe and meal Cauliflower Pizza! My husband had more than 4 pieces, and if he liked it, I know it taste good.

I'm also looking to cut out alot of preserved, processed foods, that yes, most of our diets consist of, but I realize it is just unhealthy. If it has more than 5-7 ingredients, I usually just leave it in the store. Even though I have not been able to eliminate every unhealthy food, I am making huge progress, and I am still losing weight!

Image: dinnerdiary.com

FTC Disclosure: All products have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem15 program. Views expressed here are my own.

The Perfect Flawless Face in Minutes..

As a makeup artist a flawless face is like the perfect canvas. It's a must that skin is clean, clear, and even. However, I know we are all not blessed with the best skin, but there are ways we can fake it ;) Check out my article at Second City Style on getting your face to be 'Flawless in Minutes'...

The Perfect Flawless Face in Minutes.. Kelley for Second City Style

Down to the Wire.. Nutrisystem Week 11/12

It's been an emotional 3 months. I have reclaimed my body, in what I had hoped to do. I didn't lose 20 pounds as of now, However I have lost a considerable amount, and I am happy where I am. Maybe the 20 pounds was unrealistic, but maybe not. I see that I am happy with a 16 pound weight loss, and it looks great on me.

I love the convenience of Nutrisystem, which i'm sure I'll miss most when I depart from the diet. But, it will then be time to incoporate my own eating and recipes and hopefully I end up on a healthy maintenance plan. I can say towards the end I really got a little tired with the food, especially with the lunches. And figuring out creative ways, and new recipes was not working as well as I thought. So, I have been incorporating other foods than Nutrisystem, in some of my meals, just so I won't get even more tired of the food. So, instead of a Nutrisystem dinner, I may eat a big salad, with half a serving of diced chicken, 2 tbsp of low fat bacon, and low fat cheese. Even though it may be a little more calories than a NS Diet, it is satisfying, and not fully caloric or fattening.

Besides, I have to incoporate food this way anyways after I end Nutrisystem, so why not start now. Even though I am not losing like I was originally, I'm not gaining either. I am staying fluctuating between a pound or two of difference. Which means, I may just be able to do a healthy maintenance plan. I am hopeful and encouraged, and will try to keep this up as best I can .

FTC Disclosure: All food, products and material have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of theirNutrisystem 15 program.Statements, views and testimonies given are my own.

Setting Myself for a Continuous Healthy Lifestyle: Nutrisystem Week 10

So, I'm almost through my 3 months, and I have to say it was a pretty good ride. Not that I thought it would easy, but it wasn't as nearly as hard as it could have been. It definitely is taking a quit a bit of discipline, but it is really a straight forward method, and it has worked for me.

To the date, I have lost a total of 17 pounds, hoping to near my new goal or 20 pounds at the end of my 3 months. I'm in the midst of looking for a great exercise program to get the most out of my Nutrisystem Diet. I'm definitely thinking about restarting Chalean Extreme. That was the actual program I was on before Nutrisystem, but because I didn't have my diet intact, I didn't lose as much weight as I wanted. But, if I combine Chalean with Nutrisystem, I should have a winning combo! We'll see.. I'll keep you tuned...


Besides that, I'm finding my taste for most of the Nutrisystem food I use to love, not loving so much now. I guess my taste is changing, but I find myself eating Hamburgers (NS Beef Patty's) everyday. It's satisfying, comforting, and I know I can get a guaranteed great taste. So, in the meantime, I'm sure I'll revisit my foods that I haven't touched in a while, which are mostly the soups, and most of the dinners, but until then I'm making do. I'm still in this to win it!
NS!!

FTC Disclosure: All food, products and material have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of theirNutrisystem 15 program.Statements, views and testimonies given are my own.

The Weight Loss Continues: Nutrisystem Week 9

Here I am at the end of week 9, and over the 8 week hump. After a few weeks of teetering between ounces, this is the first week after a few weeks, that I have lost 2 pounds in a week. I'm now officially over the 15 pound mark! yay.. I'm halfway there.

The last 3 weeks have definitely been a challenge. For some reason I feel that my metabolism has increased, and I'm wanting to eat more. Not sure if that is typical, but I have to look into it. I'm trying not to reach for the sweets, but at most I try to reach for an extra Nutrisystem Snack/Dessert.

I'm still trying out new recipes, to keep reviving my food, but right now i'm on the NS Beef Patty wagon. I could eat a NS hamburger everyday! Not only is it comforting, but it's filling. Next to the Beef Patty, I could eat the Fudge Graham Bars all day everyday. It taste way too good to be diet food, but it is and it's amazing....

So, hopefully next week, since I'm back on track to seeing significant pounds lost, that I will show that i'm down another few pounds. We'll see!

FTC Disclosure: All food, products and material have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of theirNutrisystem 15 program.Statements, views and testimonies given are my own.

The Transformation!! : My Nutrisystem Journey Week 7/8

I almost can't believe I am doing this post! I am one that is a little modest, and reserved so me revealing is huge. But hey, I know someone else feels this way, and they want change, so I want to be an example not only for them, but to know that it can be done, and to not lose all hope.

When I started this journey I had just completed a 3 month exercise program. Yes, that's right Week 1 was AFTER a grueling 3 months of working out. I had only lost 8 pounds during that time. What was the factor for me was that even though I was working out, I was not eating the best. I was eating better, but not the best that I could. And because I am so busy, and run a business I needed something quick at times, and a stop at McDonald's was sometimes the quickest. So, I need a jumpstart to something that would work for me and my hectic lifestyle.

So, here came Nutrisystem. I knew that they had prepackaged food, and I saw so many great results from others, that I knew I had to try. Could I look just as great? I was a little skeptical, because no great thing comes easy. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I started on Nutrisystem's Basic Plan (NSdiet15). Not only was the food better than I thought, but the convenience is wonderful. Now I know it's not all about the convenience, however at least to get started I need something easy and accessible. On a weekend morning when I'm off to see clients, I just toss a breakfast and a snack in my bag, and I'm on my way. How great is that! Yes, I cheat..but my cheat, is for no deprivation. I can't deprive myself. But in stead of eating 5 Cheese Puffs, I may only have 1. But i'm satisfied.

Granted, I'm only a little more than half way through my program, but I feel amazing. I have gone from a size 12, down to a size 8..! I am comfortable right now where I am , but if I can lose another size that would be great as well. I have 4 more weeks on the program, so I have ways to go, but I know even if I don't meet my goal, I feel healthier, and feel great about how far I have come.

Nutrisystem, yes, has changed my lifestyle, and in turn changed how I feel not only about myself, but about life. I know that I can make a difference, be a difference, and be hope for others. It works!

FTC Disclosure: All food, products and material have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem 15 program.Statements, views and testimonies given are my own views and opinion.

Fashion News! - Designer Jodi Arnold for The Limited

(Designer Jodi Arnold & Elliot Staples, Vice President of Design, The Limited)

I've been honored and got a call in the past week to be the Lead Artist for Designer Judi Arnold's Fashion Show for her collection for The Limited. Being The Limited's first designer collaboration Jodi Arnold has teamed up with The Limited for an exclusive, affordable fashion line, that incorporates Jodi's signature embellishments and unique prints. The collection will include blazers, jeans, embellished tees, dresses, jewelry and handbags, and the prices aren't too shabby at all, ranging from $49.50 to $118. Take a look a some of the looks from from the Look Book of Jodi's Fall Collection 2010 for the Limited!

I am excited and looking forward to creating the makeup look and executing a polished, modern, finished look that compliments her fabulous line. Pictures to come!

Browse the entire Jodi Arnold for The Limited look book, which you can also shop online now at TheLimited.

I've Revived My Food: Nutrisystem Week 6

Is it the end of another week already!..Where does time go. Seems like I just updated you guys about my Nutrisystem update a few days ago... but hey I guess it's a good thing.. Keeps me accountable, as well as helps keep me on track.

This week was a good week. No big cheats at all, just focusing on staying on the plan and keep my meals exciting. At the beginning of the week I went shopping for new ingredients to add to my NS meals, to keep them from being 'al a boring'.. With Recipes from a friend over at http://www.stomach-rumblings.blogspot.com/ I was able to snag a few of my favorite recipes.

So, yes went straight to the grocery store and didn't spend much as I expected. I was eager to try a new recipe so I tried one of the yummy breakfast recipes I was dying to try, for dinner! Yes dinner, ha! I wanted something cheesy and salty, so I made the Cheesy Egg and Bacon Biscuits. I can't begin to tell you how unbelievable they were! They were so good, and a good revival for the pancake mix that was just sitting in my pantry.

The next day I made a version of Clam Chowder, with the NS Homestyle Potatoes and clams, and even though I put too much water in it, it wasn't bad. Considering, they were just sitting in my pantry, because I couldn't muster to just eat plain potatoes. I would definitely try that recipe again, until I get it right.

With that said, with the approaching week, I am looking forward to trying other recipes and staying on the track to weight loss. I'm almost 12 pounds down so far since starting, and I couldn't be any happier. I'm in my jeans I haven't been able to wear in nearly 2 years! And they are my favorite.. So, i'm in this for the long haul, and can't wait to see my end results.

Still Going Strong: Nutrisystem Week 5

This week wasn't so much a challenge, it was just hectic. I stay on the go, which is why I knew Nutrisystem would be great for me. Prepackaged food that I can just toss in my purse, how could you go wrong with that. This week I didn't expect much weight loss, because my body is still catching up from a few cheat days this past weekend.

What can I say, we went on a weekend getaway with friends for a white water rafting adventure, and of course most nights consisted of eating out. I took an ample amount of my Nutrisystem, and pretty much stuck with it from morning until late evening, but at night was a different story.

I didn't give in to too many of my cravings, but Outback Steak House is a weakness. Who can turn down the infamous Bloomin' Onion! Not me, I had to have a piece, okay two pieces. But, it wasn't a large portion and I didn't feel too bad, but I did feel satisfied. I ordered Grilled chicken, with barbecue sauce on the side, with grilled vegetables (there 350 calorie and under meal), but with a sweet potato. Yes, maybe the sweet potato put me over the edge, but I didn't feel to bad because it made up for the lunch I didn't eat that day.

In the end, I didn't totally stick to my NS diet on the trip, however, I know I didn't splurge and cave in to my cravings, as I could have. So, I did feel a little proud of myself. Monday was a new day and start of a new cycle of healthy eating, and I can say that at the end of this week, I did pretty well. The scale only showed a few ounces lost but, I won't complain because I have a new week ahead of me. Plus, Fashion Weeks is right around the corner, and I have something to aim for!

- Kelley Woods

FTC Disclosure: All food, products and material have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem 15 program.Statements, views and testimonies given are my own.

My Continued Journey: I'm Surviving! : Nutrisystem Week 4

Here I am at the end of another week of Nutrisystem. I had to actually think back, and wondered why I seemed like I been on Nutrisystem longer. But, I remembered I started almost in the middle of one week so technically I'm almost at week 4!.. So what have I lost this week?... Again, another 2 pounds.. yay!

At this point my weight loss is noticeable. I'm up from a couple of comments a week to a comment everyday from someone saying how much weight I loss. For me a few pounds is drastic, but to be accompanied by a few more pounds it does get quit noticeable. My clothes are now being rolled up, because they are dragging the floor. By no means am I complaining, because I have reserved some of my favorite size 6 pants, that I was determined not to give away, that I have to get into.

I have to admit it hasn't been easy. A few days, I would sneak a chip or two, and one day I had 2 slices of a small pizza. Did I feel bad, slightly, but I did feel a satisfaction. Believe it or not I felt satisfied enough not to be discouraged, but that I could just continue on the night with my Nutrisystem, and start a new day fresh. I think on any diet, a splurge or two would not hurt. We are human, and the food around us is not going anywhere. However, I have had a renewed mindset about food and my consumption. Before Nutrisystem, I would get the biggest bowl, and it must have had to been 3 or 4 servings I was consuming. Now, I grab my 1 cup bowl and measure all of the food I am eating on that. It works, and I can't believe how full I am after finishing. Looks like my stomach is being trained as well.

So, for the yummies this week, there were far too many. Some foods that initial were just okay, are getting better, and some other's I am getting a little tired of. The Shrimp Alfredo is my new favorite. Not only is good, but I love how fresh it taste, and how filling it is. For breakfast the Homestyle Pancakes are fantastic. It definitely cures my sweet tooth craving in the morning, with the added sugar free syrup. The list could continue, and I still have yet to post my List of favs, but I promise it's on the way.

All in all it's been a fantastic week, and I'm thankful for another 2 pounds lost for the week..

THIS IS MY GOAL.. This was my honeymoon 2 years ago, and was a lovely size 6...

-Kelley Woods


FTC Disclosure: All food, products and material have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem 15 program.Statements, views and testimonies given are my own.

Dare To Go Nude: Nude Lipsticks | Second City Style | DC Beauty Editor

Dare to go Nude, you say!... I love a great nude lipstick, and it goes with just about any look. Check out my favorite lipsticks and glosses for the perfect nude look .. Over at Second City Style.com Dare to Go Nude!

Reclaiming My Body: Nutrisystem Week 2: Getting Fit and Fab

Here I am at the end of week 2 of my Nutrisystem Journey. After my first week of losing 3 pounds I was unsure what week 2 would have in store for me. But, surprisingly after today's weigh in I see I lost another 2 pounds!

I received so many compliments over the last week, that apparently it is noticeable. If they see a difference with 5 pounds lost, wait until I get to the other 20 pounds. Gasp! This thing really is working, ha!

I've been pretty much staying on target with all of my meals, but some nights I am so drained I miss dinner. I wouldn't say that is necessarily bad, because that wasn't extra calories consumed, but of course I made up for it the next day. Vegetables have been a challenge for me because I'm not a big salad eater, even though I love other veggies like broccoli, and mixed vegetables. I sometimes add them to my entrees along with diced chicken. It's much easier to get my fruit in, than a salad, but I'm working on it.

So, this week consisted of some yummy favorites, but then not so yummy favorites, but I got through it. The Chicken Parmesan Melt, along with the Steak in Cheese is just way too good to be in any diet. But, it's legal!, and ohhh so good. Not too fond of the Chicken Salad, as I feel it's too runny, and if I can add a few more chunks of chicken I can make it bareable :/ I never skip dessert, as I find I always need something sweet at night, and the Chocolate Fudge Bars are delectable. Any of the Chocolate Bars are good, and can satisfy my sweet tooth quickly.

So, maybe next week I'll give the Pro's and Con's of my journey, any goal you are striving for comes with ups and downs. But, I'm happy to say that I am finally sticking to something that not only is helping lose weight, but allowing me to regain control of a nutritious way of eating. I'm in this all the way!

-Kelley Woods

FTC Disclosure: All food, products and material have been supplied by Nutrisystem as part of their Nutrisystem 15 program.Statements, views and testimonies given are my own.