Don't get me wrong, THIS is how I really feel about makeup!

This afternoon I was going over my post from yesterday in my mind (please tell me I'm not the only one out there who does this), and it occurred to me that my last post makes me sound as though I am ANTI-MAKEUP. Record scratch!

Sometimes I wear makeup!

That is SOOOOOOO not the case. I am a huge believer in the POWER of makeup. Really!

I am NOT a huge believer in haters and shamers who try to tell women when they SHOULD wear it. Or that they are invisible if they don't. It's a stupid standard, men aren't generally subjected to it and they still earn way more money than we do.

HERE'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MAKEUP:
1. It's FUN.
2. It's CREATIVE.
3. It's POWERFUL

Yes, I actually think makeup can be used to give us an edge-when we want it to. "That's right, I showed up to this meeting, prepared to the hilt, and I STILL had time to treat you all to a kick-ass smokey eye. You're welcome."

I realized the power of makeup in my thirties, when I went from being a "behind-the-scenes" junior designer to being a "in-the-spotlight" designer, speaker and coach. I was never a big makeup-wearer and pretty much slid through the 80s and 90s on liquid eyeliner and occasional bright-red Wet 'N Wild lippy.

When I started to be more in the forefront of my life and business, I started to feel like it was time to either develop some actual makeup application skills or completely give it up altogether. My ratchet attempts at face painting were definitely NOT HELPING. It's hard to assert your authority in your field when your face is strictly from Amateursville.

Fortunately for me, makeup application is a learnable skill. And now that we have YOUTUBE? Jackpot! I have found the greatest products and techniques from some of my favorite Youtubers (a short list is below). It's even become fun for me to play around with makeup. Who knew?

The even better part is that people started taking me more seriously. Like, "Wow, if she can get her face and style together like this, maybe she can help me get myself together, too!" I also started to feel more confident about how I look, on and off-camera, because I knew I could deal with bad hair days or blemishes. I don't think men get the chance to feel that way very often.

HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I have to wear it all the time.

Sometimes I don't wear makeup!

I ONLY wear makeup when I feel like it. I certainly would never refrain from helping people or sharing valuable information on Periscope because I didn't have my "face" on.  I am getting pretty annoyed about these peri-trolls and their "Why are you even on Persicope without makeup?"

I've noticed that most of the men I follow on Periscope tend to look as if they spent as much time on their appearance as I do for my "Word of the Day" pre-workout scopes-only their version is to be unshaven, wearing a baseball cap to hide the bedhead. Know who gives them grief about it? NO ONE.  Of course they would never speak at a conference of appear on television looking like this. But they are sharing on Periscope on-the-fly, just like the rest of us, so WHO CARES if they need a shave? Not me! As long as they are giving me life-improving content, I'm good.

All I'm saying is, can we all just calm down about this? If you're on Periscope to see/chat up hot chicks in heavy makeup, there are literally thousands of other places you can do that. My scope is not one of them. The same goes for pretty much all other social media, too, as far as I'm concerned. Nobody gets to tell anybody what they have to say or how they have to look.

On the other hand, when I am made up and blinged out? You know I'm shooting as much video as I possibly can! Can't let that hard work go to waste!

I guess I'm just complicated that way.

I generally broadcast and post when the mood strikes (like now), and if that means my awesome, annual Fitbloggin selfie with Alan (@Sweating_It_Off) happens with a bare face, year after year...

There's a 3rd one of these somewhere...

so be it.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are you a makeup lover? Hater? Do you think people shouldn't be online unless they look their very, very best, no matter what they have to say?

Are you dying to find some beauty Youtubers to hook up your makeup game? Here are just a few of my faves:
NATHALIE
CAROL
LORI
MARY
PATTI
SWOOZIE
KATHY
SHARON

Lastly, do YOU have a favorite beauty vlogger? Give them some love in the comments!

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

It's my Birthday! And I found AMAZING skincare stuff at Ross!

Yes, I have secret giveaways on my Youtube channel!

Subscribe HERE.

THANK YOU ALL for making this such a special birthday.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

NOTE: I paid for the products mentioned in this video with my own money. I just wanted to let you know about them because they are THAT GOOD.

Fitbloggin highlights, Pt. 1 #Fitbloggin15 #Denver

Yep, EVERY MORNING.

Still recovering...so many hugs...so...much...bacon...

Let's start with the "just for fun" stuff.

1. Getting to see and hug all my Fitbloggin friends! To name a few:

Thea (It's Me VS Me)

ALAN! (Sweating Until Happy-his photo)

I love Robby! (Fat Girl VS World)

Terry (Terry Cabeen-his photo) the STAR of our FLASHMOB!

What's that? Oh yeah, there was a flashmob. Yes, again.

2. THE FLASH FITMOB 

This is the 3rd time the "fitmob" has hit Fitbloggin. I still cannot believe any of these people agree to participate. For every "yes" there are at least 2 "nos", so it makes the effort and final product of the group that much more meaningful. They TRULY rocked it this year!

The flashmob originally started because I was nervous about attending a conference where, for the first time ever, I did not know a single soul "IRL". It's become a great way for seasoned Fitbloggers and newbies to bond long before the conference begins.

I'll try to locate some video. We were kind of amazing.

4. The Scavenger Hunt

Christine (Dubyawife) organized a crazy (seriously, KRAY-ZEE) scavenger hunt that had us invading the streets of Denver, asking cops to marry us, serenading strangers and, um, bending the law (allegedly).

Our team, "Green is the New Black", bouncing on the Jumpsport Trampolines in a most law-abiding manner. (photo by Nicole Tow, Health Nut In Training)

5. Off-Time

One of my favorite things about Fitbloggin is what happens during the off-times between and after the official sessions and festivities. 

Kelly and I spent a great afternoon enjoying lunch at ModMarket (ModMarketplace?) and enjoying some of the sights of downtown Denver, including the ballpark.

Kelly (Curvy Fit Girl)

Deb and I took a beautiful walk along the "creek", which here in California would be considered a raging river, if not a tsunami. We miss water.

Deb (Weight For Deb)

I had a wonderful talk with Susan (SusanIto.com) that was so enthralling, we forgot to take a selfie!

Christine (@Dubyawife again, always the instigator) brought CARDS AGAINST HUMANITY. 

Horrid, deplorable humans. Especially that middle one, trying to hide behind her cards. photo by Christine

6. Jen

Did I take this photo? I'm going to say I did.

Two years ago Jennifer (Perfect In Our Imperfections) and I proposed similar session topics to Fitbloggin. Roni suggested we present together. We decided we might as well room together while we were at it, and a Fitbloggin tradition was born. Jennifer is the reason I don't bite anyone's head off or throw chanclas at Fitbloggin breakfasts. You're welcome.

7. Roni (and Team Fitbloggin)

Roni, center, and just some of Team Fitbloggin.
THANK YOU! (photo by Carrie D Photography)

Roni is remarkably shy and yet still has managed to pull off this HUGE, multifaceted event year after year. Next year Fitbloggin gets passed into the hands of a new team. That means Roni may actually get in on more of the fun from now on. Which is as it should be, because Roni is the sh*t.

Okay, that's about all I can manage for now. Stay tuned for more fun, LOADS of fitness and some stuff I actually learned.

Yes, me!

Wishing you love with extra cheese,

Nacho Mama

"I feel FAT!" Feeling fat? Why #fatisnotafeeling

Hello all!

Whew! It's been a while, hasn't it? I've been really busy with work and very sick, but now that things have calmed down and I'm on the mend, I finally made a video on a topic I've been wanting to address for a long, long time.

Ever catch yourself saying, "I feel FAT"? I do. I've also noticed that many of my friends and social colleagues have been saying it more lately, too. I've even noticed people saying it when I'm in public, like in the dressing rooms at Ross or on the sidewalks of my neighborhood during Sunday brunch hours. 

But I try to never let that statement go by without probing a little deeper. Here's why:

And another thing I've noticed: nobody ever says "I feel fat" in a positive way.  Which makes me really concerned about the message we're sending our kids about the "f-word". Remember back in the 90s when we spelled it with a "ph" and it meant something that was sooooo cool? I vote we bring that back.

So what do YOU actually mean when you say "I feel fat"? 

Wishing you love (and a beautiful Memorial Day!) with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

FINALLY! NEW Podcast! Yes, really!

FINALLY!

The question I get asked the most this time of year, "How can I stay motivated during the Holidays?"

Click the player to listen NOW.

Check Out Health Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with NachoMamasPodcast on BlogTalkRadio

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/NachoMamasBlog
Featuring Weight Watchers FAQ & more!

FOLLOW BOOK VS MOVIE ON BTR: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookvsmovie

Wishing you Happy Holidays with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Disclosure: All opinions, content, views and ideas expressed on Nacho Mama's Podcast are strictly my own and those of my guests and are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is strongly advised that you consult professional guidance when considering anything discussed on Nacho Mama's Blog or Nacho Mama's Podcast. This podcast is not affiliated with Weight Watchers and producer is not compensated in any way. ALL PODCAST CONTENT Blogtalkradio.com/NachoMamasPodcast is © Nacho Mama and nachomamasblog.com, 2009-2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of podcast content without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

VIDEO! Weight Watchers FAQ: Cheat Days?

Do you take "Cheat Days" every now and then? I get this question at least once a week. Here's my take on "Cheat Days"-

Please give a "thumbs up" if you like this series! And WELCOME to all my new subscribers!

Got a WW question you'd like answered? Leave a comment! Or email it to me at shesnachomama@yahoo.com

Wishing you love with extra cheese-

Nacho Mama

Ain't no cure for the Summertime lose...

So...is summer over yet?

Is it safe to count points(plus) again?

Almost.

In addition to turning the big four-oh, this summer has been a whirlwind of non-stop guests (who always seem to want Mexican food) and Weight Watchers training. Tomorrow I leave for my big leader training in San Francisco. Keep your fingers crossed for me, folks!

All this entertaining has me a few pounds above goal. 2.8, to be exact. So it's back to the drawing board, or rather, the paper tracker. I'm counting everything AND writing it down AND posting my daily tracker online in the WW lifetime members' facebook group. I've also joined a Dietbet with Dani from Weight Off My Shoulders. I'll keep you posted!

Speaking of my awesome blogger friends, did you all catch Roni on GOOD MORNING AMERICA TODAY? No? Check out her recap and video clip HERE. Some shady diet-pill company STOLE her weightloss photos to sell their products! Can you believe it?

As I've been trying to keep my weight from creeping any higher, I can't seem to get the song "Summertime Blues" out of my head. Of course, I'm far too young to remember the original, but old enough to remember the Stray Cats' cover version from the 80s.

Seriously, how adorbs is Brian Setzer? And it is kind of uncanny how much he sounds like Eddie Cochran. No wonder they asked Brian to play him in La Bamba.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

VIDEO VAULT: "Owlways" Be Yourself!

Hi everyone!
Just a little reminder to "owlways" be true to who YOU are-not anyone else's expectations of who you should be! You've gotta sing-a your OWN song...

Have a great week-and don't forget to enter my MUY BIG GIVEAWAY! Entries close tomorrow.

I'll announce the winner LIVE on the podcast this Thursday and also here, at Nacho Mama's Blog. On the podcast we'll also be talking FITBLOGGIN, plus I'll answer YOUR weightloss questions (or at least try my best).

Wishing you love with extra cheese-a,
Nacho Mama

SPECIAL PODCAST! Episode 41: Getting Back from Gaining Back with Jen of Perfect in Our Imperfections

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

Click the player to listen NOW! :)

So last January you resolved to lose weight. And maybe you did.

But now it's January again and you've gained it all back-and then some. Join me and my special guest Dr. Jen of Perfect in our Imperfections for this special preview of our FITBLOGGIN 2013 discussion: Getting Back from Gaining Back

Participate LIVE in the chatroom as we talk about moving past the shame,learning from a regain and and using it to power us to our goals.

If you listen to the podcast, you've probably seen the above photo. Though it was taken by my husband about 6 years ago, it is pretty much EXACTLY how I look today. What you CAN'T see in this photo is that between that day and now? I gained back most of my 75lb loss, which means that I spent a good part of the last 6 years looking like this...

"Red, Fur-trimmed Coat Syndrome" Santa, STRESS & The Scale

Have you ever heard of "White Coat Syndrome"? That's when your blood pressure is unusually high because being in the doctor's office makes you nervous. My mom has this and always insists that the nurse take her BP at the end of her appointment, when she's slightly more relaxed.

Dude, you are totally tripping up my game!*

Listen folks, since Thanksgiving I have been "Miss Polly Perfect Super Weight Watchers Member of the World". I even lost weight after Thanksgiving! But every week since then, despite my being Practically Perfect in Every Way-the scale has crept up a little. The first time I shrugged it off, "I know I've been rockin' this program-the scale will catch up to me!" The second time I went back and scoured my food & activity journal-and wound up completely puzzled. Last Sunday when I weighed in at ANOTHER (0.8) gain? I was muy steamed, let me tell you.

DAY TWO: Delta Burke has a Point #NHBPM

Today's topic for National Health Blog Post Month: "Find a quote and use it as inspiration."

I DARE you not to look at Delta Burke! (image via Wikipedia)

I am always looking for inspirational quotes to help me along the road to health and fitness. Today I found this great one from (the CRIMINALLY underrated) Delta Burke that I just had to share with all of you...

You can be Mary, I'll be Rhoda #Hiya



Of course I loved Mary, but I'd much rather be Rhoda...(image via Wikipedia)

Rhoda Morgenstern: How can you gorge yourself and stay so skinny? I'm so hungry I can't stand it.
Mary Richards: Why don't you eat something?
Rhoda Morgenstern: I can't. I've got to lose 10 lbs by 8:30.

Happy Sunday Everyone! Hope yours is going as well as mine.  Last Sunday I was kind of bummed out after my Weight Watchers meeting, I had gained 0.6 lb thanks to a lethal combo of entertaining out of town guests (which is fun, but fattening) and my refrigerator being broken, which meant I was eating out EVERY DAY-YIKES!

But this week...

PODCAST Episode 23: Weightloss, Body Image and The Mind

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

Click the player to listen NOW!

Hypnotherapist Jill Thomas

So you've blown a ton of money on the latest fad diet, bootcamp workouts, shapewear and supplements and you're still unhappy with your body? Maybe it's time to bring your mind into the equation. Join me and my special guest, hypnotherapist Jill Thomas as we discuss how to use the power of the mind to develop a balanced holistic approach to food, exercise, and your body.

PODCAST 14: MOTIVATION for Healthy Living!

Click the player to listen NOW!

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

In the third installment of our revolving 3-part series, we discuss the final piece of the puzzle for healthy living: MOTIVATION! Join me and my special guest as we discuss why MOTIVATION is as essential to your physical and emotional well-being as fitness and healthy eating! We'd love to know: What keeps YOU motivated? Our guest today is Susan Jenztsch, founder of Moda by Sofia, a fitnesswear line designed for plus-sized women and motivational contributor to the Lifetime series "The Balancing Act."

PODCAST Episode 13: WEIGHTLOSS!

Listen to internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

So how's that New Year's Resolution to lose weight coming along? Join us as we bring back Stefanie Marie from If Curves Could Talk as we discuss the best, smartest, healthiest and EASIEST ways to lose weight and develop sensible, sustainable habits today! And, of course, we'll be discussing the Weight Watchers PointsPlus plan in detail-so if you have any questions, join us LIVE! This show is PART TWO of our 3-part series on Wellness.

BODY IMAGE SUNDAYS! We could all learn a lot from Diamond Lil...

Lately I've been thinking a LOT about Mae West. She was definitely one of a kind, a brilliant enterprising playwright as well as, quite possibly, the most formidable bombshell ever to hit Hollywood. She fought her entire career, not only for herself, but for equality among the sexes as well as the races.

This is a woman who wroteand starred in a Broadway play called "Sex"-in 1918. In 1927 she was sent to prison on NYC's Roosevelt Island for "corrupting the morals of youth."

BODY IMAGE SUNDAYS! Picasso's "Four Bathers"

If there's one artist who showcased the female body in all it's forms, it's Picasso. He was such a prolific painter and sculptor that one could take days and days looking at his work. Right now I'm loving this piece from 1921, Quatre Baigneuses (The Four Bathers).

image via about.com

Picasso painted this around the same time he was designing sets for the Ballet Russe, which might have influenced the "stagey" feeling of this painting. I love the theatrical way the light plays off of the women and how much Picasso seems to delight in their shapes. And I especially love how at ease the women seem.

Wishing you love with extra cheese-
Nacho Mama

Body Image Sundays! The "Baker Dancer"

It occurred to me today that I haven't been flexing my Art History chops so much here at Nacho Mama's Blog. Art has always been a big part of my life and continues to be a big source of inspiration and motivation for me, especially when it comes to body image. SO I've decided to start a new weekly series, sharing some of my favorite empowering images of women throughout Art History.

Many of you know that, before deciding to go back to grad school, I had a career at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is FULL of beautiul representations of women throughout the centuries!

PODCAST Episode 8: BODY IMAGE

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"Hey good looking! Yeah YOU!"

Is this what you say to yourself in the mirror every day? No?

image via IfCurvesCouldTalk.com

This week, we'll be talking about BODY IMAGE. The bad, the good and the even better. Join me as I speak with Stefanie Marie from If Curves Could Talk about her inspiring , sometimes hilarious journey to loving her body.

PODCAST EPISODE 7: Pop Culture and Your Weightloss Journey "Does this TV Show Make Me Look Fat?"

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internet radio with NachoMamasPodcast on Blog Talk Radio

My fave TV show ever!! Image via Wikipedia

This week, join us we bring back (by popular demand) Cynthia Martinez of Fat Girl Escapades. We'll be talking about POP CULTURE! How our fave tv shows (RuPaul's Drag Race, I'm looking at you!), music, movies and more influence our weight loss journey-for better or worse.