Kick boxing is one of the most awesome workouts I have ever done. There was a class I used to take in San Francisco called TNT – short for Tone and Tighten – which comes close because the instructor had us lifting weights for an hour and totally killed me. Kickboxing, however, surpasses TNT because it’s full of cardio, weights, and strength moves. Seriously, I sweat like I have never sweat before. My fingers start shaking from typing, that’s how intense this class is.

This is 2 hours after finishing the class and my hair is still sweaty. The rest of me dried out, lucky for you.

Also, please note the awesome t-shirt I have on. Go DUCKS!!!

Yeah, that’s right, I swam in college. With no other competitive swimming background. For 2 quarters. On the club team. What.

Per the usual routine I showered after my sweaty workout, but not before scarfing down some delicious dinner courtesy of my parents. I got locked out of our apartment so decided that instead of going to Safeway and buying some crappy meal that I would drive the 10 minutes to my parent’s house and see what they had cooking. Turns out it was pretty awesome because my Dad had just caught a huge Coho salmon on Monday. I got to eat elbow macaroni with salmon and spring peas, along with a fruit salad of blueberries and peaches, plus some more smoked salmon. So good.

Anyways, once I was finally back at the apartment I showered with the baking soda and apple cider vinegar per the usual. During this time of no shampoo I’ve noticed that my skin has gotten a lot clearer. I think it’s because I’m not inadvertently washing it with all the lauryl or laureth sulfates from normal shampoo runoff, which can be drying. You can see in the picture above that I’m not wearing any face makeup, yet no pimple is in sight! The boyfriend even commented that he thinks my skin has gotten smoother, which is definitely an added bonus. My usual skin care routine consists of scrubbing with a Kiss My Face exfoliating scrub, then either an Origins face wash or a Neutrogena one. After hopping out of the shower I apply a face lotion with SPF, but know that I don’t need the SPF at  night. It’s just the only lotion I have right now. Lately I’ve been thinking about mixing up my face routine to incorporate more natural ingredients and products. I’m doing some research so that I can get a post going on the topic, and hope to figure out which products I want to try next.

One thing I’ve changed is that I’m now putting olive oil under my eyes for added moisture. Olive oil is extremely moisturizing, plus has antioxidants which I think helps that sensitive skin. Making products at home is always a great alternative, I just need to find the time. I’ve found this site with some good recipes, and once I get some jars and supplies I’m all over that craft project.

What do you use for your skincare? Any raves or rants on specific products?