Intermittent Fasting and Exercise

I started IF back in June, and it has been a game-changer. I do 18:6, five days a week. Two days a week, I eat breakfast with the family or break my fast early. IF is indeed a healthy lifestyle habit and not a diet trend. I have lost a total of 10 pounds, but I hardly weigh myself. More than looking skinny, I want to look FIT! I want to look and feel healthy. I see more muscle definition and have increased from 5 to 15-pound dumbbells. THIS is huge to a person who could hardly get through the day three years ago because of disabling back pain. If I can do it, so can you.
I do not count calories, but I do try to eat a balanced diet. I try to eat reasonable portions. And I move my body every day. More than ever, we have sedentary lifestyles. Think about food as fuel. You would not give your car more fuel than it needs. For one thing, it’s expensive, and for the other, it’s not logical. In American, 15% of children and 40% of adults are obese. It’s estimated that most people eat 400 or more calories than they need every day. EVERYDAY. Change your mindset about food, Yes we all have things we like to eat, and that’s ok. That is where moderation comes in. Keep it reasonable.
People ask me all the time how I can stick to the y workout routine. Well, I have an arsenal of why’s. When I feel unmotivated, I click through reasons in my brain until I find the right one. Is it stress or anxiety relief, is it family workout time with my kids, is it because I committed to riding with a friend. Is it because I ate all the things because aunt Flo is in town? We make room for things we value in life. You have to love your me-time, your self-care time. Set a schedule and stick to it. Is it early mornings or evenings? Find a time that fits your schedule and get sweaty. I promise you will not regret it.
Find an accountability partner and make it fun!! You get one body, be grateful for it and MOVE IT!!

2019 to late 2020. I have ABS for the first time ever and I am DAMN proud.

Hello New Year

High standards and mindful sourcing got me thinking... We should all be mindful of what we put in and on our bodies. Many people are mindful in the new year, but can you commit to make it all year?
Mindfulness and self-reflection do not come easy. As I reflect on this last year, it mostly seems like a big blur—stress, anxiety, and sadness. But then there are also light spots. I shared many smiles and hugs with my kids. I was able to watch them grow closer with all the extra playtime. Growing a small side business and taking on a master's degree program. I did both of these things on a whim, and what a ride it has been. Sometimes joy comes from unexpected places. Embrace it! Love yourself, have high standards, and instead of asking yourself, why me? Ask why NOT me?
Start this year with self-love and self-reflection. If you need an accountability partner or a clean skincare routine, I am here!!

November Newsletter

Free gift from me with purchase thru November!

Get your gift on! 

Do Not Miss This Offer!
Gift bags for anyone in your life! Local delivery available!
 
You can mix and match or separate, gift bag included.
 
text me 720-530-7158 for details! 
New Holiday Sets drop November 5th!
https://www.beautycounter.com/jodijames

Band of Beauty members,  get early access to 5 new limited-edition holiday sets: Clean Deo Minis, Winter Warmth Duo, The Jellies—Brights, Luminous Lids Cream Shadows & the Softening Hand Duo. This offer last Nov 1-4th

Not a member? No problem, you can join when you order your sets! Being a member gives you access to specials all year long!

Interested in hosting??

Free clean kit when you host in November or December! 

email me to schedule a pop up

The Vid

Here we are, the COVID 19 resurge is in full effect. The hospitals are filling up, healthcare worker burnout is at an all time high and EVERYONE is tired of social distancing. We have so many freedoms that we enjoy and don’t think twice about. COVID has shown us that sometimes you have to do what right, not for yourself but for the greater good.

I volunteered to help out in my old ICU. It is so hard to watch my coworkers struggle. It’s 2020 for them as well. I want to help before school is back online and I am home with Estelle co-teaching second grade. What we are experiencing will never happen again. I want to be able to tell my grandkids that I did the right thing and choose to help where I could. Kindness and grace is something we can all give.

This has been a trying year for many reasons. The other main reason is what is happening on Nov 3 but we won’t get into that here 😉. I have tried really hard in all this to enjoy the extra family and down time. Live in the moment and remember what is important in life. It’s not money, social media or fancy vacations. Wear a mask and be safer at home because it’s the right thing to do. Stay safe my friends.

Family Updates

I am blown away that it is fall already. See what I did there? We are just trying to survive 2020 and the worlds longest kitchen remodel. The highlight is both kiddos are happy and healthy! Estelle keeps losing teeth and Trevor learned how to ride his bike. Trevor has also started his Christmas list, if anyone was wondering. He checks the mail every day for a new toy catalog. However, his birthday is coming so he also has a list for that. I do not know where he gets this need for a list from!?! Thats the thing about kids, you realize that you are having conversations with yourself. A little human who shares your mannerisms and need to be organized and on task. We get things done around here!

The husband is off next week so I am hoping we get through the final phase of kitchen renovations. We need drawer handles, molding, countertops and backsplash. The before and after pictures will get posted once everything is done. I can’t tell you how good it is to have cabinets with doors that close.

We had some family pictures taken last month and they are perfection. Everyone smiled and no one cried. It was a big win. Finally, I started classes for my MSN. I am terrified that I cannot keep up with all of this. I started this blog to spend less time on my phone scrolling through facebook, I want to put content out that is visible every time you look for it. I do not want to play the social game of trying to get seen. I want to be sincere and post things that are meaningful. I hope you will join me here and read my posts.

Fall Photos 2020

Be your own motivation

Working out is something that I choose to make time for. I do it for me, my sanity and my kids. I want to be a good example and show them that it’s ok to take care of yourself. I also suffer from anxiety and a good sweat helps keep it in check. I think to be successful at a healthy lifestyle you have to think of it as part of your normal routine. Not something you do when you have time. Make it part of your routine and stick to it, do something that you enjoy. These days you can stream almost any content right into your home. You are stronger than your excuses. I know you are!! If I can do it so can you.

I have a 112 week streak of work outs! My goal has never been to be a certain size, I have a weight that I’m comfortable at and I wanted to get back to that. However, I realize that the magic number doesn’t exist. I feel better than I have in years. My stomach feels strong and my abs are strong enough to keep my lower back from hurting. That is a WIN. I haven’t shared any pictures because I always felt like there wasn’t enough of a change. Well that ends today. I feel strong and proud of my journey. The left is today, right is from May.

I choose LOVE. LOVE yourself first. ❤️

Get your sample on!

Counter + and makeup samples

My sample bag is lonely and looking for a friend! I have options from all lines. Let me know what you are interested in and I can get it to you. I experienced a learning curve with shipping labels but thanks to prate ship I am now shipping literate:)

Product List Available:

Eye Makeup Remover: Innovative dual-phase formula to completely erase long-wear and waterproof makeup. Made without mineral oil or silicones, it uses coconut and macadamia oils. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Tint Skin: creamy foundation that actually cares for your skin, buildable and natural-looking, It also includes sodium hyaluronate, to promote smoother-looking skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Skin Twin: Second-skin wear: Blends seamlessly into skin for a weightless, breathable, natural finish. Lasting coverage: Provides buildable light-to-medium coverage that lasts all day* via color-true hydrophobic pigments. Skin-care benefits**: A potent dose of hyaluronic acid visibly plumps and smooths skin immediately and helps to minimize appearance of fine lines over time. Fragrance Free 

Counter + Products: Are a great addition to any routine. 

Bright C serum: A unique blend of two ultra-stable forms of vitamin C delivers a supercharged 10% potency. Our quick-absorbing formula allows for easy layering and an instant boost of radiance. Leaves skin glowing and promotes an even skin tone.

Charcoal Mask: Absorbs excess oil, visibly minimizes pores, purifies, detoxifies, and clarifies complexion. Helps calm, refine, and smooth skin.

Cleansing Balm:This multi-tasking cleansing balm, perfect for day and night use, hydrates while it cleanses, removing makeup and impurities with nourishing ingredients that won’t strip away your skin’s natural moisture. (Bonus: it can also be used as a mask for a hydrating overnight facial.) With a blend of lotus extract.

Plumping Facial Oil: Our proprietary blend of oils is designed to help hydrate, nourish, and visibly firm skin. Jasmine floral wax provides a subtle floral scent while Omega-rich Argan oil helps deliver essential omega acids to the skin.  

Resurfacing Peel: Our proprietary blend of oils is designed to help hydrate, nourish, and visibly firm skin. Jasmine floral wax provides a subtle floral scent while Omega-rich Argan oil helps deliver essential omega acids to the skin.  

CounterStart Moisturizer: This lightweight, non-greasy daily moisturizer absorbs quickly and provides nourishing hydration. Perfect for sensitive skin, the gentle formula features a blend of coconut oil and aloe vera to nourish and soothe skin, as well as vitamin E to help protect against environmental aggressors.

Foaming Cleanser: This creamy foaming cleanser features squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid to remove face and eye makeup, wash away impurities, and get you glowing. Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, not tight or dry. Made with safer ingredients, it’s one to wash.

Countermatch eye cream: Formulated for the delicate eye area, this cream awakens eyes with hydrating squalane. Phytic acid helps to boost oxygenation and while reducing the appearance of shadows and puffiness.

Countermatch recovery sleeping cream: This overnight cream with two forms of hyaluronic acid helps create a protective layer to shield skin from moisture loss during sleep. The advanced formula replenishes hydration and revitalizes skin with a blend of hyaluronic acid, squalane, plum oil, and phytic acid.

Makeup Tutorial

My mom recently decided to add makeup into her skin care routine. Look how the shimmery brown from the classic palette make her hazel eyes shine.

We discussed routines and when to do what step:

  1. Cleanse- A clean face is a happy face. The beauty counter cleansers are great at removing makeup. Apply the cleanser to your face and wash off with a warm washcloth.
  2. Prep- The prep step is for using toner. Toner helps prep the skin for the treatment step.
  3. Treat- This is your serum step. This is when you apply serum- All bright C serum, overnight peels or the serum in your collection
    • This is also when you apply eye cream. Just a few dabs will do you under your eyes- am and pm
    • If I am using the All Bright C Serum I will skip makeup for the day, leaving you light and bright under your mask
    • If I wear makeup I skip this step in the morning
  4. Moisturize- Hydrated skin is happy skin. This is always the last step in the morning or at night
  5. Makeup-
    • Concealer- For those not so desirable pimples or redness- new shades on BC.com that match the skin twin foundation
    • Foundation- You can use a makeup brush, a beauty blender sponge but build to your desired amount of coverage
    • Blush, Bronzer and/or highlight powder- I like some bronzer to tone done my redness
    • Great new highlighter and creme shadows are dropping in a few weeks!
    • Eyes- mix and match from all the amazing pallets!
      • Eyeliner if you are going for it! Mascara to finish it off
    • Some beyond gloss or lip conditioner to keep those lips hydrated during mask wearing

I do vary steps listed above depending on the day. We need choices ladies!!

A few updates:

  1. The clean DEO minis and counterman body wash and shampoo drop the last week for the October for members!!
  2. The full size DEO is dropping in January!! I cannot wait to get back on this train!
  3. More wonderful holiday gift sets drop on Nov 1! November is my Bday month. I will still be offering a free gift with purchase. #giftclean