My Warrior Dash Experience

Warrior Dash Finishers!

Yesterday I participated in Warrior Dash, my first ever 5K!  I know in my last Warrior Dash post, I said I was training by running every day.  However, since that post I eventually stopped training due to laziness, and some bad weather.  I kind of regret not training as my body is incredibly sore today and it's been hard for me to even get out of bed =/ but there's always next year (hopefully!)
We arrived about an hour before our start time.  We signed up for the 9:30 wave and the weather was perfect.  We picked up our packets at registration which contained our timing chip (which was to be attached to your shoe), warrior hat, shirt, and our participant number.  We headed to the start line as soon as the 9:00 wave left, and 30 minutes later we set out on the 5k course.  I got off to a good running start and ran a good mile without stopping to walk, but after that I was so tired I walked the rest of the way.  The obstacles in order were:
Teetering Traverse
Giant Cliffhanger
Great Warrior Wall
Horizontal Hike
Chaotic Crossover
Storming Normandy
Barricade Breakdown
Deadmans Drop
Assassins Escape
Deadweight Drifter
Warrior Roast
Cargo Climb
Muddy Mayhem

The infamous mud pit

I was able to complete every obstacle except the Great Wall, which I wasn't even able to get myself halfway up without letting go.  I felt that one was the most challenging, probably because I lack upper body strength.  I was a bit worried about jumping over fire, but since we had just come out of the lake, it wasn't too bad.  The muddy pit at the end was the cherry on top, and such a fun way to end the race.  At the finish line you receive your medal and we also got a small packet of granola and a banana.  Honestly I don't think giving out snacks at the finish line was such a good idea.  As we headed to the rinse-off area (which was in the lake), we saw a bunch of uneaten bananas and granola packets all over the ground.  I didn't eat mine either and ended up throwing it away.  Even though we rinsed in the lake, needless to say when I changed afterward, I had mud in some unwanted places =/
One thing I was surprised with was how organized this event was.  There was food, merchandise, live entertainment, a bag check, changing area, first aide (both on site and along the course), etc. You also got a free beer if you handed in your timing chip from your shoe.  The live music was pretty good, and I highly recommend getting the turkey legs!  They were surprisingly really good.  The merchandise they were selling was also reasonably priced so I got a tank top ($10) and a towel ($15).  On your participant number, they had a coupon for $5 off $25 or more, so I got both for $20!
Even though I finished with a time of 1:08, I'm still proud of myself for finishing strong, and it was such a fun experience.  I will definitely do this next year if they come back to Hawaii!

The Hunger Games Movie Review

The Hunger Games Midnight showing

 SPOILER WARNING!!

So the long awaited Hunger Games premier was on Friday.  I went to see the midnight showing at Dole.  It was my first time going to a midnight showing, so we got there early at about 8:00.  We were closer to the front of the line, so we were able to get good seats.  We saw it in IMAX which I highly recommend!
Overall, I thought the movie was really good.  Like I've heard from a lot of people, they left out a lot of important details from the book.  However, being that the screenplay was adapted from the book, I thought it was well done despite some missing details.  These types of films are never as good as the book, since movies do have time constraints they can't include every detail.  I did notice a lack of character development, and the movie felt rushed overall, even though it was almost 2 1/2 hours.  I felt like some parts moved really slow, and others were very fast.  Up until the actual scenes in the arena, I thought it was quite slow, but once the games start, I felt it was too rushed.  For example, in the cave scene with Peeta and Katniss, or when Cato dies.  I felt those parts in the book were really long and drawn out, but in the movie it was so short.  I didn't like how they changed the story behind the Mockingjay pin, and they left out some important details about the hovercraft, and the Avox (although I think these were mentioned, but not explained).  The story behind the Mockingjay was important though, so I wonder how the next movies will progress.  Also, in the books, they were told from Katniss's point of view.  You get a lot of flashbacks and back stories from her, which you don't really get in the movie.
The visuals for this movie definitely did not disappoint!  My favorite was the scenes in the capitol.  It was amazing to see how they brought those images to life.  I loved the makeup and fashion, and just the overall depiction of Capitol life.  The food and their living space looked amazing, and the train was exactly how I pictured it looking.  I loved their costumes at the parade and the interviews.  I think the acting was also well done.  Jennifer Lawrence did an awesome job as Katniss!  Some of my favorite scenes were the start of the games, Rue's death, the tracker jacker scene, as well as the ending with Seneca Crane. There were a lot of dramatic and emotional scenes that were very good.  As far as being true to the book, despite leaving out a couple of details, I thought the movie was spot on.
I think this movie was great.  Honestly, not as amazing as the previews made it seem, but I think I have much higher expectations after reading the books.  If you haven't read the books, this will definitely be entertaining and I think you will like it.  If you're like me and have read the books, you may be a little disappointed, but like I said it's so hard to live up to the book.  I really liked the movie overall and would definitely see it again!  For those who have seen the movie, what are your thoughts?

March Myglam Glam Bag Review

I received my March Glam Bag yesterday and I'm a little disappointed.  Sorry I didn't do a review last month, but I was busy finding a new job, and I didn't think it was worth writing a review.  Here is what I got this month:
DermStore Care Package: Pur-lisse Pur Protect SPF30 Daily Moisturizer, Murad Eye Life Prefector, Dermstore $25 Gift Card
3LAB Perfect Cleansing Foam
Keracolor Enhancing Leave-in Treatment
Myglam Classic Crease Brush and case

I think the bag this month is pretty ugly, and it looks extremely cheap compared to the past bags, which were very nice.  It's made of a canvas material and the print seems to be fading off a little.  On their facebook page, people were complaining that the bag smelled horrible.  It definitely doesn't smell good, but I don't think it's that bad. 
I am pretty disappointed with the samples this month.  The "care package" from Dermstore was a huge let down.  The samples we got seem like the ones you can get for free when ordering with Sephora.  I was also hoping to get some makeup in this months bag, but it's all skin and hair products.  I think it's a little misleading, especially when on the MyGlam site, the picture shows a bag full of makeup, which  so far I've only gotten 3 makeup samples out of all the bags I've gotten.  They also say you will get full sized or deluxe-sized samples, but I definitely would not consider those "deluxe" samples.  The $25 "gift card" is actually $25 off a $50 or more order, so it's basically like 50% off.  Unfortunately I'm not sure if I will be using the gift card or not.  I'll have to look at the site more, but I think they do offer free shipping on any order, so that's a plus.
I guess the makeup brush can be counted as the makeup item, but unlike the bag, the brush smells terrible (like nail polish or something, very chemically!).  The bristles are soft, but I don't know if I will be using it or not because the smell just really turns me off.  The case it comes in was cute but looks poorly made.  Feels really cheap, and some of the color is already coming off.  Another downside is that you can't put regular sized brushes in the case, only small travel ones.  I read on another blog that MyGlam will be sending other travel sized exclusive brushes in the future, so we'll see.
I was happy to see the 3LAB sample of facial cleanser.  I'm pretty excited to try this out, and it's a very nice size (full size I think) at 3.4oz.  Even though I don't have colored hair, I think I'll give the leave-in treatment a try.
Overall, not impressed with this month at all.  Anyone else get a MyGlam bag this month?  What are your thoughts?  I'm actually very excited for Birchbox this month.  The special Teen Vouge box looks very promising.  I'm still waiting for my box (and I'm fearing a repeat of last months shipping fiasco), so I'll post my review as soon as I get it. 

Hunger Games Tag!

My Hunger Games shirt for the opening night.

Courtesy of  Joey Graceffa on Youtube :)

1. What is your favorite book in the hunger games trilogy?
Mocking Jay is definitely my favorite! 
2. How long would you last in the hunger games?
Probably not long lol.  I wouldn't head for the cornucopia...I would probably just hide XD
3. What is the strangest thing you thought was going to happen in the books?
I was surprised that Katniss ended up with Peeta.  Also when they were entered in the Quarter Quell in Catching Fire, but I thought the arena was awesome!
4. How were you introduced to the hunger Games?
My sister and GF gt me into the books.
5. Favorite moment that happens in Hunger Games?
I like the ending of the first book the best.
6. Favorite Villain?
Hm...not sure.  President Snow?  I thought his character was really interesting, despite how much you grow to hate him throughout the series.
7. Who is your Favorite Character?
Gale or Finnick
8. What District would you live in?
Well, I am in district 8...idk I guess I'm pretty happy with that.
9. What was the most emotional moment in the books for you?
When Rue dies, or the ending in Mocking Jay
10. What item from home would you take into the Arena with you?
Probably my wedding ring.  I can't think of anything else at the moment.
11. What was the most evil plan someone made in the books?
The Quarter Quell from Catching fire.  Why would you put them through that twice?!
12. What are you looking forward to the most in the film?
I'm really excited to see how they portray the capital (and their food!) and the arena.  The movie looks promising from the previews so I hope it doesn't disappoint!

Please do this tag if you're a Hunger Games fan!  I'd love to see everyone's answers!  Btw I got my shirt above from Etsy.  Is anyone else going to the midnight premier?  I bought my tickets already.  Can't wait!
 

February 2012 Birchbox Review

Ok, so I was probably the last person to receive their February Birchbox this month :(
Long story short, for some reason it took me almost 2 1/2 weeks for my Birchbox to arrive!  Their customer service was super nice and assured me that I would get my box by the end of the month, which I did.  But it's just weird that the shipping took so long, because usually I get it within 3-5 days.  Apparently it was sent by boat from CA which is why it took so long.  Anyway, I was a little dissapointed with the samples this month.  The card included in the box didn't even match the actual samples I got.  Anyway here's what was in my box:
colorscience pro Glow and Go Travel Puff (sunkissed bronze)
Eye Rock Designer Eyeliner (4 pairs)
Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Bronze (.07oz)
Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant (.45oz)
Nail file
Digital download: Six songs from Green River Ordinance

I was actually very pleased to see the Dermalogica sample.  It's a powder exfoliant and a very good size, so I think it will last a long time.  I'm pretty excited to try that out.  The Jouer sample which I was really looking forward to was such a big disappointment!  First off the sample is so tiny that you'd probably only get one or two uses out of it.  The color is also in bronze which is too dark for me.  I'm also not too crazy about this stick on eyeliner or the bronzing travel puff, so I'll probably be giving those away. 
Honestly, I hate that Birchbox is such a hit and miss.  Some months they give great samples (that I would actually use) and other months I'm really disappointed.  I think I'll see what the March box has and then decided if I will continue subscribing or not.  Anyone else get a bad one this month too??

Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil Review

Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencils

Last month Hautelook had another Urban Decay sale!  I bought the 23/7 Shadow Pencil mini set, which was only $12, as well as another Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden. You get 5 mini sized shadow pencils with a nice combination of colors, which include:
Delinquent , Rehab, Juju, Sin, Clash
Swatches:

L-R: Delinquent, Rehab, Juju, Sin, Clash

Each mini pencil has 2.5g of product, and compared to the full sized ones which are only 2.8g (for $20) so these are definitely a great value at only $12.  As far as I see, all the colors are available in full size on the Urban Decay website except Juju.  These sets are a great way to try out the product before you but the full size, although I think the mini size will last quite a while.
As far as the quality goes, these are very creamy and easy to blend.  Application is very smooth and pigmented.  What I like is that you can build the color, so if you prefer a more sheer or opaque coverage, you can do either.  These do have a bit of fine glitter in them, but because they're creamy there's no fallout.  I usually hate glitter in eyeshadows, but these look very pretty on the eyes.  I wore Juju yesterday just as a light wash of color all over my lids and it lasted about 7 hours before creasing.  I did use a primer underneath. so this did pretty well on my very oily lids.  I'd say these are about as good as the Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows, but you get a much better color selection with the UD pencils.
Overall I highly recommend these!  My favorite colors are Delinquent and Juju.  If you can get your hands on a mini set like this, definitely pick one up!