Lipgloss + Spandex
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I started a podcast!

3/18/2020

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Guys, the world is a real crazy place. I’m fully embracing social distancing and staying home to give our healthcare workers and vulnerable populations a chance to make it through this pandemic. In the meantime, since I’m out of work until our studio re-opens, I’ve been thinking of ways to spread love and laughs to get us through. I’m bringing back the blog too, with a new (but undecided) scope. 

Check out my first podcast episode on
Anchor
Spotify 
...coming soon to other platforms!

This episode features one of my favorite breathwork visualizations and its designed to help you through the process of letting go of stress. LMK what you think.
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Update re: DDDU's lack of payment to charity.

12/9/2016

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 Double Dog Dare U issued the following statement on their Facebook page this morning regarding the Panda Burro Invitational and the Pongo Fund (DDDU also submitted it to Run Oregon for posting).

First, a friend of Pattric Langley paid the $2800 that DDDU owed to the Pongo Fund. I have confirmed with the Pongo Fund that they received a payment $2800. The issue remains that the $2800 that people entrusted to DDDU is NOT the money that’s been sent to the Pongo Fund.
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Second, I URGE every single one of the sixteen virtual runners to IMMEDIATELY go to http://doubledogdareuevents.com/pbvpo.com and state whether you want your refund via Paypal or via cashiers check. I would suggest that you save a copy of any confirmation you receive of your submission, as well as making sure that you save your original virtual runner confirmation from runsignup.com. As of 12/9/16 at 5:09pm, that website is getting a 404 error. Instead, email doubledogdareuevents@gmail.com and use delivery/read receipts.
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Third: If you were a participant, sponsor, or donor for the Panda Burro Invitational, you have the right to inform the appropriate governing bodies about your experience. Please consider taking the any and all of following actions:

  • If you were a participant (virtual or actual), sponsor, or donor, please consider contacting the Oregon Department of Justice and the Washington State Attorney General (DDDU has their expired business license in Oregon and the event occurred in Washington, so both are applicable). The more complaints that there are, they more likely they are to take notice.

  • If you were a participant, sponsor, or donor, consider reporting DDDU to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

  • If you are a member of Oregon Road Runners Club, contact them regarding Pattric Langley’s position on their board as VP of Race Operations, which he continues to hold. Their email addresses are membership@oregonroadrunnersclub.org,treasurer@oregonroadrunnersclub.org, marketing@oregonroadrunnersclub.org,haggmud@oregonroadrunnersclub.org, president@oregonroadrunnersclub.org.

  • SHARE. Share this information about the situation, tell your friends, post to social media, etc.

  • Boycott DDDU and their events. Their event calendar currently consists of Lucky Dog, Double Five, Youngberg Hill, Bald Peak Half, Twelve Bridges Relay, Twilight Dragon Relay, and San Juan Relay.

  • If you are aware of any other wrongdoings on the part of Double Dog Dare U Events, or on the part of Pattric Langley as the ORRC VP of Race Operations, it is incredibly important that you bring that to the attention of the appropriate authorities (ex. Oregon DOJ, WA AG, ORRC, etc).
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KGW: Nonprofit pet food bank still waiting for money it's owed by Double Dog Dare U Events

12/3/2016

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UPDATE: KGW-TV just shared the following video and article about the donation that Double Dog Dare U Events still hasn't paid to the Pongo Fund, three months after the event.

Please share, and #boycottDDDU. The running community, and the local charities, deserve better treatment than this. (I posted a link to my original statement regarding the event on Run Oregon--link in the comments, and the KGW article as well).

https://www.facebook.com/LipglossSpandex/videos/1209355325797063/

http://www.kgw.com/news/local/nonprofit-waiting-for-thousands-of-dollars-owed-from-fundraiser/362288778

https://runoregonblog.com/2016/12/01/local-race-organizer-double-dog-dare-u-events-fails-to-follow-through-with-donation-from-race-proceeds/
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Local race organizer Double Dog Dare U Events fails to follow through with donation from race proceeds

12/1/2016

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This blog post was originally posted on Run Oregon Blog this morning.
Local race organizer Double Dog Dare U Events fails to follow through with donation from race proceeds
Posted on December 1, 2016 by Marilyn Tycer 

Editors Note: Run Oregon notified Double Dog Dare U (DDDU) on 11/26 and 11/30 that a post would be going live, in an effort to allow them to respond to the following subject matter. DDDU posted an update to their Facebook page for the first time on 11/30. 

A few months ago, I was part of a team that put on an event that meant a lot to me: The Panda Burro Invitational. It was a 5k/10k race with a virtual option and a free kids run, organized to raise funds for the Pongo Fund, a local pet food bank. The event was the brainchild of my best friend, Ardara, her boyfriend Ron (who also works for a local event company), and me. We love running, we love animals, and we wanted to put on a fun event to bring people together for a good cause. Upon learning about the race concept, Tina and Pattric Langley of Double Dog Dare U Events (DDDU), a historically reputable and local running event company, offered to handle the logistics and planning. They scheduled the event for August 27, 2016, and Mr. Langley assumed the role of race-director for the event. What was seemingly a good decision for our feel-good story and race has unfortunately taken a sideways turn.

As of today, DDDU has yet to deliver funds to the Pongo Fund and has not even mailed out any of the virtual race packets from the Panda Burro Invitational. Before this event, I was eager to support DDDU as a Race Ambassador, a position I have since resigned as part of cutting all ties with their company. I am incredibly disappointed by DDDU’s treatment of their running community and the charity for which the money was raised.

During the planning process, DDDU agreed to our dream that part of the Panda Burro Invitational race proceeds be donated to the Pongo Fund. Ardara, Ron, and I spent countless hours volunteering for the Panda Burro Race, asking friends and absolute strangers for sponsorships and donations, promoting the event, and even putting our own money into helping make the event a success. In the weeks leading up to the event, more than 165 runners and walkers registered for the race and virtual race, 30+ wonderful sponsors signed on, forty amazing raffle prizes were donated, and $1,000 of sponsorship money was raised. The feedback that I received was that race day itself was a positive experience for both runners and sponsors. So I was disappointed (to say the least) when I learned that Mr. Langley had not followed through with the donations or virtual runner packet mailing, and increasingly so as more and more weeks passed by.

Mr. Langley and DDDU controlled all financial aspects of the race, including securing race insurance and permits, handling registration fees, online donations, sponsorship money, and raffle ticket sales. These are all vital elements to putting on a safe and fun event, and he had plenty of experience with DDDU and as a board member for a local nonprofit running club. DDDU was also supposed to issue a check for the donation to the Pongo Fund. But three months after the event date, virtual runners are still posting on the event’s facebook page to inquire about their swag (Editors note: It appears the Panda Burro Race Facebook event page was removed on 11/30), and more importantly, the Pongo Fund is waiting on the donation that they’ve been counting on. A donation of more than $2,500: the sum of $1,891 in online donations from 57 people, $595 in raffle ticket sales, and about $300 from the percentage of race registrations earmarked for the contribution to the Pongo Fund. (editors note: when Run Oregon administrators reached out to DDDU on 11/26, they were told that payments would be made by year’s end. However, by this posting, Run Oregon has not been informed of communication between DDDU and the Pongo Fund).

I’ve tried to get an explanation from DDDU, but haven’t received a response from Mr. Langley to any of the texts, calls, or emails that I’ve sent. If there was something going on that prevented him from writing that check or mailing the virtual packets, I would understand – but nothing has kept DDDU from remaining active on their other social media pages, and promoting their other events. Other participants have also been left in the dark, despite their emails and Facebook posts asking for information. Even though I’ve resigned as an (unpaid) ambassador, I still care enough about the Pongo Fund and the Panda Burro Invitational participants to try and answer their questions on social media. Even if the only answer I can give is for them to email Mr. Langley at doubledogdareuevents@gmail.com, it’s important to me personally that this isn’t forgotten until the Pongo Fund receives the donation.

I would hate to give Run Oregon readers the idea that local race organizers don’t do a good job – nearly all of them do. Since race director Mr. Langley has not responded to any correspondence from myself, nor the Pongo Fund, since mid-September, I hope that this post will encourage them to make good on their promises to the Pongo Fund and those runners still waiting to see their race packet. The event isn’t truly over until every single virtual race packets is delivered as promised, and until the Pongo Fund has received and cashed a valid check from Double Dog Dare U Events. Regardless of when or if that is, you’ve got something to think about when you’re planning your 2017 race calendar.


This post was written by, and is personal experience of, blogger Marilyn Tycer. The views and experience in this post do not necessarily reflect those of all of Run Oregon.
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2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Leggings from Fox & Glitter! #shoplocal

11/26/2016

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I'm obsessed with leggings. I used to be one of those "Leggings. Are. Not. Pants." snobs, and then suddenly the only pants I wore were leggings. I'm kind of picky about them (okay, super picky). I expect a lot out of my leggings! They have to LOOK good, FEEL good, and they can't break the bank. I was pretty stoked when I heard about Fox & Glitter, a company right here in Vancouver WA, that's run by two ladies who love looking fabulous. They source out legging in all sorts of patterns--there's tons of great stuff for everyday, including fleece lined leggings, plain leggings, and gorgeous patterns. There's also some really fun stuff, like leggings with DONUTS on them, robot leg leggings, and leggings with kittens/macarons/ice cream/cookies on them! They're always getting new prints in.

All of the leggings are incredibly soft and comfortable--great for lounging around, or wearing to work, or to the gym. Seriously, I make people touch them so they can see for themselves how fabulous they feel. The waistband is comfy and stretchy, and they're higher waisted, which means it won't be cutting right into your gut (no muffin top!) I'm 5'5" and have found that the length is just perfect for me.

​A pair of leggings will set you back just $20. My problem is that I can't buy JUST ONE PAIR... I now have about nine pairs in my closet, and I have a wishlist of lots of others.  

Fox & Glitter also sells fashionable tops, skirts, cardigans, and dresses. I just picked up an adorable plaid flannel shirtdress for $28!

How do you get YOUR legs in a pair of these fantastic leggings?

Option #1: Join the private Fox & Glitter Boutique shopping page on Facebook. You can see what inventory is available, and then pick the items up locally or have them shipped to you.

Option #2: You can check out these RAD leggings in person at the following events:
  • MOB Sip and Shop Social, FREE event, open to the public
    TODAY (11/27/2016) 3-6pm at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House
    $4 mimosas!!!
    This event features local, mom-owned businesses (complete list of vendors available on their facebook event page)
  • 6th Annual JC Fitness Christmas Dance Fundraiser, open to the public
    FREE but $10 suggested donation to local charities supporting families in need
    Saturday (12/3/2016) 8-11am at Manor Grange #1101

Whether you're holiday shopping or looking to TREAT. YO. SELF., be sure to check out Fox & Glitter <3
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IT Cosmetics "IT's All About You!" collection is on special TODAY!

6/25/2016

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PR Sample
​IT Cosmetics makes some incredible products, and one of the best places to get a great deal is on QVC--especially when they're featured as Today's Special Value! The IT Cosmetics "IT's All About You!" four piece collection is on special TODAY, Saturday June 25th, and it may be one of my favorite collections that they've released.
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IT Cosmetics IT's All About You! Customer Favorites Collection

$59.94 + S&H: $3.00 today only!
Regularly $72.50 on QVC (roughly a $181 value)
  • Super-size CC+ Cream Illumination in Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, or Rich (​2.53-fl oz; normally $38.00 for 1.08oz, so this is roughly an $89.00 value)
  • Full sized Tightline 3-in-1 Mascara Primer (0.118 oz, $24.00 value)
  • Full sized Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Color Awakening Lip Treatment (0.11 oz, $20.00 value)
  • Heavenly Skin CC+ Skin Perfecting Brush (Not available on their website, a similar brush is priced at $48.00)

**Sorry, the adorable cookie jar and cake stand aren't included in the IT Cosmetics collection ;) I got them both at Target.

I've been on vacation the last few days and this set has been perfect for a low-maintenance look. I smooth on a small amount of the CC+ illuminating cream with the cruelty-free and silky soft brush. It's really pigmented, so a little actually goes a long way, and I can layer on a bit more for areas that are especially red or have hyper pigmentation. And since I love spending a lot of time outside, I appreciate that it has SPF50+, because sun protection is SO important (I don't want sun spots or wrinkles... or skin cancer!) Tightline mascara is great by itself, or combined with traditional mascara, and makes my lashes look super full. I love the Lip Treatment because it lasts for hours and keeps my lips hydrated and soft for HOURS. 

I'm seriously considering buying a second collection because it's such a great price, and I KNOW that I'll use up all of the items (and I can gift the second brush to a friend!)
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First impressions of Conture Face+Neck Skin Enhancement System

6/11/2016

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PR sample
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-reAfter I turned 30, I wanted to start making sure I was doing everything I could for my skin. Although I'm pretty lucky to have inherited my mom's youthful genes, I still want to prevent skin damage as much as possible, and keep my skin looking as youthful and glowy and clear as possible. At the moment, I'm hoping to stick with non-invasive, at home treatments for the most part (although I would like to get my forehead Botoxed in the near future for wrinkle prevention!). 

Enter the Conture Face+Neck Skin Enhancement System--an at-home system that uses "isometric compression" (basically pulsating suction-release action) and low frequency vibrations to stimulate aging skin. Although I was skeptical, I figured it was pretty low risk, and Conture claimed that after 8 weeks, their research participants had smoother, firmer, brighter, more even skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Who doesn't want those things?! 
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I was sent the 3-Speed Conture Toning Device and Kinetic Treatment Serum 15ml ($249.00), Kinetic AM Ignition Lotion 15 ml ($56.00), Kinetic PM Recovery Creme 15ml ($50.00), charger cable ($15.00) and USB power adapter ($7.00).

Step 1: Cleanse. I used the same makeup remover and cleanser that I have been using for awhile. The Conture system can be used in conjunction with any other skincare products that you may like to use. 

Step 2: Appy the Kinetic Treatment Serum to the area you want to treat by smoothing it over the skin--don't rub it in (I've been focusing on my forehead and cheeks). 

Step 3: Tone. Place the desired attachment head onto the device, turn it on, and glide the Conture device slowly along the face/neck for 2-3 minutes.

The Conture system is designed to be used twice daily, with the Kinetic AM Lotion or the Kinetic PM Creme applied after toning. 

​I've been using the Conture system religiously for two weeks, and have seen some very slight improvement in my skin--some of the ever-present hyper-pigmentation and other issues under my cheekbones seems to be fading (see the pics below... don't mind my RBF). The faint beginnings of some wrinkles on my forehead seem the same, as do the acne scars between my brows. The whole process is a little more time consuming than I would like, and the system is fairly expensive. Stay tuned for an update in a few weeks to see if my results were as good as Conture's research participants!

If you're interested in trying out the Conture system, be sure to use code Marilyn20 to get 20% off your entire order!
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Day 0 (left) and after using the Conture system for two weeks (right)...

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PR Sample
Please be sure to read the full instruction booklet and warnings regarding using the Conture device. I haven't had any issues, but everyone is different :)
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FitFest is coming to Title Nine Portland June 1st & 2nd!

5/30/2016

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Sponsored Post
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​I love athletic apparel (like, LOOOOOOVE it), but I'm kind of "meh" when it comes to sports bras. Yes, they're important--they're functional and a necessity, kind of like a cardigan or a scarf--but rarely is it something that i I get EXCITED about, especially since it's hard to find sports bras (or regular bras!) that actually fit me well. So I usually stick with inexpensive ones  that get the job done, but the quality or design definitely isn't anything worth writing home about. While I do have an appreciation for a well-constructed and comfortable sports bra, I'm typically a little averse to the fitting and purchasing process.

HOWEVER... I actually get EXCITED for Title Nine's Fit Fest. Although Title Nine has knowledgeable Bravangelists who can help you with a bra fitting any day of the year, FitFest is extra special. There's snacks (OMG RIGHT?!), a gift with purchase, an expanded selection of size and styles, and a Bravangelist working one-on-one with you to help you find THE PERFECT SPORTS BRA. I went last Thursday for a media preview of this year's FitFest, and it was a borderline magical experience.

I arrived at the FitFest preview and was instantly excited. I introduced to Lucy, who was going to be my Bravangelist, several Sweat Pink ambassadors were also in attendance, and there was TONS of fabulous apparel to look at--swimsuits, athletic wear, casual wear, every day bras, and accessories. Lucy took me to a fitting room and took my measurements (32D), then asked me a few questions about what I was looking for (something comfortable and cute). We headed over to the wall of bras, and chatted a bit more. I thought of a few other criteria that I would like (medium/low impact styles, good coverage in the cups), and Lucy easily re-navigated to find half a dozen options for me to try on. After I tried each one on, she took a look at the fit and offered more information about how each of the sports bras actually performed. I loved all of the ones that Lucy had picked out for me, so it was really hard to choose one! Eventually, I decided on the Moving Comfort Form First bra (although the Marvel Underwire Bra was also great). The Form First sports bra was just so incredibly soft and comfortable, offered just the right amount of support, and the straps on the back look awesome. I'm so happy with my sports bra that I'm planning on ordering some more in different colors! (Although they do have a hassle free return/exchange policy, so if you're not stoked about your purchase, you can return it within a year!)

If you're not a huge fan of shopping for sports bras, try out Fit Fest. If you've been to Fit Fest in the past, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought, and which sports bra you ended up with! :)

Title Nine Portland's Fit Fest
Wednesday June 1 & Thursday June 2, 2016
1335 NW Kearney St; Portland, OR 97209
To RSVP for a personalized bra fitting, call (503-243-2220), click "Going" on the Title Nine Portland FitFest event page (someone from Title Nine will contact you), or just stop by the store!


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Whole Foods PDX Brunch Bootcamp with Jackie Kai Ellis!

4/21/2016

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​Jackie Kai Ellis is incredible. A successful designer turned even more successful French pastry chef, she's incredibly worldly and talented--and also friendly and practical. You can't help but adore her. I had the opportunity to meet Jackie as part of Whole Foods' Brunch Bootcamp. If you've ever read any of my blog posts about food, you've probably figured out that I'm not terribly good at making food. However, I am a huge fan of BRUNCH. What isn't there to like--a leisurely decadent meal with a little of everything (sweet and savory), AND alcoholic beverages! After receiving an invitation from Whole Foods PDX to attend their Brunch Bootcamp with Jackie, I enthusiastically replied that I would love to attend. A little more info on Jackie:
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After running her own successful design firm for several years, Jackie Kai Ellis closed her company and set off to study the art of French pastry making 
at Paris’ École Gastronomique Bellouet Conseil. She returned home to Vancouver inspired and equipped, opening Beaucoup Bakery & Café in the winter of 2012. Combining the comforting North American baking she grew up with, her Asian heritage and the delicate art of French pastry making.
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At Brunch Bootcamp, Jackie gave us some wonderful tips and tricks on how to create an amazing brunch experience. I loved her advice about flowers and flower arranging--bouquets are a bit of a luxury item, so create something that makes you happy when you look at it, whatever that may be. I love it.

Then she moved on to the main focus: BRUNCH. Jackie explained that making a confit is traditionally a very long process, but that her method greatly reduces the amount of time needed, but still results in the same flavor. She shared her recipes for a fabulous brunch cocktail, the Mimosa 75, and a delicious brunch treat, Pain Perdu, both of which use the confit orange as an ingredient, and shared samples of each with us--OH MY GOODNESS THEY WERE DELICIOUS!!! She also graciously provided us with parting gifts of mason jars with confit orange to take home. These recipes would be fantastic for brunch, Mother's Day, a special occasion, or any day, really!

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Confit Orange

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4 navel oranges (preferably organic, since the entire fruit will be eaten)
Juice of 2 lemons
1 vanilla bean husk
2.5lbs (1.13kg) granulated sugar


Bring water to a boil in a large pot and blanch the whole oranges for 1 minute. Remove the oranges and drain the water. Bring another fresh pot of water to a boil and blanch the oranges again for 1 minute to remove more of the bitterness in the skin, and drain the water.

Quarter the oranges along the stem, place in the pot, and add the sugar and lemon juice. Add enough wter to cover the oranges and slowly bring to a very low simmer. Simmer, uncovered, for about 6-8 hours, until the skins begin to become translucent looking, the oranges are tender but still hold together, adding more water if needed. If you cannot tend to the burner for the entire 6-8 hours, cover the pot and resume the low simmer when you are able.

To store, place them in a canning jar with both segments and syrup. They will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks.


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IT Cosmetics Friends & Family sale! (25% off orders of $30+ with code FRIENDS2016).

4/12/2016

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@itcosmetics #friendsandfamilysale is on now through 4/16/16 (originally through 4/15, but they've extended another day)! Use code FRIENDS2016 for 25% off your order or $30+.

Some of my favorite products are:
Bye Bye Illuminating Concealer
Confidence in a Cream
Hello Lashes Mascara
Tightline
No. 50 Serum
Celebration Foundation
Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF50
​...and ALLLLLL of their amazingly soft cruelty free makeup brushes!
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