30 day Crunch+Squat Challenge 2014 Weight loss update

So I'm gonna give this another go. Last time I got kinda bored and started adding things to it, but this time I'm gonna stick to it as is. I will be doing squats using the same outline. This year I'm in another head space with working out I have been doing ok in the fitness department lately. I'm waiting on mother nature and old man winter to get over themselves and let the spring move right on in. I can't wait to take long walks around the block and sweat. I grow tired of in home fitness sometimes, but this should hold me over until spring kicks fully in. So far my weight has been stable and I'm seeing a drop in weight. I also see a change in my body far as stomarch, legs and arms. My clothing are getting loser. Jeans I couldn't fit a year ago are now getting a little too big for me now. I started my healthy journey Jan 7 my first weigh in was Feb 7 coming in at 264.9. I'm proud to see that set of number there was a time when I was 300+ lbs. Ive been smaller 170 ish and gained my way back to 280lbs+. I've been through ups and downs and I must say this time my mind is in the right space. I love my body now Im beautiful and very healthy with no sickness etc but I want to be healthier. I see a vision for myself. I see myself getting married having kids one day running around with them being an active parent. I want to be a better me. Health and fitness outside of inner wellness and  healing is the right way to go for my life right now. I use to lose weight for all the wrong reason in return is the reason I gained it all right back. I give this advice ALWAYS do things in your life for YOU. Never lose weight to fit this ideal image that the world displays to us. Everyone isn't gonna be a size 2 or 22. I don't want to be a size 2 but I do believe in being happy. Be happy with the true you and go into a weight loss journey being realistic with yourself. Make sure your mental is taking care of first before commiting yourself to anything in your life. Without the mind you are nothing more than a zombie. Prepare yourself set up meal plans and workout schedules to fit your life and try to be as healthy as your life allows. Im gonna do my best Im in no rush to drop pounds and I'm just gonna take my time and see how it goes. I have a goal of 80lbs at the most. Wish me luck. :)

3 Sisters of Nature (Product Review)

I first came across this line of products (3 Sisters of Nature) a little over a year or so ago. I was doing what every other natural haired woman of this modern time does, cyber surfer YouTube for the latest products for.... you guessed it natural hair. At that time I was still in minimalist mode far as products for my hair. This is before I took a hit of the product obsession drug. So I saw a few reviews, watched a few videos, just kept a mental note and carried on with my little life. Fast forward a month or so ago  I saw these products and being a now product junkie, I had this strange urge to try out some of the products from this line. The prices of the products are slightly out of my rules for product junkiness, but I was willing to bend them since it was just a few dollars over my limits. Most of the products are being compared to more higher end product lines, such as Kinky Kurly&Miss Jessie's. What caught my eye first was the Sweet Honey Rose Treatment and from there I start to explore a few of their other products. I checked my stash before purchasing these products. Seeing what I needed to try instead of buying something that would go to waste. So I went for and I must say these are very nice products. They are natural based formulas, using a minimal amount of healthier ingredients which I thought was awesome. I LOVED the aroma of "cherry Starburst" like smell of each product. I didn't try all the products in the line but I will be going back some time soon to try the others I missed. Over all I had a good experience with a few snags along the way. I would recommend trying at least the Sweet Honey Rose Treatment or Natural Curling Gelo for starters.

Sweet Honey Rose Treatment
This treatment is one of two deep treatment products available from  3 Sister of Nature. This treatment has become a holy grail product for me now. Which says alot since I have about 2+ years worth of products in my stash. Everything from the candy like smell to the smooth, creamy consistency just screamed try me. Now the price kept me at bay at the beginning $12.99 for a 8 oz. deep treatment was unheard in my purchase log. This treatment is compared to Miss Jessi's Super Sweet Back Treatment. Deep down I knew I would really like it , so I went ahead a buy it. I applied this product after a full wash (Shampoo&Conditioner), as directed. I learned the wetter the hair when applying this product the better application. I had to put my handy dandy pink spray bottle to work since my hair is like a super sponge. It was a smooth process to apply to my hair in sections making sure everything was covered roots to ends. I followed my rule of deep conditioning "The longer you leave it in the better they work. Since this isn't a super protein treatment I left it in my hair with a plastic cap for 30 mins under a hooded dryer and 30 mins under a plastic cap. After I rinsed my hair in the shower can you say SUPER PILLOW CLOUD SOFT HAIR!!! This has to be the only thing to make my hair so supple and soft when it comes to deep conditioning. I loved this product this is it for me. I don't know if I want to even try any more deep treatments for my hair after trying this one.

Natural Curling Gelo
This particular product has been compared to the famous Kinky Kurly curling custard. I must say it's almost similar in look and texture. I again loved the smell and consistency of this product.  The price was very reasonable $9.99 8oz. I applied this product to my hair after rinsing the Sweet Honey Rose Treatment. I used the leave in conditioner from this line and applied this gel on wet hair. Styling my hair in a wash n go, this product was very light weight, creamy and easy to even finger comb into my hair. I would recommend using a thicker moisturizing leave-in conditioner before applying the gelo. When this curling gel dried it was a nice definition to my hair. It gave a soft some what firm hold to my hair in it's curly state. Haven't tried this gelo in a twist out style but it's pretty good I will repurchased.

Leave- In Conditioner
Now this product wasn't a total favorite out of the four that I tried. It smelled nice but was a little too watery for my type 4 thick hair. I'm thinking since this line is natural based the consistency was gonna be more on the liquid side. It was all bad it did work very well with the other products and I will use it when styling my hair in wash n gos or when I want lighter products in my hair. I don't think I will repurchase this leave-in conditioner.

Sulfate Free Shampoo
This was another ok product from this line. This was a creamy shampoo. It did sud up in a soft way but I HIGHELY recommend not to over use this shampoo. I was able to really detangle or finger comb my hair when using this product. It wasn't very moisturizing and for that fact I didn't really care for it. My hair was clean but I feel like this product formula needs some work. It's almost as if there are a few things missing that would make it a great shampoo. Maybe adding some aloe vera juice or extract with a few heavier oils like olive etc. to help this shampoo perform a little better. Over all it will be in my stash to use up maybe I can remix to make it work for me, or maybe give it away.


 

Today's Modern Food: It's not what you think - Part 1

2011 Vegetarian/Vegan Documentary/Film Myths and Truths about Vegetarianism

A 2011 documentary about the myths and truths to Vegetarianism. In this video it explains everything there is needed to know about the benefits to being a vegetarian and why it is a healthier choice from the way the modern world eats in today's society.

Poet "Truth Be Told" (2nd Annual Naturals In The City Hair&Wellness Expo)

Cocoa Curls Cleansing Conditioner by NeutraLab Product Review

                                                                                              Price Point  $6.99-$7.99
I first eyeballed this product last year and was a little more than cautious to try it, since I've wasn't familiar with this product. I of course took the naturalista's routine of reading the labels for directions, ingredients and every company's open promise that this product should give to me (The Consumer). I'm glad that I gave this product a try. At first glance I was okay with the ingredients. I'm not super hard or picky on products that have more norishing ingredents than "BAD" ones that my hair can use. The consistency was perfect, thick and creamy. The smell of this product was very suttle and not overly fragrant. It reminded me of the Queen Helene Cocoa Butter stick when I was younger. I followed my normal wash day routine. Stepping  bare naked in the shower, turning the knob and letting the water cover my head for a minute or two before applying my product of choice. I loved the consistency and major slip it gave me. After less than two rounds with this product, I was hooked, lined, and sunk into this stuff. My hair felt like butter, detangling was easy and my hair was very moisturized. I followed up with the my special oil blend, a little of my perfect 7 leave in conditioner and Ph Balanced Moisture Gel from this very same line. Over all I enjoyed this product and most likely will keep this in rotation at least for the summer and early fall. There's nothing bad I can say about this product. I give this a major green light for transitioners, newly naturals, and veterian curly tops alike to give this product a try.
(VIDEO VLOG REVIEW COMING SOON--------->www.youtube.com/GirlFridayblog)

Open Conversations: 1:2 Necessary Fear

 Fear is defined as something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension, something a person is afraid of. Everyone has a fear whether it be a physical or an emotional restraint. Yet, every fear is of the psychological paradox that exist according to each separate individual and sometimes can be applied to certain ethnic or social groups. In my 25 years of life I can say fear was necessary. As a child I experienced a lot of pain in which would manifest it's self into this huge intity of fear that followed me into my teen years and my ealier 20's. My fear was necessary for the personal development that has helped me become the young woman I am. I never knew I would become as strong, wise, or loving as I am now. As a little girl I grew up watching my parents divorce and the aftermath that followed. I lived in poverty and watched countless sense of violence in my community. I experienced some personal woes i.e. abuse, depression, social anxiety, self inflictions, insecurities etc. These things use to break me down into so many pieces . As a teen my soul was so tortured, my heart was completely empty and I would try my best to hide it all inside. I didn't want anyone to know. It made me so angry and depressed. I shed so many tears but these same things that made me cry I am proud to say I have experienced and over came. I still struggle with depression but I take it one day at a time and have gotten better over time dealing with it. Looking back at my life I let fear hold me back from so many things. Love, friends, college, dreams and goal etc. Some good and some bad but the thing is I never got to get the experience and the lesson that was waitng in those lost moments. Fear puts a hold on you and you become a prisoner to those fears. It becomes the master and you become enslaved to them. I lost so much time and years that I can't get back. It was all necessary every tear cried heart break broken and scary moment. A few years ago I decided I was tired and couldn't take any more pain and I had to make some changes. I conquered those fears and put them behind me. It took everything in me, every drop of faith in me but I look at all the people I have helped because of everything I went through. The wisdom learned I get to pass along. I'm in such a better place in my life. Rebuilding myself into a great woman allowing greatness into my life. One day I will be able to sit my children and neice down and tell them my story and give them the encouragement that will help them not be afraid to conquer their fears they will face in their life time. One thing about fear it doesn't stay dead . You have to keep fighting and pushing yourself to over come any thing fear has to throw at you. Fear is what makes us human, it's what make being human worth living for. It helps to give us a choice a sense of direction to the path we want to take. To conquer, over come, and become triumphant in this journey of life. Learning, growing and ever changing into hopefully better humans than when we first started............TBC..........> 

30 Day Crunch and Squat Challenge Final thoughts

What can I say I really enjoyed this challenge. I tried some new routines and I have gain more knowledge of the different kinds of workout there are in the fitness realm. I've learned more about myself outside working out on a schedule and eating on a planned meal. I was able to make a goal and try to stick to it in which I did for the most part. I have found my weakness and gain some new strengths as well. In 30 days I was able to fit into an XL which hasn't happen since 2008. My jeans fit better my shirts are looser and my dress fit smoothly in all the right curvy places. I will continue to push myself and work on my odd eating habits as well. I'm very proud of my self Im actually thrilled to say I will be doing this challenge or rather a new challenge later this summer. I am continuing my fitness jorney one day at a time by my own rules of dedication, time, patience, healthier eating, and good old hard work. I have such a positive thought and feeling about working out now that wasn't always there. I can't wait to see my progress 6 months from now.

Married men&Guys with girlfriends (Session 1)

So I'm about to head back in to the dating game after a 2 1/2 yr leave of absence (by choice). I have notice some major changes in the playing field. I don't fully remember it being cool or the it thing to date someone with a mate (married or not). I don't fully judge those who chose to date married men or men with girlfriends, but I just know it's not for me. In this case 'sharing is not caring". Society has changed to the point where things that weren't okay are becoming the norm. I asked myself "How long have I been gone?" In reality as the sign of times change so do the attributes of the world and the people who live in it. I've always caught the eye of at least one eye no matter where I go (i.e. the grocery store, the bank, the park, book store, mall,etc.). Without saying a word I can just tell by my spidey senses (intuition) that A he's married or B he has a girlfriend or is a certified skirt chaser. One of the things I look for is the obvious 'The Ring", but the vocal and physical body language that they are giving me. If I feel like they are being TOO anxious or eager to talk to me or even too secretive to talk to me to get "The Digits", 9 times out of ten there's a catch to him. I have come across once or twice a guy who I would like to call a "Phantom". You can't tell nor pick up on anything about him. He seems like a normal guy, but he has hidden any clues that would other wise set off an alarm in any woman's head. He's a pro and has done it many times that he has perfected his skills in this area of his life. This type of guy is few in many but does exsit. With any man or woman, love is a gamble. You have to be willing to put your heart out there. Knowing what you want and need while not settling for less than you deserve. Standing your grounds will be the key to dating successfully dating. (LESSON LEARNED)There will come a time somewhere down the line where a woman comes across a problem. I did. Simply walk a way (if not run). I made up in my mind at the tender age of 19 when I started dating that I will not date a certain kind of man and a married man is very high on the list (if not #1). At the age of 20 I did unwilling (at first) date a guy who was in an relationship. It was hard for me to stop having feelings for this guy. Once feelings, time, and energy has been invested into something its hard on a woman to just drop everything and leave if she not use to it. Those things have already set up camp in my heart and life. I stayed around it caused major damage to my life and heart. The healing time after that was about 2 years before I dated again. I got away from him and just got to know me a whole lot better. I never though I would never (EVER) be in a situation like that. I took it as a stepping stone in my life. I will never do that again (EVER) Back to my first few thought of the open letter of advice. Lately I've been getting approached by married men and guys already in relationships. Have men lost their damn minds or do I attract a certain kind of man? Makes me wonder do I set off an alarm or scent that attracts them. It's not until they notice my pleasant yet dominant personality that they catch on that I know the game they are trying to play. I conduct myself like a lady 95% of the time there is that 5% that slightlty wants to hog tie these types of guys and throw them on the back of a truck going to "a place where dogs go to die". You just have to know sometimes. Weither it be by experience or instinct. Listening to what your conscience and heart are telling you. If something is off about a guy or even feels out of place in your mind (common sense)and organize all your thoughts. God would've never given a woman intuition if he didn't think she would need it - GIRL FRIDAY Session 2 to this topic coming soon

Spicy Tofu Scramble

My on going love affair with Tofu has yet blessed me with another favorite dish. This has got to be one of my favorite Sunday morning dishes to date. (sorry pancakes) It a vegetarian take on the imfamous "Scramble eggs" even though it tastes like a stove top quiche to me. All you need are a few select around the house ingredients. This is what I call a "Kitchen sink" recipe, because no matter what you have around the old fridge it will always taste great. For this dish I used 4 eggs, extra firm tofu (DRAINED AND CRUMBLED), an array of diffrent spices,canola cooking oil spray, olive oil, two types of onions (white and green), a good ole' green bell pepper,Rotel brand tomatoes and chiles, and mild cheddar cheese. It's quite simple just preheat(medium to low heat) skillet and spray canola oil cooking spray and drizzle olive oil to coat the pan. Saute onions and bell pepper in skillet for only a couple of mins (DON'T FORGET TO STIR). Next add in the Rotel tomatoes and chiles and tofu. Make sure you stir to keep everything from burning or sticking to the pan. Then while everything is sauting crack the 4 eggs and beat with a fork. Add the spices of your choosing, I chose a dash of salt, pepper, garlic&pepper, Tony's brand creole seasoning (love that stuff), crush red pepper flakes. Add just a dash of each then later while cooking you can go back and add more as desired. Once eggs and spices are mixed in add them to the veggies in the skillet. At this time add a sprinkle of cheese to the dish. Stir the ingredients as the scramble begins to bond together. This process only take a couple of mins so keep stiring. When the dish is almost in scramble egg form sprinkle more cheese and spices as desired until everything has been completly cooked. Turn off the heat and plate the scramble. I normally eat this dish with a small bowl of oat meal or fruit in this case, along side a glass of almond/soy milk, green tea, lemon&honey or a cool glass of my favorite fruit juice. This dish will keep you full through out lunch time. Hope you enjoy!!!

CHEF SIDE NOTES: YOU CAN ALSO ADD AND MIX IN DIFFRENT TYPES OF PEPPERS, SPICES, AND VEGGIES TO MAKE A NEW SCRAMBLE TO CALL ALL YOUR OWN. TRY USING SEASONAL VEGGIES GROWN IN YOUR LOCAL FARMER MARKETS. THERE IS ALSO A VEGAN ALTERNATIVE TO THIS RECIPE:INSTEAD OF EGGS YOU COULD USE MORE TOFU OR SEITAIN, AND USE A SOY BASED VEGAN CHEESE LIKE DAIYA

Morning Star Product Review

In the name of all things good never in my life have I thought that my love of great food would lead me to the vegan/vegetarian commercial products in all places Walmart. After years of battling my digestive issues with IBS, I've managed to figure out a few ways to ease the very uncomfortable and occassionally embarrassing problems associated with this condition. I took to the web in search of ways to dilute my little big problem. I ran across information about adapting to a vegetarian diet will help stablize the symptoms of IBS. So over the last few years I have been doing a vegetarian detox sort of speak until I was ready to full commit to the life style. Now on to the MORNING STAR PRODUCTS I was walking down the frozen food section of my local Walmart store and saw a very small selection at the time of vegetarian/vegan friendly food. At the time I was a renewley wed to the vegetarian/pescatarian life style and wanted to try my had at some quick fix food products. I first tried the Morning Star Black Bean Burgers. They were soooo good even my southern down home country kitchen cooking mother was so impressed with my "Hippie Burgers she asked for more. A few months later I stumbled across some thing new in the now growing vegan/vegetarian friendly food section at my local walmart. Since summer is right around the corner and I live in Memphis,TN (The land of bbq and fried food) I felt a little sadness in my tummy about missing out on my favorite BBQ goodies. Until I saw the Morning Star Riblet. OMG there aren't enough words to explain the explosion of joy that came over me when I bit into this riblet. It was so yummy and I enjoyed every bite of it. The sauce was delicious,it wasquick and easy to make and only costed about $4.00 2-pak unit (for healthy food that's cheap). I decided to eat it on whole wheat bread since I don't care for white bread much. This product reminds me so much of the imfamous Mc Donalds Mcribwhich. IT TASTES JUST LIKE IT!!! Can you say product clone anyone. I'm so glad that I dont have to miss out on my favorite summer grilled goodies. They even make hot dogs and chicken nuggets of course they are Vegan/Vegetarian friendly. So I'm such as super fan of Morning Star products now and I can't wait to try some more products from this company. I'm definitely stocking up the freezer next time.