Buns & Bods: Swimwear

The Warmer Seasons are slowly creeping up from around the corner. Most of us are excited because we are over dealing with the snow, the cold weather, and the layers upon layers of clothing. One thing I am not proud of is that I did not put in any work in the Winter for my Summer Body. But I can only blame myself.

For the past few weeks, I have been raving that I am ready to wear my sundresses, shades, and sandals. I mean really, what woman you know that does not like to get all fancy in their sunny fits. And what woman do you know has time to be slathering on uncomfortable undergarments to suck in that belly and lift that booty? Nope, Not I! I plead the fifth! So, I better get started soon.

On a lighter note, let's take a peek at a fancy Swimwear line that I have had my eyes on for a while. It is Draya from VH1 Basketball Wives LA line titled Mint-Swim.





Since I am a mommy, I have to find one where I can cover these tiger marks, lol. Do you feel me? But, if I was ever able to wear a two piece set I am in love with the one above.

Would you splurge on Draya's line? Let me know your thoughts....

Image CC: Mint-Swim

Lifestyle: Fitness & Health

Can I be honest? I can be honest right? LOL. It would not be me if I wasn't. First let me scream "HAPPPYYY FRIDAY" and next let me just tell you how I've gained weight, and even a few more extra pounds since the holidays. As I'm sitting here at my desk I feel like I need a detox a.s.a.p. You know those days where you feel as big as a house? I've been feeling that way this entire week and it's no fun at all.

So let's just talk health and fitness for a moment.....



Health is one of the most important factors in our life. It can be a matter of life and death. A lot of people, including myself are still getting by with eating lots of processed food and barely exercising. Now there are many other individuals who have taken hold of their life and feel amazing because they work hard every day. Health is just not about not getting sick, it's about having energy to complete day to day tasks. It's about eating a well balanced meal with fruits and vegetables and staying clear of anything that is not good for your body. Exercise is known to relieve stress so some people do not do it just for weight loss, they exercise to stay motivated and energized.

Detoxing the body for a few days can rid it of toxins and wastes that are weighing you down. Juicing whole vegetables and fruits are a way to detox. I'm looking into purchasing a juicer but I have to really stick with it. I am a person who has tried over and over and had to start again because I have stopped. It is not easy but it will never be unless I continue to try and push through it. I am at the heaviest weight I have ever been (besides my pregnancy) and it is uncomfortable. Friends tell me that I look great, but in reality that isn't the feeling for me. My ideal weight is 135 and I will get back to it. No more time for greasy french fries, loaded baked potatoes and sugary juices.

Some amazing fitness inspirations are.....

1. @embraceface Her transformation in a year has been impeccable. Follow HER!

2. @estellearcher She has a new fitness place called #SweatBox and she is helping individuals to take back their life. She also transformed herself because she was tired of not living a healthy lifestyle.

3. @angelasimmons The daughter of Rev Run. Fitness is her life. She trains hard and eats healthy and is such an inspiration.

4. @Vitaminellen & @Lanagem Mother & Daughter duo has taken the fitness world by storm not only in Atlanta but around the world with their 21 day challenge's. They are the founders of Black Girls Workout Too dvd's which I own both and they are amazing.

The time is now to get in shape, to eat healthy, and to commit to a better lifestyle. I know that I won't regret it and it will be one of the best decisions that I could ever make. No Excuses, More Work!

Health and Wellness

Sunday is the day that I wind down from the festivities and errands of the weekend  and try to take it easy. I've been wanting to create this post for awhile but I still needed more time for results. So, here we are today. 

Let's talk about health, detox, diets, fads or whatever you would like to name it. 

I've been working on making a change to my lifestyle through better eating habits and exercise since January. I have made progression but nowhere near where I really could be if I stayed consistent. I start and stop and it's usually a continuous never ending cycle. I'm ashamed to say how many pounds I've lost because I'm not past two hands yet. 

 

Let's just talk about this last attempt. So my mom told me about the JJ smoothie cleanse book and I lucked up and found a PDF file on Pinterest that I downloaded.   It's a 10 day detox where you can do a full cleanse or a modified cleanse. Basically you replace two meals a day with smoothies and then the full meal you eat a big healthy salad or something very healthy of your choice. See this is where I went all wrong, I replaced my breakfast and lunch with smoothies but I was not eating a healthy meal of choice but more so what I had a taste for. Talk about discipline, huh. I finished this cleanse Thursday before last and I must say I could see a huge difference in my skin but I managed to only lose 1 pound where if you really work at it you could loose 10-15. I felt so discouraged but I knew it was all my fault. I have to applaud the initial try but I have to criticize myself for not being disciplined. 

Changing your eating habits and incorporating physical activity can be one of the most beneficial things we can ever do for ourself but keeping the motivation and consistency is the hardest. What do you do to maintain your weight or stay healthy? 

One of my favorite smoothie recipes I want to share with you all is called Pineapple Spinach, try it out. I promise you will want to make it over and over :) 

Lipstick & Love, 

Erica. 

Midday Motivation: Fitness

Continuing to stay motivated and keeping up your dedication to get fit takes a lot of hard work and effort. How are you all doing in the second month of the New Year with your fitness goals? A proper diet consisting of plenty fruits and vegetables, and lots of water is the key. You have heard the saying Abs are made in the kitchen. I can attest to this statement, I have been eating better and my plate consists of more colors now versus fried and fatty foods. Now don't get me wrong I still eat what I want too from time to time but I try to stay on track at least during my work day and the week in eating a healthy diet. Seeing those results of my tummy flattening, my face slimming and my tush becoming more round feels so darn good. I have a ways to go but so far I have dropped a few pounds, and I like looking at my bod in the mirror, lol.

So what have I changed...

I try to get in as much exercise as I can, but I don't push myself to the max. If I am up to doing it, I get right to it and begin. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and trying to incorporate as much exercise in my life as possible has helped such as small things like walking for 30 minutes, or doing a basic 15 minute exercise routine. 

I also have cut back on a bunch of sweets and fried foods and try to do more lean meat or sometimes no meat at all. Meal Prepping has been vital but what I have figured out is that you don't wont to overdue yourself which can lead to foods being wasted because veggies and fruits do go bad faster. To be realistic I think meal prepping for 3 days at a time is more sufficient. 

I drink water all day, and only have juice every now and again. Warm green tea is one of my best friends while at work, and also at bedtime. Invest in a Keurig, it's life changing... *Disclaimer* Drinking lots of water will have you up out of your seat visiting the ladies room more times than you like. 

Also counting calories using apps such as My Fitness Pal is helpful. You are able to track how much you are putting in your body each day and know your limits as well. Don't worry if you go over your calories, you can make up for it but you don't want to stay under which you can lack the nutrition that you need. 

Find a good brand of vitamins for your body to regain some energy as well.

Keep At It, DECIDE THAT YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STAY WHERE YOU ARE!! 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

via Google Images 

Fit & Fab

With all the health guru and fitness people we come across nowadays, the new fit and fab talk of the town is working out with Waist Trainers or simply wearing them to achieve that coke bottle figure. I have seen many celebs, and individuals promoting them or showing off their frame captioning the title "What's a Waist" he-he :) While we ladies all want that small waist and to look amazing in our midi dresses and crop tops, question is how great are these corsets and trainers? I've seen some BOMB.COM ladies who stated that the waist trainer is how they achieved that sexy slim figure, but I sometimes wonder did they have work done, do they even need this, or is it all true. Will you or have you tried it yet?

In other news, some women go the other route with exercising regularly and clean eating. Celebrity Fitness Trainers Lana Gem and her mom have been snatching bodies back since releasing their DVD BGWT "Black Girls Workout Too". I, myself have tried this DVD and I must say I seen some results while trying to eat clean and working out to their 45 minute plan. I must say you have to be very dedicated and disciplined, OH and PATIENT (covers eyes) to see the results. What are you exercise tips to get us all in shape? Do you meal prep?? 

Lipstick & Love XOXO