Lifestyle: LIVE + Fitness

I've talked before about being alive but not truly feeling alive. It could be that you are drowned out by your career, your lifestyle, bad habits and/or relationships. 

One thing that has had me in this state has been my career, searching for purpose while pursuing passion. One day I woke up and decided that I no longer wanted to feel stressed and on top of that I no longer wanted to feel uncomfortable in my clothes and unhealthy. 

I woke up grabbed my Polar Fitness Watch, threw on clothes and plugged Pandora into my ears and started for a 30 minute walk. Upon that walk I felt motivated, released baggage, and kept pushing and I haven't stopped yet. 

I started March 8th, and it has felt really great. Now there have been setbacks such as this week, I've ate poorly and have had minimum exercise but trust me when I tell you I won't be giving up this time around. To see and feel those small changes is empowerment to keep going. 

Find someone who motivates you or find reasons why you should stay determined and BEGIN! Can't wait to show progress pics, more detailed food and exercise regimens, and workout gear. 

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

Vegan Lifestyle: 22 Days Nutrition

Starts the post by singing "CHANGED THE WORLD WHEN THAT DIGITAL DROPPED. KNOW WHERE YOU WAS WHEN THAT DIGITAL POPPED. I STOP THE WORLD. MALE, OR FEMALE IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. I STOP THE WORLD, WORLD STOP..... CARRY ON"!



If you did not know Beyonce has inspired founder Marco Borges to launch a Vegan Meal Delivery Service titled 22 Days Nutrition where you can get Vegan meals delivered right to your doorstep. There are 3 different plan options available. Plan 1-1 meal a day, Plan 2- 2 meals a day and Plan 3- 3 meals a day.

The meals are always fresh, never frozen and delivered to you in an insulated cooler. They are 100% organic plant-based meals. I decided to go over to the website and check out what they had to offer.

I love that the plans are not overly expensive. A person who is trying to live a healthier lifestyle, lose weight or do not have the time to prepare healthier meals would love this option. The meals can range as low as $9.24/meal and $14.85/meal.



How Yummy does these meals look? *makes slurping sound* lol. I'm no where close to a vegan but I want to give this a try. Remember when Beyonce and Jay Z went on a vegan diet for 22 days? It all stems from that one shot. See, try something out and then you may just end up loving it. Many believe that a habit is formed in 21 days by routinely doing it. Who knows maybe we can become vegans or even if not that, we can change our lifestyles and make better food choices.

There are many benefits when you decided to kick the cookies and soda to the side and eat more natural foods. You can lower your medications if you are on any or even go off of them. You will have more energy, feel more vibrant, and so much more.

Are you willing to give this a shot? Let me know what you think.

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 

This the Ish that I live for: There's some things I need to work on but I know you see me working (Checking In)

It has been awhile since I have posted but trust me when I say that I have not put the site to the side. I've been taking the time to plan for what's to come for Thee Lipstick Canvas and just know that I am excited. I have so many great ideas and posts in store but it all takes time for great things! 

I've also been working on ME. I'm back to being the bookworm I once was.  Finding that space that we all need to become the person we know we can be. Having a clear mind creates room for excellence to approach. 

I hope that all has been well. What have you been working on since the new year began? Feel free to leave your comments below and don't forget to follow the blog :) 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Photo Credit: Mwah! 

Fab and Fit: BGWT New Workout DVD

Now *Lunge* and *Squat* and *Lunge* and *Squat*. Let's get that Booty Right Ladies! I began to laugh after I wrote that because when doing the first Black Girls Workout Too dvd I'm almost out of breath coaching myself and gulping down a bottle of H20 stating "I can do this". Last week I was on the roll working out 3 times and trying not to eat out, while making better food choices. This week I'm back in the fatness house, I haven't done a thing but look at my workout gear and climb into bed.

So how do you all stay motivated and determined to put forth the effort each week to accomplish your fitness goals? I know that It all starts within yourself and if you want to get things done, you just have to do it. Do you think having a partner to workout with is a great idea to stay motivated? What are your fitness tips?

Vitamin Ellen and Lana Ector have released a new dvd TODAY. You can buy it over on Amazon at a price of $29.99. They are snatching it back and getting you to do those SQUATS NO SHOTS in this DVD and it also comes with a new meal plan. I am contemplating on buying the dvd because I yet to do what needs to be done with the first one but I've also thought far ahead and said what if I switch out my routines between both. Such a good Idea huh.

Are you setting fitness goals and clean eating habit goals for the new year? Let us in on your secrets too!

Lipstick & Love XOXO