We're Obsessed Wednesdays

Happy Hump Day!!! Welcome to our new series 'We're Obsessed Wednesdays" here we share some of our favorite things we love each week. None of these are affiliated posts, we just really really enjoy these products.

1) Shea Butter is officially apart of my skin care routine. It has become a new obsession of mine and I love using it to moisturize! It is a solid fatty oil that is rich in Vitamin A, D, E, & F, so the benefits are endless. It helps to relieve dry skin because of it's moisturizing abilities helps reduce cellulite and may even help fade stretch marks. 100% natural or organic Shea Butter is the kind you want to get with NO additives or preservatives. I got mine called Ashanti Naturals from a beauty supply in my neighborhood, however you can find real Shea Butter anywhere on the internet or even The Whole Foods store. 

2) MAC Cosmetics has always been my go to for my lipsticks and foundation. Seriously, they have the best foundation for women color and for people with combination/oily skin. Rarely have I ventured out of these two areas with them. Recently however, I've gotten a little better with my makeup skills (Go Me!) and I wanted to try something new: highlighting and skin finishers! Desiree being the awesome makeup artist and knowing me for years suggested that Global Glam Mineralize Skinfinish would look good on my skin tone. Man oh man, when I wear Global Glam, I feel like a golden skinned Goddess floating! The glow it gives my skin compliments so well with my undertones and my contour! Plus a little goes A LONG WAY! I barely have to put any on to achieve the level of Golden Goddess I want! Haha 

3) Podcasts have changed my life at work. I recently got into the world of podcasts after I randomly followed this guy on Twitter and found out that he had his own podcast. I decided to give it a listen and I've been obsessed with them ever since! Since then, I have 6 different podcasts that I listen to and I'm always looking to find new ones. Podcasts have so many different genres ranging from relationships to sex to wellness to inspirational to comedy and everything in between! It definitely makes my day go by 10 times faster! I just put in my headphones and my productivity goes up by 100%! 

4) This mask is one of my best kept secrets. Sometimes my skin gets so tired and all out of wack that I need to do something different to calm it down. This lovely mask helps so much because it's nice and refreshing. I'm not a huge fan of cucumber scented items so to find this mint one was like a dream! Queen Helene Masque Mint Julepe eases my tired skin, reduces harsh lines and shrinks my huge pores. It even helps rinses away blackheads! Best Part: you can get this bad boy at Walgreens for under 4 bucks! 

Review: OrangeTheory Fitness

About two weeks ago, I packed my gym bag and attended my very first event with the Dallas Fitness Ambassadors! I was super excited to head over to OrangeTheory Fitness and attend one of their unique classes. If your like me and have not heard of OrangeTheory Fitness, let me tell you, it was TOUGH but effective. (more on that later) Like tough enough that me, who has been an athlete her entire life and have been through several two-a-days in high school in this Texas heat, wanted to quit so badly. The awesome thing is that with me being surrounded by so many positive strong women, I did not give up!

My Journey To Healthier Skin

I am on a journey to healthier skin.

After years of not moisturizing, not drinking enough water, and just all around neglecting my body, I think it's time to take charge. I absolutely hate my skin. I have dark spots, suffer from folliculitis in God forbidden places, and acne scars plague my face from years of breakouts that weren't taken care of properly. I've researched and used so many different products and nothing seems to work which is mainly due to my inconsistency and laziness.

Since I got the eating right part down, I figured it's time to take extra measures to getting my skin to the glowing beauty it once was (pre-puberty). In an effort to do so, I've been looking for more natural products to use on my body as opposed to the commercially processed products that are sold.
For years I've heard about the benefits of African Black Soap, Cocoa butter, Shea butter, and Coconut oil. It's one of those things where I've been meaning to try it, but never got around to it. Monday night I randomly decided to give it a go and I must say, I'm never going back!

After just 3 days, my skin feels so much smoother than before!! Dark spots that I once had are starting to lighten up (nothing drastic, but very noticeable). I feel so cleansed once I get out the shower and once I apply my Shea butter, my body feels so moisturized! Here are the benefits of African Black Soap & Shea Butter:



African Black Soap:

African Black Soap is made from the ashes of plantain skins, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods, and Shea
tree bark. It promotes healthy skin by helping to relieve acne, eczema, brightening, toning & firming skin, and even helps to relieve razor bumps and ingrown hair bumps.  Black soap is made mainly in Ghana and should ALWAYS be 100% organic with no other preservatives or chemicals added to it.

Shea Butter:

Shea butter is made from the seeds of the fruit of the Karite Tree. It is a solid fatty oil that is rich in Vitamin A, D, E, & F. It has been used heavily in the cosmetic market in lotions, bath products, hair products, and much more. Unfortunately, some of those products are accompanied with other chemicals that are not so good for your skin. 100% organic Shea butter, however, is amazing for the skin and helps to relieve dry skin because of it's moisturizing abilities. Shea butter also helps the skin's natural collagen production, so cellulite can be reduced, it helps fade stretch marks, and protects the skin from UV rays.


Where To Find Them:

Shea Moisture has an African Black Soap Line, where everything from the actual soap, to skin toner, to shampoo & conditioner can be bought. Their line is found a most drugstores and Walmart. You can also find African Black Soap at your local urban beauty supply. However, make sure to check the ingredients and ensure that your soap is 100% organic!
Pure Shea Butter can also be found at urban beauty supplies or online. BGLH Marketplace sells raw or scented and whipped Shea butter that is made from natural ingredients.

Since these are natural products made from natural ingredients, food allergies may affect your ability to use these products. As with anything, please remember to consult with your dermatologist before usage.

We're Obsessed Wednesdays

First, Lets all give thanks that it is Wednesday and the work week is almost over! Whoop!! 

Anyways, Welcome to our new series 'We're Obsessed Wednesdays" here we share some of our favorite things we love each week. None of these are affiliated posts, we just really really enjoy these products.

Cherry Berry Smoothie!

Ok, I need your help with something. You know how when you lose weight and you keep checking yourself out in the mirror? How do you pull yourself away? 

Wait...it's just me? Oh. Carry on then. Im just super super super proud of myself for losing 4 pounds so I can pass a mirror, shiny car, window and I'll still check myself out. I feel like I should have a donut for a celebration! Moderation is key people! 

Detoxing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! It's a new year which means it's time for EVERYONE to start their 2 month "weight loss journey". Gyms are packed solid, spinach and kale are sold out of every grocery store, and Instagram models are having sales on Fitness Tea. Since everyone wants the secret to quick weight loss, here it is: WORK OUT AND EAT HEALTHY FOR MORE THAN A WEEK!!!

I'm sure you know that though, after all...you read my post about losing weight and you're aware that consistency is key. However, let's be realistic: the holidays are over and I'm sure more than a few of us may or may not have packed on 1, 2, or 5 pounds over the course of the past 3 months. Don't be ashamed, it happens to the best of us! Now, it's time to get back on track! Let's detox!

Sure, there are a plethora of detox Pins on Pinterest, detox tea sales on Instagram, and Facebook pages from fitness gurus that promise THIS package you pay $19.99 for will help you lose the weight. However, there's one ingredient that has been proven effective time and time again for weight loss: Organic Apple Cider Vinegar! Most people don't realize the many health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV as it's often called:

• The acetic acid in ACV helps lower cholesterol and help kill certain bacteria in your body.
• ACV helps to lower blood sugar and is a great aid for those who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. 
• The amino acids in ACV help to counter fatigue that some may experience from stress.
• Daily consumption of ACV can help aid in weight loss over a period of time. 

One thing to be sure of is that your ACV is pure, organic, unfiltered and still has it's "mother" in it. Mother is what is left over after the fermentation of the vinegar which is why it's so effective and beneficial to your body. It's best to dilute ACV because the high acid content may cause esophageal issues (detox recipe below). The best ACV that is most popular is Bragg's Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. It can be found in just about any grocery store right next to the white vinegar. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your daily detox! Your body will thank you! 

ACV Daily Detox Drink

• 8 ounces of water 
• 2 tbsp of ACV 
• Juice from half a lemon
• A pinch or two of cayenne pepper

*Warning: The taste is not that great, but after a while you'll get used to it! Remember, this is something that will help you in the long run. However, it is NOT a miracle drink. It will not magically make you lose weight. As always, you have to incorporate a healthy lifestyle such as diet and exercise. Also, talk to a physician before doing any detox.