Get in Gear!

January 14, 2009

Since we’re a mere 2 weeks into the New Year, hopefully those who have made a resolution to lose weight or to live an overall healthier lifestyle haven’t fallen off of the wagon just yet! Although working out did not make my resolutions list this year (or ever), it really should be taken seriously and implemented into our daily routines or at least a few times a week. The benefits of working out are abundant and our bodies will thank us accordingly.

Maybe these super cute fitness accessories will jump start my mood to hit the gym. Wishful thinking!

How often do you work out? What’s your favorite indoor exercise?


Everlast Boxing Gloves available at www.lucy.com for $30


Cap Barbell 32 lb. Neoprene Dumbbell Set available at www.modells.com for $59.99


Resistance Tubes by Natural Fitness available at www.lucy.com for $12


Adidas Alexia Mesh Fitness Shoe available at www.modells.com for $64.99


Valeo 65″ cm Pink Body Exercise Ball w/Pump available at www.uniquefit1.com for $19.99


Apple iPod Arm Band available at www.apple.com for $29


Jansport Duffel Bag available at www.modells.com for $59.99


Jeanette Jenkins “The Hollywood Trainer” (Queen Latifah’s personal trainer) Workout Videos: Cardio Dance and Sexy Arms, Abs and Legs DVD available at www.thehollywoodtrainervideo.com for $19.95 each

**One lucky reader will win both fitness DVDs (a value of $40). Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

Category: Health | 30 Comments

Pretty in Pink for a Purpose

October 1, 2008

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. That frightening statistic shows that breast cancer has affected most of us. I have lost two aunts to it and hope that they find a cure to eradicate this devastating disease.

To help fight against breast cancer, you can pamper yourself with these pretty in pink products. A portion of the proceeds from these items will go to breast cancer research.

Do you typically buy similar products during Breast Cancer Awareness month (October) to help fund research for the disease? If not, would you?


Clarisonic Brush in Pnk available at www.sephora.com for $195


Estee Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip Trio available at www.nordstrom.com for $16


Smashbox Pink Power Eye & Lip Kit available at www.ulta.com for $46


Jane Iredale PureGloss in the Pink available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $19


Breast Cancer Awareness Pocket Brush Set available at www.sephora.com for $15


Ojon Revitalizing Mist for Breast Cancer Awareness available at www.sephora.com for $26


Pink Ribbon Terry Cloth Robe available at www.target.com for $49.99


Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Case available at www.drugstore.com for $25

Category: Beauty, Health | 18 Comments

Staying Fit in the Summer!

June 25, 2008

There’s no season better to stay in shape than in the summer. It’s the perfect time of year because the weather generally allows us to partake in outdoor activities that are great for getting in shape. Since many of us BGs wear our hair naturally, long gone are the excuses of “sweating out our hair.” For us who do wear our hair pressed or chemically straightened, it’s time to do away with the hair excuse all together. We need to get out there and embrace an active and healthy lifestyle!

Here are my top 5 summer fitness activities:

1. Swimming
2. Running around the park
3. Volleyball on the beach
4. Rollerblading
5. Biking

What are some of your favorite outdoor physical activities to do during the summer? Please share!

Category: Fitness, Health | 26 Comments

Sun-kissed

May 28, 2008

Now that summer is almost here, our days of having fun in the sun are on the rise. But before you head outdoors, be sure to lather on sunscreen.

Picnics in the park and lounging on the beach are fun, but can cause major skin damage if you’re not protected with sunscreen. Contrary to what many BGs think, we are susceptible to skin cancer due to sun exposure just like our fairer counterparts.

So while you’re packing your totes with magazines, snacks and cool drinks, be sure to toss in an extra bottle of sunscreen too. The best accessory this summer is healthy skin!

Here are a few sunscreen tips from renowned African-American dermatologist, Dr. Susan Taylor:

• All women with brown skin should use sunscreen daily
• Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you’re exposed to the sun to allow your skin to absorb the product and create a protective shield.
• Use sunscreen generously on all exposed skin—face, neck and hands. Apply at least a shot-glass full (about one ounce).
• Sunscreen in foundation wears off after only a couple of hours so it’s best to apply sunscreen separately, under makeup, or in moisturizers that say SPF 15 on the label.

Do you use sunscreen?

Check out some of these products:


Sephora Sun Safety Kit available at www.sephora.com for $25


Burt’s Bees Natural Suncare Chemical-free Sunscreen SPF 15 available at www.walgreens.com for $12.99


Carol’s Daughter Gelee de Soleil SPF 15 Tanning Oil available at www.sephora.com for $14


Murad Oil-free Sunblock SPF 30 available at www.sephora.com for $30


Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85 available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99


Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme SPF 15 available at www.sephora.com for $35


Bliss “The Big Sunscreen” SPF 30 available at www.blissworld.com for $30

Category: Beauty, Health, Sunscreen | 19 Comments

Maintaining a Healthy Heart

April 15, 2008


We BGs always find the time to take care of others, but oftentimes neglect ourselves when it comes to health. For example, statistics show that African-American women are at a greater threat of death from heart disease than women of other races. This dismal stat can be reversed if we take better care of our hearts. That’s why it’s imperative that we take control of our cardiovascular health.

It is recommended that we do some form of cardio 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes.

Whether power-walking, biking or rock-climbing, incorporating some type of cardio in our weekly routine is essential to maintaining good health.

Not only does doing cardio exercises get our blood pumping, it also helps shed unwanted pounds.

So if you want to fit into that itsy bitsy bikini this season – go out and get moving!

What’s your cardio workout of choice? Please share!

Category: Health | 19 Comments

Nip/Tuck?

March 10, 2008


Now that former Destiny’s Child member, Kelly Rowland has confirmed to People magazine after much speculation, that she did in fact undergo breast augmentation, made me think about the increasing number of celebrities and now ordinary working-class people who go under the knife for the quest of physical perfection.

Of course, everyone has the right to choose whether or not they want to have cosmetic surgery, but do we hold celebrities like Rowland to a certain standard? She told People, “It is a decision I made for myself. I like it, and that’s all that counts. I now feel complete.” Do you think that by her admitting her procedure, gives young girls who see her as a role model the wrong impression of loving themselves for who they are?

According to cosmetic surgery statistics, these are the most common procedures:

Whether it’s liposuction or a nose job, would you ever consider having cosmetic surgery? Men, do you prefer women with natural breasts over surgically-enhanced ones or does it matter at all? Please share your thoughts!

Category: Beauty, Health, News | 22 Comments

Sleeping Beauty

January 22, 2008

I don’t know about you, but I love to sleep. In fact, I’d rather take a nap than go shopping! Ok, maybe I don’t love it that much, but it’s definitely one of my favorite pasttimes.

On the weekends especially during the winter months, I sleep for at least 11 hours on Friday and Saturday. Even though I sometimes feel guilty for sleeping in, I always awake feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Studies have shown that we need 7-9 hours of sleep in order to function properly so I guess I’m getting my fair share.

Getting sleep can help improve our brains, heart rate, increase our metabolism, boost our immune system and prevent aging amongst many other health benefits.

I remember reading that singing sensation Mariah Carey and actress/singer Jennifer Lopez both swear by getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night no matter what. Maybe that’s why mom-to-be J. Lo always has that glow…either that or a good bronzer! If these super busy globe-trotting divas can find the time to get the recommended amount of sleep, I’m sure we can too!

If you have trouble sleeping, here are a few tips to getting some quality shut-eye:

1. Don’t watch television or surf the Internet 20 minutes prior to your desired bedtime
2. Perform a sleep preparatin routine each night (i.e wash face, brush teeth, etc.)
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
4. Keep your bedroom quiet and peaceful (NO TVs!!)
5. Don’t eat a large or heavy meal before bedtime

Category: Health | 10 Comments