Gettin' my Workout On and Poppin' 2012

This season in my life and hopefully longer than a season I have dedicated myself to getting and staying in shape. I recently had a gym membership that I kinda wasted my money on because I didn't go as often as I should last year. I mean, this gym was loaded with amenities like an Olympic-sized swimming pool, hot tubs, a dry sauna and a steam room. It was totally decked out. It's just something about gyms that I do not like. That membership has expired but my active lifestyle hasn't. I've joined a fitness training boot camp with a few members from my church and we meet up every Wednesday and Saturday for the most excruciating I mean, invigorating workout of our lives. Our trainer, Dave or "Crazy Dave" as I affectionately call him, works us to the max. I almost wanted to quit. My supportive husband who conveniently did not join the boot camp with me, encouraged me to keep going *hehehe* and I did. Philippians 4:13 is my best friend nowadays because I have to recite that in my head and under whatever breath I can muster up to keep myself moving. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to get through the strenuous exercises that Crazy Dave instructs ,but I have noticed, increased energy and a decrease craving for junk foods. It's all about a lifestyle change and making sure my body is in optimal health.... It hurts but I FEEL GOOD at the same time!

I work out with a great team of people and we all keep each other motivated. Every one isn't on the same level physically, but we all encouraged one another to keep moving. Last night, Crazy Dave took us to a local University stadium and has us running up and down the stadiums steps and bleachers. OMG! I wanted to grab my keys and crawl to my car afterwards, but we all made it that evening. Try climbing these from the bottom to the top and tell me how you feel! It's not for the faint at heart!

As you run and work out you start to think about the foods that you put into your body that set you back.  For me was the bacon and sausage that I devoured on Sunday at my church's Member Appreciation Breakfast. Oh please believe, I paid for it! In addition to the Boot Camp, I'm also taking Pilates and Pole classes two days a week so my schedule is pretty full but I'm working it out by the grace of God. My body is gonna be so right this year! I'm the words of my Pastor, S. Lamar Simmons, "I'm going alllll the way!" 

I'm working out 4 days a week now! Yay! 

Cute Poling Bunny dances better than I do! LOL

Pilates V: This hold isn't easy!

Review: Rimmel London's ScandalEYES Volume Flash Mascara

After doing my makeup this morning in what I'd like to call a "mad dash", I forgot to put on my mascara. When I got in the car and looked in the mirror I immediately noticed it. "Shucks!" Of course you already know that I wasn't going to leave it that way, I felt undone. So, I went to Walgreen's to get some ginger ale and to look for a tube of mascara. As I scanned the beauty aisle... I knew I didn't want to spend $10 on mascara, at least not this morning. As I get further down the aisle, I pass Wet N Wild and stop at the Rimmel London display. I had remembered seeing their new Volume Flash ScandalEyes mascara on a commercial and to to that off, It was on sale for $3.64, (regular price $6.99) BINGO! I bought the bright orange tube in 003 Extreme Black.... and here it is:

Here's what I like about it:

* It's clump-free with 1-2 coats

* It contains collagen and keratin for healthy & strong lashes

* It's cruelty-free (not tested on animals)

* It's great for contact lens wearers or people with sensitive eyes

*Bright orange packaging, easy to find in train case

Here's what I'm not to thrilled about:

*The brush is super humongous (I guess that's the volume factor though)

*It isn't water-proof or smudge-proof : (

*It gave me max coverage with about 3-4 coats 

* When you pull it out of the tube there will be an excess of product on the tip

It's an okay mascara. I've never had to used 3-4 coats to get that full faux lash effect.

Update: There is a coupon where you can save even more on this product. This is why you have to be a smart consumer and do your research first before you buy. Impulse shopping is the worst kinda shopping. I recently learned that Rimmel ScandalEyes product & Rimmel Nail Polish is marked 50% off at Walgreens through 3/31, depending on which coupon you have, makes it as low as $.99  after coupon. 

Use  $1/1 Rimmel London Product 03/11/2012 RP Insert (exp 05/31/2012) or
$1/1 Rimmel London Product 02/12/2012 RP Insert (exp 04/30/2012)
Final Price $.99

Would I be wrong if i took mines back got a refund and then turned around and used my coupons to get it for $1, would I be wrong??? 

If you are a bargain shopper who loves deals [not just on cosmetics] and enjoys saving a pretty penny check out Sister Save A Lot's Blog. She gives you the tea for free on how you can saaaaave! Shout out to www.sistersavealot.com for the tip!
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Always Radiant Everyday for Trayvon Martin

 

 

It's a sad time in this country whenever we think and/or hear about the recent tragedy that has happened with Trayvon Martin. I can only imagine what his parents, family and friends are feeling. I am praying for them. I am praying that justice is served and the person that has murdered him is locked up. I just recently found out that this young man went to the same high school that I graduated from before being transferred. It really broke my heart even further. This can happen to anyone but this is something that we as a people shouldn't let be brushed under the rug. The support that the family is getting is amazing, heroic and it speaks volumes. Trayvon's life was important. So we honor him and pray for JUSTICE and that God's will be done.

 

Maybe she's born with these BABY LIPS!

Since beginning this new Boot Camp Fitness class that I've joined, I've been noticing that my lips have become a lot drier than normal. Often times while I'm working out... I tend to lick my lips and then they dry out while I'm running. I have those EOS lip balm egg-shaped thingies but they aren't something that I can carry with me while I'm working out. I usually wear spandex workout tights and a sports bra/tee so I needed something that I can fit snugly in between the girls, if you catch my drift. I remember a few of the beauty enthusiasts raving about these colorful tubes from the Maybelline line called, "Baby Lips".  Before purchasing, I said to myself, "Aight, Maybelline... don't go lying to the people nah!" 

So, I went to CVS looking... and as usual, they were sold out! Dang! I went across the street to Walgreen's and they only had two; Cherry Me and Peppermint. I purchased Cherry Me for about $4.49. I heard the ladies say these lip balms were about $2.99... maybe I should have went to Walmart! *Sigh*  Walgreen's is high anyway! 

Anywho, I must say that this balm is the BOMB! The name actually does what it says, so I'm clicking the flashing CO-SIGN button. It kept my lips moisturized the entire hour of my workout and then some. The formula is non-drying to my lips. The chappy workout lips are no more! Cherry Me has a slight barely noticeable reddish-pink tint to it. I'm lying.... it is noticeable. My lips have the slight red Kool-Aid stain to them. It's cute though, I like blushed and flushed lips.

According to Maybelline, 

It's a new lip renew formula containing SPF 20 to give you an 8hr hydration to your lips, for visibly renewed lips in 4weeks. 

 

On days when you don't want to wear a highly pigmented lipstick but want moisturized lips with a light tint to them... these balms are the way to go. I think the Peppermint  and  Quenched shows up clear.

March 2012: Teen Vogue inspired Birchbox

My March Birchbox arrived in the mail yesterday and I had really set up my mind to cancel my membership because the previous boxes weren't hittin' on nothing! This month Birch box gave us the option of getting a regular box or the new Teen Vogue inspired box for this month. Birchbox has teamed up with Beauty Guru, Eva Chen and she has loaded this box with party-prep items.  I'm far from being a teen but I figured I'd opt for the Teen Vogue box since I'm still young at heart. Glad I did! Upon opening the box I was saying to myself, "I sure hope I made the right decision by getting this Teen box because if not", I knew that I was going to log on and cancel any future boxes. My husband watched as I open the box and to my amazement... there were some pretty great items inside. He gave me the ultimate side-eye and said, "You aren't cancelling huh?!?"

Here's what I got: 



essie | luxeffects in 'a cut above'
A glittery nail polish can can be wore alone or as a top coat on another polish color for added bling.


tarte | LipSurgence lip tint in 'Joy'
A long lasting lip stain that adds moisture and a slight pigmentation to the lips.

Image Source: perfumeberry

Annick Goutal | Eau d' Hadrien

A parisian fresh crisp citrus scent.

 

twistband | Hair Tie

A snag-free elastic hair tie.

Shiseido | Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papers

Mattifying paper coated with transparent rice powder to leave you skin shine-free.

They've even threw in a bonus: 

BONUS: a $10 Off Coupon code for MODCloth.com

I really liked the full-sized essie nail polish that they included in this month's box, because we all know that these polishes can run you a good 8 bucks, easy! I also liked the Tarte lip tint, which as another full-sized product, that I have already taken to work with me and worn. I don't always expect Birchbox to put full-sized products in all of their boxes because it's a program that allows us to sample brands and if we like the samples we are encouraged to purchase the full-sized product at a discounted price directly from Birchbox.com. The last previous boxes were a little boring to me but this box had a little more personality in my opinion. Way to go Teen Vogue! So, I bet you are wondering... if I'm gonna cancel my membership? NOPE! I'm gonna hang in there and see what the next box has to offer. it won't be a Teen Vogue box but I will try to remain in my optimism! 

Are you a BirchBoxerette? <---- new word, I know. What did you get in your Birchbox for March? This makes me wonder what did I miss out on in the regular Birchbox? Hmmm...

 

Smoothie Wars: The Mean Green Spinappleango!

I can remember watching Popeye as a kid and so amazed at how he would throw back a can of spinach and get instant strength in order to save Olive Oil. Although I knew the magic was in the spinach, I didn't eat it as as much as a kid and as an adult I still don't incorporate leafy greens into my diet like I should. Until NOW! I've stumbled upon an easier way to get the good stuff in without the struggle by blending them up into a tasty drink. I'm a lady on the go and the fast food joints don't sell healthy. In addition to health, I'm starting a boot camp fitness class next week so I want to take good care of the vehicle [my body] that God gave while I'm here on Earth because I can not get another one. I know that  eating good will eventually make you feel good. I'm on a mission to watch the types of things I'm consuming and to make sure that I am taking in the good stuff!

image from hark.com

I've started blending fruits and green veggies together to create a tasty meal alternative. Here's what I'm using:

*1/2 Cup of VitaCoco Coconut Water

*1 Mango (sliced)

*Pineapple Chunks

*Fresh Spinach (a generous handful or 1 cup)

*Ice Cubes (about 5)

I've blended enough to fit into 2 empty water bottles, one for breakfast and one for lunch. What you don't drink right away can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. 

I've named this "The Mean Green Spinappleango"

It's a very delicious smoothie loaded with all kinds of nutrients! Spinach naturally has a bitter taste but by adding fruit to the smoothie you can mask the taste and make a very pleasant-tasting drink. Spinach is noted by nutritional scientists as a "super food" and it's a good source of iron for those who are anemic and iron-deficient, *ahem* my iron-deficient friends who crave ice and starch all the time.



I highly recommend that you do some research of your own or watch a few YouTube video and see if you can find a Green Smoothie recipe that looks interesting and try it! It's a healthy drink and a good drink to give your kids as well, especially those who don't like to eat their veggies. If you are looking to drink Green and lose weight, they have smoothie recipes online for that as well! It's all about a healthy intake for a more healthier lifestyle. I hope that I have encouraged and helped someone.

To learn more about the health benefits of Spinach Click Here
To learn more about the health benefits of Mango Click Here
To learn more about the health benefits of Pineapple Click Here
To learn more about the health benefits of VitaCoco Click Here

Until next time! <3

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This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Author of Always Radiant Everyday, take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.

Monday's OOTD : The Red Vestie

Recently, I was asked to do an OOTD (Outfit of the Day) video. I laughed when I read it because I have never did an OOTD video on my YouTube channel before. I am actually inspired by a few other YouTubers like FASH, MrsDivaLike, and MissLBailey. I can understand why someone would ask *girlish giggles*

Most times all you see is me from the shoulders up on my videos. But, I finally did it, I felt really good that morning and decided to record a few clips of what I wore to work and it was actually fun, despite the fact that I had no clue on what I was doing at all. The outfit that you see in the video below was something I threw together and a couple of the pieces were awesome bargain finds at my local Goodwill. I'll try to do more OOTD videos this Spring/Summer to add a lil variety to my channel and blog! Peep the video below. (If you are reading this from a mobile phone you may have to click the title of this post to view the video.) Enjoy!