Why I Love Black Girls Run! | Fitness Friday

Running doesn't come easy for me. At. All. But---that's why I love it. It's constantly challenging. It's demanding. I love the way that I feel afterwards. I love that I'm doing something for me. Just for me. During my first year of running, I ran solo almost every day. I couldn't convince, beg, plead, or guilt trip any of my friends into joining me. I didn't let it keep me from pushing my jogging stroller with minion #1 in tow, sweating like crazy, and learning to love every minute of it but I still longed for someone to share my running experience with. Maybe another mom. Maybe a girl who looked like me. Hopefully, a woman who was just as committed to getting healthy and preserving the sexy as I was. I wanted to run with a brown chica who was more afraid of being overweight, living life with diabetes or hypertension or assorted preventable aliments than she was of sweating out her perm (who comes up with these stupid sayings anyway? You totally can't sweat out a perm people! *eyeroll*).

When my sorority sister introduced me to BlackGirlsRun.com---I'm sure that my eyes glittered like a kid in a candy store. She told me that I could find a running partner, go out to local group meets, and surround myself with radiant running positivity. I joined on the spot (It's 100% FREE, no dollars, no cents too!) and it's been lights out running ever since for me. I'm totally in love with BGR and here are 4 reasons why you should be too!

BlackGirlsRun! is completely inviting:

Joining BGR is easy as 1-2-3. (And did I mention that it's FREE?) First, you find a group in your city. Then, choose a meet up that fits your schedule. Lastly, GO RUN! I've moved to 3 cities in the last 6 years. Because of BGR, I can always find running partners and a group meet to join. BGR Ambassadors are your passionate chapter leaders who coordinate the group meets, keep you up to date on all things BGR, and are definitely the cutest welcoming committee I've ever seen! They bleed awesome positivity, pink sparkles, and know exactly what to say to give discouragement the boot and lift your spirit.

BlackGirlsRun! is effortlessly supportive:

BGR doesn't care if the only thing that you can run is late. Start walking. In a few weeks, start jogging. Then run faster. Keep running. Keep moving. All fitness levels are welcomed.

Source: www.BlackGirlsRun.com

BlackGirlsRun! is authentically real:

Founded by Ashley Hicks and Toni Carey, BGR's goal is to help African-American women make fitness and healthy living a priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80% of African-American women are overweight---how ridiculous is that?!? BGR is about you pounding that statistic into the pavement---you being the best you---you being strong---you refusing to settle for less than the REAL you.

BlackGirlsRun! is absolutely fun:

When you come out to a BGR group meet, expect to giggle uncontrollably, give out high-fives and fist pumps like their going out of style, and leave ready to conquer the world.

Boom. I could probably list at least 10 more reasons why I heart BGR, but I won't bore you to death. Just know that joining the BGR family was one of the best things that I've done for my health. My BGR girls, won't let me settle for less---they've even encouraged me to sign up for my first half-marathon (13.1) AND are committed to running with me EVERY STEP of the way.

Are you part of BGR? Rep your chapter below!

Besitos!

KLP

I can not wait until next week to introduce you guys to your new and improved #FitnessFriday linkup! Bigger. Badder. Bolder. All to cultivate and encourage a community of strong fiercely fabulous and fit mamacitas. Until then link up with either my bloggy boo Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays to share how you lived well this week!

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[Hairstyle] Perm Rods on Transitioning Hair | Wash Day

So...I had this master plan to give all every single little detail about my perm rod sets today. I was gonna take a zillion pictures---but you know that only 3 would have been blog-worthy. I even considered filming my installation process. Then realized that my weirdness would be completely revealed---and scratched that idea too. My brilliant plan also included mapping out all the how to's and what to use. Then...I woke up late. Didn't even have time to take down all of my rollers. Yep. That's what the universe thinks of my mater plan. Smh.

Instead---here's the condensed version. With a few silly pics! Here's how my #washdayexperience went...

1. Extreme Deep Condition- I detangled my hair in about 8 sections then applied Matrix Hydrasource Conditioner to my roots and Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe from the line of demarcation to my ends. Afterwards, I applied a little extra virgin coconut oil from root to tip to seal in the conditioner. I covered with a plastic cap + knit beanie for a few hours.
2. Tea Rinse- I hopped in the shower to rinse the conditioner section by section. Then I applied my tea rinse of 2 green tea bags + 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of glycerin. I let the mixture sit on my hair for about 5 minutes.
3. Detangling Treatment- I rinsed the tea then applied a Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
4. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
5. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize and extra virgin coconut oil to seal, then set my hair on orange perm rods and left in overnight (approx 4-5 hours) 

 

The Results:
I totally didn't have enough time to take down all of my rollers before I needed to get gone---so I improvised. Hello crochet beanie. Hello curly fringe. I think that I'll keep you!

I wanted a fuller perm rod set this time, but using more rods wasn't really an option---I kinda forgot to buy more. Instead, I took each section, divided it into two, then two strand twisted it a few times. Starting from the roots, I wrapped my hair around the rods and secured. It makes take down super easy, you get twice as many curls and ZERO breakage from trying to divide and fluff your curls. #winning

I don't plan to wear these curls down much, so I skipped a holding product on my ends. The curls from perm rods are awesome---don't get me wrong---but I love them most for how they stretch my roots to blend all this 15 months post relaxer textures. 

Promise you won't tell my secret?!

How was your #washdayexperience?

Besitos!
KLP

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Healthy Hairology Medley

Healthy Hairology Medley is a unique little place were I share healthy hair and lifestyle tips and tricks from my favorite bloggers and vloggers. Come on in, have a seat, and get ready to pin your heart out!

The Flirty Bun & Bang styledchic: In a bun rut? Samara's got you covered with her cute and simple flirty bun with a swooped bang.

3 Steps to Luscious Curls This Winter dailycurlz: I can't lie. In winter, I'm a little more relaxed with my regimen. I forgo my bantu knot curls, stick to buns and often forget to moisturize during the week. Thanks to Daily for reminding me that curls can be luscious in the winter time too!

Crochet Braids FAQ ammamama: Ohhhh weee! I'll know alll about my love for crochet braids and my girl Amma definiitely knows how to work them. Here are her tips and tricks for drop dead gorgeous braids.

Big Sideswept Braided Bun freshlengths: Lesley shows us how to dial up a simple high bun into a fluffy, yet elegant sideswept updo using a couple of well placed extensions.

What did you bookmark this week?

Besitos!

KLP

What Not To Wear To Yoga Class | #FitnessFriday

It's very easy to be intimidated by Yoga. Yogis have their own language, seem to be in union with their bodies, and Zen in their surroundings. Your first yoga class can be a little scary but you'll do fine---as long as you don't wear these 3 things:

100% Cotton Low-Rise Pants- Regardless of which type of yoga class you are attending---the chances of you sweating in places that you don't want anyone to know that you sweat in are HIGH. Cotton absorbs moisture---and leaves a not so sexy sweat stain. Do not be that girl. I've been that girl and I wouldn't wish it on my worse enemy! Low-rise definitely a no-no too. Imagine---you + forward fold + low rise pants...just think about that for a second.  Now---put on your high waist moisture-wicking capris that won't show your assets when you bend over and won't show where you sweat while you get Zen.

Baggy tops- There is nothing at all wrong with erring on the side of modesty in the yoga studio, however---you'll want to avoid tops that are too baggy. Basic moves like downward dog will send your top cascading over your head. Try a top that's fitting but not overly tight or uncomfortable.

Strong Perfume- I know that your guy loves the scent of your favorite perfume, but chances are that after a few ujjayi pranayama breaths everyone in your class will hate it. Just stick with deodorant/antiperspirant. Your class mates will definitely thank you for that one!

What else is on you DO NOT wear to yoga class list?

Besitos!
KLP

Let the countdown begin! T-14 days until your new and improved #FitnessFriday linkup relaunches. Bigger. Badder. Bolder. All to cultivate a community of strong fiercely fabulous and fit mamacitas. Until then link up with either my bloggy boo Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays to share how you lived well this week!

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[Hairstyle] Perm Rods + Tangles | WashDayExperience

 
I learned a lot about my beautiful multi-textured hair this week. 1. It's defiantly stubborn. 2. It's a bit bi-polar and 3. Without a good stretch on wash day---the rest of the week is miserable. I refused to repeat my mistakes from last week, so I broke out some old faithfuls from Jessicurl and dusted off my perm rods. Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Pre-Shampoo- I slathered my hair in extra virgin coconut oil whilst I detangled. I put my hair in about 6 bantu knots to keep my hair sectioned.
2. Shampoo- with Jessicurl Cleansing Cream applied to each section.
3. Extreme deep condition- I deep conditioned with Jessicurl Deep Treatment on the length of my hair. Then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and left it for a few hours.
4. Tea Rinse- using 1 black tea bag and 1 green tea bag steeped in 2 cups of water + 2 tbsp of glycerin.
5. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
6. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
7. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize and the teensiest amount of Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter to seal then set my hair on about 35 orange perm rods and left in overnight

It wasn't pretty for a while y'all. I had to cut out 3-4 knots. My nape was a tangled nightmare and suffered the worse of it all. Pre-wash detangling took about an hour vs my usual 15-20 minutes. I'm nervous that whenever I get around to straightening, I'm gonna have a janky hemline. *shudders* I'm still kicking myself in the butt.

There were a few tears shed and there might have been a few fudge bombs dropped. But, it all changed once I slathered my hair in Jessicurl Deep Treatment. Omgosh, this stuff is amazing. My hair simply soaked it up. I didn't use heat---I just let it sit for a few hours. And when I went to rinse---Ladies----we were back in business!

I still suck at installing my perm rods. Maybe I'm too meticulous---or maybe my fingers are still getting the hang of it all, but I feel like 1.5 hr installation time is ridiculous! I'm off to YouTube to find a quicker way! In the meantime---LOOK AT ALL THIS STUPID SHRINKAGE! Yes---I'm still amazed at how I go from MBL to barely even chin length overnight. Shrinkage is the devil!

It's pouring rain in my part of the world, so in a high bun all those curls went and I was on my way! Take a look at my roots---no gel, jam, or edge control. Glory be to perm rods for what they do to smooth my roots! And check out that silly straight end that never wants to act right! There's always one right?

I hope you had an amazing #washdayexperience chica!

Besitos!
KLP

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My Favorite Jillian Michael's Affirmations | #FitnessFriday

For the last 4 weeks, TV's toughest trainer has kicked my butt almost every morning. Plank-jacks. Superman. Pendulum lunges. Rockstar jumps. If reading any of these exercises instantly cause you to break a sweat, your muscles burn, or your heart race, then you know my trainer. You know her very well.

Throw the confetti chiquitas! It's #FitnessFriday and today I'm sharing my all time favorite positively radiant affirmations from my good friend ...in my head of course... and personal trainer ...when I pop in her DVDs... Jillian Michaels.

 "I want you dripping sweat and panting like a dog." - Jillian Michaels Kickbox FastFix

There are times when I'm at the gym or pounding the pavement on my favorite trails and my mind starts to drift off. "...Did I reply to Joe Blow CEO?" "...I wonder if that milk was expired." "...Did I remember to proofread that PTA meeting recap?" My focus is crappy. My form suffers. All of a sudden---I'm not giving my workout 200%. And as a stuff proclaimed cardio queen so if I'm not dripping sweat and panting like a dog...I'm just not doing it right.

RELATED: True Life- I'm Addicted To Cardio

Jillian loathes. And I mean LOATHES "phoning it in." If you're going to take time out of your day. Time just for you, why not be intentional. Focus on the muscles that you're working. Feel them getting stronger. Be present in the moment. Own your workout and own your success.

"Don't get to the finish line and quit. Always finish strong." -Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

You're half way in. You're tired. You're muscles hurt. You're sweating in places where men shouldn't know that women sweat in. You're probably ready to quit.

RELATED: What I Learned About Hurts, Hang ups, Habits, and Healthy Hair While Running

Jillian knows that you're cursing her. She knows that you just want to turn the DVD off. But she believes that not only can you finish. But that you can finish strong. All she wants is your all. #toughlove

This is about being strong physically to reflect how strong you are in every other facet of your life. -Jillian Michaels 6 Week Six Pack

You are stronger than you think. A lot stronger. Jillian will keep saying it until you believe it. You'll kick butt at work. Cure boo boos with a single kiss. All while cooking dinner like a rockstar. If you can be strong for everyone else and everything else in your life, why not be strong for yourself?

RELATED: #FitnessFriday- Why Strong is the NEW Skinny


I could go on and on about all of the awesome positively inspiring *$%! that Jillian Michaels says but I'll leave you with this: Let today be the day that you get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It's supposed to be hard and it's supposed to hurt. But that pain...that's just fear leaving the body. 


Jillian Michaels DVD collection is available instantly on Amazon.com. 

Knock 'em dead #FitnessFriday fam!

Besitos!
KLP 

Let the countdown begin! T-21 days until your new and improved #FitnessFriday linkup relaunches. Bigger. Badder. Bolder. All to cultivate a community of strong fiercely fabulous and fit mamacitas. Until then link up with either my bloggy boo Ebony from www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays to share how you lived well this week!

An InLinkz Link-up

[Hairstyle] Criss-Crossed High Bun + Tangles | #WashDayExperience

The last 67 weeks of this stretch has been fairly simple and straight forward. Stretch hair with curls. Wear hair down for a few hours. Bun it up or twist it back. Well, I kinda didn't follow my own plan of attack and now I'm really asking myself if it's time to throw in the towel. Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Extreme deep condition- I fully detangled my hair then applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner to my roots and Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe to my ends. Then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and let sit for a few hours.
2. Tea Rinse- using 2 green tea bags steeped in 2 cups of water + 2 tbsp of glycerin.
3. Smoothing Treatment- with a large dollop of Matrix Biolage Detangling Solution.
4. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
5. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize, extra virgin coconut oil to seal and stretched my hair using banding. 

The Results: 
Without my signature curls, I really had NO CLUE how to style my hair. I looked into my Bun Effect (my favorite protective styles) backlog for answers. I tried a low bun; But I couldn't smooth my edges back. I tried my 30 second old faithful updo; Trust me---you don't want to see pictures of that catastrophe. So I went straight into a high bun. 

I know exactly where I went wrong today---my hair wasn't properly stretched. SHOCKER right? I used all of my favorite products. I even deep conditioned overnight. But without a proper stretch to blend my super curly roots. It's. All. In. Vain.

BUT...there's an upside. I usually shed like a cat when the seasons change. Not this Fall! (Yet) My lost hair was sincerely a joke this week. I pray that the trend continues!

How was your #washdayexperience?

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Hair Blogger Confessions

My hair is usually stupid plain and boring.

I workout 5/6 days a week so I live for an unspectacular high bun.

I look like this for the #washdayexperience...

7 days later, I look like this...

....undercover deep conditioning. Don't judge me.

I really don't wear my hair down much. No. I'm not a protective styling genius. When my hair touches my neck, no matter where I am, I freak out. I'm convinced that a spider, ant, bug, (insert your favorite gross crawly insect here) is crawling on me.

You'll never see me in a face full of makeup. Because....well...I can't. I don't own one tube of lipstick. I don't wear foundation. The only blending that I do is in the kitchen. I'm obviously not as girlie as I think that I am in my head. I'm just a basic latina with my lip balm, Nars Orgasm blush, and maybe (a BIG maybe) a swipe of mascara.

I don't make YouTube videos because the sound of my own voice creeps me out. Plus---who got time for that?!?

My kids are usually cropped out of most of my photos.

Welcome to my gloriously un-fabulous life!

Besitos!
KLP

Healthy Hairology Medley

Healthy Hairology Medley is a unique little place were I share healthy hair and lifestyle tips and tricks from my favorite bloggers and vloggers. Come on in, have a seat, and get ready to pin your heart out!


Celeb-Inspired: Janet's Pin Curls un-ruly: I almost grabbed my scissors and when IN for this look! And we don't love Janet?!?

How To: Hot Oil Treatment freshlengths: Is your hair feeling a little dry and lacks shine? Then grab your favorite bottle of oil and try a hot oil treatment with my bloggy buddy Lesley. I promise that once you start---you'll never want to stop!

Length Checks ≠ Vanity thekinkandi: Length checks can be encouraging or they can be depressing. But, I do think that they are an important part of our journeys. Hey give you a refence point, allow you to evaulate what is working or what is for the birds, and give you a concrete picture of your progress. But we have to beware because there is definitely more than one way to measure the health of your hair besides length.



VIP Beauty Hair Ali Express Review hairdelacreme: If I was a wig girl, this wig right hurrr would be my boo. I'm not sure if y'all would ever see my hair again! Well, okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little but it looks so friggin natural!

What made your "it" list this week?

Besitos!
KLP

What To Eat After A Workout | #FitnessFriday

After a workout, I feel energized, proud, and like I could lift a friggin building. #beastmode. I'm also starving! I don't want to eat anything that will undo the work that I just did in the gym, but I also want to fill full and satisfied to prevent myself from caving to snack attacks later in the day.

So, I turned to my trainer for advice on what if anything, should I eat after my workouts. He told me that NOT eating was the absolutely worse thing that I could do. When I go to the gym, I refuse to phone it in and I can feel it afterwards. Even if your snack is small, you have to eat something to aid in muscle recovery. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions from my trainer:

Hummus & Veggies
I love hummus. It's super easy to make,  has 5 ingredients, and tastes so YUMMY! The chickpeas are chocked full of fiber and protein. The extra virgin olive oil is know to lower your risk of heart disease, and garlic is an antioxidant.

Source: www.gotchocolatemilk.com

Chocolate Milk
When I don't have time to whip up something in my kitchen, the quickest easiest thing for me to grab is a glass of chocolate milk. Milk has protein and simple carbs that are easily and quickly absorbed into your body. Plus, I'm totally a chocaholic; why would I choose anything else?!?

Eggs
I'm a big egg person. I could literally have a different egg dish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because they are totally versatile. Eggs are stupid cheap, high in protein, and I heard that they have a ton of biotin which is known around these parts to support faster growing and thicker hair. Two birds, one stone y'all!

What do you munch on after a workout?

Besitos!
KLP

The new and IMPROVED #FitnessFriday launches in November, starting with a FITNESS CHALLENGE! No worries, we'll share all of the details in a bit. So definitely stay tuned for more information. In  the  meantime, you can still link up with either my blog bestie Ebony  from  www.longing4length.com or myself on Fridays!

An InLinkz Link-up

[Hairstyle] Perm Rods | #WashDayExperience

I was simply obsessed with my perm rod curls last week. #1 My roots were smooth. Chile, like I just got a relaxer smooth. I was actually able to see my scalp through my roots! I know that this might not be a big deal to you, but when you haven't seen your scalp in months because it's hidden under several ends of curly roots---you get pumped. #2 My hair was uber moisturized. I only moisturized and sealed twice in 7 days. Now before you call the hhj-police on me, I want you to know that I didn't moisturize because my hair didn't feel dry at all. #3 Old perm rod curls make THE BEST curly #iwokeuplikethis buns ever! Nonetheless, I went for the three-peat this week. Same style, Pretty much the same products. But lots o pictures. Here's how my #washdayexperience went:

1. Pre-Shampoo- I slathered my hair in extra virgin coconut oil whilst I detangled. I put my hair in about 6 bantu knots to keep my hair sectioned.
2. Cleanse- I haven't shampooed in a few weeks, so I diluted a little Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo with water and applied to my roots only using a narrow tip applicator bottle on each section.
3. Protein Treatment- Next, I applied Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe from root to tip. 
4. Deep condition- After I rinsed the protein treatment, I applied Matrix Biolage Hydrasource Conditioner from root to tip, then I massaged my stands with extra virgin coconut oil, covered with a plastic cap and let sit for a few hours.
5. Air Dried- I applied a bit of Chi Silk Infusion to 80-85% wrapped in a cotton t-shirt.
6. Leave ins-I used Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner to moisturize, extra virgin coconut oil to seal and Good Hair Is Resilient Styling foam for a soft hold, then set my hair on about 35 orange perm rods and left in overnight

The results:

Whilst, I used the same products this week, my technique was a little different. It's been a million years since my last shampoo (okay---I'm just kidding it's been like 4-5 weeks) and I knew that it was time to give my scalp and hair a fresh start. Matrix Hydrasource has got to be the gentlest shampoo that I've ever used. Even diluted, it has a good lather and definitely doesn't strip my hair. I was also overdue for a hard protein treatment. And of course, I'm all out of Nexxus Emergencee. So I settled for Joico K-Pak and followed it all up with a deep conditioning with Matrix Hydrasource conditioner. K-Pak left my hair feeling strong and Hydrasource gave me the softness.

  
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this in the past but, on wash day, I do everything in sections. EVERYTHING. From the beginning, as I detangle, I pull my hair into large bantu knots and work section by section applying product, rinsing, and even styling. 

L: Before with conditioner R: After rinsing

I actually took some shots of my disgusting wet dog looking hair. Nothing about my wet mop appeals to me. I mean, look at the shrinkage! (I had to stretch it a bit so that you could see the texture) Look at how crummy my ends look when wet! *hangs head* I feel totally vulnerable and naked now that I've shown you. I guess that I'm a big girl now. The only good news is that once I stretch my hair---It all looks decent again.

Back to the results...It's official. I'm in love with perm rods. The orange rods give me the perfect sized curl, the tension smooths my roots (I mean, can you even tell that I'm 66 weeks post relaxer?), and the way that my hair holds on to moisture after the fact is extraordinary. I still suck at installing them. It still takes me well over an hour. But to only have to fiddle with my hair once a week? Meh...I think that I'm #winning. 

Are you participating in 30 days without heat? 





I am! Shoutie to Jeni, Jay, and Tiki for this amazeball challenge!
 
Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up