How To Run A Virtual 5K | #FitnessFriday

Do you want to run a 5K but don't know how to start? Or maybe you really want a wingman and none of your friends/family are interested? No local 5K races? Perhaps you haven't found a race that fits into your schedule. Well today on #FitnessFriday, I'm sharing how you can run a 5k race regardless of your fitness level, location, with anyone, and at anytime. Welcome to the world of virtual 5ks and here's how to do it:
 

1. Get Registered: Find a race online and just say yes! Don't know where to start? Join Black Girls Run and sign up for their WalkB4URUN! Virtual 5K
2. Start Training: Black Girls RUN! has a super cool, effective, and simple training plan that I recommend to everyone. You can download yours here. Plus it's totally free! #woot You start my walking on week 1. You'll end running on week 12.
3. Map Your Route: Whether you're running in your neighborhood, at the park, or on the trails, the very last thing that you want to do is not complete the full 3.1 mile race. If you're not sure where to run, meet up with your local BlackGirlsRun group for training sessions and the beautiful encouragement. You can find a group in your city by visiting here
4. Get your bib: After you register, most virtual races provide a link where you can download your bib. Race bibs are like badges of honor---I never run a race without one!
5. Run your kinda race: It doesn't matter if you run a 15 minute race or you crawl a 151 minute race. The goal is to finish. Plus you already know that you can do it!
6. Submit your results and do an embarrassing happy dance: Follow the directions that your race provides. Typically you have to upload your time on your hosts virtual roster. Then cabbage patch, dougie, or butterfly! You did it! Next, stalk the mail man for your race bling! It's typically delivered 3-4 weeks after the race. I HEART race bling! 

Tada!! There you have it, how to run a virtual 5k. Easy enough right? So who's lacing up their sneakers and running with me?

Besitos!
KLP

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

How To Store Solid Shampoo Bars

I've been using my Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar for almost 3 months and I've yet to find a reason not to love every minute of it! Because it looks like I'm ditching liquid shampoos for good (except Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo when I need a good clarifying cleanse.), I wanted to show you how I've been able to make my bar last by storing it properly:

How To Store Solid Shampoo Bars

1. Rinse off your bar and allow to completely air dry on a flat surface
2. Wrap in plastic cling
3. Store in a shampoo bar tin or case in a dark, cool and dry place

Tips & Tricks:
- Never leave in shower or any place (i.e.: a soap dish without drainage) where it will be constantly exposed to condensation, heat or humidity.
- Always let bar dry completely before storing.
- You can get several months of use out of your shampoo bar if you store it properly. The typical shelf life is 2-3 months.

Pretty simple right? So...are you ready to hop on the shampoo bar bandwagon or are you still skeptical?

Besitos!
KLP

Just in case you missed it: Here's How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar (on natural, relaxed or transitioning hair) and a few shampoo bars that are on my wish list.

What To Wear For Pilates Class | Fitness Friday

#FitnessFriday is a fun community building linkup that encourages women to keep their body strong whilst creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Losing weight, eating well, and growing long healthy hair isn't easy; but they do go hand in hand. Wellness starts on the inside and requires commitment, dedication, plus loads of support. We're totally all in this together!

The biggest reason that I love #FitnessFriday is because it forces allows me to stay on track with my overall healthy living goals---otherwise I have nothing to report each week! The thought of doing the same workout day (or even eating the same thing) in and day out is utterly boring to me, so I try to keep my routine as varied as possible. However, one thing that I've done at least once a week for the last year is Pilates. A few weeks ago I shared how I wear my hair to Pilates class, so today I'm sharing what I wear!

Honestly, you can wear whatever you want to the Pilates Studio. No matter what comfort is the key. You don't need anything fancy. But you do need to feel confident in whatever you wear.

1. Layers: Sometimes my Pilates studio is freezing cold. Other times its like they have the heat on in the summer time. I like to dress in layers to make sure that I'm comfortable regardless of the temperature in the studio. Always make sure that your outer layer is still Pilates mat and machine friendly.(Suggested: Reebok Yoga & Pilates Sweater $45)

2. Tank: The worst thing that you can wear to Pilates class is a top that's too tight or too revealing. My favorite tank fit is cut high in the front (to keep me from flashing the class), a loose in the middle (no muffin tops here!), and longer than most tops (just in case my shirt rides up a tad). You'll want your top to be able to move about with you. Not against you. (Suggested: Reebok Workout Ready Tank $17)

3. Bottoms: Sweats, windbreaker pants, or anything super baggy is totally a bad idea. Not only can baggy clothes be difficult to maneuver in, but they are potentially dangerous when working on the Pilates machines. Also, if you are doing mat work, you want your instructor to be able to see and correct your movements/posture. Choose pants that wear close to the body, provide freedom of motion, and claro que si make your butt look fabulous! (Suggested: Reebok Workout Ready Capri $40)

4. Socks: Pilates is performed barefoot. But I'm kinda not about that life, so I wear my lucky socks. They are purple and very awesome. Your teacher will probably freak if you wear your shoes into the Pilates room. Always take them off before you walk in. (Suggested: Those holey socks in the back of your drawer that you refuse to throw away. Yep. Those are the luckiest pair)

5. Pilates Bag: Although completely optional, I invested in a mat sleeve when I was in college initially for my Yoga mat. Now I use that bag for my Pilates mat (A Pilates mat has about twice the thickness of a traditional Yoga mat). My bag has a place for my keys, water bottle, and phone plus a few other things because I'm awful forgetful---so it works in my favor to keep everything in one place. (Suggested: Reebok Stripped Yoga Mat $22)

Are you into Pilates? What do you wear?

Besitos!
KLP

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

Solid Shampoo Bar Wish List

It's official! I'm a shampoo bar lover! For the last couple of months, I've been madly in love with Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar. Not only does it actually clean my hair---but it doesn't leave my hair feeling stripped, stringy, and tangled like typical shampoos. So, I've been on the hunt for my next bar to try. Here's a few that are on my wish list:

Sunrise Citrus- The Freckled Farm Company
Ingredients:
Olive Oil, Raw Goat Milk, Coconut Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Castor Oil, Palm Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Shea Butter, Grapefruit Essential Oil, Orange Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil

Why it looks awesome: Hello coconut oil, shea butter, and olive oil. Three ingredients that make my hair do a happy dance! Ever since I read this article from Shelli over at hairscapades, I've been wanting to try something---anything with goats milk in it. Plus---y'all know that I love ANYTHING bright, fresh and citrus-y. 

Babassu Marshmallow- Chargin Valley Soap and Salve
Ingredients: 
Organic Babassu Oil; Organic Sunflower Oil; Organic Coconut Oil; Organic Avocado Oil; Organic Jojoba Oil; Organic Mango Butter; Organic Avocado Oil;  Oil; Water; Organic Shea Butter; Sodium Hydroxide*; Organic Marsh Mallow Root; Organic Castor Oil; Organic Walnut Oil; Organic Canola Oil; Organic Aloe; Organic Essential Oils of Ylang Ylang, Lemon, Ginger; Organic Rosemary Oil Extract 

Why It Looks Awesome: Remember this post from Jen @ JustGrowAlready and this post from Fiona @ LoveYourTresses about marshmallow root having AHA-mazing slip. Yeah. I. Need. That. In. My. Life. Anything that can help detangle, gently cleanse, and soften my roots is a winner all day in my book. 

Coco Honey & Amla Conditioning Shampoo Bar- Bobeam
Ingredients: 
Saponified vegetable oils, mainly coconut oil, glycerin, honey, purified water, sorbital (berries, moisturizer) sorbitial oleate (emulsifier) soybean protein (conditioner)

Why It Looks Awesome: A shampoo bar that cleanses while it conditions? Yum-o! Plus coconut oil, honey, and glycerin---all ingredients that my hair is known to lust after. I'm iffy on the soybean protein---I typically despise protein laced shampoos but Bobeam hasn't let me down yet and I dont think that this Coco Honey & Amla Conditioning bar will either.

Any of these look good to you? Which one should I choose?

Besitos!
KLP

Just in case you missed it: Here's How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar (on natural, relaxed or transitioning hair)

My Love/Hate Relationship With FitBit Zip

I walked into the exchange, picked up the magenta hot pink FitBit Zip and told my hubby "THIS is what I want for my birthday" then sashayed off to buy bananas and laundry detergent. Several weeks later, my hubby surprised me with a magenta hot pink FitBit Zip for my birthday! (He's totally a keeper! Ha-ha!) I wanted to use my Fitbit Zip for a while just to break it in and really give you the low down. It's #FitnessFriday *throw your confetti!* and today I'm dishing about my love/hate relationship with my FitBit Zip:

Love
It's addictive. I CAN NOT leave my house without it. Seriously. I was about to go do some shopping with my suegra, went we made it half way up the driveaway when I realized that I forgot my FitBit Zip. So, let them clown me as I turned around go back and get it! I love how it tracks my steps, distance, and calories burned.

Small steps to accomplishing big goals. I love how I can see how active I am throughout the day. Since the weather has warmed up, I started taking walks in my neighborhood and in the park with my minions, I don't mind having to run up and down my steps when I forget things, I park further away from the entrance to stores to make sure that I get my 10,000 steps in. Sometimes, I'll put on my Pandora 90's station and dance until I hit my daily goal.

The encouraging automated love. When you reach your goals, your FitBit sends you a love note. When you're slacking it will gently remind you that you only have a little more to go. Part personal trainer part pixie dust spreader. Either way it makes me smile.

Hate:
It's a shiny fancy glorified super expensive pedometer. Yes, it is more accurate than anything else that I've used, but in the end all this thing does is count your steps, tell you that you're awesome, and smile at you. Literally.

Sucky Mobile & Online Tools. I wanted to be able to track my other fitness related activities either especially running via the FitBit app on my smartphone or online.  (Your FitBit is AWFUL at tracking your steps running. Don't bother trying) I was surprised at how un-user friendly and NOT intuitive it is. If I'm going to spend $50 on a gadget that claims to sync you with the world, then it needs to do just that.

Limited Interaction With 3rd party Apps. After some research I saw that I could link my FitBit to my all time favorite fitness app RunKeeper. RunKeeper allows you to record dozens of fitness related activities with distances and calories burned. The RunKeeper interface is dumb easy to use. I use it when I run, jump rope, go to Zumba, and even for Spinning class. Sadly, this was another bust. Sure you can sync your FitBit to RunKeeper but you can't sync your RunKeeper activities to FitBit. Which defeated the ENTIRE purpose of having a sync-able pedometer. Is it too much to ask to have all of my sweat stuff in one place.

Was my FitBit Zip a ratchet waste of money? Well, no. Using it is incredibly easy. Like---so easy that a cave man can do it. Plus its hot magenta pink! It's totally the most stylist pedometer ever. Unfortunately, interacting with its mobile app and online isn't intuitive. Maybe I expected too much. But the tag line "Wireless Activity Tracker" is a little misleading to me. If you want a wicked cool steps counter and that's it---then the FitBit Zip is for you. If you want just a little more---wait until they update their apps. I'm sure eventually they'll get this thing right.

Do you have a FitBit? Do you love it or hate it?

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

25 Mile Bike Ride | Fitness Friday

Cruising!

Georgetown DC

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!! Yes, you read that right! 25 MILES!! One of my colleagues (client of the BF as well) invited my BF and I on a bike ride this past memorial weekend. Of course, he agreed and I smiled with a slight nod! lol I was looking forward to bike riding but I had a traumatic (in my eyes lol) experience as a kid so I had not rode a bike in over 10 years! I was not sure of my survival through hills and turns. Nonetheless, I wanted to stay with my workout kick and try different ways of exercising in my workout regimen.

My BF and I met my colleague at her gorge home in Maryland, where she had two bikes with all the gear waiting for us. She is a very fit and outdoorsy individual. Her husband and her decided to ride their "tandem" bike...I can not make this up! hah I wore my hair in a low bun since I would have a helmet on the entire time. If you are familiar with the DMV area, we rode our bikes from Silver Spring to Georgetown DC to Bethesda to Silver Spring using the Rock Creek Trail. This is not a typo...

The toughest moment of the ride was going from Georgetown to Bethesda because it was a steady incline with some hills that were just...ahh! I literally hopped off my bike on the last hill and just walked it up. We still had 5 miles to go. The upside was we had a lovely dinner in Bethesda before riding back in the DARK to her home in Silver Spring. Although I enjoyed myself, it will be a while before I bike 25 miles again! I think (KNOW) next time I will bike a shorter distance. I am very PROUD of myself because I did not quit, complain or ask for a friend to pick me up! I really gave it my all which should always be given when staying healthy and Check out what my BF had to say about it! Two different perspectives of enjoyment. 

Beauty of DC

My recommendations for future bike riding: 

1. Wear Bike Shorts! My behind was soooo sore from the seat, it was ridiculous! I am not over exaggerating.
2. Go at your own pace! I was always the last to meet up with the group. At first, I was embarrassed but I soon realized I had to work with MY body at MY pace.
3. Enjoy the scenery! I never noticed the beauty and calmness of DC. Sometimes I forget how peaceful our city can be.

Let me know if/when you decide to bike ride. It works muscles in a way that I have never experienced in dance or pilates.  It is a great workout to have when wanting to explore nice weather as well. 

Will you be bike riding!?

xoxo
Keyda

ABCs of Bangin' Bantu Knots

I'm a one trick pony. I try braid outs---they fail. I even tried twist outs---they were a hot mess. Flexi-rods are just far too complicated. I'm too lazy for roller sets. Bantu knots are seriously the only low manipulation style that I can count on to blend my super curly roots with the rest of my texlaxed hair. I hope that y'all aren't tired of them! It's been over a year since my first set and here are the basic ABCs of bangin bantu knots:

Air Dry:
I always start with detangled air dried hair. I get the best results when my hair has been washed and deep conditioned 24-48 hours before I try to install the knots.

Bigger is better:I prefer my curls in big sections because I love volume. Big hair; KLP don't care. Ha-ha! The smaller your sections, the tighter the curls. You can experiment to see which curl you like the best. I usually end up with 10-12 knots. My knots take about 15 minutes to install.

Cocktail:
Moisturizer + Oil/butter + Holding product. Use whatever floats your boat. My go to cocktail has been Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + my kitchenista Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter + Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I do believe that order of operations matter on this one. I've found that many products that "hold" aren't particularly moisturizing and can make my hair feel or look very dry over time. Layering on a moisturizer and oil prior to the holding product traps that moisture in and keeps the frizz at bay.

I studied Whoissuga's "How to do a bangin Bantu knot out" fifty trillion times to figure out how to knot my hair. Then Tressedforsuccess took my bantu knot game to another level. It will take some time. You probably will fail the first time. But you're totally not alone. Shoot, I failed a few days ago. It happens! Throw it all up and rock a curly bun or tuck it under and work a faux bob. Whatever you do, do not give up! What's your go to low manipulation style this spring?  

Besitos! 
KLP 

4 Ways to Fight Dandruff & Flakes

I can relate to the fight for flake free hair. Until fairly recently, I would find flakes in my combs, on the bathroom counter, and all over my clothes whenever I touched my hair. I'd always "scratch my scalp" when I washed (which was like once a month at best...no wonder my scalp was going crazy!) but the flakes would still be there afterwards. Very un-sexy! Fast forward to today. My scalp is flake free and happy as can be. Here are 4 ways to fight dandruff and flakes

Evaluate Your Products (especially leave ins): Some products can cause dry scalp, contribute to yucky build up, or irritate your scalp causing what looks like dandruff. While food allergies can be different from contact allergies, be sure to label check your products before you use them. If you noticed that your scalp is irritated from chemical (read: relaxers, keratin, or coloring) treatments, you might need to consider ditching them.

How to: Start eliminating products---especially those that you're applying to your scalp---one by one. 

Essential Oil Pre-Shampoo: I love a good pre-shampoo treatment. Especially one with stimulating, detoxifying essential oils. My stimulating essential oil blend has a few drops of peppermint to invigorate and refreshes the scalp.  Plus, eucalyptus which is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Start with 5-10 drops of each essential oil + extra virgin coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to see how it feels on your scalp. If the scent is overpowering, next time only use 2-3 drops of each essential oil. Or as you get customized to the sensation, you can add a few drops more. Never use essential oils undiluted as they are highly concentrated.

How to: Apply to unwashed hair and scalp then let this pre-shampoo sit for 10-20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. 

 

Gentle yet effective shampoo: I hate the way that shampooing strips my hair but I understand it's important role in removing dirt, excess oil, and sweat from my hair. Everyone and their mama wants to prolong the days between washes. I get it---washing can be long and tedious but if your scalp starts to revolt after a few days post wash, then you probably just need to cave and wash again. I typically wash or co-wash every 3-4 days to keep my scalp clean. And for the record---a dirty scalp does NOT make your hair grow faster. It's just gross!

How to: When shampooing be sure to focus on your scalp especially in those areas where you suffer from the most dandruff. Using the pads of your finger tips---not your nails---massage the shampoo into your scalp in a circular motion, allowing the suds to cleanse the length of your hair. My fave liquid shampoo is Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo. I recently fell in love with shampoo bars because they don't strip my hair of moisture but still get my scalp clean and fresh.

Tea Rinses: I love tea rinses because they combat shedding and alleviate icky scalp. One of my favorite blend is Rosemary Green Aloe. Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with tannins which protect your scalp from excessive oil and dirt.

How to: Apply 2 green tea bags + 1 cup H20 + 1 cup aloe vera juice + 2 springs of rosemary using a narrow tip applicator bottle so that you can target your scalp let it sit for a few minutes then rinse.

When the weather shifts, my scalp goes a little crae-crae but after a few days, it's good to go. Your diet and lifestyle can also have an effect on your scalp. Eat great, exercise and drink tons of water. If nothing helps, visit with your dermatologist. You'll be able to figure out if you’ve got dandruff as a symptom of something else or if you are actually suffering from psoriasis/seborrheic dermatitis.

How do you keep your scalp flake free? Shout out to Nikki for asking this question!

Besitos!
KLP

5 Ways To FAIL On A Juice Detox

I'm not a bandwagon dieter. I believe very simplistically that if you burn more calories than you take in then you'll lose weight. I'm so overwhelmed by the South-Paleo-Clean-Eating-Gluten-Dash-Daniel-Beach craze that I'm pretty skeptical and jaded about any popular diet trend. But I read about Ebony's results of her juice detox, last week, I was super impressed. Impressed because that's my girl and I know that she wouldn't lie to me--well us. Impressed because the results seemed legit. Impressed because it actually looked attainable. So I gave it a try. My goal was to juice for 2 meals a day---for 4 days, only drink water, and have a clean dinner. Sounds easy enough right? Well I totally FAILED! Here's why:

5 Ways To Fail On A Juice Detox

1. Forget about that juicer- I don't own a juicer. Yeah....I was probably destined to fail from here. Ha-ha! I borrowed a friends for day one and made Ebony's Sweet Cucumber Juice. Which was surprising good. The other 3 days I drank Odwalla Juices which are pasteurized and have far less nutritional value than I realized. I'm allergic to bananas, which seems to be in EVERY store bought veggie juice known to man.  What was I thinking? *hangs head*
2. Workout like a maniac- Then I ran 10k on the first day. I felt awful. Light headed, stomach cramps. Headache. The works. I didn't take into account that with such a drastic change in my diet, my exercise regimen would need to decrease. *hangs head*
3. Don't drink enough water- On Day 2 I realized that one meal a day wasn't going to cut it for my active lifestyle. So I increased to 2 solid meals and 32 oz of juice daily. But, I kinda forgot to drink more water. I didn't feel as awful, but not all that great either. *hangs head*
4. Skip meal planning- I ran out of juice by Day 3. I didn't want to cheat so I had to run to the grocery store. Which wouldn't have been a big deal except I was swamped with real work, mommy duties, and everything that could go wrong went wrong. I ended up fasting until I could buy more juice which of course didn't happen until just before dinner time. *hangs head*
5. Give up many other vices at the same time: It's no secret that I love my coffee and chocolate. I do have to admit that I did have a cup of coffee on the first day. To my defense, kinda, I forgot that I couldn't have it until I took the first sip. Then I thought, oh fudge, I might as well drink it now. Ha-ha! I do have good news: I was able to ditch coffee for the last 3 days of the detox though! 

What I Learned From My Juice Detox Fail:

1. What it means to be full: My first "regular" meal after detoxing was 3 slices of my favorite veggie pizza. I felt worse that day than I did on my first day of the detox! I never really understood why I felt so sluggish, tired, and blah after overeating until now.
2. What it means to have will power: This experience has taught me that moderation might not be best for me. I'm better able to completely eliminate my contact with coffee and chocolate than to have it in moderation because my self control is quite pitiful.
3. What affect food has on my energy levels: I haven't felt this energized since before I had kids! No more 3'o clock crashes that required coffee to reboot. No more feeling too exhausted to function after dinner. I was able to better focus and concentrate when at work and decompress at home. 

Will I try a juice detox again? Meh...I'm really not sure. I haven't figured out if I want to invest in a good (read: expensive) juicer yet. But I have given up coffee and chocolate completely since ending this detox. I'm drinking only water or fruit + veggie smoothies daily. AND I've laid the smack down on my snacking. Even though a failed on the juicing expect, I loved the mental clarity that this detox gave me.

Have you tried a juice detox? How did you do?

Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up

How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar

My hair hates shampoo. I promise that I'm not being my usual dramatic self. I'm oh so serious. Typical shampoos leave my hair stripped, stringy, and tangled. I hate it, but I understand that it's a necessary evil in my regimen especially when I my hair feels coated from a build up of residue from conditioners and other styling products. My favorite shampoo has been Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie Hydrating Shampoo for a while now. It cleans my scalp whilst being very gentle and super moisturizing for my strands. Then a few months ago won a Bobeam contest from Natural Haven (hey JC!) and I've been madly in love with Bobeam Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo bar. Here's how I use it: 

How To Use A Solid Shampoo Bar

1. Detangle and section hair before you wash. If you're petrified of stripped and tangled hair like me, try pre-shampooing with extra virgin coconut oil for about 20 minutes.
2. Saturate with water to thoroughly rinse hair your hair in the shower.
3. Form lather by rubbing shampoo bar between hands. 
4. Apply lathered hands to one section of hair focusing on your roots and scalp. Repeat until complete.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and suds completely.

And for my visual learners (hey y'all!). Here's a quick video from the best smelling store on the planet: Lush! Lush specializes in gorgeously green and awesomely handmade beauty products.

Soon I'll share what shampoo bars are on my wish list---as if I'm gonna run out of this Bobeam bar anytime in the near future. Ha-ha! And I'll show you how I store my solid shampoo bar so that it lastest forever (kinda). 

Have you used a solid shampoo bar? What's your fave?

Besitos!
KLP

How To Wear Your Hair For Pilates | Fitness Friday

Pilates is kinda my think right now. If you're not similar with Pilates, think Yoga practice with intentional focus on sculpting, toning, and strengthening your torso, while increasing flexibility, circulation, and mental/physical well-being. Right after I signed up for my class, being the hair obsessed chica that I am, my next thought was "How in the world do you wear you hair for Pilates?" Ha-ha. Well, today on #fitnessfriday, I'm sharing my Pilates hair do's and don'ts plus a few hairstyles that will keep your hair looking amazing whilst you tone your body. 

Pilates Hair Do's:

• Wear your hair up: You know that girl who does more work trying to fix her hair during class than she does working out? Don't be that chica. 
• Secure your tresses: If you have bangs, pull them up. If you have layers, grab a headband to keep them out of your face and off your neck

Pilates Hair Don'ts:

• Say no to ponytails: My instructor told me a horror story about the time that someone got their long low ponytail stuck in one of the machines whilst working on her side bends. Enough said right?  
• Say no to low buns: Mat work requires proper head positioning. So those low buns will annoy the heck out of you.
• Say no to pins or barrettes: I suffered through a Pilates session with a bobby pin probing my brain. It was the worst thing ever! If you need to use pins, be sure that they are flat to your head not digging into your scalp.

My favorite Pilates hairstyles are combinations of braids, side tucks, and high buns. All of these styles keep you from fussing with your hair and allow you to concentrate on your body.

Have you ever tried Pilates? How did you wear your hair?


Let's inspire together! Create a fitness related blog post and link up every Friday with me, KLP of SavingOurStrands, Ebony of Longing4Length, and Britt of One&20

Fitness Friday Linkup RULES

1. ​Follow your hosts: SavingOurStrands, Longing4Length, and One&20 via Bloglovin'
2. Fitness is the theme. Entries completely unrelated to the theme or linked to your homepage will be deleted---we not about that life!
3. Inspire the Fitness Friday contributor that linked up directly before you with an encouraging comment. We are each here to support each other and build a community of determined women and hair-friends. (Don’t worry, the chica ​who links up after you will do the same; So everyone gets love​!).
4. Share it! Your blog post must link back to this site so others see. We even made this nifty button which links back to the Fitness Friday page! Just copy and drop the code into your blog post.

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.savingourstrands.com" title="Fitness Friday"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhsLeWkIh1rs1sF-Iic3PODoBvyfta8RC1sXqgVNqQRYDkQW7i3twbzuGic4I06evwqgO4jz4K-6OqmbLQMIg8ybwaClCtpl3uodNRkddvJzjj6vC2kNZPyk1FkNpeFcHPv5Ao-ZY19E/s1600/Fitness+Friday+Badge.png" alt="Fitness Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Besitos!
KLP

An InLinkz Link-up