So where am I living these days? In my backyard container garden. My current means to mental, physical and emotional self-care. Focusing my mind on nature and it’s free benefits. Does anyone garden? Leave a comment and grow something green.
Well, I’ve finally decided to follow a vegan diet and I’m super excited to journal my new journey. I started this journey on April 1, 2015 and I’ve since started making new recipes. Here are a few of my meals.
Nicecream = fruit and ice blended to a creamy “ice-cream”like consistency. Here I blended strawberries, bananas, vanilla powder and coconut nectar (sweetener). I love to add flax seeds, chia seeds and extra fruit.
Vegan Tacos are a special treat. I either fill them with vegan crumbles, black beans, brown rice or mushrooms.
There are so many products available to help any one beginning a vegan diet. I enjoy searching Facebook, Instagram and other social media to find recipes and others on this journey.
My transition was fairly easy since I was a vegetarian for 2 1/2 years. Get ready for new posts on this new lifestyle adventure.
Peace and Love,
Pink Running Kicks
Checkout my other social media sites:
Facebook: Pink Running Kicks
Instagram: pinkrunningkicks
Twitter: Copperlady2009
I just edited my blog title and changed it to read, “Pink Running Kicks”. I also added the new tagline for my blog, “Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit”. Now this definitely sheds new light into who and what Pink Running Kicks is all about.
There are times when I give up on an idea or activity. Either out of boredom or not being able to spend enough time to develop or complete it. But, I’m not a quitter. I eventually pick it right back up and carry it out to fruition.
My tagline came from the words of Lisa Nichols, Life Coach, who authored the delightfully wonderful book, Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul.
I watched one of her workshops on YouTube where she spoke about how she was thrown into a situation where she initially felt defeated and intimidated. Ms. Nichols, however, developed a mindset that she could win and went on to have victory over her situation.
Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit is a mindset that will guide me on my journey through life.
Peace and Love
Pink Running Kicks
I remember the enthusiasm I had when I created my blog back in 2012. It didn’t take me long to write my “About” page. I wanted something short and sweet, maybe 3 sentences at the most. I tried to capture who I was in this brief statement in hopes that readers would find me interesting enough to follow. I think I wrote that I was a newbie runner who loved health and fitness. My “About” statement later went on to include that I was a beauty enthusiast as well.
Well my descriptor of who I am has not changed very much. I’m Pink Running Kicks. My name developed from my love of the most awesome color in the world, pink, of course. I love to run and I always have a touch of pink in my running shoes a.k.a. “kicks”.
I created my blog to document my journey in the world of health, fitness and beauty. I mostly write about my likes and dislikes, struggles and accomplishments and special events in my life. I guess my blog is my journal that I want to share with others who have my same interests.
My blog has also created a new goal for me career wise. I want to earn a Nutritional Specialist and Weight-Loss Management certification. I don’t know when this will occur, but I’m pretty sure it will happen in the near future.
I will continue to discuss my workout plans, races and upload pictures of my nutritional plans. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I LOVE TO COOK. I just purchased a new camera so you’ll see loads of pictures.
I’ve gained a few new followers so I hope this gives you a little insight into who I am.
Peace and Love
I had a blast attending the Los Angeles FitExpo this past week, Feb. 7-8, 2015. I was able to meet a lot of fun and exciting fitness experts who shared some of their top secrets to success.
I spent the first day, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, improving my culinary skills. I participated in cooking classes taught by celebrity chefs, athletes and fitness experts/models. They took me step-by-step through some tasty and healthy recipes. Their main focus was “how to include 50+ grams of protein in a meal. It smelled delightful in this chef’s kitchen and the samples tasted outstanding.
Chef Patrick Stark
Chef Stark prepared a delicious Vegan Curried Vegetable meal that contained 50+ grams of protein. His secret to adding 50+ grams of protein involved adding vanilla whey protein to his curry milk sauce and pouring it over his veggies and brown rice. This was a spicy and delightfully seasoned vegan/vegetarian meal.
Dymatize Protein Athletes were hosting and preparing delicious 50+grams of protein meals as well. They prepared a curry chicken meal and protein pancakes.
What a delight to see handsome and fit men cooking in the kitchen ;).
I also received a ton of free samples to try out. All were very good. One of my favs was Oxygen magazine. The fitness models of Oxygen were handing out free issues (Score!). I received lots of backpacks and T-shirts as well.
On Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, I had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful and oh so sweet Follow the Lita! Lita is a Physical and Spiritual Motivator Ambassador/fitness expert/trainer/fitness model and my daily inspiration. She is such a happy and friendly person. She prepared Turkey Burger Patties. She included olives and sun dried tomatoes. I’ll have to try that with my TVP mix (texturized vegetable protein) the next time I make homemade veggie patties.
I’m such a fan of Lita! Isn’t she gorgeous? Her figure is to die for as well.
I also attended an amazing presentation by Dr. Levi Harrison, M.D. I cannot begin to tell you how much I learned from this man. I will be dedicating an entire blog to review his book, “The Art of Fitness” and his DVD, “The Art of Fitness (Cardio Core Workout). So look out for this blog post because the book and DVD are phenomenal! He is a dynamic speaker, caring motivator and incredibly cute!
I so enjoyed my time at the LA FitExpo. I will be attending another in August 2015. I’m so excited.
Peace and Love
Check out and follow my other social media:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/pinkrunningkicks
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pinkrunningkicks
On Sunday, January 18, 2015, I had the opportunity to attend my very first IMATS event. IMATS which stands for International Make-Up Artist Trade Show, is the make-up industries world’s biggest gathering. Thousands of make-up artists, vendors and lovers of makeup gather together to demonstrate, view, try-on and purchase make-up at extraordinarily great prices. Some of this years make-up companies were MAC Pro, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Sugarpill, LA Girl, Stila, Sigma Brushes, and many more. Make-up classes, tutorials, and advice from experts in the beauty industry took place over the course of 3-days. I was in heaven, yet again!
I had the opportunity to buy my first pair of Mink Lashes from Velour Lashes.
There were so many styles I didn’t know what to choose. I finally decided on #winging (so soft and cute).
I then made my way around to several vendors who were selling a variety of lashes. I went home with some great deals!
I snagged these three. Just delicious!
Many vendors and lots of shoppers!
Some memorabilia!
Make-Up Artists from the movie industry were there also!
I had so much fun and came away with so many great deals. I look forward to next year and one day attending IMATS (New York)!
Peace and Love
I’m so excited to announce that I finally created a Facebook page for my blog and other exciting ideas on health, fitness and beauty.
Please check out and like my new Facebook page: Pink Running Kicks
Also, follow me on Instagram and Twitter and I’ll follow you back! Just let me know you’re from WordPress in the comment section.
Instagram: pinkrunningkicks
Twitter: copperlady2009
Peace and Love!
I just finished reading the book entitled, “The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution” by Marla Heller, MS, RD and I must say that I’m absolutely impressed. The author, Martha Heller, a registered dietician in private practice and at a naval hospital outpatient nutrition clinic, provides a simple step-by-step 2 week plan for losing 10 lbs. She ensures that you will not only reduce your weight, but improve your overall health.
My interest was spurred to read this book after my mother challenged me to start adding book reviews to my blog. I’m grateful for her suggestion because I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Furthermore, my interest was sparked because the author stated, “You can lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks.” She provided valuable research based findings on combating heart disease and diabetes as well. The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution will ultimately help reduce your weight, lower your blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and reduce risks of developing diabetes or kidney stones.
As I paged through the 2 week plan and recipes that the author included, I realized that this was something that I could do successfully. Mostly because it includes meals and snacks that I normally eat on a regular basis. It doesn’t list those foods that I normally will not enjoy eating and leave me feeling like I’m starving.
There are 2 phases to the diet. Phase 1 reboots your body and appetite. You phase out starchy foods and concentrate on protein and veggies. No fruit in this phase as well. Phase 2 then slowly incorporates items back into your meal plan in a healthy and sustainable way. The diet involves “preparing meals and snacks that are satisfying and actually help to curb hunger.”
So, forget about the junk food, refined grains and overeating. These will just make you stay hungry, crave the unhealthy foods and keep excess weight on your body.
I now enjoy grocery shopping, reading labels and of course my all time favorite thing to do, COOKING!
I enjoy planning my meals followed by meal preparation for the entire week.
I recommend that you download this book or purchase it at your local bookstore. You won’t be disappointed! I finished reading this book in 2 days so that’s an indication that you won’t be able to put it down once you pick it up.
Peace and Love
It’s such an honor to be nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. I’d like to thank 3 phenomenal and beautiful bloggers who nominated me and write fantastic posts on a daily basis:
l. chantalandshekinah.wordpress.com
2. courtenaysbeautybox.wordpress.com
3. vogueinfatuation.wordpress.com
Chantal of chantalandshekinah@wordpress.com you have such a beautiful spirit and your beauty and fashion insight is impeccable. I always enjoy your OOTD and makeup and hair photos.
Courtalex95, of courtenaysbeauybox.wordpress.com I enjoy all of your fashion updates, makeup tutorials and knowledge of trends in fashion and entertainment. Despite the fact that you are a full-time college student you still find time to provide us with several great blogs everyday. Your determination and dedication will definitely payoff.
Amy of vogueinfatuation.wordpress.com you are a such an inspiration and provide me with makeup, fashion updates, a great eye for jewelry and snippets into your life. I always look forward to your next post.
The rules for this award –
l. I was a vegetarian for 3 years and I recently became a pescatarian (I think I’ll be switching back though).
2. I love decorating my Lilly Pulitzer Agendas and I think that washi tape is the greatest invention of all times.
3. I love my Nike+ App.
4. I wish I owned a blueberry farm.
5. I love Chococat, Hello Kitty’s buddy.
6. I collected stickers when I was a girl up to my teens and I’ve started collecting them again.
7. I like to watch fishing shows on television and I like to fish. However, I’ve never caught a fish LOL!
I nominate all of my friends who follow and support my blog. You all inspire me! More nominations to come!
Peace and Love!
Since I’ve been home on vacation, I’ve found that my creative juices have really been flowing. While viewing YouTube videos, I stumbled upon what I think is the greatest invention, “washi tape”. Now true crafters already know about this sensation. I on the other hand do not have a crafty bone in my body, so I just discovered its brilliance. I’M IN LOVE WITH WASHI TAPE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many of you have already seen my Lilly Pulitzer Mini Agenda that I received from my lovely mother on Christmas. She has such great taste.
Lilly Pulitzer Mini Agenda
Design: Jellies Be Jammin’
So, I had a great idea to decorate the inner cover and subsequent pages in the agenda.
Here are my results. I had a blast doing this project!
I’ve already started calendaring health, fitness and beauty activities into my agenda/planner. I will detail these events and pics in future blogs.
Question: Do you decorate your agendas, planners or journals?
Peace and Love
I’ve asked my mother several times to repeat the story of how she came up with my name. It’s such a funny tale. My mother loved to watch soap operas. While she was pregnant with me, there was a character that she loved to watch daily. She can’t remember if the soap opera was the, “Edge of Night”, “Guiding Light” or “Days of Our Lives”. She just remembers that she loved the character named, Andrea. So, she decided to name me after her favorite soap opera diva.
Oftentimes when I’m feeling quite spirited and over-the-top, I explain to people that I was named after a soap opera character so please excuse me if I’m being a “Drama Queen”.
During a past family reunion several of my aunts produced these wonderful posters which explained what our names meant. My poster was as follows:
Origin:
Greek
Literal Meaning:
‘strong’
modest at heart, she is quick to make friends
her beautiful smile captivates others
looks for thoughtful ways to show she cares
her family feels her love and understanding
Andrea believes in searching for the truth
she’s admired for her way with words
she enjoys the thrill of new experiences
she esteems truth and integrity
I believe this truly captured who I really am today.
Now for some fun with acronyms
Questions:
l. How did your parents come up with your name?
2. What does your name mean?
Peace and Love ♥
I’m so excited about my new purchases. I decided to invest in the Fitbit and the Fitbit Aria to assist me on my health and fitness quest. I’m really enjoying the Fitbit app as well, it’s very useful.
Fitbit Charge- Wireless Activity Wristband
It monitors how many steps you’ve taken, floors climbed, sleep quality and caller ID.
Fitbit Aria- Wi-Fi Smart Scale
It records your weight and BMI and automatically uploads it into your Fitbit computer program.
l. Drinking water daily!!!!!!!
2. Continuing with my workouts (walking, jogging, cross-training, strength training)
3. Using my Nike+ app
4. Meal Preparations ( I will research this and include it in another blog)
5. Dietbet (to be discussed in an upcoming blog)
I’m so fancy, you already know (singing this in my head as I write tonight)
I have the distinct pleasure of being born with sensitive skin. As a result, I have to be extra careful with my cleansers and such. I can remember being so embarrassed my freshman year in college because the toothpaste that I was using left dark rings around the corners of my mouth. One particular guy that I was so attracted to never seemed to mind the discoloration. One day I talked to him about it and he said, “I just thought you were born that way” (car screeching noise). I was so embarrassed from what I labeled as my “Toothpaste Burn”. But, I digress.
So to ensure that my skin remains smooth and even toned I use the following:
Sensitive Skin Dove ( God’s gift)- I never have any problems and I’ve been using it for years.
Another favorite and just about the only body wash that I can use is Shea Moistures Organic Coconut Hibiscus Shea Butter Wash (Targets). HeyFranHey (Youtube natural hair and all things natural blogger/vlogger) hipped me to this. She used it to help her eczema flare ups. It smells really good too!
I went to Walmart today in search of a new facial cleanser, scrub and moisturizer. I have not tried these products yet, so I will give them a try and update you on my success.
I purchased the Simple foaming cleanser, facial scrub, facial toner, moisturizer, and eye make-up remover pads. This brand was created by sensitive skin experts.
I also picked up some Milani Fingernail polishes (31 Pink Beige and 08 Cupcake Icing)
I finally found a Milani lipstick that I had been searching for the past couple of weeks. Kendra (YouTube Beauty Guru -GlamTwinz334) talked about this being one of her favorite lipsticks.
Well, I’m heading to bed for a much needed rest.
Peace and Love
My exciting day started at about 9:00am in the morning. I made an appointment to go to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Salon for an Eyebrow Shaping appt. and I decided to add in some fitness activity as well.
Sporting my Gel-Kayano 20 Asics today. They are so comfortable for both walking and jogging.
Since my brow appt. wasn’t until 11:00am, I decided to walk around Beverly Hills and sightsee. I turned on my favorite Nike+ Running App to record my mileage. I love this running app because you can see your activity over several months. You can join or create walking/running challenges with your friends. It plays your favorite playlist as you run as well. There is a Coach feature that will create a program to train for a 5K, 10K, 13.1(half marathon) or 26.2 (marathon). You receive motivation throughout your run from your friends or professional runners. A+ for the Nike+ app.
As I walked, I took a couple of pictures of some of the stores on my route.
Finally made it to my destination after a vigorous walk.
My appt. was with Courtney and she did an awesome job of giving me my first professional eyebrow shaping.
My morning ended with a nice breakfast at the Roxbury Dr. Cafe.
Later on that day I decided to go by Walgreens Drugstore to see what new cosmetics were available.
I picked up a few of the new items from the Covergirl Queen Collection.
CC Creams in the colors: Sheer Expresso and Golden Honey
Queen Collection Colorlicious Gloss: Copper Bliss, Lush Lavendar, Million Dollar Mocha
Also decided to purchase the Babyskin Instant Pore Eraser
Put it all together for a Sassy New Years look!
Peace and Love
I usually use this brand of curry sauce to make all of my curry dishes. In the past I’ve made Curry Tofu and Veggies. Today I used shrimp to make a delicious pescatarian meal.
Ingredients:
1 box of curry sauce mix
1-2 lbs of raw shrimp (de-vein)
2 large russet potatoes
2 carrots
1 white onion
1-2 tbs minced garlic
2-3 tbs of oil (olive or canola)
3-31/2 cups of water
steamed brown or white rice
Dice up russet potatoes and carrots.
Wash shrimp. I thawed frozen shrimp which were already de-veined.
Chop up a white onion and add 1 tbs of minced garlic to 2 tbs of oil (olive, canola, etc.). Sauté until onions are translucent (4-5 minutes).
Add potatoes and carrots and 1 1/2 cup of water to pot. Add 1/2 of the curry brick and stir. Heat for about 20 minutes or until potatoes and carrots start to get tender.
Add another 1 1/2 cups of water and the other half of the curry brick. Stir until curry brick is dissolved. Add shrimp. Add another 1/2 cup of water. Cook until the shrimp are bright pink (8-10 minutes)
Serve with steamed brown or white rice.
Peace and Love
Tagged by: Chantal and Shekinah from http://chantalandshekinah.wordpress.com
The rules:
1. Show the award on your blog.
2. Thank the person who nominated you.
3. Share seven facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 15 blogs.
5. Link your nominee’s blogs & let them know.
Thank you Chantal and your cutie kitty, Shekinah, for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award. I truly enjoy and anticipate your daily blog entries on Beauty and Lifestyle. You keep me up-to-date on the newest makeup and fashion trends. I also love your exclusives on current models in the fashion industry. You’re a beautiful person with a beautiful soul.
Seven Facts About Myself:
l. I just renewed my passport because I plan to travel the world. Paris here I come!
2. My new home will have a state-of-the-art kitchen because I LOVE TO COOK!
3. I would love to write a Children’s book one day.
4. I love to interpret my friends’ dreams.
5. My favorite way to relax is to chew 3-4 pieces of gum ( at one time) and read fashion magazines on my bed.
I nominate the following bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award:
l. http://thedancingrunner.wordpress.com
3. http://thebeautifiedblogger.wordpress.com
4. http://courtenaysbeautybox.wordpress.com
5. http://britasblog.wordpress.com
6. http://leahpereyra.wordpress.com
7. http://frenchvanillandcoffee.wordpress.com
8. http://HBeans.wordpress.com
9. http://aprettypenny.wordpress.com
10. http://myfashionpoetry.wordpress.com
11. http://happucurlhappygirl.wordpress.com
12. http://laceandpearls.wordpress.com
13. http://thediaryofacurlygirl.wordpress.com
14. http://theearlgirl.wordpress.com
15. http://sunkissalbablog.com
More nominees to come.
Peace and Love
I’ve given up on New Year’s Resolutions. Mostly because I never keep them. So, I will set better solutions for myself. Since I spent last Monday at the doctor’s office, I now recognize that I had neglected my health this past year.
I went in to see my doctor and found out that I was completely dehydrated. I really just didn’t notice that I was not drinking enough water.
So, I decided to go out and get some water bottles to remind me to drink water throughout the day.
Go Bruins!!!!
Autism Awareness Cup. Proceeds go to supporting the research and support for individuals with Autism.
2015 will also require more juicing for healthier skin and energy. Great green juice!
My current natural hair products are working very well for me. I can’t live without my Apple Cider Vinegar, Kinky Curly Leave-In (not pictured). I revisited the Camille Rose Deep Conditioner. I’m still not sure if I like it. But, I did like the Camille Rose Curl Maker. Loving it!
Tonight’s dinner was delicious. I cooked! Yay!!!!! Baked Tilapia with butter, garlic and chives. White rice and a caesar salad as sides. Delicious!
Dessert- Hot cocoa with whipped cream and sugar free chocolate
I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and Good Health in 2015.
Peace and Love
Those who know me personally know that I enjoy purchasing makeup. I love to buy the newest items that hit the makeup aisles or counters in any drugstore, Target or department store. Why do I love makeup so much? I really just love everything in the world of beauty. If I had another career it may have been Makeup Artistry. Here are a few of my most recent purchases and everyday must-haves.
I normally use the BB Kiss BB cream in medium. It is lightweight, but gives full coverage. As you can see I use this quite often it’s one of my favs.
Since my skin can sometimes be oily I have to wear a mattifying base underneath the BB Cream. I love this one that I picked up from Targets.
I recently purchased several press powders from Nigel’s Beauty Emporium in Hollywood. I’ve yet to try them, but I will let you know how they turn out in a future blog.
I splurged on two eyeshadow palettes that I can’t wait to experiment with them soon!
New brushes that I picked up, pink of course.
Keep those brushes clean to prevent breakouts. Here are my current brush and beauty blender cleaners. I already tried the brush cleaner and it’s amazing. A little goes a long way.
My everyday fragrances. I love, love, love these two in combination.
A few more facts about me…..
l. My favorite color is pink (any shade)
2. I love to workout outdoors (walking/running on the beach is my fav.)
3. Favorite running shoes: Asics and Nikes (pink has to be present somewhere on the shoes of course!)
4. Favorite fruit: Blueberries
5. Favorite Music: R & B
6. Favorite Comedian: Richard Pryor (who else?)
7. Favorite Shows: (Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder -Go Kerry and Viola)
8. Favorite Meal: Pescatarian or Vegetarian
9. Favorite Thing to Do: Watch YouTube Videos, Blog
10: Next Major Purchase: I need another camera because I’m using my iPhone for pics. I won’t purchase one unless I consistently blog for the next two weeks though.
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask in comments below.
Peace and Love
I saw this post on Facebook today and it pretty much sums up my thoughts right now.
My fitness routine today consisted of getting out of bed and walking into the kitchen to grab something to eat and then heading back to bed. It feels soooooooooooo good to be on vacation. And a much needed one at that. I had a great phone conversation with my Daddy today. My pop likes to quiz me on theology. I never get any answers correct, but it’s okay. It’s just fun listening to him educate me with his Bible knowledge.
I did make it out to the mall today. Lots of sales. I just paid my Macy’s bill and looked at jewelry, handbags and shoes. I’m still trying to convince myself to purchase the Michael Kors MK Charm Rain Booties. They are so cute!
I also peeped the Ralph Lauren Half Rain Boots (online).
Ralph Lauren
On the way home I decided to grab a quick treat. Starbucks has the best Chocolate Chip Cookies. Make sure they warm them up for you!
My favorite Starbucks drink is the delicious Iced Caramel Macchiato anytime of year.
Until next time, see ya!
Peace and Love
I thought all was lost tonight when I tried to find an open Starbucks. My usual tradition is to order my White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha and drive around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas Lights. So, to go to three different Starbucks and find out they were all closed early put a slight damper on my cheery Christmas mood.
But lo and behold, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was OPEN!!!! I was so excited. I ordered my festive drink and went on my merry way.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Saves the Day!
As I cruised the streets tonight, I reflected on how happy and blessed I am in my life. I have great friends, my parents are healthy, I love my job and God is the center of my joy.
Earlier today, I managed to get all of my grocery shopping done. As I stated in a previous blog, my love of cooking is being rekindled. I picked up a new item today that the grocery clerk was telling me was quite delicious.
I will be preparing a Pescatarian Christmas lunch tomorrow. Pics will be up on the blog tomorrow! My evening will be spent with loved ones who are very dear to me.
I’ll leave you with the festive sounds of the Whispers tonight. Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!
Peace and Love
Another day of peace and relaxation Yaaaay! I’m enjoying the days off to rest and recharge. I can’t believe it, but I’m now watching Gossip Girl Season 1-5 on Netflix and I’m enjoying it LOL! Tomorrow will probably be more eventful. I’ve started to open Christmas gifts from my staff. I’m now enjoying these sweet delicacies that are contained in these delightfully cute boxes. There are chocolates, kettle corn, peppermints, and peanut brittle YUM!
I purchased an interesting book from the Getty Villa when I visited the museum a few months ago. I try to read an excerpt per day. It is definitely well worth the purchase.
My new candle from Bath and Body Works will really make the home nice and fragrant. I love the three wick candles, especially when they are on sale.
I will take my traditional drive through my neighborhood to look at Christmas Lights on the night of Christmas Eve. I always enjoy cruising down each street and sipping on a White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks while listening to my favorite Christmas song by Ledisi.
http://http://youtu.be/f64UB0904As
Well, have a great evening.
Peace and Love
Pink Running Kicks 