Pink Running Kicks Vegan Journey Post #1

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.

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Vegan Tacos are a special treat.  I either fill them with vegan crumbles, black beans, brown rice or mushrooms.

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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

About 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

Creative Bloggers Award

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Much love and gratitude to The Beautified Blogger for nominating me for the Creative Bloggers Award.  She always delivers a wealth of blog posts on beauty from retro chic to present fab!  I love her weekly nail polish choices which always deliver the most lush and glamorous colors!  She is such a sweet heart and her nails are always on fleek.

 

The Rules:

Nominate 20 other blogs and their links.

Thank and post the link of the blog that nominated you (very important).

Share 5 facts about yourself to your readers.

Notify all nominees via their social media/blogs.

Pass these rules on to them.

Five facts about me:

l.  I love blogging about health, fitness and beauty!

2.  My passport just arrived so I’m planning to travel the world.

3.  I love meeting people!

4.  I’m creating my Bucket List and will be blogging about it in the near future.

5.  I love to walk and jog along the beach it’s so relaxing!

I will be nominating several bloggers and posting soon!!!!!

 

Peace and Love,

Pink Running Kicks

 

Check out and follow my other social media:

Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/pinkrunningkicks

Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pinkrunningkicks

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/copperlady2009

 

 

PACt Cranberry Extract Water- A Delicious New Hydrating Drink

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I’ve been searching for a drink that would instantly hydrate me after a long day at work or through the night.  As I was flipping through SHAPE magazine, I ran across an ad for Ocean Spray PACt Cranberry Extract Water and decided to give it a try.  I normally enjoy all flavors of Ocean Spray Cranberry Juices so I decided to get all of the PACt flavors:  Cranberry Blood Orange, Cranberry Pomegranate, Cranberry Raspberry and Cranberry Mango Passion Fruit

I enjoyed every flavor that I purchased.  Each were mildly sweet and definitely flavorful.  There was no weird after taste and  they were not too watered down like other flavored waters I’ve tasted in the past.

Ocean spray has also created a fabulous PACt Cranberry Extract Water website (www.pact.oceanspray.com) that details all of the nutritional benefits.  I’m especially grateful for the many health benefits described on the website including the following:

  • Only 10 calories per serving
  • No genetically engineered ingredients
  • Color straight from cranberries

I really enjoyed all of the information provided by the website.  There is a section called #evenbetter that features motivational quotes, articles, lifestyle and health tips.  There are also numerous recipes for preparing healthy meals.  I’ll definitely be creating the Wild Rice with Cranberries and Caramelized Onions this weekend.

Overall, I really enjoyed the new PACt Cranberry Extract Waters.   I think that this would be a nice drink to enjoy before, during, or after a workout.  You could even enjoy it with lunch, dinner or to supplement a snack. Drinking it before you go to bed would aid in restoring your body’s nutrients and muscle regeneration throughout the night.  I will definitely be purchasing more PACt waters in the future.

Peace and Love ♥

Pink Running Kicks

Check out my other social media sites:

Instagram:  pinkrunningkicks

Facebook:  Pink Running Kicks

My New Facebook Page- Pink Running Kicks

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.

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Please check out and like my new Facebook page:  Pink Running Kicks

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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!

The DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution Book Review

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.

 

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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.”

Candidates for the DASH DIET Weight Loss Solution include the following:

  • individuals who carry excess weight around the middle
  • individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure (see your physician for assistance)
  • individuals diagnosed with diabetes (see your physician for assistance)
  • individuals who are sick and tired of yo-you dieting
  • individuals who desire to take preventive measures to reduce risks of developing high blood pressure and diabetes

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.

List of things to avoid:

  • refined grains
  • junk food
  • skipping meals

List of things to enjoy:

  • healthy fats (e.g. nuts) they help keep you sustained especially in the late afternoons right before dinner.
  • fruits and veggies
  • cooking new recipes
  • meal planning
  • meal prepping

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

 

 

 

Falafel Salad

I decided that I wanted to make something low calorie and satisfying for dinner tonight.

I chose to use my Falafel Mix that I purchased from Wholefoods.  I decided to bake the falafels rather than fry them.  Directions for preparing the falafels are on the side of the box.

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The salad turned out to be very tasty.  I made my own dressing for the salad.

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Falafel Dressing Recipe:

Ingredients:

3 tbs of Sour Cream or Yogurt

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dill

1/2 lemon’s juice

3 small bell peppers (yellow, red or orange) diced

4 green onions diced

Combine all ingredients in a food processor.  I used my NutriBullet.

salt and pepper to taste

Peace and Love

I’ve Been Nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award!

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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

2.  http://kelsielou.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

2015 The Best Solutions

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.

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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.

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Go Bruins!!!!

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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!

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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!

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Tonight’s dinner was delicious.  I cooked! Yay!!!!!  Baked Tilapia with butter, garlic and chives.  White rice and a caesar salad as sides.  Delicious!

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Dessert- Hot cocoa with whipped cream and sugar free chocolate

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I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and Good Health in 2015.

Peace and Love

The Day After Christmas

Well, I spent a fun evening with a childhood friend on Christmas evening.  I enjoyed a delicious dinner with her family.  We sang, danced and ate for most of the night.  I had the opportunity to try out the Panettone Specialty Holiday Cake.

 

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Tonight, I finished preparing a pescatarian soul food dinner for myself.  Fried Tilapia, macaroni and cheese, mustard greens and potato salad were on the menu.   It was delightful!  I watched Divergent as I ate.  It was a really good movie.

 

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I will be letting you know about all my Christmas presents in a future blog.  I just didn’t have time to take the pics.  My favorite is a Lilly Pulitzer Agenda that my mom sent.  I’ll be able to plan some exciting activities for the future.

 

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I also received my first Keurig, so excited to try it out.

 

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I’m still enjoying this time off from work.  It’s great to be back to blogging.

Peace and Love

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2 of Winter Vacay!

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

Well, have a great evening.

Peace and Love

1st Day Of Winter Break

Sooooooo! I had planned to do some semi exciting activities today. However, I ended up watching YouTube videos and Netflix movies pretty much all day.  Yep! I have started my vacation as a couch potato.  Some of the reasons for my lack of activity may be due to a sudden little bug that I seem to have caught since the light showers over the past week here in sunny California.  I have been trying to treat this little affliction with the following items, but I don’t think they are working very well.

 

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Speaking of You Tube videos.  I’ve been catching up on watching some of the Makeup Gurus on Youtube.  Some of my favorites are:

l.  GlamTwinz234

2.  C Key

3.  SunKissAlba

4.  ItsJudyTime

5.  MsLizHeart

6. BeautybyLee

I have many more which I may mention in another blog.  My latest task will be to master contouring.  I picked up a couple of contouring pallets this Christmas.

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It should be a lot of phone trying out new looks.  I’ll post the new makeup items that I haul in future blogs.  I have a huge haul from Nigel’s Emporium that I need to tell you about.  I will also start adding in My Bucketlist which I am creating.  One item is to complete a Makeup Artistry Workshop and receive my Pro Card.  I love makeup!!!!!!

I’ve completed some Christmas Shopping.  I sent my parents their gifts.  I will not post a pic because they may read the blog and spoil the surprise.  However, I’ve purchased a few new perfumes for myself.

 

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I’ve decided to cook everyday for the next 3 weeks of my Winter vacation.  I will have to grocery shop tomorrow.  But, first I need to make room in my refrigerator.  I will need to make room for fresh fruits and vegetables.  A more recent bit of news is that I am now a pescatarian.  I recently added seafood to my diet.  I think it helps me with balancing my meals a little better.  I will take pics of the new recipes that I will be preparing.  Pinterest is my new best friend.  I love to try the recipes that I see on there.

 

I do have a few YouTube Chefs that I follow religiously.

l.  Cooking with April

2.  Laura Vitale

3.  Divas Can Cook

 

My running routine needs severe help.  I was doing great over the summer.  As soon as my new job started my running ended (sob).  I will have to reinvent myself once again.

My plan is to blog everyday so see you tomorrow!

Peace and Love!

 

 

 

 

 

Long Beach, CA Excursions

This past Saturday, August 3, 2013 started out with a very healthy breakfast.  I had to fuel up for my beach workout: Scambled eggs (easy), Ezekiel Bread Cinnamon and Raisin English Muffins, Almond Butter, Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Chia Seeds and Flax Seed.

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I walked for a total of 3 miles and attacked the stairs as usual.

The rest of the day involved shopping and browsing stores.

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Another great lunch in the afternoon.  I enjoyed this 1/2 green 1/2 oriental salad with the sweetest vinegarette.  Really yummy!

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Nothing beats a healthy snack:  Dried blueberries and unsalted roasted cashews

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I’m excited about changing up my workout a bit.  I’ll be running again in no time.  I can feel myself getting stronger with every workout.

How was your weekend?

Motivation

It takes a lot of effort, time and sometimes money to motivate myself to exercise, eat clean, go to work, step out of my comfort zone, etc. I just watched an incredible movie on Netflix, entitled “Running the Sahara”. This movie captured the many facets of pushing past one’s limits, braving extreme elements, and enduring pain and overcoming fears. I was brought to tears at many times in the movie as I thought about how I would handle similar situations in my life. This documentary is a must see!

My day has been pretty peaceful. I got up this morning in a baking mood. I whipped up a new recipe from one of my current favorite cookbooks.

Whole Wheat Baking Powder Biscuits and Fresh Juice:

Fro-Yo always makes Saturday a good day.

I love toppings on everything.

What are your favorite toppings?
-potatoes (butter, sour cream, chives)
-chilli (cheese, onions, tomatoes)
-Fro Yo (cookies, granola, almonds, mini chocolate chips)