The FitExpo – Los Angeles

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 

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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.
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Dymatize Protein Athletes were hosting and preparing delicious 50+grams of protein meals as well.  They prepared a curry chicken meal and protein pancakes.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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

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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

 

 

Making Your Grocery Shopping Fun!

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To make grocery shopping for healthy meals fun, easy  and motivational you should give a designed shopping list a try. I created a shopping list for myself to help me stay focused in picking up items that are necessary for my “clean eating” meal plan.  My first grocery list was something that I made with a notepad and my label maker.  It was a little time consuming to create, but it really kept me focused.

 

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In order to cut down on prep time, I then decided to go to Vistaprint and design my own shopping list. The notepads that I designed only cost about $5 each and you get 50 sheets/notepad.   This really motivates me to pick up my items on time (every 3-5 days)  so that I can meal prep and bring my healthy lunch and snacks to work on a daily basis.

 

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So, now I just clip my grocery list to my agenda and go!  I check off items as I pick them up.  This keeps me away from any aisle with items that can sabotage my grocery trip (e.g. pastries, candy, chips, soda, etc.).

 

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Question:

How do you plan for shopping?

 

Peace and Love

 

Check out my other social media sites:

Instagram:  pinkrunningkicks

Facebook Page:  Pink Running Kicks

 

 

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

 

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Very Inspiring Blogger Award

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 –

  1. Thank the person who nominated you and add their link to your blog
  2. List the award rules so your nominees will know what to do.
  3.  State 7 things about yourself.
  4. Nominate other bloggers.
  5. Contact your nominees and provide a link to your post.
  6. Display the award logo (button) on your blog, whether on your sidebar or about page, or special award page.

7 Things About Me:

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!

New Recipe- Curry Shrimp

Curry Shrimp

 

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.

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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

Step 1:

Dice up russet potatoes and carrots.

 

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Step 2:

Wash shrimp.  I thawed frozen shrimp which were already de-veined.

 

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Step 3:

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).

 

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Step 4:

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.

 

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Step 5:

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)

 

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Step 6:

Serve with steamed brown or white rice.

 

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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

Let’s Get Acquainted- My Other Hobby

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.

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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.

 

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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.

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I splurged on two eyeshadow palettes that I can’t  wait to experiment with them soon!

 

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New brushes that I picked up, pink of course.

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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.

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My everyday fragrances.  I love, love, love these two in combination.

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rest and Relaxation


I saw this post on Facebook today and it pretty much sums up my thoughts right now.

 

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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!

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I also peeped the Ralph Lauren Half Rain Boots (online).

 

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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!

 

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My favorite Starbucks drink is the delicious Iced Caramel Macchiato anytime of year.

 

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Until next time, see ya!

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

 

 

 

 

 

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Saves the Day!

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!

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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.

 

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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

 

 

 

 

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!