Thursday, December 8, 2011

19 Weeks out





Its that time again... 19 weeks out from my 1st 2012 Bikini competition!!!!

This will make it my 2nd Bikini show… I’m so excited, starting a little early due to some "slacking" I’ve been doing during the "off season". 

What can I say... I'm a work in progress!!!

Current meal plan (until further notice)~ 7 days a week

***Eating every 2 ½ - 3hrs***

8am  ~ 5 egg whites, 1 cup oatmeal, 10 Almonds
11am ~ 1 individual size Chobani Greek yogurt (Vanilla or Plain)
2pm   ~ 4oz chicken, 1 cup green veges, ½ apple
5pm   ~ 2 plain rice cakes w/ 2 Tbsp of Peanut butter
8pm   ~ 6oz chicken, ¾ cup green veges, ¾ brown rice
 (Dinner treat- 1 Jello pudding cup)

***  Allowed one "Cheat Meal" ~ 1x / week *** (Anything I want)
Current Training :

5 days/wk- 40 min cardio & 4 days/wk weight training
~Shoulders/Chest
~ Back
~ Legs
~Arms
Let the FUN begin!!!


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Why be ordinary, when you can be... Extraordinary

,

I came across this saying in a book one day and all I could do was stop reading and say.... WOW!!!

Its such a simple saying, yet so profound if you really contemplate it!!

Now-a-days, people are so afraid to step outside their comfort zones b/c of what other people might say or they think their not:  smart enough, strong enough, fast enough, rich enough... etc

How many things have you said you wanted to do, but didn't?!

How many times have you started something, but never finished?!

On my quest to fully understand this saying.... I came across a blog post that read... "How to go from Ordinary to Extraordinary" by Caz Makepeace. 

Read what it said below....

It’s really not that difficult to live an extraordinary life. Most people look at those who are having success around them, and desire the same thing, but end up tossing their dreams in the too-hard-basket.

They don’t understand that going from ordinary to extraordinary involves doing just a little bit extra.

It is how I managed to live and travel the world for 14 years, grow one of the most popular travel blogs online in just a year, land a partnership project with Qantas, and have very quick success with my Mummy blog.

All you need to concentrate on is doing 10% more than those around you- that little bit extra in the following areas.

Dreaming

Everything in life starts with a dream. Those who move on to the attainment of their goals understand how important doing that little bit extra is with dreaming.

You have to dream big. Your dreams should be so big that they scare you. Don’t allow thoughts of limitations and excuses as to why those dreams can’t come true enter your head. Just dream your wildest dream. Tell that genie exactly what it is you desire.

There are two very important steps you must undertake when dreaming:
~Say Yes to the Dream
~Understand that you deserve it.

In saying yes to the dream, you are in fact saying that you deserve this to be a reality in your life. If you don’t stand up for your dreams then no one else will.

Whatever you are dreaming you are dreaming it because it is the life that was purely destined for you. Of course you deserve it. Why wouldn’t you?

Saying yes to the dream means that you commit yourself 110% to the attainment of it. You understand that the “yes” starts the wheels in motion to move the dream from absent minded wishing on the couch to full fledged participation in making it become a reality.

Learning

You cannot move into the realm of success without first learning how to get there. All successful people spend years learning how to perfect their craft and develop a mindset destined for success.

They don’t waste time filling their heads with gossip, reality TV shows, negative news, dis-empowering emotions or anything else that will interfere with them moving forward.

They find out who are the successful people in their niche and then they learn how they can follow in their footsteps.

There is rarely a spare moment that goes by where I do not have a book in my hand, a podcast in my ear, or I’m having conversation with someone who can help me move forward to achieving my goals.

Invest your time and money into learning and growing yourself.

Taking Action

Sitting on the couch dreaming will never be enough to make them your reality. You have to take action. Achieving success means playing full out.

Doing 10% more than everyone else will propel you out in front.

For every action you undertake, push yourself just that little bit more. Take on that extra hour work each day, write that one extra blog post, and talk to that one extra person who is where you want to be.

Taking Action will involve you having to undertake the following
Stretch your comfort zones

Taking action means there are times when you are going to have to get uncomfortable. We only grow by stretching. By all means take baby steps if you need to.

Every day do at least one thing that makes you feel uncomfortable. You are entering a new world, it will scare you, but don’t let that fear prevent you from attaining the dream you deserve.

Make the Sacrifices

You cannot get without giving something in return. Understand that in order for you to go from ordinary to extraordinary, you will have to make sacrifices. This could be a sacrifice of time, money, relationships, comfort levels, character traits, or material possessions.

Work out what price you are willing to pay and then pay it. The rewards will be worth it.

Take the Opportunities

The longer you are involved in the process of moving from ordinary to extraordinary the easier it will be for you to see the opportunities that float pass you daily.

I do not believe in luck. I believe opportunities are always showing up in your face, but often you aren’t prepared enough to see them yet. By following these steps the “luck” will show up when you are prepared for them.

When the opportunities arrive, don’t wait around with uncertainty, grab a hold of them. Part of the reason we secured a partnership deal with Qantas was because we took an opportunity that no one else did. We were able to see the potential rewards, so we made the sacrifice and said “Yes, please.”

Interacting With Others

So much of what I have achieved in my life is a direct result in my ability to interact with others. Just that little bit extra when interacting with others can go a very long way.

All you need to do is give a little bit of an extra smile, help them in a little extra way, use a little bit extra manners, take some time to get to know and understand them better.

You cannot have success in your life without helping and sharing with others along the way. Make your interactions a two way street.

Your focus should be on authentic relationship building and what can I do to help you rather than how can you help me. It is by helping and serving others first that you will be rewarded in return.

Live with Passion

For me this is the extra nip of chili in your soup. The power kicker that will have your dreams coming towards you at rocket speed.

If you do all the others well but leave this off, your dreams will come crawling to you. Going from ordinary to extraordinary means you are living with passion.

You are spending your days excited about your life and your future. You are living from your higher emotive states of love, enthusiasm, and gratitude.

Celebrate every win that happens no matter how small and be extremely grateful for them.

You are living your dreams; there is much to be thankful for in that as there are many others that don’t get the same opportunities.

Yes, the opportunities are there for everyone, but many don’t take them as they are afraid of doing that little bit extra and they don’t believe they deserve it.

Be thankful that you were able to overcome those demons, and be enthusiastic in the fact that you can show others just how easy it can be. You can be the light that helps them find the way to their dreams becoming a reality.

It is just a little bit extra.


Friday, November 4, 2011

How Great are YOU?!



"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us"









Women: Just Beautiful!!





Dont you just love being a woman!!!



Thursday, November 3, 2011

The BAP Handbook


(The book every young lady should read)

I remember reading this book during my early teenage years!

At the time,  I don't think I took any of the information seriously, but I did take heed to the 9 never's!!!!

The 9 never's?!

See, to become a "BAP" (Black American Princess) you have to take an oath and that oath says...

NEVER Embarrass my family
NEVER flaunt my wealth and privileges
NEVER wear holey underwear
NEVER accept less than one carat
NEVER wear nail decals
NEVER have gold teeth
NEVER date a man with a press and curl
NEVER let them see me sweat
And I Will Never Expect Anything Less than the Best

 
Funny thing, as an adult... I still never do any of those things!!! 


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

"I Am A Champion"






We all need a little motivation in life... whether its going to the gym, school, work etc..

I love reading and listening to motivational tools that can inspire me to do better!

One day browsing the web, I came across this very emotional and motivational video called...

      "I Am A Champion" ~ The greatest motivational speech ever

Listen and be inspired!!!





Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fit At Any Age


Ernestine Shepherd
Guinness World Records oldest female bodybuilder

Who would ever believe this woman is 75 years old?!

Not only does she look awesome for her age... she looks better than some women 1/2 her age!!!

But she didnt always look this way...

At the age of 56, she made a choice to get fit & healthy and she never looked back!!!

Shepherd states, " she began her workout regimen alongside her sister. Starting out with a simple aeorobics class, then increasing her workout incrementally. She had never given much thought to bodybuilding until a trainer at her gym suggested she start lifting weights. Once she began to see the effects of lifting weights, she dedicated herself to becoming the oldest fitness competitor. Then, she took up running, which led to her completing eight marathons."




Shepherd states, "she eats several small meals a day as part of a diet plan she formulated with her trainers. She takes in 1,700 calories a day, mostly comprised of boiled egg whites, chicken, vegetables and a liquid egg white drink. And she is adamant that she does not use performance-enhancing drugs or even supplements beyond vitamin D"




She is living proof that you are never to old to get into shape....

 So what is your excuse now?!


Thursday, September 29, 2011

I'm a BBW girl... Join the team




Being a Bodybuilder/Figure/Bikini competitor can be a lot of fun and exciting, but it can also be a lonely journey!

The dieting, mood swings, working out 2x a day… If you are not part of the sport, you will never fully understand it!

During my prep, I believe being surrounded by other bikini girls, who had the same mindset & goals, played a huge role in keeping me motivated and disciplined.

Not to mention the camaraderie that goes on back stage… Priceless!!

Warren Fahrenfeld & Elise Firestone


THE DYNAMIC DUO
(is what I call them)

Warren: bodybywarren.com “Team BBW” ~ a highly experienced nutritional coach/trainer who specializes in competition preps and personalized training/diet plans
Elise: EliseFirestone.com “Cosmetic Artistry by Elise” ~ a highly experienced and talented cosmetic artist who specializes in competition make-up & tanning, photo-shoot/special occasion make-up and other customized services


What can I say.... Their a match made in heaven!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

L-Glutamine for Sugar Cravings






Everyone knows how important protein is to maintaining your overall health, but proteins don’t just appear out of nowhere. They are formed by linear chains of amino acids, which are literally the “building blocks” of all life forms.

Amino acids are words you often hear in the health and fitness industry… We all have heard the words before, but do we really know what they mean?!

Well, amino acids are essential for the body to survive… they are divided into two groups: essential & nonessential and each compound plays a huge role in your metabolism, nutrition & maintaining an overall healthy body.

It is said, out of the 20 amino acids, humans can produce 10 (nonessential- meaning the body already supplies it), the others can only be obtained by eating the right foods- (hence the term essential – meaning we need it, but the body doesn’t supply it) such as… meat, poultry, fish, legumes, nuts, etc..

Supplementing your diet with amino acids benefits your body as well and can help simplify the process!

The word L-glutamine (a nonessential amino acid) is thrown around a lot in the bodybuilding world!

During my contest prep, L- glutamine (powder form) was my #1 supplement... I took it 4x a day (Which equaled out to be 20grams…1 serving/scoop is 5grams)

Before my prep… I still used it, but only 1x a day, normally after my weight training sessions to help with muscle repair.

It wasn’t until I recently came across an article about ending sugar cravings- (which creep up time to time) that I learned L-glutamine has a lot more benefits, than just aiding in muscle recovery!

I thought the only reason I was taking it was to help my body recover from the extreme amounts of cardio and training I was putting it through!


It never occurred to me that while I was taking it for training... it was also helping my mood swings, keeping me focused and helping me control my cravings, which aided me to be more discipline!

So, I started to do a little more research on it…

L-Glutamine:

“The single most abundant amino acid that the body creates. It is released from the muscle during times of stress (such as hard weight training workouts) and dieting. This amino acid has been shown to be a great anti-catabolic agent (protects the muscle from the catabolic activities of the hormone cortisol), a contributor to muscle cell volume, and an enhancer of the immune system by: regulating protein synthesis, accelerating glycogen synthesis after a workout, sparing the use of the glycogen stored in the muscle cell and speeding up recuperation from weight training workouts.”

Beyond the “Bodybuilding World” ….

While L- glutamine may be popular for muscle recovery...

~It is also essential for mental activity and cerebral function

~It also supports the treatment of arthritis, auto immune diseases, intestinal disorders, peptic ulcers and connective tissue diseases

~It can also be used to help developmental disabilities, epilepsy, fatigue, impotence, depression, stress and schizophrenia

~It also promotes the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract and may decrease sugar cravings & the desire for alcohol

*Cravings start when the blood sugar levels are low.. which happens after our sugar is spiked from eating to much simple/refined/processed foods such as: fast food, white rice, white pastas & breads, pizza, ice cream, candy, sugary drinks etc (this is why you may hear people say.. when I eat junk food, I crave more <~  I’ve been there) glutamine tells your body to stop producing insulin, so that blood sugar levels stop decreasing and start producing glycogen, which helps bring your blood sugar level back to normal*

For this reason, you always hear people saying... Eat small meals throughout the day and add a protein to every meal this helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which in return help control cravings, which in return can help you lose weight!!

I didn’t understand all of this at first, but I’m slowly starting to get it!

So, your next question should be… how much L-glutamine does one need?

Well, since I’m not a nutritionist or a trainer or anything such... I would say talk to one of those first or go online & do some research.

As for myself, I am currently taking 2 servings daily…. Once in the morning and again after weight training!


Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Reducing stretch marks...natural oils that work



First of all.... What the heck are they?!?!

Stretch marks are visible scars that are formed (internally first) when the skin cannot endure the over-stretching and the elastin (which helps the skin stretch) and collagen fibers (which provide strength) reach a certain capacity. As a result, tiny tears begin to show up on the top layer of the skin.

They can occur on both men and women and typically appear after rapid weight gain or loss, muscle building, pregnancy, adolescence, and/or when other hormonal (internal) changes happen to the body.

While stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, they usually appear in locations where the body stores more fat..... stomach area, breasts, arms, thighs, hips, and butt.

During the 7 months of prepping for my competition, I lost over 30lbs!

Yes, the results were nice, but I also started to notice I was getting stretch marks around my lower back & sides, arms and chest area.

So, me being the “Google Queen” that I am... Immediately started doing some research on products and/or remedies that could help reduce or get rid of them.

And in doing so, found 2 natural oils I call my “Miracle Workers”..... b/c I promise (I don’t swear) my stretch marks started disappearing ...

No lie!!!

~ Coconut oil and Castor oil mixed together ~

AMAZING benefits.... I still use it 2x a day, in the morning and at night!

Not only did they help with my stretch marks, but the overall health of my skin...

I started to notice my skin evening out and a brighter glow.... 


No Lie!!!

So that led me to do a little more research on the benefits of both oils and I found out.....

Coconut Oil is extracted from the nut of the Coconut Palm tree. When the oil is derived from fresh coconut, without going through any chemical processing or bleaching, it is called Virgin Coconut Oil.

An important fatty acid in Virgin Coconut Oil known as lauric acid has been found to have anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities that can be used both externally and internally.

Studies have also shown that Coconut Oil may help with hair problems, skin infections, stress, imbalanced cholesterol levels, weakened immune system, digestive problems, kidney problems, cardiovascular diseases, low blood pressure, diabetes, muscular strain, and rheumatoid arthritis. Enhance thyroid production, as well as fights fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, tapeworms, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, lice and other infections and parasites.

It is also known to help with the absorption of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in the body which enhances physical performance, endurance and boosts energy levels”

Castor Oil is a very pale yellow liquid that is extracted from castor seeds (Ricinus Communis). It is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant oil which has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is believed that most of castor oil's benefits are derived from its high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids.

Castor Oil has been used both internally and externally for thousands of years due to its many wonderful health benefits. Since it can strengthen the immune system, castor oil is considered a great remedy to treat the following major illnesses and ailments:

~Multiple Sclerosis
~Parkinson's Disease
~Cerebral Palsy
~Hair loss
~Pain from Arthritis and Rheumatism

It has also been found to help with many everyday problems such as:

~Yeast Infections
~Constipation
~Gastrointestinal Problems
~Menstrual Disorders
~Migraines
~Acne
~Sunburn
~Athlete's Foot
~Ringworm
~Skin Abrasions
~Inflammation

Along with the oils..... I also believe exercising, the food I was eating and the amount of water I was drinking played a huge part.


Vitamins and minerals are the key!

You want to eat fruits and vegetables with vitamin A~ which is essential for repair of skin tissue.

Foods rich in vitamin B such as: eggs, bananas, and rice.

Foods rich in Niacin~ a B vitamin that enables the skin to keep moisture such as: poultry, fish, beef, nuts and seeds.

Foods rich in vitamin C~ play a big role in collagen production.

Foods rich in vitamin E such as: blueberries, avocados, mangoes, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and certain oils, all are believed to strengthen the skin’s elasticity.

I was eating foods high in protein, antioxidants and vitamin A, C & E such as: egg whites, chicken, fish, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, brown rice, & flax oil, and drinking a gallon (or more) of water a day!

As the saying goes…. You are what you eat!!!

Water plays a huge part b/c internal moisturizing is just as important as any oil or cream you apply externally.

Liquids such as coffee, tea and/or caffeinated sodas all act as a diuretic which releases moisture from the body.


You have to hydrate the body and skin!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

5th Place Bikini ~ Out of 10 Girls







It was a long 7 months of dieting and training!!

Alot of sweat, some slip-ups, few curse words, couple tears and one almost...       "I Quit"      but I didn't!!

I kept pushing and the end result is here... 5th place out of 10 Bikini girls!!




Not bad for my 1st show... I'm proud of myself!

I didn't let anything stop me or deter me away from course..

With that being said...


I have more work to do, more goals to make and more shows to plan!!!





What can I say..... I'm addicted!!!!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Ayurveda ~ Beauty Secrets from India




My interest in Ayurveda for health and beauty increased after I started seeing the amazing results coconut oil had on my hair and skin...

'Ayurveda' (the science of life & holistic treatment) is the ancient medical science from India which covers all aspects of life, including beauty. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on restoring the natural harmony of your body and mind.

In India, beauty is considered a blessing from God and is believed that it’s our duty to keep our bodies and mind, healthy and beautiful.

Ayurveda also aims at building a healthy lifestyle through methods of meditation, yoga, massage, herbal medicine and diet.

For beautiful skin/hair, many Indian women use home remedies that can be made right from your kitchen with products you already have on hand. These remedies promote natural health without the chemicals and keep you looking and feeling your best.

When it comes to beauty, glowing skin is a reflection of the inner healthiness and can be largely dependent on the kind of lifestyle one leads.

Some Ayurvedic beauty care herbs I use are:

~Coconut oil (My Favorite) - Best known to keep the skin soft and smooth, prevent premature aging and wrinkling, protect against skin cancer and other blemishes, prevent stretch marks and adds shine and moisture to the hair. (I use this everyday on my skin and hair)

~ Castor Oil – (2nd Favorite) Best known for healing minor wounds, burns, bedsores and cuts. Restores moisture and softens the skin, prevents stretch marks and promotes hair growth. (I also use this everyday on my skin and hair)

~ Amla Oil – Also known as “Indian Gooseberry” prevents aging and promotes longevity. Best known for its natural hair conditioning properties.  (I use this on my hair)

~ Henna –  Promotes hair growth and strength. Natural Hair color and has great conditioning properties. (I use this on my hair)

~Aloe Vera – Also known as the "plant of immortality” makes the skin look younger and prevent wrinkles. (I use this on my face)

~ Turmeric – Best known for its antiseptic properties. Cures skin problems such as: acne, hyper-pigmentation, dark complexion and skin damage. Also known to cure problems such as: conjunctivitis, burns, prostate cancer, diabetes, indigestion and asthma. (I use this on my face)

Monday, August 1, 2011

4 weeks out... Diet & Training



Aug 27, 2011


Location: Burlington, New Jersey - Burlington Township High School at the Performing Arts Center, corner of 610 Fountain Avenue at Jacksonville Road, Burlington, NJ 08016

Show Times~>  Prejudging:
12:00pm, Finals: 5:00 PM

7/31/11 made me officially 4 weeks out from my 1st OCB- Bikini Competition.

I am now down to 154lbs. Total of 20lbs since May 1, 2011

I believe my coach wants me to come in around 140-145 lbs ~ competition weight...... This should be interesting!!!

Anyway... A lot of changes!!!

My energy varies day to day... One day I’m up, the next day I could be drained.... Sometimes I feel like I’m moving in slow motion.
I also find myself staring into space a lot, like really dazed! <~ I don’t know what that’s all about!!

Oh and don’t forget my gum... I go through about a pack a day.. Seriously, it’s that’s bad!!

I’m not as cranky as everyone talks about though, yet anyway! :)

As far as food ….


I’m eating every 2 ½ hours now.
My protein ounces went from 5 to 3.5 ounces and no more eating after my workouts. The worse part, ALL my food is plain!!!

Yes, as in no flavor except for salt-free seasoning…

It was a little hard at first, but after awhile it didn’t bother me anymore.... When you are hungry, you will eat anything!!

My typical 3 days- I am still Carb cycling


Day 1

8:00 am ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½ cup brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes

10:30 am ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes

1:00 pm ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes

3:30 pm ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes


6:00pm ~ 3.5 oz chicken or Tilapia 75g of asparagus or 80g of broccoli

7pm ~ Gym


**No more food**  ~ This is a little challenging b/c I wake up really hungry and then still have to do my morning cardio. 

Day 2

8:00 am ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes

10:30 am ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes

1:00 pm ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes
 
3:30 pm ~ 3.5 oz chicken or Tilapia 75g of asparagus or 80g of broccoli

6:00pm ~ 3.5 oz chicken or Tilapia 75g of asparagus or 80g of broccoli


Day 3

8:00 am ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes

10:30 am ~ 3.5oz chicken or Tilapia ½c brown rice or 75g sweet potatoes


1:00 pm ~ 3.5 oz chicken or Tilapia 75g of asparagus or 80g of broccoli

3:30 pm ~ 3.5 oz chicken or Tilapia 75g of asparagus or 80g of broccoli

6:00pm ~ 3.5 oz chicken or Tilapia 75g of asparagus or 80g of broccoli

As far as training …


I’m working legs, chest & shoulders 2x a week.

~ Upper back & Hamstrings

~ Shoulders/Tri’s & Chest

~ Back/ Bi’s

~ Quads

~ Shoulders/Chest

Cardio is now 7 days a weeks, 5 days a week 2x a day

I don’t know how much worse it can get, but I hear the last week is brutal.

I guess I will find out soon enough!!!

xoxoxo

Friday, July 15, 2011

Girl, get your money right...What they don't teach you in school




     

    ~WHAT IS BEAUTY WITHOUT BRAINS~

Whoever said, “Knowledge is Power” wasn’t lying!!

Knowledge is the KEY to becoming successful in any area of your life, but more importantly with your personal finances!
Webster defines a knowledgeable person as “Possessing or showing knowledge or intelligence; perceptive and well-informed”

Some people were/are blessed enough to have “financially intelligent” parents or other role models in their lives that can share and pass information down to them.

Others have/had to find out the hard way…. You know the saying,

“You live and You learn”

Well, I was placed in the “You live & You learn” category….

It wasn’t until after I graduated from college in 2007 and had to start paying back student loans that I began to learn what it meant to become “financially intelligent”

A great book to read: Increase your Financial IQ

Robert Kiyosaki states, “It is information, knowledge, wisdom, and know-how, a.k.a. financial intelligence, that makes one wealthy.”

Kiyosaki divides financial intelligence into five “Financial IQs”:

~Make more money. This is measured by how much money you earn. If you make $100,000 a year, you have a higher Financial IQ than someone earning $30,000 a year.

~Protect your money. Once you earn your money, you need to hold onto it. Protecting your money, especially from taxes, is the second Financial IQ.

~Budget your money. “Being able to live well and still invest no matter how much you make requires a high level of financial intelligence,” Kiyosaki writes. This Financial IQ is measured by how much money you have left after expenses.

~Leverage your money. This Financial IQ is measured by return on investment. How well do you make your budget surplus generate more money?

~Improve your financial information. Financial information doesn’t just mean knowledge of basic financial concepts — it also means detailed knowledge of the investments you make.

*You must educate yourself… then share the information to empower other people*

See, at the time I didn’t know what I was going do, but I didn’t let that stop me…

I could have just said forget it and never even thought about paying my student loans back, but that’s my character!

I could have also went out and got a 2nd, 3rd or even a 4th job to help pay them down, but I realized my “TIME” is way to precious…

(TIME~ the only thing in life that you can use and never get back)

My fear pushed me out my comfort zone and I did what “school” taught me how to do best, READ!!!

So, I read & read & read & took classes, went to workshops & seminars, volunteered, talked to wealth advisers at my church, & then read some more, until I found some solutions…. And what I learned was

“You can make more money with your mind, then you can ever make with your hands”

By increasing my financial intelligence… I was able to purchase a home, pay off my car and learn about increasing my wealth with real estate, despite having a lot of student loans… I am not bragging, I am sharing!!

~ Follow me ~

If you are out there spending hundreds of dollars on clothes and shoes, to keep up with the "Joneses"…yet your credit cards are maxed out, you have little to none in savings, your living in public housing and/or driving a car with a high interest rate and note!!! Then…

Girl, it’s time to get your money right!!!

Life is about learning and growing and then sharing what you have learned…

Some people may read this and think it’s a bunch of BS, others will read it and their minds will begin to open!!!

1st things 1st… You need to know where you are, before you can know where you are going!

What they don’t teach you in school....

~How to control your finances~

The key to learning how to control your finances, starts with managing your everyday money.

~Create a budget: Creating a budget will help you balance out all your spending.You need to know where your money is going. If every morning you stop at Starbucks to get a cup of coffee, imagine how much you could be saving in your account, than on frivolous items.

~Learn self-control: Stop using credit cards and start using cash. The mentality behind this is if you don’t have the cash to buy it, then you won’t.

~Pay yourself 1st: No matter how much you owe in loans or credit card debt and no matter how low your salary may seem, it's wise to find some amount (any amount) of money in your budget to save every month.

~Tithe: I believe this is crucial. 10% of what you earn belongs to GOD.

As my pastor would always say... "10% of your money belongs to God, but if you can live off 10% of your money, then you should give the rest away"

Recommended books to read about finances:


Also, a really great website to learn more about controlling your finances would be http://www.suzeorman.com/

To sum it all up:

1. Spend less

2. Save more

3. Invest wisely

4. Give generously

~It's not how much money you make, but what you do with the money you make~

~ Your Credit History~

*Some people don’t even know what a credit report looks like*

Your credit report contains detailed information about your credit history… including identifying information, credit accounts and loans, bankruptcies, late payments and recent inquiries. Borrower’s use this information to determine if a person is credit worthy.

Your credit score is a three digit number based on the information in your credit report. Your # is created by the 3 major credit bureau’s: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union, by factoring in… the number of years you´ve had credit, how much of your available credit you´re currently using, whether you´ve recently made any late payments, and how recently you´ve had any negative actions or credit applications.




In short ~ Your credit score will determine your interest rate, whether you can be approved for a loan, buy a house, get an apartment, get a job… pretty much everything nowadays!!

You are entitled to a “FREE” credit report annually…. Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com/

~How to develop a Wealth Mind set~

Fortunately, having a wealth mind set has nothing to do with money!

Wealth must first be created in the mind before it can be manifested into physical reality.

You create every moment in your life, especially your financial life. Your wealth is totally dependent on you and your thinking.

The 2 books that I have read and believe to be the BEST at changing my mind-set on money were:

Think and grow Rich by: Napoleon Hill

Secrets of a millionaire Mind by: T Harv Eker

In secrets of a millionaire mind, Eker lists seventeen ways in which the financial blueprints of the rich differ from those of the poor and the middle-class.

   1. Rich people believe: “I create my life.” Poor people believe: “Life happens to me.”

  2. Rich people play the money game to win. Poor people play the money game to not lose.
  3. Rich people are committed to being rich. Poor people want to be rich.


  4. Rich people think big. Poor people think small.

  5. Rich people focus on opportunities. Poor people focus on obstacles.


  6. Rich people admire other rich and successful people. Poor people resent rich and successful people.

 7. Rich people associate with positive, successful people. Poor people associate with negative or unsuccessful people.


 8. Rich people are willing to promote themselves and their value. Poor people think negatively about selling and promotion.
 9. Rich people are bigger than their problems. Poor people are smaller than their problems.


 10. Rich people are excellent receivers. Poor people are poor receivers.


 11. Rich people choose to get paid based on results. Poor people choose to get paid based on time.


 12. Rich people think “both”. Poor people think “either/or”.


 13. Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people focus on their working income.


 14. Rich people manage their money well. Poor people mismanage their money well.


 15. Rich people have their money work hard for them. Poor people work hard for their money.


 16. Rich people act in spite of fear. Poor people let fear stop them.


 17. Rich people constantly learn and grow. Poor people think they already know

Some people are happy with mediocrity…. Living a safe, comfortable life!

If that’s you, by all means, stay there!!!!
This is for people who want more out of life and willing to take on the challenge to get it!

Educate yourself....Read, attend church workshops, take finance classes, and talk to people...then educate someone else!!!

Learning is so vital for our growth!!!!



Sunday, July 10, 2011

7 weeks out... & I'm hungry





Sooo.. Today makes me 7 wks out from my 1st OCB- (Bikini Division) Competition~ Aug 27, 2011.. YAYE!!!

It's beginning to become real to me...As I move closer and closer to my competition date, I keep going over my goals and the reasons why I'm really putting my body and mind through all of this. I know as the weeks continue to decline, it'll only become a lot more challenging!

My main goal is to have FUN!!

The main reason, I guess you can say, is to challenge myself mentally. Mental discipline is something we all must possess in order to succeed in all aspects of our lives!!

Prepping takes a lot out of you physically, yes... but I believe more mentally!!

You must have a deep motivation and mental discipline to get up and go to the gym 2x a day, eat 5-6 small meals a day, control your sugar cravings, prepare and cook all your food.

It can be very draining and time consuming. Most people couldn't begin to understand!!

So far.. The biggest change that was made to my diet was my protein ounce has dropped from 6oz to 5oz. Also, My complex carbs~Brown rice & Sweet potatoes are now in the first 3 meals of my 5 total meals..

My typical 3 day diet...  Note: Im carb cycling~ Which means I have a No carb day, Med carb day & High carb day!!!!


 No carb day

6am-  (Cardio) 

8 am- 5oz Chicken & 3/4cup  of brown rice

11am- 5oz chicken and 1 cup broccoli or 85g of asparagus, 1 tbsp flax, 2 tbsp salsa

2pm- 5oz tilapia  1 cup of broccoli or 85 grams of  asparagus, 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar dressing

5pm- 5oz chicken 1 cup broccoli or 85g of asparagus, 2 tbsp salsa

630pm- weights and cardio

830- 5oz chicken and 1 cup of broccoli,  2tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp flax

*Gallon or more water daily*

 
930- 10pm Bed

Med Carb day

6am cardio

8am- 5oz Chicken & 3/4cup  of brown rice
11am- 5oz fish, 1/2 cup brown rice or 2.75oz sweet potatoe 2 tbsp salsa

2pm- 5oz chicken, 1/2 cup brown rice or 2.75 sweet potatoe,  cinnamon,  2 tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp flax

5pm - 5oz fish, 1/2 cup of broccoli or 45g of asparagus,  2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

6:30 pm weights and cardio

830- 5oz chicken 1/2 cup of broccoli or 45g asparagus, 2 tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp flax


High Carb

6am cardio

8am- 5oz Chicken & 3/4cup  of brown rice
11am- 5oz fish, 1 cup brown rice or 5.5oz sweet potatoe 2 tbsp salsa

2pm- 5oz chicken, 1 cup brown rice or 5.5 sweet potatoe,  cinnamon,  2 tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp flax

5pm - 5oz fish, 45 grams of asparagus or 1/2 cup broccoli,   2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

6:30 pm weights and cardio

830- 5oz chicken 1/2 cup broccoli or 45 asparagus,  2 tbsp salsa, 1 tbsp flax

xoxoxo

Friday, July 8, 2011

57 Lessons on Elegance



              When I think of elegance, I immediately think of
                                   Michelle Obama

As I become older and more mature, I am beginning to make it a habit to always look for ways to improve my character and my life!

Recently, I stumbled upon a website www.elegantwoman.org that I found to be very unique and inspiring. 


Out of her many post, one particular stood out to me...
           
                          57 Lessons on Elegance


  1. Elegance first comes from inside. It comes from excellency of the heart.
  2. Sophistication and elegance is not the same thing. It is possible to be both sophisticated and elegant and also sophisticated but not elegant.
  3. The elegant woman does quite a fair bit of thinking, consideration from what she says, how she spends her time to how she presents herself.
  4. The elegant woman loves herself and secure within herself that allows her to be generous and unselfish.
  5. The elegant woman is kind.
  6. The elegant woman seeks to understand herself, who she is and is not. You'll never find her following trends blindly.
  7. She embraces her feminine nature.
  8. She is gentle with her words.
  9. She is never in a hurry.
  10. She does not rush.
  11. She plans and organizes herself and her life so that she'll never be in a frenzy.
  12. She realizes the importance of good posture and aims to improve it.
  13. She also realizes to have a good posture, one must also make effort to strengthen the core (of her body) which involves certain exercises.
  14. The elegant woman values health and takes care about what she puts into her body.
  15. She prizes her body and will not feed junk or let her weight get out of control.
  16. She also realizes the benefits of exercise, better health, more energy, a brighter face, fights aging, self confidence and esteem.
  17. She does not do what she doesn't like.
  18. In the exercise arena, she finds things that she enjoys doing - e.g. cycling, going for walks, dancing, ballet, yoga, ball room dancing etc. 
  19. The elegant woman finds a way to keep her home elegant which means clean and neat injected with some of her personality in decorations.
  20. She realizes the harmful effects of clutter. She sets up routines that work for her, and house rules.
  21. The elegant woman does not have many things. She learns to do more with less.
  22. The elegant woman invests in good shoes. Good shoes affect your walk and your posture. It also affects your feelings throughout the day.
  23. The elegant woman prides herself in quality. She buys the best that she can afford. She would sacrifice quantity for it.
  24. Education is high in priority in her life. She seeks to educate herself in matters that interests her.
  25. She lives for a greater cause than herself. She finds ways to give service to others, church, charity or a life's mission, wherever her heart finds compassion.
  26. She is always polite and remembers her manners.
  27. No one is born with good manners. It has to be learnt. Environment is a strong influence factor, but she knows she has the ability and responsibility to learn them.
  28. The root of manners is kindness.
  29. Having manners is simply the kindest way to do something.
  30. Etiquette is the result of an organized way of doing things.
  31. An elegant woman is like everyone else, with feelings and emotions of excitement, hurt, and even anger. She just chooses to control them and the appropriate time to express them.
  32. She speaks in a calm manner whenever possible, especially when she is angry. She keeps her words to the point and as unbiased as possible.
  33. She assumes the best in everyone and every situation. She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt.
  34. She knows how to end a conversation and does not linger.
  35. She does not talk too much.
  36. She knows it is okay to not like a person. But she will treat that person politely anyway.
  37. The elegant woman does not talk down to waitstaff, nor does she gush and fawn over someone 'higher up'. She treats everyone in the same polite, friendly manner.
  38. The elegant woman is the first to smile when meeting someone.
  39. She keeps things light and friendly at every social situation.
  40. She is always impeccably groomed but keep things simple.
  41. Her life is never stale, because she is always thinking about other people and her interests, hobbies and skills which she actively pursues.
  42. The elegant woman is not outwardly ambitious, that is not to say that she isn't.
  43. The elegant woman values someones feelings over materials.
  44. She appreciates the finer things in life, and may uses the finer things like everyday things. She does not get too precious about it. She will not get upset if it breaks, because "they are just things."
  45. She does not need the finer things, she has an inner happiness and a peace that makes the best of whatever situation she is in.
  46. The elegant woman reads.
  47. She is not afraid to say she does not know something. She realizes that it is impossible to know everything. She asks with the simplicity of a child, "So tell me more about English roses, I'll love to know."
  48. She never expresses heavy opinions, such as "oh I hate cats etc.." She is always diplomatic because someone in the group might like them. She only talks about positive things and if specifically asked about cat, she'll say, 'I was never as fond of cats as I am about dogs.'
  49. In conversations, she focuses on you. She seldom talks about herself.
  50. She never monopolizes or hijacks a conversation.
  51. She realizes having good manners is having to put up with other people's bad manners.
  52. The elegant woman values 'the natural', she keeps everything about her as natural as possible and eats food that are as natural as well.
  53. She keeps her life simple and is careful not to overload herself.
  54. She is peaceful.
  55. She finds little joys and pleasure in the everyday life.
  56. She not self conscious.
  57. She does not get embarrassed. If she spills her coffee, she'll just smile and brush it off and move on. If someone else spills her coffee, she makes nothing of it and moves on.
http://www.elegantwoman.org/how-to-be-elegant.html