Lovely Lady Brown

A Rough Week!

2009-03-20T15:35:00.001-07:00

Between preparing for a move back to DC, my job, my plans for world domination, and my period , I'm afraid my poor workouts have suffered. I can barely get out of bed much less run 7 miles. I am worn out.

Two Cents And An A%%hole: Chris Brown and Rihanna

2009-03-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

Opinions are like assholes...Everybody's got one.
Just giving my 2 cents.

I finally decided to say something about this whole Chris Brown and Rihanna madness. A few people saying that they're wondering what Rihanna did to make Chris mad enough to hit her. This is making a lot of people upset, claiming that those who have this opinion are wrong; they're only supporting domestic violence. Well, I happen to think a bit differently.

I DON'T CONDONE VIOLENCE, BUT.. .

Chris has a good image. Rihanna has a good image. But, realistically, that's all it is: an image. We as a music buying public truly have NO IDEA who these 2 people are. We just think we know. We think we know that Chris is not the type of person to just go around hitting women. We think we know that Rihanna is the type of girl wouldn't be in a dysfunctional relationship. He's a good guy who loves his mother. She's a good girl who is successful and confident. If they are who we think they are, why would they be behaving so out of character? After all, they're just like us, only rich and famous, right?

It is thought the average person would never do something so outside their normal comfort zone or personality unless something "pushes" them to do so. The Black preacher who curses the rude, racist cashier out at the grocery store. The college educated single mother who works at McDonald's just to feed her kids. The shy, quiet kid who screams at a bully. We need to be pushed to do something we normally wouldn't do.

So what got Chris Brown so angry he needed to hit Rihanna? Because he wouldn't normally do that, right? If the only difference between him and us, is that he's rich and famous, and none of us could possibly think of doing such a thing unless seriously provoked under extreme circumstances, right? Because, good people don't do bad things unless they're pushed or provoked, right?

We have to remember that famous people with good images aren't always good people. Sometimes they're bad people. Sometimes bad people have good images. And those good images don't stop them from doing bad things. They are not like us. They are rich and famous.

Basically, people's perception that Chris could only hit her because he was provoked is a reflection of how we think of celebs as everyday people...us. Basically, we're saying "Chris Brown would never hit somebody unless they made him very, VERY angry because I would never hit somebody unless they mad me very, VERY angry!".

At the same time, we're not saying she deserved it. Not at all. We're not saying that she did something to warrent the beating. No. We're not focusing on her. We're only focusing on the anger. It's what we understand. What we don't understand is being a victim. Being a victim means things happening to you that you don't deserve. Who could possibly understand that? Being a victim is most likely to inspire nothing but passiveness. But, anger!? Anger gets you going. When being a victim makes you angry, we understand. But only until that happens. So if being a victim made Rihanna angry, in a way we could see it publicly at least, we would FINALLY understand that relationship violence is WRONG!! But, instead, Rihanna has been quiet.

And that makes me angry.

My Best Run Ever! How I Did It!!

2009-03-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Lately, I haven't been too happy about the results of my workouts. I feel as if I should be burning more calories, and flattening my abs better. Instead, I've noticed that my arms and my upper abs are more toned than before, but my legs and lower abs still need a lot of work. So, I decided to step it up. By using my iPod, my
Nike + iPod Sport Kit
and my favorite podcast, I achieved my best run ever.

Podcast For Running is a podcast I found on iTunes Podcasts last year. It is a running plan developed by Cool Running with the help of Robert Urlley. Designed to get almost anyone to run a full 5k in 9 weeks, the plan takes you on a 30-40min run three days a week. To learn more details, check out Cool Running's Couch-To-5k Running Plan; you can even download the plan. The only problem is that each episode is too short for me to get what I want out of it. How am I supposed to whittle my waistline into shape in only 1/2 an hour? Not possible. I've got a goal deadline to make. The solution? I created a playlist starting out with a few of my fav Amy Whinehouse, Lily Allen, and Adele songs for a warm up, then added the podcast's Week Two, Three, and Four, plus a few other songs to round it out to 1.5 hrs. How much did I burn?

I BURNED 711 CALORIES!!

That's right! You read that correctly. Unfortunately, I fell off the wagon for 3 days in a row. This got me back on point. Of course, I made sure to do the proper stretching techniques and a cool down, but I know that I'm gonna be as sore as hell tomorrow. Oh well. Beauty is Pain.

Wanna know where I did my run?

Click Here For The Map.

Week 2: Maybe Too Much Build Up?

2009-03-04T08:47:00.001-08:00

The second week into my regimen, I decided to make sure that I included more moisture. This is what I did.

Pre-Poo: Hair Crack, Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo, applied overnight

Co-Wash: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration

Deep Condition: Queen Helene's Cholesterol

Clarify: Lemon Water Rinse

Leave-In: Infusium 23

Heat Protectant: Wondergro Max Heat, L'Oreal Moisture Protect Serum

The results? I wasn't too happy. Because I was in a rush to go to work, I was unable to take any pics. I blow dried, flat ironed, and then curled. Unfortunately, it took a lot of heat in order to get the same shine and straightness as before. I didn't like that at all! My hair just seemed very dull. Then, I decided for the rest of the week, just to pull it all back in a pitiful little ponytail, making sure I applied my water based moisturizer { Wave Nouveau Finishing Lotion} every day and sealed with oil. Also, I've been adding a bit of castor oil (I FINALLY found some) to my edges.

One thing I have noticed is that I don't have much breakage or shedding. That makes me happy. Plus, I really like the ORS Hair Mayo; I got some free from my supply store.

Something To Think About!

2009-02-27T16:27:00.000-08:00

In these tough economic times, it's important to not only to treat yourself, but to continue to dream big. Here is a quote I found.

"If you have only two pennies left in the world, with the first penny, you should buy rice to feed your familly. With the second penny, say the wise Japanese, you should buy a lily. The Japanese understand the importance of dreaming..."

My Fitness Quest

2009-02-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

This is what I looked like back in 2003. I was training for an audition with Coyote Ugly and wanted to make sure I was in the best shape. I worked out 2 hours a day, 5 times a week. Aerobic, hip hop dancing, weight training, running, and pilates!! I was serious!!!

Didn't get the job, though. But, it taught me that I can achieve ANYTHING if I wanted it bad enough.

Fast forward to today...Ice cream, pizza, Taco Bell, soda, and Doritos!!! The comfort foods that have been getting me by here in Las Vegas. Now that I'm preparing to move back to DC, I am determined to get back in shape. To track my progress, I took these pics to remind me that I'm not so bad, but I don't have too far to go.

Here is a list of the workout DVD's i've been using to help me along the way!!

-New York City Ballet Workout

-Fat Burning Kickboxing Workout For Dummies

-Gaiam Total Toning Workout w/Ana Caban

-Windsor Pilates 3 DVD Workout Set

-The Firm CardioWeight System

My Fitness Challenge!!!

2009-02-27T01:39:00.000-08:00

MySpace Countdowns
Living in Sin City hasn't been the best for my body. Not that I've been indulging in naughty habits. Because of the weather, sometimes it is hard to go for a run when it is 117 degrees. Plus, the land is SO flat, and the city isn't very pedestrian friendly. When my local community center began to let the homeless eat their lunches in the weight room, I became less motivated to hit the treadmill. But, now that I'm planning to move back to Washington DC, I'm more motivated to get back into shape.

So, starting this week I will be running for a minimum on 1 hour, at least twice a week. Today, was Day One of Week One. Here are my stats:

Distance: 4.88

Time: 1:00:08

Avg Pace: 12:18 Min/Mi

Calories: 466

Instead of using the usual music playlist, I paired up my Nike + with a podcast called Podcasts For Running. This podcast I found on iTunes is designed to help you go from couch to a 5k run in 9 weeks. Each weekly episode guides and directs you when to run and when to briskly walk. For example, Week One gives you a 5 min warm-up, the puts you on 6o sec run, 2 min walk intervals for about 29 mins with a 5 min cool down. In order to make my workout a full hour, I did both Week One and Week Two. By pairing the Nike+ with the podcast, my iPod automatically let's me know how much long I've run, when I'm at my half way point, and how much longer I have to go.

After my run, I made sure to do a good stretch, plus some ab work. Tomorrow, I may just go to the community center next door and fight a homeless man for the free weights.

I Love My Nike Plus

2009-02-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

Last summer, I unknowingly purchased a pair of Nike + Ready Running sneakers. Since I already had an iPod Nano, I knew I could buy the Nike + Sport Kit for both the shoes and the iPod. What a great combo!!

This is how it works. The Nike + shoes are made with a pocket to place the remote. The receiver plugs into your iPod. The Nano then tracks your progress, giving you feedback on distance, time, pace, and calories burned directly into the headphones. When you've completed your workout, plug the iPod into your computer. Your iTunes will automatically connect to the Nike + website and transfer you info. Speaking of iTunes, you can make your own playlist or buy ready made playlists from the store.

Trust me!! There is no better motivator than knowing you've burned 445 calories in 45 mins!!!

Hair Crack!!!...Always Get High On Your Own Supply!

2009-02-21T01:39:00.000-08:00

I finally got my shea butter and coconut oil in the mail. I was SO excited, I immediately bought some sweet almond oil and lemon oil to add to the mix. Once I melted everything together, the result was so fantastic, I couldn't keep my hands out of my hair. Here's the recipe:

5 tblsp Shea Butter

2 tblsp Coconut Oil

2 tblsp Sweet Almond Oil

15 drops of Lemon Oil

I melted everything together using a coffee mug in a pot of boiling hot water. Of course, if you have a double boiler, use it. Just don't use a microwave. I must admit, I like it more when I flat iron my hair than when I do bantu knots. Not quite sure why.

My Products!!

2009-02-19T04:26:00.000-08:00

<
span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; "> I'm on my fist week of my hair journey, and wanted to post what I'm using, when I'm using, and how I'm using it. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!!

SHAMPOO

Cream Of Nature Conditioning Shampoo-One of my favorite of all time. I love the smell and the feel of my hair afterwards.

Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo-Only using it when I feel particularly grubby. I'll start off with a pre-poo,then to be followed by a vinegar rinse and a deep condition.

CONDITIONER

Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut-This will be my co-wash conditioner. I'm

thinking of mixing it with a bit of EVOO or coconut oil.

Deep Conditioner W/Protein

Aphogee 2 Step Protein Treatment-Whoever thought of this stuff, deserves some kind of Pulitzer or Nobel prize. I just wish it smelled better. Twice a month. Of course, followed up by the Balancing Moisturizer.

Water Based Moisture

Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Finishing Lotion-If my hair is feeling a bit dry, I'll refrain from heat, do my bantu knots or flat twists, apply, and seal with oil.

Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

-Who hasn't used this stuff? It's popular for a reason! It works.

OILS

Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Of course!!

Cocoa Butter Oil???-Some cheap faux cocoa butter oil I got at the supply store. Made from jojoba, castor, sunflower, olive oil, and lanolin. Smells divine!

Coconut Oil-On it's way, via Amazon, along with the Shea Butter I ordered.

Doo Gro Stimulation Growth Oil-Hot oil treatments, or as a daily moisturizer.

African Pride Hair, Scalp, & Skin Mist-Daily moisturizer. Smells yummy!!

HEAT PROTECTANT

Wondergro Max Heat Stylin Straightening Oil-

Basically, pressing grease with some damn good ingridients: Soybean, Castor, Palm, Coconut, Lanolin, Tea tree, aloe vera, and wintergreen. It also has petralatum and beeswax, but I doesn't leave my hair greasy looking or feeling. I'm VERY pleased with it.

L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Heat Control Moisture Protect Serum-I got it as a sampler from beauty supply store. I used it with the Wondergro.

Leave-In Treatment

Infusium 23-I bought this to use when I do bantu knots. Then, I apply my "hair crack" or moisture loiton and seal with an oil.