Author: alexandriawill

alexandriawill

Lululemon Warehouse Sale Tips

May 8, 2017

Grab your card and get ready, Lululemon Warehouse sale is coming to Dallas in just a few weeks. The Lululemon warehouse sale is a once-a-year event that moves around from city-to-city and is unlike anything else. During this 3-day weekend sale, you can stock up on some amazing items from the retailer. Unlike most outlets or discount sales, Lululemon warehouse sale doesn’t just contain older or discontinued product but items even some current or specialty items. Here are some tips and things you should know before heading to the Lululemon Warehouse Sale in Dallas. Oh yeah, pictures used in the blog are from last year’s sale, which was in Atlanta. Will shimmy for gear. #ATLrevival pic.twitter.com/pkFFYEamLy — lululemon WHUS (@lululemonWHUS) May 21, 2016 Prices of Lululemon Items During the Warehouse Sale “Alex really is this a sale and is it worth it?” This is the question I was asked at least 10x last week. Yep! It’s worth it. Lululemon products are pretty expensive. A pair of leggings is easy $100 but during the warehouse sale, you can find them as low as $30-$40. Socks will run you about $9- $10. The average amount of most products during the warehouse sale are $20-$30 range, which is totally affordable and worth it. Each day there are specialty items, sales and a restock of merchandise so that makes it even better! Get Your Mind-Set Right & Load of Patience Look it’s a warehouse sale. That means its boxes of products and stuff everywhere including on the floor. Everything you want might not be there so keep an open mind. There will be people trying on clothes right in the middle of the store so be prepared. On Facebook alone, there is expected to be almost 5,000 folks attending and over 12,000 are interested. This is just Facebook but knows everyone and their mommas will be there so gear up for a long wait. People travel from all over to purchase items at the warehouse sale. Bring A List & Know Your Sizes Don’t go in without any idea of what you need. Make a list of item you need and stick to them. I also recommend going to a Lululemon to know your size beforehand. This makes it easy to grab and go for the items you need. I am not super skinny and I can wear Lulu with no problem. The sizes range from XS to about XL or 0- 12. I am a size 8-10 there so hopefully that gives you some idea of what they offer. You can find a lot of things there that aren’t included n the sizes like the yoga mat, sock and cute scarves and such. There is something for everyone including the men and kids. Also note, you are limited to 25 items so make sure you stick to the list folks. Bring Your Card AND ID Cash is not accepted so make sure to have your credit card or debit card, which Visa, Mastercard & AMEX are accepted.Please note that all sales are FINAL and you must have a photo ID. Cash & gift cards are NOT accepted. Also don’t forget to have a few snacks, bottled water, and charger. Another tip is to wear a maxi dress, skirt or loose pants so if you need to try on something quickly you can asap if you get my drift. Best Time to Hit the Lulu Warehouse Sale Apparently, at other cities, the longest lines came on opening day – Friday but a few hours later, there wasn’t a line are hardly any. I would say mid-day on Friday seems to be the best time and early on the other days. Make sure you are on the twitter feed. They do random markdowns during the day and last minute sales towards the end of the day at other cities. Don’t Drive There – Ride There It’s going to be a mess so I highly recommend hitting the good ole public transportation – DART. Uber and Lyft are always great options too. Fair Park parking will fill up like no other and the options around the grounds start at $10. You can easily park and ride the DART for $5 round-trip so save that money, honey! Alex Top 5 Must Have Lululemon Items If you are going to the warehouse sale, here are my top five items you should at least leave with. Tights: This is what Lulu is known for- their pants. I would avoid purchasing shorts, as the pants will last longer and you can get more bang for your bucks with pants (long or capris) year around. Yoga Mat: I am slightly obsessed with their yoga. They are thick and super durable for all types of workouts. Racerback or Tank: There isn’t anything nicer than the perfect racer back and lulu has plenty of them. I would grab one or two that are flattering and also perfect for photos, race day or to stunt at the gym on a cutie. Unique Long Sleeve Shirt or Jacket: I know it’s hot and summer right now but Lulu has some cool cold gear. Grab it now while it’s dirt cheap so you don’t have to worry about it months later. Lululemon Accessory: Accessories like their wraps, scarves and workout bags are definitely unique and needed. Their bras are a great for adding a splash of flare to your wardrobe. I would make sure to grab one item that you need and is also unique to anything else you might have in your closet. For ladies, this could be one of their unique sports bras. For more information, you can check out the Twitter dedicated to the Warehouse Sale, which also includes sneak peeks and updates: https://twitter.com/lululemonwhus #sweatBIG

The Importance of Meditation

May 4, 2017

So often our brains are overloaded with various messages, emails, to-do-list, events and more that it hardly has times to rest and slow down. It is important to unplug, shut off and relax the mind. Mediation is critical in shutting off as it helps get rid of unnecessary feelings and thoughts and to reflect. It also helps to improve health, sleep, mentality, reduce stress, and improve concentration. Monday, I was so grateful to relax and take a break with a few local fitness and slow down on Monday with my Dallas Fitness Ambassadors crew. We met at the gorgeous Alexan apartments in Downtown Dallas and had a great platter of healthy foods and low-calorie drinks from Sprouts. Sprouts, by the way, is one of my favorite grocery stores to shop at so it was great to learn more about their cater services and new products. Additionally, we had chair massages from Spa Kneads, DIY essential oils demo from Aura cacia, and amazing homemade tea from Restore Simply. After being pampered and relaxed for a bit, I took my first official meditation class, which was soo needed!!! I have always struggled with meditation and during those last few minutes of yoga in the class, I am always going through my to-do list. As I started to deal with depression and listening to my internal struggles, I realized the importance of meditation and having a little bit of time in my life. Now it’s a regular part of my healthy lifestyle and can actually see the benefits of meditation such as reducing stress, sleeping better and much more. Meditation Apps There are tons of youtube videos that have meditation tips or practices, which is great. Sometimes the videos are removed or slow to buffer so instead I prefer meditation apps or audio that can aid in meditation, mindfulness and easy to use. With most of the apps, you can choose the time and then sit or lay down for the instructions of what to do. It’s that easy! Don’t worry, these apps are for both android and iTunes users and don’t cost anything to use at first. Calm Headspace Mindfulness App Simply Being Dr. Wayne Dyer (Spotify) Three Easy Tips To Start Meditation Establish a Daily Practice: Mediation doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s important to have a set location, time and routine. Start with taking two to three minutes a day and then work your way up. I highly recommend starting your day off with meditation too! Proper Posture: Posture is important in any activity so whether you are laying down or standing up, make sure you are keeping yourself aligned. Choose a position Here are a few tips on my Pinterest board of postures, setting up a meditation space, movements and more. Breathe & Release: It is important to know our mind is going to have a lot of thoughts popping in randomly. Continue to take deep breathes, acknowledge the thoughts and release them. Hopefully, these tips will help you think about meditation a bit different or plant the seed in your journey. Special thanks to DFA and Sprouts for reminding me the importance of being mindful!

Running From Depression – My Story

April 27, 2017

Many of you know I am a runner but you don’t know one of the main reasons why I run is how I am dealing with depression. This is probably the longest video I have ever done but I was pushed to speak up about my journey with depression and how running has helped me to heal in the process. Articles On Depression Information about depression Tips for getting out of depression Christian Resources & Mentioned in Video Celebrate Recovery: http://www.celebraterecovery.com/ Re: Generation: http://www.regenerationrecovery.org/ Battlefield of the Mind: http://amzn.to/2qcmrEv Power Thoughts: http://amzn.to/2oBRexj Resources For Depression National Suicide Hope line: 800.784.2433 National Suicide Prevention: Lifeline 800.273.8255 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-NAMI https://www.nami.org Anxiety and Depression Association of America: http://www.adaa.org National Institute of Mental Health: 1-866-615-6464, http://www.nimh.nih.gov Financial Help Partnership for Prescription Assistance: https://www.pparx.org NeedyMeds: 1-800-503-6897, http://www.needymeds.org Together Rx Access: http://www.togetherrxaccess.com Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov

Toxic Chemicals & Hair Growth

April 18, 2017

It’s spring time and if you are like me, you are full of cleaning and purging mode. As you are working to clean your house, I wanted to recommend taking another look at the cleaning supplies you are using on a daily basis. Household Toxic Chemicals According to Organic Consumers “the chemicals in cleaners foam, bleach, and disinfect to make our dishes, bathtubs, and countertops gleaming and germ-free, many also contribute to indoor air pollution, are poisonous if ingested, and can be harmful if inhaled or touched. In fact, some cleaners are among the most toxic products found in the home. In 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers, accounting for 206,636 calls. Of these, 120,434 exposures involved children under six, who can swallow or spill cleaners stored or left open inside the home.” Toxic Chemicals Affect On Skin and Hair As you look into the chemicals you use in your household, it is important to note these chemicals could also affect your skin, hair and overall health. There are hundreds of chemicals in these cleaning products, which a lot of them could be absorbed into your body. Additionally, these products could cause skin irritation, breakouts and affect your body, hair, scalp and overall health. Where To Buy Green Products Spring cleaning your home doesn’t have to be dirty work or potentially harm your overall health. The Grove Collaborative has some of the best natural products at great prices, delivered right to your door. It’s my favorite online site to shop for organic, eco-friendly and sustainable items like Dr. Bronner’s, Meyer’s and Seventh Generation. On my first order, I grabbed a special filled with 4 free products. Yeah! I got all this for free-99! Don’t be jealous though because as a result of joining, I can share with you $10 to spend online. Yep! So click and get to shopping and replace your toxic chemicals without the stress or harmful chemicals.

Big Chop & Hair Cut Tips

April 6, 2017

Surprise. I did my second big chop a few days ago. This honestly started off as a hair cut but somehow changed into a big chop. #YOLO I have been wanting to do something different with my hair for awhile because I was becoming VERY very lazy when it came to styling it and was frankly bored. As I am training for the New York Marathon, I realized I was spending more time and money on my hair. It was hard to see how much time I was spending wash and style my hair up to twice a week. This time and money could be used on other important things. Anytime I read the instruction on a product, it always says one pump or a dime size. For me and this mane, this meant at least 3-5x the amount of my hair. Do yal see all this hair?!! Let’s not discuss what it took to keep it moisturized with the Texas Summer. I can assure you the next 4 months with being EXTRA KRISPY SATAN HOT. Truthfully, my hair was becoming a barrier and I just wanted to start over and try something new. Deep down, I have been through a lot (wheww.. child.. if yal only knew) and I felt my hair was yelling for a major change for the new era for where I am going this year. I was a bit afraid, however, that’s a part of the process. I didn’t have much to fear because I know how to grow healthy hair from the inside out so this is a great time to practice and show you guys what I preach. I really am enjoying it and already love the styling (or lack thereof) my hair. For the first time in 6 years, I was able to use the suggested amount of product for my hair. #Winning For the first time in 6 years, I was able to use the suggested amount of product for my hair. Anywho.. If you are thinking of making a change like I did, for whatever your reasons, here are three easy tips to consider before you cut your hair. Before You Cut Do These Three Things Become Inspired: I searched a lot on pinterest, instagram and youtube videos with a variety of styles and textures. It was important to find women who had a similar texture to mine and or colors that would compliment my own. I used these as the base. I don’t copy but find inspiration. Know Your Facial Features: There are a lot of styles but frankly, a lot of them do not compliment my face. A hair cut on a person with a round face may look totally different on a person with a heart shape face. Skin tone, eye color, and cheek bones also play a part in how a style will look on you. Know what your best features are and find one that compliments the best of you. Consult with a professional: My stylist, Ashley has been amazing and part of the reason why my hair is staying healthy. When I made this decision we discussed our options and my inspiration. Since I am in Ashley’s hair every 6-8ish weeks, we didn’t have to do much on the consulting part. She walked me through everything and let me play some Beyonce while she was cutting it. This is the most important part as cutting hair is partially creating a masterpiece. Let me know what you guys think!

Common Mistakes By Beginner Runners

March 30, 2017

If you are following me on Instagram, you know I am geeked out as I have been accepted to run the 2017 New York Marathon. Woohoo! As such you can expect more fitness, training and personal post as I work on achieving one of my life long goals. As an RRCA Certified Coach, I am often asked what are some tips for beginner runners. Below are 13 Common Mistakes By Beginner Runners. Running too Fast: Everyone wants to be faster, but it takes time, conditioning and proper planning to be consistent. Many runners run too fast too soon. Running 13min miles on Tuesday for 3 miles and then increasing to a 9min mile the following day is not beneficial. I recommend having a running coach, joining a local running program. If these are unavailable, I recommend testing various paces to see what is a comfortable pace and to increase after a few weeks gradually. Running too Much: This is probably the number one mistake I see as many runners think they should run every day of the week. Running 3-4x a week while incorporating cross-training such as yoga, cycling, and weight training is vital. Improper Footwear: Small minor injuries often are the result of not having the proper footwear. Most people just buy a pair of shoe that is the cheapest or looks good. My actual running shoes are at least two sizes larger than my actual foot due to the expanding of my foot and have ample support for my pronation. Just as I go annually to the doctor for a checkup, I make sure to do a foot analysis and review my running shoes. Things change within a year and models are often replaced and may not fit the same. My running shoes vary depending on the season and mile. This is an excellent time to for what I consider a running tune-up. Not Properly Training: A lot of runners just lack proper training. I cringe when I see people sign up for a half-marathon and the have never run more than 5 or 6 miles. There are a lot of training plans on the net, but these may not work for you and your schedule. It is important to have a running coach or a certified RRCA running club for training. Not Properly Moisturizing Hair: Women forget their hair is battling the elements such as heat, dirt, and sweat while running. It is vital to keep hair moisturized before, during and post workouts. I always keep a daily moisturizing spray like the Mane Choice in my gym bag and car to ensure my hair isn’t dry. Not Listening to Your Body: Many runners simply ignore the pain or medicate signals the body is saying. Popping over-the-counter medications or adding KT tape on a sore muscle consistently is a recipe for disaster. I recommend keeping a running log and noting daily how your body is feeling so that you can discuss with your team of doctors what is going on. There are hundreds of races each year, so if your doctor recommends some off time, you should take it. Not Listening to the Professionals: Too often I see runners asking in forums or social media for advice on if they should push through an injury or should they ignore their doctor’s advice on not running. It’s always great to discuss with your doctor your training. Not Incorporating Chiropractic and Massages into Training: Adjustments and Massages often are overlooked when training. As runners hit the pavements, the body can be sent out of alignment causing multiple issues if left untreated. It is important to schedule adjustments, treatments, and massages as a regular part of training and healthy lifestyle Lack of Proper Hair Regimen: Every morning, I see women sweat for 60-90 mins only to apply heat just a few minutes later with no heat protector or suitable products. Many women do not have a proper hair regimen while training or working out, which can help you avoid hair loss or damage follicles. Make sure you create a custom hair regimen that includes the proper hair accessories, products, and regularly scheduled hair appoints to keep hair healthy. Not Resting: The “No Days Off” movement distorts the important that a rest day is a part of training. Resting is one of the most days of the training plan. Runners should adjust rest days to his or her personal schedule, Lack of Proper Nutrition: Most runners don’t understand the direct connection between performance and nutrition. Eating too much or not enough can directly impact a run or on race day. Make sure in the early part of the training you learn what meals, snacks, and fluids work best during base training. Once you find what works, stick to it. Avoiding Stretching: Stretching keeps the muscles in the body flexible allowing muscles to utilize their full range of motion. Many runners avoid stretching and Avoiding Foam Rolling: I honestly hate foam rolling, but it’s vital for anyone who exercises especially runners. According to Breaking Muscles, “By applying pressure to specific points on your body, you can aid in the recovery of muscles and assist in returning them to normal function. Normal function means your muscles are elastic, healthy, and ready to perform at a moment’s notice.”

Five Cheap Foods to Eat for Healthy Hair

March 16, 2017

Think it’s impossible to feed your family on a budget and also get nutritious foods? Being budget conscious or cheap doesn’t mean you have to forgo healthy fruits and vegetables either. Here are a five cheap and affordable foods that aid in growing healthy hair from the inside out. Carrots: From carrot juice to soup, carrots are a hair best friend thanks to their being an excellent source of vitamin A, which assist in scalp health. Carrots also play a role in sebum production, which directly helps hair growth. Bell peppers: Bell peppers are notoriously high vitamin C. Vitamin C is vital to hair growth as it helps in the process of carrying oxygen to hair follicles and even form collagen. Low levels of vitamin C deficiencies can lead to dry, splitting hair that breaks easily. Pumpkin Seeds: They are powerful seeds packed with vitamins B and K, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, potassium and copper. Pumpkin seeds also contain vitamin E and A, which helps improves the skin tone and aid in the production of new skin cells and repair. Pears: Pears contain antioxidants, Vitamin K, and copper, which help prevent line formation, tone skin and keep it moisturized. Spinach: One of The FitHair tops greens for hair growth as it contains high amounts of vitamins. Like carrots, it also plays a role in sebum production. Click For This Free E-Guide For More…. Want More?

My Book Release Recap

March 7, 2017

If you didn’t know, I wrote a book and I think it’s pretty amazing. It has been a dream of mine for some time and I am still pinching myself. I am so grateful for all who attended, those who have purchased the book and the virtual hugs. If you missed out, make sure you check out the highlights above in the gallery. You can also check out the album on my facebook page. We had a great time at Roots on Tap as attendees sipped on the juice of the day – “The FitHair Juice” and got a chance to get a signed copy of the book. Special thank you to Phoenix Michele Photography for snapping the pictures and The Garb Dynasty for styling.

Foods Rich in Biotin

February 28, 2017

Biotin is a critical part of cell production and growth. It assists with transferring carbon dioxide into the body as well plays a part in the metabolism of fats and amino acids. A mild deficiency in biotin can produce a skin condition called dermatitis, which results in an itchy and scaly skin. Importance of Biotin Vitamin B7, known as Biotin has become a popular supplement in most hair products and vitamins. Biotin helps hair growth by being a critical catalysis in reacting with enzymes that help produce amino acids. These amino acids are building blocks of protein, which our hair is made up mostly protein aka keratin. This process is essential in the growth hair healthy hair from the inside out. While biotin is a great option, it also comes with some risk as many people have a reaction to it. Biotin is a water-soluble nutrient, which means for it to be absorbed properly, a person must have proper water intake. You don’t need a supplement to consume biotin. Here are five foods rich in biotin. Foods Rich in Biotin Walnuts Walnuts contain folate, vitamin E, biotin, antioxidants and healthy omega-3 fats. Not only are these nutrients, vitamins, and minerals healthy for hair but also brain health. Brown Rice Brown rice contains a high concentration of fiber, calcium, and iron within one scoop. With its additional concentration of biotin, brown rice is a concentrated source of vital nutrients for healthy hair. Avocados Avocados are one of my favorite foods for hair growth. Outside of the essential healthy fats, that aide in a healthy cardiovascular system and body but also your hair thanks to the additional boosting of biotin Swiss chard Swiss chard is overlooked within the green family by its popular spinach and kale. Substitute a few cups of chard for spinach in your green smoothie for not only a smoother beverage but one that contains a good source of antioxidants, minerals, and b-vitamins. Soybeans Soybeans are often overlooked and get a bad rap. It is one of the few natural non-animal complete proteins, which contain essential amino acids in one serving. Soybeans are rich in copper and iron, which are important and aid in red blood cell production. Soybeans are affordable and can be found in the bulk section. A great alternative is edamame, which is harvested when the soybeans are soft and young. Make sure to only have organic, non-GMO soybeans when consuming if possible. Click For This Free E-Guide For More…. Want More? Signup For Your Free E-Book

FitHair Book In Now Available

February 20, 2017

Surprise. It’s official! I have released my very first book – FitHair Foundation. I am asked a lot of tips on growing healthy hair such as daily vitamins, juice recipes and the impact of stress. I decided to finally package everything within a book to serve as a great foundation for your healthy hair journey. You can find out more about the book on this page or see how you can grab a free copy below. Here are three ways you can get your hands on the book and much more. Order a physical book or pre-order on Kindle If you buy the physical book, make sure you check back for the awesome deal on the kindle version as an extra bonus! You can even share it with a friend. Don’t know if this book is right for you? I am giving you a free chapter on the house. Yep. Free-99! Living in Dallas? Come hang out with me this week as I celebrate the new book and will be on hand to chat all things healthy hair. Powered by Eventbrite Thank you all for your support and I would love to hear back from you. I am so grateful for you joining in this journey. Don’t Forget!! In the meantime, don’t forget I have this awesome e-book just for you, which offers over 20 foods that aid in healthy hair from the inside out.