Category: Reviews

Reviews

Prime Day Picks for Fitness, Beauty and Health

July 10, 2017

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am a faithful Amazon Prime user. From groceries to health products, it’s become my assistant in the palm of my hand. Amazon Prime Day is July 11 and is full of nothing short of an epic Day of Deals. From TVs to kitchen products, Prime Day has become like Cyber Monday. Additionally, this is the time to join Amazon Prime or grab any Amazon product items you have been wanting on sale for little to nothing. If you have never shopped on Prime Day then here are a few tips about shopping on Prime Day courtesy of Forbes.com. New deals will be posted every five minutes for 30 hours until 3 a.m. ET on July 12. Downloading the free Amazon App is probably the best tool to guarantee that you don’t miss the deal that you want. And make sure to turn on the alerts! Use your desktop or laptop computer for purchases. While Amazon’s app is great for browsing and finding upcoming deals, it’s best to make the actual purchases on a computer, especially if you’re heavy on the multi-tab usage. If you aren’t a Prime member, it’s a good time to take advantage of a 30-day trial. Make sure your Prime account is in good standing and all personal information is correct and updated — deal urgency is obviously a factor here so any lost time could get be a deciding factor in getting that sweet discount. Now that you got the 411 on Amazon day, here are some of my must-have products on Amazon. Check out the links below to grab some deals! FitHair Foundations: I can’t start my recommendations of things to get on Amazon without giving myself a shout out. Yes, the FitHair Foundation book will be on sale for Prime Day! Here are three ways you can enjoy the sale! For my bookworms, buy the printed edition and get a digital copy for free. For those who are on the budget or just want the digital copy? Grab it for $2.99. Don’t have any money and want to read it? Grab it for FREE with Kindle Unlimited. GET IT NOW! Health & Fitness Nathan’s Sports Bottle Santevia Alkaline Water Filter Matcha Tea Kit Mission Cooking Towels Breville Juicer Omega Juicers My Favorite Sports Bra Blendtec Blender My Favorite Running Shoes Non – GMO & Vegan Protein A range of Supplements & Vitamins Meal Prep Containers Numi Tea Rhythm-Superfoods Clean Water on the Go – Brita Nut Milk Bag Hair & Beauty Camille Rose Natural The Mane Choice Alikay Naturals Slapcap Now Essential & Pure Oils Tarte Cosmetics Burt’s Bees Beauty Dr. Bronner’s Products Hair Steamer Olay Wipes Scunci Accessories Nubian Heritage Bobbi Boss Hair CRYSTAL Essence Mineral Deodorants

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

3 Tips to Picking the Right Protein Supplement

February 15, 2017

The Benefits of Natural Ingredients: Every day we learn more about negative effects of synthetic and unnatural ingredients. And we understand more about the real and irreplaceable ingredients that nature can provide. When we eat right – when we eat real – we become our best selves. 3 Tips to Picking the Right Protein Supplement Adequate protein is more than a ticket to a fitter physique. It turns out that consuming protein is important for women when it comes to appearance and long-term health. Burt’s Bees’ plant-based protein powders are not only more sustainable, but they are also less concentrated and refined than animal protein powders, therefore carrying more macro and micro nutrients from the plant source (e.g. fiber, carbohydrates, phytonutrients). Burt’s Bees Protein provides a complete essential amino acid profile – offering the nine essential amino acids that must be consumed through protein foods – and achieves high digestibility. Look for Labels: When reviewing a daily protein supplement, it is important first to review the labels located on the package. Are you a vegetarian or in need of soy-free? Most companies now will state if they meet your specific dietary needs. There are a variety of supplements that now cater to your specific needs. For example, Burt Bee’s has a variety of protein supplements in various flavors but also specific needs Burt’s Bees Protein +Healthy Radiance – Vanilla or Chocolate Burt’s Bees Protein +Gut Health – Vanilla Burt’s Bees Protein +Daily – Vanilla & Chocolate Review Source: With many protein shakes on the market it’s important to note where the source is coming from. There are a few brands like, Burt’s Bees Protein, which is formulated with organic ingredients and plant-based protein, requiring fewer natural resources for production and having a less harmful impact on nature. If you are unsure of what brands to look for I recommend picking protein supplements that are both or either USDA or Certified Organic materials as you don’t have to be concerned with loads of pesticides or chemical materials. Taste Test: When picking a protein supplement no matter how good it is, if it doesn’t taste right then you will hate it and loathe to drink it daily. Various proteins supplements taste different depending on if you add water, milk or add it to a smoothie. Purchase a few sample packets and test away before investing in a larger tub or size. This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Burt’s Bees. The opinions and text are all mine.

Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review

November 10, 2016

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mizuno If you are following me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, you probably noticed I was at DICK’S Sporting Goods Store in Allen, Texas to attend a special intimate event with Mizuno and learn about the Wave Rider 20. Since I am training for my next half and full marathon and RRCA Running Coach, I understand how vital picking the right shoe. Investing in quality and proper shoes helps prevent injuries and damage on your body. Mizuno Wave Rider 20 Review I was able to bring my fellow runner and sneakerhead Monisha of Runner’s Revelation with me as my guest. Since we both run and speak to or assist with runners, we got a chance to learn directly from Mizuno District Manager on their longest-standing shoe – the Wave Rider 20. The Wave Rider 20 reflects 20 iterations of refinement to deliver the right blend of soft cushioning and a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Mizuno franchise was the first to incorporate Wave Technology®. The Wave Rider 20 features new cloudwave® technology – designed using convex (u-shaped) geometry. This gives you a well-cushioned, flexible shoe with the support you need directly on your heel. The curve in thecloudwave® is longer and gentler to convert more of the runner’s heel impact into forward motion. You can identify the wave by looking at the white area on the bottom of the shoe. You will see the wave in pink… Waving* So what’s different? New cloudwave technology is the primary difference between the Wave Rider 20 and previous models.In addition, the midsole has been redesigned with comfort and durability. This improvement allows your feet comfort from running to explosive jump jacks during boot camp. Also, the shoe box is beyond AMAZING! After chatting with the expert and testing it out, I recommend this shoe for Runners who seek a Neutral Cushioned. These shoes are intended for runners who have a higher arch that does not pronate or collapse in very slightly. If your running show is the stability category like myself, then I suggest these shoes for Cross Training or Training Shoes. Training shoes are shoes that are used for the gym or boot camp, which is what I use them. They have enough arch support to allow you to run during workouts but plenty of breathing room and flexible for various gym circuits. After learning about the Mizuno Wave Rider 20, we had a mini photoshoot, scavenger hunt and grabbed a little bit from the uber healthy snack bar. The scavenger hunt was tiring as we had an adventure looking around DICK’S Sporting store for items. I didn’t realize they had soooo much stuff there. They have a little bit for every type of sport. You can check out my Facebook Live Video Anywho. If this interest you then you can check out the Wave Rider 20 nationally at your local DICK’s Sporting Goods, run specialty stores and online retailers with a retail price of $119.99. You can also learn more about the history of the Wave Rider and purchase a new pair at http://bit.ly/2eeZygl This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.

3 Things I Learned | The Boss Network Recap

September 15, 2016

Just a few weeks ago, I attended the Boss Network . I took a lot away from the event as I am continually seeking to evolve as a person and business owner. For those of you who couldn’t’ make it out, I did a recap of the three things I learned at the event. 3 Things I Learned | The Boss Network Recap A Woman In Her Purpose is a BOSS One of the biggest notes I learned before the panelist shared their insights for the night, focused on how the women pinpointed success to being in their purpose. Each woman had a different story and different walk in life. Not all entrepreneurs who hated their jobs and “the man.” Each woman held various positions and are BOSSES at what they were doing. No matter if you’re working in corporate, consulting full-time or owning your own business if you’re living in your purpose then 9-times-out-of-10 you will be successful. As we evolve, it’s okay to take new chances and try new things but remember your purpose. Purpose is everything. “ If it’s not in my purpose then I don’t do it. @RealMichelleW “ Evolving is Critical Evolving is part of your purpose. The honest sit-down chat with Michelle Williams really highlighted how important evolving is. Michelle was open and honest about how she too is evolving, learning and changing on a very personal level. While we know her as part of ⅓ of Destiny’s Child, evolved in the singing channels, did some acting and another shift into being in the home/bedding industry. Years ago, Michelle knew she wanted to design and offer items for the home. Instead of launching tons of items for the home at one time, she started with one department – bedding. No one told her how to do this, but she figured it out. She hired the right people she needed, learned and did it. “Sometimes there isn’t a how-to. Sometimes u do a how-to when u do it.” Evolution is critical to obtaining and walking in your purpose. It’s okay to let go of the past items you did and try new things. Don’t be afraid to show u don’t know. U probably were put in that place b/c u didn’t. @TheBOSSNetwork #leadin2016 EARN IT The last piece of advice I learned at the BOSS Network was the acronym EARN It. E(Education) A(Ask) R(Risks), N(Network) . Whatever you do make sure you earn it. Here is the breakdown. E: EDUCATION Education is vital to whatever you are doing. It is essential in today’s fast-paced world. No matter if it’s a degree, on-line program or an additional certification, always make sure you’re learning in some form. Never stop learning and never stop growing. A: ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT The a is self-explanatory. We often want things but don’t ask for it. No one is gonna just hand stuff to you – well unless you’re a kid. R: TAKE INTELLIGENT RISKS Risks are a part of life. That is part of evolving; however, be smart about it. Don’t just make decisions just because. Be smart. N:BUILD YOUR NETWORK Networks are critical. It’s not about going to the right networking events or having a million followers. Being authentic and having a great support system and folks within your network that you give and also receiving.

Beyonce Releases Athletic Line

March 31, 2016

Beyonce just released her new athletic line called IVY PARK. IVY PARK is merging fashion-led design with technical innovation. Creating a new kind of performance wear: modern essentials for both on and off the field. Their motto? Strong beyond Measure. Hit the video to find out more background and information on the brand. IVY PARK will be avaliable in the following stores worldwide starting April 14. TOPSHOP topshop.com NORDSTROM shop.nordstrom.com ZALANDO zalando.com

Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine Review

February 18, 2016

A few weeks ago, I went to the new Julia Pearl restaurant in Plano, Texas. It’s a unique restaurant offering favorite southern staples with a twist. The restaurant is a Southern-inspired restaurant from chef Tre Wilcox, the creative director, will feature dishes such as deviled eggs topped with crispy chicken skin and the famous shrimp and grit signature dinner. According to the release: Leading the kitchen as Culinary Director is renowned chef Tre Wilcox. With experience helming some of Dallas’s best restaurants, Wilcox is providing his expertise in menu and recipe development, pricing, food cost, staff training and restaurant operations. The menu reflects the team’s dedication to serving fresh meats, produce, bread and dairy sourced from local farms and ranches whenever possible…With an open layout featuring a range of materials including exposed bricks, wood and leather, Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine boasts 6,000 square feet of space, complete with a main dining room, private dining room and a spacious bar showcasing a vast selection of local beers and craft bourbons. The warm and hospitable environment is perfect for relaxing with family and friends for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. Local art will adorn the walls to complete the atmosphere as diners linger over good food and good drinks. Now that the formalities are out of the way, here is my quick review of Julia Pearl and recommended foods to have at the restaurant. Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine Review Cocktails: Jazzy Belle or any wine The restaurant has a unique list of handmade cocktails but my pick was the Jazzy Belle. If this isn’t your cup of tea, I recommend the wine as they have a nice selection. Appetizers : Devil eggs We choose the gumbo and fried green tomatoes but after speaking with multiple people the devil eggs seems to be the winner. Note: Anytime I see fried green tomatoes on the menu I get it because I love them. Being blunt and honest, I was disappointed the fried green tomatoes. Biting or cutting into the appetizer should result in one flavor combustion but it didn’t. Simply adding extra sauce from the shrimp might solve this issues. The gumbo, my friend really liked it but I am stickler on gumbo due to my family being part cajun so it’s no Bueno for me. Meals: Anything… One of the signature dishes is the shrimp and grits. I can’t say much more than you guys have to try this dish and then thank me later. There isn’t much I can describe except go have it now and again in a few weeks. It’s just that damn good. I tried the catfish dinner because the photos on the site looked good and I wanted a non-signature dish to test the restaurants flare. Let me pause to give a round of applause for the perfection of this piece of catfish. From the crispy batter to the oozing flavored packed juices made each bite down-right heavenly. The mashed potatoes and green beans served on the side become optional dipping sauce for the fish in my plate. By the way, Chef Jermaine, the executive chef, answered a lot of questions regarding the concept, restaurant, food and confirmed this perfection of fish was fried not baked. LOL I also gave feedback regarding my dish as well. Major Kudos to him. Desserts: TBD Since I was told they had exceptional desserts, we had the lemon pound cake with ice cream and berries. Unlike most traditional lemon cakes, the lemon flavor is mostly drizzled onto the cake instead of being being mostly baked into the cake. You may or may not like this depending on your preference. Other options are bread pudding and velvet cake. There is a third option, but I don’t consider vanilla ice cream and fresh berries a special dessert if you get my drift. I am iffy on the dessert options so I am returning at a later date for dessert and wine. Brunchin For my brunch loving folks, Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine, is now serving brunch. The menu will include house-made biscuits, sausage gravy, parfait with yogurt, fried catfish with cheese grits and scrambled eggs. Do I recommend the restaurant. Yes. I do. Will I be back? Yes. Especially for brunch. Make sure you hit the gallery for my quick pics or secure reservations on there website juliapearlsoutherncuisine.com

3 Reasons I Love Huetiful Salon in DFW

January 29, 2016

“We are client and customer centric. Everything we come up with inspired by the needs of our clients.” -Ken of Huetiful and Huetiful Salon This past weekend, I was able to attend the gran opening of Hueitful Salon in Dallas Ft. Worth. It was a great night with awesome company and tons of information. I am very excited to see the new textured salon here within the DFW area. If you are considering booking an appointment, here are three reasons why you should head out to Huetiful Salon. Huetiful Salon in Dallas Ft. Worth Staff: The staff at a salon can hinder or excel a shop’s reputation. Within the salon are some of the top industry stylist individually but collectively in the salon they work as a single unit. At Hueitful, stylists are not competing against one another but instead a big-fun-loving-educational-curl-team. Everyone is an hair educator and edge slayer. Nina Christmas, Creative Director of Huietiful noted, “Think of the staff as the staff at your dentist office. You take care of your teeth daily with brushes and flossing daily, but the dentist assist with structure, deep cleaning and to address other issues beyond what you may see.” Everyone works together and since Ken, owner Hueitful and Hueitful Salons, picks the best you don’t have to worry about, which stylist is the best colorist or blowouts. Just book , enjoy and get ready to stunt on the gram. Salon: From focusing on textured hair to the modern simplicity decor, Hueitful is not the typical salon. They offer over 50 services from bantu knots, color to nano treatment and deva cuts. “We are client and customer centric. Everything we come up with inspired by the needs of our clients.” says Ken. How client centric is Huetiful Salon? Upon arrival, you will immediately notice a very small lounge/sitting area, which is due to their focus on minimum to no wait time from the moment you walk through their doors. (*Raises hands!) Since there is only one stylist per person, the process is client attentive. The salon boost clients can book an appointment for a blow out at 7am and be able to make it into the office by 9am. Steam Treatment – By now you should know the importance I place in water especially within the body. The entire salon understands the same importance with the focus thanks to the Huetiful Steamers. The Huetiful Steamer is specifically designed for the unique needs of curly and wavy hair, restoring moisture 5x better than deep conditioners alone. Ken states “the steamers allow the opening up the cuticles of your hair to allow any conditioner you choose to penetrate better and work more effectively, replenish moisture lost and reducing breakage and split ends caused by dry hair. ” This treatment is heightened thanks in part to their new and expanded product line. I have to admit, I was a huge fan of their shampoo and conditioner, which I was able to try last year at The Natural Cole’s How-To Event in Dallas, Texas. After chatting with, Tasheara Neshell, Senior Stylist at Hueitful Salon in Dallas – Ft. Worth, I am itching to test out the steam and their latest foam mousse, which is formulated to wrap, style and sleek a variety of different hair textures and styles. If you are not in Dallas, you can check out the salons in Chicago and Atlanta. http://www.huetifulsalon.com/about.htm. Don’t forget to check out more salon grand opening pictures above in the gallery. Huetiful Salon Dallas-Ft. Worth is located 2410 W Abram Street Arlington, TX 76013 866.708.7015

Benefits of Avocados for Hair, Skin and Body

January 11, 2016

Avocados are incredibly nutritious. Their high nutrient value are important for overall health and well-being. Here are a few benefits of avocados for not just your hair but also your body. Benefits of Avocados for Hair, Skin and Body Contain Many Vitamins, Which Aid In Absorption of Nutrients Avocados are rich in fat content that makes it easier to absorb fat-soluble vitamins that are present in food. Without the fat in your diet, the body would not be able to absorb fat-soluble vitamins in that meal. Contain More Potassium than Bananas Avocados are actually very high in potassium… with a 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving containing 14% of the RDA, compared to 10% in bananas, which are a typical high potassium food (5 Aid In Reducing Cholesterol Avocados contain monounsaturated fat, which helps to lower bad cholesterol. A 1996 study published in the journal Archives of Medical Research found patients with high cholesterol who added avocados to their diet for one week had a 22 percent decrease in bad cholesterol and triglycerides and an 11 percent increase in good cholesterol. High In Antioxidants Avocados are high in antioxidants, which play a part in luster of skin and important for eye health How to Use Avocados Body and Skin: Make a avocado hair mask by using 2 tablespoons of lemon, ½ cup of olive oil and an avocado together. Here area few other articles and tips on avocado mask for skin, body and hair. Honey Avocado Face Mask 4 Avocado Face Masks that Work Avocado Hair Mask Eat It: I love making guacamole with avocado or add into eggs and tacos. Buy It: If you don’t want to make an avocado mask you an buy Avocado oil and fruit complex by nuNAAT cream . These NAAT Creams are balanced to treat various hair types, and best of all, you can combine different products to create your very own customized formula. NAAT Cream Avocado Oil & Fruit Complex is ideal for dry or damaged hair. Not a sponsored video or post.

5 Last Minute Holiday Gifts For Everyone

December 18, 2015

Looking for quick gifts for the holidays? Don’t stress out, I have you covered. Here are 5 last minute holiday gifts for anyone on your list. All items are under $30! Last Minute Holiday Gifts Ven & Rose I have known Vashti Patrick-Joseph aka Veepeejay for some time now. I adore her passion, determination for always mixing things up and mostly walking by faith. She has created a new apparel lined called Ven and Rose that reflects not just herself but also inspires women to Believe and Have Faith. Uncle Funky’s Daughters Workout Wonder Kit Working out is great for our bodies, but makes our hair sweaty and smelly! Uncle Funky’s Daughter is one of my favorite product lines for of the year.Working out is great for our bodies, but makes our hair sweaty and smelly! Their workout wonder sample package is perfect for any fithair chick. It’s also just $20 and fits in a gym bag with ease. Klean Kanteen Earlier this year, I purchased the Klean Kanteen and have been obsessed with this container. I love the 64 ounce jar as it preserves my alkaline water for days. This is a great gift for those who are trying to increase daily consumption of water or simply save money on purchasing water bottles. Don’t forget to check out my water, natural and ph series to see why you might want to rethink twice on bottle waters. Sports Bras Every fitchick knows, sports bras are essential. You can find sports bras any and every where in various colors. I picked up few at Title Nine in bright colors to help get me out the bed in the mornings but Target and Six02 also have great options at great prices. Here are three sports bras for women of any size but especially those who have large boobs. Books, Magazines and Amazon There isn’t anything better than curling up at a coffee shop with a cup of tea and a good book. From Juicing books to Starwars DVD digital package you can find a lot of of quick and easy gifts on Amazon. Take a look at some of my favorite books and dvds I recommend.