Personal: What I've Learned on My Fitness Journey

It is no surprise to my readers that I have been into fitness for quite some time now. It has been almost three years that I've been lifting weight consistently. For the most part, I have loved the results and the progress my mind and body has made (though injuries can be major setbacks). But let me tell you a little bit of what else I've learned and experience on my fitness journey.

1. I have been called Hulk, brolic, and huge. This one is probably the toughest one for me. Have you ever been in a situation where someone's compliment just doesn't sit well with you? Or perhaps you just know it's a backhanded compliment to downgrade your progression or lifestyle changes. While "brolic" isn't necessarily a bad thing (it means chiseled and buff), it still makes my mind falter for a minute. I am in no absolute way, shape, or form shredded or cut. I do have some muscle definition but I am far from being a competitor. Just because I lift heavy doesn't mean I appreciate being called a Hulk (in fact, I prefer She-Hulk or just strong). Sometimes I feel people don't know what to say when I reveal that I am not a cardio fanatic and do powerlifts. I know it's been said time and time again, but girls who lift heavy DO NOT look manly and should not have a fear of that result. That being said, I am pretty good with letting things like this roll off my back now, but it took a while. 

   

   I admit it, I do like to lift things up and put them down.

2. "You must be in the gym all the time!" No, I am not. The most I spend in the gym is maybe two hours. People tend to think that once you post one Instagram photo of yourself lifting in the gym, you're there 24/7. Lifting has not yet become a profession for me, it's a hobby and a healthy way to build grit, character, and self confidence. It is only one aspect of my life that I choose to share.

   

   Selfie's or it didn't happen!
3. My food must be boring. For anyone who follows my Instagram or knows me personally, you know this is not the case at all. In fact, I can tell you my diet is probably what is holding me back the most because I love food too damn much. However, when I am focused with a set goal in mind, I can be very on point with my food. It doesn't mean I stuff my face with tilapia, broccoli, and brown rice all day. Instead I focus on nutrient-dense foods and stay away from processed ones.  

   

   Get in my Bellah!!!!

4. People generally don't care that you workout and will only ask you about your training when it benefits them. Back when I first started, I wanted to tell the world that I loved lifting! I wanted to be like Jack from Titanic and yell from the top of my lungs, "I LOVE LIFTING!" Alas that did not last very long. I mean, I got the generic, "do you still lift?" but once I said, yes, it was on to the next topic. Now I notice that people will talk about lifting/fitness with me only when they want to get information. It's slightly flattering to be asked because people think my knowledge is valid but it is irritating it only comes when they are finally interested in it. Now that being said, don't let that deter you or keep you from continuing your own journey! Remember that the only person you are ever in competition with is yourself.
   
5. People think all lifting is the same. For those who don't work out or don't have much knowledge in the field, lifting is lifting. There are people who think I do Cross-fit and when I explain I don't, I've been told: "well it's pretty much the same thing, right?" I find it infuriating because I find people do not listen to what I say to them. I understand we all make assumptions, but it's not the right thing to do. When it comes to things I don't know about, I try to keep as much of an open mind as possible before I make my conclusions. I just wish everyone had the same regard when it comes to things they may not know a lot about.

I am not saying that everyone I have encountered is like this. There are many supportive friends and family in my life who encourage me to continue down this path. But I have definitely learned that not everyone will share your vision. You will get the naysayers and those who don't believe in you, but if you believe in yourself and you have a strong support system, you know you can do anything. Make your dreams (whatever dreams they may be) your reality. It will be hard work but the result will pay off.

So if you are currently starting your fitness journey, don't quit! On those days you just want to give up, push through and conquer your doubts and that workout. I'm cheering you on!

National Sun Safety Week: Protect Your Skin!

For those of you who are unaware, this first week of June is Sun Safety Week. While we should always take care and protect our skin, this week is a great time to bring awareness to the dangers of too much sun and also the lasting and damaging effect it can procure to your skin. We rarely think of it, but our skin is the largest organ of our body and it certainly takes a substantial amount of abuse from the outside elements.

I was inspired to write about Sun Safety week by Oscar -  a health insurance company in New York and New Jersey that is focused on making health care a better fit for your life.  I am extremely glad to talk about Sun Safety. I think of each of my readers as a friend and I want each friend to be as healthy as they can be! So while this isn't exactly what you would call a "beauty post" I prefer to call this a "care post."

Growing up, I wouldn't say my family was sunscreen crazy, but they always made sure to practically bathe me in the stuff when I would go out to a pool party or the beach. So I always equated the coconut scented lotion with hot, summer days.

As I got older, I took it in my own hands to protect my skin from unnecessary sun damage. This especially happened when I got more into cosmetics. I noticed a ton of my face products had some sort of sunscreen in it and generally thought this would be enough. However, upon further reading, I realized that the sunscreen found in your foundation isn't always adequate enough to provide full protection, especially if you are going to be out in the sun all day.

Now don't get me wrong, I love the sun. I'm not the type of girl who will wear a hat and long sleeves in 100 degree weather to protect myself from the sun's rays. But when I do go out, I always make sure wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that has both UVA and UVB protection.

While I love the glow that the sun gives me, I don't love it more than my life. Instead of spending hours in the sun to get my daily dose of Vitamin D, I take a daily D3 supplement. It's a safer way to get your daily dose of vitamin D without risking your life or your skin. For those of you who are unaware, taking a D3 supplement will help you maintain healthy bones, lower blood pressure, promote a healthy immune system, and potentially reduce your chances for a heart attack.

So what do you do if you don't want to damage your skin but love that bronzed goddess look? Use a self tanner! There are so many good ones out these days. You can get a luxurious version or even a budget friendly drugstore alternative to get your skin tan and bronzed.

Here are some of my favorite products.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 1.69 fl oz
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60, 3 Ounce

Nature Made, Vitamin D3 2,000 I.U. Liquid Softgels, 250-Count

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, Light, 6 Fluid Ounce

If you have questions, concerns, or what to read more about Oscar Health Insurance you can check them out here.

Lashes and Lingerie: A Steamy Post with Adore Me

Recently, I had received an email from the New York based lingerie company, Adore Me, asking me if I wanted to partake in their Lashes and Lingerie campaign. Now call me a girly girl, but I feel lingerie is one of the most feminine and glamorous things you can wear to feel confident, glam, and sexy. So of course I excitedly agreed to join their challenge.

The rules of the challenge were pretty direct. All I had to do was pick some of my favorite pieces from their collections and post what I would pair with the pieces to complete the look. I admit, there were a ton of really beautiful pieces ranging from ultra sexy to demure, but I managed to pick three of my favorite pieces. With them, I created a board that would go with each unique style.

Look One: The Effortless Goddess

I find it very sexy to wear a lacy bralette under a tank. Not only does it ramp up the sex appeal, it makes a fabulous fashion statement. I felt the Harlow bralette would be perfect under a racerback tank paired with either shorts or jeans, and a killer pair of nude wedges to elongate the legs. As for the makeup look, fun but glam flirty lashes with a defined brow will prevent you from looking overdone but still enhance your eyes. Top off the entire look with a "my lips but better" gloss and highlight the high points of your face for a "glow from within look." You don't need to be a goddess to look like one!

Blue Bralette Harlow Set
NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Sorbet
Steven Madden Wedges: Gunther
Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light
Ardell Lashes in Glamour 138
Victoria's Secret Racerback tank

Look Two: The GlamVixen

We are now going to ramp-up the sexy factor with the Fauna set. While still girly with the accents of the pink bows, this black lace set will get all the attention of all the boys (and girls). Now you can't just wear this set and not have the makeup to match! Adding lashes that flair at the end will not only open the eyes, but it will give you that half asleep, come hither look. Also for the eyes, make sure to accompany those lashes with a sharp cat eye to enhance your eye shape. Don't leave the face one dimensional, contour and highlight with your favorite contour palette. Lastly, pick a matte red lipstick to top the whole look off. Add your favorite thigh his and black pumps to fully complete glam vixen look.

Fauna Set
Kat Von D Tattoo Ink Liner in Trooper
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
CoulorPop Lippie Stix in Bichette
MAC Lashes in 44
Aldo Pumps (similar style)
Icing Thigh Hi Clueless

Look Three: The Natural Beauty

If black lace isn't your thing, perhaps this ultra feminine babydoll set will do the trick. The Anisse set while still sexy, definitely appeals more to those of us who prefer a classic, softer look. For this look, less is more. Wispy, natural looking lashes paired with a voluminizing mascara will enhance your eyes without bringing too much of the drama. A matte, pinky nude lipstick will add another feminine touch without taking away from the set. Lastly, a pair of strappy heels is classy and will of course elongate those gams. Be comfortable in your own skin and work with the beautiful things you already have!

Anisse Set
Velour Lashes in Another Shot of Wispie
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lovecraft
Stuart Weitzman Nudist (more budget friendly alternative here)

Thank you to Adore Me for asking me to join the Lashes and Lingerie challenge. This was a great way for me express my creativity! Now tell me gals (and guys) what type of lingerie do you find sexy or the most attractive?