Operation: Eat With Your Straw...Say Whatttt?!

A Feast on Fasting...

I'm Hungry! Kendie Want NOM! NOM! NOM!

The Diva Half-Marathon is this upcoming weekend! YAYYY!! And I thought, perfect time to bust out my new seasonal tradition, the ol' Juice Fast! Taaa Daaaa!! Juice fasting cleanses, heals, and repairs our body. It leaves behind a surplus of energy that'll have you kicking your next workout in the face...Go Team!

It's important to give your body a seasonal reboot in order to rid toxins, rejuvenate, and heal any impurities or problematic areas.When we juice, a megadose of micronutrients enter our bloodstream quickly due to the lack of digestion needed. Our body becomes saturated with trace minerals and vitamins...and basically, you turn into The Incredible Hulk! By maintaining healthy micronutrient levels, you will keep your body strong, control blood sugar levels, fight aging (yes!), and become less prone to illness and disease. Check out the Facts!

Now what am I supposed to do??

Haven't tried juicing or juice fasting before?! Spring is a perfect time to begin your fast as it symbolizes rebirth and renewal. On another note, the large amount of fruits and veggies required to fast are readily available and a whole lot cheaper. NO excuses! I am still pretty new to the whole juicing concept and fasting, but I love it! I tend to fast anywhere from 2-6 days depending on the amount of willpower, time, and need. For instance, I suggest 2-3 days when you're in need of a quick body reboot, energy-level increase, or upcoming fitness event. I recommend 3-7 days for a massive body cleanse. 

Juice Fasting produced a surprising amount of energy. I run without any problems and feel great! Keep in mind, your body is working at maximum efficiency, because the breakdown and storage of food is not stealing your energy. By consuming only fruits and vegetable juices, with no solid foods, our body is able to focus its energy solely on cleansing and healing. The energy usually required for our digestive system to breakdown food, process, store nutrients, and produce waste is no longer needed. Our body's natural defense system uses the surplus of energy and powerful micronutrients to free our body of toxins and impurities that weigh us down, allowing us to maintain health and restore our health.

Just in Case...

If your body is storing a lot of toxins, you may experience headaches or waves of nausea which will pass as the toxins leave your body. If you are taking any medication, you may need to contact a Holistic Doctor or take your medications with a solid fruit or vegetable. I suggest eating bananas to maintain sugar levels during intense workouts and long fasts. And remember, you MUST drink a lot of distilled water during your fast to aid in flushing out toxins. Listen to your body! You know yourself better than anybody else. If you feel very ill, eat and try again...don't give up, there's always next time!

The Spring Fast...

My brand new roomie decided to join me, this being her very first fast. It's nice to have a buddy to keep your head on straight and motivate. We decided on a quick 2 day fast, and I gotta' say, it went really well for us both! This time, I didn't have any headaches or sickness which was awesome. I felt great, energized, and ran both days. My roomie did a great job and absolutely loved it, having just a little bit of a nausea but nothing too bad. Newbies can do this too, mind over matter! Our fast was a success, giving us a nice body reboot and courage to kick-off bathing suit season! It's comin' ladies and gents, whether we like it or not!

Gimme Yo Recipes...

During the fast, you will consume a massive amount of organic fruits and veggies. I have provided some recipes to help gain an idea of how much juice I drink. For breakfast, I consume a full small Mason jar of juice. For lunch and dinner, I consume 2 small Mason jars or one large jar of juice. I will have a small Mason jar of juice for a snack.

This is an example of a lunch or dinner portion. If you look closely, you can see that I have divided the fruits and veggies. I made 2 separate small Mason jars of juice from the photo below. So, half of the produce would be enough for one breakfast jar.

A Lunch or Dinner Recipe #1
Cut in half for a Breakfast or Snack Portion

• 2 Lemons
• 1/2-3/4 Bundle of Kale
• 3/4 Container of Strawberries with tops
• 2 Apples- Red or Green
• 1 Cucumber or 2 Baby Cucumbers
• One Bundle of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots with the greens
• 3 Radishes

And Voila...

Tip: To avoid breaking down the micronutrients, eliminate oxygen exposure by filling your juice to the brim of your Mason Jar. If you do not have enough juice, fill up your jar to the top with distilled water to avoid exposure.

A Lunch or Dinner Recipe #2
Cut in half for a Breakfast or Snack Portion

• 2 Green Apples
• One Bundle of Kale
• One Bunch of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots with greens
• 3/4-1 Container of Strawberries
• 3 Oranges
• One Cucumber or 2 Baby Cucumbers
• One Lemon
• 3 Radishes

And Voila...

A Lunch or Dinner Recipe #3
Super Tasty, love this one!

• 2 Large Cucumbers or 4 Baby Cucumbers
• 1 Bundle of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots with greens
• 2 Green Apples
• 3/4 Container of Strawberries with tops
• 1/4 Bundle of Kale

Breakfast and Snack Recipe #1

• Half of a Bundle of Carrots or Rainbow Carrots
• One Cucumber or 2 Baby Cucumbers
• One Container of Blueberries or Strawberries
• Half of a Bundle of Kale 
• One Apple

Breakfast and Snack Recipe #2

• Half of a Bundle of Kale
• 1 Apple
• 1 Kiwi
• One Cucumber

Breakfast and Snack Recipe #3

• Half of a Cantaloupe 
• Half of a container of Berries
• Half of a bundle of Carrots 
• One Cucumber

That should do the trick, Ladies and Gentlemen! 

Happy Juicing!

Missed my first Juice Blog?? Don't ever do that again! 

Tamin' My Mane: Part Deux

Skip the Blonde Jokes, Gentlemen!
Well, Maybe Just One...

Zee Blonde Bombshell Strikes Again!!

Q. What do you call a brunette between two blondes???
A. LUCKY! (She finally gets some attention)!

HAHA just kidddddinnngggg...all joking aside, it's time to get back to some serious hair business...!

You know that sickening feeling located in the pit of your stomach right after a horrible haircut?! Arggghhh...I know, me too!! It's the absolute worst...and, after my last experience, I vowed- Neverrrrr Again!! The butchered Lady Gaga staring back at me in the mirror left me horrified and in desperate need of a quick fix... 

Thank my lucky stars, I stumbled upon my most favorite Hairdresser yet, and now friend, Vicki Hendrick. She's the Owner of London Grace Salon, cleverly named after her super adorable little girl...and, you can find her at the Lenox Salons located in South Charlotte, NC.

Vicki Hendrick's super sweet, funny, and makes your salon experience overall enjoyable. The prices are very reasonable, and most importantly, she never disappoints. I started going to Vicki after receiving a haircut and dye job from hell. My close friend recommended her to fix my hair up, and I am sooooo glad that I listened, the results were and always are amazing! 

Vicki Hendrick
 Owner of London Grace Salon

As you all know, blondes truly do have more fun...that being said, Spring is here, and I need my super Platinum blond hair back for the sunny beach look...ohhhh yaaa! I hate when my hair turns out orange-y/red instead of blond, and I never have this problem with Vicki. She only takes an 1.5-2 Hours for my partial highlight, cut, and style...not too shabby at all!! My mane's so long right now, I had to stand for my last cut...cray cray!!! HA!

Need to see some results first?? I gotcha' covered...

Let the Foiling Begin...

Before

And the Aftermath...

After

As Always, Thank youuuuu, Vicki! You're the Best!

Check my girl out, you won't be disappointed

Missed the First Tamin' My Mane??

Hook, Line and Sinker...

New Place, New Grub...YESSSS!

Cabo Fish Taco Meets, Mr. Honey Wasabi Sauce!!

Welcome To My Hood...NoDa

I am soooo excited to announce that I have moved to the NoDa area. YAAAYYY!! Which means, more Trendy Reviews comin' yo way! So what is a NoDa, you ask?? It's an artsy area in North Charlotte and stands for North Davidson Street...thank you hipsters for giving it this super hip name! The area is stacked with unique little Shops, Restaurants, Bars and Music Venues...sounds like paradise, right?!

Cabo Fish Taco is an awesome Mexican joint located right in the heart of NoDa, off of North Davidson Street and is ALWAYS super packed...which means, it's good!!! The staff are laid back, and it's nice to relax and enjoy your company without being rushed out! Outdoor seating is also available which is nice for soaking up some sun during Happy Hour.

Now back to the good stuff...

The Drinks...

There's something magical about a margarita on a Sunday afternoon! I had their house margarita, The Original Caborita: a blend of Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila, Triple Sec, OJ, and their Fresh House Mix. They have a pretty sweet margarita list and a great little bar area in case you have to wait to be seated. Hey, who doesn't love a little buzz before your dinner?!

Good Eats...

Appetizers

Cabo serves Chips and a cold Corn Salsa which is super yummy! In addition, we always order their Green Tomatillo Salsa and of course, a side of Queso too...super tasty and both great choices!!

Specialty Tacos

I ordered the Tavarua Wahoo Tacos which may possibly be the best fish tacos in the world...YUM!! As per their menu, blackened Lemon-rubbed Wahoo in a Kiwi-Pineapple fajita sauce, stuffed with Lettuce, Tomato, mixed Cheeses, & topped with a Honey Wasabi sauce. Ah-mazing! The Honey Wasabi sauce is a must and ties in the whole dish. Don't forget to order their side of Jalapeno Mashers which adds the final spicy kick to the face...fiiinnniiissshhhhh herrrrrr!! I have also had their Black Beans and Rice which weren't too shabby either...meh!

Cabo Fish Taco: Tavarua Wahoo Tacos

Now, to apply all of those tasty Cabo concepts...

My friends and I, enjoy cooking healthy and creatively...flavor combinations are our specialty. My friend, Cassie went to Cabo Fish Taco, and it was her muse for creating the ever so wonderful, Fish Taco Night...thanks for the great tips and inspiring our past Lady's Night Food Fest- GAME ON! 

The Drinks...

I was in charge of the homemade margaritas, and they turned out awesome! It's really easy to make your own variations of mixes...don't settle for the crappy store-bought stuff...EEEEwwwww!! 

Krunky K's Margarita Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 10-15 Limes
• Tequila
• Sugar Water or Agave Syrup
• Triple Sec or Grand Marnier (an Orange Liqueur)
• Optional: Add Pomegranate, Mango, or Orange Juice
• Optional: Add a little Club Soda for a fizzy kick

How do I mix this stuff...?

Squeeze your Limes. The more Lime Juice, the more tart it will be. To balance out the tart taste, you will add your Sugar Water or Agave Syrup, to taste. Next, add your Tequila and a shot or two of Triple Sec or Grand Marnier to your pitcher and any specialty ingredients. Salt and cube your glasses, drink up!

The Dish...

Ingredients:

Serves: 2-4 People

• 2 White Fish Fillets: Tilapia or Wahoo
• Purple Cabbage
• Sugar or Honey Water
• White Vinegar
• Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper
• Honey and Wasabi Powder
• Optional: Cheese Blend
• Tomato and Lettuce

Sweet Slaw

Cut your Purple Cabbage and soak in a mixture of Sugar or Honey Water with a little bit of White Vinegar, Salt & Pepper, cover, and leave overnight to soak up all of the yummy flavors.

Honey Wasabi Sauce

Simply mix a sauce with raw unrefined Honey and Wasabi Powder. The more Wasabi Powder, the stronger the kick and manly status. This will be your Fish Taco sauce that will really make all of the flavors come together. I haven't tried this yet, but I would like to juice a couple Jalapenos and mix that with Honey, making a Honey Jalapeno sauce...I'll get back to you all with that experiment!

Fish Tacos

My friend purchased a couple Tilapia Fillets from The Fresh Market which never disappoints in the Seafood Department. Clean your Fillets by rinsing them in a cold water bath. Drizzle Olive Oil, and add your spices (Salt, Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper if you like super spicy) making sure to cover both sides of your fillets. Fish Fillet cook quickly and will sauté and only need about 5-8 minutes on Medium Heat. The Fillets are ready when they are white all of the way through and slightly brown. Next, break apart your fillets, and it's taco time! Yay!

Now, it's time to make the perfect taco! Add your Fish, Slaw, Lettuce, Tomato, and Honey Wasabi sauce. The flavor-combo will knock your socks off!! ENJOY!

Need another Fishy Recipe?? Check out my Sweet and Spicy Seafood Blog!

What's Up, Doc?! Carrot Top Quinoa Soup!!

Wascally Wabbits, It's Your Special Day!!

Eat Until Your Heart's Content! Guilt-Free Tasty Soup! 

Pretty Carrots!!

I have never made a Carrot Soup, but my recent colored carrot bundles had me thinkin'. I have been juicin' carrots left and right and have always heard that the carrot greens and tops are toxic. A little bird told me that they make a carrot green pesto leaving me super confused. I researched and found that they are not poisonous but may cause an allergy. Sooo, uhhh, bring dem carrot greens back, they ain't garbage!

Check out this great article explaining carrots and their awesomeness while you're at it!

The Health Benefits of Carrots

And now, back to the good part...

Carrot Top Quinoa Soup

Zeeeee Soup Ingredients! NOM! NOM! NOM!

You will need the following Ingredients:

• 1 Red or Yellow Onion
• 1.5-2 Bunches of Carrots. I used a bunch of orange carrots and half of a bunch of red, purple, and yellow carrots with the greens.
• 1 Container of Vegetable Stock, fill the remaining pot up with water.
• Spices: Salt & Pepper to taste, Cayenne Pepper, Fennel Seed, Rosemary, and a 1/2-3/4 of a bulb of Garlic.
• 1/2 Cup of Quinoa
• 1/2 Cup of Black French Lentils-my personal variation.
• One half of a bundle of Kale-my personal variation.
• One half of a bundle of Beet Greens-my personal variation.

Beet Greens!! Super Good!!

Okay, it's not Rocket Science, soup is probably the easiest thing to make in the world! It's nutritious and a great way to use up all of your excess vegetables and pantry items! With that in mind...that'll work, throw it in the pot!

Now, get in the kitchen!!

• Grab a large pot, add your veggie stock and fill it up with water leaving room for all of your veggies. It's important to begin with all of your seasoning ingredients giving your soup more time to simmer and soak up all of the flavors. Bring to a boil.
• Add your Salt & Pepper, Garlic (minced), Fennel Seed, Rosemary, and Cayenne Pepper to taste. Make sure to re-season after the veggies have simmered for a little, because they absorb a lot of the herb flavor and salt.
• Next, in the following order, add the Onion, Carrots, Carrot Greens, Beet Greens, and Kale. Then, add the Quinoa and Lentils.
• Let your soup simmer and create those tasty soup flavors.

And Voila...

Pot O' Soup!

Dig In and Enjoy!

Portrait Creations Shares the Love...Quick Pix

How am I Supposed to Choose Between all of These Cute Little Faces?!

We've Done Our Job if you Can't! 

Portrait Creations Valentine's Day Quick Pix

Portrait Creations Valentine's Day Quick Pix

Portrait Creations is my family-owned photography studio located in Charlotte, NC. We have began a new program called, Quick Pix, a super-short photography segment highlighting all of the special occasions throughout the year....and I thought, why not take a moment to share this great idea so that our clientele and other portrait studios may participate too?! We will schedule quick pix for the following special occasions: Valentine's Day, Easter, July 4th, and Halloween.

Our studio just completed our first Quick Pix for Valentine's Day and couldn't be happier! All of the cutie pies arrived in adorable red outfits, and we had a lot of fun capturing this special holiday that reminds us all to share the love! We look forward to our next Quick Pix! A special thank you to all of our amazing customers that made these adorable photo shoots a success! 

What Are Quick Pix? 

Our studio will schedule our Quick Pix segments over the course of 2 days, a couple weeks before the special occasion. Our packages are discounted and range from $65-$105, and customers have the opportunity to purchase cards or add-on additional portraits to their package. 

Quick Pix require NO session fee and provide a unique studio set for the special occasion being highlighted. Your pictures are shown on our big screen immediately after your session, packages are chosen instantly, and ready for pick-up within 2 days after your photo shoot. 

Thank you Ritzy Bitzy Baby for providing all of the cute boutique accessories for our Valentine's Day Quick Pix!! Need some adorable baby boutique items?? Ritzy Bitzy Baby is owned by Stephanie Huck created in order to provide families with adorable boutique accessories at affordable prices! Check out all of her specialty items like: suspenders, headbands, rompers, diaper covers, bows, ties and sneakers!

Portrait Creations Valentine's Quick Pix

Mama Kisses by Portrait Creations

&

Suspenders, Diaper Covers, and Bows by Ritzy Bitzy Baby

                                                   



The next Quick Pix will be scheduled
Monday, March 11th & Tuesday, March 12th for Easter Pix!

We will be using REAL bunnies and/or chicks!! 

Schedule Today, these are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE appointments!!!

Don't forget to Spread the Love this Valentine's Day! 

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it. 

- Frank A. Clark

Ear Candy Without The Wires!!!

Fancy Technology, For A Fancy Lady...

Activate Bluetooth Ear, Deactivate Tangle Cord Disaster!

LG Tone Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset $46

Thank you Santa Claus, I must have been the nicest young lady in 2012, because I have received the BEST present in the whole wide world!! My biggest regret, why didn't I snag these sooner?? They are super easy to use and pretty much rock! I gotta say, with this LG Headset, my Camelbak, and Vibram Shoes, I'm kinda' a big deal!

Camelbaks are great for holding your Sound Device!

The LG Wireless Bluetooth Headset is amazing, and I highly recommend this product. So, how does Bluetooth technology work?? Bluetooth wireless technology allows you to play sound through your Bluetooth headset which is connected to a sound medium such as: your cell phone, vehicles equipped with Bluetooth technology, computers, and any other Bluetooth-ready device (this option will be located under your wireless settings in your phone). No wires are necessary and the medium range allows great mobility during exercise. The headphones last up to ten hours which is perfect for long runs and workout regiments. When the headset needs recharging, simply plug it into an electrical outlet for 1-2 hours, and it's good to go!

I keep my phone in my Camelbak while I run, lift weights, and practice yoga. The range is awesome with this particular headset, and I haven't had any problems with the connection or the sound fading in/out. The headset collar is placed around your neck and connected to two Earbuds that stay in really well. I found that the collar stays in place, is super comfy, and I hardly ever notice that it's there. Need to change your track or increase volume?? Control buttons on the headset are super easy to reach and maneuver.  The only thing that I am concerned about, the beautiful NC sunny sun giving me the ever-so-stylish "Bluetooth Collar Tan-line" which may be a problem in the Spring and Summer months...yikes?!

Need a fun run to use your new headset?? I am super stoked to say, I have registered for my very First Half Marathon, the Divas Run! Ohhh yaaa! Make sure to check it out, it looks super fun!! After all, what better way to enjoy some great tunes than with your wireless headphones, Spotify, and a run for silly ladies?!!

Divas Half Marathon 2013

 Happy No-Tangle-Tunes Everybody!

Beef Up The Cardio!!!

You Did the Crime...
You Do the Time!

Operation Stop Stuffin' My Face: In Progress

Yayyy, it's that special time of year again! A time when you are presented with a clean slate...phewww!! A time to do a little self-reflecting and set those new personal health goals. If you will, another stab at perfecting the already "perfect you"...good luck this year! I'd like to kick off the season with an intense mostly cardio workout regiment to help us shed those holiday pounds that must leave, along with the season!

Good Cardio Article and How to Find Your Target Heart Rate

So what exactly is cardio, and most of all, how is it going to help me work off this holiday cookie butt? Get out there and be somebody! Cardio exercise affects your heart and blood vessels. When your heart rate increases from movement or exercise, your blood, oxygen and nutrient flow will increase. This increase causes a healthy chain of reactions throughout your body, including speeding up the ol' metabolism. And remember, an increase in your metabolic rate will burn calories and help to maintain/lose weight.

This challenge, I will focus on running; however, a lot of people HATE running...it's okay, I understand, you can check out: walking, biking, swimming, boxing/kickboxing, dancing, fitness classes, paddling/rowing, hiking, gym cardio machines, skiing, stairs, and any exercise that boosts the ol' heart rate.

I added a new App called Runkeeper which allows you to make goals, track runs and workout regiments, and challenge your friends. That being said, my first goal is to run a half marathon within the next 6 weeks. I run anywhere from 6-10 miles on average, and I just need a little more discipline and training after a busy holiday season. It's time for a healthy eating binge and some good ol' fashioned exercise!

The Beef Up the Cardio Fitness Challenge begins January 1st after your hangover clears up. Don't Want to run a half-marathon?? Set your own goals. Runkeeper, Couch-to-5K, and Endomondo are all great Apps to help create reasonable goals, record progress, set paces, organize runs, and running times.  There are plenty of cardio exercises that you can participate in...no excuses!

Your Challenge if You Choose to Accept

*Add More to this Challenge with different exercises like Yoga, Weight Training, Etc.

• 5-6 Cardio Workouts/Week (min: 30mins)
• 20 Push-Ups 6 Days/Week
• Sun Salutation Yoga Pose in the AM 7 Days/Week
• Squats 4 Days/Week 
• 3 Sets (20) and 3 Pulsing Sets (20)

Begins: January 1st, 2013

Ends: February 12th, 2013

Cardio:

Running Meets Science

Push-Ups:

Are You Doing Push-Ups Wrong??

Check out this Men's Health Article

How to do a Push-up Correctly

Sun Salutation:

Morning Sun Salutation

Squat Variations:

Pulsing Squats:

Pulsing Squats

Air Squats:

Air Squats Demos

Side Squats:

Womnen's Health Challenge and Side-Squat Demo

Check Back for Updates and Feel Free to Leave Tips!

Don't Settle This Year...Set Your Goals and Reach Them! 

Need Some Exercise Tunes?? Check out my Blog Pump Up The Jams, Bro!