Back in the Lab - Part 2

Although I have to bid my week long vacation farewell on Wednesday, it was not a total loss. I was able to make some fabulous soaps this week. One was my Tropical Breeze soap. There are no photos of this creation because we will need to change how this one turn out.

I also made Lavender Dreams soap that is displayed below:

Both soaps are made with the following:
Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil & Shea Butter. The Tropical Breeze soap has oatmeal for exfoliation. I am most proud of how the swirls are very prominent in the above soap. Both soaps smell divine. Sorry no smellovision here folks. You just have to line up to purchase your own. :)

Look out for the Lavender Dream soap, Whipped Shea Body Butter and Bath Salts as part of our new product line soon. :)
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Back in the Lab

Your girl is back in the lab again taking advantage of my week off. The goal today was to make body butter for the family. I also wanted to make some bath salts and sugar scrubs. The bath salts turned out scrumptious take a look:

The top one is Tropical Breeze and the bottom one is Lavendar Dreams. I look forward to adding these to the new product line.

There are no pretty pictures of my sugar scrub because my experiment was a bust. But I plan to try again either tonight or tomorrow.

But I am feeling pretty good about what I accomplished today. As we speak, I have the Tropical Breeze soap bars curing and should be ready in a month.

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 25

I am off for the rest of the week,so I decided to venture further than normal. I jogged 1 1/2 miles to the nearest park. I thought I would have been able to jog around the walking trail. But I only made it half way. Still a good accomplishment bearing in mind I laid off working out yesterday.

Tuesday evening I did DVD 1 of P90x. This consisted of a Chest/Back and Ab workout. Needless to say my chest is still tight.

Looking forward to the transformation. :)

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 24

I guess I could have used the humidity outside as an excuse to not get moving today. Or the fact that I only got 5 hours of sleep last night. But I will not use any excuses and say that I did get out there this morning. After 4 days of not jogging, the legs told me that I need to be a little more consistent. I didn't do too bad today. Since I will have a staycation starting on Wednesday, I will use that opportunity to get back into some more consistent movement. Have a great Monday.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 23

I have been off from exercising for 3 days after an eventful weekend. It is hard getting back in the swing of things but I did it today. I jogged my normal route today but didn't work too hard to avoid injury. The challenge is winding down...
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30 Day Cardio Challenge Day 22

2-1-1-1-1. No this is not a math test and it is not morse code. This is the interval length of time I ran today. It does not mean anything to you, but that #2 is impressive to me. I was able to run/jog consistent for 2 minutes. Typically it is jog 1 minute than walk 1 minute. This only shows me that I am getting closer to running for longer periods of time. Step by small step. :)

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Happy Birthday 2 Me :)

Three scores and eight years ago a miracle was born. That miracle was me. Ok enough of that. My family is known for parties. You name it we used to have a party for everything and they never ended. The above picture is one of my most memorable birthday parties. That was my 5th birthday party and it seems like everyone was there. Those were happy times. As are everyday I live this life I was left here to live. Thank you God for seeing and guiding me through another year.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 21

It's been 2 days since I worked out last and my knees reminded me of that this morning. They did not want to cooperate with my warm-up squats. No matter, I fixed that problem w/the 1k jog this morning. LOL Last night was strength training because everywhere strength training is the way to go to burn the fat we have in our bodies. When we are in motion and more so when we are at rest. So I did shoulders, triceps and biceps routines. If I don't do anything else today, I treated my body right. :)
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 20

Instead of running solo today, we took the kids to the park to shoot hoops and run drills. Well hubby ran basketball drills with the kids, while I ran/walked on the park trail. It was exceptionally cool this morning at 9am, but right around 11am you knew it was going to be a scorcher. So glad to get that out of the way today. As much as I would have rather stayed in bed this morning, the fresh did me good. Now to conquer the rest of the day. :) Three days till my born day.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 19

One thing is for sure, exercise is a great stress reliever. I love that I can run my the stress of the day out of mind or begin my day with a clear mind after a run. I have been doing a few ab routines on runnersworld.com. Try these, but you will not be able to get past the ABC planks. Killer. Six-pack here I come. :)

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 18

It's always hard to get back into a routine after a long weekend. I woke up late yesterday and did not workout. Got off to a late start today but made it out anyway just cut the jogging short. I am still sore from the basketball drills we ran on Monday morning. Trust me I have a stroke, but you won't find me in the WNBA no time soon. :)
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 17

I love Saturday because it gives me the opportunity to walk/run for longer period of time. Today I was a 4 mile kind of day. I need to start working on the muffin top area. I started a new routine after my workout from runnersworld.com

I have been noticing that my workout clothes are loose. Could this be a sign? I will not get on the scale to see, because the number is never right.

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 16

Tuesday
Simply more of the same today. I performed by warmups from runners world and jogged a little bit longer. I think I need to get new running shoes for my birthday (7/13) I do want to encourage everyone to get your body moving doing something. Start with walking 10 to 20 minutes every other day until your body craves the movement. And it will. Our bodies were made for movement not stagnation.

Friday 7/2/2010
-Today is a scratch day because it is raining outside and I am not at a point where I run in the rain. I am sure that will change soon. LOL. I did perform my warmup/strength training routine this morning. Did I already say I love this website. Check out just a taste of the info you can use whether you are a runner, just beginning or need a boost in specific areas.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 14 & 15

Saturday marked Day 14 of this cardio challenge. I did a little too much that day. I thought I would be able to extend my run time, but I had to go to the laundromat. So I walked/ran w/daughter number one for about 15 minutes. Just about the time she complained that she was hot and her feet hurt. Ugh.Then we were off to the laundromat. Since Walmart was nearby and my car needed an oil change, I decided to drop the car off, walk back to the laundromat, then walk back to Walmart to pick up my car. Brilliant idea considering it was 90 degrees outside by the this time. My right shin let me know I did too much because by the time I was through, it became uncomfortable but not painful. I got more of a workout day than I anticipated even though I had to sit out exercising on Sunday.

Monday marks Day 15 of this challenge. I can't believe I am at the halfway mark already. This morning I tried this 7 minute stretch warm up from my fav website runnersworld.com. I performed each routine as stated and left to run this morning. Talk about explosive. I ran longer and quicker than I normally do. I think I was a little to good because I lost steam in the end. LOL I ended up walking the last 15 minutes of my run. Nonetheless, I will definitely be using this every morning to wake up my sleepy muscles.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 13

If you are only interested in sitting on the couch and eating chips, these videos are not for you. If you are not interested in exercising and improving your health, these video are not for you. Last night I did the Biggest Winner strength training session for the back of the body. If you know Jillian Michaels from the Biggest Loser, you know that she is no joke. And this session did not disappoint. When I was done, the only thing I wanted was my bed. LOL

For today's cardio session, one of two of my daughters got up early to join me. She did not know what she was in for. She will thank me in the long run. :). My hips have been on fire the last two days, so instead of running, I basically walked for 30 minutes. I managed a mini sprint during the last leg of this session. Saturday will be a better day to really get more time in. Have a great weekend

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 12

Last night I wanted to do some strength training for today's run. But for some reason I got distracted and never did that. I got caught up on runnersworld.com looking for weight lifting routines for my back and never found the information.

This morning as I am doing my walk/jog training, I realized I have Jillian Michaels strength training dvd in the house I could have used. Just had a DUH moment. LOL

We will try the whole strength training thing tonight. :)

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 11

Do you listen to your body? I do. When I woke up this morning, my hips were stiff. It could have been due to not exercising since Thursday or due to the way I slept last night. Either way, I knew I had to get out this morning and walk. Just walking did the trick to loosen up those old hips. LOL. I was able to get in a little jog sprint during the last leg of my walk.

It is interesting that when you do not workout, your body stiffens up. But when you do, you are more limber. Food for thought.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 10

"Push yourself past your limit". That's what my hubby said when I told him frustration yesterday with the dreaded scale not moving although I was doing all the right things. In terms of cardio that is. But I am hearing more and more that women, especially those over a certain age need to incorporate a strength training routine for optimum weight/fat loss . This is along with any cardio routine you may be doing. So my hubby/personal trainer told me that I need to do strength training routines w/high reps until failure. And this is how the new motto for me came about.

Last night, I did a couple of strength training routines on my legs and arms. This morning when I went out for my run/walk interval, I ran further than I ever did. Maybe we have something here.

The progress continues.

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 8 & 9

Well it is crazy in my house this week with the kids going to Vacation Bible School, so I forgot to post. But I did workout yesterday and this morning. Yesterday was walk/run intervals and today was just speed walking. I want to get serious about running and I am following the beginner's plan on runnersworld.com The website has an abundance of information for running, working out even videos.

See you tomorrow.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 7

I am a quarter of the way through and we are doing well. The air this morning was soupy and it was ready to pour. But I went walking/jogging for at least 10 minutes to get that workout in. I was pressed for time this morning. I plan to walk this evening if it is not raining. If all else we will have to workout indoors. Enjoy your Thursday.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 6

There is nothing like working out and watching the sunset to make you forget your day. Sorry no pictures of the sunset, I was in the zone. This evening I did a walk/jog interval training for about an a mile. It took about 45 minutes which is not bad. I could have kept going, but it was getting dark. The saga continues...
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 5

You would think on a Saturday I would be sleeping in till 12:00 noon. Nope, the alarm went off promptly at 7:30 am. Although I turned it off and went back to bed, the good Lord nudged me out of the bed and said, "GET MOVING". LOL

So I got up, put on my work out gear and took a long walk around the neighborhood. I walked and partially jogged for about three miles. This was good because wasn't restricted to my time.

It's 85 degrees already and it looks like its going to be a cookout type of Saturday.

Have a great weekend.
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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 4

Not a shabby workout morning considering it took me 15 minutes to get out of bed. The NBA final games in LA are going to kill my sleep. This morning I walked/jogged around the neighborhood. It really does pay to stretch before you get started. Your muscles are little more pliable after sleeping.

We will see what the weekend holds. Have a great weekend.

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30 Day Cardio Challenge - Day 3

So it's Day 3 and what do you think your girl did this morning at 5:30 am when the alarm went off. Hit the SNOOZE button. I was going to get up, I just needed 10 more minutes (excuse 1). If it were not for my hubby, I would have had those extra 10 minutes of sleep. But he would not allow it. :(

Today was walk/maybe sprint/jog/run day. LOL. But it has been raining everyday here and my aching knees are proof of this. So this morning me and the neighborhood rabbits had a speed walk kind of morning.

I feel better now and looking forward to the rest of day.
Enjoy yours and get moving.

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30 Day Cardio Challenge

June 1st marked my 30 days of Cardio Challenge. I am the only one in the challenge so don't be alarmed. Unless you want to join me.

I will working out for 30 days in some form or fashion where my heartrate is elevated enough to work up a sweat. I have been working out since December of 2009 and lost at least 5 lbs in January. But of course life happened in between and I fell off the wagon.

As it stands my weight has not moved or increase. However I do not like where it is right now given that it is summer.

I know I need the weightlifting routines for numerous reasons, but I seem to be gain more muscle than losing fat. So that being said, I am ready to shake the pounds off in a dramatic way.

On Memorial Day, the family and I played basketball. Ok so I know the game of basketball quite well, but you probably would not want me on your dream team. Nonetheless we all had a great time playing against each other and working up a sweat. My back paid for it later.

On June 1st, I did the Dancing with the Stars DVD. I love to dance but doing it via a DVD always seems to make look more uncoordinated. In the beginning I thought the tape was lame until I started sweating like a pig after doing the Samba. I have to give it up to the Brazilian women, they have that dance on lock.

Now I will not be working out for thirty straight days. But it will be for every other day and to where my bones can tolerate it. :)

See you next time.

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Music Thursday: William Becton - Be Encouraged

Everyone needs a little encouragement during time of trouble, disappointment, stress, fear. Know that God has the power to turn ALL things around, when we don't. Be Encouraged Today.



** Side Note - This song is by William Becton not Marvin Sapp - the editor's error **
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Music Thursday

I heard this song last Sunday while driving to church. Now it is on heavy rotation. Great testimony for this family. The couple was told that they would not be able to conceive children. Well they believed and had hope and were blessed with five children. The travel and sing on the goodness of our Lord Jesus.
Enjoy.



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Music Thursday

Donald Lawrence - Back to Eden is the selection for today. We (including myself) must stop live in what ifs, should have, could have, would have and live on top of the world. Everything we need is available to us. Let's Get It. Enjoy



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Music Thursday

My 3 year old son knows the words to this song. Note for Note. It is a simple song, to remind you and me that no matter what you do...God has got you.
Have a great day. :)

Music Thursday

I have been hearing this song all week. It has definitely gotten me through a tough week. The Lord has done Enough!!! How about you?

Shea Bath Studios - GM Oats/Honey & Castile w/Shea Butter Soaps

Lovely and Creamy Castile (Olive Oil) with Shea Butter. You definitely will not need a moisturizer after using this soap.

This product is unscented and considered "vegan". It can be used by anyone with normal, dry or sensitive skin.





Goat's Milk, Oatmeal and Honey - more moisture, more moisture and more moisture. The milk makes your skin silky smooth. The oatmeal exfoliates your skin gently. The honey is a natural humectant that helps draw moisture to your skin.

This product is unscented and can be used by someone with dry skin or normal skin.






Both soaps will be available for sale at my shop in a couple of weeks.
To stay updated on our new products as they are listed, sign up for our RSS feeds

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Music Thursday

Paul S Morton, Sr - I am still standing...

This song has been on my heart this week. The hook is I'm Still Standing. That mantra is one to hold onto everyday, when you feel low, beaten, depressed etc. Because God blesses us with another day to try it again.

Thank you Lord.

Enjoy

First Qtr of 2010 - Where are you?

It is amazing to me how time continues to turn. We can be still and do nothing and the hands of time continue to flow.

The first quarter of 2010 has come and gone. I am moving right along with some of the goals that I have set for myself.

- The workout regime is chiming right along. Looking forward to losing more weight. :)
- I am pressing forward with making products for Shea Bath. Looking to make at least two products every week or every other week.
- Keep abreast of my social media contacts to keep me ground on what's current in the industry.
- Got a promotion at work, where I have my weekends back so I can be more available to my family and business.

Where are you in your goals and aspirations for 2010? Share the good and bad if you will.
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Music Thursday

Song has been on heavy rotation in mind all week. Love it...

Music Thursday

This is well written and speaks volumes for those of us that dream...


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New Year Goal to Myself

Wanted to take a moment to republish an email I sent out to my church sisters regarding the 2010 New Year. I am leaving a copy of this email here as a reminder to myself of what was written. This may help or encourage someone else as well.

Happy reading - Love DC

Good Morning Sisters In Christ,

Can you believe it, we have been blessed to see yet another year of life. 2010 begins a decade of excitement, new endeavors, resolutions and the like.

During my time of reflection last week I asked God, "what would you have me to do differently this year". It was impressed upon me to deny myself. To think more and pray more for that person you care about.

I believe that it is a step in the right direction for all of us this year. Although 2009 was a good year for some and a not so good year for other, we were all abundantly blessed more than we could ever imagine. I believe we need to start our year off right with blessing others in our circle as well as those we may not know. The first step would be through prayer. Our prayer requests are sent to you every week so that we can pray diligently in the Holy Spirit for the needs that others need met. The first prayer requests for the year are attached to this email for you to pray over during your quiet time.

My prayer for each of us is that in addition to praying for our fellow Sisters In Christ, that God impress upon each of you the ability to do more for someone else. Whatever that "more" is, I know God will give us the ability, strength, wisdom to perform the task.

Peace, Positivity and Prosperity for each of you for 2010.

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