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Written by Jennifer Brix
Don’t you hate sugar cravings? I know I sure do.
For instance: earlier this week a sugar craving jumped on me (yes, it was that aggressive) while I was at work. Knowing I’m currently working on my bikini body for the summertime, I decided I wanted to make a sugar-free blueberry crisp later that evening.
Though I pretty much use the same recipe for fruit crisp each time I make it, I found a great Weight Watchers recipe on Pinterest recently that I wanted to try. So I headed to the grocery store after work to purchase all of the necessary ingredients — only to discover that I somehow forgot to buy the main ingredient (blueberries) when I got home. Doh!
Instead of heading back out to the grocery store, I decided to improvise with fruit in my kitchen. Fortunately, I discovered I still had an unopened bag of pineapple chunks left in my freezer.
I followed my original recipe with a few minor adaptations and ended up with quite a tasty, low calorie result. Check it out below!
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As a slight victim of wanderlust, one of my personal goals for 2014 was to get out of North Carolina at least once each month and – though we’re only three days into March – I’m happy to say I’ve met the mark so far!
Over the weekend, I took a trip to visit an old friend in Tampa, Florida. Though it was a quick turnaround (Friday-Sunday), I had such a great time exploring all that the city has to offer.
When I flew back yesterday I was unbelievably tired, but in high spirits nonetheless. During my layover, I began to wonder how to keep this same frame of mind going on a daily basis, especially Monday thru Friday when a workday is tough or things just aren’t going my way. So I pulled out my pen and notebook and jotted down few of my favorite ways to make any regular ol’ day better.
1) Positive Affirmations
When you enter my bedroom, the first things you notice (aside from the purple walls, Ikea art and zebra-print bedding) are my huge vision boards. When you enter my bathroom and look in the mirror, you’ll see quotes – such as Eleanor Roosevelts famous musing, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – taped within eyeshot.
Though some days are harder than others, looking at positive words or statements first thing in the morning helps me to develop and maintain a positive state of mind and outlook on life, in general.
2) Exercise
Whether you like cardio or yoga (like Carmen Electra, above), exercise is a proven method of stress relief. Hopping on a treadmill at the end of a tough day works like a charm every time.
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When I bought a huge canister of coconut oil (above) last year, I intended to only use it in the kitchen. However, after seeing coconut oil listed as a key ingredient in many of my favorite shampoo and conditioning products, I eventually decided to concoct a DIY hair smoothie.
Using honey, melted coconut oil and an egg, I made what I’d consider the best conditioner I’ve ever used. In fact, this is still my go-to conditioning treatment when I have a little extra time.
Check out five more great uses for coconut oil below and see why you should add it to your beauty arsenal ASAP!
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Who tuned in for that crazy episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta last night? As usual, the ladies did not disappoint.
While I am an avid viewer of the top-rated Bravo franchise, I don’t only watch the show for the constant drama – I’m equally interested in the many weaves and wigs the ladies rock each episode. I must admit, however, that Kenya Moore has my favorite tresses of the bunch. Though her hair is naturally gorgeous, it looks as if her stylist Miss Lawrence adds pieces from time to time to accentuate her many looks.
I first became familiar with Kenya after seeing her on a slew of television shows, such as In the House, The Jamie Foxx Show and Girlfriends. I thought she was beautiful then and, over a decade later, I still believe she is beautiful today.
Check out a gallery of the former Miss USA’s best hair looks of the past and present below!
“So many clothes, but nothing to wear.”
I’m not sure who came up with this brilliant notion, but it’s so true. As an avid (and often compulsive) shopper, I frequently find myself stuck in a rut when it comes time to find an outfit for a night out on the town or any other random special occasion.
I try to remedy my clothing dilemma by first browsing fashion blogs to gather ideas, and then thinking of ways to incorporate my favorite wardrobe items into an outfit. More often than not, however, I end up wearing leopard print as a fashion neutral in some way, shape or form, whether it is my outerwear, footwear or merely a random accessory.
Check out the below flix via Pinterest to see different ways to rock leopard as a neutral – and gather a little outfit inspiration in the interim.
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