Healthy Glow: Healthy Eating, La Mode & Ramblings

Healthy Glow Music: The Recipe by Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar

A few weeks ago, I purchased a lovely new SUV as my first car. It drives wonderfully and it still has the brand new car smell! One of my favorite aspects about the car (among a 1,000 others) is that it comes equipped with XM Radio! Now when I drive to Mexico I will have constant radio connection!

Since, I am a lover of rap in all forms, I feel in love with all the XM Radio’s hip hop stations. I am always on the hunt for new music and two weeks ago, I found a new song that I died when I heard, “The Recipe” by Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar. And funny enough NPR’s blog, The Record recently did a story on a new group, Black Hippie.

“…some of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop of the past few years has been made by four musicians who call themselves, collectively, Black Hippy. Based in Carson, Calif., the group and their management are making a new model for hip-hop that sounds like an old one. These days, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul.” -NPR The Record Blog

 

picture via NPR

Read more about the group, Black Hippie, “A New Hip-Hop Recipe With A Familiar Sound”

Enjoy!

• The Recipe by Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar
• Healthy Glow Music
• XM radio
• npr the record
• Kendrick Lamar Jay Rock Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul
• Black Hippy
• la rap groups
• A New Hip-Hop Recipe With A Familiar Sound

• who is claire sulmers
• healthy glow fashion
• state of style
• paris fashion week
• influential black bloggers
• black fashion
• diplomatic blog
• instyle magazine
• State of Style w/ the Influential Editor of the Fashion Bomb Daily Claire Slumers

Healthy Glow Beauty: Spring Beauty & Lifestyle VoxBox Review

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about Influenster (if you like receiving free goodies for free and sharing your opinions this website is perfect for you!). 

Two weeks ago I received my first Beauty Vox Box. Below, I have listed my honest reviews. These products were sent for free. 

Products and their retail prices. For some reason this was not in my box so I found the information from another website.

1. Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist, in Japanese Cherry Blossom. When I was in high school I was such a fan of Bath and Body Works but I out grew their products with in  a few years. When I received, smelt, and wore the mist, I was pleasantly surprised. The smell was light and lasted a couple of  hours. My mother fell in love instantly with the scent. 

2. Sally Hansen Nail Effects. I wanted to try this product for sometime now. A couple of months ago, I bought a box but I never used it. However, this time around I took the time to read the directions and apply the product to my nails. I loved how long the product lasted on my nails, however because I work in a professional environment, a more neutral color would have suited me better.

3. Chapstick LipShield. Everyday I spend 40-90 minutes outside hiking with my dog. Going on my hikes I like to protect my skin and my lips. Chapstick’s LipShield is strong (I recommend reapplying the balm after 3-4 hours) and after my hikes I did not have burnt lips!

4. SoyJoy Blueberry Bar. I am a fan of nutrition bars, however the Soy Joy bar tasted like a big Fig Newton (my least favorite cookie). While it was moist, the blueberries tasted unnatural and the bar was pretty small. I would like to try other flavors to be sure that I really do not like the products.

5. Aveeno Body Wash. Light scent, a little goes a long way, and it did not leave a film after I washed it off. I am a fan!  

6. Sheer Cover Duo Concealer in Dark. Sadly, this concealer was NO where near my skin tone. While the texture was nice and light, I wish that makeup companies would extended the color of their products for darker skinned women.

7. Dr. Scholl’s For Her, Ball of Foot. Finally a product that keeps my foot from sliding forward when I walk! Some of my favorite heels are slightly stretched out which causes my once comfortable shoes to feel like a awkward dance with each step. This product kept my foot in place and I was able to wear them to an event this weekend without discomfort. 

• may 2012 voxbox
• voxbox 2012
• Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Japanese Cherry Blossom
• Sally Hansen Nail Effects
• Chapstick LipShield
• SoyJoy Blueberry Bar
• Aveeno Body Wash
• Sheer Cover Duo Concealer in Dark
• Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot
• product reviews
• Healthy Glow Beauty
• may 2012

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• middle of the world

Fitness to the Test: Women’s Health, The ‘I’m Too Busy to Work Out’ Workout

I pencil (actually pen) in my workouts, like anything else in my day planner. That is how I make time for a workout. I also lay out my workout clothes and keep my gym shoes by the door. 

That is how I make time for a workout, plain and simple. If I am overseas. I make sure to take advantage of the stairs (no elevators for me), add hikes, try to walk as much as possible, and choose healthier options. 

But for all the girls who are sincerely strapped for time each day. Here is a very effective and short (I know you have 20 minutes) workout. 

Too busy to burn calories? Try this once-a-week 20-minute workout routine that will preserve. I personally love this workout!

The Best of Less 
Do one set of 10 to 12 reps of each move once a week with 3- to 8-pound dumbbells. Between exercises, hop on a stationary bike or run in place at a moderate intensity for 2 1/2 minutes.

Then begin the next exercise without resting. Repeat the strength-cardio sequence throughout the fitness workout. You’ll be done in less than 20 minutes. 

1. Balance Row: 1 set with 10-12 Reps

2. rab a dumbbell in each hand and let your arms hang at your sides, palms facing in. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend forward while extending your left leg straight behind you until your body forms a “T.” Let your arms hang straight down, palms facing each other. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and bring your elbows toward the ceiling. Do five or six reps, then switch legs and repeat. That’s one set.

Neck
Keep neck in line with spine.

Arms
Keep shoulders down and elbows close to your body as you row.

Abs
Draw your navel toward your spine and contract your abs for balance.

Back
Pretend you’re squeezing a tennis ball between your shoulder blades as you pull the weights toward your chest.

Glutes
Tighten your glutes to take pressure off your back.

Hips
Keep hips square to the floor. Avoid raising the hip of your lifted leg.

2. 1-2 Lying Punch : 1 set 10-12 reps

 

Grab a dumbbell in each hand and rest your midback on an exercise ball (A). Contract your abs and curl your head, shoulders, and torso off the ball. Then, extend your right arm across your body while twisting slightly to the left (B). Immediately lower the weight and repeat with the left arm while twisting slightly to the right. That’s one rep. Return to start and repeat.

3. Scoop and press: 1 Set 10-12 Reps

Grab a dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet hip- to shoulder-width apart. With your palms facing your thighs, bend your knees and drop your butt back as though sitting in a chair (A). Push back to start, bending your elbows and curling the weights to your chest (B). As you reach the standing position, immediately press the weights overhead (C). Lower the weights to your sides and repeat.

4. Superwoman: 1 set 10-12 Reps

5. Curtsy Salute

Grab a dumbbell with your left hand and stand with your feet hip-distance apart (A). Take a giant step back with your left leg, crossing it behind your right. Bend your knees and lower your hips until your right thigh is parallel to the floor. At the same time, raise your left arm straight out in front of you to shoulder height (B). Return to the starting position. Complete a full set, then switch sides.

6. Butterfly Pile: 1 Set 10-12 Reps

Grab a dumbbell in each hand and let your arms hang naturally at your sides, palms forward. Stand in a wide straddle stance with toes pointed out (A). Squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Your knees should not travel past your toes, and your butt should not dip lower than your knees. As you squat, bend your elbows and curl the weights toward your shoulders (B). Return to start and repeat.

7. Legs Up Push Up: 1 Set 10-12 Reps

Assume a pushup position with your feet on a low step and your hands on the floor directly beneath your shoulders (A). Bend your elbows and lower your chest until your upper arms are parallel to the floor (B). Press back to start. Make it easier: Start with your knees on the floor. 

8. Single Leg Toe Touch Squat: 1 Set 10-12 Reps

Grab a dumbbell in each hand and keep your arms at your sides. Stand in a lunge position with your right foot forward and both knees bent so your left knee grazes the floor (A). Straighten your right leg and extend and lift your left foot off the floor, pointing your toes (B). Press back to start, keeping your back leg extended and allowing only your toes to touch the floor. Complete a set, then switch sides.

9. Pedal Crunch: 2-3 Sets 10-12 Reps

Lie face up on the floor, with feet raised, knees bent and calves parallel to the floor. Place your hands loosely behind your head. Pull your navel to your spine and contract your abs to bring your head and shoulders off the floor. Twist your right shoulder toward your left knee, straightening your right leg (extend your right arm to the outside of the knee for a bonus challenge). Return to start and repeat on the other side. That’s one rep!

10. Wide Row: 2-3 Sets 10-12 Reps

Works biceps, shoulders, and upper back
Grab a 3- to 8-pound dumbbell in each hand. Keep your arms at your sides, palms facing back. Bend forward at the hips (A). Squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull the dumbbells to either side of your ribs (B), then lower them to start.

That is it!! There is “specialized equipment shown in each picture but you can always use a heavy book instead of a barbell and a chair instead of a step (or just the floor). 

Information and pictures are from Women’s Health

“Healthy Glow” is a personal blog, and should not be used in place of your doctor’s or federal government diet or fitness guidelines. Please consult your doctor or Registered Dietician for specific medical/fitness counseling. These blog posts are based on my own findings, beliefs, knowledge, and experiences.

• Fitness to the test
• women's health workout
• womens health
• black women do workout
• Women's Health The 'I'm Too Busy to Work Out' Workout
• how to make time for a workout
• too busy to workout
• at home workouts
• circuit training
• black women's fitness
• working out while traveling

Healthy Glow Travel Guide: My Sincere Love of Bartering Prices Overseas

My parents are from Ghana, otherwise known (probably only by me) as the land of bartering. One of the greatest aspects of living in a country like Ecuador or Ghana is that almost every single product has a negotiable price. That means the price of taxis, food, jewelry, shoes, and clothes can be negotiated between the consumer and business owner. However there are exceptions. In developing countries such as Ghana and Ecuador there is a growing middle class who can afford to shop in boutiques and malls with fixed prices. But usually I stay clear of places with fixed prices because I love bartering and the most unique items are founding informal marketplaces.

Let me share an example with you all. Three days ago my host dad who is also a private tour guide took me and two coworkers to visit the artesnal market in Otavalo, Ecuador just two hours outside of Quito. Before we even left for the trip I made sure to sit down with my host mother and sister to ask about a reasonable price for every single item that I might want to buy. I asked about the prices of necklaces, clothing, sweaters, silver earrings, hats, blankets, etc. My list was long, to say the least.

When I arrived to the market in Otavalo, I was ruthless. After surveying the market, I knew that I needed the necklace picture above. In Spanish, I fought tooth and nail for the necklace. Yes, it is a bit ridiculous to barter to the last dollar, but I see bartering effectively as a display of greater cultural understanding. The seller of the necklace and I finally agreed on $10 dollars (she started at $20).

Yes, bartering gets tiring after awhile but it is also so much fun.

To barter effectively:
Ask a native of the country what is an appropriate price. Survey what is being offered so you know what you want. Let the business owner name the price. An appropriate response is to offer half of the stated price. If you can not come to an agreement, walk away. If the owner caves when they know they are about to loose a sale, name your final price. Sometimes, walking away works, sometimes it doesn’t, or sometimes wearing down the seller works too ( I am only half kidding about wearing them down). Good luck!

• quito
• otavalo
• bartering
• how to barter
• informal marketplace
• healthy glow travel
• mysincere loge of bartering
• ecuador
• black women travel blog
• diplmatic travels
• dpanish

• Healthy Glow Travel
• Black women travel
• Quito
• Ecuador
• every overseas trip needs a soundtrack
• John Mayer gravity

Healthy Glow Travel: Off Spanish Day

After being in Ecuador for five days, I have hit a Spanish wall. I’ve been speaking Spanish for 100 percent of the day but today I hit a wall. I felt frustrated, tired, a bit angry, and overwhelmed. After taking a break in a little cafe close to my language school, I feel better. It took only a break from talking for 30 minutes for my mood to improve.

I am trying not to be so hard on myself because speaking a new language is hard and I have only been studying the Spanish for 24 weeks. However, now I can carry on a conversation with a government official, a taxi driver, my host parents, or any other native Spanish speaker.

I felt the same way when I learned French and Asante Twi. From now until the day I leave, I am going to celebrate my small victories the nine days I have left.

• learning a new languate
• living overseas
• black women overseas
• Quito
• ecuador
• foreign service

Healthy Glow Travel: The Simplicity of Breakfast in Quito

What I love most about my time in Quito is the simplicity and importance of eating fresh food with simple preparation. Everyday my host mother prepares breakfast and dinner without much fuss and muss. Also, the majority of meals are eaten together as a family. We discuss world events, cultural differences, and current events all in Spanish!

I can already see a world
Of difference in my Spanish because I am forced to speak it every single second of the day.

Question: What is your favorite meal of the day? What are your favorite memories of being overseas?

• spanish
• healthy glow travel
• black eomen travel
• quito
• the simplicity of breakfast in quito
• travel in exuador

Healthy Glow Travel: I’m in Quito! ( Estoy en Quito!)

Hey all! I am currently in Quito, Ecuador practicing my Spanish skills and living in the middle of the city of with an awesome family. I have simple goals for my time here: no using English at all. My first day of classes was awesome. Everyday I have four hours of individual study which include: presentations, reading, speaking, and going over grammar.

I am already exhausted but I know it will all be worth it! Off to explore the city more with my colleagues.

FYI: This trip is self-funded. Not a penny of U.S. funds were used.

• travle
• healthy glow travel
• international
• ecuador
• spanish
• immersion trip

Beefing Up Your Social Calendar: Zumba on DC’s National Mall!

• the national cinco de mayo festival
• salud en cinco de mayo
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• free dc events
• zumba
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• national mall
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Healthy Glow Travel Guide: Black Atlas, Travel Website for the African American Community

• Healthy Glow Travel Guide
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• travel guides
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