I have struggled with weight loss for years, trying just about any thing there is out there without having to consider any plastic surgery procedures.  My friend Jana told me about a weight loss book she had been reading and suggested I read it; so I did.

The book is called “Why Weight Around” by Dr. Alwin C. Lewis. In the book, Dr. Lewis stresses that a portion controlled diet is the most effective strategy to losing weight.  He developed a two part weight loss program called “The Slimming Station.” More »

When I was diagnosed with a Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), the name alone scared me to bits. What really freaked me out, though, were the limitations I was given by my doctor. First, I was put on a permanent medication called Atenolol, which basically lightens the load on my heart by slowing it down a bit, but makes me feel even more tired than usual.

Next I was given what I call the “No-No List” which basically said no hardcore cardio exercise – no running, no excessive use of stairs; the list went on and on. Being that I was never what you would consider a “gym enthusiast,” I didn’t really have a problem with the rules at the time, but quickly found out that just about every type of exercise that I was actually interested in was considered a No-No for me. This left me with a problem: How in the world was I supposed to keep myself from getting massively overweight if I was tired all the time and couldn’t do any real cardio? More »

I have to admit that I am not the most ecologically friendly person; even with all this talk of going green, the most I have done is recycle my cans and bottles. But since today is Earth Day, it got me thinking – I really need to start caring about the environment.

In honor of this revolutionary day, I have come up with a list of actions to take to be a little more eco-friendly.

Walk more, drive less: Instead of driving short trips around the corner, such as to pick up milk and bread, take a stroll instead. Not only are you saving on gas and not polluting the environment, you’re also getting a mini work-out in the course of it. A few days ago, my roommate and I had to return a movie to the video store and we walked there instead – it only took us 20 minutes and it felt great to get some fresh air. More »

Summer is just around the corner…and if you live in Southern California, it’s already here!

The temperature is up – way up – and our first reaction is to shed some layers, but what are we do to when we have to abide by our office dress code?

Here are a few simple tips to keep cool and still be work appropriate.

Tops: Breathable materials are going to keep you cool and dry. Short sleeved, button down tops go great with cropped pants (long shorts). Lighter colors are better for the heat, so try to stay away from blacks and blues. More »

My hair is constantly being a pain in my butt! It has always been wavy/curly with a dash of frizz – which is not exactly the most manageable attribute. I tend to straighten my hair everyday; in fact, most of my friends don’t even know my hair is curly!

My bad habit of using heating tools (as well as consistently dying it) has caused my hair to look dried out and even frizzier! In pursuit of saving my locks, I have been taking extra care of my hair.

So, for all of the ladies (and gents) with curly tresses, here are some hair care tips  provided by Keneesha Hudson, owner of Urbanbella Hair Apothecary & Salon in Atlanta, GA, to help you achieve happy and healthy hair! More »