So, I’ve been struggling with the idea of weight loss for about three-four years now. I’ve gained a lot of weight since my happier days in 06’. Its hard to come to terms with my size 11-13 frame sometimes, and I know- I KNOW. BEFORE anyone decides to go off on me, I’m fully aware that Big women are beautiful women too. But my goal isnt to be SKINNY, its to be HEALTHY. I’m 5’3-5’4 and I’m pretty hefty for my age (18) My BMI isnt the best and I feel lazy and fatigued a lot of the times. I’ve been going up and down with my weight for awhile now, and lemme tell you- my body is not happy. So while I get ready for “bikini season” (which I’ll be missing this summer. Lol) I’m going to share a few tips I’ve learned along the way.

1. Buy yourself a pretty water bottle. I know it sounds stupid- but I’m apart of PINK Nation and since I’m always in Victoria’s Secret, I said why not buy myself a hoodie and get a free water bottle. YES, FREE. If you join PINK Nation now- you can get yourself a nifty “I <3 PINK” water bottle. It’s the little things that motivate a person, (or at least in my case) I lug it to school, work and to my bed. And I can definitely tell you my water intake has increased seven folds. (A7X FTW)
   
   
2. DO go ahead and buy yourself cute workout clothes. It’s a motivational and confidence booster. I like to hit the gym now a days, and even when I cant- I like to go jogging around my neighborhood. I don’t mind the big ass t-shirts and baggy pants, but for the days when I really want to give my all, I wear something cute. Like VS sweatpants or some that I got from work that look like VS sweatpants. I bought some good quality workout tank tops and I even bought a little arm band for my ipod. (I got tired of lugging it around in my hand, and the fear of it slipping out of my sweaty palms was enough for me to shelf out 9.47$ at walmart.)
   
   
3. MAKE a workout playlist. Trust me, nothing gets you in the mood to work than a great playlist. You can download a lot of them places, but why not make your own on your Itunes? (or if you have a zune, on that program.)
   
   
4. EAT a banana 15 minutes before exercise. It helps prevent the sides from cramping. Because if you’re focused on weight loss, you’re focused mostly on cardio, right? It’ll keep you going longer, and bananas are healthy for you!
   
   
5. THE OBVIOUS: get a buddy system going on. There’s nothing better than working out with the bestie or even a friend (gives you the chance to meet people) and chatting it up with them while you burn calories on the stair climber or treadmill. It also helps the two of you become closer.
   
   
6. ENJOY the simplicity of chocolate fudge cakes, icecream, small fries, etc…well, we know where I’m going. Lol. Its totally fine to eat these “Fatty” foods every once and awhile and in PORTIONs. Be careful with everything that you eat!
   
   
7. Lay off of the soda. I’m telling you. Not only weight loss wise- but beauty wise. You’ll see the difference in skin and hair.
   
   
8. DON’T beat yourself up if you miss a day of working out or you ate too much. Use it as motivation to get yourself to do 2x better the next time. Because there is ALWAYS a next time. AND be realistic. You cant lose 100 lbs in 1 month
   
   
9. Pay what you do. As in, I used to never go to the gym until I started paying for it myself. NOW, I feel like I’ve wasted 40 each time I don’t go to the gym. (Which I did last month= I felt like a total failure)
   
   
10. Be proud of yourself, splurge. You deserve treats too. If you were on target this month with your workout plans and eating habits- buy yourself that cute dress from Hollister (I did.) You make the will power,  YOU make the beautiful girl/boy in the mirror. Not the scale.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, have faith in yourself and be patient. I’m always here to talk to guys. :3

Always will be.

I’ll share more on my journey.  

-erika nicole,

Well, Since I'm sitting on my computer at 11:11 PM,

Here's my wish to everyone:

I wish that everyone has happy hair days. <3

Anyways,

I came across a dilemma.

Ever since the cooler weather has been invading FL, (I'm so in love with Winter.) I realized that I have been paying more attention to my hair. I straighten it more often- thats for sure. So you're prolly thinking that my dilemma is split ends. I mean, I have that problem too, my hair is more prone to breakage since after all, I do have colored/bleached hair. But thats not it- I found an amazing solution to that !

My dilemma is my hair's total lack of life. Its dull, and it doesnt really seem to be livid. SOOO,

I went out and got a sample of the Ojon Hair Treatment, the one in the jar ?

That little jar made miracles. I love the smell. A lot of people complain about it, but to be quite honest- IT IS STRONG, but heavenly. Its so EARTHY. Not to mention its also very coffee oriented. Well, the smell at least is. You can go check it out here,

(oh the wonders of Sephora.)

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P93511&categoryId=B70

personally,
i love this product, and I think I'm going to go out and buy it right after I finish some other thing my mom brought home. Its from Nexus, when I try it, I'll let you guys know how that went. lol.

Much Love,

-erika nicole ,