April 2014 @Bulubox Unboxing

Check out what I got in my April 2014 Bulubox. This is the last box of a three month subscription deal that I picked up on Livingsocial.com for $15.  And I have to say that this one was my favorite. I'm not sure if I'm going to subscribe to Bulubox yet but I'll keep you posted.
Check the video and let me know what you think. And don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe!

Note:  Regular price for Bulubox is $10/mo so this was a half off deal.

March 2014 @Bulubox Unboxing

Hi all!  I know that April is more than half over, but I'm gonna show you what I got in my March 2014 Bulu Box anyway. Please note that I opened this box in March. And even filmed the video in March. So why am I just uploading it? I have a list of excuses and one of them is trying to plan a wedding *sigh* or something like it.  But that's an entirely different story. Anyway, here is my March Bulubox and don't forget to rate and comment and subscribe.

Note: This is box #2 of a 3 month Bulu Box subscription deal that I picked up on Livingsocial.com for $15.

Bulu Box Unboxing February 2014

A couple of months ago I picked up a 3 month Bulu Box subscription for $15 via Living Social. Normally, Bulu Box is $10/month so that means this deal was half off.  Check out the video and let me know what you think of my first box. I thought it was ok and look forward to my next two boxes.

$15 for 3 month Bulu Box Subscription via Living Social

I'm a big fan of subscription boxes and though I'm  subscribed to a couple, I always want to try more. And since I'm on a budget, I try to find deals on boxes. Well, I came across this deal on Living Social and it's for  Bulu Box. You can get a 3 month subscription for only $15 (normally $30). I am definitely getting this one. FYI, Bulu box offers 4-5 samples for health, fitness, and weight loss. I just purchased mine and can wait to try it out. I'll also definitely do unboxing videos too. Check HERE if you're interested in Bulu Box.

Suddenly Obsessed with Quinoa

Have you heard of Quinoa?  I'm sure you have. Especially since it is getting increasingly popular in the mainstream food world. Well, I had it for the first time a few years ago and I thought it was just ok as far a taste was concerned. However, it was/is supposed to be fantastic nutritionally so I gave it a whirl.

 I tried the regular kind  and then an instant version which I did not like at all. Since then I've had it here and there but it hasn't come close to being a favorite. But, for some reason, about a week ago I suddenly got the urge to get some and eat it for breakfast. Yup! I specifically wanted to make it for breakfast-like a hot cereal. So I went to Trader Joes and picked up a box and cooked it according to the directions. I made this at night so I would not have to in the morning. The yield was probably easily enough for a family of four or five.

The next morning I warmed up a serving of quinoa on the stove. Then I turned off the stove, added a little almond milk, dried cranberries, cinnamon, crushed sliced almonds, and a little raw sugar to taste. Verdict? I really liked it. And I had it again for breakfast the next morning. After having this for breakfast twice, I decided to use the leftover portion  for other dishes which were: Quinoa cakes (pictured above) and quinoa with marinated tofu and edamame.  I used several recipes for the cakes as references only sort of freestyled my own version. And for  tofu and edamame,  I marinated tofu in a  bit of tamari and spices and added it to the quinoa along with edamame. Warmed it up in a skillet and added more seasonings to taste. Both dishes were pretty good but I liked the tofu and edamame combo better than the cakes. I will probably try more recipes with quinoa pretty soon. First on my list is something with lots of mushrooms. And then maybe desserts. I'll keep you posted!
Have you tried quinoa?
Do you like it?

I'm Running! Yay?!

For the past few weeks I have been running (2-3x per week) with a group called Black Girls Run (BGR). I started running with BGR because I've been in sort of a workout slump for the last few months.  I would do workouts at home with dvds, magazines, YouTube, and Pinterest. I started getting really bored with them though. And I didn't want to join a gym so I decided to give running a go.


I figured running with a group would make it more fun because I'd get to be outside and meet/befriend new people. There's also the factor of accountability.  Plus, my group (and many of the others) run quite early. So that helps with discipline, creating a new routine, structure. And I feel like I need that right now because it's not always easy to structure yourself when you're working out at home.


When I first joined BGR it took be about a month to actually get out and run. I wanted to wait until I got new gear because most of my old workout clothes have been killed by crafts (glue, paint, markers,etc...,). My running shoes are a little too. But I've become a firm believer of starting where you are because waiting for perfect conditions is usually waste of time. So one day I decided to just go. I threw on a t-shirt, some leggings, and met up with my group at about 6am on a Tuesday morning; I'm so glad I did. It was just the jumpstart I needed to get my A in G.


I must mention that I have ran on treadmills in the past but I never really set any goals; I would just run/jog for a bit then walk. With the running group we run/walk at least 3 miles every time we meet. I've even ran a few times on my own on days that we don't/can't  meet. So I'm getting a little more serious now. In fact, I'm trying to get increase my endurance and speed so that I can run a 5k. Could it be that I'm becoming a runner? Perhaps! I'll keep you posted.


Are you a runner? Love it? Hate it?


Note: the photo above is of a local running trail

Wordless Wednesday

I've Been Juicing!

For the past week I have been juicing in the morning. And although I have juiced before, it has always been very random. Mostly because I have serious issues with leaving all the pulp behind. Like seriously! It feels like such a waste of good produce when I'm cleaning out the juicer. I hate thinking about the nutrients I'm missing out on. I even tried to make a facial mask out of some of the pulp before.  And my juicer is not the best one on the market so it probably leaves more pulp/fiber than other newer/better juicers.  However, my interest in juicing again has been piqued and I have a couple of bloggers (Bree and Toyaboo2) to thank. They have both done a reboot juicing challenge where they replace meals with juice for 10 consecutive days. And while I am not doing the challenge, I have been juicing every morning for the past 7 or 8 days.

The juice in the photo was created with the entire produce section. Lol. Well, that's exaggerating but I put lots of fruits and veggies and this one including: kale, cabbage, parsley, cilantro, beets, celery, pear, grapes, cucumber, key lime, kumquat, and orange. And I took the photo of it because I thought the colors were so pretty. I've been basically making this same juice everyday with a few variations here or there.

I really like juices that I have been making and I'm starting to look forward to making and drinking the juices. Still not in love with the cleaning process and losing all those nutrients. So, if someone wants to buy me a vitamix, let me know. Meanwhile, I'll continue juicing with my hand-me-down Hamilton Beach Healthsmart. Besides, you have to start where you are.

Event: New Year New You Seminar by The Mane Source

On Saturday, January 28th, I will be vending at The Mane Source's New Year New You Seminar.  Style, Beauty, Financial, and Fitness experts will be sharing information on health, nutrition, skincare, money and more. Also, attendees enjoy food by Majani catering and swag bags with full-sized beauty products. This event will take place from 10am -2pm at The Living Room Lounge  ,located at 1100 W Cermak. If your are in the Chicagoland area, please stop by. Tickets are $20 until January 27th and $25 thereafter. Click HERE for more information and to buy tickets. I hope to see you there. 

Are You On Pinterest?

I joined Pinterest a few months ago and I was both amazed and overwhelmed by it all. My computer screen was filled with images of  design ideas, crafts, food, fashion, style, beauty, and more. It seemed like I was scrolling down the page forever.  And when I finally got to the bottom, more images appeared. It was pretty  much awesome overload.

What is Pinterest? Well, this is how the website describes it:

"Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.
Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.
Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

If you're already on Pinterest, you can follow me here (although I'm not that active yet) and if you'd like to join just request an invite on their homepage. See ya there. 
      

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! I hope that 2011 brings health, wellness, happiness, peace, joy, and prosperity to all of you.