Three Simple & Essential Exercises You Can Do Anywhere

Fitness is one of the most important habits we can have.  In fact, before my father passed he said that the one thing he wish he didn’t give up was working out.  Working out is a very important habit to keep because it helps us build better bodies and stronger minds.

Working Out is Good for Mental Health

Working out is good for our mental health.  Working out can be considered a form of meditation.  When we are working out we are released from our mobile devices or having our minds preoccupied by something else.  It’s one of the rare times in our modern society where we are unplugged and living life in the moment.  

Being in the moment gives us clarity, helps relax the mind, and gives us time to think about important issues.  Having clarity allows us to be more creative and efficient in both work and home.  

Working out also makes us more confident.  Once we start seeing the benefits of our hard work (more compliments and us fitting in clothes we haven’t worn in three years) it becomes an addiction and makes us feel accomplished.   Being confident make us happier people.

Working Out is Good for Our Physical Health

Working out is also great for our physical health.  Working out makes us stronger, faster, and think quicker.  Working out helps to build endurance.  Lets not tippy toe around the fact that it helps our sex drive.  Trust me, no one is complaining about that.  

Three Best Home Exercises

I know that gym memberships can be expensive.  Yes, many of us are ballers on a budget so we have to be financial conscience about where we are spending our money, and sometimes we can’t  afford the gym.  Today I want to give you three tried and true exercise moves that you can do anywhere

Plank 

Planks are a girl’s best friend.  Planking helps you to build strength in your core, upper and lower body so its a good full body workout. You do not need any equipment to perform this exercise all you need is a bit of space, and it really helps improve flexibility by stretching muscles and will improve posture if performed regularly.  The plank works almost every main muscle.  

Squats

Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s squats. Squats are an excellent exercise for training the lower body and core muscles.  If done regularly they help to define thighs and buttocks. They can improve circulation, posture, digestion and are a low impact exercise that almost anybody can do.  Squats are primarily a lower body exercise and works out the quads, bum, hamstrings, hip abductors,  and calves. 

Running

 If you are REALLY trying to lose weight then the thing you need to do is run.  Running is an equal opportunity fat killer.   Running allows a person to burn an average of 100 calories per each mile he or she runs.  Running 5 miles a day can burn an additional 500 calories, making it a legitimate way to lose weight.   

To get more information on workouts and how to execute form properly please check out my new favorite website 30 Day Fitness Challenges for all your fitness needs.  I will be using this site as reference again and again.  

In the comment below please let me know of other non gym exercises everyone can do anywhere.

7 Effective Ways to Stop Being a Hater

Don’t lie to yourself.  At some point in all our lives we have hated on someone else  for absolutely no reason.  Well, we had a reason.  We felt that the person was better in (insert given interest here).  Because we saw that person having more success we began to hate on them.  We hate because we are jealous over what they have because we think we deserve it more.  

I’m here to tell you...

Just get over it!  Stop being a hater. Stop wasting away the precious seconds of your life by taking the time to hate on someone else’s life.  You have no idea what it took for that person to get there. Even if you think you do being bitter doesn’t do anything for you anyway.  You are wasting good time and energy but choosing to hate one someone else. This takes away what you could be doing to get better.

Today I give you 7 ways to stop being a hater and begin getting better.

1. Take Workshops:  

You want to get better at something?  Take classes from people who are better at it than you.  Think you have a great business but no one is seeing your work? Take a marketing class.  You’re not the best runner?  Join a runner’s class.  Taking workshops are beneficial to you for many reasons.  

One, you can meet people who may have gone through the sames issues as you.  Taking a workshop allows you to have the opportunity to bounce idea off each person to see what’s working and what isn’t working.  The leader of the group may serve to be a great mentor for you.  It’s great to have someone that is a veteran in the field that you can go to for guidance and direction.  

Second, workshops are great for networking.  Going to a workshop puts you around like minded people who may have the same goals as you.  Let me tell you from firsthand experience that being around people who share the same goals as you is very enlightening and liberating.  You feel as though you have found your tribe.  

   2. Watch YouTube  

Can’t afford a workshop just yet?  Well, check out youtube.  You can find just about ANYTHING on YouTube.  Everyone has tutorials on anything that you are looking to learn.  The world is different now.   The internet has been the one thing that really connects people around the world.  Youtube can be used as virtual classroom.  There are so many people on YouTube who want to teach.  And just about everyone has access to smartphones. There is literally no excuse why you can't get on YouTube and use that as a resource to hone your craft.  Many YouTubers are really nice and approachable so don’t be scared to reach out to them.

   3. Get a Mentor:

 I know I touched a bit on this in point one, but getting a mentor is not a mute point.  Finding a mentor may be a slow and hard process, but it’s great to have a confidant you can approach and get their valued opinions on issues in your field of interest..  Mentors have the potential to be lifelong friends.  They also come with their one set of contacts and networking groups that you can be apart of .  

Let me tell you, the second most important thing to have in business is a good set of people you can network with.  The first?  A good product, idea, or service.  Forbes has an outstanding article on why having a mentor is the best investment you can make for your brand.

4. Practice Everyday

  Listen, you want to be the best in your field?  You have to practice at it everyday.  The people who are truly successful at what they do fully emerge themselves in their interest  They find ways to prioritize their dreams and goals.  For me I HAVE to shoot all the time.  When I’m not shooting I feel like I’m having withdrawals.  Also, I’m subscribed to a ton of magazine.  I study magazine ads and editorials by looking for trends and studying lighting.  I also use Facebook as a resource.  Personally, I like a bunch of groups that deal with boudoir and photography.  I read blog after blog several times a week to get better at what I do.  I have to see what people are doing and how I can be that much better than them.  In fact, I  shoot with friends over and over again so I can test out different ideas, techniques, and editing styles.  Photography and boudoir are my life.  This is what I’m into.

 You have to be FULLY and I mean FULLY commit to whatever your craft is.  To do that you MUST practice this 8 days a week.  What do you mean there are only 7 days in a week? I say this because when it comes to perfection of what you do there are no days off.

5. Make A Goal or a Challenge

The best thing you can is challenge yourself to get better. For example, I knew I was struggling with the fitness thing.  I have a full time job and I do the photography full time.  I began to notice that my dog and I were both packing on the pounds… but I just let it go excusing my lack of exercise on having no time.  Then one night I  read an Instagram post from one of my favorite Dallas personal trainers that changed my outlook.  Ngata Fitness always  gives Instagram followers background information up of the people he trains.  He does this because he wants to prove that no one should have an excuse for being lazy and not live a full life.  

One of his clients is a  lady who is a mother of of 5 who works two jobs AND still has the time to go to school full time pursuing bachelor's degree.  If that wasn’t enough on her plate she was still able to find 90 minutes in her day to work out.  Yes, she looks amazing.  So honestly… what’s my excuse?  That’s why for the next 100 days I challenged myself to walk at least 1 mile. I know, that doesn’t sound like a whole lot… but it’s a lot better what I was doing before, not a dayum thing.  

To to do this challenge I had to find ways to prioritize everything in my life.  I’m not trying to be the best runner in the world.  I just need  to make sure I am running so I can foster a healthy lifestyle.  In fact, if you want please join me on the 100 day challenge click HERE!

6. Separate Yourself from the Self Doubt 

Even the best of us fall victim to that voice of self doubt in our head.  Self doubt is the biggest dream killer since the dawn of time.  However, we have to remember a couple of things in order to conquer self doubt.  

One, a lot of people give up on their dreams because “It will take too long” and they feel like they are going to fail.  Listen, the time will pass anyway.  Why don’t you do something that's going to help build a beautiful more peaceful life for yourself?  Why waste time doubting yourself?  Sometime the first thing you have to do is just jump in feet first.  

Two, don’t place hurtles up before you even start the race. Listen, the race is not going to be easy, but let other people put up roadblocks.  Don’t put the roadblocks up yourself.  Doubting yourself is a form of self sabotage. If you are really serious about your goals then you need to let go of that voice in your head and push full steam ahead.

7. Never Become Complacent

 YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! in my Nicki Minaj voice! NEVER become complacent with yourself.  A big part of being a hater is seeing someone doing something different and innovative while you lag behind because your still doing the same ole thing.  Being flexible and embracing change will help you to become more innovative in your style and approach.  Elite Daily had a great article on why complacency will ruin your life.

What do We Do when We have Our Own Hater?

As a bonus I have to include one of my favorite stand up bits by comedian Katt Williams.  It’s about haters.   Katt Williams lets us know that we should not be distracted or intimidated by our haters we need to own them.

In the End...

I know this article was super long, but I hope these 7 ways helped you figure out how to stop being bitter and gave you ideas on how to get better. Please don’t waste your time hating on the next person.  In fact, do yourself a favor by congratulating them on a job well done.   Study the moves they made an then figure out how to do it better. Fuck being bitter.  Bitter doesn't make you smarter, faster, or more popular.  However, getting better does.  

I know this was a long one, but I have a CONTEST connected to this post.  I’m the comments below please let me know which point you liked the most or let me know a point I may have missed.  The winner will get a free $50 gift certificate to Victoria’s Secret!  Contest ending July 31st at 11:59AM.

July Boudoir Fitness Month

Your health is the most important thing you can have.  

Sometimes we only realize this when we get incredibly sick.  However, we should keep in mind that whatever we place in our body today will affect us tomorrow.

The Last 10 Pounds.

One of the most common excuses I hear from women for why they can't do a boudoir session right away is because they just need to loose that "last 10 pounds." While I don't agree with that statement I do understand it. 

Being healthy is important because it helps you both physically and mentally.  This is what our July focus is boudoir fitness.  

I also wanted to note some changes.  Instead of posting three times a week.  I will now be posting Monday - Thursday beginning next next.  However, during this 100 day running period on every Friday or Saturday I will post a review of my workouts and running schedule.  I will also review what I ate and I will be perfectly honest with you.  I'm also debating on if I should do a before and after shot of my body.  In fact I will probably just do that.  I will even announce my weight to the world.  At the end of this exercise I will write a full post on my experience.

 
Some of the topics we will discuss include how food is the most important element to your fitness regimen, the best exercises for your target areas, why you won't bulk up while exercising, and other amazing topics.  

I can't wait until we discuss this more in the future!

If I'm going to be honest with you guys I have to tell you that I'm already 11 days into my hundred day challenge.  This 100 day challenge is to make sure that I at least walk 1 mile everyday for the next 100 days.  I need to start becoming more accountable when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.

I can't wait to do this journey with you guys and see what we look like after 100 days of focused fitness.

In the comments below please let me know if you like to join me on this 100 day challenge!

Moroccan Boudoir in Dallas, Texas

There are a ton of great boudoir studios in Dallas that have the traditional beds, but how about making your boudoir session really stand out?  How about something a tad bit international?   Today we are going to bring Morocco right to Dallas!  Yes, we have a Moroccan Boudoir set!

Morocco is a beautiful country in North Africa.  If all goes well I will be visiting this colorful country in 2016. When I do I plan on bringing back more blankets, sheets, and other items to make this set look as authentic as possible.  

This set was inspired by my love for strong color.  Boudoir sessions have a tendency to look very black and white with a splash of red pinched in.  This set is for the colorful, dynamic, and non traditional woman. With the Moroccan set we want to provide a really relaxed atmosphere that can still to be really sexy.  We love effortless sexy and that’s what this set provides. If you’re looking to give your boudoir session a bit of flair the Moroccan set would be best for you!

In a previous post we really broke down Karla’s outfit, hair, and makeup to a science.  If you want to see all the details of Karla’s look please check out our How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Session.  

Jill from #Glambition did the hair and makeup.  Alexis K Coats styled this amazing session with  clothes provided by Apricot Lane of Dallas.  Most of the furniture here came from Pier 1.  

Not only is the set relaxing so is Karla’s style. In her first looks she’s rocking a bikini top from Apricot Lane of Dallas.  Instead of the typical panty or bikini bottle Alexis opted to layer her in a series of scarves. This provided a sense of texture, fun pops of color, and overall more interesting photos.  Not only do the your boudoir  photos need to look sexy, but they have to really stand out.  

The hair added a dynamic point of interest to Karla’s Moroccan boudoir set.  While there is nothing wrong with with full voluptuous curly hair I have to say that I LOVE the short futuristic side bob that Jill designed for Karla.  Again, it brings interest and texture in such a unique setting.  

If you want to get more details on Karla’s set or any of the three other women we shot please make sure you check out your post on How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Session.  Also, Karla is in a competition of Dallas’s top models.  Please go vote for Karla HERE!  

Without Further Ado here are more photos!

I really hoped you enjoyed Karla’s photos!  Be sure to vote for her as one of the  top model’s in Dallas HERE!

I want to thank Jill form #Glambition for all your help and hard work on this series!  Special thank you to Alexis for blessing us with her skills and Apricot Lane of Dallas for allowing us to use the clothe for the shoot!

In the comments below please let me know which photo in this series you like the best and why!

It Cost Nothing to be Kind

“It cost nothing to be kind.” This isn’t the exact quote from my favorite Dallas makeup artist, Jazzy Baptiste, but I got the gist of it.  I forgot our exact conversation, but it did center around the fact if ever in a situation if you have a choice to be mean or kind, just be kind.

It really cost nothing to be kind to people.  To smile, go the extra mile, or just help some out in their time of need may mean more to that person than you will ever know.  When things don’t go our way sometimes our default it to get defensive and ugly, but we need to practice seeing it from the other person’s side. We don’t know what’s going on in that person’s life.  

For example, where I live the leasing office is supposed to be open extended hours on Thursdays.  The office will close at 7PM on Thursdays where as every other day the office closes at 6PM.  Being open extended hours allows people to come in an speak with the office staff about anything.

During the week it takes me about an hour to get home, and most of the time I can’t get home at 7PM.  Well, the last couple of Thursdays I rearranged my work schedule in order to leave in enough time to make it to the leasing office. Of course when I get there at 6:15PM the leasing office is closed.

That Friday I called the leasing office and asked why the office wasn’t open until 7PM.  I needed to get parking passes, but since the office wasn’t open I couldn’t pick any up for my guest.  The leasing agent understood and offered to write the passes and place them in my apartment.  I was nice about it.  She offered a solution that did not require me to do any extra work on my behalf.  When I arrived home that evening I had two parking passes for my guest.  

Turns out the office was closed at 6PM because they were running on a skeleton crew.  There was only the office manager and one leasing agent.  They were working 7 days a week for  9 hours a day.  That’s 63 hours a week.  Which means 23 hours of overtime a week.  To work 63 hours a week and go to school full time is  a lot of work.  She said there was so much drama behind it, but now they have one more person in the office and things could get back to normal again.  

As a person who went to school full time and worked two jobs while doing it  I could feel her pain. I understand how tiring a schedule like that can be on a person.  Yes, I was irritated about leaving work early twice a in two weeks, but how was I wronged? By getting home early and having time to play with my dog?  She was working 23 hours of overtime a week.  I couldn’t be mad at that.

Many times being kind grants you a ton more access than being rude and evil.  Last year when I went to visit my sick grandmother in Ohio I flew into Port Columbus International Airport.  From Columbus I still needed to drive to Dayton and Cincinnati to see family so renting a car was a must.  

As I checked in to pick up my car I saw the agent wasn’t having the best of days.  In fact he had a bit of an attitude at first.  Working customer service can wear on the best of people so I changed my attitude to be positive as well.  After he saw that I was super nice too him and even stayed and spoke to him a bit he upgraded me for free in a 2015 white Mustang Convertible!  Just because I was being kind to him.  Let me tell you.  Don’t expect things from people just for being kind.  You need to be genuinely kind from your heart.  A kindness that radiates the room when you walk in.  People should feel super comfortable around you.  When you are genuinely kind great things start to happen to you in your life.  When you are nice from the inside out you will notice that people will begin to treat you nicer.

Don’t be offended if someone does not treat you well.  Sometimes you can be so kind to people and they still don't get it.  Remember that we don’t know the whole story of that person’s day.  Yes, I do get it. You didn’t make this person mad and they shouldn’t take it out on you.  While you are 100% right you have to remember that people are humans and we are ruled by our emotional state.  While that person may be rude to you just think that we don't know exactly what happened to this person that day so return the meanness with kindness.  Don’t act condescending with it.  Be genuinely nice and happy in conversation.  You will see that people will begin to change their tone to you and towards you.  

Who knows… your kindness might change that person’s day and outlook.

Remember, it cost nothing to just be kind.  

Bohemian Inspired Boudoir Session

Today we are going to showcase a Bohemian inspired boudoir session!

Over the past month we have showed you stlyized boudoir sessions create by Alexis K Coats with wardrobe provided by Apricot Lane of Dallas.  The hair and makeup is by Jill of #Glambition.  Each session represented something different.  Ciara with Bridal Boudoir.  Jolesa with Strength, and now we have Jenna serving use that Bohemian realness.

For Jenna we wanted to give a more sultry sexy.  Jill opted for huge crimped hair and makeup that really made her blue eyes pop.  In her first outfit Alexis dressed Jenna is a 90’s esque  full length white lace dress.  On her shoulders drapes a beautiful black embroidered kimono.  

As far as accessories go the motto was, “Too much is never enough.”  Alexis had her rocking the stone bangles and dripped crystal pendants around her neck.

However if you really want the details of what she wore be sure to check out our post on How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Shoot.  I believe this will come in handy for you regardless if you're getting married or not.

Three Things You Can Learn from Jenna

1. It’s okay to be nervous.

Jenna was really nervous about her session because she doesn’t model and has never done boudoir.  However, she did place her trust in myself and Alexis, who also models.  Alexis gave Jenna very detailed instruction to help her out and ease her fears.  She even gave her some excercises to practice at home for her next photo shoot.

2. It’s Okay to Take Control.  

Believe it or not Jenna's eyelashes are 100% organic.  She takes such good care of them and doesn’t let anyone, but herself, touch her eyelashes.  Sometimes ladies are scared to speak up, but what I liked about Jenna is what she wasn’t and was able to verbalize what she does and does not want to do.  If you don't feel comfortable or have an idea that better suits you don't be scared to speak up because your photographer wants you to feel as comfortable as possible.  

3. Listen.  

Jenna may have been nervous but you would have never noticed because she took the time and listened to us and own her photos.  Like Jolesa, Jenna listened with intent so she was able to pull off some of the mose beautiful pictures.  When you take the time and listen to your photographer about posing and how to do the poses your photos will come out amazing.  

Without further ado here are Jenna’s photos.

I hope today’s post helped you understand how to prep for your session and gave your style ideas for your next boudoir session.   

If you’re in the Dallas Fort Worth area and want to have a boudoir session please check out our investment page and contact us to schedule a time to speak regarding your session!  

In the comments below please let use know which one the two looks was your favorite?

The Best Proof of Love is Trust

Lets be honest.  If you really loved him you wouldn’t be stalking his Instagram likes, Facebook feed, or DMs.  You wouldn’t be plotting how to break into his phone.  You wouldn’t be plotting drive by to his place at midnight.  You wouldn’t have a need to do any of that if you really loved him.

Why do I say you don’t love him? In order to love someone you have to be able to trust them.  If you are really concerned about this person hurting you then chances are he will.  If he has no intention of hurting you but you keep creeping through his DM then you need to let him go because you don't trust him. 

Life is ways too dayum short to be wasted on worrying about what the next persons is doing.  If you are that worried about him messing with your heart or playing mind games with you then talk to him.  Don’t stalk him.  If you are too scared to have a conversation like this with him then you need to let him go.  

COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL TO A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

What’s the point of being in a relationship with a person you feel you can’t communicate with?  Are you that scared of his reaction that it stops you from living your life?  Communication is key to a healthy relationship so if you don’t have that then you don’t have anything at all.  

To be able to communicate efficiently means you are able to trust the person with what you say and how you mean it.  This works two ways.  Not just you to him… how you react to him as well.  

KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

I know way too many women who go back to men who have lied and cheated with them.  They go in and out of this relationship with the person with the same gripes they had the first, second, and third time. This is after they finally sit down and have a conversation about their needs and the person still never changes and she still never walks away.  

That’s why things don’t ever change, because you are too scared to walk away.  I don’t mean physically walk way.  I mean walk away from the drama, the life, the broken promises, the faux “I-Love-You.”  Walking away from him and all the drama he brings to the table will bring you a sense of peace.

Many times men will keep coming back to you after a breakup because he knows you will take him back. You keep taking the bait because after a day, a week, a month because you are tired of being alone or frightened that you won’t find anyone else.

CONTROL YOUR INSECURITIES

Hello ladies. These are your own insecurities getting the best of you.

That’s what it all comes back down to.  Your insecurities.  Your need.  Your want.  Your desires.  YOU!

Yet, you will keep allowing yourself to stay in a web of lies, deceit, and fairytales just to have a warm body next to you for a limited amount of hours before the whole process happens over again.  

Yet, we as women have a tendency to not take accountability for our roll in these volatile relationships.  Yes, he shouldn’t be cheating or lying.  However, when you come back to him over and over and over again do you really think he cares about your feelings?  No.  He is now at this point where he knows you, and knows that you will always be the backup plan for him.  

Yet… you still go into his phone, stalk his social media, or even drive by his place to see he’s there or not.

Is this how you really want to live your life?

Girl, gas is expensive!

Ask yourself.  What are you getting out of a relationship like this?  Ah!  I know! You’re hoping he will change… for you.  Honey, let me be perfectly honest.  Humans can be very selfish creatures by nature.  The only reason he’s going to change is for himself.  

HAVE AN HONEST CONVERSATION WITH YOURSELF

You want him to take you seriously?  How about really walking away.  Not answering the phone. Blocking him on all social media.  Not giving into the calls and text messages.  During this time you really need to be honest with yourself. Why do you keep this person around?  Why do you feel like this?  Why can't you trust him?  

If you can’t trust him.  Then you don’t love him.  You really should let him go.  Find someone who doesn't make you question them in the least bit.  

Without trust there is no relationship.

Without  trust there is no love.