By Erica Bryant @gracefulowl

“Exercise gives you endorphins—endorphins make people happy and happy people just don’t shoot their husbands… they just don’t.”

Movie reference aside, it is true.  Endorphins are released during long continuous workouts (when the level of intensity is between moderate and high and breathing is difficult).  I have been chasing this ever elusive “runner’s high” for years.   Quite honestly, exercise bores me.  Really, it does not matter how many playlists I create, after about fifteen minutes on the treadmill I feel like a rat in a cage! Every time I turn on the TV some expert is reminding me take part in 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least 3 times each week in order to prevent chronic health problems, boost confidence, and improve/maintain physical appearance.  But with advertisements for everything from zumba, pilates, yoga, and gym memberships,finding the best workout for me has been a bit overwhelming.

 Nevertheless, I endure and a few weeks ago my friend invites me to her Soca aerobics dance class. While I am not a fitness expert I do know that dancing is great for the heart and boosts muscle tone.  Still, I was worried…I mean, organized dancing is not the same as getting my groove on at the club.  Also, I must admit while I am confident enough to wear sequined shorts in the daytime, as a plus size brown beauty I was a bit nervous about embarrassing myself around more fit women.  But, intimidation to the side, I went and here is what I learned: 

1. Soca is a style of Caribbean music originating in Trinidad and Tobago.
2. Soca music has a lively and up beat tempo (you stay “turnt up”).
3. It is fun and suitable for all ages and can be adapted to all physical levels.
4. You do not have to be familiar with Caribbean Dance and Music to enjoy Soca Aerobics.
5. It is a great introduction to Caribbean Culture (I was asked to take part in Carnival my first session). 
6. It is a wonderful way to meet new people and socialize.
7. You engage every part of your body while burning calories and toning/strengthening muscles (I started sweating within the first five minutes).
8. You release stress/tension and gain more energy
9. It is FUN! 

As amazing as it is, Soca is just one of many excellent exercise classes to choose from.   The question is how do I decide which one is right for me?  According to Hive Health Media (www.hivehealthmedia.com) here are a few tips on finding the right fit:

1. Think practically and make room in your daily schedule.  That is, do not choose a class more than a thirty-minute drive away.  Or, if you want to exercise after work then give yourself time to get there, change clothes, and have a snack.
2. Determine your personal fitness goal and find a class that will help you succeed.  That means, if you are looking to lose weight you should find a class that is fast paste with plenty of cardio.  Likewise, if you are looking to tone your body choose a conditioning class.
3. Consider your physical condition.  If you have not exercised in a while or lead a particularly inactive lifestyle speak with your doctor before starting any type of new program and do not be afraid to start slow.
4. Go for what you find enjoyable and will keep you motivated from week to week.  You may also want to take a risk and try something outside of your comfort zone.
5. Bring a friend along to give you an extra boost of confidence.  But, do not be afraid to socialize and meet new people.

Good luck and no matter your choice have fun!  I’m thinking of trying belly dancing next.

#BrownBeauties the temperature is rising more and more each day. Warm weather means shorter clothes and the perfect opportunity to put your gorgeous legs on display. Just like any great accessory your legs must complement your outfit. Recently I used a wonderful homemade sugar scrub recipe that left my legs feeling and looking silky soft. Check out the recipe below plus a few shaving tips that will leave your legs flawless.

Silky Summer Legs Sugar Scrub  (Courtesy of  Krystaslifeinfood.com)

1 1/4 cups sugar 

1/2 cups oil of your choice (I used coconut oil)

3 tablespoons lemon juice or 1 squeezed fresh lemon

Mix all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl

Instructions

·         Soak legs in a tub of warm water for five to ten minutes

·         Shave legs

·         Apply scrub to legs and give each leg a mini massage

·         Rinse off sugar scrub and moisturize skin

#BrownBeauties let me know how you liked the sugar scrub. I found it amazing and might add it as a staple in my beauty cabinet.

By: Bee (@JustBee88)

• Tags
• my brown box
• beauty
• DIY
• sugar scrub
• homemade
• lifestyle
• health

By: Jaida McKie (@whatjaisaid) 

A white t-shirt is a must-have staple in everyone’s closet no matter what your style is. The styling options are endless with this versatile piece! If you have a crisp white t-shirt and you want to figure out how to jazz it up, here are a few options to help personalize your style. 

Keep it casual and carefree with a pair of Converses & skinny jeans or denim cut-offs. Throw on a camouflage jacket or denim jacket on those cooler days. You can rock a pair of bamboo earrings or large hoops or a snapback to channel your inner tomboy.

Blazers, trouser pants and pencil skirts paired with pumps are perfect for meetings and interviews. Try going for a dressier white shirt when you’re dressing for business. A nice, white short-sleeved blouse can also be a versatile piece in your wardrobe. 

Go boho chic and pair your tee with a colorful maxi skirt or go for a tribal print skirt paired with gladiator sandals or wedges. Rock a fedora or floppy hat to block the sun. Remember, adding accessories to basic pieces can add interest to any look.  Check out how Brown Beauty Solange adds pizazz to her white tee with a pretty statement necklace along with her gorgeous curls. 

A white tank is also a great piece to have! All three of these pieces can be found easily and you don’t have to break the bank to find them. 

• Tags
• Fashion Tips
• black fashion
• brown beauty tip
• brown beauties

How one rocks her natural tresses is very important in maintaining its overall health. Protective styles and wash n goes are a great option for the summer time. But what about when you’ve exhausted those options and become bored with your hair? 

Here are three styles that will give Brown Beauties fierce curls and can also be accomplished without using heat.  

Twist Out: Twist outs accomplish great volume and give hair crazy definition. Start by washing and conditioning hair. Some Brown Beauties prefer dividing hair into sections (8-16) and twisting these individual sections. While other Brown Beauties prefer to divide hair into sections and flat twist their hair (flat twist are similar to a cornroll but the hair is twisted instead of braided). Which ever method you prefer, its always a great idea to place rollers on the ends of the twists for a uniform curl pattern. Allow hair to air dry over night & in the morning you will have a FIERCE twist out!

Curlformers: Curlformers are a great alternative for Brown Beauties that would like to stretch their curls! Curlformers may look complicated but the application is fairly simple. Insert the rollers in the hair by stretching the roller onto the rod. Then, slightly twist your hair at the root and place the rod at the root of the scalp.  Once the rod is released, the roller conforms hair into a curl on the roller.  (Note: The smaller you section your hair the better! Also, don’t take the rollers out until your hair is completely dry or else this whole process is a COMPLETE waste of time) Curlformers are a great choice if you are looking for an alternative style, perfect for weddings, special celebrations, and parties.

Flexi Rods: Flexi Rods are a viable option for Brown Beauties that would like to expand their curls. The extra incentive is that after the ‘new curl’ look has worn off you can play with the curls by picking them out and it gives hair the ‘natural’ look. Flexis come in all sizes so the Brown Beauty must decide what look or curl they want. But one does not have to sit underneath the hair dryer to accomplish shiny curls, use a ‘wrap/curl’ lotion like Jane Carter Wrap and Roll Lotion or Design Essentials Twist and Set Lotion, allow hair to air dry & when the rollers are removed, your curls will be popping!

Heatless styles are great for the summertime. After all if it’s already scorching outside, who wants to add to the heat and make it even hotter? This summer let’s take a break from the heat and explore some heatless styles.

Brown Beauties what are some of your favorite styles that can be accomplished without using heat?

Love, Hugs & Beautiful Tresses, 

VeCoya 

@vecoya

• Tags
• twist out
• curlformers
• flexi rods
• heatless styles
• curl styles
• jane carter warp and roll
• design essentials twist and set
• natural hair
• naturalhair
• design essentials
• women of color
• hair
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• team natural

3 Truths to Live Naturally and Survive Your Trip Down the Beauty Aisle

 TRUTH #1: We are all product junkies of some variety, so the trick to natural skin care is knowing which products to buy and which to DIY.

TRUTH #2: Going natural does not mean mean becoming a hippie-dippie flower child, living makeup-less eating granola and spelt flour.

TRUTH #3: There are tons of simple/cost efficient ways to be beautiful and fierce, naturally.

My granny always says, “black don’t crack.”  She’s usually right, but just in case, I started looking into simple natural ways to care for my skin.  ”Natural” simply means having little or no processing and containing no chemical additives.  Most importantly, according to naturalhealthyconcepts.com we absorb nearly sixty percent of what we put on our skin. Considering the skin is the largest organ in the human body, it is no wonder that chemicals found in some of our favorite beauty products can cause anything from skin allergies to reproductive problems. So, to jump-start my natural skin care regimen I did two things.  First, I researched harsh chemicals and preservatives found in many products that should be avoided, including the following:

Second, I identified the basic skin care needs (i.e. cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, tone, etc) and looked for natural plant based products to use instead.  Here are a few suggestions:

SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN: Most soaps contain harsh cleaning agents that dry the skin out.  But, Kirk’s Original CoCo Castile bar soap gently clears away dirt, oil, and makeup.  The simple white bar of soap is made without animal by-products, is hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and contains no synthetic detergents ($22.44 for one dozen). www.kirksnatural.com

THE GREAT EXFOLIATOR: We all know exfoliating your skin will help prevent acne, refine your complexion, tighten your pores, and keep your skin looking radiant and smooth. That’s why I keep a container of baking soda in the shower.  Combined with your favorite soap/cleanser, baking soda has just the right amount of grain to remove dead skin cells without creating dry patchiness, leaving you with the ultimate glow!  

WATCH YOUR TONE: Unless you have oily or acne prone skin or want extra cleansing after wearing a lot of makeup toner is not all that important.  I suggest witch hazel because of its high levels of tannin (a natural astringent found in trees).

MOISTURIZE DARLING:  I have oily skin so I usually avoid oil based moisturizers like the plague.  But, grapeseed oil takes me to my happy place!  It is super light weight and nearly fragrance free, leaving the skin with a velvety finish.  Additionally, it brightens the complexion and works wonders on dark circles under the eyes.  As a side note, I buy an extra large bottle and use it for my hair, skin, as well as cooking.  

SPECIAL TREATMENT: Facial masks provide deep nourishment to the skin and can be used to detoxify, increase circulation, and replenish nutrients. But above all, they are truly pampering.  When it comes to pampering my skin and spending the extra dollars I head straight to LUSH.  Their products are fresh,  handmade, plant based, and preservative free.  One of my favorite products is Ayesha ($6.95), the fresh face mask made in part with honey and asparagus.  You can order online at www.lushusa.com but nothing beats the in store treatment!

HOME BASE: Let’s face it (pun completely intended!), the foundation struggle for women of color is real!  I have tried dozens of brands before finding Iman’s Second to None Stick Foundation.  Though it is oil-free and I love the coverage and finish, I have started looking for a more natural alternative.  Unfortunately, most companies do not offer a variety of brown tones and hues.  Whether you prefer loose mineral powder, liquid, or stick foundation below is a list (including prices) of companies showing natural organic love for our brown skin:

100% Pure - $26-$32

www.100percentpure.com

Alima Pure - $25

www.alimapure.com

(offers a twenty dollar starter kit including 4 foundation samples)

b.l.a.c minerals - $21.50 (offers three dollar samples with free shipping)

www.blacminerals.com

Jane Iredale - $44-$52

www.janeiredale.com

KmS Mineral Essentials - $27-$29.50

www.kmsmineralessentials.com

Plane Jane Beauty - $24.50-$34.50

www.planejanebeauty.net

I hope these suggestions make your next trip down the beauty aisle less of a harrowing ordeal.

Naturally yours,

Erica Bryant @gracefulowl

#BrownBeauties do you love chocolate? If you are like me then the answer is a big YES! I’ve found a recipe that gets the stamp of fabulousness with its creativity, cute presentation, and inclusion of delectable chocolate. Brownies in jar is a great recipe to add to your cookbook because of the simplicity of the preparation and of course the delicious end result. Seriously, it looks like it might take you a long time in the kitchen but it’s not time consuming at all. But don’t worry; you don’t have to mention this part when trying to impress others in the cooking department. For the wonderful mothers out there this is also a kid-friendly recipe as I did a variation of this recipe with fifteen pre-kindergarten and they loved it. With Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday how amazing would it be to serve this yummy dessert at a Mother’s Day brunch or dinner. #BrownBeauties try the recipe out and let me know the results.  Don’t forget to add your own little personal touch, chocolate chips and caramel sauce are a couple of my go to items.

By: Bee (@JustBee88)

• Tags
• food
• desserts
• brownies
• brown beauties
• mybrownbox
• lifestyle
• cooking
• brownies in a jar

    There is an undeniable sparkle to women of color.  Our gait is regal.  Our bodies are shapely.  Our skin, soft and rich.  We are vibrant, intelligent, and incapable of being derailed.  But what happens when our natural vibrance is met with stereotypes in the workplace and beyoned?  We are often left with a choice between overcompensating as to not appear offended or taking the risk of being labeled as angry or combative.   Too often we are forced to cower in the face of scrutiny. 

     In 2003, Charisse Jones and Dr. Kumea Shorter-Gooden explored the varying themes of our masks in their books Shifting: The Double Lives of Black Women in America. 

A must read for any woman of color, this book will sit with you like an old girlfriend, agreeing with the plight and providing solutions.  One of the main solutions is to name this concept for yourself and begin to heal it.  Cowering from the crucial conversations, although they might secure employment or at least peace, causes more harm to you than good. 

Whether you are struggling in the workplace or fighting in your relationships, Shifting will provide an insight that is worthy of exploration.  This is why it is our BrownBeauty Book of the Month!

Interested in purchasing a copy of Shifting?  Look here:

http://www.amazon.com/Shifting-Double-Lives-Black-America/dp/0060090553#_

 As always, shine bright BrownBeauties, knowing that you’re made to stand in the light.

By: Cassandra Jones (@CDioneJones)

By: Jaida McKie (@whatjaisaid)

Every year, the clock winds down and people scramble at the last minute to find the perfect Mother’s Day gifts. Whether you’re looking for your mother, godmother, aunt, grandmother, or sister, all of these are easy gifts that you can put together in less than a week for Mother’s Day so get started now! 

A Little R&R

Arrange for her to have a day of relaxation. You could also accompany her for some quality time. Be sure to look on sites like Groupon for special deals.

Jewelry

If she has a special hobby or interest, a charm bracelet would be a nice gift. Whether she likes horses or shoes, this would be a cute gift and you can buy her a new charm every year until it’s full of cute, personalized charms. 

A Movie Starring Mom

Put together a homemade video to show your love and appreciation. You could even feature some old footage of you and her teaching you how to swim or ride a bike. Ask your other parent or siblings to join in on the fun to make her feel extra loved!

Chef For A Day

Arrange for her to have a nice brunch or dinner at a nice restaurant or make your way to the kitchen and surprise her with breakfast in bed or a nice Sunday dinner. 

Gift Cards

If you’re on a tight schedule and you don’t a lot of time to make anything by hand, give her a gift card to one of her favorite places and add a sweet personal message to the card to make it a bit more special.

Tickets

Get her tickets to see her favorite band or play when they come to town. Splurge a little to get the good seats!

• Tags
• my brown box
• tips
• Mother's Day
• brown beauties