Workout Wednesdays: Wii & Wii Fit

My loving, caring, thoughtful, beautiful Mother blessed my husband and I with a Wii for Christmas. It was such a sweet surprise, especially because we didn't even know much about the Wii.

This game by Nintendo is so much fun!!! We had seen a few people play it, but that fails to compare to the experience of playing it yourself. We had a blast! My Mom even played my husband and I in bowling...she kicked our butts by the way.

This game system is like nothing I have ever experienced before. The console comes with 1 wireless remote control and nunchuk (a piece that you attach to your remote). It also features 1 game, Wii Sports which includes baseball, bowling, tennis, golf and boxing (this is when you attach the nunchuck). It's really easy to set up and the games are fun. The console is very small and doesn't take up much space. My hubby attached the sensor to the top of our flatscreen and we were up and running in minutes. My favorites Wii Sports games are tennis and bowling.

You also have an opportunity to create Mii's, which are the characters in the game. You can pick exactly how you want your Mii's to look, from their skin color to the shape of their eyes. My brother and sister-in-law have about 20 Mii's on their system and they are very creative. They had one Mii named OnWon and she looked strange, crazy and deranged to say the least. Another Mii was androgynous, and it really looked androgynous...I mean I couldn't tell if it was male or female...it was hilarious and a sight to see.

We really get into tennis and we end up sweating because you really have to move...like you are actually playing, with backhands and everything. We played my sweet little niece in bowling the other day and she beat us so bad that her stats went up to pro and they honored her with the cutest little bowling ball. My hubby is practicing bowling right this moment so he can take his Mii over there and win!!!

I love that the Wii is so interactive. I can't recall a video game like this where so many people can get involved. It was so much fun playing with my Mom and my husband. Another moment that touched me was watching my husband and my brother play golf together...and we didn't even have to leave the house. I also played a cooking game with my niece called Order Up. It was pretty neat. Not something my husband would play, but us girls enjoyed it.

Wii Fit

The Wii Fit comes with a balance board and a Wii Fit disc. The balance board is a scale and can measure your weight, of course, and BMI (Body Mass Index). Their is a training section where you can choose from 4 options; yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games. Each time you train, you receive fit bank points...which equals the amount of time you've spent on that particular training exercise. For example, if you choose to train with balance games and pick the Ski Slope Jump game, after you jump twice (never jump on/off the balance board-simply extend your knees) you will receive a score and 1 minute credit in your fit bank. As these credits/minutes add up they will unlock other training games and higher levels.

The Wii Fit keeps track of your weight and BMI and allows you to check your progress. It also allows you to set a password in case you don't want anyone to see your wight or BMI. It helps to keep tabs on your health and work towards better fitness and balance. I usually do the Body Test every Tuesday and Saturday morning, which checks my weight, BMI, and updates my Wii Fit Age and progress for the week.

I spend more time on the aerobics and balance games. The first training I did was the aerobics step when my mom was here...she was laughing at me because I didn't know what I was doing at first and all the Mii's were so cute. Then I did the aerobics Hula Hoop and broke a sweat. Those are my favorites, along with the advanced step, jogging, and ski games. I only do the advanced boxing to bank 13 fit credits. Boxing is probably my least favorite but it gives me a the most credits in a single game. I do a few of the strength training exercises because I know their good for me.

Rating & Reasons: B+

Overall, the Wii and companion Wii Fit are pretty cool! They allow for the entire family to get involved and have some fun. The Wii Fit is a great fitness tool, in addition to a regular exercise plan and healthy diet. I think they could have improved on the graphics. I would also like to see more variety in the games. Another thing I don't care for is you can't customize the Wii Fit training section. For example, if I wanted to start with the Basic Run and then move on to the advanced step then finish with another run and some strength training, the Wii Fit doesn't allow that. I would have to do one exercise...watch my fit credits drop into the the fit bank, wait for my ranking, then either choose "retry" or "quit", then go to my next exercise. A customize feature would be really great. All in all, I totally recommend the Wii and the Wii Fit...they will be an exciting addition to any household...and it very fun!

Blessings and Favor,

Beautiful

Workout Wednesdays: The Biggest Loser Cardio Max

I always engage in extensive research before I make a purchase (for the most part) and this was no different. I read several reviews of this workout DVD and purchased it for $7.50.

It features; Customize your workout - (where you choose which levels you would like to do), Maximize results Program (they choose your workouts each week), and the music only option (eliminating cue's from the trainer's). You will need hand weights for Level 1. On some days, I simply used water bottles.

The disc contains 3 cardio levels and warm-up & cool-down options.

Warm-up (5 mins.) w/Bob

Cardio Level 1 (20 mins.) w/Bob

Cardio Level 2 (10 mins.) w/Jillian

Cardio Level 3 (10 mins.) w/Kim

Cool-down (5 mins.) w/Bob

I don't watch the Biggest Loser, so I'm not a fan, however I know I needed some cardio work at home. I also know those people lose a lot of weight. I've heard about Jillian Michaels (I will be reviewing the 30-day Shred next week) and she means business.

I started this video with only the warm-ups and cardio Level 1. I did sweat and felt my heart rate was really up there. After getting bored with level 1, I advanced to Level 2. Jillian is no joke. She doesn't waste any time and you will sweat. One day I tried Level 2 and Level 3, but I found Level 3 to be uneventful. I thought it would build up to something fantastic...starting w/Bob and then moving to Jillian, but I was so disappointed in Level 3. Jillian even says mid-way through her workout "Man, whose doing level 3...glad it's not me", so I just knew that I would be challenged in level 3. It's more of a kickbox style, which is great, however after Jillian's Level 2 - let's just say - Level 3 doesn't live up to the hype.

For the past couple of months, after my other workout video I only customize my workout on this disc to Cardio Level 2 w/Jillian. Depending on how I feel I may do her section twice.

Rating & Reasons: C

I gave The Biggest Loser Cardio Max a C. I was really excited about this workout video at first but after a few weeks, it wore off. I'm sure it had something to w/my boredom on Level 1 and my disappointment w/Level 2. Jillian's Level is the only reason this is receiving an average rating. She is motivating and its only 10 minutes. Ten minutes goes by so fast with her and I'm out of breathe and dripping sweat in no time. Another reason the rating is so low is because you really need to supplement Cardio Max with another video, maybe some strength training.I definitely don't think it's enough on its own.

Blessings and Favor,

Beautiful

Beautiful Hair: My Healthy Hair Journey

Hello! This photo is one of the 1st photos I took when I began my hair journey in August of 2008. Initially, I wanted to post some pictures of one of the styles I tried and successfully achieved with my hair, but I realized you know absolutely nothing about my hair! So, I decided I would devote this post to a little bit (okay - a lot) of my hair history and in future post I will share styles (attempted & achieved), product reviews, hair care suggestions and photos with you beautiful people.

A few years ago, I was injured and as a result, my wrist, arms and back are weak and give me problems. When I was a little girl, I remember my hair was very, very thick and my Mom used to pay relatives and her friends to deal with it. I recall a stylist friend of hers (also one of my loving Godmothers) giving me a relaxer and my hair felt weightless, for lack of a better word. I couldn't have been more than 8 or 9 years old and I would get a relaxer every few months.

Ever since then, I have been relaxed. I tried washing my own hair a few times, but it would always end up a tangled mess. As long as I can remember I have gone to a stylist and let them deal with it. Around the age of 16, my Godmother/stylist became affiliated with Luster ( an African-American owned & operated company that manufactures hair care products for people of African descent). As a result, I became a model for their hair shows. I used a couple of their products on occasion, but I can't say that it was the sole attributing factor to my hair growth and length. Needless to say, the hair shows and the "professional stylist" were brutal on my hair. For some reason, the stylists would always want to cut my hair and they handled my hair and head roughly, to say the least. I began to notice damage from all the manipulation, poor hair care and even headaches from the hair shows.

I began to see a male stylist and he was great, however I would have to block out at least 8 hours to have my hair relaxed, dried and styled. It was a pain, but he was the only one that could get my hair the way I liked it. I continued to endure this for about 6 years, then I found another stylist...she was actually my Mom's stylist and a friend of my Godmother/stylist. She was okay, but she couldn't get my hair as straight as the previous guy. I stayed with her until this past August and then I started taking care of my own hair.

It has been so much fun and I am learning new things about my hair all the time. One of the first sites that I found, upon commencing my healthy hair care journey was Healthy Textures created by a beautiful young lady named Macherieamour a.k.a. Genifer Miller. Initially, I came across some tutorials on You Tube, then I clicked on her website. It was a wealth of information and I stayed up all night reading. I have also visited and perused various blogs, forums and constantly read literature on healthy hair care and maintenance.

Keep in mind, my husband was super skeptical and worried that I would be in pain because of my aforementioned injuries. Granted...he had never witnessed me do my own hair to this magnitude, aside from curling it or the classic ponytail. Needless to say, I was feeling discouraged, but looked to God and my Mom for encouragement. My hubby was supportive, but still skeptical. Later that August, after praying for God to provide me with strength, wisdom and courage, I self-relaxed and the results were beautiful (see photo above). At that time, my hair was an inch past Mid-Back Length. Now, I am Waist Length and lovin' it. It took a few months to get there, but I made it with God's amazing grace!

Thus far, this journey has liberated me in so many ways. For years, I felt confined to little salons and the lack of professionalism and treatment endured throughout the years. Now, I feel empowered by the ability to have control over my hair and grateful that I do not have to spend hundreds of dollars and long hours in a salon. I am confident that I possess the capability of maintaining my tresses. I also find spending quality time with and on my hair therapeutic. I hope this can be encouragement for someone that may be feeling discouraged to take charge of their hair or is seeking motivation. It's possible...with prayer, patience and research.

Blessings and Favor,
Beautiful

Spiritual Sundays: The Attitude of Prayer

On Sundays, it is my hope for this blog, to share a spiritual word with my readers. My Sundays are usually devoted to praise, worship, fellowship, peace and rest. However, if I am able I will post something that will hopefully touch you in a way that it has touched me. If I do not post on a Sunday, then hopefully it will come on Monday.

My Pastor is a dynamic, amazingly anointed man and I am blessed to be a part of a church where I am growing more and more each day. I feel spiritually stronger after hearing the message and that is something that I am so grateful for. I know I have matured along my spiritual walk because now I take notes in church. These notes allow me to encourage myself and edify others with a dynamic message. This is the first time that I have ever had a desire to take notes in church and it has truly made a difference in my life. We use the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible and we study from the Life Application Study Bible.

The Attitude of Prayer (Dr. Lea - December 2008)
Ephesians 6:17-18
"17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. (NIV)

1) Be Prayerful
Being prayerful is "attitude that characterizes your lifestyle."
You must pray in the Spirit and pray on all occasions (even when things are calm).
2) Be Alert
Sometimes when we are in prayer, thoughts and images pop into our mind and we have no explanation for why we thought that in the moment. These thoughts are distractions used by the enemy to confuse & interrupt your personal prayer time.

The Life Application study notes pose an interesting question & answer for the aforementioned verse 18.
"How can anyone pray on all occasions? One way is to make quick brief prayers your habitual response to every situation you meet throughout the day. Another way is to order your life around God's desires and teaching so that your very life becomes a prayer."

My Response This message reminded me of the Power of Prayer and how it needs to be a part of your daily life. I consider myself a prayerful person, but I can do better. My goal is to do a better job of making prayer a habitual response to every situation. I remember trying this when I found myself frustrated in class. I just put my head down and said a silent prayer to the Lord. I found peace and comfort in the prayer and in minutes the frustration was gone. Dr. Lea recommends to "get into a hidden and heavenly place in prayer." In my private time, candles and my prayer pillow help set a peaceful, prayer mood for me. What works for you?

Blessings and Favor,
Beautiful

Movie Review: The Family that Preys

My husband and I can be very critical when it comes to movies and we have a tendency to critique the films we watch. We rarely actually go to a movie and it has to be something that we both really want to see in order for us to shell out nearly $20.00.
That being said we normally wait until a film is released on DVD and we either rent it, watch it with family On Demand or Mommy buys it for the family collection.

Synopsis: "Socialite Charlotte Cartwright and her friend Alice Pratt, a working class woman, have enjoyed a lasting friendship through the years. Suddenly, their lives become mired in turmoil as their adult children's extramarital affairs, unethical business practices and dark secrets threaten to derail the family fortunes and unravel the lives of all involved" (Synopsis - courtesy of DVD backcover).

My Observations: I thought this film was very well done. I enjoyed everything about it from the plot to the actors to the cinematography to the writing. The chemistry between the characters was a joy to watch. I believed that Kathy Bates (Charlotte) and Alfre Woodard (Alice) were actually good friends that truly cared about one another. I have never seen Sanaa Lathan (Andrea) play a character that was so self-centered and arrogant and she was absolutely great. I enjoyed Taraji Henson (Pam) as well, she seems like she is so much fun to work with and burst of good energy. Robin Givens (Abigail) always plays such a strong, no-nonsense, type of character and she didn't disappoint. One of my favorite scenes in the film is between Sanaa's character and Robin's character. It was like a showdown and neither one of them backed down. I also thought the production team did an awesome job with the costumes, hair and makeup. Everyone looked really good in the film and the business suits and dresses were really beautiful.

Rating & Reason: A-
Overall, I thought this film was outstanding. The Family that Prey's is a wonderfully written drama, with seasoned actors and unexpected plot twists. There was diversity, characters were 3-dimensional and everything made sense. The minus in the rating comes from the lack of exterior shots in the film. I would have liked to see where we were or what time of day it was. It was difficult to tell that time had passed and the only way I knew was because of the costumes. I also find myself fast-forwarding through the opening scene as well as some of the scenes between Alice & Charlotte on their road trip. Otherwise, I highly recommend this film and believe it should be part of any DVD collection. By the way...my husband gives it an A and he can be hard to please...so that speaks volumes!!!

Blessings and Favor,
Beautiful

Beautiful

Hello and Welcome,

I am so excited to start sharing with you and I hope you are able to get something from this blog when you visit!

A little about me...I am a Lovely Libra with a passion for Christ. I have a close and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and accepted him as my Lord and Savior on my own at the age of 7. I have been married for a few years and I am blessed to be in this marriage designed by God and favored to have found my soul mate. I have a very close relationship with my beautiful and nurturing mother and I cherish every moment I spend with her. I have an older brother and lots of brothers and sisters in Christ. I am an active member of my church and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Counseling and Psychotherapy.

It is my hope to become a beacon of light, hope and encouragement to those around me, as well as the readers of this blog.

Blessings & Favor,
Beautiful