There is nothing better than a Sunday afternoon stroll and if you get to stroll through nature, then the Sunday stroll gets even better. The warm weather invites cool clothing as well as the desire to get outdoors. This dress made me feel amazingly free and not restricted. I normally live in blue jeans but sometimes the buttons squeeze too tightly or the thighs feel too tight but none of this happens in this dress.
Getting in touch with nature before the start of the week is a great way to reset. Weekdays for many of us can be a combination of work, chaos, schedules, meetings and juggling multiple responsibilities and tasks but getting a jump on mentally centering yourself on a Sunday can help to remedy some of the potential chaos.
On Sunday, take time to think. Take time to breath and reflect on all of the growth and stillness of nature. Find tranquility that you can take with you into the week ahead.
How do you ready yourself mentally for the work week?
Curlfest is a gathering of the most beautiful people ever! The third annual Curlfest happened in July and this is the first year that I actually got the chance to attend. I’ve RSVPed every year prior but life happened and I was never able to attend. well, it was worth the wait. I took my 12-year-old daughter along to the dopest picnic with the dopest women rocking natural hair.
There was a main stage with a DJ spinning all of the Beyonce that you can dance to. All of your favorite curl products/brands were on the lawn in Prospect Park selling your faves, handing out samples and vibing with cool IG backdrops for cool pictures.
Is there anything better than walking through Prospect Park on a warm day when you are in Brooklyn? I say, “no”. The park is big but not overwhelming. There is something for everyone of every age. We love visiting the Audubon Center, then take the short walk over to the carousel and after that, cross the path to the Lefferts House. There is always something for the kids to get into. There are no phones or iPad or even technology involved. There is a large dirt area for the kids to just dig. there is a water pump that delivers water to little hands as a reward for hand cranking a pump. They collect water in a watering can and water the veggies planted in the yard. There are old farmhouse games that include walking on wooden stilts, rolling a thin wooden wheel with a wooden stick. You see a trend here right? Wood. It’s what stuff was made out of before we discovered concrete and steel.
What do you do when there is endless grass and a large empty field? Cartwheels of course.
We took the short walk over to the carousel for our fill of happy music and the feel of Paris.
After the carousel, we walk directly across the path to The Lefferts House.
We walked on wooden stilts.
Played with Jacob’s Ladder.
There are beautifully restored rooms that brings you back to what life was like in the 17 and 1800s in Brooklyn.
Summer is right round the bend and if you are in the South you are already basking in the warm weather. We’ve had a brutal Winter where we were either homebound from all the snow or just wanting something hearty and warm to hit the bottom of our bellies. There was no time to work out but it’s not too late to get fit fast by just following these quick tips. I’m sure Kanye had these tips in his workout plan.
Abs (and a flat belly) are made in the kitchen, as a result, we have to alter what we eat and STAT. A high protein and low carb eating plan is a must and can be done easier in the Summer months. It’s just too hot to eat heavy meals. Combine a salad (without all the fatty dressing) and a lean protein, like chicken breast or fish, for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, I recommend a low sugar protein shake combined with your favorite fruits for an energy packed meal. If you are hungry in between meals snack on almonds or raw veggies.
Combine a lean protein with some fresh greens for a fat blasting meal.
Get Moving. If there is a gym near you then get there. There are so many gym franchises popping up and they are priced so that everyone can utilize them. There are Planet Fitness and Blink Fitness just to name two. Most neighborhoods also have a local YMCA. No gym, no excuses. Get outside and walk, jog or bike around your block/neighborhood. There are also organization/groups like “Black Girls Run” who meet in different locations in the city. They meet in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and run as a group. Working out in groups provides support for your fitness goals and also motivates through accountability.
Take advantage of the warm weather and get outside for some physical activity. The Summer months are short so go out and play.
Have a goal but don’t have unrealistic expectations. You cannot lose 100 pounds in 1 month (I exaggerate). You know what I mean. Know YOUR body ad love YOUR body. Be kind to it and be thankful for it. The aim is to keep your body healthy and treat it well. Looking great in a bikini or your favorite suit is just the payoff. Giselle is sexy as hell but I will never have her body. I find my own sexy. Hope these tips will help you find yours during beach season.
Try to visit the beach as often as you can this Summer. If you can jet to the Caribbean, do so. If not, take advantage of your Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Go there, feel the sand in your toes and read your favorite book.
TamaraLoves 
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