Beauty Bites: How to Grow Longer Nails FAST!

"Nail biting is a mild form of self mutilation"

O_o ...........Now what now?!?!

When I read this quote a few months ago I was rocking an acrylic full set covered in turquoise O.P.I polish. I wore fake nails because if I didn't have anything on top of my natural nail, I'd gnaw them off in a matter of seconds.

I've been a nail biter for 24 years (FYI: I'm 24 years old, smh). There has to be an ending somewhere right? Well....... thank God for that quote and my aunt's secret to growing longer nails FAST. I can finally say I am no longer a nail nibbler because I've learned to take care of my own natural nails.

Here's how I've grown my nails from nubs to a pretty decent length in one month (as seen in the pictures above):

Step 1: Remove old nail polish from nails

Step 2: Use a cuticle pusher and your favorite oil to push back your cuticles
Step 3: Soak nails in WHITE vinegar for 5 minutes. Rinse hands and nails with soap and water
Step 4: Rub nails and cuticles with Vitamin E oil. Massage for about a minute per hand, then rinse. Step 5: Coat each nail with Sally Hansen: Hard As Nails clear nail hardener (found in drugstores) Step 6: Choose your favorite nail color. Add two coats of the colored polish to your nails.
step 7: Add one last coat of Hard As Nails as a top coatStep 8: Dry nails using a hair dryer on low

Step 9: Repeat this process every 3 days or as needed. (I recommend 3 days)

Alright! I hope you guys get the same results I did. I'll keep you all posted on my nail growth over the next several months.

Stay Fit....and FAB!

Fashionably Fit: Workout Gear for the Fit and Frugal

I'm always down for a bargain. Whether it's finding a designer handbag at TJ Maxx for half the price or scouring the racks of "vintage" dresses at a second hand store....a deal is a deal. The same rules apply when it comes to my workout wardrobe.

A couple months ago I found some cute workout pieces at two of the most affordable retail stores around: Wal-Mart and Marshall's.

Wal-Mart has thee cutest and comfiest workout sweatsuits. The best part is..... THEY'RE STYLISH!! I picked up a cute pink track jacket and black crop pants to match. The material is excellent and doesn't rip easily. I love my jacket and I plan on going back to pick up a couple more in other colors (although I love me some pink, lol).

I also happened to stumble across a cute pink workout shirt and yoga pants from Marshall's. It's very rare that I look for brands, but when I found Underarmour workout gear priced so cheap, I had to get it. So if you're looking for cheap workout gear with a label, definitely stop by Marshall's for a deal.

Remember, it's important to workout in clothes that you feel good in. I'll continue the search for fabulously fit finds and will share all of the good deals with you guys. Next stop... Targe' (aka Target lol)!!!

Pictured Upper Right: Danskin Track Jacket - $10 (Wal-Mart) / Danskin Cropped Yoga Pants $11 (Wal-Mart)

Pictured Left: UnderArmour Tee - $8.99 (Marshalls) / UnderArmour Long Yoga Pants - $11 (Marshalls)

Weight Loss Progress Report: 19 Weeks of Courage

Lately, I've been telling myself "slow and steady wins the race" because I'm finding this to be true every weigh in. Weight loss really takes patience and the ability to overcome set backs.

I'm approaching my 20th week of my weight loss journey and two weeks ago, I experienced my first weight gain. Weight gain can happen for a number of reasons, so I wasn't too upset. I just knew I'd work harder the next week, which I did.

So far I've lost a total of 35 pounds and counting. I suspect there will be more increases in weight during this process, but the key is to overcome the setback the following week and remain encouraged.

Above, you'll find my latest progress report. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Find the courage to keep going! :-)

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the
end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
-Mary Anne Radmacher