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

Mia Amber Davis: Plus Model and Advocate Gone Too Soon

On May 10, 2011, the plus model industry lost one of it’s brightest stars. Mia Amber Davis paved the way for aspiring full figured models around the world. I was shocked and brought to tears when I discovered she died at only 36 after knee surgery. It was almost as if I lost one of my heroes.

Davis used every opportunity to set positive examples for women of every color, shape and size. Observing her effort inspired me to embrace who I am today while working toward being the best me possible. She was a model, an advocate for plus size acceptance and the kindest spirit I’ve ever witnessed.

In 2009, I remember watching a CNN special on obesity, where Davis defended overweight men and women, referring to size-ism as the “last acceptable prejudice”. Her argument was valid, however, I’m not sure if her words were respected. I understood exactly where she was going with her statements and at that point, I knew Mia Amber Davis was more than a pretty face. She was passionate about making a difference for those who thought they’d never have a chance in today’s society.

Prior to her appearance on CNN and before becoming (in my eyes) the most popular Black plus model to date, Davis appeared in the movie Road Trip and lost over 100 pounds shortly after. Davis said that in order for her to become a model, (even in the plus industry) she had to lose weight. She also felt necessary to do so after a nearly fatal car accident, where she found herself repeatedly telling the emergency crew “I’m sorry I’m fat” while they struggled to carry her from the crash. At that time, Davis was 300 pounds. She knew a change was needed for her to improve her life and as a result, began working out and eating healthy. After losing a tremendous amount of weight, Davis went on to model for Ashley Stewart, Monif C. and was a frequent runway model on BET’s Rip the Runway.

Through all of this, she still remained an advocate for men and women battling obesity.

To this day, I’m still in shock that one of my role models is gone. Just days before her death, I remember her tweeting that she was excited about her future. Her fight and her success inspire me to be as excited for my future as she was for her own. Her story is an example of determination and the result of hard work.

Mia Amber Davis’ legacy will live on through me as I plan on helping others love who they are while working toward a healthier, happier future. Mia was all about having a positive view of self regardless of outward appearance. I want to encourage the same mentality among my readers, friends, family and everyone else.

Mia Amber Davis, you will be missed but never forgotten. You were truly a blessing to me. Rest in Peace.

30 Cans of Crisco Gone Down the Drain

Last week marked 13 weeks!!!! I've been on my weight loss journey for over over THREE MONTHS! I learned last Friday that I've lost 30 lbs. total since starting in January. Yes 30 POUNDS! I'm excited!!!! I'm under 230 pounds now and I'm looking forward to getting out of the 200 range by the summer.

This is an exciting point for me because for a long time, I couldn't make it out of the 230 pound range. This is usually the point where I relapse, start getting lazy and reverse my progress. But I'm finally breaking that trend. I can see myself closer to the finish line and I'm so anxious and excited to get back into my size 12 jeans. I'm about 27 pounds away from wearing a size 12 again (yes, I can fit a 12 at 200 lbs). It's just all really exciting.

My biggest worry at this point is toning. What will my body really look like after losing over 50-60+ pounds? So, to avoid excessive "flab", I plan on incorporating toning exercises and strength training once I reach about 210 pounds.

I'm so excited y'all! And yeah, 30 pounds is the equivalent of 30 gallons of Crisco. Can you imagine how heavy that is?!?! It's also the same weight as 4 gallons of water. How many of you can carry four gallons of water at once? Yeah... I'll wait........................................ It's crazy to think that's what I was carrying on my body and I still have more to lose!

I'm not stopping and neither should you!

Fat Little Fit Goes Clubbin!

Fat Little Fit Girl has been getting it in on the club scene lately ya''ll! Woooo! Two Saturdays in one month is quite a stretch for me, lol. I'm proud of myself though.

I've noticed that my body mistakes dancing and prancing around the club as "power aerobics" or something of that nature, because baaaybeeey....I SWEAT like crazy on the dance floor these days. Sheesh... I literally need to carry a super absorbent cloth in my clutch because I cannot dance without sweating non-stop since working out consistently.

What I've learned is that my body is in constant fat burn mode. This is a great thing for me physically, but it's hard to maintain the excessive sweating in situations like this. Ya girl needs help!!!

However, on a less sweaty note.......... I can totally "drop down low and sweep the floor wit it" in 6 inch boots without a problem! Clonk [NeNe voice]!!!! I guess that's the plus side of clubbing after spending hours a week in the gym, lol.

Progress Report: 11 Weeks Strong

Yes...... this is yet another LATE weight loss update and I do apologize. Fat Little Fit Girl is still LOSING WEIGHT! It's been such a long time that I'm sure some of you were beginning to wonder, lol.

At the end of this week, I will be 12 weeks into my weight loss journey. I'm feeling great and seeing differences body wise. It gets hard sticking to my workout regimen and meal plan but I feel like I'm managing well.

Here's my 11 week progress report. To date, I've lost a total of 27 lbs. I'm almost 30 pounds down ya'll! Take a look at my progress so far and please share your progress with me. Also, don't hesitate to send me questions or ask for one on one encouragement! Stay strong during your fight to fabulous!!!

Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but they can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake. ~Author Unknown

(Hilarious right?!?! Stop sedating the HEALTHY person within you! lol. I'm totally guilty of this.)