How to be Pretty

 
There are two very important factors when it comes to how you feel about your outward appearance.  It starts with the obvious, aesthetics and the less obvious, mindset.

Watch me explain how you can achieve "pretty" while staying true to yourself.

Enjoy.

Read more »

How to Smell Good All Day

How many times have you ran errands all day and by the middle of it all you felt... well... not so fresh?  And how many times have you hugged that beautiful soul, but bless their heart, they could use a little "refresher."  No bueno!  No one wants to be in this situation, but best part, it is quite easy to avoid this from happening to you.  Want to know how I keep everything "Zest Fully Clean?"  Well, take a look at my latest video posted below.

I discuss how to stay fresh on-the-go, how to smell good all day, and best of all, how to prevent from smelling in the first place.  These are definitely good tips for you, you and even... you!  Especially those with active lifestyles, because let's face it; no one wants to be the stinky guy (or gal)... lol.  Seriously, tell me what you think and don't forget to like my video and subscribe to my YouTube Channel.  Share it too if you find it helps you.  I really appreciate it!

Lastly, tell me your tips and tricks on how you maintain smelling good all day.

Always.

Read more »

Naked by New Year: The Journey

As promised, I wanted to take the time to document my journey through Naked by New Year, my 90-day challenge to my friends, family, and followers, which challenged those who took the journey with me to whip their bodies into shape before 2015 instead of waiting to make a typical, result-less resolution after the new year has begun. As a result, not only did I get a great jump start on an improved version of myself, but I started seeing other women (mostly) transform before my eyes as we all posted to Instagram and Facebook with hashtag #nakedbynewyear.  This journey was about more than being physically fit, it was about discipline, mindset, and overall growth.  So here are some of my results:

I lost a little over 8 lbs.  I started at 132.6 lbs. and ended at 124.2 lbs.  My starting goal was to lean out and drop some of the excess fat on my body.  Those 8 pounds have made all the difference in the way I feel and look.  My arms have slimmed down by and 1.5" and my stomach is flatter than it has ever been.  I still have some cellulite to shed, but that will happen in the next phase of detoxification.

Here is what I did on my journey:  When I began, I went extreme in the gym. I went every single day for the first 21 days and I was weight training, in addition to cardio workouts.  The reason this was important to my program is that I had to give myself something to look forward to, some results.  Sometimes it is hard for us to be consistent in improving ourselves when we see no reward, so I made it a point to give myself something to look forward to.  Within 7 days, I was already seeing some weight loss and I was getting stronger.  By week two, I was doing 25 modified push-ups with no problem and the third week I was onto regular push-ups.  Progress.

Also, I modified my meals.  I was drinking anywhere from 3 litres to 1 gallon of water daily.  This is the single most convenient and easy way to help flush your body of toxins.  As some of you may have seen in my previous post, Choose Herbalife, I started consuming Herbalife shakes too.  I took those consistently once or twice a day for the first 2 months and then switched to a low carb breakfast (2 boiled eggs, tomatoes, and avocado) during my third month, December 2014.  FYI,  I started back on Herbalife shakes for January and will most likely alternate the shakes and a low carb breakfast each month from here on out. 

Lastly, I have been staying more active in daily activities.  For example, I will walk a couple laps through my neighborhood when I go out to check the mail.  I also walk to a lot more places like the post office or grocery store.  Anything that will get my heart rate up.

The regimen definitely means putting in work so don't think I am saying it is easy, but the fornula is simple.  Just stay with it!

Read more »

15 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

So if you are a fan of my blog, you know by now that I am a huge fan of coconut oil.  I use it for everything, especially my beauty secrets.  In an earlier entry, I wrote about the benefits it posses which helped me to sooth and acne breakout I was having.  In another entry, Dry Skin Be Gone, I explained how to get beautiful hydrated skin (and scalp) with it. I absolutely love what it does for my skin, but I cannot get enough of how well it works in so may other areas.  Here are 15 additional ways you can use coconut oil.

1.  As a dietary supplement to help fight candida and boost hormone production
2. To kill yeast or yeast infections.  Coconut oil contains caprylic and lauric acid, which is excellent for combating yeast infections (fungi and bacteria) both internally and on the skin. You can take a teaspoon daily or apply it topically.  Be careful with ingesting, start with small doses to make sure it doesn't upset your stomach
3.  On feet to fight athlete’s foot or fungus
4.  There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
5.  A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (test a small area first)
6.  As a cuticle oil to soften dry skin around nail beds and promote nail growth
7.  Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
8.  As a luscious tropical massage oil that's not too greasy
9.  As an eye-makeup remover
10.  As a makeup brush cleanser.  The oil helps cut through the dir.  Just mix 1 part oil with 10 parts water and allow brushes to soak overnight. 
11.  As a pan greaser.  Use coconut oil in the place of other oils such as canola, vegetable or even olive oil because these oil can be hazardous to cool with past certain heating point.  Coconut oil is not affected and therefore a safe alternative.
12.  As a Thyroid Supporter - Regular coconut oil consumption has been shown to support healthy thyroid function.
13. As a lubricant.  Yes, no KY needed.  Coconut oil will get the job done and is all natural
14. Furniture polish. I know, how did I go from making love to oiling up the wood (well kind of the same, lol).  Use this in the place of your furniture polish for a deep condition.
15. To oil door hinges.  I actually tried this by chance and it worked wonders.  The molecular stucture of coconut oil is smaller than most other oils allowing it to "get in there." 

These things worked for me, saved me money and kept me green at the same time.  Enjoy!  How do you use coconut oil?

Read more »

Naked By New Year: Exercise

What's this talk about being naked... well, let me explain! I have taken on a challenge, one that will test me both mentally and physically.  It is a 90 Day Challenge, meaning I will finish up right around the New Year.  What's the challenge you ask; getting in the best shape of my life! What is it that you'd desire to achieve if you were to give yourself 90 days of complete discipline?  For me, I want.... no, I will have a tight and toned body.  This requires fitness and nutrition, but I am going to talk exercise for now.

Usually we wait until Dec. 31st to give ourselves New Year resolutions, but I ask, why wait?  Why not start now if it is something you truly say you're going to do.  Did you know that over 85% of people who purchase gym memberships for the new year stop going before the month of February has ended?  That is less than 8 weeks, which leads me to believe we only make these resolutions because they sound good, not because we truly believe them or plan to accomplish them.  So how  will I get to my goal and how I can help you break some barriers to get you to yours? To understand this let me share something that will resonate with most of you, my past journey.

First, my mental challenge, mindset.  For years, I never had to obsess about fad diets or serious workout regimens. I'm referring to my high school and college years.  A lot of my ability to maintain my "look" has been a blessing (genetics) and a bit of clean eating, but definitely nothing I had to work for.  Whenever I'd see myself picking up a little weight, I'd do a quick juice fast for a couple days or my version of "killing it" in the gym for a week and viola, I was better.. keyword: better, but not my BEST! My mindset would allow me to believe it was hard to consistently workout.  I believed it to be a task to pull out my workout gear, lace up my sneakers, and head to the gym or at least that was my excuse. But here's the thing, if we want to be our best, we have to start with our beliefs.  What I learned was that I can have anything I want and desire.  A kick-ass body is merely effort combined with consitency and who better to whip herself into shape than the girl (me) that preaches this mindset to anyone who will listen?!

My physical challenges, on the other hand, started at home.  Laziness.  Once I'd get up the courage and energy to get to the gym, walk into the gym, and find a machine to burn calories on, I'd feel a huge sense of accomplishment... and it is.  Getting to the gym is a great hurdle to get over for a lot of us, but that is only the beginning.  I'm not sure I realized that before.  I believe that I allowed myself to exert minimal effort.  Why?  Because "I came to the gym right?!  And that trickle of sweat that just rolled over my eye has validated me, I can go home now!  I got it in!" Wrong!  Please don't think like this because much like me, you will get nowhere fast. If you make the effort to go, make the effort to grind.  

Remember, it starts in your mind, so believe you can do it and absolutely, you will!

So why am I sharing this?  Well, I want to be held accountable to more than myself this time around, something I have never done before.  But, I am also sharing this because I challenge you to join me.  Start now and give yourself 90 days! Let's be #NakedbyNewYear

P.S. If you are in the Los Angeles area and want to workout with me, shoot me a message through Facebook, Heather Graves! <-- click="" i="" there="">

Read more »

How to get a Bigger Butt without Injections

As you all know, the world has become absolutely obsessed with big butts.  Some years ago Jennifer Lopez had her money maker insured and Nicki Minaj's booty is eye catching even from the front view, woah!  In a effort to help women feel more comfortable in their skin, Bait28.com has begun to carry two undies that can assist in the enhancement and lift of your bottom.  However, some folks seem to have an issue with that option so I dared to ask why and delve into some alternative options as well.


The Brazilian Butt Lift Panty- As mentioned above, these undies are available at www.bait28.com. This panty's purpose  is to help train your butt, while offering lift and fullness to your bottom.  Think of waist trainers that hold your mid-section in while training your waist to slim down.  That's what the Brazilian Butt Lift Panty does for your behind.  This is definitely more of an extreme lift and looks rather wonderful in dresses (if I must say so myself).

Butt Lift Boy Short-  This is much like the Brazilian Butt Lift Panty and also available on bait28.com, but this short is very wearable day to day.  Take a look at it and tell me what you think.

Squats- I am a huge advocate of grinding it out in the gym.  Learn how to do a proper squat here.  This is the first step in toning and shaping your backside.  However, I understand that squats do not always fix the issue and so the Brazilian Butt Lift Panty is a great companion to assist you while squating.

Body Sculpting/ Contouring Massages- Yes, believe it or not, you can get body contouring massages that help push fat from your waist, belly, or even thighs to your butt.  I hear they make vast improvements in your shape and let's not forget the amazing benefits of massage therapy.  This is worth looking into if you are having difficulties achieving the body you desire.

Create an Illusion- If your butt is stubborn and will not plump up with all the little tricks and tips mentioned above, create illusions.  One way to do this is the lose your waistline.  Slim that out as much as possible and I also check the waist trainers at Bait28.com.  Also, peplum shirts and skirts are your friends.  Any clothing that grabs you up top and flare right above your butt will give the illusion that there's more there than just air.  Think A-line dress and flare skirts.

Hope this helps ladies.  My question to you is, how do you feel about butt enhancements?

Read more »

The Miracle Oil

Guess what has me so excited I had to share it with you? Two words, Coconut Oil. This stuff is amazing for so many things. Recently I had a huge breakout… and trust me; I do NOT get breakouts (with the exception of an occasional bump), but after trying two deep facial cleansings a day, then switching to a light cleansing in the morning with warm water, then changing my diet, drinking more water, changing my pillow cases every evening, going to the dermatologist just to have her prescribe drugs that I knew would only be a temporary fix… no way… I resorted to coconut oil. WOW, what a difference.

I was already using coconut oil to moisturize my body… I just love the smooth texture and coconut fragrance, and believe me, so much better than baby oil. So I thought, hmm, how would this stuff work on my face?! After all the washing I was doing to my cheeks, forehead, and chin, I noticed my skin starting to flake and dry out. So one night I dabbed the coconut oil on my face and slept in it overnight. The next morning, my skin felt supple and although the breakout was still there, the tone of my face was bright again, so I continued to do it every other day. Within a week, I had a very noticeable difference in the breakout and my skin was looking near normal again. Now, I am happy to say, a month into the regimen… I am acne free again. Thank goodness.

Now I know some people are wondering why you would apply oil to acne. Most people think that oil is the cause of acne, but that is not exactly true. What I found is, when your face is dry, your skin over produces oil in an attempt to moisten the skin, which then leads to clogged pores and breakouts. So if you assist the skin in getting the moisture it needs, it has less work to do and the healing process can begin. This may not be a cure for you, but it is worth a try. It is much more cost effective than going to the dermatologist. The oil is soothing to the skin and bumps. No worries about what chemicals are entering your bloodstream unnecessarily, plus you can use it as massage oil, a scalp treatment for dandruff or skin treatment for eczema. And even if you end up hating coconut oil on your skin, simply use it to cook with. Did I mention it was pretty good in coffee too!? I am telling you, this stuff is a must have, but only buy organic, cold or expeller pressed. Any market like Whole Foods will be sure to have it in stock.

Good Luck!

Read more »