Ash's Fall/Winter Goals- Still in metamorphosis

Hey divas and divos, hope everyone is doing well with the turn of the season (that we had NO transition into -__- )!


I'm just here with my usual random update and I've decided to share a few things that I have been working on and plan to work on in the next couple of months, hopefully as motivation for you.

First there's my diet. Now...as you already know, I've been a bigger girl the majority of my life and have had ups and downs with my weight like...FOREVER! My Senior year of high school my weight reached it's peak, and towards the end of the school year and start of my Freshman year of college I made the decision to slowly cut meat out of my diet.

I tried more than once...sometimes indulging of course, but that all came with not knowing exactly what to do. Upon cutting meat out of my diet I felt soooooo hungry all of the time. There were many times I was tired of only eating veggies. Eventually with more research and a strong desire for a healthier lifestyle, I began to add more to my dishes such as whole grains, fruits, beans, and sometimes tofu (not a big fan). The key here is to be creative with your dishes when it comes to a veggie lifestyle. Do some research, it'll all be worth it!

Now I'm not even gonna lie...the occasional chicken wing or turkey burger DOES cross my plate, but I make it a point to make vegetables 60% of my diet. This leaves me feeling more energized and over the past two years has helped me unconsciously shed almost 40 pounds and trimmed my waistline :)




Fast forward to June 2011 and I've started substituting meals with Vi-Shape Protein shakes. I did this because I noticed that I didn't like to eat heavy in the morning and most nights. I knew I needed to keep my metabolism up so I thought protein shakes were the best option especially since they included vital nutrients in the ingredients. I usually added the powder to 8 ounces of soymilk, sometimes fruit and ice so that it came out smoothie like in the blender. 

I recently decided to try a new protein shake by Naturade, their HealthSmart Daily Nutrition Supplement..not a HUGE fan of the ultra sweet flavor but we'll see how it racks up to Vi-Shape soon.


I eat pretty healthy and have seen the benefits of it but diet alone will not get me the results that I want.


I was blessed with huge thighs (thanks heredity -_-) and toning them is definitely a top priority of mine. I know that I will have to fight a good fight to not end up on the path of cellulite, but with less sugar, more running and squats, I think I have a good shot, so an increase of INTENSE cardio is on my list season....(as I mentally prepare for the Beachbody Insanity program). My goal is to shed another 30 hopefully by the end of the year, but more toned thighs instead will definitely suffice.

SKIN:

She is so beautiful to me!

I probably have some of the most sensitive skin known to man...ANYTHING can cause me to breakout, no matter how much water I drink, how often I wash, scrub, exfoliate, moisturize...i'm just at such a loss haha. I've decided to finally take the medical route *gasp* and go see a dermatologist because the honey, brown sugar and lemons is just...i'm so over it. Hopefully the breakouts and dark spots subside because this+modeling= not so successful career. And besides...who wants bad skin anyhow? Gonna do what it takes to take care of that and be the beautiful butterfly I know that I can :)

Hair:

FRIED, DYED AND LAAAIID TO THE SIDE!

 A couple of my friends/followers (@ashchristined) know that I've been taking new steps when it comes to caring for my hair...I never really learned to "take care" of my hair...I just knew how to style it, like so many African Americans do. We can make sure our hair is soooo "laid" but barely take into consideration the stress that we put on our hair with constant heat, chemicals, and terrible products ( Blue Magic...throw that mess away...please.) Heat....KILLED my hair and caused me to trim thoughtlessly at the front of my hair, leaving me with a type of odd fringe bang that I am DYING to grow back...like yesterday. It has been growing luckily with moisture and tender care...but yea...keeping heat out of my head for a while and wearing my hair either twisted up, curly out, or my fro (that I'm starting to love). All in all..focus more on healthy hair than frying, dying, and laying it to the side.

Inner self:

Enough about external me...Here's what's going on with me internally. Most people can usually attest to me being "cool " I pride myself on being a pretty good person, but I know that I could be better. I really want to work on my naturally shy nature, which I definitely don't want to come off as lack of confidence! I love meeting new people and will usually always greet someone with open arms, but sometimes I can get caught up on what I'm thinking and will be in my own world, analyzing and planning when I should be enjoying the moment. My mind is always going. I also have this complex where I HATE being alone. I feed off of other people's energy, but I need to feed off of my own (which I do...but having someone else there is such a comfort).  I'm sure I can analyze this and come up with all kinds of psychological reasons why this is, but the fact of the matter is I need to change this because I know that a lot of times in my life it will be me and just me.

Solution= indulge myself in the things that I love, increase my value to the world and to myself, remain conscious and open, become my own best friend <<<this sounds so lonely LOL anyone with any advice, please give it to me. I look forward to being more in tune with myself again.


BBI:

This season is focused solely on fundraising, I wholeheartedly desire for Bodacious Butterfly to become a non-profit organization outside of Wayne State University, and with a nearly $400 fee to do this and mounds of paperwork, lots of time and effort is required. I want this year to be loads more productive and many more events. I'm planning to do a special event for BBI with the awesome ladies of So Plush Modeling, but more details will come later. I'm so glad that I've started this organization and that it can give some of you inspiration and a place to feel like you belong. I look forward to seeing more faces and helping others embark on new journeys to a better them. <3 Remember all ideas, comments, questions and concerns are welcome. I'm not doing this solely for me. This is for you all and I want to hear from you! Make sure you check out our new website and become a member for updates!

Music:

RenCenCoolBeanz "Inspiration" Album

Most of you know that I've been singing fooorrrreeevvver, some of you don't, and some of you only know me for that, either is fine haha. Lately I've been doing shows with the super-unbelievable-amazingly talented RenCen Coolbeanz. This guy....is..so talented. Composition wise, lyrically, energy, confidence..it's all there. Being around him opened up a whole new world of possibilities and challenged me to dig deeper within myself as an artist (as well as a person) I still get starstruck when I'm around him, don't know if he can tell or not but I definitely do. One moment I was just a fan, and the next I'm on Ren's album (crazy!) and meeting all kinds of amazing people. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity and all I have to do is hold up my end and be the amazing artist that I can be and live out the potential that those around me see in me.


Included in the awesomeeee people I've come to love:

Chell, my Chellybean: Definitely an inspiration to me, and has become a very good friend as well.Her skills are endless and her voice is divine. I know that she is going to be a force to be reckoned with (she already is), this girl can write and compose her butt off and on top of that...her voice is just a breath of fresh air. She's working on a project #COMC (Coming out of My Chell) that should be out sometime in October! Follow her on twitter at @Vid_mzSkyy to keep up with her! Thanks for your support and nudging Chell! I needed it and I appreciate you. #love

DJ LBoog!!: Ayyy this dude, I love this  fiery-red mohawked guy. Boog is such a hustler, I'm trying to get like you! This man has a gig everyday of the week, any event that he hosts you WILL have a good time. A fantastic DJ, part time Comedian, and secret vocalist (this man can saaang) I'm glad that he's been in my company. There are many great things to come from this guy, I know it. Keep up with him>>> @boogsworld

Nissa: The Boss Lady! Singer, songwriter AND actress, I love her energy, her strong, soulful, raspy voice and infectious personality. She's currently preparing for her show the Stage play Boss Lady in the Detroit area, among other things. But for more details, follow this lovely triple threat diva >> @MissNissa


Brandon Williams: Mr. Soulasismusic himself! The list of achievements for this man are astounding. He has worked with many of your favorites I'm sure. Mr. Grammy nominated, Mr. #love bug, this man is another inspiration of mine. He has shown me what dedication, passion, and respect can get a person and he gets it all back in return and more. I'm honored to be in his presence and hopefully one day soon I'll be able to have as much grace as he.

@Vid_mzSkyy, @Boogsworld, @MissNissa, @Soulasismusic