Monthly Archives: September 2012

Ampro ProStyl Shine ‘n Jam Silk Edges

I have another hair product to recommend from the folks of Ampro ProStyl. The Ampro ProStyle Shine n’ Jam Silk Edges gel is awesome. I was on my last leg of my sew-in and needed some reinforcement for my edges. I’m not sure if I’m extremely late or if this is a fairly new trend, but I was unaware that companies have been making gels specifically for your edges. Nevertheless, I think it was an awesome idea.

My edges were in bad shape. So, I was definitely in the market to purchase some gel. I was going to use the Shine n’ Jam for natural hair, but I came across the Silk Edge gel and decided to try that. I can’t say that I was disappointed. It definitely took care of my edges with no hesitation. It didn’t leave my hair flaky or with a nasty residue. It was light on my hair and long-lasting.

Something I’ve come to realize, especially when dealing with natural hair is that it is really trial and error when dealing with different products. While, I recommend this product, it may not work well with the next person’s hair as it has done with mine.  With that said, I do believe you should give it a shot, especially if you’re in the market for a new edge control gel.

The reason for the bulkiness is because that is where my track starts (Picture to the right).

Disclaimer: I did this review solely on the basis of my personal experience. I did not receive any free products, and was not paid to write this review.

Cantina Laredo [Chicago]

Let me start off by saying this restaurant is gorgeous. The atmosphere is amazing! There are two floors for dining. The first floor was a bit more crowded, and set up more like your typical restaurant. The second floor, where we dined, was arranged like a lounge. There was a very relaxing and laid back ambience that I truly enjoyed, especially after walking all day. There were huge windows they let open and allowed for the cool breeze to come through. It was great!

I will say this though, the menu was lacking. They did not offer a lot of items, at least not to my liking. Thankfully, I was able to locate something to eat. I ordered a quesadilla with a small side of guacamole. The quesadilla was pretty good, but the guacamole stole the spotlight. I absolutely love avocados and I love guacamole. I’m not easily moved by a lot of guacamole, but this was definitely noteworthy. It was fresh and wonderfully prepared.

Our service was pretty good. Our glasses stayed full, our complimentary chips and salsa were brought out quickly, and all of our questions were answered throughly and truthfully. He also provided us with recommendations when asked.

I would recommend this restaurant. The food was good, but if you’re looking for a wide variety of Mexican food to try, this place probably won’t suit your needs. It’s not a typical Mexican restaurant. It’s more “modern” as it states under the restaurant name.

*There are other locations around the Nation.

Week 9 (Redo): Insanity & WW

9/16-9/23

Weight Loss/Gain: Loss 3.6

9/16: Insanity Day Off: I can’t express how much I really need this day off. It is extremely difficult to take a hiatus during the Insanity program and try to pick back up.

Breakfast: Pancakes, Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage

Lunch: Chicken Deli Sandwich and White Cheddar Popcorn

Dinner: Turkey Lasagna  (Homemade)

Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes

Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee

9/17: Max Interval Circuit: This was hard, as usual. I pushed myself, but I can feel that I’ve lost a few steps due to my hiatus. It sucks, but I have to push myself to complete what I started.

Breakfast: Egg Whites, Turkey Sausage & 1 Slice of Toast

Lunch: Smart Ones Fettucine Alfredo

Dinner: Turkey Lasagna

Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes

Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee

9/18: Max Interval Conditioning/Insane Abs: I did a lot better this time around. I was especially happy with my effort during the Insane Abs workout.

Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage

Lunch: Progresso Santa Fe Chicken Soup (Lite) & Peanut Butter Crackers

Dinner: Turkey Lasagna

Dessert: Cookies Galore

Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes

Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee

***When over alloted points for the day.

9/19: Max Interval Sports Training: I love this workout! I definitely pushed myself through. This is the only workout that seems to go by quickly! I also made a mistake, this workout was supposed to be done tomorrow. I’ll just have to swap it out.

Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage

Lunch: Progresso Santa Fe Chicken Soup (Lite) & Peanut Butter Crackers

Dinner: Turkey Lasagna

Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds, Banana & Grapes

Dessert: 1 Serving of Mini Oreo Cookies

Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee

9/20: Max Interval Circuit: Knowing that this my last time doing this workout, I tried my best to push through and get it done. I wanted to accomplish as much and feel as I did before I took the time off, but was unsuccessful. However, I still got a good workout.

Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage

Lunch: Sliced Chicken Deli Sandwich & Cocoa Roasted Almonds

Dinner: Turkey Lasagna

Snacks: Grapes

Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee

9/20: Max Interval Plyo: I killed this workout. As I’ve mentioned before, I like this way better than Max Interval Circuit, so that in itself was motivation to do the best I could. During this workout, I felt like I had not taken any time off. It’s crazy what a day’s difference can do. I’m definitely looking forward to my last Insanity workout tomorrow!

Breakfast: Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage

Lunch: Sliced Chicken Deli Sandwich & Salad

Dinner: Turkey Lasagna

Snacks: Grapes & Apple Crisp Granola

Dessert: Mini Oreos

Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee

**Went over allotted amount of points. I made the mistake of thinking I had more points than I actually did. 🙂

9/20: Max Interval Conditioning/Insane Abs: As you all are aware, this was my last workout. So, you know I had to show out even if I was the only one in the room. I pushed through, and made sure I went out strong. I did. I feel great, and accomplished. 

Breakfast: Pancakes, Egg Whites & Turkey Sausage

Lunch: Sliced Chicken Deli Sandwich with Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese

Dinner: Turkey Lasagna

Snacks: Cocoa Roasted Almonds

Beverages: Water, Tea & Coffee

Please look out for my Insanity Reflection Post, coming soon!

FOW

I have really become quite the fan of maxi dresses and skirts, but I can’t seem to find a maxi dress that I truly like. Some of the maxi dresses I’ve tried on are too thin and show just about everything I own. Others weren’t flattering, or had ugly designs. However, I seem to have luck finding nice maxi skirts. The one below is definitely one of my favorites. It’s very festive, and paired quite nicely with the blue blouse. Since the skirt possesses so much spunk, I chose a black bag, belt and sandals. I picked these earrings because the design on them reminded me of the design on my skirt.

Outfit Breakdown

Blouse: Ross

Skirt & Black Bag: Thrifted

Sandals: Traffic (I think)

Earrings: Charlotte Russe