The Results Are In! End of January Check-In

Roughly two weeks ago, I wrote in my last post about how I was taking new steps toward a new lifestyle change in 2017. I mentioned in the post that I was looking to improve my physical health, mental health, and financial health. Well here we are on January 31st and I am here with an update.

Since I weighed myself on January 2, 2017, I have lost...*drum roll please* 

11 POUNDS!!!!!!!

Again keep in mind that this month I have only changed my diet and eating habits. I have NOT EXERCISED ONE TIME THIS MONTH! When I tell you, that you are what you eat... Man, that is the truth! I have cut back on sugary drinks, alcoholic beverages, carbs, fast food, and sweets. Now, please note that I said that I have "cut back" on these things. I haven't given them up completely. I've just been doing things in moderation, and the results don't lie, it's made a world of difference. I've also been drinking more water during the day, and have consistently done meal prepping, which is easier than you think. Stores like Aldi and Trader Joe's have been my go-to places for staples and fresh produce at affordable prices. You seriously can't beat it!

Of course there's been temptations. In my department at work, we celebrate birthdays with cake and ice cream. This month I stuck to my goals and didn't partake, even when everyone was commenting on how good the cake was, I still didn't have any of it. (It was rough!)

As for my mental health, I've been doing some reading, specifically with self-help books. The latest one that I finished was titled "Manifesting: The Secret behind the Law of Attraction" by Alexander Janzer. It's an easy and helpful read about manifestation and how it relates to the Law of Attraction, and ways that you can incorporate daily routines in your life to help you attract positive outcomes from the universe. This book can help anyone adjust their way of thinking to get themselves out of a rut and into a more rewarding life. For only $5 on Amazon, you really can't beat it!

My financial health has also improved this month, primarily because I've been doing the meal prepping for lunch every day. It has kept me from getting fast food and eating out as much, which in turn has helped me not spend as much money as I have in the past. Also I've been practicing moderation in all aspects of my life. I've been avoiding going shopping this month. I used to live at the mall, but not anymore. I've got a gift card to one of my favorite stores, Charming Charlie, that I've had since Christmas and still haven't been sweating about using it, as I have done in the past. 

It's amazing how the power of positive thinking, determination, moderation, and faith can really change your life. I used to laugh when people used the term "lifestyle change" around me, now here I am in the middle of a lifestyle change and enjoying its rewards!

Stay Tuned!

New Year. New Everything!

Greetings! And Happy New Year! During the last quarter of 2016, I took some time to reflect on myself and spend some time focusing on self-care. Self-care and introspection are so important, and it's so easy to get caught up in the needs of others, the demands placed upon us, deadlines at work, etc. that we forget that we need to take some time out for ourselves, to really understand what we want, who we are, and who we're trying to be. So that's what I've been up to the last couple months, and it's all been to prepare me for my goals for the new year, so that I could start 2017 with a clear mind, focus, and a plan.

I know that we all hate the phrase at this point, "new year, new me." It's become so cliche', and let's face it, more often than not, we are the same us in the new year. Well, this year I took a different mantra: New Year. New Everything! I know that you're asking, "uh Caprice, what's the difference?" Through my self-reflection at the end of 2016, I truly found out a lot of interesting things about myself that I need to work on.

I needed to have a FOR REAL paradigm shift for me to grow. I've been feeling pretty stagnant in my life throughout the years. Sure there's been some small changes that have occurred here and there (i.e. new job, new apartment, etc), but no major changes. I found out the last few months that because my paradigm hasn't changed, I haven't changed. A paradigm is the way that you look at the world. I finally got some clarity on some issues that I personally have been dealing with and how those issues have impacted EVERY aspect of my life. I'm going to keep those issues to myself, at this point, but I am going to share with you my goals for 2017 and how today, two weeks into the year, I've already been making progress.

Rather than have "New Year's Resolutions", I prefer to just make goals for myself. Often in the past, the goals that I've planned for the year have been few and somewhat vague. But this year, my goals are totally different, and they may be goals that can help you improve your life as well.

2017 Goals

• Love myself more.
• Forgive myself for things that I've done in the past that I'm not proud of.
• Forgive others for things that they have done to me in the past that have hurt me.
• Let go of the past.
• Trust myself more and trust my instincts.
• Don't give anyone power over my emotions.
• Let go of things that I have no control over.
• Make firm goals and plans to achieving them.
• Be more productive in my free time.
• Drink more water and replace sugary drinks with water.
• Do meal prepping and eat more clean meals, and eat less processed and fast food.
• Reduce carbs in my diet.
• Reduce  my liquor intake.
• Stop making excuses.
• Have a more positive outlook, rather than a negative outlook.
• Be more patient with myself and with others.

Now as you see, this list has a lot of personal affirmations, but I truly believe, and God has confirmed it, if I practice doing these things, then everything else will fall into place. My personal relationships with others will improve. My confidence will improve. My mental and physical health will improve. My finances will improve. My career will improve.

Think about it. When we our paradigm is negative, our outlook is negative, and our attitude is negative, the same negative patterns in our lives will continue to occur. We'll repeat the same cycle and have the same outcome. It's been said by many, "you can't continue to do the same behavior and expect a different outcome." It's the truth. And there's no way that I, or you, can improve and be the best people that we can be and be the most effective by not breaking negative cycles that lead to no changes. Our society doesn't benefit from us holding back our talents and gifts, and we don't benefit from this either.

So the food and health aspects of my list I've already started doing since the beginning of the year. I did my first official meal prep on January 4th, and had smoothies for breakfast every day that week and had the meal prep for lunch each day. (Stay tuned for future meal prep and smoothie recipes) Last week, from January 9th through January 13th, I participated in a liquid fast with my church, where we could not eat food from 10pm to 10am. I challenged myself even further by only drinking water during those hours, no juice, no tea, no smoothies, just water. I have not eaten as many carbs, or drunk as much liquor (maybe no more than 2 alcoholic beverages per week and no white wine).

I am proud to say that I weighed myself on January 2nd and weighed myself again yesterday, January 14th and I am already down 6 pounds! And that's just based on my eating habits. I haven't exercised at all, but that is coming in February. I'm only focused on judging the effects of a new diet for January.

My Meal Prep Recipe: Cilantro Chicken with Lime and Rice and Beans

4 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts

Salt and Pepper to taste

Pinch of Lawry's seasoning

Sprinkle of Dried Cilantro Seasoning

1/2 Lemon

1 Cup of Brown Rice

1 Can of Black Beans

1 Lime, cut into quarters

1 Tablespoon of Butter

Boil your rice in a medium pot. Follow the cooking directions on the bag package and occasionally stir. Cook with water and a tablespoon of butter.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

In a medium pot on the stove, warm a whole can of Black Beans on a low heat setting for approximately 20 minutes. Occasionally stir.

Take your chicken breasts and season them gently with all of the dry seasonings. Put them in the oven for 30-45 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender.

After chicken is fully cooked, take them out of the oven and squeeze the halved lemon all over the chicken breasts.

In your meal prep containers, put equal amounts of rice, beans, and chicken. It comes out to being 1 cup of rice, 1/4 cup of beans, and 1 chicken breast. Put a lime quarter in each container.

In a small disposable plastic container that fits inside the container, add no more than 2 teaspoons of your favorite salsa. I used a nice mild peach salsa.

Refrigerate up to 4 days. Remove the lime when you're ready to reheat the container in the microwave when you're ready to eat. Then squeeze the lime all over the chicken, rice, and beans.

Enjoy!

Stay tuned for future meal prep recipes, smoothie batching recipes, and progress reports. Remember, practice makes perfect with all things! Don't be too hard on yourself.

XOXO

A Night of Fun, Beauty, and Body Empowerment; Curvy Grl's Nite Out!

The lovely ladies of Fluffly Grl Movement, Dangerous Curves, and Zephyr Wine Salon

This past Saturday evening, I had the great pleasure of attending the Curvy Grl's Nite Out event, hosted by Fluffy Grl Movement and Dangerous Curves. (And no,that is not a typo) The event was held at Zephyr Wine Salon in the Grove.

The event was held to promote both organizations which promote body empowerment for all sizes, and especially those of us on the curvier size. At the event there were a number of great vendors including Jewels 2 Dazzle (which was featured in my recent post about the Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo), Brass Pineapple Company (look out for a future product review about them), Aims Moon Paperie, and Mary Kay. There were also hor'douvres for everyone to enjoy, great raffle prizes for guests to enter to win, and fun swag bags for all in attendance.

 The display for Brass Pineapple

Myself and Event Co-Host of the event, Ebbi Nicole

The event was a lot of fun and also featured signature cocktails, the pink Curvy Cutie and the glittery purple Feirce Fluff. It was a great opportunity to network and fellowship with fellow feirce women in the St. Louis area.

Ebbi Nicole SLAYING in a fabulous jumpsuit by Honey's Child Boutique

Me and fellow blogger Jeanne of FinesseCurves

It was a great event held in a perfect venue! Everyone had a great time and I can't wait for future productions with these ladies. Follow Fluffy Grl Movement and Dangerous Curves on social media for future updates, and  Fluffy Grl's Fluff Tips (which are awesome!).

Recent Happenings: Murmuration Festival, Sista Strut, Saint Louis Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo

Over the last two weeks, I've thoroughly enjoyed myself at a variety of events throughout the city that are proving that St. Louis has much to offer the world in the areas of health, arts, and culture. Here's a brief recap of the Murmuration Festival, the 7th Annual Sista Strut, and the 2nd Annual Saint Louis Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo. All of the events were fantastic!

The Murmuration Festival: Sep. 23 - 25, 2016

Live Human Art Installation

So what is the Murmuration Festival you might be asking? Well, essentially it was a 3-day weekend of events that focused on educating and celebrating people on the subjects of music, art, science, and technology (with a little food, business, social issues, and fashion sprinkled in). Basically, I call it "St. Louis's answer to SXSW."

Wearable art

The festival, which was held at the Cortex, was quite wonderful and a great event for the city of St. Louis. I learned about a lot of great organizations in town that provide resources to help local makers including Archreactor, which provides welding, wood-making, and 3D printing equipment, and classes to local makers to turn their ideas into reality.

The festival also featured great local restaurants including Ices Plain and Fancy, Juniper, LuLu's Seafood and Dim Sum, and others.

Chicken and biscuit dish from Juniper

The biggest highlight of the festival for me was seeing the genius that is Flying Lotus perform on Saturday, Sep. 24th. It was an amazing show! The visuals and music that this man creates is like none other. Seriously! Also, big shout out goes to my friend Chris for accompanying me to the festival. Even though his catch phrase throughout the weekend was "this some weird [bleep]", he still didn't complain about being there and stayed with me the entire time.

Sista Strut: Oct. 1, 2016

This year I decided to do something different, and instead of walking in the Strut, I chose to volunteer at the event, which is hosted by iHeartRadio. It was a great experience. Hopefully the sponsorships and participation will continue to grow for years to come. I saw many friends and church members that I knew there, and everyone had a great time.

While in a conversation among some of the other volunteers, one woman mentioned that her husband believed that the name should be changed to "Sister Strut", instead of Sista Strut in order to get more corporate sponsors, funding, and participation. I quickly challenged this suggestion stating that the whole point of the event is to bring awareness to the black community about breast cancer. The disease takes the lives of more black women than women of any other race. Early detection is the key and together, hopefully one day, there will be a cure.

The Saint Louis Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo: Oct. 2, 2016

Capping off my fun-filled (busy) weekend was the Saint Louis Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo! My mom came to the event, which was held at the Holiday Inn Downtown, and had an absolute BLAST! The event was well attended and had a lot of great black-owned vendors there selling their wares. There were so many great natural hairstyles among the hair models, vendors, and attendees alike! My mother and I bought so much jewelry and accessories, it's ridiculous! But we loved it all.

I ran into my influencer buddy, Ms. Ebbi Nicole (Fluffy Girl Movement) while there as well.

One of my favorite booths at the event was that of Jewels 2 Dazzle. Huuuuuuuuuunney, when I tell you I wanted everything on that table! I wanted EVERYTHING! And all of her [Kandas, the owner] items were reasonably priced and very unique!

I can't wait to go back to all of the events next year!

The Movement: Past, Present, and Future; The 24-Year Journey of Activist Rev. Phillip Duvall

Photo by Ag Photography

By Caprice Foster

The modern-day Black Lives Matter Movement (BLM) that is building and growing has evolved from the shoulders of many men and women before it. From the battles fought during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, to the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and ‘70s, to the anti-apartheid fight of the 1980s and ‘90s, the impassioned song of the activist proves that though the lyrics may change, the heart behind it remains the same.

One of St. Louis’ most well-known activists is Rev. Phillip Duvall. With 24 years of grassroots activism under his belt, he has seen it all and continues to fight and serve as an advocate for the voiceless. The most recent fruits of his labor, and that of his colleague Shahid, has arrived in the form of the recent charge of former St. Louis Police officer Jason Stockley for the murder of Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011. The reintroduction of the case in the media has not come without controversy.

“I had a thirst for social justice to ensure that people are treated fairly and that we carried out, in America’s terms, equal protection under the law,” Rev. Duvall reflected while recounting how he became an activist. The activism seed was planted early in him due to some very prominent activists who had relationships with his father, Rev. Clarence Duvall Sr.

Photo courtesy of Ag Photography

“I was born in the ‘60s, and growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, you get to reflect on a lot of history. Growing up in the church and hearing a lot of stories, I probably caught the ‘bug’ and didn’t know I had it.”

Some of his mentors, include his father for his “calming inspiration and patience” in his life, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jessie Jackson, as well as Minister Louis Farrakhan.

Aside from having such an illustrious group of mentors to inspire him, Duvall also encountered his own personal experiences with racism which influenced his decision to one day become an activist. “I left the safe confines of Webster Groves and became a military policeman at 18 years old. I witnessed injustice as a young soldier at Fort Polk, Louisiana in 1982, where I heard Leesville police make reference to ‘nigger soldiers’ as we watched a burning body hanging from a tree.”

“In the early ‘90s, I was a child care supervisor for juvenile delinquents at a home that was located in the Central West End. I experienced firsthand how young black men were incarcerated at an early age.” It was through his work there that Duvall witnessed unethical and illegal behavior by police officers as they interacted with young black men.

“I was shocked with the excessive police force of young black youth, which I viewed as illegal behavior by the police. I was tired of hearing the news of black men being beaten to death and being shot to death. I wanted police officers to appropriately police us, but not beat us and kill us.”

This has been the platform for which Rev. Duvall has found his calling in the movement.  However, his work has not been without its adversity. “Your life gets threatened when an establishment gets exposed. I’ve received death threats. I’ve had people slash my tires at meetings. You deal with the vicious, unfounded attacks people say about you.”

The husband of Celeste, and father of two daughters, Liberty and Serenity, also pointed out how his activism work has impacted his family time and sleep. “It takes a lot of your time if you’re committed.  It cuts into my sleep. You get consumed by some of the stories.”

In spite of the burdens that come with the work, Rev. Duvall believes that the victories that result from his work, make it all worth it. “To be an advocate, you’re out for change. When you can get change, that’s a win.”

Photo by Ag Photography

With the current national attention that BLM has garnered, Rev. Duvall expressed his excitement about where things are going. “As an activist, I am excited because people are standing up saying ‘enough is enough’. I’m inspired by the modern day movement because the younger generation has heart and passion, and you’re not playing with the power structure and they know it.”

If there’s any advice that Rev. Duvall can offer to the current Movement, he shares these words, “economic boycotting is still the most effective form of boycotting. Be true to yourself. Give yourself real timelines.”

He also has inspiring words for anyone interested in serving in activism. “If your heart is telling you to do it, then do your research. Find something that you love. If you learn how to be an advocate for yourself, then you’ll learn to be an advocate for others.”

With the most recent wave of protests by such celebrities like Colin Kaepernick, the aftermath of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, and the deadliest mass shooting in recent American history at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the country is at a crossroads, and at a fever pitch in its race relations, fight for equal rights, calls for stronger gun laws, and fight against police brutality. Now, as we all watch and wait to see what will happen next in this epic story that is American history, Rev. Duvall has his own thoughts about the future of activism in St. Louis, and our entire country.

“In St. Louis, the level of consciousness is here now. It’s a season of consciousness. As for the country, she is widely awake! Your generation has proven [the protests] are not going away until things get fixed. The release of videotapes within a certain period of time will be a requirement. The movement will continue.”

“As for St. Louis, if we don’t remain vigilant, then history will repeat itself.” 

~Photos by Ag Photography

Someone's Getting Married! Looks for the Bachelorette Party and Wedding

Who doesn't love a wedding? The excitement and joy shared among friends and family to celebrate the love and union of two people provides the perfect reason to party! The venue, the music, the dresses, the flowers, the food - all of it add to an amazing event and fun time had by all! Even if you're not the bride, who says you can't strut your personal style as one of the best dressed wedding guests in attendance?

This past weekend I had the pleasure of celebrating the nuptials of my friend Tamika to her now-husband, Craig. It was a beautiful ceremony held in St. Louis, Missouri at the Norman K Probstein Golf Course in Forest Park. As a way to incorporate the couple's passion for travel, the theme of the wedding was "Abroad with the Butlers." 

Here's a peak at the festivities and my look for the occassion.

My Outfit

My Dress: New York and Company

All of my accessories (Rose Gold with Rhinestones): Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, and Clutch: Charming Charlie

My Shoes: ShoeDazzle

My Makeup

Face: Makeup Forever HD Foundation, NARS Orgasm/Laguna Blush Bronzer Palette, Coastal Scents Contour Blush Palette

Eyes: EM by Michelle Phan  Shade Play Eye Shadow Palette

Lips: Faux Lipstick by MAC Cosmetics

Me and the Bride and Groom

Cute Idea! Instead of the typical guest book for the reception, the Butlers had guests sign a framed map! They also assigned all of the guests' tables as countries instead of traditional table numbers. (I was at "Italy")

And look at who caught the bouquet! HA! I had to! It matches my clutch.

Now, as for the Bachelorette Party look.... For Tamika's Bachelorette Party, we went on a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River, The Becky Thatcher, and then to a club. 

My Outfit

The Dress: Eloquii

The Clutch: The Limited (Vintage)

The Shoes: ShoeDazzle

Cheers to the newlyweds! I'm so happy for my friend! She's beautiful inside and out and I wish you both the best!

Push the Boundary Blogger Event in Saint Louis

This past Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a blogger event hosted by SMGA Media Group LLC and fellow blogger The Pink Snob. The event was called Push the Boundary and was held at one of St. Louis' trendiest restaurant/bars, The Boundary, which is located at the Cheshire Inn in Clayton. 

The event was well-attended and gave influencers a look and taste of the great ambiance and stellar cuisine that The Boundary offers guests. From cheese plates and charcuterie, to ceviche and bok choy, the food was absolutely DELICIOUS! 

My favorite dishes of the night were the bar-b-cue ribs which were sweet and tangy, a scrumptious and very cheesy mac-n-cheese, and a delicious cheesecake! Compliments to the chef indeed!

It's always a great time being in the company of local bloggers and influencers, and this occasion didn't disappoint. Add fantastic food, atmosphere, and a slew of tasty, strong cocktails, and you've got the makings of a fantastic Summer evening!

A big thanks to SMGA Media Group LLC, The Pink Snob, and The Boundary for sponsoring this wonderful event!

Check out The Boundary at 7036 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63117.

Sponsored.