Day In The Life In Miami: Food, Video Shoot + American Ninja Warrior Workout

I'm going to be one of those typical moms and say that I can't believe it's been nearly six years, and my son graduated Kindergarten. Thankfully, I didn't cry or get all sappy on his last day. However, I did transform into a 10-year-old child at the Ninja Lounge. Coincidentally, I also shot the most recent episode of The Unstoppable Series (where I am indeed a ninja) alongside Bad Ass Vegan, Poetic J, and more. Press play, and let me know what you think!

No Party Like An Ok! Mag Party

 

There's nothing like getting together with your girls and celebrating life, whether it's enjoying a beach day, working out, or pampering yourselves. 

Fortunately, I had the pleasure of experiencing all of this over the weekend, thanks to OK! Magazine's Body and Soul Miami Beach event at The Raleigh Hotel. The all-day beachside event showcased the hottest celebrity health, fitness and wellness trends of 2017 and allowed guests to get out, get fit, and join OK! for a fun-filled day of wellness and plenty of pampering! 

I started my day with a quick stop at the Barbar, where I had my hair braided (let's face it, my hair looks like a hot mess otherwise) before my first workout. Shortly after, The BOX hosted an intense and dynamic boxing experience that started off with some jump romping for cardio and shifted into shadowboxing and boxing-inspired bodyweight exercises. As many of you know, I workout often and the intensity levels are quite high. However, this was one of the hardest boxing and invigorating workouts I've ever tried. DJ Mike Louis played some of the hottest tracks, which made it a fun experience.

In between the boxing and Vixen Workout, I hydrated with both HINT water and Whispering Angel infused ROSE ice pops (yes, they legitimately had rose-filled popsicles on deck). Atkins sampled their new harvest gluten free breakfast bars all day.  Tampax and Always were sampling Pearl tampons and Always pads. The Little Lighthouse Foundation of Miami was there to recruit volunteers for their foundation.

 

 What I'm rocking:

Sports Bra by Beyond Yoga

Shorts by LIVE!

Shoes by PUMA

Black Mesh and High Waisted Denim in LA

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I'm rocking:

Bodysuit by Hot Miami Styles

Jeans by BooHoo

Boots by Hot Miami Styles

Bag by Rebecca Minkoff

Bracelet by Alex and Ani

Get the look:

Photography by: @MaxTheBody

The Lexus Experience

 

 

Moving boldly forward, the all new 2017 Lexus NX Turbo F Sport is incredibly designed in all aspects of the vehicle. It embodies an aggressive, standout look, with dynamic handling and exclusive updates. Its sporty seating and race-inspired G-force transform this SUV into an innovative beauty and beast. Its interior design and moonroof also give it a luxe experience, with a Remote Touchpad to help navigate the vehicle at your fingertips. Another key feature that I absolutely loved about the NX was its wireless phone charging capabilities (because who needs cords). 

Continuing on with the athleisure trend and lifestyle, I paired sporty pieces with edgy details for a bold look during FUNKSHION's The Retreat here in Miami. The Lexus NX Sport was the perfect vehicle for getting me around during the busy four-day fitness and wellness retreat, while allowing for plenty of cargo space while going in and out of events. 

What I'm rocking:

Choker by: ZAFUL

Bodysuit by: OMG Miami

Track suit by: Luli Fit

Shoes by: EGO

Sunglasses by: Free People

Watch by: Movado

Handbag by: Rebecca Minkoff

Get the look:

Athleisure

 

 

One of my favorite fashion trends of the moment, is athleisure. What started as a pronounced trend in 2010, has significantly shifted the way individuals dress. Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of experiencing Funkshion's THE RETREAT here in Miami. Essentially, THE RETREAT has taken the athleisure trend and turned it into a lifestyle. A four day retreat featuring fashion presentations, panel discussions, designer one-on-one's, and private events took place at Soho Beach House and the Nautilus Hotel. As someone who is quite engulfed into an active lifestyle, it was an excellent combination of healthy and fitness-focused fashion/beauty. To be honest, I'm either in full-on workout clothing with little to no makeup or completely glammed up from head to toe. There's really no in between...until now. Athleisure takes the effortless style of rocking activewear and melds it with business casual chic. Would you rock it?

Get the look:

Venice Beach Boardwalk

 

Venice Beach Boardwalk is definitely one of those areas of Los Angeles that is not to be missed while in the city. Although this particular day was a little chilly, there was so much movement throughout the beach. I love how active and eclectic everybody is, even though I didn't get a chance to workout at Muscle Beach. Every time I go to LA, it feels like there is something new to be discovered, so I never get tired of traveling there. If you know anything about me, I'm slightly obsessed with the LA palm trees as well. I know, it's a really odd obsession. However, Miami palm trees aren't as sexy. 

Since I was fighting the cool weather like a stone cold ninja, I paired a shoulder-baring satin blouse with some light-washed denim shorts and threw an oversized denim jacket over it. These lace-up rose gold EGO shoes added a little feminine touch to bring the look together as well.

Get the look:

Photography by: @MaxTheBody

My Gym Bag Essentials

 

In my opinion, one of the most challenging aspects of fitness is stepping outside of my comfort zone. As humans, it’s only natural that we have a little self-doubt every now and then. In all honesty, there are many times where I’ve questioned my capabilities and second guessed my ability to perform a certain exercise. However, it is such a reward once I push past those barriers of not letting anything get in my way and achieve a goal I’ve been aiming towards.

We as women, tend to allow our periods to overcome us as well. Whether it’s a physical or emotional barrier, it’s important to work through them by continuing to stay strong and positive throughout the process. Therefore, I’ve teamed up with U by Kotex® to introduce the new U by Kotex® FITNESS* line, including tampons, that  come with a plastic FITPAK (so you can protect your protection). They are durable, compact, and discreet. Additionally, U by Kotex® FITNESS* liners and ultra thin pads are also available with shape to fit and flex with your body. What I love about these are their discreet packaging, so you aren’t flashing a giant box of tampons in your gym bag!

Honestly, I’m not one of those girls who brings her whole life in her gym bag. Some of my gym bag essentials are fairly basic:

- Water bottle
- Cell phone
- Weightlifting gloves
- Sunglasses (for the walk or drive over)
- Headphones
- U by Kotex® FITNESS* Tampons
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties
- Alpha Aminos
- Sweatshirt
- Facial cleansing cloths
- Dry shampoo and dry conditioner
- Lip gloss (so I look like a human afterwards)
- Shaker cup with protein in it (for post-workout)

What are the must-haves in your gym bag?

Enter my Giveaway!
- U by Kotex® FITNESS* Ultra Thin Pads With Wings, Regular (15 count)
- U by Kotex® FITNESS* Folded & Wrapped Liners, Regular (40 count)
- U by Kotex® FITNESS* Compact Tampons, Regular, Super, (15 count)


#FindYourFITNESS* and get a free sample here. 

I was compensated by U by Kotex® on behalf of FitFluential. However, all opinions are my own.

Best of Los Angeles with AirBnB

 

I've partnered up with AirBnB to share some of my favorite places to see, eat, and what to do in Los Angeles. As many of you most likely know, AirBnB is a leader in worldwide accommodations, enabling people to lease or rent short-term lodging in over 30,000 cities. To coincide with their platform, AirBnB recently launched Experiences. Let's say you're in Los Angeles, and wondering what wondrous activities there are in the area. From sports and nature to social impact, entertainment, food, or art-related activities, there is something for everyone to choose from. 

For my Experience, I decided to face one of my all time fears of heights. Having denied it for most of my life, I have come to the conclusion that I am indeed, afraid of heights. The thought of being thousands of feet in the air without my feet on the ground, makes my palms as sweaty as Niagara Falls. However, I chose to go on the LA From Above Experience. Aside from the beautiful views, what really intrigued me about this particular Experience was the inclusion of learning aerial photography from a production pilot. Robin Petgrave is not only an accomplished pilot, but the proprietor of Tomorrow's Aeronautical Museum (TAM), a Compton-based exhibit incorporating Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia and enrichment for the youth. What is so intriguing about this organization is that children from as young as eight years old can come to the facility to do school work or find a mentor, and receive flying lessons in exchange. It's really incredible what he's doing for the kids within the Compton area, and the impact it will have worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the first 15 minutes (and clenching the life out of my seat), I became quite comfortable in the helicopter. Robin made it welcoming and took some of the tension off of my fear by playing some music and talking us through the entire trip. Mid-flight, he told us that we could hang our heads, arms or legs, outside of the helicopter to take selfies. My first thought was, "Sir, have you lost your mind?" but I became completely comfortable after my first attempt.

 

 

 

Throughout my Los Angeles trip, I also had the opportunity to try out some really healthy and delicious restaurants. Tocaya Organica is a Mexican cafe with burritos, bowls, salads, cocktails, and more. One of my favorite dishes was The Venice Beach bowl, with roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, lentils, garbanzo beans, pickled onions, cilantro-curry salsa, and sea bass. With a Miami Beach location, I am slightly addicted now. Another gem I was introduced to was Urth Caffe, which had a line around the block on a Thursday afternoon. However, the food was amazing and well worth the wait. They had some of my go-to breakfast options: egg whites, whole-grain oatmeal with strawberries and almond milk, and iced coffee. What I love about LA is that there are endless options for healthy food, and they always have almond milk readily available. 

Finally, I had a chance to catch a high-intensity interval workout at Runyon Canyon. I have been dying to hit Runyon Canyon and I was so excited to experience it. The views are phenomenal, and almost make you forget you're even running. 

All in all, Los Angeles holds a special place in my heart and I always love discovering new gems in the city when I visit. A special thank you to AirBnB and Robin for the opportunity, as well as Max for accompanying.  

Get the Look: