Beware: Looking for Smiles Today
The crossing guard lady said to me "wait there! I will cross you" totally made me smile today. First smile of the day. I felt like I was in grade school again. What a beautiful funny moment. 
Styling "Head Wraps+Turbans
I made a trip to the fabric store to buy yards of satin to continue my head wrap craze. I predict a summer season of sassy headwraps. Stay Tuned In to see what else I create.
Day 1 of 21 More days to Brazilian Booty Challenge
Don’t expect to get anything back, don’t expect recognition for your efforts, don’t expect your genius to be discovered or your love to be understood. Act because you need to act. -Paulo Coelho
Today I started 21 more days to a Brazilian Booty Challenge. After 2 days of rest, I jumped back in the swing of things by going to Santa Monica Stairs. If you have never experienced these stairs you are in for a monstrous treat. The moment I parked the car the rain started and you know what? I continued. There was no turning back now. Besides a little water won't hurt. And as you can see from the photo above everything looks good from the top.
I had no expectations today, I just went outside to move my body because I need to move.
21- Days MORE to Brazilian Booty Challenge
So this morning my mother called and said how's the Brazilian Booty looking? Well you know mom, I started this challenge to jump start a workout routine I could stick to and most of all increase my energy level. Well since you asked, I noticed my clothes fit better. Last week I was able to wear a vintage copper leather jacket worn as a blouse that I could not previously zip up last year when I bought it. Today I wore a black pencil skirt without the rise and fall of hip action.
Needless to say I don't have a Brazilian Booty after only 21 days ( pause for long sigh ) ... But I won't give up! I will began tomorrow 21 more days of running, squats, push ups and sit ups. This time I will increase the running to 40 minutes and remain constant with 25 squats, 10 push ups and 50 sit ups with 10'lbs weights.
Overall I've learned the importance of having a balance of cardio, strength training and flexibility in my daily workouts, while drinking plenty of water and lots of rest. Oh yeah, I can't forget to mention the daily hot baths with soothing lavender Epsom salt.
I rested my muscles Friday and Saturday and tomorrow I will start 21 more days to a Brazilian Booty Challenge. I hope you join me this time. Below is a summary of my progress each day. I was able to capture the details with Run keeper on the iPhone. Don't forget to email me at malaikapaul@gmail.com to share your progress with us. Click here to check out the calendar I'm using to track my Progress this time.
Truffle Oil Arugula Salad
The Best Salad in the World! @ Marino's in Larchmont Village, A little
quaint place serving authentic Italian food. Similar to an Osteria In
Italy. Truffle Oil with lemon dressing, shaved fennel, mushrooms, shaved
reggiano parmesan and arugula. The very best salad I've ever had.
Be Beautiful Project Art Exhibit! A Must See!
This past Saturday was the opening night of the "Be Beautiful Project" a Women's group Art Exhibit at the Papillion Art Institute located at 1835 S Main St. LA CA hosted by none other than Shawanna Davis herself the Beauty Ambassador of Los Angeles.
This event was a dream come true for Shawanna and I was delighted to be apart of it. Ironically, I meet random people and we speak on beauty-related products, where to find a natural hair stylist or how to achieve a spectacular look and don't you know it Shawanna's name always comes up. She's such a beautiful spirit.
There were several artist showing their work Saturday night, however there were three that caught my eye but one in particular that moved me to the core. Taye Hansberry's "Self Perception" Photographs earned a moment of pause to think, to ponder to discuss with Sophia as to what these photographs mean. As the curator explained the number represents the age of the individual and the word represents what their breasts means to them.
I went to work today talking about this exhibit and decided to share with you today. For so many years the media in all forms has strongly suggested what beauty is or should be. However, seven years ago I decided to take a stance on what my subconscious considers as beautiful. I surrounded myself with images of what I considered beautiful. I stood in the mirror and looked at my naked body and learned to love me for me. I challenged you to do the same.
Day 17 of my 21-day Brazilian booty challenge
So what started out to be a simple run up a few hills at Griffith Park Trails today, ended up being a serious hike down a slope of rocks, mud and whatever else. Of course, Portia's response was it's ok, I'm glad it rained it's good for traction. I'm like O.K. Sometimes I think this girl makes up trails to see if I will do it. And I do! Side note, during the process I am kicking and screaming but at the end I am happy and grateful to have a friend that pushes me beyond my limits.
All and all it was great day of movement. I learned to stretch each muscle at least 10 seconds cause my calves were burning today. Afterwards went to farmers markets for fruits and veggies, got some lavender epsom salt, took a hot bath and laid it down. How did you spend your Sunday afternoon?
Day 14, 15 & 16 Brazilian Booty Challenge Progress
This morning I laid in bed so tired from this week of events, school and work. Not to mention working out everyday for the last 16 days.
I kept telling myself "get up, get up and go to the gym because it was pouring down raining. It was now 10:30 and no sign of me getting out of bed.
After the third hour I decided to call my friend Portia. She answered like such "What's going on mamma? ( in her North Carolina southerness) I replied "nothing"(in my dull tired voice). She said "girl you still in bed? I just finished working out!". Now I really feel guilty about staying in bed.
We talked for a bit about Friday night events and then she said "girl you betta get out their and run before it starts to rain again." With a motherly tone strongly suggesting to stick to my commitment.
By this time I was in the kitchen brewing coffee. Long story short, I got dressed, went outside to run for 30 minutes, did squats, pushups and situps. I'm so happy I did it. I have so much energy.
I am so truly grateful for my friends that motivate and inspire me to be my better self.
What's in your grocery bag?
I was determined to go to the grocery store today after work. I normally grocery shop on Sunday evening. For whatever reason I didn't make it. It is now Tuesday evening and I need food.
I'm one of those people that buy what I want I eat to eat that day. A habit I learned from my ex. This way my food is fresh and I don't waste. The down side is if I don't have time to make it to the market, I tend to eat junk food. Hence my determination to get to the market.
The point is we all have a choice! A choice of what we put in our bodies.
We don't control our destiny! However we do control what we put in our bodies!
I'm one of those people that buy what I want I eat to eat that day. A habit I learned from my ex. This way my food is fresh and I don't waste. The down side is if I don't have time to make it to the market, I tend to eat junk food. Hence my determination to get to the market.
The point is we all have a choice! A choice of what we put in our bodies.
We don't control our destiny! However we do control what we put in our bodies!
Eating "lentils veggies and more veggies
Lentils with garlic and red onions
Red and orange bell peppers
Grilled artichoke
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh made guacamole
Corn tortilla chips
Yummy! My lunch today
Red and orange bell peppers
Grilled artichoke
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh made guacamole
Corn tortilla chips
Yummy! My lunch today
Day 12 of my 21-day Brazilian Booty Challenge
You make the world better just by believing in yourself -
So don't hold back.
Stand tall and let your dreams flourish.
So don't hold back.
Stand tall and let your dreams flourish.
Moving" day 11 of my 21-day Brazilian Booty Challenge
The most important thing in life is your connection to other people
NAMI's Invite to Fans; What a Generous Gesture!
I thought it was a generous gesture for Sarah Nami Ahn to invite fans to her new FW 2012 presentation for Concept LosAngelesFashionWeek at Ace Gallery last night. I was surprised but rather delighted to see such an invitation on a public platform such as facebook, considering these events are ALL INVITE ONLY.
As a fashion design student it was inspiring and helpful to see how a real collection is presented to the media, buyers and public, now thanks to NAMI. Attending the Theatre in Fashion exhibit, Rudi Gernreich exhibit at MOCA and fashion shows alike are essential to the learning process for design students.
I am eternally grateful to leading designers like Sarah who really think about their customers. Hopefully other designers will follow suit especially considering how the internet is changing the industry to be fashion-fan-friendly.
After reading Joah Spearman's article for HuffingtonPost (that named Sarah Nami Ahn one of the new Fashion Leaders for following her passions) I was determined to attend the event last night.
Below are pictures of my absolute favorite piece from the NAMI FW2012 collection. As you can see, the movement, color and detail of this dress mesmerized us all to a fantasy- like dream.
Day 10 of my 21-day BrazilianBooty challenge
"Treating the body well with physical activity is essential for a healthy mind and heart" -author unknown
Saw these purple iris at the start of my run and had to share.
Saw these purple iris at the start of my run and had to share.
Day 9 of my 21-day Brazilian Booty Challenge
Today I went back to Santa Monica Beach for a nice long run. Followed by 5 sets of stairs at the Santa Monica Stairs, hence the second photo of people walking up stairs and there's more behind me. I raced home to take a long hot bath filled with lavender epsom salt.
Moving "day 8 of my 21-day Brazilian Booty challenge
Moving" day 7 of 21-day Brazilian Booty Challenge
See what happens when you run for pure enjoyment! .. My average minute per mile improved. Ha! I'm celebrating!! I tell you girl, it gets easier. I didn't think about hitting the snooze button today.
Moving " day 6 of 21-day Brazilian booty challenge
Living " the Butterfly Moment"
I have waited for this moment my entire life. I can remember when I was 7 years old thinking why am I here...
Eating "broccoli coucous spinach salad
Coucous with garlic and onions
Broccoli with olive oil and salt
Spinach with olives, capers, shallotts, tomatoes and basil toss all in bowl
Voila lunch in 6 minutes
Broccoli with olive oil and salt
Spinach with olives, capers, shallotts, tomatoes and basil toss all in bowl
Voila lunch in 6 minutes
Moving " day 5 of my 21-day Brazilian booty challenge
I jumped out of bed put on 3 shirts cause it was cold outside this morning, drank a little orange and papaya juice and hit the ground running.
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