When I was a teenager, I was sent to tennis lessons. I spent weekend mornings running around and picking up tennis balls, all under the tutelage of an elderly gentleman named Mr. Valentine. Mr. Valentine was a very forthright gentleman and after some time had passed, my parents asked him for his opinion on…
Body
What I Learned About Fitness From The Biggest Loser’s Bob Harper at SELF Magazine’s Workout In the Park
I’ve been aware of the annual SELF Magazine Workout in the Park event for quite some time now – it’s been going on for 21 years and I’ve written about it several times, from my Miami newspaper days until now. In all that time that I’ve been aware of this annual, multi-city event, I’ve never…
The Dumbest Excuses We Make To Avoid Exercising
For years, I had such awful, stupid ideas about taking care of myself. For a long time my goals were in weight loss, and I was caught up in limiting ideas about dress sizes instead of considering health and wellness. As a teenager, I was bulimic and that began as a deliberate choice. Dumb. I…
The Plus Size Princess Fitness Initiative – So Smart & Inspiring!
I’ve shared my health and fitness journey here off and on, but more often lately that kind of sharing has been off. I figure if I don’t want to talk about it, I should be about it. For me, my journey to wellness has never been about fitting into a specific dress size or being…
Afrobella’s Obsessions. Hair, Beauty, and Bath Edition – Summer 2013
Welcome to Afrobella’s Obsessions, a new (hopefully monthly) column where I share ALL of my latest favorites. From hair, beauty and bath to fashion, travel and tech – my top recommendations of the month will be collected in one spot! If you’re looking for something new and awesome to enhance your life, stay tuned. Check…
Let’s Talk About Body Moisturizer
I slather it on every day as soon as I get out of the shower. Some days it’s a cream, some days it’s a butter, some days it’s an oil. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize – daily body moisturizer is essential. When I was a teen and in my twenties, I knew I should’ve been…
Meet Emily Jayne
The time of year is here, bellas. There’s a chill in the air and a snap in the wind here in Chicago. The leaves are rapidly changing from yellow to brown. Tis the season for the butters. Maybe this year you’re looking for a new butter experience. Maybe you don’t want to smell like chocolate…
All About Oil Pulling
The first time I tried oil pulling, I was at the end of my rope. I had been fighting a disgusting cold for weeks and the coughing and congestion was killing my joie de vivre completely. I was SO OVER IT. I took to Twitter to vent about my ongoing illness and was offered a…
Afrobella(s) of the Month — Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks, founders of Black Girls RUN!
In 2012, Afrobella of the Month is BACK! Some months may be written by me, other months may be written by an expert or a contributor! This month’s AOTM is written by Renisha James, fitness expert and personal trainer. Learn more about her philosophies on fitness at RenewedFitness.com, and follow her on Facebook or on…
Afrobella’s Holiday Favorites Giveaway #1 – Kiehl’s Creme de Corps
Around this time of year it’s a beautiful thing to be given a gift — but it’s even more beautiful to be the gift giver. I reached out to some of my favorite brands to arrange special holiday giveaways for Afrobella readers, and I hope you love the products as much as I do! First…