Norah Loves Makeup

Beauty Musings From A Makeup Artist

My Five Fitness Must Haves Plus An Update

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Hello friends! Today I am sharing an update on my lifestyle overhaul since taking this up a notch since January of 2017. I also wanted to discuss my five fitness must haves. In my humble opinion, it is a good idea to have these in your gym bag or at home. Accountability, gadgets and knowledge are important when embarking on a fitness adventure. To date, my weight is at 149 (started at 164 lbs), I am closer to my 145 lbs goal. Lots has changed from my eating habits, fitness level, mood, sleep, dropped back to pre-baby weight etc. It’s been intense and tough at times. I’d say the hardest was getting the motivation during the coldest winter months and the discipline of eating well.

#1 A Heart Rate Monitor
It is smart to understand how your heart rate works and why it is beneficial to use during your workouts. Knowing your heart rate during workout sessions can help know whether you are doing too much or not enough, this is based on your age and weight. I’ve been doing HIIT (High intensity interval training) so for me, I monitor my workouts during specific days and exercise types. You don’t need a super fancy heart rate monitor, I use the Polar Fitness and love it.

#2 Jump Rope and a Resistance Band
Back in January of 2017, I could not jump rope longer than maybe 5 seconds and my form was terrible. Since then, I took up jumping rope as a challenge. It is an easy cardio exercise that has lots of benefits like agility and endurance, (no gym is necessary and you can do it anywhere). Jumping rope for me is part of my routine and now, I am able to jump about 45 seconds on a good day. Similarly, a resistance band is a good addition if you are on the go and need a simple way to tone your arms and legs. *I got mine both on Amazon for less than $15!

#3 Nike Fit Plus App

For those days when I am not working out with my trainer at the gym or doing classes, I use Nike Fit Club App to get ideas and guidance on exercise routines. Nike Fit Plus app is free and very easy to use, it offers all levels of training as well as stretching. When I first started out, I was sore all the time and it was due to my lack of stretching know-how. I downloaded Nike Fit Plus and now I use it for my stretching routines and for exercises when I exercise alone.

#4 Protein intake is very important

One thing I learned during this journey is a) you are what you EAT and b) what you eat before and after your workouts matters. I am aware that even if I spent my whole week at the gym, if my diet isn’t right, the time I spend exercising is a complete waste and protein is a huge component here. I eat and drink a lot of lean protein, more so on the days I exercise. I really enjoy making shakes with Neocell Collagen Sport Protein (chocolate and also comes in vanilla). Protein helps build muscles when you lift weights. What I do is usually within an hour post exercise, I will drink a protein shake made with almond milk and crushed ice. Neocell is whey protein and it definitely fills me up mid morning (I tend to workout in the mornings).

#5 Use good body care items for recovery
In my gym bag I carry a towel and a body cloths. Not going to lie, I sweat a lot, some days I work out with weights and lots of high intensity cardio, some days I do kickboxing or Zumba for one hour. I love BAN Total Restore Cooling Body Cloths, they do the best job and smell divine. After I shower, I apply Yuni Wind-Down Wonder Warming Body Oil for hydration and recovery. This is a lightweight oil, free of parabens and it helps restore hydration and warms up nicely on the skin, to soothe tired/ sore muscles.

And finally, I also suggest wearing fun workout clothes and putting your best foot forward. In my updated photo, I am wearing a PAW YOU tank which goes perfectly with my mantra as a dog lover and fitness enthusiast. Feel free to ask me anything in the comments.

How To Slay In The Midst of Chaos

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##THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY USA NETWORK, ALL OPINIONS AND VIEWS ARE MY OWN##

Despite some recent personal setbacks, I am determined to continue at the pursuit of slaying this game we call life. A week ago, I lost my four legged canine best friend Henry. This has been a rollercoaster that took a lot out of me, emotionally. Since Henry’s departure it’s been chaotic with lots of tears. It’ll be a little while before we get back to normal but life goes on.

On another personal note, since late last year I’ve been invested in my fitness with a lifestyle overhaul. Taking care of “me” in the midst of chaos is challenging. However, it is proven that exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Physical exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural mood enhancers. People ask me how am coping with the chaos, and my answer is to incorporate these three personal mantras.

1) SET REALISTIC GOALS
Last year I had an epiphany, I felt too tired all time and didn’t like the way my clothes fit me anymore. I set a goal of losing one dress size and improve eating habits, exercise 3 times a week and have quality sleep. This was the first tangible goal I feel I accomplished almost eight months later. I have another goal that I’ve set for my 44th birthday and am well on my way.

2) ALLOW DAYS OF REST AND REFLECTION
Losing Henry drained me. I had to take a few steps back and allow this moment of grief to enter, release and not feel ashamed for these feelings. Losing a pet is hard, and leaves us with a feeling of inexplicable sadness. I spent time reflecting on how much this little being meant to me and my family. This also meant I had to take a break and disconnect, and it was a good decision.

3) BE KIND TO YOUR BODY
One of my other epiphanies was being aware of how my diet was affecting my body, I made some adjustments and these have worked very well. I also gave my body a challenge in the form of exercise, not as punishment but as a way to improve the quality of life I was living. I sleep better and feel like myself, healthier, braver, stronger. Doing something for you is important, be kind to your body, trust me on this.

Since I took time off work, I started watching the series Queen of the South (Season 1) on Netflix. Season 2 will be airing on June 8th at 10/9C, on USA network. This series has a strong female character lead, determined to not let her personal obstacles deter her goals. This is a powerful story that I highly recommend, if you are looking for a new series to get into.

How do you stay sane amidst chaos? Tell me in the comments section.

Receptra Naturals CBD Oil For Muscle Recovery

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##SPONSORED POST – ALL VIEWS AND OPINIONS ARE MY OWN##

Over the course of the past month, I’ve been using Receptra Naturals CBD oils, Active and Prime. What is CBD oil and how can it help with muscle recovery and pain? CBD oil is a natural, legal, non-psychoactive concentrate extracted from hemp. Unlike “cannabis oil” (generally referring to high THC oil), CBD hemp oil will not make you feel lethargic or high. Studies, science and endorsements for CBD oil are aplenty (just Google CBD oil). I, myself, knew little about CBD until Receptra Naturals reached out and got educated on the topic of CBD as I began using it.

A little background – I’ve been training and exercising consistently since September of last year. Exercise has given me a new set of energy, sleep and focus. I lift weights two times a week with a personal trainer at Blink Fitness. I also do Muay Thai mixed with High Intensity Training (HIIT is a circuit session with little rest in between sets, sometimes with weights and your own body resistance). To help my muscles lengthen and stretch, I incorporated yoga once a week. Any amount of training I can squeeze with my makeup work schedule, I will do rain, sunshine or snow. All this exercise has been gradual and has increased my metabolism, meaning I am able to burn more calories in one hour sessions. With weight training, Muay Thai and HIIT comes a degree of muscle soreness and needed recovery. This where Receptra Naturals CBD Oils have helped me tremendously.

Typically, I’ll use Receptra Naturals CBD oil in the mornings before I train and at night before I get to bed. CBD oils reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. Since I started I noticed less pain and am able to work out with more consistency because I am not as sore. I also sleep VERY well, as sleep is a huge part of the recovery and rest for your body (and mind). I’ve been posting my progress of it on my social media with friends asking me about it.

My main goal with all this training is endurance, focus and gradual weight loss, both which I have been achieving (10 lbs so far!). The aspect I was having most trouble with was endurance because initially, I’d be very sore on days after I did weight training. Once I began using both CBD Oils from Receptra Naturals, I noticed a gradual change in my recovery/ muscle soreness levels.

Just to give you an idea about the Receptra Naturals CBD oils and how they differentiate:

Active Lifestyle
Active, Elite, Pro— These differ from the Health and Wellness products in that they also contain walnut oil, avocado seed oil, and Turmeric. These are natural ingredients that improve energy, focus, and endurance. Aside from the variation in formulas, the difference between the Active, Elite, and Pro is in the concentration of CBD.

Active – 15mg of CBD per serving
Elite – 30mg of CBD per serving
Pro – 60mg of CBD per serving

I take Active CBD every morning, one drop usually with my coffee (usually on the days I am going to the gym or do my boxing sessions, which are an hour typically). In the evenings and generally an hour before I retire to sleep, I will use Receptra Prime CBD. I drift to sleep nicely, since all this exercise and CBD oil, I’ve been having the best sleep ever.

Receptra Naturals CBD Oils range from $39.95 – $199.95, sold online. *I started with a low dosage and definitely felt it as time progressed, a few days in.

Also, there is a Receptra Naturals Targeted Topical Ointment made out of CBD Oil, this is for muscle and joint soreness. I’ve used this mostly on my joints, especially my wrists and shoulders where sometimes I feel pain from using weights and boxing gloves. The ointment is 400+mg CBD per container and is scented with a refreshingly soothing smell of Jasmine and Ylang Ylang. I have a friend in FL who ordered this Receptra Ointment for her arthritis pain and she has reported great results from using the Targeted Topical.

Receptra Naturals Targeted Topical Ointment retails for $34.95 for 30ml

Feel free to ask me any questions related to CBD, Receptra Naturals and this fitness path I’ve been in. For anyone interested in trying CBD Oils by Receptra Naturals, I have a discount code to share, use NORAHHEMP and you’ll get 15% off entire order. Can be used unlimited times. Cannot be combined with other coupons. (*I make no commission from this, just want to share the love). I want to thank Receptra Naturals for finding me, this journey has been so awesome and am hooked.

Here is a snap of me on a Monday before hitting the gym. To give you some perspective, I was over 163 lbs when I started, now I am 152 lbs, definitely hit my pre baby Eva weight (almost three years ago with an active goal of just energy, muscle tone and a healthy lifestyle).