health – The Style Cake

2019 Favorites!!!

Posted on January 1, 2020January 27, 2020 by The Style Cake

Can’t believe it’s the year 2020! Time truly waits for no one and has flown by! This past year, I took a much needed break. I needed to focus on me.

In doing that, I had to really make some repairs to myself. I started taking full advantage of chiropractic care and really communicating with my doctor about how I wanted my healthcare to go. I was unwilling to be unheard as my health largely depended upon ME! It can be scary to not only speak up but also disagree with your doctor about the care that is being received. I had long conquered that fear because in the end, I pay for a service and refused to just go along with care that I didn’t agree with since I would be the one living with the end results.

Some things I refused to go to the doctor for. I was suffering terribly from skin issues. It seemed that no matter what I did, my skin condition worsened. I began to get frustrated as I was not even eating certain things that were known to aggravate my acne. The acne I was experiencing was cystic in nature. I sat in pain for days sometimes. My frustration increased when that wonderful time of the month rolled around, que eye rolls, I was also suffer from hormonal acne. Needless to say, I did heavy reading and research to figure some things out.

My hair was having shedding issues. Now I do have Hashimoto’s disease so the shedding can be a problem from time to time but my shedding became coupled with massive tangling and some breakage. Again, I did research and found what I needed to help.

I didn’t play in makeup much this year, I only wore makeup about 8 times this past entire year. I did make a purchase for some faves that I had run out of…I was a hostess in my big sister’s wedding so, you know how that goes…I HAD to look good! Otherwise, I made sure to focus on healing my skin. I will still share what I bought to replace my long used favorites!

I’m on a weight loss journey so I’ve been avoiding sugar and carbohydrates like my life depended on it, partly because it started to. I had gained weight due to medication and became insulin resistant. That insulin resistance made it incredibly difficult to lose ANY weight!!! When I tell you I cried (and I’m not a crier) but I swear I could have jumped out my window without opening it. I was so done. The only thing i could think of was trying the Keto ‘way of eating’ again. Honestly, Keto is not a diet to me. I’m not indulging in anything that can contribute to insulin resistance or diabetes. If you’re unsure, be sure to do your research. One thing is sure, the SAD diet (standard american diet) has the appropriate acronym. I’m not by any means telling anyone to do keto or low carb, do what works for you but please take care of your health and eat for nourishment! That being said, below I will list all of the faves I have for this past year.

I hope you have a great day, week, month and year! I’m back to go through it all with you! 💪🏾

Favorites of 2019

Health

Hair

Skin

Sports Research Vitamin K + D3 with Coconut Oil
Tumeric Powder (used to make a mask with milk, yogurt and honey)
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Toner
Philosophy the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
Tetyana Dark Spot Corrector Brightening Serum [LOVE this stuff!]

Keto/Eating

Makeup

Why I Needed a Blogging & Social Media Break…

Posted on April 1, 2018April 1, 2018 by The Style Cake

I swear I never thought I’d get back to the point of being excited about blogging again. Quite frankly, blogging had become more of a chore and pretty much a bore…no “bars” intended lol.

If you’re a blogger of any kind, I think you can probably relate to how ruthless the blogging world can be. Since I hate drama and am content in my own little bubble, putting myself “out there” got me more than I bargained for. I expected more comraderary from fellow bloggers but ya’ll competition is real out here…even if you’re not competing. I won’t spend much more time on that negativity but to say with real things going on in life, I couldn’t fathom letting trivial bits of pettiness and mean girl personas to move me in any way. I had to focus on getting me back to my best self.

In the midst of blogging, I think I neglected myself more than I realized. Truth is, I neglected myself a ton! I spent a lot of time researching info, growing my Instagram and social media influence and that left little time to really take care of me. I’ve talked about some health issues I have before and not putting myself first was having a negative effect on those pre-existing issues. The oxymoron of it all is that all you saw was me writing about what I was wearing, my skin, my self care solutions. Sadly, I let…myself…go.

As if my own self sabatoge wasn’t enough, our family suffered a few losses last year. One loss this year. Yes I said a few and then one. Mentally, everyone who loses a loved one needs time to reflect and gather themselves to be emotionally fit to move forward. That’s just reality. When you have children, you need more time because children need consoling and nurturing. Ours (hubby’s and mine) are at the age where they are “aware” and have questions, legit ones, about the situation surrounding the death. After they are “okay”, us parents need to usher into self care.

I’m currently on that journey of self care. I suffered extreme hair loss, skin flare ups of all kinds including hives, acne and eczema, headaches, joint and muscle pain and more things that I’ll not have to mention because the above is enough. I had to get these things in order and fast! To resolve these issues calls for more than just some sort of salve or serum. Deep research, medical help and just re-acquainting myself with my body again was essential. Now while I am still in process, I am discovering other fruits that need pruning or plucking from my life. Not that they’re necessarily bad but they provide no enrichment or “nutrition” to me as a person or to my life.

Folks…rid yourself of people, habits, so called goals, mindsets, platforms, loves and hates that don’t help you to be a better person. We grow physically but mental health and growth is just as important…actually more important. Social media is social. It’s not essential in order for us to survive. If IG was shut down for good, if YouTube was outlawed, where would that leave you? I had to ask myself if I was too deeply enthralled with something that encourages faux realities. I actually became a part of it. I looked like I took better care of myself that I actually did. That’s the long and short of it. And look, we all neglect ourselves from time to time but I was extreme. I saw problems and put them off making excuses of not having time. Buy out time. (I got that straight from the Bible lol.) It will cost time from something else but its worth it.

Where am I now? Well I am still a blogger and I have some posts that will be coming out but I am pacing myself. I don’t have to post a new look every day or every three days. I’ve decided on once per week. Maybe a lookbook in between. I’m working on my social media plan but it can not overtake my life. Perspective is important and I’ve put things in perspective.

That being said, I am working on some things that I will share a little later. Hopefully, you guys will be as excited as I am about them!

Feminine Care & Hygiene + Update!

Posted on March 27, 2017November 11, 2019 by The Style Cake

I know I have yet to talk about this subject but I think there are some girls out there that may not have anyone to share valuable information about hygiene. It doesn’t seem like there should be much to this subject but feminine care can make a huge difference in you being comfortable and healthy!

What name do you use for your lady part? Coochie? Pocketbook? Couichewa? Butterfly? The best name to call it? Vagina! The pet names are cute and all for pillow talk with your hubby but in order to get aquatinted with proper care, you may need to refer to your lady parts in the accurate name. Seems stupid but guess what? Getting used to knowing all of your private last parts will help with learning your body as well as being able to easily identify potential or existing problems. There are doctor sites as well as health organization sites that show all your parts in that delicate and private area. Be sure to get acquainted.

I’m simply going to address cleanliness and in-between-showers-care so that those parts are always “fresh” and cares for properly. So the mistake that some women make is using soap or body wash to clean the vaginal area. Unless the washes and/or soaps are pH balanced, these will cause problems after continued use. These problems can include foul smells, itching, dryness, infections and unwanted discharge that indicate issues. Our vaginas are self cleaning on the inside so there’s never a need for douching. THAT actually throws off the pH balance and wreaks havoc as you clean out the good bacteria that helps keep your vaginal area healthy!

I recommend using My Honeypot vaginal cleanser. It’s pH balanced and contains all natural ingredients that won’t harm you. It’s not your typical lathering cleanser so don’t be surprised that you don’t see tons of bubbles. Instead, it’s a foam based cleanser that leaves you refreshed without drying you out.

For those times that are in between showers, grab the wipes. I love the lavender ones…they offer a tingle and warms you up! wink You can use these to wipe off after using the restroom, during menstrual periods and/or simply to be refreshed. I love these wipes and definitely recommend them. All in all, I hope that you guys are able to try the products out and hopefully this enlightened anyone that doesn’t know how to go about feminine hygiene. If you have questions or comments please feel feel to leave them below! Talk to you soon!

Update: The Honey Pot “Moisture” seems to have been discontinued. Just as well, Target now sells this brand’s line of products (cheaper than on the company’s site) and I purchased my next bottle there. I opted for “Sensitive” to replace the first one I tried. My body has been thanking me ever since I’ve been using these products!

Click HERE to try it out for yourself!

The Style Cake 💋

It’s Not All Black & White

Posted on May 24, 2016May 25, 2016 by The Style Cake

I’ve been (style) blogging for a little over a year now and I must say that I’ve experienced a lot of the unexpected. But then there are plenty everyday life situations that impact blogging more than you think. Before doing outfit of the day looks, I reviewed products I loved (and hated) as well as shared my thoughts on various other things. Because of that, my autoimmune disease never affected my ability to blog, at least not as much as it does now.

I’m a fighter and survivor because life just refused to allow me to give up. That being said, I’ve been suffering with Hashimoto’s disease. An autoimmune disease where my body attacks my thyroid. Recently, this has wreaked havoc on my body. I’ve been on a long weight loss journey where I HAVE to work harder than the average person to lose weight (fat) because my body has a propensity to keep the weight on. This means a rigorous fitness routine and eating healthy at least 90% of the time. Currently I’m suffering from a severe case of edema. You probably can see my swollen feet lol. Well I’m not complaining, I’m merely sharing why I’ve not been able to post as often as I would like which is daily. Blogging isn’t “black and white”. You can’t throw up a look and think that’s all there is to it. That’s a message to myself. I am very serious about this blogging thing so ill or not, on with the show! Can’t wait to share some looks this week and weeks to come!!! Stay tuned!!

By the way, if you are looking for some fabulous jewelry and accessories check out the link below and use “stylecake” for 10% off your purchase!!

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Top: Urban Outfitters. Skirt: Forever 21. Handbag: H&M. Shoes: Chinese Laundry. Necklace: Aldo.

Fitness, Food and Future Body Goals

Posted on January 30, 2015 by The Style Cake

Warning: Long Post!

2015. January 1. A significant date for so many people because it marks the first day of a new beginning and that includes new fitness and body resolutions. I don’t believe in new year resolutions. I try to resolve that I will improve on me every day of my life. That being said, last year hubby and I decided that it was time to really invest in ourselves. We took our butts to LA Fitness and got ourselves memberships. I think I was most excited because we previously had memberships at Planet Fitness and I hated it!! I won’t even honor them by giving details of my experience, let’s just say THEY couldn’t pay ME to go to their gym. Anyhoo, we also had a very short experience with Fitness19 (I won’t even call it a membership…long story). Anyhoo, on to my experience with my membership at LA Fitness. I am truly enjoying myself. I love that the environment is nice and bright, there are various different equipments for each body group, personal trainers, saunas, a swimming pool as well as a kids center. I find all the amenities make it easier to WANT to go and work out. That being said, on to what I’ve been doing.

Working Out….

I typically go to the gym AT LEAST four days a week. I love to “confuse” my muscles because I want the max results from the workout that I do when I strength train. Each visit, I change up my routine, the exercises as well as weight amounts, reps, sets and so forth. I spend two days working on one body area and two days for the two others and then I switch up each week which body area I will work out for two days. For instance, I may do my arms and shoulders on Monday and Tuesday then I will work on my abs one day and legs the other day. The next week, legs will get two days and the others one day and so on and so forth. I always like to push myself past what I think I can do. Every few days, I incorporate some cardio and HIIT (high intensity interval training). I intend to start attending spinning classes, I heard they are very intense and that is what I love.

Moving on to my nutrition….

I happen to love “healthy foods” by nature so it is not very hard for me to eat clean. I tend to stay away from fried foods as well as sweets and a lot of salt. I drink tons of water (which happens to be my favorite beverage) and as a treat, I have sparkling water of different flavors. I don’t buy sweets, chips and other tempting foods that can sidetrack me from my goals. My fave snacks are non-sugar dried fruits and nuts, steamed shrimp, soft boiled eggs and popcorn. If I can’t purchase fresh vegetables, I buy frozen because they contain less salt content. I drink tea and not as much coffee as I used to. I am then able to avoid cream and sugar.

Words of advice: LEAVE THE SCALE ALONE! The scale is not the only way to measure progress. Measure your fat percentage as well as inches and “before and after” photos. Find an item of clothing that can help you gauge your progress. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS! All of us are different and our paths will be different as well. Compare yourself to your old self, bad habits and all and you will feel encouraged.

My goals: I plan to be at my ideal body by April 2015. I started in November. That gives me six generous months to get to my goal. I see progress and I will keep going. I hope to once again have my 25 inch waist!