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Black Opal Beauty

Monday, February 29, 2016

Energy After Working Out

Hello Everyone,
Throughout the week, I have had some people ask me a question, that I thought would be awesome to share with you all. A lot of you would like to know how older people have so much energy after working out. So, this blog will focus solely on that question. I will even admit, I personally wondered that. However, every time I go to the gym to work out, I always feel energized after the workout. So, with that being said, let’s find out how we have so much energy after working out!


Believe it or not, working out cures a lot of things. Working out isn’t just a main focus for losing weight, but as stated before many other things. I will go into more detail in another blog of the other purposes of exercising! However, exercise is definitely a cure for exhaustion!!!!
When it comes to exercising and fatigue, we all don’t want to get up and do a workout or two while we are tired! Especially when it comes to the heavier, more hard core workouts! Studies show that people who do light workouts, become more energetic while those who do the more complex workouts become more tired.


As many others have tried to figure out why exercising helps with fatigue, there is no legit answer to that question. So, with that being said I thought I would throw my two cents in on this topic. I strongly believe (from personal experience) that working out does increase your energy. Why? I personally don’t know, but I strongly believe it has to deal with a psychological impact. I believe exercising makes us feel more energized because it is something some of us have been wanting to do, and the thought of finally doing it just makes us in general feel better. As if we are accomplishing a goal. I also feel we are more energized after because once we start getting into a workout we don’t want to stop. Being up and active just gives us energy, which again I believe this can go along with a psychological factor.

With that being said, I have came to a conclusion. There is no correct, or strong answer when it comes to this question. The way I look at it right now, is that it is up to us to determine why we have so much energy after working out. Do you think you know why we have so much energy after working out??? Leave your thoughts down in the comments, or feel free to email me!

Saturday, February 27, 2016

February Beauty Giveaway!

Our first giveaway. Yaaaah!! Please use the form below to enter. If form does not load, please click link: https://promosimple.com/ps/925c


Friday, February 26, 2016

Eating Before and After Working Out

Dear Reader,

Last week I started out doing a brief introduction about starting my own personal journey to a healthier life. However, this week I would like to focus on what to eat before and after working out. Also, I would like to focus on working out with an empty stomach.
Some people may think that starving themselves will help them lose weight especially when it comes to working out. However, that is not true at all!  Starving yourself will make your body absorb the fats from the food you eat and store it as energy. When it comes to working out on an empty stomach, do not do extreme exercises! Although, if you drink a glass of water before going out for a short walk or jog, then you will be okay. Just do not over do it!
When it comes to working out, people think they can eat whatever they please before. The only thought that runs through their head is “Well, I am going to work all of this off”. Sadly, as lovely as that would seem, that is not the best thing you could do before going to work out. Before working out try to focus on these five keys when it comes to eating:
  • Foods with a low fat content
  • Moderate in both carbs and protein
  • Foods that are low in fiber
  • Includes fluids
  • Made up of foods that you tolerate well
With that being said, stay away from fried and greasy foods, as well as soft drinks such as pop. Also, drink about two to three cups of water about two hours before exercising. This will help keep you hydrated


After working out, it will be good if you eat some protein. Eating protein after working out will help your muscles recover and grow after working out. You can eat a hard boiled egg, drink a glass of chocolate milk, or any other source of food or fluids with protein. However, do not over do the protein your muscles only need about 10-20 grams of protein.

The absolute best thing you could possibly do is eat before working out, something light of course. Also, drink plenty of water before,during,and after working out this will keep you hydrated. When it comes to protein, just remember to not eat it before working out, but after. The protein that you eat will help your muscles grow.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Hello? It's Me.

Hi Fabulous Readers,

I just wanted to introduce myself as the creator of this blog. By the way, did you like what I did there with the title? Lol!

I am Samantha. Not Sam. Not Sammy. Although I can tolerate Mantha from my family. I am 31, a mother of five(3 boys, 2 girls), business owner, entrepreneur, spiritual, over thinker, procrastinator, funny, sarcastic, makeup enthusiast and currently trying to lose 75 pounds. (We'll talk about that later.)

I started this blog as an extension for my fashion and accessories boutique. But realized I and you, would benefit more by chatting about more than the latest handbag or dress. I wanted to open up the door for every day women to find inspiration for getting and staying healthy, tips and suggestions on proper fitness, and have fun with makeup and everything beauty related.

My focus for this blog will be beauty and all that it encompasses. Skincare, makeup, hair and fashion, etc. My co-contributor, Brooke, will be holding down health and fitness. Right out the gate, I want to make a disclaimer that I am not a makeup artist or guru, I just love the art. It has become one of my passion hobbies, the first being books and reading. (I uploaded a collage of some looks I did.) So what I talk about and show you is not to be taken as the ten commandments!



I hope you'll stick around with me on this wild ride of fun, health and fabulousness! 

Before I go, there are three things I need you to do for me:

1) Subscribe with your email so you never miss a post! Our blog is where we will announce giveaways, contest and other fun stuff first!

2) Mark your calendars for, 3/1, for the launch of my new online boutique for 5 Flavors Boutique. So many cute and affordable items! If you subscribe to this blog, you will receive 20% off your first purchase!

3) Stay fabulously healthy and beautiful!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Dear Readers,
Before I begin posting more about Health, I thought this subject would be an amazing one to start off with! Many of us (at least I think many of us) skip out on breakfast! I myself am very guilty about skipping breakfast! However, it is actually the most important meal of the day!!
Waking up in the morning some of us do not really think about breakfast. We just focus on getting ourselves ready and out the door for work or school. With that being said, we are basically rushed and do not have the time to cook or make something for on the go! I will share with you, a recipe that you can fix easily and take on the go.
One easy and quick breakfast option is the Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie. It takes just five minutes to prepare, and this delicious smoothie will be ready in just five minutes! Makes two servings, and has only 236 calories!
What you will need:
  • 1 cup soy milk
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 banana broken into chunks
  • 14 frozen strawberries
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½  teaspoon white sugar
Now, all you have to do is grab your blender! In the blender, combine, soy milk,oats,banana,and strawberries. Add the vanilla and the sugar if you would like. Blend until smooth, pour into glasses, and serve.


I chose this recipe because it is not only healthy and easy, but if you have children then you can easily make this for them while they get ready for school. I also chose this recipe because most of the ingredients help get your brain going! It will help you focus more on your tasks than not being able to focus at all!
Next time I decide to do recipes, I will definitely put two rather than one! This was just to start off and see if you guy would like more healthy recipes to make! Please leave any suggestions in the comments, or send me an email!

Monday, February 22, 2016

Top Selling Beauty Products with Younique

Dear Reader,
Today, I was going to just discuss about some top selling products from different companies. However, as I was looking around at different companies and doing some research, this company really caught my eye. This company is Younique. Among my research of finding some top selling items, I came across a site based off of Younique that is a foundation site.
This foundation site is set to inspire women who were sexually abused at a younger age. On this site there are many categories such as survivor stories and much more. You can check it out by clicking here.
One of the company's most popular seller is the 3D+ Fiber Lash Mascara. This mascara is a natural product that can increase your lash volume up to 400%. The beeswax base makes it water resistant and the natural fibers are so safe for your eyes that the product is approved by ophthalmologists!
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Another top selling product is the Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation, this foundation has been nicknamed “Liquid Gold” since its debut in the Fall of 2015. Sales skyrocketed when presenters from all around the world made videos of how just four drops applied with their powder puff brush will give you full face coverage! These sales exceeded the company’s best estimates by over 800% .
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Finally, the Moodstruck Opulence Lipstick. This lipstick is a luxurious blend shea butter and mango seed butter that hydrates and smooths your lips! Giving them a burst of color that will last all day without wearing away!
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Younique has many awesome products on their site, but the products I mentioned above are just some of the top sellers! Want to see more products?? Click here!! I would definitely get some of the products!! Which product(s) would you purchase????

**Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with this company, we do not own any of the pictures, or products stated above! Also, we were not compensated for this feature of Younique.**

Friday, February 19, 2016

New Beginnings

Dear Reader,

Today I start my journey leading to a better and healthier lifestyle. Why it took me this long to begin, I will never really know. Perhaps it was because I was afraid of changing, and how people would look at me after losing some weight. Finally, I reached a point in my life where I personally no longer care about what others think of me. Being bullied throughout my years in school, it was tough. Having no self confidence, let alone not knowing where to start off. Just to think it took me to graduate High School to want a healthier lifestyle.

In the beginning it isn’t as easy as most people would think. Most don’t stick to their routine, they either lose faith, or just simply give up. I am here to help guide those of you who wish to lead a healthier lifestyle as I go about my journey. From eating healthier to home workouts, I will share every tip, and piece of advice that I possibly can.

Before digging drastically into this new lifestyle, start off easy and slow. For instance, when I first started I just cut out drinks with high amounts of sugar (such as pop). I began drinking more water, I even installed an app that reminds me when to drink in case I slack off. This app also keeps track of how much water I drink in a day. Also, when it comes to drinking, I have created a daily schedule. One day I will drink water, the next day will be tea, the day after will be alternated between tea and water. Tea is good for you as long as it does not have a whole lot of sugar in it.

As I mentioned about how I would be switching up and altering my drinking, I might as well discuss food! Nothing to drastic will be done considering this is only the beginning. However, some simple changes can be made here. First, be sure to eat breakfast! Breakfast is the biggest meal of the day! Second,when making your plate try using a smaller plate. Using a larger plate will cause you to overeat, while the smaller plate will make you feel full, and trick your mind. Finally, try to snack throughout the day. For instance, I usually grab some granola bars at my local store, or some yogurt cups. Snacking throughout the day can help you with eating less when it comes to dinner time, so you will not be tempted to eat more than needed.

The first week of starting this new lifestyle should be taken easy (as I said earlier). If you decide to do workouts don’t just jump in and go at it. Ease your way through. Start off with some general stretches (you would not want to pull or strain anything, especially if you have not worked out in a while). Again, start off easy. I usually do about 10-­15 jumping jacks, 10 push ups (15 if you do them the “girly way”), 10 squats, then a little 2 minute break, followed by 10 crunches,10 lunges (5 for each leg), and planking for one minute. However, I do switch my workouts up so they are not the same thing everyday!

 Credit Due


Although, this is just how I would begin my journey to a healthier life. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end. How would you start your journey to a healthier lifestyle??

Shared by,
Brooke Jackson
Contributor for 5 Flavors Blog