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Hello Guam!

Hi Aspirers! I’m currently in Guam and the plan is for me to stay here for a month. My sister offered to bring me out this way and I couldn’t say no. Who would say no to PARADISE! If you follow me on Instagram which you should be already (Instragram: _cocorenee) you would of seen pictures I’ve added to my story. Do you know what’s crazy is upon my arrive a storm was heading towards Guam. In my head I didn’t think it would be a big deal until I arrived and that storm was actually a FREAKING TYPHOON. What a great vacation so far….

Anyway I wanted to vlog my entire trip for you all. Check out my first vlog while I’m here in Guam. There are much more to come! Enjoy!

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

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What is Orangetheory?

Last week I had an opportunity to workout at Orangetheory. I’ve known about Orangetheory for awhile from acquaintances but didn’t quite understand what was so great about Orangetheory. So, when I had the opportunity to have a free workout class with them and I didn’t hesitate to say yes. My first thought was now I get find out what was so great about this “secret” gym where a lot of people are a part of but a lot of information is never given. Even on Orangetheory website there isn’t much detail on the gym.

But, before you continue reading check out this video from my experience at Orangetheory.

Now that you saw a little preview on what to expect at Orangetheory let me go into more detail of their Heart Rate zones. Once you’re there you’ll receive a heart monitor which you’ll be able to keep track of which zone you’re in based on heart rate per minute. There are 5 zones and the goal is to be in the orange zone 12 times. 2367EE92-FC1E-4180-AF81-97BF00333939 How many times can you push yourself when working out? Some people assume that the goal is to stay in the orange zone because the gym is called Orangetheory which is wrong. They don’t want you to over excerpt yourself but they also don’t want you to go under. They want you to keep your heart rate elevated so you can reach that orange zone as much as possible to achieve your goal.

After you finish a class they’ll send your results via email. Here are mine: img_5333

As you can see I didn’t reach the goal of 12 in the orange zone but it’s okay. I felt like I had a great workout and I did push myself. For it being my first time in Orangetheory the pace was different from what I’m use to because everything was go, go, go and I’m not use to the gym. One note I will give you if you decide to try Orangetheory out is talk to the instructor and ask them to repeat what you want us to do. I wasn’t aware there was a screen showing us the floor workout until after I did one full rotation and I wasn’t told it was there to begin with. By everything moving so fast I watched the other members and mimicked them hoping I was doing the workout right but once in a while the instructor did come over and help me out.

After my workout I had one important question. The one thing that isn’t shown on their website is how much is it to join Orangetheory? I don’t know about you but when a company doesn’t put their prices online I’m assuming it’s EXPENSIVE! Guess what it’s not all! Let me break it down for you. There are three membership levels which are Basic, Elite, and Unlimited. The Basic membership include 4 classes per month for $69. The Elite membership includes 8 classes per month for $109. The Unlimited membership includes unlimited classes each month for $169. Unfortunately these classes don’t rollover if you miss a few workouts that month. What that means is if your a Basic member and you only came in for 3 out of the 4 classes in July once August comes that 1 class you miss can’t me made up. You’ll start over that month with 4. If you get the membership package make sure you can make those classes but if you can’t there are packages you can purchase that can rollover. There are 10, 20, and 30 pack packages. If you have a hectic schedule or want to take a workout class once in awhile packages will be a good option. You’re able to purchase 10 sessions for $199, 20 sessions for $359, and 30 sessions for $499. A walk-in session without membership or package is $28. Orangetheory gives group workout sessions not individual workouts. Workout in a group and get motivated together.

Are you interested in checking out a Orangetheory near you check out their website here to find a location best for you. Orangetheory is also located in 20 countries outside of the US. Your first class will be free! My opinion give Orangetheory a try. If you’re like me I prefer working out around other people not alone at home. There’s nothing wrong with switching up your routine and Orangetheory has no problem switching up theirs because they haven’t repeated the same workout since they’ve started.

Did you enjoy reading this post! If so don’t forget to like and share.

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

I had enough! #GRATEFULFORJULY

Aspirers y’all just don’t know! For the past 7 months I was working 2 job EVERYDAY of the week. I had to schedule and use PTO to have a day off. The longest I worked was 63 days STRAIGHT! Just last month I decided I had enough. Now I don’t have to work 7 days anymore and I’m so grateful for that!

If you want to share what you’re grateful for this July make sure to #GRATEFULFORJULY on all your social media! Can’t wait to see your posts!

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

HELLO JULY

Hi Aspirers!

Today is July 1st! Yes I said it, July 1st. Can you believe it? This year is flying by. July is one of my favorite months of the year because it’s my BIRTHDAY MONTH!! Seeing your next birthday is a blessing that we sometimes take for granted. Let’s take the time and make everyday a blessing. I wanted to celebrate my birthday a little different this year but I’ll still be accepting gifts of course. This July I want to point out all things I’m grateful for and things I’m able to do.

For the next 31 days of July I will point out at least 1 thing that I’m grateful for. I’ll be posting either on my blog or Instagram. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @_cocorenee if you haven’t already. If you want to share what you’re grateful for this July make sure to #GRATEFULFORJULY on all your social media! Can’t wait to see your posts!

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

Smiles Are Contagious

Good morning Aspirers and good morning JUNE!

Can you believe it’s already June 1st? I know I can’t. While you ponder on how fast this year is flying by go and grab a doughnut because today is doughnut day. I’m eating mind as you’re reading this post. Not only is it doughnut day it’s also National Say Something Nice Day. This should be something we already do maybe not as much as we should but go and make someone feel special. Remind them that they are important because we aren’t told that enough. A simple how are you, holding the door, buying them a doughnut, or a genuine smile as you walk by someone can make their day. People are going through so much in life something as a nice gesture can make their day feel special. We sometimes forget about the small things and focus on materials things that can go away in an instant but what you do and say to someone can be held on for a lifetime. Can we all take a few seconds out of our day and be nice?

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

SavagexFenty REVIEWS

Hey Aspirers guess who received the lingerie line by Rihanna! I did! With all the hype of this new line I had to get my hands on it because I love anything by Rihanna. Who doesn’t love Rihanna?! I decided to not only make one review video but TWO! In the videos you’ll find out the quality of products, how everything fit me, and is it worth your money. Check out the videos and let me know what you think.

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

Shoe Trends for Spring 2018

Hey Aspirers! If you follow me on all my social media the one thing you should know about me by now is my love shoes because I post a lot on my Instagram story (@_cocorenee) and Snapchat (@bajancoco). Recently I came across Purcado a shoe search engine where you can search, compare, and SAVE! Let me tell you I love balling on a budget. Why pay more when you don’t need to!

With all the new fashion trends you’ll need to know what shoes to wear and where to buy them. You can’t have an amazing outfit without rocking something amazing on your feet too! As you will see these shoe trends have been around for awhile but recently they’ll caught the eye of a much larger demographic. Everyone wants to add these to their wardrobe. Here are some of the shoes trends you’ll see for the Spring and where you find them without breaking the bank.

1. Dad Shoes isn’t just for your dad and F8FB4D5D-B8C7-4B67-94C1-F18F3C5F95FEgrandad anymore. So no more “what are those” jokes to your dad when you two are wearing the same shoes now. These go to shoes for dads made it into the closet for almost everyone this spring. One brand that have become really popular again are New Balances and they aren’t being worn to just go running anymore they are now considered fashionable. Wearing theses are a great way to dress down a outfit or you can them to “look” like you’re athletic.

(Image: New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Arishi Running Sneak, Macy’s starting price $29.98)

ABDE8C9A-6B06-42DA-A31B-D8229CAE4EAA2. Western Boots have been around longer than anyone can remember. When we think of western style our first thought is country but not anymore! Western boots have been popping up in high fashion magazines, runways, and now in a lot of our fast fashion retailers. You’re not just seeing these shoes worn with daisy dukes and bell bottoms anymore. Designers have been using the western boot style for inspiration to make the western boot look not so western; so when you wear them you won’t feel like you’re about to step into the Wild West when your walking down the street.

(Images: Top – American Rag Dolly Cowboy Ankle Bootie, Macy’s starting at $34.73. Bottom – SOLE Eliza Boots, Soletrader $47.41.)

C9CB8388-719D-4E5F-B7A0-E85519EBCC7C3. Block Heels are EVERYWHERE! Take your basic sandal and elevate it with a
little square heel. The heel you can stand in for hours. This style isn’t only cute but it benefits those that need a little arch support. It’s great for those that can’t wear the higher heels but still want a little lift. Wear block heels with your dresses, skirts, shorts, and jeans. Switch that flat with this super trendy shoe.

(Image: City Classified Block Black Heeled Sandals, Tillys $22.99)

The shoes I’ve shown are just a few from Purcado website you have to go Purcado to check out more options. These are my favorite shoe trends for the Spring but which shoe trend are you loving that I didn’t mention? Out of these 3 trends which ones are your favorite? Which one are you wanting to step out of your comfort zone and buy? Let me know below. If you haven’t followed my blog yet don’t forget to hit the follow button.

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

So, What’s Purcado?

Shopping online isn’t always easy. Purcado can help make your shopping woes disappear. As a price-comparison tool, Purcado’s goal is to save the average shopper time and money when searching for shoes—and they’re committed to helping you find the best deal on shoes every single day. Use Purcado’s one-of-a-kind search engine to compare prices on thousands of shoes from 65+ retailers instantly. They’ve got all of your favorite brands—like Nike, Adidas, Steve Madden, Sam Edelman and more—at prices you’ll love.

If you paid full price for shoes, you paid too much. If you shop around and shop often, you’re sure to find the same shoes at a lower price. But you don’t have the time to hop from store to store—and they get that. Purcado takes the stress out of shoe shopping by saving you time and giving you peace of mind that you scored the absolute best deal!

Not convinced? The average Purcado user saves up to 70% off retail price from all of the top brands. Why pay more for the same pair of shoes? Try Purcado out today and see why it’s the new way to shop!

 

 

Spotlight: Inspiring Beauty – 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

Hi Aspirers! This past weekend I had a chance to attend Inspire Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair at the North Carolina Art Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina and I was very pleased with the everything in the exhibit. I didn’t know what to expect with the fashion fair but I knew I had to attend. I went to school for fashion and it showcased a black magazine!

Before I talk about what I loved about the fashion fair let me first tell you what it is. From 1958-2009 the Ebony Fashion Fair was a traveling fashion show that came from Ebony magazine. This fashion fair was a charity fashion show gave a spotlight to African Americans showing off their beauty, style, grace, and empowerment. Through the fashion fair there were a variety of works from different designers around the world that was showcased in both the magazine and the fashion fair throughout the years such as Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and more. Through out this post there are some pictures I’ve took at the fashion fair and also I vlog which you can find below.

Other than the exhibit I was pleased on who came to the fashion fair. I loved seeing different ethic groups that took the time to come out and view the exhibit. This fashion fair was seen by many and appreciated by everyone that laid their eyes on the clothing, read the history, and creating conversations on what was going on. I felt like the people that took the time to come out either understand the importance or they wanted to learn how black people and our culture created a platform in fashion.

Seeing the fashion fair opened our minds that there has been more out in the fashion industry than we are a custom to. It gave blacks a light that we are more than the stereotype. BFCA3F32-0F87-44FC-8834-D2527A680646It gave everyone that came out to the fair a chance to come together and learn that we can come together to appreciate one another without problems. Ebony Magazine created a platform where we were able to purchase information at the newsstand. Ebony Fashion Fair was created and the information traveled to you and the people could physically see how we all worked together.

I hope you enjoyed reading my opinion on the Ebony Fashion Fair. If this exhibit comes to a city near you please attend! I’m glad I didn’t missed out on this experience. Don’t forget to like, comment watch the vlog down below.

Sincerely, Courtney Renee

2018 New Year, New Body

Hi Aspirers there is one thing I’m tired of and that is my weight. Guess what it’s time for a change! Yup I said it a change! When I was in college I lost about 40lbs but over time I’ve gain half of the weight back and I’m not loving it. I still fit in the same size because my weight gain was evently spread out. You know what it’s hard to lose it again. I would exercise and then stop for awhile, then start again and stop for awhile. It felt like a never ending cycle. Recently I figured out why, I was bored. I get bored so easily doing the same workouts. So I decided to create a random workout plan and hopefully it’ll challenge me to continue working out. I chose this workout method for it to be fun and random everyday that I worked out so I won’t get bored. Each time I pick a popsicle stick I won’t know the difficulty level until it’s picked. I’ll be pushing myself daily.

I’m sharing this with you all because I want you to hold me accountable and I would love for you to join in as well. Continue reading and find out my plan for a new body!!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Instructions:

1. Label all your ziplock bags. Label one bag REP or SETS, second bag EXERCISE, and the third bag TIME FRAME (how many seconds, minutes, or times). The markers I bought to write in the bag wasn’t working on the bags so I used paper and taped the labels on like so.

2. After you label your bags it’s time to label your popsicle sticks. For the REP or SETS popsicles I put 2, 3, 4, and 5 reps. You’ll know how many times you’ll have to repeat that one exercise.

3. For the EXERCISE sticks I put random exercises and something fun I decided to add (can you spot it lol). I’m planning on adding more don’t worry. Some of the other exercises that aren’t shown: knee crunches, planks, arm circles, flutter kicks, etc.

5. For the last bag TIME FRAME I wrote multiples of 5s and I wrote up to 50. The reason why I was specific on the time length because it’s based on how long you were planning to workout. Say if you chose to workout for an hour and you randomly selected sit-ups and 50. You then can decide if you want to do sit-ups for 50 seconds, 50 times, or 50 minutes of sit-ups. If you want a good variety of your workout doing the same thing might not be the best thing.

After you labeled your bags and your popsicle sticks it’s time to workout!

My plan is to workout 2-3 days a week for an hour. Once my strength builds up I want to add more difficult exercises so I can continue to progress. If you are trying this method you could create ziplock bags with warm up and cool down options. Make this method your own. I don’t have a personal trainer so I have to do something that’ll work.

Stay tune for updates on my progress and I’m planning on showing you a snippet of my workout. If you decide to do this method or something similar comment down below.

Sincerely, Courtney Renee