CARA Mid-Program Review

Hey Everyone

I have just completed my 5^th week and I’m over half way through the beginning running program with CARA.

If you didn’t know CARA stands for the Chicago Area Runners Association.

The Misson of CARA:  Expanding, motivating, supporting, and celebrating the running community of Chicagoland. We want to connect you to resources that enable you to run—farther, faster, better, for life.

I started my running journey in Level 1, which included running for 1 minute and walking for 2 for 20 total minutes.  I wasn’t challenged enough and though scared, I decided to move into Level 2 the following week. In Level 2, week 2, I Ran for 1.5 minutes and walked for 2 for 20 minutes. The CARA program  builds and increasing the amount of running each week.

For week 3, I ran for 24 total minutes, running for 1 minute walking for 1.Week 4 was 21 total minutes, running for 2 minutes and walking for 30 seconds

Most weeks I run on the treadmill before or after my classes at LAFitness, but find it much more challenging to run outside. In week 5, I ran for 2.5 minutes and walked for only 30 seconds for a total of 24 minutes. My Pace runner and program manager stated that running outside is definitely more difficult and to incline the treadmill to 1, as to mimic the feel of concrete outside.

I have a much slower pace than my group, but the program manager said not to be concerned. I have the ability to run for longer periods, which is the foundation for building speed later on.

   What I like most about CARA is stretching myself beyond the gym. I like exercising outside in fresh air and making new friends in the running community. This has been such a help to my weight loss journey. In the last 5 weeks I have lost 10lbs since running with CARA. I have been on my weight loss journey for 16 months and lost a total of 102lbs.

Stay tuned to CARA and my Facebook Page for updates about running, healthy living and weight loss.

CARA RockStar Runners Facebook Group

Office Fashion for the Curvy Fashionista

 Took a Few Snap Shots while working at my Church Office, where I serve on the Web Development Team. Serving God and my Congregation is extremely rewarding.
Today's business Look features items ordered from K&G Fashion SuperStore. My dad treated me to over  $140 worth of gift cards. I had no idea what to expect from this retailer, especially the fit of their Plus/Curvy Sizes. Everything worked out wonderfully. The fuchsia pencil skirt is a thick, figure flattering material and the black and white polka dot blouse with a pussy bow is very chic. I accessorized the outfit with paten leather Mary Janes and bold Purple rhinestone statement earrings.

Njoy the Pics!

Huge Blog Sale

Hey Guys I am selling my whole Closet find everything at www.lindseyblogsale.blogspot.com

All the details are on the blog and feel free to throw out negotiations, multiple items purchase will include a reduction in price.

Some of the Items FOR SALE are featured Below: ( LOTS more on blog )

LMA: Blog Feature #WeightLoss

Hey Guys Heres a link to my feature on: Manage Me Healthy!

Check it Out Here !

Aretha Franklin & N'DIGO Foundation Gala

WOW what a night!  I got dressed up with the ladies and headed out to the Arie Crown theater for the N'DIGO Foundation 2012 Gala. The N’DIGO Foundation is a charity dedicated to rewarding college scholarships to Chicago high school students.
The night started with a performance by the Impressions, followed by Ms. Aretha Franklin herself. Aretha put on a full concert with a tribute to Whitney Houston. After the closing song, the terrace was opened for drinks, eats and networking. I was honored to be invited by my friend Samantha Mitchell of Eminent PR Group. 


njoy the pics!!

The Attire for the night was formal and I re-used my ASOS Curve dress from NYE. I re-styled it with a Pink Skinny belt also from ASOS Curve and Over-sized Pink Pearl Necklace, Pearl earrings and clutch  from Bakers Shoes.

Samantha Mitchell of Eminent PR Group. 

live, Learn, LOVE


~Lindsey

Custom Stiletto Nails by Spifster

Finally  I have my Dream Nails done by  Tacarra   Sutton AKA Spifster

I Love the New Stiletto Shape meaning Pointy like a heal... They accentuate my style! 

I got a Full Set and Sort Spif which mean 3-4 different designs per hand. You can book an appointment with Spifster  on StyleSeat  This definitely is a specialty services doubling my normal nail budget from  $16.00 to $45.00 each appointment. But I will more than likely stay with her through the summer. She does have some cheaper and More expensive rates depending on what you want. 

These are my Nails Freshly Done after the Appointment 

 My Nails 7 Days Later ....close up shots of the  designs 

Unfortunately I suffered Lifted acrylic which then popped off the entire Nails after only 3 days. But Spifster Quickly respond to my email and fixed the nail for Free after I explained that it didn't break but was not bonded down to the nail bed. So I will see how long they last throughout the 2nd week and decided about my next appointment 

UPDATE: Unfortunately within the next week, I suffered 2 more lifted nails and another popped off. I did not get my nails done again my Spifster due to this problem. The nails popped off like press ons. I still love the designs and would go back again for that service only after a fresh set/ fill in from another Salon.

live Learn LOVE


Lindsey *~

Lets talk about Fashion ..Plus Fashion Week Chicago Meet-up

Yesterday I Traveled to the North Loop for another event with Plus Fashion Week Chicago. This event: "Lets Talk About Fashion" was a night of fashion and entertainment featuring wonderful bloggers, designers, stylists and fashion enthusiasts.  Held at the Fabulous  Public Hotels

                           njoy *

My Outfit of the Night was mostly from Forever21 Skirt from the Plus Size line, Tank from straight sizes , The blazer & belt have been featured before and are from the Thrift Store and ASOS.  

 Wonderful Night full of Fabulous Ladies 


live, Learn, LOVE 


Lindsey *~

Big Girl Cosmetics Pre Launch PARTY!

I was alerted by EventBrite of an amazing event happening right in my Neighborhood for Big Girl Cosmetics. It was a pre-launch party to celebrate their collaboration  and distribution with  Macy's. CEO and owner Kiley Russell, talked to me about her Company's name meaning "Live Life BIG!!! " It was a wonderful event, with amazing sponsors, DJ and ambiance at Room 43

njoy Pics and my Plus Size Outfit Fashion breakdown 

 Outfit of the Night: Fashion Breakdown:
Blazer with Pink strip Lining: Thrifted
Pink n White  Nautical Top: Dress from Forever21
Black Skirt : Dress for Forever21 +
Black Flats: Charlotte Russe
Pink Skinny Belt: ASOS Curve 
Bracelets and Earrings: Random fashion Stores