Snap Back!!!

With the summer just right around the corner, it's the perfect time to SNAP back in shape with healthy & colorful snacks. After finding a wonderful Facebook page with the recipe listed below; Purely Healthy Living, I immediately decided to make this wonderful snack for myself and the kids. Only difference, I added basil instead of parsley. The first picture shows just three ingredients for a flavorful snack. Two ingredients, I actually forgot to include (Oregano & Olive Oil) and is loaded with a burst of flavor. Here's the recipe: 2 large tomatoes, cut 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese 1 tsp. dried oregano Basil Leaves Salt and Pepper to taste a little bit of olive oil for drizzling over the top (optional) Directions: Preheat over to 400 F degrees In a small bowl combine oregano salt and pepper. Top each tomato slice evenly with the Parmesan cheese mixture. Add basil onto of tomatoe followed by the parmesan cheese mixture. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, this is optional. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until you notice the cheese starts to turn gold. Easy, Delicious and Healthy. Follow Purely Healthy Living on Facebook for more delicious recipes. The second picture is just a collage that I put together showing you the fun and easy process. My kids thoroughly enjoyed their snack and it was healthy. It is also important to incorporate nuts in between meals which contain unsaturated fatty acids and are a great snack and easy to pack when you're on the go. Seen above is an energy blend that I purchased from Costco with Edamame, Cranberries, Almonds, & Pumpkin Kernels. I love them and helps with hunger pains….LOL! Today, my lunch (seen in the fourth picture) consisted of a Raw Kale Salad, and Mangos with Jalapeño Vinaigrette from Whole Foods Market along with my favorite drink of all time "Kevita." I love Kevita as it is a probiotic drink that contains four strains of live probiotics. It is also organic, and vegan and can be found at Whole Foods Market. Find out more about Kevita by clicking HERE! As you can see in the last picture, Wholefoods market is known for their fresh salads. It's my go to spot when I just want to get away and enjoy a scrumptious yet healthy meal. With life moving at such a fast pace, I find it to be true that convenience has a hefty price to pay, and that is your LIFE. Don't always reach for convenient foods such as FAST FOODS as it can definitely have a toll on your health. As always do things in moderation and make healthy choices for your body and in LIFE!!!

Strawberry! Strawberries! Strawberry!

In 2007, I attended the Strawberry Fest with my kids who were then 5 and 3 years old. I was SO inspired by the many soap vendors that I wanted to make soap at home with the kids. Upon our return, we did just that and Scentsational Soaps was born! Since then, I had not visited the place that brought me SO much inspiration, joy and FUN and I felt it was time to revisit this year. I made it a point to go back and revisit what I call my "Candy Store" We set out to take the Amtrak, bright and early in the morning from Los Angeles to Oxnard. The kids were excited and so was I. It was a bright and beautiful day with nice and warm weather. It took us about 1 1/2 hours to arrive. It was a nice trip with a great scenery. We past thru beautiful mountains and large Strawberry Fields. From our stop, we caught a shuttle to the Strawberry Fest where lots of people were in route to go in. As you can see from the many pictures we ate, and ate, and ate and ate. They had everything from Strawberry Pizza to Strawberry Nachos, wine, beer and MORE!!!! Our bellies were STUFFED!!! The kids thouroughly enjoyed themselves as they rode several rides, and visited a few magic shows. My husband was a kid at heart as well. He managed to purchase some paintball tickets for a future date. Around 4:30pm our day had ended. We had to wait for the train to arrive and while doing so, we laid out on the grass and watched the kids rumble and play. They were still hyped from all of the sugary and fun foods that we had devoured earlier. "Mommy watch this" "Daddy, watch me" these we the words that shouted out to us as we rested from a long and enjoyable day. As you can see, daddy was worn out. He couldn't wait to board the train and give his eyes a rest. Besides he had been at a basketball tournament with our son the day before all day. If you haven't visited the Strawberry Fest in Oxnard, please make plans to do so next year as it is a fun outing and usually every year, KIDS RIDE FREE on the Amtrak!

Sweet & Sassy Strawberries

For years, even decades strawberries has been known to have huge health benefits for the skin. Strawberries contain a salicyclic acid to get rid of dead skin cells therefore, helping to fight and eliminate free radicals that attack the skin. Because strawberries contains a good amount of antioxidants, strawberries should be incorporated your diet as much as possible. I LOVE strawberries and actually decided to start a business after attending the strawberry fest in Oxnard in 2007. I was so inspired by the other vendors and their crafts in soap, that I too wanted to do the same. This year, it's returning and if you live in or near Los Angeles County, I'd advise you to attend and bring the entire family! It's super FUN! Listed below are a few of my favorite Strawberry Recipes. Try them all!!!!

Strawberry Mask

Strawberies have astringent qualities which tighten and tone your skin.

Mash the strawberries in a small bowl. Apply to your face as directed in the basic mask instructions and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.

(Body Book By Anne Akers Johnson)





Strawberry Teeth Whitener

Are you wanting clean and white teeth? Try this:

3-6 strawberries
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water

To make:
In a blender puree the berries
Pour the fruit in a small custard size dish.

To use:
With your toothbrush or cosmetic brush, paint a paste of the berries onto your teeth. Let sit on your teeth for 5 minutes.
Add teaspoon of the baking soda and the cream of tartar to the cup of water.
Swish the soda water around in your mouth
Brush your teeth with 1 teaspoon plain baking soda
Rinse with cool, clear water.

(The Herbal Home Spa by Greta Breedlove)

What other ways do you use Strawberries? Please share.

Discover YOU in 2012

When was the last time that you taken time out for you? Do you give yourself 15 minutes a day, just for you? In the course of the year 2011, I found myself NOT doing that as much as I would like. Yes, I go places and have fun with my husband, family and friends, but for the most part, it's all work related. I promised myself, that I will do things differently and go to places that I've never been before in 2012. The picture above is a spot in Rancho Palos Verdes. It's absolutely beautiful there. One day, I was driving back from an event and decided to pull over on the side and close my eyes and inhale and exhale for a moment while there. I wanted to take in everything that was there in my possession and acknowledge it. I also began to think about things that I wanted and things that I needed to rid myself of. It was a peaceful moment. It's these moments that you will learn more about yourself while releasing stress from the body. With all the hustle and bustle with life, it's important to take time out for YOU. Run along the beaches in the sand, take your shoes off and let your toes feel the grass, listen to the birds chirp, take long baths while using Scentsational Soaps Products. It will do the body good! Start making the changes today & share some things that you do to take out time for YOU.

Rejuvenate, Revive, Restore, Relax

Being an entrepreneur has both it's high & low points. There are times when you feel overwhelmed and then there are days that you are ecstatic about your business! This is not only true for entrpreneurs but for everyone for that matter. Life is a beautiful gift that has been given to us all but in order to master our LIFE, it's essential to revive our minds. Going to the beach to watch the sunset, enjoying time alone reading a good book, or just pure rest is the best way to clear the mind. A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of going to Paradise Cove in Malibu! I love this restaurant and it's picture perfect views.

Just this past weekend, I watched the sunset with my husband. It was very nice, calming and relaxing, and guess what? It was FREE!!! Remember, when you feel a lil overwhelmed, take some time for you! Check out Paradise Cove at http://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/

Toushonta Hogan President, Founder
Scentsational Soaps

How bad do YOU want it? What r YOU willing to do for it?

This saturday, I had the great honor and privilege of speaking before a group of wonderfully courageous women who are apart of a non-profit organization called Shepherd's Door. Shepherd’s Door is a domestic Violence Resource Center, that provides a safe and secure refuge for women who are ready to put an end to the cycle of violence that has shaken and shattered their lives. Through direct rescue intervention, residential support in the transition, counseling, and resources linkage new beginnings are launched and lives are changed forever and women are made able to begin again via the outreach efforts of Shepherd's Door. The experience got me to thinkin about my own life; which further inspired me to pose some questions to you that I asked of myself:

. Are you genuinely and authentically happy with your life? With who you are?

. If you had it to do over, what would you change about your life?

. Would you marry or date you if you were You?

. Do you believe you have control of your whole life?

. If you don't...who have you relinquished control of your life to?

. Do you treat yourself kind and with respect?

. When you look in the mirror, do you like who and what looks back at you?

. Have you forgiven yourself?

. Have you forgiven those who have trespassed against you?

The take away from Saturday's event was to forgive yourself for the choices you may have made that didn't serve you. Forgive that person who you feel has wronged you. When you forgive others, it allows the Universe to not only lighten your heart, but also forgives you for wrongs you may have committed.

The second take away I derived from the luncheon was to walk in love. The more love you express, the more love you'll receive.

Lastly, move on.If we continue to live in the past, we'll continue to draw unto ourselves the same kind of people, situations and circumstances that we attracted in the past that didn't serve us.

We want to hear your answers. Feel free to share with us your story.

In closing, I'd like to thank Toushonta Hogan and Tanisia Offrey for the wonderful opportunity of speaking before the ladies of: Shepherd's Door.

Fee King
Your Health and Fitness go-to-girl
www.uniquefeesiquesla.com

The kindness of Strangers

Sunday, March 20th, 2011 7:25 a.m., I, Fee King, ran my first marathon. I ran this marathon in honor of my best friend, Louise Pinion, who passed in 2009 and my high school sweetheart, Michael Morgan, who passed of Leukemia in 1987. I ran this marathon to help me push through obstacles, fears and insecurities. I ran this marathon in hopes of inspiring other women to get their S.piritual H.ouse I. in order T.oday! Not tomorrow...but right now in this moment.

Along the route; which began at Dodger Stadium, there were nameless people, young, old, white, black, Asian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, there to cheer me along my journey. It's quite beautiful and emotional when you make eye contact with a complete stranger...and in that moment you connect on a level that words cannot describe. That happened for me twice. My eyes met a beautiful Asian woman and a beautiful black woman who's energy propelled me to that finish line.

I only relied on the spirit and memories of my late best friend Louise to ensure that I cross that finish line. And..without fail, she brought me home.Louise was and still is my Biggest cheerleader. I ran to let both her and Michael know that a day has not gone by that I don;'t think about them, miss them, honor and love them. My life has been improved because of the love I shared with those two individuals. How fortunate am I? Very!

IT may be hard to believe, but at mile 4, I didn't know how I would complete 26.2 miles. I was ready to Quit, but I didn't. From mile 10 to 11, I chanted(prayed) for Focus, strength and Determination. At mile 14, I was pleasantly greeted by a sign that had my name on it held by my clients: Sarah Adolphson and Robbie Weimer.WE get what we earnestly ask for and what we believe we deserve.

I am a very...VERY independent and socially introverted person; which means I know a lot of people and a lot of people know me' however, I'm alone more often than not. People refer to me as the social butterfly. I partake of various social events and activities around L.A.; however, I tend to isolate myself from people when I'm in need. I've become very prideful when it comes to sharing my fears and struggles with people; as well as allowing my ego to get in the way of asking for help. This has both served me well and enabled me at times. Running this marathon allowed me to rely upon and even ask people for help. While running, I asked the Universe to support my efforts. I chanted for strength, focus and a winning spirit. I thanked every single person who handed me water, oranges, gatorade (even though I'm opposed to it because of the high levels of acid in it), sprayed pain reliever on my legs and thighs; as well as every person who held their hand out for me to shake it. Wow! In that moment, It was confirmed to me that WE are ALL connected. Please read it again, WE are ALL connected. There were two tables at two different locations of Middle Eastern men in turbans who had cut fresh oranges for me. I had to hold it together ya'll. IT was too soon in the race for me to break down in tears. Thank you to those men for supporting me.

That break down and cry moment came 800 meters from the finish line at the corner of San Vicente and Ocean. As I turned the corner for the long stretch to the finish line, I heard someone call it, " You only have 800 meters left." I had no comprehension of how long that was, but I knew it was less than a mile. lol. I finally lifted my head up to realize I was directly across the street from the area I was standing at February 2009 and received a very obvious sign from my late best friend, Louise Pinion, that I deserved better. At that moment, February 8th, 2009, I decided to STOP doing the things I had been doing if I wanted to have a better life. Today, My life is quite wonderful.

Toushonta (Scentsational Soaps) and myself (Unique FEESIQUES Urban Fitcamps) is spreading this act of relying upon the kindness of strangers by blessing three people, who comment and share their story of triumph and overcoming an obstacle on our blog site. We want to help you Feel Unique and look Scentsational.

You can WIN:
. 2 Outdoor Urban Unique FEESIQUES Fitcamps
. 1 bar of handmade Scentsational Soap after your workout
. 1 Herbalife Shrink-N-Drink Antioxidant tea

Your Fitness go-to-girl
Fee King
www.uniquefeesiquesla.com

March Madness! Are WE gettin what we want out of our lives?

Happy Monday Family. I cannot believe it's March. Where has this year gone? I don't know about you, but I have accomplished more in the 3 months of the New Year than I did in 12 months of 2010. Stay on Fire my sistahs. FYI! When I say sistahs, I mean all my ladies, okay. Needed to get that out of the way. I want my SISTAHS to Re-ignite your New Year Determinations. Re-Focus and Re-Commit to gettin your S.piritual H.ouse. I.in order T.ODAY! AND...get specific and clear about who you are. Why you're here? AND...what you want and need to do in order to be successful at your life. Meditate, fast, chant or pray on it daily.

Last Friday, I had the great pleasure of being interviewed as L.A.;'s fitness guru on Detroit's 93.7 The Beat radio station. The topic was self-esteem and how it affects African-American women and their health.IT was both an honor and an eye-opening experience; as I was able to connect via phone calls and via facebook posts to women who were willing to show their vulnerable side and admit that their self-esteem plummeted when their weight went up. This thing is real ya'll. Think about how good it makes you feel when you treat yourself to that new outfit, shoes or when you're packing your bag for that much anticipated and hard worked for vacation you saved up for and now you're finally going on it. It's a morale booster, right? We all have them and we all need them more often than not. Some of us will actually work out and diet down to lose that last 10, 15 or 20 pounds; just so we can look good on said vacation only to gain half of it back before we get back home.

Here are some of the tips and suggestions I recommended to the callers:
. Write out exactly what you wish to accomplish with your body and be specific
. Set a time-frame. Example: I want to lose 15 pounds of fat by: __________. I want to tone up and firm up my inner thighs, buttocks and triceps by: ____________. I want to fit into a size:_____________ I want to get off my cholesterol medication by: ____________

. Consult a professional who can help you stay safe and accountable to your goal

. Lastly, stop telling yourself what you cannot afford; when you're affording to get your hair and nails done once every two weeks and affording new shoes and eye lashes.

. Prioritize. When you put out into the Universe that you're worth it, the Universe responds in kind by making a way out of no way. As a personal trainer and wellness coach, I speak for not only myself; however other fitness professionals that I work with when I say the illusion of a recession has allowed us to be even more creative and flexible with our prices and programs. SO...get out of your own way, give your self-esteem a boost by taking care of the only mind, body and soul you have. Do it Today.

I'll leave you with this: this morning I met my first client at her home at 7:20 a.m. I text her to meet me outside; as our workout would be on the outside today. She was nervous, but she trusted me and went along with my program. She shared with me that she was intimidated by working outside in her neighborhood for fear of people staring. Not only were her neighbors and passerbyers staring; but they were showing her love and support by winking, smiling and giving her the thumbs up.We used things throughout her neighborhood, such as: a the firehouse brick wall for wall squats. We used a gate to support her balance for abductor/adductors (inner and outer thighs); as well as the side walk for cardio (jumping jacks, high knees, side-to-sides and walking lunges). The Universe and ALL of us in it, really do want you to succeed. More importantly, you have to want you to Succeed.

Your Health and Fitness Go-to-girl
Fee King

Where are ALL the good men and the good Food?

This weekend, I had the pleasure of setting up my massage table at a hip and trendy barbershop/hair salon in the Valley. I worked on the bodies of men. Yes, you heard me right. These were men ranging in age from 15-43. There's something to be said about what happens when you get a person on a massage table.They become Human. They become Vulnerable. They relax, let go and allow themselves to experience the Big "P" word. get your mind out of the gutter. Pampering...they allow themselves to be Pampered and actually admit they want and need to be pampered.

I like to equate some aspects of a quality man with that of quality food. Organic foods are those that are produced using environmentally sound methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. Like Organic products that typically cost 10 to 40% more than similar conventionally produced products, organic men typically are not easy to find and they require more of an effort to peel back the layers to get to the good part.

I believe a REAL, authentic and genuine Man with an organic sense of self and style will resemble, in a non-literal way ofcourse, that of organic, yummy, good to you and good for you foods. We all know you can't find organic products at your neighborhood five and dime or mom and pop convenient store. You also won't find a quality man hangin on the corner, pants saggin past his butt, talkin about "wassup shawty."

I worked on a 43-year old man that shared with me that when he comes home from working a 10-hour shift, he would love for his woman to rub his feet with some of that Scentsational Soaps peppermint foot butter that I rubbed on his feet. He said, "Yeah, mens like they feet and hands rubbed to." "You women are onto something with all this pampering." He then proceeded to tell every other man who was in the salon that they better come on over and get some of this pamperin.

My point is, let us begin to think outside of the box and outside of the traditional grocery store setting for quality organic foods; same as we might think outside of the traditional setting we've come accustomed to in search of a quality organic man. Websters definition of organic: Simple, healthful, and close to nature

My top locals for finding high quality,organic and cost effective foods from lowest to highest are:

. Your home grown garden
. Trader Joes
. Farmer's Markets
. Sprouts
. Whole Foods

I would love to hear from some of you as to where you find the best priced organic foods in your home town; as well as some good ole fashioned organic men?


Fee King
Your Health and Fitness g0-to-girl
www.uniquefeesiquesla.com