Belly Fat Cure Session Five "Milk Substitutes"

Skim, nonfat, and low fat milk are forbidden on the Belly Fat Cure. For other options, almond milk and coconut milk are nondairy and sugar/lactose free. They tastes delicious and are very versatile: I use them to make shakes, smoothies, drinks, and ice cream. I also drink them straight, adding Truvia for sweetness. Not bad with cereals either.

Almond and coconut milk both have less than 50 calories and 0 sugar!

Blue Diamond Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze can be found at Whole Foods, Walmart, and Winn-Dixie. Look for the hot pink label that says "UNSWEETENED."

All Natural SO Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk can be found at Whole Foods.

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Missin' my FRO :(

[Image from http://fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls.tumblr.com/]

This picture seriously makes me want to fast forward to April 1, 2011, and unleash my FRO. I really miss my fros and puffs, but feel more comfortable wearing protective styles during these winter months. I've abandoned mini twists all together, and am now rockin' medium to large twists.....and get this, I can get them into a plait! I'm excited about my 2011 hair goals that I've set......full APL by the summer, stretched.....and full NL by the winter, unstretched.

What's your 2011 hair goals?

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All time favorite Christmas movies!

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RAVE! Kimmaytube leave in!!! So good I had to make a 2nd batch

You'll, this stuff makes my hair so soft like something serious! I decided to double the recipe this time since I liked it so much. Ladies, if you have not tried Kimmaytube's leave in mixture yet, I recommend you try it, making a small batch first to see how your hair reacts to it.

This combo is definitely a keeper!

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Carol's Daughter for Christmas!

A couple months back my dad and I were walking around Macy's waiting on my grandmother to buy a pair of earrings. I wanted to pay a visit to the Carol's Daughter counter....just to browse. Well, I must have been smiling ear to ear while testing all the products, because both my dad and mom went back to the store to purchase a few products for me for Christmas :)

Check em out!

Stay tuned for product reviews!

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Belly Fat Cure Session Four "Creamy Coffee Drink"

I noticed that Jorge has a lot of recipes for shakes and drinks on pages 83-99 of the Belly Fat Cure, and they look really yummy! I'm a big fan of ice coffee drinks but fear the high amount of sugar grams in them.

I decided to alter the recipes from the shakes and drink recipes, creating my own creamy coffee drink, minus the sugar.

Ingredients:
Instant coffee packet [I use Folgers instant decaf in the green box]

Truvia - 3-5 packets

Heavy Cream or Half & Half or Almond Milk

Whipped Cream [I use Reddi-Wip]

Ice

Blend all ingredients together till smooth. Pour into glass and enjoy.

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Edible fashion? Well, sort of.

Edible fashion? Well, sort of. Imagine the temptation of walking around with sweets on your feet. I don't reckon much but it is certainly still interesting that Converse have plans to release these shoes for 2011. It's from the Converse Japan Spring 2011 Collection preview. I'm not mad on printed canvas shoes personally but having owned those checkerboard Vans in 2002 when I was a wee lad, so I can see the appeal for a younger person. Still, would you walk around with these Oyatsu Slip-On Candy Pack shoes?
Image from Highsnobiety

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Orlando Smells Fruity: Boss Orange

The curly haired Brit who is more famous now for his marriage to Miranda Kerr than his movies has been named the new face of Boss Orange (July) and now the first images have been released. He follows fellow Brit Sienna Miller who is his female counterpart for the labels popular fragrance.

Orlando had this to say in a release: "Boss Orange is a brand I immediately identified with because it has a laid back, spontaneous quality I relate to, and there's more to come!"



Shot by Steven Klein in a basic tee and jeans combo, Orlando Bloom looks on (while flexing) with virtually the same pose as Sienna in her version. Following a theme or merely a coincidence? It is reported that Boss Orange will only be available to purchase in Europe. I own the old round-bottled one from 10 years ago so this would be a welcome addition to my collection.
Image from Justjared

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Belly Fat Cure Session Three "Milk"

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Belly Fat Cure Session Two "How It Works"

What is The Belly Fat Cure?

The first thing you must awaken to is the truth about what causes belly fat and obesity, and it isn’t a failure to count calories or fat grams. It is critical you understand that the foods we eat are packed full of hidden sugars. The latest breakthrough research has proven that losing and gaining fat isn’t determined by how many calories you eat, but by the kind of calories you eat. That is why the focus of The Belly Fat Cure is about eating the right amount of sugar and carbohydrates to maximize fat loss while still satisfying your sweet tooth. The reason we single out the sugar and carbohydrates, not the calories and fat, all has to do with the science of a naturally occurring hormone we all have...insulin.

Why Insulin?

You may be thinking “I’m not diabetic, my insulin is fine!” or “I’ve always known it is bad to eat sugar, I hardly ever have candy!” That is where the breakthrough research about insulin and the huge amounts of hidden sugar in our everyday “healthy” foods comes into play. It is absolutely vital you know that insulin is the hormone that controls your bodies ability to push fat into fat cells, especially the dangerous fat tissue that accumulates around the midsection. Without lowering insulin levels, it is impossible to lose weight, regardless of calorie intake or exercise intensity.

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Belly Fat Cure Session One "Introduction"

Hey Guys!

When I started this blog, I originally wanted to record my weight loss journey, progress photos, and post the information and videos that were motivating and helping me in my weight loss journey back in 2009. However, I never got around to doing this, but would like to start today. Over the course of 2011, I am going to show you how I lost weight, how I exercised, and most important, how and what I ate. I currently still follow the Belly Fat Cure, and exercise, but just enough to maintain my current weight without losing any; however I want to go hardcore and would like to lose 10-15 more pounds for the New Year. Overall, I would like to be tight and lean.

I do not weigh myself, nor do I own a scale. I have seen and experienced the damage and mind games a scale can do to someone trying to lose weight, so I use a tape measure, and my clothes to determine how much weight I am losing. With that said, I do plan to post progress pictures, goals, and inches lost throughout 2011.

Okay, so let’s get started:

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Updates

Hey you'll!

So I have been extremely busy lately with graduation, work, job applications, and of course the holidays. It all begin last Friday with the excitement of the graduation [a two day event].......the weather was bitterly cold and wet, however, my twist stood up to that like a champion! I posted a pic in my profile.

I started and finished my Christmas shopping this afternoon...never again :( , even though I was blessed with an abundance of front door parking spots and empty checkout lines with every store I hit, I won't be waiting till the last minute to do my Christmas shopping anymore :)

No job interviews yet, however, I consider myself to be a blessed individual, expecting supernatural favor in my life...so I'm going to continue applying and waiting on God to open doors in that department. Meanwhile, I'm currently studying for the gre/gmat exams and trying to relax while I can...Business School is next on my list.

Update: I won't be posting till the beginning of the new year......maybe except for some photo gazing of natural hair photos. Till then,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Armani Joins the Phone Brigade

These days it seems the debate is either iPhone or Blackberry. Both parties will argue why theirs is better looking, more innovative, etc. etc. Personally I fall on the latter side, but I switched from an iPhone (too many gadgets and the typing irritated me).

Over the last few years we have seen many, many phones compete. We have also seen these companies get celebrities (like David Beckham) to endorse their product in hopes of enticing them to switch. It was only natural that in time fashion designers would be asked to help design their own cellphones. Remember Dolce & Gabbana and the gold Motorola?

So with design houses like Prada, Giambattista Valli and... Levi's with phones, it is Giorgio Armani who arrives with his newest designer-venture, the 'Armani Samsung S'. Featuring Ben Hill as the front man for the campaign.

Take a look at the behind the scenes footage below. Would you make the switch?

Image from Homotography

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Jacques Naude for Barneys

This South African model has come a long way since his 2008 debut with his CK Jeans campaign.  Jacques Naude of Wilhelmina has featured in a long list of major publication which include VMAN, Details and Vogue Homme Japan and now he we have images of him acting a fool and getting paid modeling for Barney's "Have a foodie holiday". It's so good to see our boys and girls making a name for themselves overseas. We do make the best looking people though!



Images from thefashionisto

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Androgyny for Marc Jacobs

Continuing the topic of re-inventing the modern model, Marc Jacobs has reportedly called upon the talents of Andrej Pejic for his latest Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring campaign. The 19 year old Serbian Australian recently returned from Marrakech where he was shooting with Juergen Teller. His co-model was none other than the Latvian (my people) beauty Ginta Lapina for their strikingly similar features.

The emerging model is swiftly becoming the "poster-boy for fashion androgyny" according to WWD due to his long platinum hair and feminine features. Mert and Marcus and Steven Meisel have all noticed the great potential for this young model and have put him alongside Daphne Groenevel, Iselin Steiro and the aforementioned Givenchy muse Lea T and featured him in both French and Italian Vogue as well as Arena Homme +.

Images from thefashionisto/Nymag.com/

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Win with Bronx Shoes and MOTC

Bronx is offering one lucky reader an awesome Christmas hamper containing three pairs of shoes I chose which include the Coil loafers, Old Town boat shoes and a pair of Charge round toed shoes. 
To win all you need to do is drop us a mail at manoftheclothblog@yahoo.com and tell us how you plan to look fashionable this summer. In the Subject line type "Bronx Summer Give-Away" and leave me your name and phone number.

NOTE: This competition is unfortunately only open to South African readers and delivery will only take place in the new year. 

Visit www.bronxshoes.co.za for more information about Bronx’s latest summer range.

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Givenchy Introduces An Albino Model

Models are much like the clothing they help sell, designers choose models to further extend this seasons look. In the case of some designers like Dolce and Gabbana they are selling sex too, but these days there has been a shift. One year models are flawless and the next they are awkward and geeky but it goes further than that. When Riccardo Tisci pushed the envelope by including Transsexual model Lea T in a Givenchy campaign it was met with respect from the public. Now he has done so yet again by including an albino model by the name of Stephen Thompson into his latest campaign (photographed below). 

Thankfully models like Lea T and Shaun Ross (photographed above) are breaking the mould and opening doors to models of all kinds. After all, designers are meant to be unique so why should their models not be too?  I could never understand why albino models were not used on mainstream fashion before but I am pleased to see that they are now. While Ross is not the first, it is Thompson who is steadily becoming a popular choice in fashion with spreads in various magazines in the new year. Isn’t that fantastic?

Images from models.com/Giantlife

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Q&A with Stiaan Louw for Ammo Magazine

Stiaan Louw has been all over the net and magazines lately with the anticipation of his upcoming collection(s). Now Ammo Magazine beckoned the local designer for a Q&A all the way from New York and they included the topic of blackfacing and the controversy around it. Quite the interesting read!

Follow the jump to read the Q&A >>

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Charles Devoe Dead

There is no information as to why, but just a few days ago it was reported that Charles Devoe, a young and popular male model had died. Devoe had modeled for Steven Klein, V magazine, Arena Homme Plus and Buffalo jeans among others. See the Huffington Post who included a video by Bell Soto entitled 'The Visitor' as a tribute to the young model. My condolences go out to the family.
Image from models.com

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Persol sunglass envy

Designed and crafted in Italy, Persol (from the Italian "per il sole" or "for the sun") is a hit among tastemakers and celebrities for impeccable fit and clarity. The brands patented Meflecto temples offer a secure fit, while crystal-tempered lenses offer protection with distortion free vision. Perfect for the sometimes unreasonable weather we have in Cape Town.

The brand is most known for their Steve McQueen (PO 714) glasses that were made famous when he wore them in "The Thomas Crown Affair". Naturally what followed was a host of leading men donning their own Persol shades. What was more surprising (or perhaps not so much today) was the female interest, notably Julia Roberts in her latest movie "Eat, Pray, Love".



While these beautiful sunglasses are not yet available on our shores they do offer other styles from Persol at Sunglass Hut, which include these PO2363S shades. I love the look but a square shape is not flattering for my long and oval face. Considering which sunglasses compliment your face the most should be your main objective. Not just satisfying a trend you enjoy.

This is definitely a brand to consider the next time you pop in to Sunglass Hut!


Images from StuartsLondon, Getty and SunglassHut.com

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FRIDAY FASHION FACE-OFF feat. ANNE HATHAWAY DAVID BECKHAM

ANNE HATHAWAY

Robyn: So the Princess Diaries is hosting everything right now it seems. And something as illustrious as the Nobel Peace Prize concert it just the latest. So here Anne is in J.Mendel black shimmer. It is pretty classic and a bit sexy. And she looks really pretty. I’m just not sure that she is really a credible choice so that bothers me a bit. What do you think Marco?

Marco: Well, she has taken on more serious roles since the Princess Diaries, thankfully. To me it makes sense. I have always believed her to be one of the relatable and intelligent starlets in Hollywood and have enjoyed every one of her red-carpet looks. Not only because she is always ravishing but because she exudes class at the same time. Plus she has a bigger smile than anyone in Hollywood. Even Cameron. Thumbs up for this one.

DAVID BECKHAM

Marco: I have an incredibly supportive and loving father so when I saw this picture I knew it had to be my pick of the week. I appreciate a father who gets involved. David took his son to the Sun military awards in London and dressed him all up in Brooks Brothers. I must say the pair look rather dashing. Davids overcoat has a superb fit. Still all that said, what is going on with the middle path there, Becks?

Robyn: Ah, no fair! You know I love all things Beckham and here is a double dose of the cute. I can even overlook the hair since you know it is just going to change again in a couple of weeks. I can't wait for next book club so I can ask Vicky what she thinks of it! Totally and utterly adorable for Becks big and small. Marco, you win this one.

Images thanks to Coco Perez and Just Jared

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Thom Browne S/S 11 editorial for Wonderland

THOM BROWNE S/S 11 EDITORIAL

For Thom Browne's S/S 11 collection he reigned in Way Perry to style this fantastic and quirky shoot. Benny Horne does yet another fantastic job, this time at documenting the trio of Salieu Jaloh, Henry Watkins and the latest addition to Browne's catalog, Ambrose Carter. That fish jacket is so up my alley!

Images from Red

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The Time has Come.....

Graduation, that is! I retwisted my hair last night after washing with Mastey shampoo, deep conditioning with The Body Shop's Banana Conditioner, and lightly blowing out my hair. This afternoon, I tried on the cap to see how it would fit with the twists, and all is good. This set took approximately 4 hours to complete, a little longer than what I'm accustomed to, but well worth it.

Happy Twisting!

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