Tag: PRIMP

Janelle Mughannam

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HERSTORY

Janelle Mughannam is a Certified Fitness Trainer, food, and lifestyle Vlogger who is known on YouTube as Coco Janelle. She has earned more than 40,000 subscribers creating exercise videos, meal prep tips, and clothing hauls, amongst other vlogs.

Coco Janelle is a California-based brand ambassador, she has become popular on Instagram, earning upwards of 218,000 followers.

She is of Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian descent. She has one sister, Celine, and one brother, Farris. She is in business with her younger sister, Celine “Cece” who is also a Fitness and Fashion Influencer on Instagram.

I was given the opportunity to interview Janelle Mughannam, here’s what Janelle “Coco” had to say ….

What inspired you to create FITWSIS?

At first our account started as a fitness account that shares tips and secrets about fitness. Today we transformed it into a start-up business with clients from all over the world.  Our mission is to guide people towards a healthier lifestyle. Every body is unique; each with its own strengths and limitations. Our method is to motivate and inspire you in any way possible. Our aim is not only to transform your body, but to influence you in making more mindful decisions when it comes to your health. We believe in finding the pleasurable side of fitness, and while there may be a sore muscle or two along the way, the amount of fun and levels of energy you will experience will far exceed the discomfort.


What have you learned during this journey?

I learned to work harder and to manage my time. Running a start-up business by yourself is difficult. My sister and I do all the work ourselves and it definitely  taught us to not procrastinate and to be better every single day.


Define beauty in your own words?

Beauty is something we cannot see because its from within 🙂


What is it like working with your sister on fitwsis, that not only benefits you guys but it is also helping people to live a better and happy life?

We love it! I feel like it has also brought us closer:) Plus working with a sibling is easier because you can fight and argue about something and be fine 2 seconds later lol. We have similar minds so we are always bouncing ideas off of each other. We also have duties and individual jobs within our company which helps us stay on top on everything!


Of all the people in the fitness world, who would you love to collaborate with if given the opportunity?

Good question!!! My sister and I love @stef_fit. We see ourselves in her and we would love to work with her one day!


What advice can you give to young women who are interested in following your footsteps?

DO NOT RUSH. I feel like when I rush or push things they never work out as planned. If you want to start your own business there are alot of conditions you must accomplish first before diving head first. You need a plan, you need a targeted audience and you need an investment! Take your time to make sure everything you release is perfect and neat.


What aspect of this artistry excites you the most?

We love receiving messages and emails from girls who have seen results using our plans. That is probably the most satisfying thing about what we do. Seeing others happy, motivated, and inspired from FITWSIS is the icing on the cake. Thats when we know we made it!


What goals do you want to accomplish in your career and in life

Currently I am just trying to hustle as much as I can NOW so I can be great LATER.


Do you have any beauty routines and if so, what are they?

I have really sensitive skin so I take my time with my skin care routine though the day. I love taking myself to the spa or salon to get pampered every now and then 🙂 I think its important to take care of yourself, especially us girls


Do you have any upcoming events or plans we should watch out for?

I guess you’ll have to wait and see:)


What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

I feel its because not enough women are supporting women who are on the top. If we have more women out there inspiring and changing the world then us women who concur. The future is female 🙂


Describe yourself in one word?

SPONTANEOUS!!I am always always up for new adventures and experiences.

I read that you are in College, what is your major?

I majored in Business Marketing and I have a concentration in Wine Studies. Yes wine:) I grew up in Sonoma County (near Napa which is the wine country of America).


Name 2 your beauty must-haves |Name 2 of your fitness must-haves

Beauty must-haves: Sunscreen + Moisturizer | Fitness must-haves: Water bottle + Music


Is there any woman who inspires you? Why?

My mother. She’s the most hard working person I know. I aspire to be as great as her one day.


What is your favorite healthy snack?

I love cheese platters with fruit!


Which one do you like better: being a YouTuber or being a Certified Fitness Trainer/Business Owner

I love youtube (even though I do not do it as much) because it showcases my personality 🙂


What is your favorite quote/poem?

“Girls Compete Women Empower” and “A year from now you’re going to wish you started today.”

INSTAGRAM – @COCOJANELLE
FITNESS/BRAND – @FITWSIS
YOUTUBE – JANELLEMUG
WEBSITE – FITWSIS.COM

10 Ways to Relieve Stress

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I haven’t touched too much on stress and anxiety on my blog, but I deal with it every single day. I have spine issues so stress really takes a toll on my body and back. It’s so easy to let stress get the best of me, so as soon as I feel stressed, I take a minute to become self-aware and begin de-stressing. Here are my 10 ways to relieve stress and I hope this helps you too!

  1. Breathe
    • When we get stressed or anxious, listen to your breathing – is it fast and shallow? As soon as you feel tense, try breathing slow and deep. The increased intake of oxygen will help calm your nervous system.
  2. Pamper
    • As a beauty blogger, this is probably my favorite thing to do.  Create a mini spa oasis at home – light some candles and pamper yourself with your favorite mask or give yourself a manicure. You deserve it!
  3. Drink tea
    • I love tea, like really love tea and recently I learned that there’s an art to drinking tea. Instead of just pouring yourself a cup, pay attention to the boiling of the water, the steeping of the tea, and then take a moment to savor each sip. Focusing on the experience can be calming, just make sure to drink decaffeinated tea like this one.
  4. Music
    • You know how you listen to music before heading into the shower? The same thing applies to your night in. Music can be a powerful tool to quickly change your mood and I love using apps like Spotify and Tidal that have ready-made playlists to match your mood.
  5. Journal
    • Sometimes when I have so much on my mind, I write down what I’m feeling and why I’m feeling that way. Once I have everything down on paper, it’s like having a weight lifted off my shoulders and then I can start tackling whatever is stressing me out.
  6. Read
    • If there’s one thing that’ll put me to sleep, it’s reading. Get lost in a story and it’ll take your mind off of your stressful day and chances are, it’ll put you to sleep like me.
  7. Exercise
    • Now I’m not the most active person but walking helps to put my mind at ease. This is something I recently picked up and I’ve been really feeling the endorphins! I love that feeling of knowing that I took time out of my day to get myself healthier.
  8. Meditation
    • I have been able to master this technique, and I know many people who love meditation. In fact, my therapist is a strong believer in meditation and recommends it for everyone, not just for people who suffer from anxiety, depression, stress and etc.    You can use meditation apps or find a guided meditation on YouTube.
  9. Stay offline
    • If work and emails are sources of your stress, turn off your phone and computer to reduce the temptation of checking and responding to emails.  As much as work is important to me,  I try to remember that my health is much more important. Social media can be strainful so try to separate yourself. I know that is hard especially for those who earn money through Instagram like myself but it is not impossible.
  10. Cry/Smile
    • Relieves Stress. A good cry can provide a feeling of relief, even if our circumstances still remain the same. Crying is known to release stress hormones or toxins from the body, and as a result, reduces tension. It provides an emotional release of pent up negative feelings, stresses, and frustrations.
      • When all else fails, smile. Smiling releases a hormone called serotonin (the happy hormone) and can boost your immune system. By having a positive attitude, you’ll have a sunnier outlook on life. Try it!

Don’t get me wrong I love makeup and using makeup to feel good, but working on my inner beauty is a priority for me too! Stress can be detrimental to your overall health, so remember to take at least five minutes out of your day to relax. Happy de-stressing!

HOW DO YOU DE-STRESS?

KALI | REVOLUTIONIZING PERIODS

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I am the biggest fan of subscription boxes. The subscription boxes are usually filled with stuff that I’ve never tried before or what I have tried before and loved. Since discovering Knours, I have also came across Kali Box. A company that specialises in delivering chic, organic, and toxin-free tampons, pads and sanitary wipes right to your door. Revolutionary!!

What is Kali?

In a time when everyone is concerned about health, Kali Boxes fits right in.  Their products are made of 100% organic cotton, free from fragrances, parabens, chlorine bleach, dyes, deodorants, and other ingredients that can be harmful to our bodies.  Kali Boxes’ products are vegan and cruelty-free and are also ICEA and GOTS certified. Their individually-wrapped wipettes are also free from harsh ingredients such as chlorine, sulfates, and parabens, and can be used to freshen up any part of your body.  In addition to tampons, pads, panty liners, and wipes, Kali Boxes also carries facial mist, menstrual cups, coconut body scrub, bath soaks, and a custom essential oil blend, all of which are also made of organic ingredients sans any harmful chemicals. Kali Boxes’ mission is to provide you with products that will make you feel good during that time of the month so that you can pamper yourself even when you’re not feeling your best.

Along with your monthly supply of pads, tampons, and wipes, Kali Boxes also includes a free facial mist in every order, as well as a couple of surprises from various brand partners.  These goodies can range from organic deodorants to clay face masks, allowing you to sample new products from the comfort of your own home. Past Kali Boxes brand partners have included HUM Nutrition, Only Hearts underwear, Little Seed Farm, Cocofloss, and many more.  Kali Boxes function as both a feminine product subscription service and a beauty and self-care sample deal, making it one of the best “bang for your buck” subscriptions out there.

Now, I’m usually good at keeping period supplies at home but sometimes I find myself rummaging around the house when that time of the month comes looking for that one pad to rescue me. I usually fail and end up having to send my beautiful mother to the nearest market to grab a box. Pads and tampons are filled with chemicals and harsh materials so it is important to educate yourself on which lady essential to use.

Kali products are exactly the feminine hygiene products I’ve so desperately been searching for. These pads are made with 100% hypoallergenic and certified organic cotton. Absolutely no chemicals!
The tampon and cardboard applicator are 100% biodegradable and ethically and sustainably sourced. They don’t shred fibre either. The liners are also 100% hypoallergenic and made from certified organic cotton. Both of their absorbency is terrific! The wipes come in handy too. It’s great for traveling and freshing up not only your V but also your face and underarm as well. They are 100% Sulfate & Paraben Free, and 99.98% organic and all natural.

The subscription costs roughly around $18 – $22.89 a month depending on the box options. It actually costs about the same as tampons and pads you purchase at the drug store or supermarket but much better quality and better for your body and health. It also saves you a trip to the store and you never have to worry about not having pads each month when your evil step sister flow arrives.

In addition to the regular feminine product subscription, Kali Boxes also offers a teen box catered towards younger girls who might be getting their periods for the first time.  The teen box includes 6 organic cotton teen day pads, 6 teen night pads, 6 teen panty liners, 4 organic tampons with cardboard applicators, and 4 organic tampons with plastic applicators, as well as 10 wipettes and some special product surprises.  The teen box is perfect for younger girls who are new to the world of feminine hygiene and aren’t sure what products they should use. The Kali Lux Teen Kit is a great place to start, as it allows girls to try out different menstrual products and find what works best for them.  The teen box makes a perfect gift for your daughter, younger sister, or niece who may be feeling worried and insecure about starting their period, as this can help them prepare for that time of the month and eliminate any additional stress. Younger girls will also appreciate the extra goodies that come with their Kali Boxes, and they’ll enjoy getting to sample new products.

In addition to offering subscription boxes full of quality organic feminine care products, Kali Boxes also runs Kaliperiodical.com, an informative blog brought to you by the Kali team.  Blog topics on the site include period talk, lifestyle, travel, health and wellness, and sex and relationship advice. The Kali Periodical is a great resource for women of all ages, as it provides insight on everything a modern girl would need to know.  The site is run by Kali CEO Jonna Piira, as well as several other team members, including writers, fitness gurus, and nutritionists. The Kali Periodical is one of the most informative blogs out there for women and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for fun, educational content.

If all of this information still hasn’t convinced you that Kali Boxes is the best feminine subscription service out there, then I strongly suggest trying it for yourself! To get started, simply take the short quiz on the Kali Boxes website to create a customized box. Your box will ship within 2-3 business days, and then you can expect your boxes to arrive by the first day of every month. With the holidays right around the corner, a Kali Boxes subscription makes a great gift for the women in your life!

Kali Box is the greatest luxury for periods so go ahead and give it a try!

There is No Commitment and you can Pause or Cancel at any time.

KALIBOXES.COM

Have you purchased from them yet? Let me know what you think!

If you have any other subscription boxes suggestions, comment down below.


Odds & Ends: The Difference Between Kosher Salt, Table Salt, Sea Salt, and More

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I’ve always considered having options a good thing, especially in the kitchen. There are so many unique flavors to choose from, which makes cooking even more fun in my book. There are certain ingredients that can both overpower a dish or significantly amplify it. For me, salt is that ingredient. A pinch of salt can be the difference between perfectly savory or feeling like your crunching on a salt lick. The amount of salt you put into a dish isn’t the only things that can pose a potential problem though—with so many salt options on the market, how’s a girl to choose which one to use in a recipe?

Since I recently found myself asking the same question, I decided to do a little research. To my surprise, I discovered a handful of different salts suitable for cooking, brining and pickling. Some are used as flavor enhancers while other are used as garnishes or essential ingredients. If you’ve found yourself wondering which salt is best for your favorite dishes, I’ve done the dirty work for you. Below you’ll find six of the most common salts, what their composition is made of, and how you should be using them in the kitchen. Keep scrolling to get the lowdown on salt 101…

Kosher Salt

Let’s start with kosher salt. This salt is originally known for seasoning meat and has a flaky, coarse structure that differentiates itself from table salt. Kosher salt is less likely to contain additives like iodine and anti-caking agents used in table salt to keep it from clumping. This type of salt is ideal for using in cooking—it dissolves quickly and is good to use before, during and after cooking.

Table Salt

Probably the most well-known of the salts, table salt is highly refined, heavily ground and is almost pure sodium chloride. Most of the impurities and trace minerals in table salt are removed and iodine is almost always added into it. Like I mentioned above, table salt usually has anti-caking agents in it so that it doesn’t get all clumpy in your salt shaker. While you can still add this kind of salt into your favorite dishes, table salt is best used for last minute seasoning.

Sea Salt

Sea salt gets its name because it is made by evaporating seawater. Like table salt, sea salt is mostly composed of sodium chloride with some amount of trace minerals like potassium, iron and zinc. Sea salt is coarser than table salt and the size affects how quickly it will dissolve. To add bursts of flavor to your cooking, sprinkle a little sea salt to add the finishing touch to meals.

Himalayan Pink Salt

This next salt may sound a little bit familiar to my BeautyLeeBar.com readers. Himalayan pink salt contains 84 trace minerals and elements, making it more nutritious for your body that most other salts. It often contains small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium just to name a few. Himalayan salt contains slightly lower amounts of sodium that table salt too, making it more appealing to consume. Fun fact: the iron oxide found in Himalayan salt gives it its pink color. Cook with Himalayan pink salt or sip some water infused with it after your next workout.

Fleur De Sel

This salt is one of my favorites and one that I became very familiar with while working on some new receipes. Fleur de sel is more delicate than other salts and looks like little snowflakes. This salt is not meant for seasoning a dish while cooking since it will melt and lose its soft, powdery shape. Because fleur de sel is the most complex in flavor of the different salts, use this one lightly. Sprinkle fleur de sel on food right before it is consumed since it is the saltier of salts.

Pickling Salt

Last but not least we have pickling salt. The name itself gives away what it is used for, but pickling salt is also great for brining, canning and preserving as well. Pickling salt is pure, granulated salt and does not contain anti-caking ingredients or iodine like table salt does.

After reading this, you’re now a guaranteed salt pro. Here’s to improving your cooking skills one grain of salt at a time.

Which one of these salts do you use most often?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

XO Lee