"She did that"

I'm proud to say I WORE SHORTS! AHHH! Those of you who read my previous posts "Baby got thighs" and "I'm wearing shorts this summer" know how I felt about my legs.

However, I've been doing lunges, squats, butt lifts, and jumping jacks to help build muscle in my thighs. I've been able to tone up my thighs while getting rid of most of my cellulite.

I just came back from Michigan and it was super hot. Thankfully I felt confident about my thighs and threw on some shorts to cool down. I'm proud to say I achieved my goal and wore shorts for the first time this summer. YAY!!

Love the fact that I'm building muscle in my legs

Push ups and arm circles for toned arms

Staying active country style! Playing a game of horseshoe





"I don't want to be skinny. I love my curves. I want to be healthy."-Nikki B

Have you achieved any fitness goals this summer? Please share
 

Lend a helping hand

(Photography by Nicole Banks)

This post is dedicated to Kiki. In my previous post "What do you want?" Kiki asked me to write a post about giving back. Kiki I'm happy you're interested in giving back. Let's jump right in.

Giving back is not only associated with money. Yes its nice to donate or give money to the homeless. However there are other ways you can give back.

Giving back in your daily life:

 

Volunteer: Find time to volunteer at an organization near you. You can volunteer at a shelter, Soup Kitchen, school, hospital etc. Look online for volunteering opportunities.

Helping your neighbor (A small gesture goes a long way):

• Babysitting: Babysitting children while their parents enjoy a day off is a great way to give. It allows them to enjoy a day alone and clear their mind or enjoy a night out with their spouse.
• Uplift someone: Maybe you know someone who's feeling down. Surprise them with an uplifting card, flowers or treat them to lunch. Aim to put a smile on their face.

 

Listening shows you care: Have you noticed that we as humans want to be listened to. We don't necessarily need our listeners to respond to what were saying. As long as we know that someone is genuinely lending their ear and taking time to hear us out makes us feel important.

I hope this post helps Kiki :)

What are some ways that you give back?

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand."-Henri Nouwen
 

 

Life is short! Try new things!

I went FISHING! Ahhh! It was an experience that I will never forget.

I went fishing with my dad and his coworkers. The boat left from City Island and went out to long Island Sound. I'm so proud of myself because I pushed myself to try something new. Even though I'm a girlie girl, I love a good adventure.

I'm not a pro, but I caught four fish. Yay me! For a first timer I must say that's pretty impressive :) Below are my fishing tips.

Fishing Tips by Nikki B:
 -Bait: A nice long juicy worm attracts fish. Be sure to have lots and lots of worms.One person needs at least two pounds worth of worms.
- How to hook a fish: Take your worm and wrap it around your hook several times. Don't have the worm hanging. The fish will eat the worm without getting hooked.
- Patience: Don't expect to get a fish right away. It may take hours before you catch a fish. Keep calm and stay positive.
- Have Fun: When planning a fishing trip, be sure to go with a group of people that you know will make the trip fun and lively. Pack food, beer, wine etc to help create a relax environment.


My Dad and I



Putting the worm on my hook



Time to Fish



Ahh! I caught one!



Someone caught a flying fish and let me take a pic with it



Look at my beautiful bass




The fisherman cleaned the fish




Flaying the fish



Dinner



Fish seasoned by me so you know it was good :)

"Yes I'm a girlie girl but I love adventure" -Nikki B
        

Tell me, would you ever go fishing? What new adventures have you tried this summer? Please share :)

Follow me or request me

Follow me on twitter Noroom4weak and SistersofK or facebook.com/ImNBanks

What do you want?

This post is dedicated to my viewers. YAY!!! So even though most of my viewers don't leave comments, I know that you guys exist because my page views are increasing rapidly.

Question: what do you want me to discuss in my next post?

 Leave a comment below and I'll be sure to respond. The winner will be mentioned in my next post. Don't be afraid to share your ideas because I'm writing for YOU. Therefore I need your feedback. That's the only way I'll know what you want.

So holla at me ;)

Thanks,
Nikki B

Sisters of K

Women's Independence Day was a success!! YAY!! Great positive energy. There were a hand full of people that came out which allowed each individual to have their time to share their story.

If you're wondering what is Women's Independence Day I discuss the meaning in my previous post titled "Women's Independence Day".

In my post "Women's Independence Day" I wrote, "My Goal: is for us to share with one another an issue that we may be facing or have faced that made us feel alone and disconnected from others. By doing so, we'll realize that we share common issues and that we're not alone."

I'm proud to say we reached our goal! Everyone in the room opened up and shared their stories. I was so impressed with their bravery and ability to open up to one another. We all realize how important it is for us to share and listen to one another. I will never forget those who came out to support. This is only the beginning of many more events to come!



Sisters of K was launched that day. Sisters of K includes my two older sisters Shakiea, Shauna and myself. The K represents my mother Karen. Our mother has always been our provider and our backbone. Ever since we were little girls my mother taught us about Jesus. We believe Jesus has called us to help as many females as possible by uplifting their spirits with positive and motivational words.

All of the beautiful women that made this event unforgettable. (one is missing)

We all sat in a circle and shared our stories.
 

My close friend Kharyzma and I.

(From left to right) My mother with songwriter, actress, and mentor UNek.

Shauna's sister in law aka "my second mother" Lizette. I discuss my bond to Lizette in my previous post "My second mother"

Kharyzma is listening to one of the females share her story.

It was awesome meeting all of you ladies today...let's keep this great movement going.

*Women Power* Violet

 

Thank you Nicole "Don't Let Anyone Stand In The Way Of Your Blessings" Mommie Loves you Babie Gurl.-Karen

 

Thank you all for sharing your stories. I am very touched and inspired by what I heard today. Thank you and see you all soon :) -Kharyzma

 

My sista you r a bright light for dark spaces...let ur light shine young sista-UNek

 

 

 SistersofK@gmail.com
Twitter SistersofK

 Would you be interested in attending a Sisters of K event? Is there a certain topic you would like for us to discuss in future events?