I’ve been reflecting alot about the move my family made when I was 11 from the city to the suburbs of Boston. It’s something that has really affected me, even to this day, it changed my life in not so positive ways. I still vividly remember the fear I felt as a pre-teen to move from my diverse community to an all white town, where I never felt like i fit in. Since that move I’ve always been searching for a place to belong, and to call home. I look back and remember:

And it was on that night that reality became a mere figment of my imagination. What was real in an instant became but a thing of the past. The cool grass below me tickled my bare arms and legs. I’d been there for hours, watching a circus in the sky. Closing one eye I saw an elephant. Closing the other a flamingo. If only this could exist for always. The circus paraded off and made room for a colorful show. The pinks, the oranges, the purples. All the colors melting into each other liked skilled dancers, like a beautiful disaster.

Closing my eyes, my thoughts focused to the sound of the trees bustling in the wind. My nose met hints of freshly baked brick oven pizza. The wind’s breath sends a cold chill up my spine, reminding me of the darkness that was to follow. Reminding me that I couldn’t stay within the moment forever.

Slowing stretching as I get up from the grass, my mind is heavy. Walking mindlessly to the place I’d called home for 12 years, I knew nothing was ever going to be the same again. Clutching my arms I longed for eternal warmth and security, the same I’d found in my small neighborhood.

My bedroom which was my haven, my escape from the outside world, now was just another room, in just another house. The bags full of clothes and the boxes full of toys and books didn’t comfort me. The room no longer housed joy and laugher. All the life had been sucked out. No more stuffed animals on the bed or secretly crayoned walls. No longer could I find peace in my special corner and pretend my name was Barbie and I had a boyfriend named Ken. My goose-bumped arms couldn’t handle the sadness and sense of loss. Emptiness envelops me, and this house is no longer my home. Glancing in the boxes at my feet I find pictures of me in school musicals, jump rope contests, and track competitions. No more memories, no more happiness. No place could compare to this home I’d lived with my family for years. There is no place like home.

This summer I made a promise to myself – to lose 5lbs by my birthday at the end of September. I was getting so frustrated and discouraged by nothing fitting and not really feeling like myself. I’ve been running, realizing I hate running, so jogging and walking, and lifting. What I’m realizing is I need a lot of variety to keep me interested!

I sure got to switch things up a bit Wednesday with an exclusive media and blogger core cardio fusion class with Exhale Spa in Boston. The class was on a gorgeous roof deck overlooking Boston. The views were absolutely breathtaking. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, it was perfect.

Exhale Spa has locations across the US and three locations around Boston. The location I was at, within the upscale 45Province is usually only open for residents including a multi-level fitness studio, state of the art gym, meditation lounge, and an in-ground pool 20someting stories up that’s open year round! All of which I got to tour, it was incredible! Exhale is elegance and relaxation all wrapped in one.

The roof deck was spectacular, there was a full house as we took off our shoes and got ready for a core cardio fusion class. The original core fusion class developed by Elisabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito is the original core class providing a challenging workout for those that are ready to work. This class was designed to make you *sweat* and sweat we did with the sun beaming on us as we completed sets of plank runs and countless amounts of mountain climbers. Our heart rates got pumping with yoga postures and light weights for a maximized calorie burn. My favorite part is when we got into the punching and kicking!

While the class included far too many mountain climbers for my liking, and it was difficult to follow the instructor at times, it was a great to try something new and incorporate a different workout into my schedule. It was a great workout for cardio! Even though it was tough and moved fast I didn’t give up. I stopped when I needed, got some water, and gave it all I had, and my body is in pain today as a result. OH and they served us white wine when the class was over!! Sweet! I had to pass to get home to lil mama, but how awesome is that! They also gifted media and bloggers with some swag including face masks, socks, and a core fusion DVD!

And look at me; even as a sweaty mess after the class, I had a smile on my face! Don’t look too bad after an hour workout in the sun if you ask me!

 I’m looking forward to an outdoor sunset Pilates class next week in Boston by the water. I love summer!! Get it right, get it tight!!

This post is sponsored by Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant – designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.

Summer for me isn’t complete without my flip flops, hot summer shades, good music, and flirty summer dresses! While I should have been preparing to show some skin during the winter, instead I spent it eating too many holiday treats…whoopsie. I’ve just recently began a journey to healthy living, but it takes time. During the summer, I want to look the best that I can, and am kinda feeling self-conscious with my body these days. Wish there was less jiggling and more definition.

While I’m working on the fitness, I’m making sure my skin looks and feels as best as possible! If you were to come to my house, in particular my bathroom, you’d probably look at me crazy with all the products I have! I’m slightly obsessed with clean glowing skin!

Part of having confidence for me includes having good looking skin, especially during the summer when we are more likely to show it off! We all have our specific regimens on how we keep our skin healthy, and mine are pretty basic, but it’s about consistency and finding products that work for your skin! As the seasons change so does my skin, so it’s important to adapt and listen to your skin’s needs to ensure its at its healthiest! Healthier skin is possible!

4 Awesome & Easy Summer Skin Tips:

1. Keep those underarms looking and feeling smoother than a baby’s bottom with Dove deodorant which help combat dark uneven underarms! As someone with darker skin, I find after I shave my underarms things look a little discolored, but no need to fear, Dove is here!

2. Exfoliate, exfoliate, and exfoliate! I refuse to purchase a store bought exfoliator (though I’ve been eyeing one from Carol’s Daughter) so I make one at home that’s super easy and effective! I mix in some brown sugar into my body wash and scrub a couple times a week. It’ll take out all that dead skin and make your skin glow! There are so many varieties, the possibilities are endless!

Be sure to check out tomorrow’s post as I share my final two tips!

I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective.com. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

Shine On.