Wednesday, December 25, 2013

APPRECIATION :D

Hello World !!

So, being observant and everything I've noticed that I've been getting quite a bit of interesting feedback. What makes the feedback interesting is that it comes from those I least expect. Which goes to show that people ARE actually READING my blogs. & I want to take time out to THANK all of you. I really enjoy writing and I think that being able to use writing to inspire others is awesome. It's truly a blessing to be able to try something new and nurse it until it grows into something beautiful.

It's so exciting.

I honestly believe that life is a road with many directions and only one destination. None of us know what our direct future really holds, even though we may dream and dwell on what we would like it to be. Often times we're reminded that we have no say in our destination when the unexpected does happen. Sorta like this!... I wouldn't have thought that I'd have a blog, or that I'd be natural, or that I'd even be up at this very hour on Christmas Day writing this post. Crazy right? Exactly. So, my point is that you never know where life may take you, so don't sell yourself short.

Until next time Everyone

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays !

SB: Please remember to keep CHRIST in Christmas. Please do not forget the original purpose of celebrating and what the holiday is really about. Also, don't go broke trying to play Santa, the people with deserving hearts would understand. Be Safe & Be Merry ! I know I will be; with the hot chocolate & all.



Wednesday, December 18, 2013

My FIRST Wash&Go

Hello World & fellow naturalistas !!

I'm excited to report that I did my first wash n go and let me tell you, when you have hair like mine; the process is far more complicated than the misleading phrase "wash & Go".

I straightened my hair two days ago to trim my ends and decided I'd try a wash & go. I used a spray bottle & three products. I'll post pictures below.



First I added the Shea moisture Curling Gel Souffle' to my straight hair, I used a lot. Then I added the Dark & Lovely cream and then sprayed my hair like crazy until it was drenched in water. In that section I would finger shingle the products through my hair until it started to revert, then I'd move on to the next section. When I was done, I added Eco Styler Gel to hold the curls. I used my blow dryer on warm heat to speed up the drying process and let it air dry until it was completely dry. here's a photo of how it turned it out:










After it was completely dry I had tons of white balls from the Eco Styler Gel so the next day I washed it and reapplied the curling gel souffle and curl moisturizing souffle, here the results:


ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO ASK!

THANKS FOR READING !




Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Fall Fashion Lookbook 2013

 Hello World !!!

So, I've been surfing Youtube recently and came across a couple Look Books. In case you're unaware, look books are a mini fashion show that showcase different styles to wear for the season and different occasions. I decided to do one of my own. This look book is unique in a way that it will show you how you can pair old and new pieces together with different CRAZY colors you may have not thought to pair together. Here's a week worth of selections ... Hope you enjoy it.

Sunday - Classy Missy

Blazer - Black - Rainbow (old)
Top - Red Peplum- Forever 21 (old)
Necklace -White - Forever 21 (new)
Pants - Dark Blue Jeans - Forever 21 (new)
Shoes - White & Black Snake Print - Unknown (new)
Bag - Black - Rainbow (new)



Monday - Fuzzy Bunny

Top - Peach Sweater - Hollister (old)
Pants - Dark Blue Jeans - Forever 21 (new)
Shoes -Brown Combat Boots - Rainbow (new)
Bag - Black - Gift (new)
Necklace - Gold - Gift (new)






Tuesday - Preppy Pippy

Blazer - Dark Blue - Forever 21 (old)
Top - White & Black Tank - NY& Company (old)
Pants - Coral - Forever 21 (old)
Shoes - Brown - Sperry Top-Sider (new)
Bag - Black - Rainbow (new)
Necklace - Gold Elephant - Kiosk at the mall (new)











Wednesday - Skater Girl

Dress - Black and White - Forever 21 (old)
Necklace - Gold Eiffel Tower - Gift (old)
Watch - Gold - Michael Kohrs (old)
Shoes - Red- Converse (new)













Thursday - New Age School Girl

Blazer - Dark Blue White Rim- Forever 21 (old)
Top - Purple - Forever 21 (old)
Pants - White - Shoppers World (new)
Shoes - Black & Gold - Easy Pickings (new)
Necklace - Gold Bow - Gift (old)
Bag - Black - Gift (new)











Friday - Bummy meets Chic

Top 1 - Black - H&M (new)
Top 2- Blue - Unknown (old)
Pants - Red - Forever 21 (old)
Shoes - Black Combat Boots - Rainbow (new)
Earrings - Cheetah Print - Beauty Supply Store (new)
Necklace - Gold Eiffel Tower - Gift (old)











Saturday - Lunch Date

Blazer - Burnt Orange - Forever 21 (old)
Top - Blue Button Up - Gift (new)
Pants - Black - Forever 21 (new)
Shoes - Brown - Sperry Top-Sider (new)
Bag - Black - Gift (new)
Necklace -  Gold - Gift (new)

Saturday, November 9, 2013

1 Month Post BC (Big Chop)

Hello world !! 


 Welcome to my natural hair journey ... I've been completely natural for over a month now. I've received many different reactions; some hate it & others love it. After a while you realize that the opinions of others don't matter as long as you are comfortable in who you are. 

I can say it's been far from easy .. But I never think to go back to perming. Since going natural is a trend it would be fair assume the same is here but I'm informing you otherwise. 

Reasons I went natural:

1. I can't stand my hair when it's starts to grow long while it's permed. I have naturally thin hair & when it began to grow to my shoulders it always looked so thin.. & I didn't like it. So I decided to cut it short or I would curl it at times. 

2. But the reason I decided to actually begin the natural process is because I received über encouragement from my aunt. I became as educated as possible by her means while I transitioned & when I was finally ready I BC'd. 

Things you should know before going natural:

1. By no means is it EASY. It requires time & patience & TLC (Tender Love and Care), as does permed hair & your body. Certain things require effort & maintenance to remain healthy & your hair is one of those things whether you choose to perm or go natural. 

2. 


Fros are optional. Going natural does not mean you have to have a fro. Certain manipulation styling opens doors to new styles. Get creative ... Add a hair accessory to make it interesting. 

3. 


Heat is optional: when you are natural it is possible to straighten your hair to achieve the permed look.. & when you miss your curls all you have to do is wash it. It's just that simple. Tip: Always make sure you use a good heat protectant to prevent heat damage. 

4. Everyone's hair is not the same! There are different types and textures. So if and when you watch tutorials and/or seek advice make sure they have the same type of hair you do for the best results. 

Encouragement

Below is a picture of me the day after my big chop & the one below it is a month later. I'm always one to rant about growth but without me even noticing, it grew so much & I'm excited to see what lies ahead  ! 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

We As Women : Poetry

Alright this has been on my mind heavy for a while now
and I think it's time that I let my thoughts be known
Like us all I've been hurt, so I make this vow
To focus on myself in a positive tone

God created every human being with an intention,
with a purpose and with the ability to achieve
but hatred and lust continues to fill the nation
because of the first sin committed by eve

But after that a set of instructions were given to us
The people before us suffered so we wouldn't have to
So when pressure teases and you give in, thus
know your suffering is caused by you. not him or her but you.

In Corinthians the bible speaks on fornication 
Saying that those people shall not inherit the kingdom of God
Is a moment of pleasure worth an afterlife of agony? damnation?
By then you'll realize these earthly treasures couldn't compare to those above. *Applaud*

But it feels so good you say. I can't stop. I lose myself completely in the moment of it all.
Hearts pulsating, pores precipitating, body glistening, lust winning
Nine months later you find yourself stuck in between a wall
Eyes begin to shed tears of anger, hurt, regret, sadness because you're sinning

Thoughts of uncertainy and confusion begin to flood your mind
Looking for the father of your child with wet eyes, dry pockets, and an broken heart
Expecting him to give time freely when the streets have him bind,
Maturity. Something he lacked from the jump but you failed to realize that part

How can you expect full commitment to a child when he has no full commitment to you?
His mind and time are else where. in the streets, on money, on other women
Yet you fight and fuss at how dead beat of a father he is but honey, get it clue
You weren't saying that when the stroke hit dead beat, stomach deep then repeat, skeet skeet way back when

You see, for every action there's a consequence good or bad
Even though your price to pay may be higher than the next
But surprises are for the unknowing, so never cheat yourself for the good you had;
When you knew better, yet chose to do worse for the temporary satisfaction of sex

I mean we need to stop trying to find people to blame for the problems we endure
We as woman are deemed the number one care taker of the life that grows within us
Though your heart may feel shattered believe me its not, how am I sure?
Well if it was you wouldn't be able to be reading this, would you? Plus

If we can admit that the desire to be loved takes over: the confession of plenty
Than we'll understand why we find ourselves getting over an individual versus moving on from them
You see, Real love internally eternally exists and never fails to be expressed to many, by many through many
Love is genuine so relationships with ulterior motives will cease to exist like a rare gem

Know when to exit the premises of a bound relationship
You cant stay in a dangerous place expecting not to get hurt
God gave us the ability to obtain knowledge to be equip
So may your heart and brain coexist in your decision to be overt, alert I pray you exert .. these words

DLSC - 2013

4 months & Counting


Hello World !

I know it's been a while since I posted a blog but I'm back ! Tonight I'm going to talk about my transition to natural hair. As of now I'm in my fourth month of transition. At this point in my journey I'm very excited to experience what lays ahead. Here's just a little recap of my hair journey for the year of 2013 thus far. 

Relaxed Hair

 October 2012




 November 2012 - Colored it Auburn



 December 2012 - Protective Style Senegalese Twists

January 2013 
February 2013
February 2013 - After cutting it 
March 2013 - After perming it 


April 2013 
May 2013 - Protective Style - Sew In
June 2013 - Protective Style - Kinky Twists



July - Protective Style - Senegalese Twists 
August - Protective Style Box Braids 


FIRST SUCCESSFUL TWIST OUT 

 Product used: 



 It defined the curls made by the twists since my hair is not naturally curly. LOVED IT.






Sunday, July 28, 2013

DESIRE, PERSPIRE, INSPIRE



Hello World !

DESIRE
Every one dreams. Whether the dream is to be rich or if it's to simply be happy. Good things do come to those who wait BUT you have to put in the work, wait and watch your labor manifest into your dream. For instance, let's say last night you had a dream and in that dream you saw your self  in the exact position you want to be in life. It seemed so real but you woke up to find that it had only been a dream. You go on with your life day after day dreaming of the things you could accomplish and the people you can someday meet. "If you do what you've done, you'll get what you've always gotten." You must first DESIRE more for yourself. Secondly you can't expect to see fruits of a labor you did not produce. In other words, you can't expect superior results doing bear minimum in life just to get by. Work at high levels and get high level results. Dreaming is normal, fair, and just but there comes a time where you have to stop dreaming and just live your dream.

PERSPIRE
Perspire is the act of sweat leaving your pores. Most commonly associated with exercise. How does this play a role in dreams? Well, ask your self this. If I call myself working out and by the end of the workout there isn't a drip of sweat falling from my body ... how much of an effort did I really put into that workout?  The answer would be very little to none. In order to achieve the desired results you must WORK for it. (in every area of life) "Nothing in life worth having comes easy". There will be plenty of obstacles that will tempt you to stop ... hurt, disappointment, and rejection. (just to name a few) You may feel like giving up ... but "don't give up because you never know how close you are to achieving your goals."

INSPIRE
Whether you're just starting, you're currently perspiring or you've made it, never fail to inspire. Inspire others with your walk. Let them sense that something about you is different and make them curious enough to find out what it is. Inspire others with your talk. Seeming knowledgeable being able to off creditable is beneficial. People will see something in you that can even inspire them to get up and do what ever it is that they've been sitting on. What do I mean by sitting on? I mean procrastinating and saying that they'll do it tomorrow. "Tomorrow isn't promised" so "Don't put off till tomorrow, what you can do today" You want to leave a good impact on people and always make a lasting impression.


Important things to know


1. Networking: "It's not what you know, It's who you know" You could be apart of Greek Life, be apart of many clubs, obtain and maintain dean's list every semester, even be president of the class but if you don't take the time to do internships, go to conventions, talk and connect with those in your field of interest; it makes it harder (not impossible) to find yourself in a desirable position after graduating. I know so many people who have a college degree and are unable to land a job in their field. Then they end up settling for what pays. Don't ever let any one tell you that you can't do something, especially not you. You went to school and worked hard to get the qualifications that put you in the position to make that money so DON'T settle.

2. No Regrets: We all look back on life and say if we would have done so and so differently our life would be so much better. Truth is fate is real. You needed to go through things to teach you and help you grow into the uniquely God created creature you are. My aunt told me that God created us with his goal in mind with the path to follow to reach it but we as born sinners create detours to this goal. Just know you're destiny shall be reached before you pass away. Don't believe me? Look at Jeremiah 29:11.

3. Live your own dreams: Don't compromise your happiness for someone else. If you're doing things to please others you won't ever truly be happy. Go out on a limb and experience life for yourself. Even though you may have been told otherwise, sometimes the best lessons learned are self taught.

4. Negativity: People can project their opinion, thoughts, and advice into you. It's up to you what you accept as truth. When you know who are you and are content with that, it's hard for negativity to uproar your mentality. "The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you can not do". So don't wait another day. Go pursue your dreams !

5. Patience is a virtue: You may see everyone else around you prospering and you don't seem to be getting anywhere. It's important to know that things do not happen in your timing but in God's. Don't question your neighbor's season of blessing, though yours may not be the same .. it is just right for you.


SB: This blog post was inspired by my haters, motivators, doubters, and by "The Hip Hop Preacher" aka Eric Thomas (E.T.). One day on Facebook I happened to come across one of his videos and was immediately drawn in.. His demeanor demanded attention and his message spoke to my heart. After watching it I was thinking about how to apply what I had heard to myself and make a life long change.

Here's the link to his YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/etthehiphoppreacher

Here's the link to his personal site:
http://etinspires.com/index-2.html

Here's the video I stumbled across:






Friday, July 19, 2013

Christmas in July ! Summer Haul: Part 2

Hello World !







It's Christmas in July, YAY! Christmas in July is celebrated by those who live in the southern hemisphere. For southerners their winter falls in the month of July as appose to December for those in the Northern hemisphere. I got a little online shopping happy and bought quite a bit of things and just wanted to share them with you. Here I go.


ONLINE SHOPPING CRAZY




Just Fab!

"The Pantheon" 

Price: 31.96




Forever 21

Ponte Knit Peplum Top

Price: 12.80

Forever 21

Lacquered Snake Choker

Price: 10.80 




 Charlotte Russe

Royal Blue Jeggings

Price: 15.00





Charlotte Russe

Metallic Tip Pleather Flip Flop

Price: 4.50





Wet Seal

Chain Link Single Bracelet 

Price 6.50






Bath and Body Works

Coconut Vanilla - Price 5.00

Exotic Coconut - Price 3.00

Country Apple - 3.00

 Bath and Body Works

Coconut Lime Breeze - Price 2.66

Be Enchanted - Price 2.66

Pink Chifon - Price 2.66







 BH Cosmetics

120 Eyeshadow Palette 5th Edition 

Price: 18.95

BH Cosmetics

Blending Brush

Price 3.16

 

 

 








If you're interested in the items I have for sale leave a comment below, Thank you !

Also if you're interested in purchasing items I have or similar to them I will leave the links below.

Forever 21 http://www.forever21.com/Product/Main.aspx?br=f21

Charolette Russe http://www.charlotterusse.com/

Wet Seal http://www.wetseal.com/home.jsp

Just Fab http://www.justfab.com/

BH Comestics http://www.bhcosmetics.com/

Bath and Body Works http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/home/index.jsp

Monday, July 15, 2013

Online Shopping: Pros and Cons

Hello World !




I absolutely love to go shopping, I mean but what female doesn't? It's like the perfect gender role stereotype. I just like the way I feel when I go retail shopping. It's kind of therapeutic. Based on convenience and preference some people may prefer online shopping over in store shopping. Here are a list of personal pros and cons of online shopping you may be able to identify with.




PROS

  • Not having to wait in long lines - Patience is a virtue, a virtue many people lack.
  •  No annoying workers - As soon as you walk into the store "Is there anything I can help you with?" Yes, you can back up and let me shop, if I need assistance I'll ask for it. Thank you.
  • No crazy shoppers/crowds - Whether it's Black Friday or if it's just the weekend the mall is ALWAYS packed.
  • Everything is layed out and already organized - You don't have to use gas and time to go shopping and possibly not find what you're looking for.
  • The ability to multitask while shopping - You can clean and shop. Eat and shop. Wash clothes and shop. Heck ! You can even breastfeed and shop. It's just convenient!
  • Special Deals - depending on the store they may offer special deals for online shoppers versus in store.
  •  
    CONS
     
     
  • Sizing - If it's an unfamiliar site or item you may end up with a size too or small or too big. Then you end up having to go to the store anyway, if you don't want to pay to ship it back. At this point it's become more of hassle than a convenience.
  • Looks are deceiving - I personally can't stand when I get something that appeared differently online. Which if I would have saw while shopping at the mall I wouldn't have bought. It's the worse. Especially if the item is final sale, forget about it.
  • Anticipation - If you're excited about the purchase it feels just like Christmas as a kid. You know you're getting something and when but you just CAN'T WAIT! Especially if you do standard shipping which can take up to 9 business days (depending). SMH.
  • Pricing minimum on free shipping- What if I just want one item that cost 10 bucks?! Why do I have to spend at least 60 to get free shipping? Obviously they have to get you to spend your money somehow. This is the number one way how. Along with the suggestion items on the side/bottom. So you can say "Ooo this is cute .. Oh and this .. fab !" 
  • Identity Theft - This one is very important. I check my account often, especially if I am frequently purchasing items with my card. My bank also notifies me of withdrawals above a certain amount in any case I should be concerned. Be sure to check your balance and your listed purchases to make sure they were all made by you. Report any suspicious purchases and such.





Hope everyone's enjoying their summer :D