Dymond's Diary

My 3 Month Acne Treatment Update: What Actually Worked After Seeing a Dermatologist

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:42:09 GMT

The Real Truth About Tretinoin, Spironolactone, Purging, & How My Skin Completely Transformed In 90 Days

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

I honestly can’t believe it’s been three months since I started my acne treatment plan. It’s crazy because at first, it felt like nothing was changing and I looked the same, but now my face is truly night and day.

When I first went to my dermatologist, I wanted to get on Accutane because I was looking for a quick fix to take care of everything. She quickly told me we should take baby steps and break things down into phases instead of trying to do everything at once.

So we came up with a plan. Phase one: clear up all active acne and prevent future breakouts.

At the time, I had so many pimples on my face. Looking at my skin now, it’s super smooth, and I’m honestly so happy with how far I’ve come, and this is just phase one.

If you want the full details of my routine, click here to catch up on why I finally visited a dermatologist and the acne treatment plan she put me on.

My First 3 Months on Tretinoin, Clindamycin & Spironolactone

I’m not even going to lie, it started off rocky.

My face felt like it was burning and sensitive to everything, but I stuck with it. I’m so glad my dermatologist warned me that it would get worse before it got better, because those first two weeks of purging were disgusting.

My face was super dry, and breakouts were popping up everywhere. Pimples were literally coming out of the woodwork, and I couldn’t imagine how my skin would ever get to where it is now.

My skin has always had ups and downs, especially around my cycle. I used to break out so bad, and those breakouts would turn into dark spots, which is why I have so much hyperpigmentation.

But since starting this plan? I haven’t had a single new breakout after the purging phase.

Even on my cycle, nothing. And that is new for me.

Let’s Talk Side Effects (Because Whew)

The biggest one for me was fatigue from spironolactone.

At first, it was BAD. I’m talking everything made me tired, walking my dog, going to the gym, even just going outside. I felt like I needed a nap to function.

Now? I’d say it’s about 70% better.

I still get a little tired, but it’s nothing like those first few weeks. Getting consistent with my vitamins has definitely helped my energy too.

Skin Texture: A Complete 180

The texture of my skin has completely transformed.

Before, my face was full of inflamed bumps, and even when I wore makeup, it still looked bumpy underneath. Now my skin is smooth, and it really proves the point: If you want flawless makeup, you need healthy skin first.

Lifestyle Changes That Made a Difference

I’m not going to act like products did all the work, my habits changed too.

* I’ve been avoiding pop (for the most part, I still have my cheat days)

* I did a 40 day fast, which cut out a lot of junk food

* I’ve been prioritizing sleep way more

And it’s true, what you eat and how you live shows up on your face.

For a long time, I wasn’t getting a full 6 to 8 hours of sleep, and I could see it in my skin. Stress, lack of rest, it all shows.

Now, I’m way more intentional about resting, and my skin looks more refreshed because of it.

Small Habit, Big Change

One habit I had to break (thanks to my mom) was sleeping in my makeup.

Before, I did it all the time because I was “too exhausted” and didn’t have a real nighttime routine. Now? Maybe once or twice by accident.

This whole journey has improved more than just my skin. I actually have a wind down routine now that sets me up for success, even on long days.

Moving Into Phase Two

Last week, before my trip, I had my follow up appointment with my dermatologist.

She cleared me to move into phase two.

It’s pretty similar to phase one, but now we’re adding a brightening cream to target my dark spots.

* Morning routine: stays the same

* Night routine: cleanse → brightening cream (on dark spots only) → tretinoin → moisturizer → spironolactone

My dermatologist did mention that the brightening cream contains tretinoin, so I only apply it directly to my dark spots.

We’ll focus on this phase for the next three months, and if my spots are improving, we’ll start the process of weaning me off the medications. She doesn’t recommend staying on this treatment forever.

This is technically my first week of phase two since my prescription wasn’t ready before my trip.

Final Thoughts

I’m really excited for this next phase.

Now that my texture is where I want it to be, once my dark spots fade, my skin is going to be a dream.

I honestly can’t remember the last time my skin was this clear.

My only regret? Waiting so long to see a dermatologist.

Some people can use a cleanser and call it a day, but that just wasn’t my story.

I’ll keep you updated as I go through this next phase. Let me know if you have any questions ��

Get In The Room: What Attending the Emma Grede Tour Taught Me About Proximity, Perspective & Purpose

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:22:20 GMT

Why The Right Rooms Can Shift Your Mindset, Expand Your Vision, & Remind You What’s Possible

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe below at the bottom of the page.

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Emma Grede Start With Yourself Tour Atlanta and it was inspiring, to say the least.

When friends asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year, I honestly had no idea. But when I saw Emma Grede announce she was coming to Atlanta, I was interested. And when she shared that Sarah Jakes Roberts would be joining her, I knew I needed to be there.

My good friend Zana ended up buying me a ticket as part of my birthday gift, and I was so excited. But then, just a week before the event, the news broke that Sarah wouldn’t be attending due to a neck injury. Of course, I was happy she was okay, but if I’m being honest, I was disappointed. I had really been looking forward to seeing her again.

The whole week leading up to the event, I kept going back and forth with if I should still go or sell my ticket?

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a fan of Emma for years. If you know me, you know I’m an interview junkie. I’ve loved talk shows since I was a kid. I enjoy hearing people’s stories, how they made it, how they think, how they move, especially when I admire them.

Emma has a unique path to success. It wasn’t quick and it wasn’t traditional, and her grit, vision, and work ethic is something to take note of. I’ve also enjoyed listening to her podcast Aspire.

But I’ll be honest, some of the clips I had been seeing of her recently gave me mixed emotions. It started to feel like what was being pushed was a little too heavy on hustle culture, and it didn’t fully sit right with me. She came off a little out of touch in those moments.

But that’s the thing about clips, they don’t tell the full story.

So I did what more of us need to do, I went back and watched full interviews, start to finish. And it completely shifted my perspective.

It reminded me that I can’t form a full opinion off of a few seconds on the internet. And I also don’t have to agree with everything someone says to still learn from them. Everything isn’t for everybody, and if it doesn’t apply, I can let it fly. And honestly, that applies to more than just this. It’s a reminder to be more intentional about what we consume and how quickly we judge it.

The morning of the event, I still wasn’t fully in it. It was gloomy outside. I had a long week. And if I’m being honest, I’ve been in a season where leaving the house for anything besides work or the gym has felt like a lot.

If it were up to me, I would’ve stayed home. But I’m learning: you can’t wait until life feels perfect to live it. And sometimes the things that shift your mood, your mindset, or even your direction are the very things you almost talked yourself out of. So I got up, pulled myself together, picked a cute outfit, did my makeup and hair, and went.

I ended up Ubering, because I wore heels, and of course, I was late. The whole four minute ride, I was beating myself up for oversleeping. But when I got there and saw other women still walking in, I relaxed.

As I was walking in, I made a quick comment to a woman who was also there alone, and we instantly clicked. We stopped to get merch together and ended up sitting next to each other thanks to a kind usher.

And it was such a small moment, but it reminded me how easy it is to connect when you’re open to it. A simple comment, a small smile, a quick conversation, that’s sometimes all it takes to not feel alone in a room you almost didn’t walk into.

Since Sarah couldn’t attend, Crystal Renee Hayslett stepped in, and she was amazing.

I’ve followed her journey too, from Sistas and Zatima to her interviews and podcast. Her story is a reminder that success doesn’t have one path. From working as Tyler Perry’s assistant to becoming a multi hyphenate entrepreneur all while keeping her faith at the center.

The conversation between her and Emma was really good. They were both honest and vulnerable, talking about failure in business and life, and how to keep going when things don’t work out the way you planned. They spoke about shifting out of an “either/or” mindset and realizing you can have both. They also touched on boundaries, knowing what works for you in both your personal life and your career.

And when Crystal talked about letting God lead her decisions, not just in business but even in dating, that part really stuck with me. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you build, it’s about how aligned you are while building it.

The second half of the event was Q&A with women from the audience. Real stories, real struggles, real ambition. And Emma gave advice that didn’t just apply to them, it applied to all of us.

She closed the night by reading an excerpt from her book and talking about vision and emotional management. Not avoiding emotions, but learning how to manage them. Not controlling everything, but doing the internal work.

She broke down the idea of shifting from old, limiting beliefs to new, empowering ones, and how that applies to every area of life, not just business. And one line stayed with me:

You are one choice away from deciding what matters most to you.

But if I’m honest. My favorite part of the night wasn’t even on the stage. It was the room.

Women like Milan Harris of Milano De Rouge, marketing strategist Maya Elious, artist Summer Walker, comedian and entrepreneur Pretty Vee, beauty founder Danessa Myricks, and Alicia Scott, just to name a few.

No extra barriers, no separation, just in the room taking it all in like everyone else.

Entrepreneurs, creatives, women building real things. And the energy felt different. Everyone was kind, speaking, complimenting each other, hyping each other up. It felt like real girlhood.

And being in that room did something to me.

It made everything feel closer. More possible. More real. And it made me realize that sometimes the only thing separating you from the next level of your life is proximity.

Everywhere I turned, I saw women doing things I aspire to do. Women I’ve followed, women I’ve seen making moves, even women I recognize from the gym who are quietly building their lives.

And it gave me a different kind of motivation. Not pressure, not comparison, just a reminder that it’s all within reach. Because when you see it up close, it stops feeling like something that only happens to “other people.”

I started the day not even sure if I wanted to go, and I ended the night grateful that I did. And it really made me think about how many moments we almost miss just because we don’t feel like showing up.

Because the truth is, you won’t always feel ready. You won’t always feel excited. But that doesn’t mean the opportunity isn’t still valuable.

I’ve gone to events like this before, but somewhere along the way I stopped. And this reminded me that I need to get back to it. Not just being in any room, but being intentional about the rooms I choose. The ones that connect me with like minded women who are actually going after the life they want.

Because the rooms you choose will either stretch you or keep you exactly where you are.

I’m excited to dive into Emma’s book Start With Yourself and I’ll definitely share an update when I do.

But more than anything, I hope this reminds you of something too.

Go.

Even when you don’t feel like it.

Even when you’re tired.

Even when it would be easier to stay home.

Because the life you want isn’t going to come find you there. It’s in the rooms you almost talked yourself out of.

How I’m Entering My Last Year in My 20s: Accountability, Growth & Choosing Me

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:34:02 GMT

Lessons, Reflections, & The Mindset I’m Carrying Into My Final Year In My 20s

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe below at the bottom of the page.

There’s something about birthdays that always makes me feel new. My birthday is truly my favorite time of year because I pour so much into my loved ones throughout the year, so seeing people show up and love on me feels so refreshing.

I’m grateful because my village always shows up for me, and I have some truly amazing people in my life. A few years ago, I made the decision to become a better villager, but that’s a story for another day.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve had so many people pour into me, and it’s been amazing. Between the gifts, messages, dinners, and everything in between, I can’t even fully express the gratitude I have for the people in my life.

Not only that, birthdays are also the perfect time to evaluate yourself. I use my birthday to look inward and reflect on the previous year, the good and the bad. This is my last year in my twenties, and I’m not dreading turning 30 next year, I’m actually excited.

I was talking to my therapist about how I wanted to “go out with a bang,” and when she asked me to elaborate, I couldn’t. That made me sit with myself and ask some tough questions. I had to assess where I really am and take accountability.

I read The 12 Week Year a few months ago, and there was a chapter about accountability that stuck with me. It defined accountability as ownership, not consequences, punishment, or blame. It described it as a life stance, a willingness to own your actions and results regardless of the circumstances.

That shifted something in me. Because if I’m being honest, I wasn’t fully happy with how my last year looked.

Don’t get me wrong, my 28th year had some beautiful moments, and I’m so proud of myself. But it was also extremely tough. It challenged my mental, my finances, my faith, and so much more. And naturally, it’s easy to look at hard seasons and blame everything around you.

But the truth is, while some things are out of our control, focusing only on what happened to you will keep you stuck. Yes, acknowledge it. Yes, process it. But at the end of the day, the only thing you can change is you.

Whatever hand God gave you, you have to play it.

When I looked at how I was showing up, there were parts of me I didn’t like. And instead of blaming my circumstances, I had to take accountability and create a plan to change it. We are always evolving, always becoming, but you can’t grow if you’re not honest about where you are. You have to see the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

It all starts with accountability. And once you take that accountability, you have to make the changes.

Because the truth is, until you get fed up, you won’t change. You have to be honest, brutally honest. But also give yourself grace through it.

I started my birthday with a dinner surrounded by some of the closest people to me, and I ended it on a beach reflecting.

My mother and I traveled to the Dominican Republic for my moms friend who’s like an aunt to me wedding, and it was such a beautiful setting to take inventory and reset for what’s next.

Even with all the fun and celebrations, I made sure to steal quiet moments with myself, to really sit, reflect, and look within. It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was necessary.

Right now, I’m focused on being intentional about how I show up moving forward.

That looks like breaking patterns that have held me back.

That looks like changing my relationship with time and slowing down to regulate my nervous system.

That looks like being honest about what I want, and not caring what anyone else thinks.

That looks like choosing myself instead of trying to be who others expect me to be.

That looks like not going where I don’t feel loved or appreciated.

That looks like doing the hard things I need to do instead of the easy things I’d rather do.

It looks like stepping outside the box. Logging off more. Picking up a book. It looks like not just portraying an image online, but actually living it.

It looks like being in my Word and prioritizing intentional time with God instead of squeezing Him into my schedule. It looks like trusting Him fully, not just in what I say, but in how I live.

This next season will be different, not because my circumstances have changed, but because I’m changing.

I’m showing up differently.

I’m choosing the uncomfortable.

I’m breaking out of the box.

And if you need to hear this too, stop being a victim to your circumstances. I’m not just talking to myself, I’m talking to you too.

Take time to assess how you’ve been showing up. And if there are things you don’t like, remember, you’re not a tree. You can move.

Don’t wait until next year, next week, or next quarter to change. It’s the daily decisions, the small, consistent actions, that determine where you go.

I once heard Tobi Naomi say: “Rome wasn’t built in a day, but every day they built.” And that’s exactly how we have to approach our lives, not just outwardly, but inwardly too.

Yes, work toward your goals and dreams, but don’t neglect the internal work required to sustain them. Because the truth is, some things God won’t give you until you’re ready.

So ask yourself honestly: Are you the person who can carry the blessings you’re praying for?

I Refused to Enter My Last Year of My 20s Messy | The Spring Reset That Changed Everything

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 01:43:20 GMT

I Looked Around, Got Honest With Myself & Decided Enough Was Enough

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe below at the bottom of the page.

Is this a safe space? Because my house has been in shambles. Ever since I traveled a few weeks ago, my routine has been completely off. I usually clean on Saturdays, sometimes Sundays, but after my trip to Texas, everything just fell apart. Missed flights turned into an extended stay, and even though I planned to jump right back into my routine, life had other plans. I’m not making excuses, I’m giving context. The truth is, life happened. When I got back, I jumped straight into everyday life, and before I knew it, two weeks had passed and I was living in chaos.

Every time I tried to clean, I would either get overwhelmed not knowing where to start, or something would come up and pull me away. That’s the thing about living alone, it’s just you (well, and Saint). There’s no one there to check you when things get out of hand, so you can get comfortable in chaos in a way you wouldn’t if someone else shared your space. I was “cleaning” every night, but really that just meant washing dishes and straightening up the living room. Meanwhile, clothes were being washed and not folded, loads were being forgotten and rewashed, and my bedroom slowly became unlivable. It got so bad that I started sleeping in my guest room, and when that filled up with clothes too, I ended up on my couch.

And during all of this, I felt foggy, tired, and emotionally drained. Nothing in my life had actually changed, but my mood had. One day, I was talking to a friend and she mentioned my birthday was coming up that week. I paused, looked around, and thought to myself, I can’t enter the last chapter of my 20s like this. Enough is enough.

That Sunday night, I cleaned my entire house. I folded clothes, vacuumed, mopped, and even cleaned the baseboards. The next day, I got my car deep cleaned, washed my dog, and washed my hair. For me, it wasn’t just about having a clean space, it was about clearing everything that had been weighing on me.

There’s something about spring that feels like a reset. April especially feels like a breath of fresh air. Maybe I’m a little biased because it’s my birthday month, but it’s more than that. Winter always feels heavy to me. The cold, the dryness, the gloom, it lingers. Even when I push through, everything feels slower and harder. While I’m grateful I don’t struggle with seasonal depression, I can admit that winter brings a weight I don’t carry in other seasons. That’s part of why I moved back to Atlanta. It’s not just about the temperature, it’s the light. The sun makes a difference, and this April feels like life again.

What I realized is that sometimes the clarity you’re searching for in your mind is on the other side of cleaning your space. The mess around you will eventually show up within you. I had therapy last weekend and told my therapist I felt all over the place, like I had too many tabs open in my mind that I couldn’t close. Life felt mundane, but still chaotic. She told me to sit with that feeling, and when I did, the answer was right in front of me, my environment.

Sometimes it’s not that you don’t want to clean, you just don’t know where to start. That was me. I had tried multiple times before that Sunday, but every time I looked around, I felt like I didn’t have enough time to do everything, so I did nothing. Until I told myself to start at the front door and work my way back, one room at a time. That’s it. And yes, it took time, but once I got going, I found my rhythm. When I finished, I felt relief, completion, and peace.

And I’m not just talking about your house, I’m talking about your life. Have you ever felt like you made too many mistakes to fix things, like everything is too far gone? It’s not. It won’t happen overnight, but if you commit to doing the work daily, you will look up one day and realize you’re no longer in the same place you were.

Even something as small as my cluttered desk was affecting me. I was working, but not at my best. Everything felt heavier because clutter doesn’t just sit around you, it sits on your mind. Maybe you don’t have hours to deep clean your home, and that’s okay. Start small. Set a timer, do one section at a time, and build momentum. If you have the resources, outsource what you can. Even if it means skipping a night out, getting your space together is never a waste of time. Your mind will thank you.

Don’t normalize living in a mess. I did. I adjusted my life around it instead of addressing it. And that’s the dangerous part, when dysfunction starts to feel normal. And this goes beyond physical clutter. Don’t normalize lack, chaos, misalignment, or situations you’ve outgrown.

For me, this was bigger than a spring clean. My birthday is coming up, and every year I take time to reflect on where I am, where I’m going, and what needs to change. And I knew this version of me could not come into my next chapter.

So I’ll leave you with this: what mess have you been ignoring? Is it your space, a habit, a mindset, or even a person you’ve held onto too long? Whatever it is, it’s time to clean it up. Not all at once, not perfectly, but intentionally.

It’s time to clean house. And there’s no better time than now. It’s time for a spring reset.

Stay Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready: How I’m Building a Closet I Actually Love

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:32:11 GMT

A Soft Reset On My Style, My Spending, And Why I’m Done Waiting For An Occasion To Wear What I Love

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Have you ever looked at your closet and just wanted to start over? That’s been me for the past couple of months.

I feel like I’m changing and evolving in life, and it’s starting to show up in the way I want to dress. At first, I told myself I was only going to buy quality pieces, things I could keep forever, things that would last. But if I’m being honest, I’m not financially in the place to fully shop like that right now.

So instead, I’ve been adjusting.

I started with a purge. I went through my winter clothes, and I’ll probably do the same with my spring pieces this weekend. When I purge, I’m looking for the things I’ve outgrown, physically and mentally. The pieces I know I’m never going to reach for again. The pieces that are past their expiration date.

And if I’m keeping it real, I used to be a hoarder. I held onto things way longer than I needed to.

Now, instead of throwing everything away, I’m learning how to restyle what I already have. Especially because after surgery last year, things don’t fit the same anyway. So it’s not just about new clothes, it’s about seeing my closet differently.

It’s officially spring, which means the invites are starting to roll in. Birthdays. Brunch. Date nights. Random “let’s go outside” plans. All of it.

And I used to be the girl who could run to the mall last minute or order something online the second I got invited somewhere. But chileeeee… in this economy? I have to be a lot more intentional.

You know that saying, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready? Yeah, I’m finally learning how to actually live that.

This mindset shift didn’t just come out of nowhere. I was talking to my mom about two months ago about shopping and building a wardrobe, and what she said really stuck with me. She told me, “If you see something you love, and you can see yourself wearing it a lot, just get it.”

My mom is notorious for this. She’ll buy pieces she loves with no full outfit in mind. And then somehow, later on, everything comes together. Next thing you know, her closet is full of things she actually likes.

And that made me realize something about myself. Every time I get invited somewhere, my first thought is: “I have nothing to wear.” But that’s not really true. I just wasn’t staying ready. I was shopping based on events instead of building a wardrobe. And yes, sometimes you’ll need to shop for a specific occasion, but that shouldn’t be you’re default every single time.

Another thing I had to unlearn? Saving outfits. I used to hold onto looks waiting for the “perfect moment” to wear them. And honestly, that moment rarely came. So I just had clothes sitting there, untouched.

Now? I’ll wear my “this is too cute to waste” outfit to the grocery store on a random Tuesday. Because life is short. And there’s no reason to wait to experience beautiful things or wear beautiful outfits.

But what I’m currently unlearning is waiting for the invite before I shop.

Now, I’m focused on building a closet filled with pieces I love, things I can wear multiple ways. I’m learning how to mix and match. Just because I wore something once doesn’t mean it’s done. It just means I need to remix it.

And no, buying what you love doesn’t mean your closet will be random. For me, it looks like having my staple pieces: jeans, basic tees, blouses, sandals, dresses, mostly in neutral colors. And then adding in a little color, a little personality. Lately, I’ve been loving sets. Why? Because you can break them apart and create multiple outfits from one purchase. It just makes sense.

Since my style is evolving and I’m still figuring it out, I’ve been more open. ’m trying on more things. Looking at everything in stores. Paying attention to how I feel when I get dressed. What makes me feel confident? What feels like me now? And then I buy more of that. Even if it’s something I wouldn’t normally pick up.

And honestly, this goes deeper than clothes. By not waiting for the event, I’m preparing for it. I’m acting in faith. Because just because this current season feels slow, or money feels funny, doesn’t mean that’s my forever. Everything is temporary. I know I’ll be outside again. I know the invites will come. I know life will shift. So I want a closet that reflects where I’m going, not where I’ve been.

I don’t know where you are in life right now. Maybe you’re about to clean out your closet. Maybe you’ve been holding onto pieces you know you’ve outgrown. Maybe you’re in that cycle of constantly buying something only when something comes up.

But I want to challenge you. Stop waiting.

Don’t wait for the invite to buy the dress.

Don’t wait for the trip to get the outfit.

Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to wear what you love.

Because the truth is, the only way to stop feeling like you have nothing to wear is to build a closet that’s already ready for your life. I have a friend who shops like this. She buys things whenever, boots in the summer, sandals in the winter. And at first, I thought she was crazy. But now? When she steps out in the cutest outfit, I realize, she wasn’t scrambling. She was prepared.

So maybe it’s not about having more clothes. Maybe it’s about being more intentional with what you choose to bring into your life.

Because when you start showing up like you’re ready, life has a funny way of meeting you there. And even if the invites don’t come right away, you’ll still have a closet full of pieces you love, and you won’t need an occasion to wear them.

My Spring Wash Day Routine for Healthy Natural Hair | Rebuilding My Curls After Damage

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:02:16 GMT

Learning To Love My Natural Hair Again, One Wash Day At A Time

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe below at the bottom of the page.

I’m on a journey of loving the skin I’m in.

I talked about this a few weeks ago after my dermatologist visit and trying to clear up my skin. I also mentioned it in my post, The Hairstyle I Almost Let Fear Talk Me Out Of: From Damaged Curls to Rediscovering My Confidence, where I opened up about how damaged my hair became after wearing wigs and leaving my natural hair out in the front.

So now… we’re in a rebuilding season.

As my hair regrows, I’m learning to fall back in love with me. I had to really ask myself:

Do you love yourself without any enhancements? When you wake up in the morning, do you love the skin you’re in?

And if I’m being honest, that answer has been a journey.

I used to have long, thick hair that felt effortless. And while I still have beautiful hair, it’s just different now.

For years, I didn’t have to do much to it. It would just grow. I’ve been honey blonde for over eight years, but this past September we went the lightest I’ve ever been with added highlights. And while I love the color, it came with breakage.

So now, my hair routine isn’t optional, it’s necessary.

I try to use little to no heat, keep my hair moisturized at all times, and stay consistent. This color can dry my hair out quickly, so hydration is everything. I’ve also added vitamins into my routine to support hair growth from the inside out.

I’m finally in a place where I love my natural skin, and it’s only getting better. I can’t wait to feel that same confidence with my hair again.

I’ve been trying new styles like perm rods, ponytails, buns, and wash and gos. And no, this doesn’t mean you’ll never see me in wigs or braids again, because you absolutely will.

But what it does mean is that I’m prioritizing the health of my natural hair first.

One of the biggest adjustments has been washing my hair weekly.

I now wash my hair every 7–10 days, whether I go to my stylist or not. And for someone who used to go weeks, even months, without washing their hair, this is a shift.

It won’t always be this frequent, but right now, while I’m repairing breakage, it’s necessary.

So I wanted to bring you into what a typical wash day looks like for me.

My Wash Day Routine

I always start with a pre wash cleanse using a tea tree oil shampoo to remove buildup, oils, and any leftover product.

Then I go in with my main shampoo: Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo. I love this because it cleans my hair without stripping my color or drying it out. My hair actually feels hydrated after using it, which is rare.

For conditioner, I use Pattern Beauty Medium Conditioner, and it makes detangling so easy. It leaves my hair incredibly soft, and I definitely understand why it’s award winning. Both products are rich in oils, which my hair needs right now, especially since I’ve learned my hair loves jojoba oil. And the curl definition? So good.

On days when my hair needs extra moisture, I use Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Conditioner. It smells amazing, and I’ll leave it in for about 10 minutes to really let it soak in.

What I do after washing depends on how I plan to style my hair.

One thing that stays consistent is my Amika Hydro Leave-In Spray. I section my hair into four parts and spray each section before blow drying. Then I follow up with a heat protectant from La Belle Hair Care, and sometimes their hair mist as well.

After that, I go in with jojoba oil on my scalp and throughout my hair, especially if I’m doing braids, perm rods, or straightening it.

If I’m doing a wash and go, I only apply the oil to my scalp so I don’t weigh my curls down.

This routine has honestly changed my hair in the best way. My texture feels healthier, my curls are coming back to life, and with it being spring, my hair isn’t as dry as it was during the winter. I’ve also been drinking more water, and I can definitely tell the difference.

This healthy hair journey is exactly that, a journey.

As someone who used to never wash their own hair, I now prioritize my wash days so much more. Even when I go to my stylist, we do monthly steam treatments to restore moisture, especially with my color.

I’ve also been loving Pattern Beauty not just because it works, but because it aligns with what I’m trying to be more mindful about, using products that are hydrating, cruelty free, and better for me overall.

Because this journey isn’t just about my hair. It’s about how I show up for myself.

And if you’re in a season where your hair, or even your confidence, doesn’t look how it used to, just know you’re not alone.

You’re not starting over, you’re rebuilding.

With more intention.

With more care.

And with a deeper love for who you are, right now.

And that? That’s even better than where you started.

Stay On Track This Spring: Don’t Let Distractions Steal Your Second Quarter

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:54:51 GMT

Don’t Let Small Distractions Pull You Away From The Life You Said You Wanted

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts.

You can subscribe below at the bottom of the page.

Last week, we talked about the story you keep telling yourself, who you’ve believed yourself to be versus who you’re becoming. We got honest, we visualized, and we set intentions.

This week, I want to take it a step further.

Tomorrow is the last day of March, which means we’re stepping into the second quarter of the year. And if we’re being real, this is the time people fall off. This is when goals start to fade. The excitement from January wears off, life starts lifeing, and before you know it, another year passes.

But not this year.

This year, we’re sticking to the plan.

Not based on how we feel.

Not based on what’s going on in the world.

And definitely not based on what everybody else is doing.

Now, I understand, we’re all in different seasons. Everybody isn’t chasing some huge, life altering goal right now. Some people genuinely love where they are and just want to be present.

But whether you’re in a valley or on a mountaintop, there is always something that can grow.

Maybe this season isn’t about your career. Maybe it’s about becoming a better version of yourself; a better daughter, a better friend, a better sister, a better person overall.

And even in seasons that don’t look like growth on the outside, there’s still work to be done.

I’ve been reading Ecclesiastes lately, and whew, it’s been good, but heavy. Not quite Proverbs Solomon, this is reflective, real life Solomon. In Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, it talks about how there is a time and season for everything.

One thing I’ve been focusing on this year is being a better steward of what God has given me, my time, and the season I’m in. Nothing is wasted with God.

Even if you’re in an uncomfortable season, you still have to honor it. Because it’s all working for your good.

Now you might be wondering, what does this have to do with anything? Simple.

The weather is breaking. Spring is here. The days are longer, the sun is out, flowers are blooming, it’s feeling like renewal, growth, fresh starts.

But let’s be real, it’s also giving distractions.

Spring is when people come out of hiding. After months of cold, gloomy weather, everybody suddenly has plans. Especially in Atlanta, I can’t even keep up with everything happening right now. Birthdays. Brunches. Happy hours. Girls nights. Random “let’s just step out” moments. And listen, none of this is bad. Community is beautiful. Laughter is necessary.

But everything requires balance. Because you know where you are right now, mentally, physically, spiritually, financially. And more importantly, you know where you’re trying to go.

This is not the season to get distracted by what feels good right now. Society will have you thinking temporary fun is better than long term fulfillment. And the truth is, you can be doing amazing, locked in, disciplined, and get thrown off by one small decision.

Let me put you in my business real quick.

Sundays are my reset day. No matter what, vacation, home, whatever, I stick to a routine:

Sleep In

Clean up in the morning

Go to church

Head to Starbucks to plan my week and draft blogs

Grocery Run

Meal prep

Then rest

It’s my one day with no obligations, and it sets the tone for everything.

Well, this past Saturday, after work, some girls invited me out. I usually say no, but this time I said yes. What was supposed to be a quick 30 minute stop turned into two hours. I got home late, woke up groggy, kept dozing off, and ended up late to church. After church, instead of going to Starbucks like planned, I took a nap. My whole day felt delayed and rushed.

Now, I still got everything done, except cleaning up, but it wasn’t the same. The whole day I kept thinking, “You should’ve just gone home.” I eventually gave myself grace and moved on, but it was a long day.

And I’m sharing that because something as small as a random night out, something not aligned with my bigger plan, threw off my entire next day. It could’ve been prevented. And on top of that? I’m not even really drinking right now, so it truly wasn’t worth my time. Not to say you need to drink to have fun.

That’s how distractions work. They don’t always look like big, obvious mistakes. Sometimes it’s just small decisions that slowly pull you off track. So before we step into this second quarter, I want you to really sit with yourself: What do you say you want? And are you willing to do the work, and make the sacrifices, to have it?

Because even becoming a “better you” takes discipline. It’s time to stay on track. Assess what worked. Adjust what didn’t. And be honest, some things you said you wanted, you might not actually want. And that’s okay. Just be real about it.

When distractions come, and they will, remember the plan. Remember the bigger goal. For me, I want to take my blog to the next level and become a full time writer. So going out after a shift just to feel included? It wasn’t worth throwing off a day that’s crucial to my routine.

Because the truth is, nobody is going to care about your goals the way you do. You have to remember them. You have to protect them. And you have to say no to anything that doesn’t align.

Now, does that mean I’ll never go out again? Absolutely not. It just means I’m learning balance. I’m choosing nights that don’t disrupt my priorities. I’m being intentional. I’m staying mindful of the environments I put myself in, especially in this season, especially while I’m fasting.

Because I’m locked in on becoming better. But that’s me. I don’t know what it is for you, but you do. The second quarter is where people fall off. But not you.

So how do you avoid distractions? You stick to the plan.

Maybe that looks like scrolling less.

Maybe it’s talking less and moving in silence.

Maybe it’s restructuring your day.

For me, I leave space for life to happen, but I protect my priorities.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing what actually matters. Staying on track doesn’t mean you never go out, never have fun, or never switch things up. It means you don’t forget who you said you wanted to be.

So when distractions come, and they will, ask yourself: does this align with where I’m going? And if it doesn’t, let it go.

The second quarter is where people fall off. But not you. Stay on track, even with the weather breaking

5 Easy Ways to Style a Black Bodysuit for Everyday Outfits

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:19:01 GMT

Simple, Everyday Outfit Ideas Using Pieces You Already Have In Your Closet

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

I know I said we’re getting out of wearing black, and we are. But let’s be real, some days you just want something easy, flattering, and already put together without overthinking it. That’s exactly why I keep a black bodysuit in rotation.

Whether it’s short sleeve, sleeveless, or long sleeve, this is a staple you can wear year round. Even with spring officially here, this is one of those pieces you will absolutely get your money’s worth out of.

Today, I wanted to share five simple ways to style a black bodysuit. It’s one of those pieces you can build a simple look around, or elevate into something more put together. Because it’s black, it works as the perfect neutral base for any color you want to add. And let’s be honest, black is always flattering.

My go to black bodysuit for spring and summer is a halter style from Zara. I literally repurchase two every year because it’s that good. Even when I’m just lounging around the house, I’ll throw it on with sweatpants for a relaxed look. On days I don’t feel like getting dressed, it’s perfect with jeans and sneakers, or even a simple slide.

All five of these outfits are easy, and you probably already have most (if not all) of these pieces in your closet. These looks can take you from errands, to church, to work, or even lunch with your girls. And the best part? This doesn’t only apply to black bodysuits, if you have a colored one, you can swap it in just as easily.

We’re still minimizing how much black we wear, but this is a great way to incorporate color while keeping a neutral base. These are in no particular order:

Printed Trousers & Trench Coat

This look is perfect for a spring day in the office. I love a good ankle length trouser paired with a loafer or ballet flat. These checkered pants work so well with a solid bodysuit, it balances everything out.

Whenever I’m wearing anything patterned, I like to keep my top simple. A bodysuit like this does exactly that and still gives you a clean base to build on. Add a lightweight trench coat, and you instantly have a polished, spring ready look.

Denim Distressed Jeans

I mentioned this look briefly earlier, but I love a good denim and bodysuit moment. In the spring and summer, I’m reaching for distressed wide leg jeans, they’re comfortable but still look put together.

Wide leg jeans have been my go to for the past few years because of how versatile they are. On cooler days, I’ll add a long cardigan or lightweight sweater for a little extra something.

This is perfect for a solo movie day or running errands. I usually pair it with slide sandals or sneakers for an easy, casual look.

Silk Skirt & Blazer

On those days when I don’t know what to wear to church, I throw this on. I love mixing textures, tweed, silk, cotton, just to give the outfit more dimension. A silk skirt with a slight flare paired with a fitted bodysuit creates such a flattering and modest silhouette.

Since my skirt was black, I added a little contrast with a black and white tweed jacket. This works beautifully with any color silk skirt because the bodysuit keeps everything grounded.

On cooler days, I’ll pair this with boots. On warmer days, I’ll switch to a sandal heel or even a loafer.

Cargo Pants

I love cargo pants because you can dress them up or down so easily. I didn’t always like cargos until I found the right pair, fitted, but still relaxed in the right places. Whether it’s cargo pants or even a cargo skirt, this look works the same.

Pairing them with a bodysuit gives you shape while still feeling comfortable and covered. I added a utility jacket with different colors and patterns to break up the black.

This is perfect for running errands with sneakers or a daytime outing with the girls with a heeled sandal.

Light Colored Trousers

These cream trousers I found at Zara years ago are still one of my favorites. They’re lightweight, wide leg, and so easy to style.

You can pair them with sandals, sneakers, or heels depending on the day. This look is perfect for a coffee run, errands, or even just lounging.

I like to throw a striped sweater over my shoulders as a third piece, it just elevates the outfit a little more.

There’s something about pairing black with creams, whites, or even chocolate tones that always feels so sophisticated.

I hope you found a few new ways to style pieces you already have in your closet. And if not, these are all simple staples you can add to your wardrobe to mix and match with basics like a black bodysuit.

This is the perfect time to stock up on those essentials that can create multiple looks. These are just five outfits, but honestly, the options are endless.

Investing in a good black bodysuit makes getting dressed so much easier, no matter where your day takes you. You can dress it up or down, and it always just works.

You’re Not Stuck, You’re Just Telling Yourself the Same Story

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 18:09:20 GMT

You Can’t Live Differently If You Still See Yourself The Same

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts.

You can subscribe below at the bottom of the page.

Since I was younger, I’ve always told people I was a picky eater. I’d say I eat like a child and rarely switch it up. Whenever I’d go out to eat, my friends already knew, I was probably ordering chicken. It got to the point where people could look at a menu and say, “Yeah… she’s not eating anything here.”

But within the last two years, I started experimenting more with food. When I’d go out to eat alone, I’d try something new, even if it was just a side. I learned I actually enjoy more than just chicken. Every time I tried something, I didn’t always like it, but I was putting myself out there. And eventually, I even realized, I actually like fish. After years of saying I don’t eat it.

The crazy part? I was doing all of this on my own, and the people around me had no idea. So when I’d go out with friends, they’d still say, “You know you don’t eat much, you eat like a child.” And subconsciously, I’d fall right back into it, ordering the same thing and repeating the same cycle.

It wasn’t until I ordered salmon one day and they were like, “Whaaaat?”and I told them I’d been trying new things, that everything shifted. They stopped saying it, and I stopped believing it.

And that’s when it clicked for me. In life, we are what we think.

Because I believed I was someone with a limited palate, my actions aligned with that. But when I started telling myself I was someone who explores new things, and actually believed it, my behavior followed.

Now let’s take it beyond food.

We are constantly evolving. You have the right to change your mind… but only if you believe you can. Whatever you believe about yourself, your actions will align with it. The belief has to change before the behavior does.

For example, if you know me, you know I’ve always been extremely late. And when I think about the woman I want to be, she’s punctual.

I don’t even like being late. I hate rushing. But somehow, that’s been my rhythm forever. So lately, I’ve been more intentional, planning ahead, giving myself extra time, trying to slow down. I won’t say I’m perfect, but I’ve improved. I’m not 30 minutes late anymore, it’s more like 10. Growth.

Another thing I had to confront was my identity in being “the helper.” I’m naturally someone who shows up for people. But over time, I started to believe that was my worth. If I wasn’t helping, I didn’t feel valuable. I developed a savior complex without even realizing it. And it was exhausting.

I had to really sit with myself and ask, why do I think my worth is tied to what I do for others? That was an identity problem.

Because when your identity is rooted in what you do, you’ll run yourself empty trying to maintain it. I had to learn that my identity isn’t “the helper.” Yes, I can help… but I’m not the source.

I’m not God. And trying to play that role in people’s lives, even subconsciously, will drain you every time.

Your thoughts are powerful. The Bible says, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” And I’ve said this before, but everything in life starts with being, not doing.

The world teaches us to do more, fix more, achieve more, but God is concerned with who you are. Because who you are will determine what you do, and ultimately what you have. You can’t become who God called you to be if you don’t believe it first.

Think of it like this, we’re like sponges. As we go through life, we absorb things people say about us, things we experience, and even things we tell ourselves, whether they’re true or not.

But the story you believe? That’s the one you act on.

If you believe your life is pointless, you won’t try. If you believe “that’s just how I am,” you won’t change.

Sometimes people label us, “you’re mean,” “you’re funny,” “you’re this,” “you’re that,” and we carry it. We either shrink into it or overcompensate for it.

And I’m not saying everything people say about you is wrong. I’m saying you have to learn to challenge the stories you tell yourself.

For so long, I believed the story that I’m always late, and that’s just how I am. Instead of getting to the root of it and changing it, I accepted it. But just because you’ve been a certain way, doesn’t mean that’s who you have to stay.

Whether it’s a story about who you’ve been in the past, or a lie that never belonged to you in the first place, you have to test it. Is this true? Or is this just what I’ve been telling myself?

I’ve gotten to a place where now, whenever someone says something about me, whether joking or serious, I take it to God in prayer and ask, “Is this who I am?” And if it’s not, I don’t agree with it. Not out loud. Not in my thoughts. Not in my actions. Because agreement is powerful.

Write down who you believe yourself to be. And then ask yourself, is this actually true, or is this just the story I’ve been repeating? Because the truth is, a lot of us aren’t stuck, we’re just loyal to an outdated version of ourselves.

And if you’re honest, some of the things you believe about yourself didn’t even come from you. So now the question becomes, what would change in your life if you stopped agreeing with that version of you?

If it’s not who you want to be, you don’t have to keep claiming it. You can choose a new story. You can believe something different. And little by little, your life will start to reflect that.

The Nighttime Beauty Routine That Changed My Skin, My Sleep, and My Mornings

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:48:19 GMT

A Simple 30 Minute Wind Down Routine That Helped Me Prioritize Skincare, Rest Better & Start My Days Differently

My Nighttime Beauty Routine

I used to wonder how people would just wake up and have productive mornings. I’d wake up on the best side of the bed, create my to do list, and still somehow come up short.

About a month ago, I visited my dermatologist and she gave me a nighttime skincare routine I had to follow every night in order for my treatment plan to work. Before that appointment, my nights looked very different, coming home from work, watching TV, scrolling on my phone, and eventually dozing off wherever or whenever.

When I lived at home, I actually had a nighttime routine. Somewhere along the way, though, I lost it.

After visiting my dermatologist, I realized I needed to create one again, and not just create it, but prioritize it. My nights look different now.

I work some evenings and don’t get home until 2:30 or sometimes even 3 am. By the time I walk through the door, I feel like I have zero energy and just want to lay down and sleep. But honestly, as I’ve been navigating this new routine, I’ve learned that’s not completely true.

It’s crazy how our brains will trick us, or even lie to us, about what we can or can’t do. I’m learning that we actually have more capacity than we think when it comes to pushing toward what we really want. But that’s a story for another day.

Both of my jobs are customer facing, which means I interact with people constantly and spend most of my day talking. My nighttime routine has become the moment where I recenter and sit with myself. It grounds me after the day and prepares me for better sleep. And it’s honestly changed the quality of my sleep too.

Now that I have a routine to wind down, my body slows down. Before, I would carry the stress of the day straight into my sleep. My brain would still be running even though my body was exhausted.

I’m someone who always has a million tabs open in my head. Before having a routine, I would lay down tired but still toss and turn, or scroll until my eyes finally gave up. Now I have signals that remind my brain and body that it’s time to rest.

Building a Routine That Actually Works

When I was creating my nighttime routine, it had to be helpful but also practical. The original reason for the routine was to prioritize my skincare because I’m currently on a journey to clear up my skin. Since that’s something I genuinely want, it naturally became the center of my routine.

Not because I’m vain or chasing perfect skin, but because on the nights when I’m exhausted and don’t feel like doing anything, I still push myself to follow the routine, because a big part of it is skincare. And that matters to me.

My Actual Nighttime Routine

My routine is pretty simple. It takes about 30 minutes, sometimes a little more or a little less depending on the night.

When I come home and I’m ready for bed, whether it’s 9 pm. or 3 am, the routine stays the same. Even though my schedule changes, I try to keep some consistency with sleep. If I’m working late, I try to be in bed by 3:15 am. I know that sounds late, but hey… that’s the season I’m in right now.

If I’m not working, we shut the house down around 10 pm. And when I say we, I mean me and Saint, who is technically part of the routine, even though he runs amuck some nights when I go to sleep.

When it’s time for bed, I turn off the TV and tell Alexa to play my nighttime playlist. It’s filled with calming instrumental music that helps slow things down mentally. I’ve done this enough now that when my brain hears that music, it automatically starts to shut down. That took some time, but now it works.

Then I take Saint outside for his last walk or potty break. After that, I head to the bathroom to wash my face and take a quick shower. When I get out, I take my acne medication and apply my tretinoin and moisturizer. Then I lotion my body. As someone who used to only moisturize the parts of my body people could actually see… this is growth.

Next comes hand cream and pajamas. Some nights it’s a matching set, other nights it’s an oversized t shirt. I definitely need to buy more pajamas, but that’s not the point.

Then I head to bed.

Once I’m in bed, I grab my prayer journal and say a prayer. Writing my prayers down has honestly been a game changer. It allows me to express gratitude for the day and release anything that might still be heavy on my mind.

After that, I grab my phone, set my alarm, and write down any thoughts, reminders, or random notes floating around in my head into my Notes or Reminders app. It’s my way of closing the tabs in my brain before sleep.

Depending on the night, I’ll either drift off pretty quickly or maybe try to watch an episode of whatever show I’m currently into. One thing I stopped doing is leaving the TV on all night. I actually enjoy waking up to silence now. That’s why I only watch an episode, if I fall asleep, it won’t keep playing and the TV will shut off.

And that’s it.

Why This Routine Matters

This simple routine has honestly been a game changer for me. I wake up feeling refreshed. It helps settle my mind no matter what kind of day I had, whether it was amazing or challenging. No matter what, I go to sleep feeling clean, moisturized, grateful, and ready to face whatever the next day holds.

The routine is also flexible. Some nights I might end my evening reading a good book. Other nights I might watch an episode of a show I’m enjoying. Either way, it helps my brain slowly drift into rest.

A Little Challenge for You

I challenge you to take a moment and look at your own nighttime routine.

You already have one, whether you realize it or not. There are things your body naturally does before going to bed. The question is: is it helping you or hurting you?

If your routine leaves you getting great sleep and waking up refreshed, that’s amazing. But if not, you can tweak it.

The more consistent you are, the more your brain will start to recognize the signals.

And here’s the honest truth: you won’t always feel like doing it. No matter how simple it is or how good it makes you feel, there will still be nights when you don’t want to. But push through anyway.

Because on the nights when I force myself to do my routine, even when I don’t feel like it, I never regret it.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

You’re Not Moving Backwards (Even If God Sends You Back)

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:05:53 GMT

Why Going Back Home, Returning to Old Jobs, and Trusting God’s Timing Taught Me I Wasn’t Behind At All

Society has convinced us that going backwards means you failed.

Moving back home.

Going back to an old job.

Returning to a place you thought you had outgrown.

But what if going back isn’t failure at all?

What if it’s actually part of God’s plan?

When I graduated from college, I moved back in with my parents for four years… even though it was only supposed to be one.

And if I’m being honest, I had a lot of emotions around it.

Guilt.

Anger.

Shame.

And this deep feeling that somehow… I had failed.

I kept thinking: I did what I was supposed to do. I moved away. I went to college. I graduated.

So why did it feel like God was sending me backwards?

I went from living in Atlanta, trying to figure life out, to being back in my pink bedroom, under my parents roof, their rules, and honestly not knowing what I was doing with my life.

Thankfully, before I moved back, I had secured a job. So that part was a blessing.

But emotionally, it was still hard.

Part of the reason I hated moving back home was because I was so worried about what people would say.

From the outside, it probably looked like I was doing so well in Atlanta. But the reality was very different. I was a college student making $14 an hour working retail and bartending part time at Chili’s, living with my grandparents while trying to figure out my next step.

I was applying for jobs nonstop and was given until December to make something happen.

I prayed for a miracle.

And when December came… nothing changed.

I remember sitting in my room crying before the move, feeling like I had failed.

But here’s the thing about life, sometimes what feels like a setback ends up being a blessing you couldn’t see yet.

Three months after I moved back home, the pandemic happened and the entire world shut down.

Looking back now, I realize how protected I was.

I honestly don’t know what I would have done being locked down in Atlanta without my mom. Being home during that time was something I didn’t realize I needed until it happened.

And those four years living at home ended up becoming one of the most meaningful seasons of my life.

Even though technically I was supposed to be saving money, I was also living life fully.

During that time I traveled more than I ever had before. I visited seven countries and over twelve cities, some of them multiple times. I bought my first big girl car. I purchased my first designer pieces. I started taking content more seriously by shooting more photos and videos. I experimented with different wigs and hairstyles and really started exploring my creativity.

But the most important thing that came out of that season wasn’t travel or material things.

It was family.

Before moving home, I loved my family, but I wasn’t nearly as close with them as I am now.

Living there changed that.

Now I’m so family oriented. I call my parents throughout the week just to talk about nothing. I was able to spend time with my aunt and cousins and actually be present for family events I used to miss when I lived away.

Moving back home was something I thought I never wanted.

But in reality… it was exactly what my spirit needed.

Being under my parents roof gave me discipline and structure that I didn’t have before. It helped develop me into the woman I needed to become.

At 22, I thought I was ready to live on my own.

But truthfully… I wasn’t.

And I have to credit my grandfather for pointing that out. At the time I was angry when he said it, but now I’m so grateful that he did.

Because when I moved back out at 27, I was actually ready.

It was God’s timing, not mine.

And looking back now, I’m so glad I didn’t rush the process.

Honestly, if life ever required me to go back home again, I wouldn’t see it as defeat.

I’d see it as a blessing.

Because how lucky am I to even have somewhere to go back to?

That perspective changes everything.

I share that story because somewhere along the way, society convinced us that going back means failure.

But it isn’t.

Going back might look like moving back in with family, returning to a job you once had, or even relocating to your hometown after chasing a big dream.

And society can be quick to judge those moves.

But what if going back isn’t regression? What if it’s redirection?

Recently I had to go back to serving and bartending a couple nights a week. At first, I saw it as a failure. I was upset that I had to go back to something I felt like I had outgrown. I was also fearful because I didn’t want to get stuck there, and a lot of people do in the hospitality industry.

But eventually I had to lean in and trust God through it.

Funny enough, the girls I work with don’t know much about me, but they call me the “church girl.”

And honestly, that made me laugh.

Because it reminded me of something powerful, when you follow Christ, there’s a light on you whether you’re trying or not.

Even when you’re just being yourself.

It reminds me of the story of Peter after Jesus was captured. People in the town told Peter, “You look and sound like Jesus.” He tried to deny it, but they could still see it on him.

Sometimes your light is visible even when you’re not trying to show it.

And it made me think… maybe God has me back in this environment for a reason.

Maybe it’s not just about the money.

Maybe it’s about influence.

Maybe I’m supposed to bring light into places that feel dark.

I don’t know exactly what the purpose is yet. But I’m learning to trust that God always has one.

Now let me be clear about something.

I am not talking about spinning the block on a man. That’s a completely different conversation.

I’m talking about life situations where you find yourself returning to something you thought you had already moved past.

Because throughout the Bible, God actually sends people back many times.

Jacob returned home.

David returned after exile.

Jeremiah went back to his people.

Even the man from Gerasene was told by Jesus to return home and share what God had done for him.

Going back wasn’t punishment.

It was purpose.

And we see examples of this outside of the Bible too.

Steve Jobs was fired from Apple, the company he co founded. But years later he returned and transformed it into one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Sarah Jakes Roberts once left Dallas carrying the shame of being a young divorced teen mom, but years later she returned transformed and now leads thousands as a pastor at The Potter’s House, with her husband.

Sometimes you leave a place one version of yourself, and return completely transformed.

So if life is pulling you back somewhere you thought you were done with, maybe stop resisting it.

Because sometimes God sends us back to grow us, restore us, or position us for what’s next.

What looks like a setback might actually be a setup.

Just like in chess, what may look like a bad move might actually be the exact move needed to win the game.

So if you find yourself going back to something, a place, a job, or a season you thought you had already outgrown, don’t assume you’re moving backwards.

You might just be exactly where God needs you to be. And this time, you’re not the same person who left. You’re the person God prepared to return.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Why I’m Adding More Color Back Into My Wardrobe This Spring

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:34:24 GMT

How Social Media, Safe Choices, & A Season Of A Change Pushes Me To Rediscover My Love For Color

Spring is knocking on the door, even though this morning was still very chilly here in Atlanta. Technically, spring doesn’t start for about two more weeks, but now that we’ve already had daylight saving time and our days are longer, I’m more than ready for it. Spring always feels like a fresh start, new beginnings, longer days, and a sense of renewal.

It’s truly my favorite time of year, not just because my birthday is in April. I love seeing the flowers blossom and the weather that’s not too hot or too cold. After the darker, duller winter months, it feels refreshing to step outside and see nature slowly coming back to life. I was walking my dog the other day and noticed the most beautiful pink flowers blooming nearby. It reminded me that everything eventually comes back to life after a quiet season.

Recently, I went to my trainer’s client appreciation party. The theme was springish comfy casual, and when I went to look in my closet, I noticed something surprising, I had a lot of black. I wanted to wear something lighter like white, cream, or blush, but I didn’t have many options in those colors. That moment made me pause and really look at my closet. It made me think about why I had been buying what I was buying, and how my style had slowly shifted.

I ended up putting together an outfit that looked cute, but it wasn’t exactly what I wished I had to wear. At one point, I used my clothes as a way to express my personality and my girly side. Somewhere along the way, that shifted.

During the winter months I naturally lean toward darker colors, even though I occasionally mix in something different. But lately I’ve realized I’ve been grabbing black much more than usual.

Black is easy.

It’s neutral.

It’s safe.

It goes with everything.

You can wear black to the gym, to a gala, or even to a wedding. It’s one of those colors that works for almost every occasion.

I’ve always liked black, but somewhere along the way I stopped wearing as many other colors. And I think part of that happened subconsciously because social media constantly shows me girls who love neutral tones and all black outfits. Without realizing it, I started gravitating toward what seemed trendy or popular.

I even noticed it when I was decorating my home. When I searched for inspiration, everything that looked modern and chic was black, white, and neutral. I almost decorated my entire house that way. But I had to remind myself that although it looked nice, it didn’t fully feel like me. I’ve always loved feminine touches, so I made sure to add pink and little details that still reflected my personality.

Another reason I was reaching for darker clothes was because I had surgery last year. It was easier to hide my faja underneath darker outfits. Even though I still wear it sometimes, I’m not wearing it as consistently as before. Now I can comfortably wear clothes I didn’t wear when my body looked different. And honestly, I’ve had to ask myself a real question: Why have I been playing it so safe with the body I always wanted?

Before surgery, I told myself I would wear all kinds of different outfits afterward. But oddly enough, I’ve felt more reserved since then. It’s almost like I unintentionally put myself into a box, and now it’s time to step outside of it.

It’s so easy to subconsciously shift your preferences based on what you constantly see online. When everyone you follow loves a certain aesthetic, you can start adjusting your own style to match it.

But this season, I’m getting back to what feels like me. And if I’m honest, I’m not naturally a safe color girl. No shade to anyone who is, but I’ve always loved color, feminine pieces, and playful details. So this spring I’m prioritizing that again.

For me, that means adding more color back into my wardrobe, along with things that simply bring me joy. Florals, ruffles, sparkles, and pieces that feel fun and feminine. Now, I definitely believe in adding touches here and there because too much can quickly go from cute to tacky. But spring is the perfect season to experiment with your wardrobe. Your style can evolve whenever you want. You don’t have to dress the same way forever.

Picture (white top green purse)

Adding pops of color for me means buying pieces that I genuinely like, even if I can’t picture the full outfit yet. Now I’m not saying I’m about to buy a bright yellow $3,000 bag anytime soon. But I’m allowing myself to add small pieces along the way.

My mom actually bought me a new bag while she was traveling, and they had both a green and a black option. My first instinct was to choose black, but I changed my mind and went with green. It is an olive green but baby steps. And honestly, that small decision unlocked something in me. Green can still feel neutral, but it added just enough color to make a difference.

Adding color also means simply trying on shades I wouldn’t normally reach for. I’m not going back to my 2019 era of neon lime green outfits, but I’m slowly incorporating softer colors.

For example, I recently bought new workout clothes and instead of grabbing black and gray like usual, I picked up some blues and pinks. I can still pair those blue leggings with a black or white top, but that small touch of color makes the outfit feel different.

Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing a colored shoe instead of a black one, or carrying a bag that contrasts the outfit. It might mean wearing a patterned skirt with a neutral top, or grabbing a ruffled blouse that adds a little personality.

This season I’m intentionally leaning into color and challenging myself to break the cycle of always choosing black. If I have an event to attend, instead of immediately grabbing the little black dress, I might reach for a pink or soft green one instead.

I even pulled out a pink blazer I bought years ago but barely wore. Last week I paired it with denim and realized it was exactly the touch of color my outfit needed.

Another small shift I’m making is replacing black with other neutrals like gray, tan, or navy. When I wear navy, I naturally gravitate toward cognac accessories, which automatically brings more warmth and color into the outfit.

Spring is the perfect time to lighten up your wardrobe. If wearing color feels intimidating, start small. Switch your black bag for a colored one. Try a new pair of shoes. Add a blazer or a fun top to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Black will always be a classic. It’s not going anywhere. But if you’re like me and you’ve realized you might have slowly adjusted your style to match what the world is doing, consider this your invitation to step back into what actually feels like you.

Because I’ve noticed something interesting already. Even the smallest touch of color instantly brightens my mood.

So no, you probably won’t see me wearing bold colors every single day just yet. I’m still exploring and rediscovering pieces in my closet that I haven’t worn in years.

I’m pulling out items I once saved for “special occasions” and wearing them on random Tuesdays.

I’m being more intentional when I shop, choosing pieces that excite me instead of just defaulting to what feels safe. And I’m allowing myself to buy a piece I love, even if I don’t have the entire outfit figured out yet. Because the rest of the look will eventually come together.

And maybe this spring isn’t just about adding more color to my closet. Maybe it’s about adding a little more personality, confidence, and joy back into the way I show up every day. And if that starts with something as small as choosing the pink blazer instead of the black one… I think that’s a pretty good place to start.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Learning to Love My Natural Face (Using Less Filters & Embracing Natural Beauty)

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 02:57:03 GMT

A Reflection On Using Fewer Filters, Embracing Natural Beauty, & Finding Confidence In The Face God Gave Me

Back in January, I was taking a selfie and couldn’t get the right picture. I tried turning toward the sun, adjusting the angle, doing all the little things we do when we’re trying to capture the perfect photo. Still nothing felt right.

So I did what most of us do.

I opened Instagram and added a filter.

Immediately I felt relieved. I looked at the picture and thought, Finally, that’s the one.

But the longer I stared at it, the more something felt off.

That’s not really me.

I ran to the bathroom mirror and looked at my reflection, comparing it to the selfie on my phone. The filter had smoothed my skin, softened my features, and even added a subtle plumpness to my lips that looked like I had on lipstick.

And in that moment, I had to ask myself a real question:

Do you actually like your natural face?

Because the truth was, I was using filters almost every time I posted on Instagram stories.

Now don’t get me wrong. Sometimes we genuinely look a little crusty and need some moisturizer or lip balm. But that wasn’t the situation this time. I looked perfectly fine in real life, yet I still felt the need to change my face on camera.

So I went through my archived Instagram stories.

And that’s when I realized something that surprised me.

I hadn’t posted a story without a filter in almost six months. Even when I would leave the gym and post my little “morning motivation” stories, I’d add a filter.

Now let me be clear, I’m not against filters. They’ve been around forever. I remember when Snapchat first came out over twelve years ago and everyone was obsessed with the dog ears and flower crowns.

But filters have evolved a lot since then.

Now there are filters that can completely alter your face. Some of them add full glam makeup, smooth your skin, change your lip shape, and brighten everything to the point where you look like a totally different person.

And that’s where it gets tricky.

Because when you start using those tools too often, it can slowly change how you see yourself.

I know you’ve seen it before, when someone edits a photo so much that when you see them in real life, they look nothing like their pictures.

The more you rely on those tools, the harder it becomes to recognize and appreciate your natural face.

And I didn’t like that it had become so difficult for me to take a simple selfie without one.

So I stood in the mirror a little longer than usual and asked myself what exactly I didn’t like about my face.

And the more I sat with it, the more I realized something surprising.

I actually do like my face.

I like the way God uniquely created it.

Now I’m also honest with myself. There are things about my skin that I’m still working on. I’ve dealt with acne for years, random breakouts, dark spots, and uneven texture. My skin has definitely been on a rollercoaster over the years, especially when I used to wear bangs.

It’s better now, but I’m still on a journey with it. That’s actually one of the reasons I started seeing a dermatologist. Part of loving yourself is also caring for the things you want to improve.

I’ve learned that if there’s something about yourself you truly don’t like, you have two options: learn to love it or work on changing it. Either way, the goal should always be coming from a place of self respect, not self rejection.

But when I thought about it, the reason I started using filters in the first place was because they smoothed the texture of my skin on camera.

What started as a small tweak slowly turned into something I used all the time, even when my makeup was already done. Just a little razzle dazzle.

But honestly, it wasn’t necessary.

This season of my life is about learning to love every part of myself, including my natural face.

Now let me say this clearly: I love makeup. There’s a time for full glam and there’s a time for a bare face.

But one thing I’m learning in this season is that I don’t need to be fully glammed every single day just to feel confident.

I’ve been learning a softer, everyday makeup routine that still lets my natural skin shine through.

For example, I have a little mole above my eyebrow that I used to cover up with makeup. Now I actually love that my everyday makeup routine lets it show.

My routine is super simple: primer, either a skin tint or concealer, a little blush, some contour powder or a contour stick, and a lip pencil with a gloss or natural lipstick. That’s it.

Sometimes I get lash extensions, but even those are short and fluffy. Nothing dramatic, just enough to enhance my eyes without hiding them.

I’m learning that natural beauty is still beautiful. You don’t have to be in full glam just to run to the grocery store.

Yes, there are days when I’m fully done up, but that’s not a requirement for my everyday life.

Because at the end of the day, your natural face isn’t going anywhere. No matter how much makeup you wear or how many filters you use, when it all comes off at night, you’re left with just you. And that version of you deserves to be loved too.

So this week, I want to challenge you to try something with me. Use fewer filters.

Step outside, turn your face toward the sun, and let the light hit you just right for that perfect selfie.

Experiment with makeup that enhances your natural features instead of hiding them.

And most importantly, spend some time getting comfortable with the face you see in the mirror.

Because the goal isn’t perfection. It’s recognition.

Recognizing that the face looking back at you, the one God carefully created, is already worthy of being seen.

Learn to love you.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Finding Joy in the Everyday: Learning to Choose Joy in Every Season of Life

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:03:12 GMT

Learning To Choose Joy in Quiet Seasons & Moments That Once Felt Ordinary

I used to think joy and happiness were the same thing. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized they aren’t synonymous at all.

I’ve always been a positive and optimistic person, but even that isn’t the same as joy. When I look back over my life, there were many moments when I thought I had joy, but what I actually had was happiness.

Recently I watched an interview with Tracee Ellis Ross where she talked about the difference between the two. She said, “Happiness can feel like something you grab from a convenience store, but joy is deeper. Joy is something you work at. It takes practice. Joy has roots and legs. Joy creates space. It allows room for more than just a good day. Joy is an attitude, a perspective, a lens through which you live your life.”

That really stuck with me. Because joy actually takes a little bit of audacity.

I remember reading about joy in the Bible as a kid and thinking it simply meant happiness. But in this season of life, I’ve developed a much deeper appreciation for it. Lately I’ve found myself experiencing real joy in the middle of chaos. And the truth is, the “joy” I thought I had before was actually just happiness, and happiness is fickle. It depends on circumstances. Joy doesn’t.

I remember talking to my therapist in August of 2024 about how I felt like something was missing. I told her that I didn’t feel fully happy. She asked me a question that shifted everything: “Are you seeking happiness or joy?” And honestly, I didn’t know.

I told her I felt happy when I traveled, spent time with friends, went shopping, or took myself on solo dates to try new restaurants. But when life got quiet, when nothing exciting was happening, that happiness disappeared.

She reminded me of something simple but powerful: happiness is dependent on happenings. It’s fleeting.

At the time we had that conversation, my life looked completely different. I had just gotten fired but landed a new job within 30 days making more money than before. I was fresh out of a four-year relationship. I was hosting weekly events at my house and seeing friends at least twice a week.

Life was full.

Now my life looks quieter.

I spend more nights in than out. I’ve slowed down. I spend more time in the Word and more intentional time with God. And somewhere in this quieter season, I started discovering the joy I thought I had before.

My joy isn’t dependent on circumstances anymore.

It isn’t dependent on my own self reliance or financial stability. My joy is rooted in my faith, and my faith has been strengthened in ways I didn’t expect during this season.

Now I’m learning that joy is something you practice daily in the quiet moments and ordinary routines.

I find joy when I’m walking my dog and saying good morning to people I pass.

I find joy on my commute home after a late shift when I choose to take the streets instead of the highway because I get to drive through the exact area I once prayed and begged God to live in.

I find joy in my workouts with my trainer because moving my body and pushing myself is a blessing.

I find joy when I clean my home because it’s my dream place and I know I’m honoring God by being a good steward over what He’s given me.

I find joy in quiet car rides, looking around at the world God created.

I find joy when I sip my coffee in the morning and watch the sun shining through my window in awe.

I’ve learned how to find joy in the everyday.

And this didn’t happen overnight.

It was almost a full year after that conversation with my therapist before it finally started clicking for me.

Now there are moments when life feels hectic and people ask how I stay so calm. The truth is, it’s not that I’m always calm.

I’ve just learned how to have joy in the middle of anything.Choosing joy is an act of faith. So how can you find joy in your own life?

I don’t know what season you’re in right now or what may be going on in your world. But I do know that joy is possible in every season. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11-13, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty… I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”

I used to read that scripture without fully understanding it.But now I see it differently. This is the way to live.

Joy doesn’t come from trusting yourself, it comes from trusting the Creator. The One who knew your beginning and your end before you ever took your first breath. When you trust Him fully, you can rest in joy.

So I challenge you to pray and ask God for His joy, the kind that isn’t fickle or fleeting. Because when life feels uncertain and everything around me feels unstable, I lean into God. His strength really is made perfect in our weakness.

And maybe you’re not in a valley right now. Maybe you’re on a mountaintop. This is actually the perfect time to lean into God’s joy too. It’s easy to forget there were seasons when things weren’t this good. Easy to forget how far God has brought you and how faithfully He’s carried you.

But whether life feels good or hard, the truth stays the same: You can have joy in both.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Joy in Any Season

Spend time in the Word

You have to spend time in Scripture to truly understand the character of God. When you read the Bible, you see how faithful He has been throughout history. Seeing how God came through before is evidence that He can come through again, because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Reading Scripture also gives you language when life gets hard. I love speaking God’s Word back to Him during prayer.

Get Comfortable With The Quiet

I used to use busyness as a scapegoat. When life slowed down, my happiness disappeared. But the truth is that growth often happens in the stillness. Whether it’s taking a quiet walk without music, journaling in silence, or sitting outside reflecting, learning to embrace stillness will change you. When you stop running from the quiet, you start growing in it.

Learn to Enjoy Your Own Company

I realized a lot of my struggles were rooted in emotional codependency. I didn’t think I had codependency issues because I enjoy being alone. But I also liked knowing someone was always a call or text away.

It was subtle emotional dependency. I had to learn how to truly be alone. Not lonely, but whole.

Start small. Solo walks. Solo dates. Solo moments. When you learn to enjoy your own company, you begin to fall in love with the person God created you to be. And that actually makes your relationships healthier too.

Allow Yourself to Feel Your Emotions

I used to be the queen of ignoring emotions that felt inconvenient. But the more you bottle up your feelings, the harder they become to process later.

I’m not saying sit in a “woe is me” mindset. But acknowledge what you feel. Bring it to God in prayer. Sit with it long enough to learn from it, and then move forward.

God gave us emotions for a reason. Even Jesus experienced them. You can’t grow from something you refuse to go through.

Joy doesn’t mean life will always feel easy. It means that even when life feels uncertain, chaotic, or uncomfortable, you still have something steady anchoring you.

For me, that anchor is God.

And the beautiful thing about joy is that once you learn how to see it, you realize it was never hiding in the big moments. It was always waiting in the ordinary ones.

Sometimes joy isn’t loud.

Sometimes it’s simply a quiet morning, sunlight through the window, a peaceful heart, and the deep knowing that God is still working in your life.

And that kind of joy?

That’s the kind no circumstance can take away.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

How to Transition Your Winter Wardrobe Into Spring

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:18:51 GMT

Simple Ways to Style Sweaters, Jackets, and Winter Staples for Unpredictable Spring Weather

Last week I shared all the winter pieces I’ve been loving lately, and almost overnight the weather in Atlanta decided it was spring. The temperatures jumped into the 70s and suddenly my heavy coats felt unnecessary.

Spring is definitely on the horizon. Daylight saving time is this Sunday, the sun is setting later, and those warmer days are finally here. But if you live somewhere like Atlanta, you know we still have cooler mornings and random chilly evenings ahead.

So while it may feel tempting to pack away every sweater you own, it’s actually not quite time yet.

The first 78 degree day we had, I’ll be honest, I stood in my closet confused. It felt warm, but not quite summer warm. After a few days of trial and error, I started figuring out how to transition my winter pieces into spring without freezing in the morning or overheating by the afternoon.

70 Degrees in March Is Not the Same as 70 Degrees in June

When you see 70+ degrees on the forecast, it’s easy to assume it’s time for shorts and sandals.

But 70 degrees in March and 70 degrees in June are completely different.

Spring temperatures still come with a breeze. It can feel cooler in the shade, and sometimes the sun disappears behind clouds and suddenly you’re wishing you brought a layer.

So before you run to pull out all your summer pieces, remember that this is transitional weather. The key is mixing pieces from both seasons.

Mixing Winter Pieces With Spring Staples

Instead of putting all my winter clothes away, I like to slowly transition them into spring.

That usually means:

• Removing the heavy outerwear

• Wearing lighter layers

• Mixing winter textures with spring pieces

One of my favorite combinations right now is distressed jeans with a sweater and either sneakers, booties, or mules. I don’t usually wear distressed denim during the colder months because I hate being cold, so spring is when I start bringing them back into my outfits.

It’s the perfect mix of cozy and breathable.

Cardigans Become My Best Friend

Another easy way I transition my winter wardrobe is by swapping out what I wear underneath my sweaters and cardigans.

In the winter, I usually wear them over:

• Long sleeves

• Turtlenecks

• Layered tops

But once spring starts creeping in, I switch those out for tank tops or short sleeve tees.

This way I can still wear my thicker sweaters or cardigans without feeling overheated. And if the temperature drops in the evening, I already have a layer ready to go. Plus, if it gets too warm, I can always drape the cardigan over my shoulders.

Bringing Out Lighter Bottoms

Spring is when I start bringing out my lighter colored trousers and linen or satin pants. These pieces feel lighter and more breathable, but they still give you some coverage for cooler days.

I love pairing them with:

• Sleeveless tops

• Lightweight jackets

• Utility jackets

Sometimes I’ll even still wear them with booties, which gives that perfect “not too hot, not too cold” balance.

Dresses With Boots Will Always Be a Staple

One outfit combination I love during transitional seasons is dresses with boots.

Whether it’s a floral dress or a simple black dress, pairing it with a bootie lets your legs breathe while still keeping your outfit grounded for cooler temperatures.

Sometimes if I’m running a quick errand I might throw on a slide sandal, but for the most part I don’t really start wearing my toes out until the end of March or beginning of April. I know some people wear sandals year round, but I personally wait a little longer.

The Best Shoes for Transitional Weather

Spring is also when I wear the most variety of shoes.

Even though I’m not a huge sneaker person, this is when I reach for them the most. Sneakers, mules, loafers, and ballet flats are perfect during this time because they show a little bit of your foot without committing to a full sandal.

And of course, this is still prime time for a good bootie.

Don’t Pack Away Your Jackets Just Yet

Even though the weather is warming up, I still keep a few jackets in rotation.

You never really know what the temperature will feel like inside restaurants, stores, or offices. This is the perfect time for utility jackets, lightweight trench coats, sweaters and throw on jackets

They add style to an outfit while still keeping you comfortable.

Transitional Fashion Is All About Balance

If you’ve felt confused about what to wear lately, trust me, you’re not the only one.

One of my favorite things about spring and fall fashion is that almost anything goes. I went walking with my dog the other day and saw people wearing everything from shorts to sweatsuits to full winter boots. And honestly? No one cared.

That’s the beauty of transitional dressing. It’s a little bit of trial and error until you find what works for you.

So instead of rushing to buy a whole new spring wardrobe, try mixing the pieces you already own. You might be surprised at how many outfits you can create just by peeling back the layers one piece at a time.

As for me, I’m slowly getting my closet ready for spring, one outfit at a time.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

The Glow Starts Within: Honoring Your Body God’s Way

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:35:34 GMT

What It Really Looks Like To Stewart The Body God Gave You

“Your body is your temple.” How many times have you heard that? If you grew up in my house, the answer would be thousands.

It wasn’t until I got older that I truly understood what that meant.

We were gifted one body by God. This is the body you’ll have from the moment you enter this earth until the day you leave it. That alone should shift your perspective. The body is such an intricate, intentional creation, every function, every system, every detail designed with purpose.

And how we care for it shows.

The quality of your life, reflects how you treat your body.

Think of your body as a gift from God. Imagine giving your child something special and watching them misuse it. My mom used to tell me I didn’t take care of the things she bought me because it wasn’t my money. Now that I buy my own clothes? I take care of them, because I understand what it cost.

Jesus died a painful, brutal death for you to be breathing in the body you have right now. What do you think He feels when we constantly neglect the temple He entrusted to us?

That conviction has been sitting with me.

Lately, I’ve been intentional about being a good steward over everything God has placed in my hands. And that includes my body, how I move it, what I put in it, what I put on it, and what I allow into it.

One day last week I was supposed to go to the gym. I woke up and didn’t feel like it, so I didn’t go. Later that day, I felt that quiet conviction: stewardship includes your physical body too.

If you know me, you know I don’t have the best eating habits. Honoring my body doesn’t mean never snacking again. It means being mindful. It means trying to build balanced meals. It means paying attention to how food affects my energy, my skin, and my mood.

Because let’s be honest, what we eat shows up.

Movement is part of beauty too.

Everybody’s fitness level is different, but we should be moving our bodies daily. Whether it’s lifting weights, walking your neighborhood, doing a YouTube workout, taking the stairs, or riding a bike, daily movement is essential.

Movement:

-Improves circulation (hello glow)

-Regulates your mood

-Reduces stress (which affects your skin more than you think)

-Supports focus and mental clarity

Beauty isn’t just topical. It’s internal first. Be mindful of what you put into your body.

I started taking vitamins in the morning. If pills aren’t your thing, there are plenty of gummy options. Honoring your body doesn’t mean suddenly going vegan or eating only salads. It means paying attention to how your body responds.

For example, if dairy upsets your stomach every time you drink it, that’s information. There are so many alternatives now. Learn your body.

And then there’s what we put on our bodies.

I’m nowhere near a “natural, organic girly,” but I have started paying attention to ingredients in my products. I switched my shampoo and conditioner to cleaner, cruelty free formulas. I replaced certain lotions with shea butter because it actually hydrates my melanated skin in a way that works for me.

Your skincare.

Your haircare.

Your hygiene.

All of it is part of honoring the temple.

And beauty goes beyond products.

It includes what you watch. What you listen to. The environments you place yourself in.

Stress, negativity, chaos, it shows up on your face. It shows up in your posture. It shows up in your energy. Protect your eye gates. Protect your ears. Protect your peace.

Be mindful of who you’re around. Your presence is a present. Some people will drain the light out of you if you let them, and that affects you physically more than you realize.

Ask God to give you eyes to see your body as a temple.

Pause today and check in:

-Do you need rest?

-Do you need water?

-Does your skin need hydration?

-Do you need movement?

-Do you need quiet?

You can’t care for your beauty properly if you don’t know your body. Honoring your body is self-care. It’s stewardship. It’s faith in action. And God willing, it’s how you live longer and glow differently. Your body isn’t yours, it’s borrowed. Take good care of the gift.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Scrolling Less, Consuming Less: How Stepping Back From My Phone Gave Me My Clarity Back

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:10:44 GMT

What 19 Days Off Social Media Taught Me About Clarity, Creativity, and Guarding My Mind

Back in January, I did an unintentional social media fast. I started a two-day water only fast for clarity, and not only did I give up food, I gave up social media and secular music too.

When the fast ended, I didn’t feel right jumping back into scrolling, so I kept going. What started as two days turned into nineteen days without social media.

During that time, I wasn’t just praying and reading my Bible more. I was journaling. Reading books. Taking long walks with my dogs. I was fully present in my day to day life and spent significantly less time on my phone overall. I still captured moments with photos, but I wasn’t sharing them. I was completely out of the loop on world news and pop culture, and honestly, I loved it.

When I finally broke the fast, I prayed and asked God to help me maintain that mindset even when I returned to social media.

I’m not against social media at all. I think it’s an incredible tool and can absolutely help you be successful. I love a funny video just like everyone else. But it’s a lot. Between constant world updates, the pressure to post to stay relevant, and being consumed with everyone else’s business, social media can quietly pull your attention away from what actually matters.

During my time off, people would say, “Did you hear about…?” and my answer was always no. I was so out of the loop, and again, I loved it. Ignorance really can be bliss.

We spend so much time on our phones. Social media, YouTube, maps, notes, reading, FaceTime, texting, the list goes on. I can’t even count how many times I instinctively grab my phone in a single day. Being on your phone isn’t necessarily bad, but too much of anything is. The more engulfed you are in your phone, the easier it is to lose your own voice and thoughts.

From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, we’re bombarded with information, opinions, and noise.

Just because we have unlimited access on our phones doesn’t mean we’re required to use it. Just because something is available to watch doesn’t mean it deserves our attention. There are stories and topics I hear about and intentionally don’t look into, not out of ignorance, but out of discernment. I’ve learned to protect my mind and my emotions by being mindful of what I allow myself to digest.

One of the biggest reasons people struggle with focus is distraction, and we literally hold the biggest distraction in our hands. Your phone can be a tool for connection, but it can also be the very thing blocking your clarity. Growing up, anytime I got in trouble, my mom would say, “It’s that phone.” The older I get, the more I realize she wasn’t wrong.

Our phones have convinced us that boredom and silence are bad. But the truth is, when it’s quiet, when you’re “bored,” your brain finally has space to think, explore, and create. I’ve started sitting outside in silence, just listening to the sounds around me. It regulates my mind and helps me stay present. In those quiet moments, I’m reminded of God’s goodness. When I look around at creation, I see His creativity, and it brings me real joy.

Even if nature isn’t your thing, being off your phone helps you be present in whatever you’re doing. I noticed this when I was watching a movie and kept grabbing my phone without realizing it. I had to rewind the movie four times before it hit me. I eventually got up, put my phone on the table, and just watched. I couldn’t believe I was struggling to focus on a single movie.

We’ve normalized being on our phones 80% of the day; while showering, washing dishes, eating, running errands, watching TV, laying in bed, even driving. And this goes beyond social media. I used to get in my car after work and immediately call someone. Nothing wrong with that… until it became subconscious. I felt like I couldn’t drive in silence.

Now, after a long day, I sometimes drive with no music, no calls, just letting my brain breathe. Sometimes I’ll talk on the phone, but it’s no longer a requirement.

I’ve been creating more and consuming less, and it’s been blissful. My creativity was at an all time high during those weeks off social media. I’m intentional now about grabbing my phone less. So many times I told myself I’d scroll for ten minutes, only for it to turn into a two hour TikTok session. Half the time I wasn’t even entertained, I was just scrolling because I could.

I also had to be honest with myself about posting for attention and validation. I asked hard questions: Is who I am online the same as who I am in real life?

Can I show up when no one is clapping?

Am I a good person offline, not just likable online?

That reflection changed things for me. You don’t live life to post it. You live your life, and sometimes, you capture it. No performing. Just authenticity.

Comparison was another struggle. The less I scroll, the less consumed I am with what everyone else is doing. I had to retrain my brain to stop treating social media as my main source of inspiration. I stopped scrolling first thing in the morning years ago, and it changed everything. Now, I don’t scroll until after I’ve prayed and read my Word.

I’ve found small ways to reduce phone time: using my physical Bible, buying a paper calendar, writing in a real notebook instead of my notes app, and protecting my quiet time from extra noise. I used to scroll before bed, now I don’t. A surprisingly helpful trick? I have a charger that I have to lay my phone on, so my phone has to stay put to charge.

I’m reading more, two books a month is my goal. I’m playing with my dog more. Sitting in silence. Being present in my everyday life. Scrolling less has been something I didn’t even realize I needed. I check on loved ones more. My mood is better. I still laugh with friends over funny videos, but I don’t let it consume me. Now, before I scroll, I ask myself: Is there something I’m avoiding right now?

Parents monitor their children’s screen time, not because screens are bad, but because they want their brains to fully develop. So who’s monitoring ours?

You can set all the timers you want, but at the end of the day, self discipline is personal. Screens aren’t the enemy, they just require moderation.

I challenge you to do less mindless scrolling this week. This month. Pay attention to the mental shift that follows. Don’t doom scroll yourself out of the ideas, creativity, and gifts God placed inside of you.

Sometimes clarity isn’t found in adding more, it’s found in consuming less.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Six Pieces I've Been Living In This Winter

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:00:02 GMT

Repeating Outfits, Simplifying My Wardrobe, & Embracing This Season Of Change

It’s been a cold winter here in Atlanta. Although we didn’t get as much snow as last year, this one has definitely been colder. Temperatures have been in the teens and feeling as low as 7 degrees. One of the reasons I left Michigan to come back here wasn’t to escape the cold completely. I actually love the layers, the jackets, the scarves, the boots, all that comes with winter. I moved here because I can deal with the cold, but I can’t deal with the gloominess. Even on the days where the temperatures have been rigid, the sun still shines, which helps a lot, especially with my mental.

I’ve been such a frugal Fran lately. Nobody really talks about having to change your way of life when your pay gets cut or you lose a source of income. I love to shop, going to stores, searching the racks, spending hours online adding to cart. It’s honestly one of my favorite things. But right now, I’m in a season where I need to be mindful of my spending because all of my money is allocated toward expenses. Please don’t feel bad for me, I’m not telling you this for sympathy. I’m sharing because I had to restructure the way I live, and it’s even impacted my fashion choices.

I purged my closet a few months back, so now I only have pieces that I actually care about. This winter, rather than buying a whole new wardrobe, I’ve been repeating and rewearing, and want to know a secret? Nobody cares. That’s the freeing part. I cared more about that than anybody on the outside ever did. Now, I’ll be honest, I did pick up a couple of pieces to add to my collection, but not an entire wardrobe.

I thought it would be nice to share the pieces I’ve been grabbing all winter. These are the items I’ve been obsessed with and wearing nonstop. I haven’t been as active as far as going out for pleasure these days, but I do step out every once in a while. These are pieces I’ve been wearing for work, errands, outings, dates, lounging, church, and everything in between.

CREAM TRENCH COAT

This is a piece I found when I was out shopping with my mom in Dallas. I love throwing this trench coat on with dresses, jeans, and even sweatsuits. If I want to look a little put together, I can throw on this jacket — it can easily be dressed up or down. I do have to be mindful when wearing it because it’s cream and gets dirty easily (I’m actually taking it to the cleaners tomorrow). Nine times out of ten, when I wear this I keep it open and tie the belt in the back.

MULTI-COLORED SCARF

I actually got this from my mom’s closet. I used to wear scarves like this in high school, I had so many colors and styles. A few years ago, I started wearing them again, and they really add an extra pop to any outfit. This one in particular is multi-colored with stripes. On days I don’t know what to wear, I’ll throw on trousers or jeans paired with a turtleneck (any color) and add this scarf. I also pair it with the cream jacket often. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve added this to give a basic outfit some color or dazzle dazzle.

SOFT BUTTER BODYSUITS

I am a bodysuit girly. I love a good bodysuit with sweats or even jeans, they make life so much easier. I found this black bodysuit from Victoria’s Secret, and it’s made of this butter soft material that I’ve been obsessed with. I have them in brown, tan, green, white, and of course black. They’re snug and suck you in in all the right places. I also have the turtleneck version. My favorite part is that they’re thongs, so I can wear them with trousers without worrying about panty lines. At least twice a week when I’m lounging, I throw one on with some wide leg sweats.

BLACK HIGH SQUARE TOE BOOTS

These have been a staple in my closet for a few years now. They’re simple, but a true staple, black square toe boots from Saks Off Fifth. I love wearing these with dresses, skirts, and even leggings. The heel is the perfect height; I can wear them for a 12 hour day and not feel anything. The square toe makes them feel extra chic. I also have them in a light cognac, and they’re just as nice. The gold zipper buckle is a little detail I love too. They hit right below my knee, and I love wearing them with longer skirts where the fabric touches the boot, it does something to me, makes me feel sophisticated lol.

WIDE LEG JEANS

I don’t know when I became obsessed with straight and wide leg jeans. After my surgery, I had to rebuy jeans, and wide leg has been the style I’ve gravitated toward. I can wear these with boots, pumps, or even sneakers. I used to struggle with finding jeans that were long enough, not anymore. I’ve picked up a few pairs from Nordstrom and Fashion Nova, but I’ve been reaching for the Fashion Nova ones more. I have them in light, medium, and dark wash. Most days I don’t even need a belt. Sometimes I cuff them at the bottom to add a little something.

CHUNKY TURTLENECK SWEATER

Sweaters are my favorite part of winter. Normally I’m a cardigan lover, but this year chunky cable knit sweaters have had my heart, especially oversized ones. I pair these with satin skirts a lot, but also with leggings and sneakers or Uggs when I’m running errands. Stripes are always a go to for me, especially in the winter. I like these because depending on the temperature, I might not even need a jacket. I’ve intentionally been buying two sizes up for that oversized cozy feel. The one I’ve been most obsessed with is a tan and black striped sweater from Target.

That’s it for my winter season favorites. It’s crazy that we only have about four weeks of winter left, typically it starts heating up slowly toward the end of February here. My style is evolving, and I’ve been more intentional about grabbing pieces I actually love and see longevity with. Of course, there are always classics I lean on, like skirts with tights or a good dress, but these have been the staples I can’t stop reaching for.

Sometimes I like to keep outfits easy, other times I like to put together a fit that stands out, it just depends on the day and the mood. But this season has taught me that style doesn’t have to mean constantly buying new things. It can look like rewearing what you already love, making simple pieces feel fresh, and learning how to work with what you have. And honestly? There’s something really beautiful about that.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

How Keeping Your Word to Yourself Builds Confidence (The Ultimate Self Care)

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:02:26 GMT

Why Self Trust Is The Foundation Of Real Confidence

One thing I’ve been focused on in this season is building my confidence. I assumed if I did all the things, it would come: clearer skin (hence the dermatologist), staying consistent in the gym, getting my dream body (yes, I had Lipo and maintain it by working out with my trainer). I thought my confidence would be through the roof.

I quickly learned that isn’t the case.

Confidence truly does come from within. I’ve always heard that, but I never really knew what it meant. I thought I could love myself and solo date my way into confidence, , but you can’t.

Please hear me: solo dates are essential. Bubble baths and self gifts are cute. Traveling is great. But the ultimate self care is doing what you said you were going to do.

I know, , it doesn’t sound glamorous or pretty. But the truth is, discipline is sexy. I know those two words don’t usually go together, but that’s the only way you build real confidence. If you don’t honor your word to yourself, you can’t fully trust yourself. And if you don’t trust yourself, how can you trust others?

I’ve been honoring my word to myself, and it’s been a game changer.

It may seem small, but it’s actually harder than you think. Keeping your word to yourself means doing what you said you were going to do, even if you only said it to yourself. So many times I would say, “Tomorrow I’m doing this or that,” and when the day came, I did nothing.

Not only was procrastination killing my productivity, it was killing my confidence.

It may seem small. You said you were going to the gym this week. You said you’d fold your clothes when you got home Friday, but you didn’t. No biggie, right? Wrong.

The more you do that, the more you tell your brain, I’m not a person who does what they say they’re going to do. Subconsciously. It may seem insignificant, but when it’s time for you to show up for yourself in bigger areas, your brain won’t believe you’ll follow through, and it won’t get done.

It creates a cycle that keeps you stuck.

Now, I get it, we’re human. Sometimes things come up. I’m not talking about those moments. The truth is, you will drop the ball sometimes, and that’s okay. The problem is when it becomes a pattern.

When you don’t honor your word more than you do, you set yourself up for failure.

And honoring your word isn’t just about doing what you said you were going to do, it’s also about not doing what you said you weren’t going to do.

You told yourself you were done with that habit, but you went back. You said you didn’t want to go out, but your friends called, and now you’re out.

You said you were done accepting the bare minimum, but you spun the block on someone who already showed you who they were.

Honoring your word goes both ways. Stop bending on what you said.

Another way you keep your word to yourself is by honoring your wants and your needs. You said you needed peace, but you keep allowing chaotic people, places, and situations into your life. You said you were going to try new things, but at the first sign of discomfort, you quit. Your body needs rest, but you ignore it to hang out or grind.

That’s another way you’re neglecting self care and killing your confidence.

You have to honor your body. We only get one. It’s your temple. Be mindful of what you feed yourself and where you go. I’m not saying every environment is bad, but you know how your body feels in certain spaces. Pay attention to that.

I once saw a video of a girl who said every time a particular friend would call, she felt her body tighten up. Could it be that the Holy Spirit is nudging you to walk away? This is where discernment comes in.

I challenge you to start paying attention to your body and how you feel. Don’t be so disconnected that you miss what your body is trying to tell you. It could be protecting you from heartbreak, betrayal, or more.

It’s time to do what you said you were going to do.

You’re only hurting yourself when you don’t keep your word. You could be the very thing standing in the way of your next level of confidence. Because confidence isn’t built in big moments. It’s built in the small promises you keep to yourself, every single day.

Every time you follow through, you tell yourself, I can trust me. And that changes everything.

All the other forms of self care are secondary, because this is how you truly show up for yourself.

So start small. Do one thing you said you were going to do, today.

And then do it again tomorrow.

That’s how you become her.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

How I’m Learning to Rest Without Guilt in a Hustle Season

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:37:48 GMT

I Didn’t Think I Could Afford to Rest: Here’s What I Learned

I have always been a go, go, go person. Even with me recently learning how to be more present and slow down, one thing I realized I was still neglecting was rest. I’ve always been an advocate for hustle culture. Especially when you’re young and able to grind, I believe you should. I’ve even ended relationships over laziness. Since I was a kid, I’ve always had some type of job. Before I could even get a real one, my cousin and I were outside selling baked goods, cookies, Kool-Aid, sweet tea, brownies, in front of my house. I sold candy in middle school. I had my first official job at 14 through a summer youth program, and by high school, I had two jobs. I was the girl waking up at the crack of dawn to go to work and picking up extra shifts like it was nothing. The crazy part is, it wasn’t even out of necessity, my mom made sure I had everything I needed. It was just something in me. I’ve always been a hustler.

Now hear me when I say this, I’m not someone who doesn’t believe in rest, because one thing about me, I’m going to sleep. I get my 7–8 hours every night. But for me lately, rest has meant sleep, and nothing more. And I’m realizing now that definition has been limiting me. I’ve been extremely hard on myself in this current season. Part of me feels like where I am right now is because I wasted time or was lazy in previous seasons. So subconsciously, I’ve been making my present self pay for my past. And one of the ways I’ve been paying is by withholding rest.

If you really know me, you know I used to be big on self care. Weekly solo dates, buying myself flowers, treating myself just because, and having full “do nothing” days where I would sit and catch up on all my shows. But all of that came to a halt. Most of you know I’m in a transitional season right now, where every dollar has an assignment. It’s been grind season like never before, and I’ve definitely been in survival mode for the past few months. In my mind, survival mode didn’t include rest.

Last week, I accidentally spent the entire second half of my day doing nothing. I was off and on sleeping, and I got completely locked into finishing Bel-Air on Peacock. I hadn’t sat down and watched a show in months. I kept telling myself, “just one more episode,” and before I knew it, four hours had passed and the sun was setting. The next morning, I woke up upset. I couldn’t believe I had “wasted” a Friday evening like that. I could have been cleaning, DoorDashing, writing or Instacarting, doing something productive, but instead, I spent it relaxing. And to me, that felt like failure.

That Saturday, I had a therapy session and told my therapist how upset I was. I explained how careless it felt to waste time like that. She asked me, “So you don’t have time for rest?” I immediately responded, “I can’t afford to sit and watch TV right now. My rest is when I sleep.” She acknowledged that sleep is important, but she also said something that stuck with me, your brain needs rest too. Rest is more than sleep, and you don’t have to fill every second of your life. I told her I did, because my laziness is what got me here. And she asked me a question that I haven’t been able to shake: how long are you going to punish yourself for where you are?

She suggested I create a schedule with everything I’m juggling and intentionally build in time to rest outside of sleep. She reminded me that the brain needs to recharge just like the body does. Since that session, I’ve been sitting with that, because if I’m honest, maybe my body wouldn’t be crashing the way it does if I gave myself permission to rest before I hit a wall.

Last weekend, I went home, and while I was out with my mom, I yawned. She said, “You’re tired.” I responded, “I’m always tired.” She asked, “When do you rest?” And I didn’t have a real answer. That’s when I made a decision, I’m going to honor rest, no matter what season I’m in.

Even God rested, and that really checked me, because how am I too busy to rest when the God who created the heavens and the earth did? As I sat with that, I realized something deeper. Part of the reason I wasn’t resting is because I felt like I would miss out, like if I slowed down, everything would fall apart. And that revealed a lack of faith. I had misused the idea of “faith without works is dead” and turned it into pressure to always be doing something. I believed that if I wasn’t constantly working, God wouldn’t come through for me. But God never said to work yourself into exhaustion to receive His provision. He said He would provide. So I had to take that to Him in prayer, because if I truly trust Him, even when I rest, even when I feel like I’m dropping the ball, He will still make a way. He is a provider, and His goodness isn’t dependent on how much I produce.

Rest is not optional, it’s essential. And if God rested, who am I to think I don’t need to?

I had to be honest with myself, my inability to rest wasn’t discipline, it was fear. Fear that if I stopped, everything would fall apart.

But God never asked me to carry everything.

I’m still a woman who works hard, who shows up, and who honors her goals, but I’m also learning that rest is part of the discipline, not separate from it.

I don’t have to earn rest. I don’t have to wait until everything is done. And I don’t have to punish myself for past versions of me. I can trust God, do my part, and still allow myself to breathe.

Because I’m not behind, I’m in transition.

And in this season, I’m choosing to make space for both growth and rest.

What does rest look like for you right now?

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Dressing for the Life I’m Living

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:04:25 GMT

Romanticizing the Everyday & Showing Up as Myself

Clothes have always been my creative outlet. As long as I can remember, I’ve been a girly girl, pink, sparkles, and putting outfits together brought me so much joy. I’m grateful I grew up with a mom who let me express myself through clothes. Even as a kid, I loved getting dressed. So much so that one time, as punishment for getting in trouble, my mom made me wear a uniform to school… and it wasn’t even a uniform wearing school. I remember being devastated. The restriction alone felt cruel.

Looking back, my love for fashion definitely comes from my mom and my grandma. Both of them have their own distinct sense of style. I remember watching my grandma get dressed for church, carefully piecing together her outfit and accessories. Even now, she’ll wear heels to a casual movie outing. When she stays with me, I love watching her wake up and get dressed for the day, makeup, jewelry, and all, even when we have absolutely no plans.

My mom is the same way. Every time I see her, I’m complimenting something she’s wearing. She’s mastered mixing luxury pieces with fast fashion in the most beautiful seamless way. She often buys me clothes when she’s shopping for herself because our taste is so similar.

Of course, I went through phases like everyone else, Hollister, Abercrombie, Victoria’s Secret Pink, even a Hot Topic phase in middle school. But even when I followed trends, I always added my own touches. I wasn’t really into luxury brands at first. That changed when I moved to Michigan my senior year of high school and saw how common it was among kids my age, not just adults.

I remember spending hours in stores like Claire’s and Justice, carefully picking out jewelry and clothes. My cousin and I could spend an entire day going through every rack in a store. When I started working at fourteen, most of my money went straight to clothes.

Accessories were always special to me. I remember my first Tory Burch bag, it was pink, a birthday gift, and a huge deal. Then my first MCM bag and belt. My mom gifted me my first Louis Vuitton in college. I didn’t start purchasing luxury for myself until after graduation, in my early twenties.

What my mom taught me early on was that it’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it. Luxury is nice, but it isn’t everything. I loved fashion so much that at twelve I thought I’d be a fashion designer. I used to sign my Facebook posts “FDIT,” fashion designer in training. My grandma even bought me a sewing machine… which I used only once. Eventually, I realized I couldn’t draw, but I still knew fashion would be part of my life somehow.

When it came time for college, I pursued fashion merchandising with a minor in journalism because I wanted to combine my love for fashion and writing. All of this is to say, fashion has always been a part of me. Putting outfits together was how I expressed creativity. I used to get dressed just to sit on the porch.

Somewhere along the way, that spark faded.

I became more focused on fitting in, on buying pieces everyone else had. It was easier that way. Then COVID hit, and I stopped getting dressed altogether, living in comfy clothes and pajamas. On top of that, I held onto clothes long past their expiration date. Over the last few years, my fashion just hasn’t felt like me.

I wasn’t getting dressed unless I was going somewhere or knew people would see me. Running errands? Anything went. Lounge days? No effort at all. I’d still show up for special moments, birthdays, travel, dinners, but my everyday looked careless.

When I sat down and visualized the woman I wanted to become, I realized something: she shows up as her best self wherever she goes. I stopped saving clothes for “special” moments and started wearing them whenever. Who decided the grocery store requires a sweatsuit? Who said you can’t wear your Sunday best on a random Tuesday? I realized I had been dressing based on what I saw online instead of what actually made me feel good.

At one point, I didn’t even know how to shop for myself anymore.

This season feels personal because I’m not just getting my inward life together, I’m tending to my outward appearance too. I’m dressing for the small moments. I’m shopping my own closet. I’m mixing what I already have with new pieces instead of defaulting to the same go to outfits.

The truth is, when you look good, you feel good, and that spills into every area of your life. I’d been in a mental fog, feeling off, and once I started romanticizing getting dressed again, whether it was a cute gym set, jeans and a sweater for errands, or actually styling what I already own, I noticed a shift.

I’ve fallen back in love with skirts and dresses, even in winter. Tights exist for a reason. Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself it was “too cold” to get dressed, but really, I was just making excuses. Slowing down has helped too. I’m no longer rushing through life, which means I can actually enjoy the process of getting ready again, without feeling behind.

This season isn’t about trends or labels. It’s about alignment. It’s about honoring the woman I am now and dressing like her, every day, not just when someone’s watching.

And honestly? Falling back in love with getting dressed has felt like coming home to myself.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

The Hair Style I Almost Let Fear Talk Me Out Of

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 20:23:39 GMT

From Damaged Curls To Rediscovering My Confidence

When I tell you we’ve been in a season of readjusting, I mean that literally, all around. Back in September, I dyed my hair blonde for the third time, but this time we added highlights. I truly love the color; it fits my face so well. But if I’m being honest, my hair has been through phases, wigs, braids, silk presses, and now a desire to lean more into natural styles.

About a year ago, I really started exploring my natural hair. I tried perm rods for big curls, perfected my slick back natural bun, and even experimented with wash-and-gos. Even though I love a good silk press, I have to be more mindful now because of the blonde. Heat plus color is a dangerous combo. On top of that, I work out regularly, and I sweat in my head, which is actually one of the main reasons I stopped wearing frontals. They just weren’t lasting.

In October, I tried a closure, behind the hairline wig, and honestly, worst decision. I was hot combing and flat ironing my perimeter every day to blend it, and I ended up damaging the front and middle of my hair. So now here I am, hair compromised, on a mission to get it fully healthy and flourishing again.

Last week, I shared how I’m prioritizing my skin, but I’m also doing the same with my hair. It’s easy to cover things up: acne with makeup, hair with weave or extensions. But do you truly love yourself as you are? I’m big on self love, and I believe if there’s something you don’t like, you either work to change it or learn to love it. I had to remind myself that I don’t have to live with acne or broken edges. I want makeup and weave to be an addition, not a necessity.

One natural hairstyle I’ve completely fallen in love with is perm rods. I love big, curly hair. Sometimes I pick it out, sometimes I don’t, it just depends on the vibe. I love that perm rods are heatless and low maintenance. Even after the gym, my hair still looks good. Of course, there’s some shaking, fluffing the roots, and adding oil to keep it hydrated, but overall it’s easy.

The first time I did a perm rod set, I was amazed, not just by how big it was, but by how confident I felt. I’m learning that while I love myself with silky, long hair (hello weave), I really love myself with big curly hair. It’s honestly become my superpower. At first, I didn’t even want to take pictures with it and tried to hide it. Over time, it grew on me, and ironically, I get way more compliments when my hair is curly than when it’s pressed.

But remember that closure wig I wore from October to December? That damage affected my curls too. When I went back to my stylist (sometimes she does my perm rod sets, sometimes I do them myself), we noticed my curls had shrunk. The big hair I loved was still cute, but noticeably smaller because of the damage. So now we’re in repair mode: weekly washing and deep conditioning, monthly hydration steaming, regular scalp oiling, and no heat.

At first, I wanted to just buy a new wig and wear straight bundles for a few months. But between finances not being what they used to be and not having someone to consistently install wigs while caring for my natural hair, I decided against it. I already have a whole wig wall, literally over $5,000 worth of wigs, and I found myself staring at them, trying to figure out what to reinstall.

Then one day, I went to a workout class with my friend (who’s basically family and also my hairstylist), and she had big, curly blonde hair. I asked when she dyed it, and she told me it was crochet, and none of her hair was out. I was sold. I asked her for the link, my mom helped me get the hair, and she offered to install it.

When I told some friends I was thinking about crochet, they were like, “No, those are for old people.” I was shocked, and almost let that stop me. But after talking with my mom, she encouraged me to try it anyway. I had no idea crochet hair could match my blonde color and curl pattern so perfectly.

Watching the install, I loved the simplicity. My scalp could breathe, I could oil it nightly, and I still had versatility. The very first day, people assumed it was my natural hair, and even now, they’re shocked when I say it’s crochet.

I can’t believe I almost let someone else’s opinion stop me from trying one of my favorite styles to date. My stylist even taught me how to install pieces myself, and I’ve been maintaining it for two weeks now. This has been the most convenient, affordable, yet cute style I’ve had in a long time. It’s officially my go to until my natural curls are back where they need to be. I even learned there’s an ombré option that’ll match my hair as the blonde grows out.

I used to think I needed “European” style hair, straight, body wave, Brazilian, to look my best. But now I’m realizing that kinky, natural textured hair is just as beautiful. Even though I’m not technically natural right now, I’m learning to love more of me: my Blackness, the fullness, the texture, all of it.

Stepping out of my comfort zone was exactly what I needed in this season. I’m so glad I don’t look like what I’m going through. You can still look put together on a budget, hair included. What new thing are you trying in this season? What part of yourself do you need to learn to love or finally change that you’ve been avoiding?

Trying crochet wasn’t just about hair, it was about trusting myself again. It reminded me that I don’t need permission to try something new or to redefine what feeling beautiful looks like in this season. I’m learning that perfection isn’t the goal, confidence is. And sometimes, the very thing you’re afraid to try ends up being exactly what you needed.

So whether it’s a new hairstyle, a new habit, or a new version of yourself, don’t let fear or outside opinions keep you stuck. If you like it, if it feels like you, that’s enough.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts.

You can subscribe below.

Being Single on Valentine’s Day (And Actually Enjoying It)

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:20:36 GMT

A Reflection On Singleness, Solo Dates, Friendships, & Learning To Love Yourself In Every Season

I recently had a guy ask me if I was looking forward to Valentine’s Day. I told him it was just a normal day for me. He responded by assuming men were throwing themselves at me, lining up for a chance to take me out. But if I’m being honest, that’s not the case.

I’ve been single for about a year and a half now, and before that was in a long distance relationship where we didn’t spend the actual Valentine’s Day together. While I do date here and there, I’ve learned that being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t carry the weight people expect it to.

Being Single on Valentine’s Day Isn’t Something I Dread

Last year, I was very intentional about making the most of Valentine’s Day. I know there are women my age who are single and get in their feelings or dread the day, but that’s just not me. Instead, I planned a Galentine’s Day with two different friend groups.

What I love most about my friendships is how mixed they are. Some of my friends are married, some are single, and some are in relationships, but no matter where we are in life, we all value girl time. Friendships are sacred, especially with my girls. They deserve to be nurtured just as much as romantic relationships.

With one group, we did a Galentine’s Day dinner at a restaurant with the cutest Valentine’s Day decor. It felt so good to laugh, be present, and really love on my girls. With my other group, there are only three of us, we did candle making and brunch. I love connecting with my friends year round, but there’s something extra special about doing it during this season.

Finding Joy in Girlhood and Familiar Spaces

That same weekend, I flew home to Michigan because it was my sister’s birthday. She had a party on the 15th, and even though I was surrounded by her friends, it was still such a good time. I just really love girlhood.

I’m also blessed to have parents who send me flowers every year. Typically, they have them delivered to me in Atlanta, but it felt especially good to receive them while I was home. I love flower arrangements that I get to put together myself rather than ones that come already in a vase, even though I love those too.

I’ll admit, there was a brief moment where I felt a little sad being alone at my parents’ house. I flew in on Valentine’s Day, and my parents were out. I could’ve gone out with friends, but I didn’t want to. Instead, I watched romcoms, and those feelings passed.

Don’t get me wrong, I do want a partner eventually. Someone aligned with me and who adds value to my life. But I genuinely enjoy my singleness. I don’t take the freedom for granted because I know it won’t last forever. If you haven’t noticed, I’m extremely optimistic.

Why I Prioritize Friendships and Solo Dates

This year, I leaned on my friendships again. I had a girls weekend where friends came into town, and we did all the things, dinner, museums, nights out, and even ice skating. As for the actual day of Valentine’s, I’ll be back home again because my sister is having another party.

Maybe next year I’ll stay home, or maybe I’ll take a trip. Either way, I’ll definitely be taking myself out, this year whether that’s to dinner or the movies. I’m a huge solo date advocate. And when I say solo dates, I don’t mean going out just to sit on your phone the whole time. I think it’s important to actually be present with yourself.

Being comfortable being alone is crucial for me, especially when it comes to dating. Whoever I end up with needs to be whole and fully in love with themselves too. And the only way to learn yourself, your likes, dislikes, and your voice, is by spending time alone. Solo dates teach you how to enjoy your own company and find joy in it.

This came naturally to me because my mom and my grandma both take solo dates and even solo trips. I do too.

A Valentine’s Day Reminder for Singles, Couples, and Everyone in Between

This Valentine’s Day weekend, season, however you want to define it, I want you to lean in and love yourself a little more. I don’t care if you’re single, dating, or married. It’s never a bad time to love on you.

The Bible reminds us time and time again of the importance of loving our neighbors. In Matthew 22:37–39, Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. That part matters, the as yourself. Scripture emphasizes loving others over and over again, but it also assumes that we understand what it looks like to love ourselves in a healthy way. Because if you don’t love yourself, you can’t fully love other people. You can show up, you can serve, but something will always be missing. Learning to love yourself well is not selfish, it’s foundational.

And especially to my parents reading this, you pour so much into your kids. Make it a priority to pour some extra love into yourself this weekend. Maybe that looks like going to a coffee shop and reading a book. Maybe it’s a massage or a spa day. Maybe it’s taking yourself to a nice dinner or going to a movie and fully immersing yourself in that experience.

Whatever your thing is, I challenge you to do it, whether it’s for 15 minutes or an entire day. Loving on yourself is self care.

You can’t fully show up for others if you’re not pouring love into yourself first.

And to my fellow singles, don’t let being single on Valentine’s Day make you sad. Hold your head high. Get dressed, put on a nice perfume, and go hit the town. Or put on your favorite pajamas and start a new series.

Don’t grow bitter when you see love being celebrated around you. This might be your last Valentine’s Day single, do you really want to spend it wishing you were somewhere else?

Square your shoulders back. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for being single, not even your own thoughts. Love on your people if you can. Choose joy. Choose softness. Choose yourself.

Because love isn’t missing from your life, it just might be starting with you.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts.

You can subscribe below.

Enough Is Enough: My Acne Journey After Finally Seeing a Dermatologist

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:58:15 GMT

Hormonal Acne, Prescription Skincare, and What Week Three Really Looks Like

I finally did it. I finally went to the dermatologist.

If you’re reading this and thinking, um ok, what’s so special about that? let me explain. I’m someone who’s struggled with acne my entire life. When I was younger, my forehead was literally a Crunch bar. Then I got older and started using better products, but my acne was always random and always showed up at the worst times.

As I got older, I started wearing more makeup and the problem just kept getting pushed further and further to the back. I tried different products and they would work temporarily. Then I thought if I ate cleaner, my face would clear up, but that wasn’t the case either.

A few weeks ago, my mom was in town and told me I should try a dermatologist or get a facial. She even offered to pay for it. I’ve only had a facial once before, and it was cool, but I didn’t make it consistent… so of course nothing changed.

I honestly can’t tell you why I avoided the dermatologist in the past. I think I was just ignorant about what they actually do. I also remembered friends telling me horror stories about going and nothing changing, so I figured it was a waste of time. Eventually, I started educating myself more. I began digging, my curiosity got the best of me, and before I knew it, I was sold.

So I started searching for a dermatologist. I asked a few friends, but didn’t get the best recommendations, so I ran to Zocdoc (the same way I found my primary care physician). One thing I was adamant about was wanting a dermatologist that looked like me. I wanted her to be Black, but not just Black, darker skinned, with skin I would want. Now I know skin is somewhat hereditary, and just because she had great skin doesn’t mean she could magically give me that, but I knew it would help me trust her more. I found one and booked an appointment that same week.

A few months ago, I remembered seeing a girl post about her acne journey and how she got on this pill that changed her life. I had no idea there were medicines you could take to clear acne, I thought you had to do everything topically the old fashioned way. I went down the rabbit hole and learned about Accutane. Once again, I was sold. In my mind, I had found the pill to solve all my problems. By the time my appointment came around, I knew exactly what I was asking for.

Let me be honest, when I first walked in, I was shocked because it was an actual doctor’s office. I don’t know what I was expecting. When they called me back and sat me in the room, I instantly got nervous for no real reason. But when the doctor walked in, she eased my nerves immediately. She was gorgeous and had the most flawless chocolate skin.

Before she could even finish asking, “What brings you in today?” I blurted out, “I want to get on Accutane.”

She laughed and said, “Okay, we definitely can do that, but tell me more about your skin and breakouts.”

After looking at my skin and asking questions, she told me I had hormonal acne and suggested a different treatment plan than the one I had in mind. She prescribed a Spironolactone pill, Tretinoin cream, and Clindamycin antibiotic cream. We agreed I would try this for three months (since I’d never tried prescription treatments before), and if I still wanted Accutane afterward, we could discuss it then. I completely understood because Accutane is a heavier medication with many side effects.

My morning and nighttime skincare routines completely changed because she had me stop using a lot of my other products. Both routines are super similar.

In the morning, I cleanse using either Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, Aveeno Clear Complexion Facial Cleanser, or La Roche Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Next, I apply the Clindamycin antibiotic cream, followed by moisturizer, either Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer or Pond’s Dry Skin Cream. Lastly, I finish with sunscreen: Black Girl Sunscreen or Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF.

My nighttime routine is the same when it comes to cleansers and moisturizers; I just swap the Clindamycin for Tretinoin and skip sunscreen. After my skincare at night, I take my Spironolactone before getting into bed.

That’s it, my simple skincare routines for this new treatment plan.

I’m currently starting week three, and it’s definitely been a process. Along with the routine, I’ve been increasing my water intake and trying to be mindful of what I eat. I’ve also been intentional about eating cleaner and washing my sheets weekly.

I’ll be honest, my dermatologist warned me about the side effects, but I wasn’t ready.

The first week and a half, I was exhausted. By the end of the day I felt completely wiped out. Even during the day, I was constantly yawning and taking naps when I could, which I normally never do. I also experienced tingling from the Tretinoin, even though I started every other night instead of nightly, but that only lasted about a week. My cycle lasted two weeks, then I randomly started spotting. Another thing was dryness, my face would feel extremely dry out of nowhere, so I had to moisturize more.

And then there’s the purge.

My face has pimples galore. She told me it would get worse before it gets better, so I’ve been trusting the process.

What I Wish I Knew Before Starting

If you’re thinking about seeing a dermatologist or starting prescription acne treatments, here are a few things I wish I knew first:

* It really can get worse before it gets better, the purge is real.

* The side effects may catch you off guard, especially in the beginning.

* Consistency matters more than perfection. You don’t have to do everything perfectly, just keep showing up.

This process has taught me patience in a whole new way. It’s also reminded me that sometimes we have to stop trying to fix everything ourselves and let professionals help.

I’m excited to see where this journey goes, and I’m committed to staying the course so I can see real results. More than anything, I’m learning to give myself grace while my skin figures things out.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been on the fence about seeing a dermatologist, take this as your sign. You don’t have to struggle silently, and you don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.

I’ll update you at my one month mark with progress and honest thoughts. Until then, thank you for being here and walking through this with me. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Want to stay connected? I send a weekly Saturday newsletter with personal reflections and new posts. You can subscribe here below.

Guarding My Eyes in a Season of Becoming

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:03:06 GMT

Finding Clarity, Discipline, and Peace in the Quiet

Have you ever just felt a tug on your heart to reset?

That was me late at night on January 13th. If I’m being honest, I felt like God was pulling for my attention. I went into prayer to go deeper. After that, I was having a conversation with my friend and she said, “I feel like God is telling you to fast, but I don’t know… pray about it.” I prayed, and it felt right. So the next day, I started my two day nothing but water fast.

I watched sermons, read my Bible, and got off social media. Then on Wednesday the 15th, the big Verizon shut down happened. I knew instantly that was a way for me to really lock in with God.

I have a tendency to talk to my friends or loved ones to try to get clarity and direction before talking to God. Subconsciously, I look to outside things for validation and direction, and that includes social media. I already had intentions of getting off social media for two days, but I didn’t plan on not talking to people for the day too.

I had a therapy session that same day, and one book she recommended I read was Hinds Feet on High Places. It’s definitely an aging book, but I think everyone should read it. I told her I couldn’t remember the specific promise God had for my life. I also told her I was fasting, and that was one of the answers I wanted to learn in those two days.

She responded by telling me I have a tendency to want things quickly and I sat with that.

I really do try to do the least amount of work and want the maximum return. I expect or want things to come quickly to me, without any struggle, and I call it faith. But that’s not faith, that’s entitlement. The reality is, God doesn’t owe me anything. We are called to live righteously because of our love and fear of God, not with anticipation for earthly stuff.

I can’t remember the last time I fully committed wholeheartedly to anything.

She also said something else that stood out: I have a wandering spirit, and when things get “tough” or something shifts, I’m looking for my exit.

She was spot on.

There have been so many times where I have a plan or want something, but then I see someone else doing something and suddenly I want that. In my life, I’ve struggled with staying focused on what I have going on because something else always looks more fruitful. I believe that’s been one of my struggles for a long time, and it’s part of the reason for my people pleasing and “pick me” energy in the past.

After our conversation, I sat with that and took it to God in prayer.

The fast, for me, was about recentering God as the head of my life. I was confused and all over the place. I had to stop, pause, and surrender my will, worries, fears, and whatever else at His feet.

I’m still in a transitional season since losing my job and starting these random gigs. Some days I get weary, and I have my breakdown moments. And those moments are when my eyes distract me even more.

When the fast ended, I was amazed at how much my peace was restored. I still had questions, and I didn’t gain a new job, but I had a deeper revelation of God, and even myself. I felt my help come from the inside. It was like the Holy Spirit had filled me with His strength and endurance.

I still felt the tug to not log back on to social media. I was scared to take my eyes off God spiritually, so I didn’t get back on. As the days went by, I noticed how much more productive I was and how focused I became on me.

I was able to sit and daydream about the life I wanted and the woman I wanted to be.

I was able to journal and dream about what I wanted my life to look like.

I was able to hear my own voice and write down some of my fears and things I didn’t like about myself.

I was able to read a whole book.

I was able to map out and goal set my 2026.

I was able to start Instacart to make some more money.

I realized how much time I had gotten back.

I thought I needed social media to network and get ideas for becoming a full time blogger, but I didn’t. My creativity comes from within. God’s given me so many ideas that get pushed to the background because of doom scrolling.

I was so focused on watching everybody else and minding everybody else’s business (because I’m a little noisy) and neglecting my own. I got reconnected with my own voice and vision. I read not one, but two books in three weeks. I created a plan and focus for the rest of the quarter.

I was actually consistent with reading my Bible and even started writing down my prayers. I continued starting my mornings with God and ending my nights in His Word. Because I wasn’t scrolling, throughout the day I would find myself praising and worshipping more, during the times I normally would’ve been on my phone.

My spirit was getting strengthened.

I’ll be honest: there were times I wanted to scroll and see what was going on. I even had my friends send me their Insta stories because I wanted to see their traveling adventures. But being off social media was more freeing than I expected.

The truth is, we have to be careful about what we watch with our eyes.

Growing up, my grandma or mother wouldn’t let me watch things with witchcraft or what she deemed to be too much. As adults, nobody is guarding our eyes. We’re exposed to so much, and it takes our focus. Before you know it, your five minute scroll turns into hours, and your day is gone.

Not to mention all the subconscious comparing that happens when we scroll too much. I can’t be the only one who changes their wants because of social media. Even something as simple as cooking dinner; I’ll start scrolling, and now I want what I see instead. And it happens with so much more than food.

Social media gives us more access than we’ve ever had, and we need to be mindful of our eyes.

I’m not saying social media is bad. I’m simply saying too much of anything is bad.

I told myself I would get back on socials February 1st, but not the same. I will use it as a tool and be mindful. I will be more intentional, because I know myself, and the goals and plans I have need my full attention. Yes, I will scroll, but it will be in short 10 minute intervals a day.

I did miss sharing and connecting, but now it will be limited. I won’t overconsume or deep dive into other people’s lives.

The Bible says the eyes are the lamp, so be careful to guard what you expose your eyes to.

Matthew 6:22:

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

Psalm 119:37:

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”

I don’t know about you, but this is the season for me to be connected to the only source.

We can’t get distracted now.

This time taught me that sometimes God doesn’t give you answers right away, sometimes He gives you clarity, discipline, and peace first. Sometimes He pulls you away from the noise so you can finally hear Him. And sometimes the reset isn’t about changing your circumstances, but changing your focus.

I’m learning that guarding my eyes is really about guarding my heart, my time, and my future. I’m choosing to move slower, be more intentional, and stay planted where God has me instead of chasing what looks shiny or easy.

This is my season of becoming. And I’m committed to keeping my eyes on Him.

The Discomfort of the Shift

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 02:50:51 GMT

Why The Transition Is Messy But Necessary

A couple months ago, my building was purchased by a new corporation. I was talking with some of my neighbors, and they were sharing all the negative things that came with the change; how much rent would increase, how the old staff lost their jobs and were forced to relocate. They made this new corporation seem like the big bad wolf. If you’ve ever had a conversation with me, you know I try to see the positive in almost everything, and I try to verbalize an alternate perspective in any circumstance. So, I tried to share how this could be a positive change and all the good that could come from it.

A couple weeks went by, and I started to notice things going downhill. The main issue was the dog park, it had taken a turn for the worse. There were no dog trash bags, so people stopped picking up after their dogs. Then the cleaners stopped maintaining the dog park altogether, and it quickly became overloaded. They eventually put bags back, but by then people were so used to not cleaning up that they still didn’t. I was talking to my neighbors and complaining about it, and after a few days I finally said, enough is enough. I decided to go to the leasing office and voice my concerns.

Because of that first conversation with the residents, I walked into the office a little biased and honestly expecting the worst. To my surprise, the leasing agent was incredibly warm and friendly. I shared all of the issues, and she told me that someone else had already submitted a request and that they were actively working on it. She explained that because of the holidays and the transition, things might feel slow right now, but once they settled in, things would improve. They were aware of the problems and were actually working to restore things to be even better than before.

She ended the conversation by saying, “I know this transition may feel all over the place, but after the storm, the sun will shine again. We have so many amazing things on the horizon for this property and for the residents. The best is ahead.”

After that conversation, I went to the dog park with gloves and trash bags and cleaned up the entire mess. I just wanted to do my part. As I was doing it, I received a revelation from the Holy Spirit: “The shift is messy.” As I sat with that and dug deeper, I realized it was bigger than the mess I was physically cleaning, it applied directly to my life.

The shift and the transition are messy, but what’s on the other side is beautiful. A shift can mean so many things. It can mean releasing control and fully surrendering to God. It can mean shifting into a higher purpose. It can mean moving from being like Martha, overworking and overwhelmed, to being like Mary, choosing to sit with Jesus. Whatever the shift looks like for you, I’m here to remind you: it may look messy, but you have no idea what’s waiting for you on the other side of it.

You can’t let fear of messy beginnings or uncomfortable transitions stop you from doing what’s necessary. The company that purchased my building knew the beginning would be messy. They knew there would be growing pains, but that didn’t stop them from making the purchase because they understood that once the dust settled, it would be worth it.

I was reading my devotional a few days ago, and it talked about how babies come into this world upset because they’re leaving the comfort of the womb and entering the unfamiliar. It explained that this is the same for us. God pushes us from the womb to the birth canal, meaning He pushes us from here (where we are) to there (where He’s calling us). The in between is that obscure place of transition. Like babies, our “birth canal” may feel tight, dark, and uncomfortable, but the best is always on the other side of birth.

I’m also reading Hinds’ Feet on High Places, and although I haven’t finished it yet, the entire book centers around the shift. It’s about the journey from low places to high places. It’s about the in between, the part we naturally try to skip. We run from what we don’t understand because, as humans, we crave control. We want calculated risks. We want outcomes we can predict. But that’s not how God calls us higher.

The shift is messy, and you cannot avoid it. Trying to wait for a cleaner, more comfortable route will only delay your journey to where God is calling you. It’s a new year. 2026 will come with highs and lows. The question is: how long are you going to delay your transition because you want to skip the mess? I’m here to tell you, God will push you even when you aren’t ready. Our responsibility is obedience. Follow His instructions.

People often talk about how their life suddenly changed, about the shift, and how they made it to the other side. But I think we do a poor job of talking about the messy middle. We glamorize starting something, and we celebrate finishing it, but no one talks about the middle. The middle is where the mess is. The middle is where you learn. The middle is where things actually happen. The beginning is exciting. The ending is rewarding. But the middle, that’s where it really counts.

So many of us quit in the middle because it’s confusing, uncomfortable, and messy. But the middle is where we’re formed.

I used to wait for the bigger picture before taking the first step. But God pushed me anyway, and now I’m in a season of full dependence on Him. When you’re obedient in the small steps, you may eventually see the bigger picture, but even if you don’t, that’s okay. God doesn’t owe us the full plan. Trust means following His direction without needing all the details, believing that He has a purpose and that it will all work together.

It’s the first Monday of 2026. Will you delay action because you don’t know what’s on the other side? My devotional asked, “If you pushed through the discomfort, what do you imagine God might have for you on the other side?” So I’ll ask you the same.

The mess will be there whether you start today or wait until 2030. You cannot avoid the discomfort, but you can choose obedience. Step anyway. Trust anyway. Walk through the mess anyway, because on the other side of the shift is everything God promised.

25 Lessons I Learned In 2025

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:40:43 GMT

What The Hardest Year Of My Life Taught Me

Wow. I cannot believe we are on the final day of 2025.

This year has been all over the place. It’s honestly been my toughest year mentally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. What’s wild is that while this has been my brokest year in every way, I’ve had a level of peace and happiness I never could’ve imagined.

This year, I lost a job, some hair, stomach fat (thanks to lipo 360), the idea of how I thought my life would look, several failed dating escapades that taught me what I DON’T want, a situationship with a man who was using me, one of my closest friends who moved to Dallas, my bonus mom Meko, my New York State license, after officially switching over to Georgia, my first big girl car, and so much more.

2025 was a year of releasing. Sometimes that release was my choice, and sometimes it wasn’t. But everything I lost and let go of in 2025 was or will be for my good and for God’s glory.

This was a year of change, pivoting, and getting my heart right. I recently heard someone say this wasn’t a reaping year, it was a soil year, and I couldn’t agree more. 2025 was about getting me together: my habits, my discipline, my heart posture, my desires, my wants, every part of me.

What’s interesting is that I didn’t walk into this year with expectations like I usually do. I entered 2025 open to whatever it would bring, and my goodness… it was a surprise.

2025 was a mirror year. It felt like God placed the mirror directly in front of my face and made me look at every part of myself, the good, the bad, the gifts, the talents, and the parts that still needed work. And once you truly see yourself, it’s hard to ignore the pieces of you that make you cringe.

I prayed a prayer of reshaping. I asked God to clean my heart and remove anything that was holding me back or stopping me from showing up the way He sees me. And even though I prayed those prayers, God answered them in ways I didn’t expect.

After getting fired and doing a real self evaluation of my strengths and weaknesses, I asked God to remove the laziness in me and restore the drive I once had. If you know me, you know younger me was hungry. I had multiple jobs. I did whatever was necessary. Somewhere along the way, I got comfortable with a salaried job and stopped pushing the way I used to. If I’m being honest, I got lazy. I remember crying asking God to remove this spirit of laziness that had plagued me.

God answered that prayer by removing my job and placing me in a season where if I don’t physically work, I don’t get paid. In this current role, I have to leave my house, get in my car, and show up every single day and that alone has tested my laziness. I’ve even gone back to skills I forgot I had, like serving and bartending. God showed me myself.

If I’m being honest, 2025 was also a humbling year. I didn’t think I was prideful, but a lot of my reactions, habits, and responses were rooted in pride and fear. This year was full of lessons, some that hurt more than others. But even in the pain, the joy I experienced could only have come from the Lord.

I watched a sermon recently where the pastor said, “God interrupts what’s comfortable to develop what’s called.” And that perfectly describes 2025. This was an interruption year, one I know only came from God.

So today, I want to share 25 lessons that 2025 taught me, in no particular order. Take what you need and leave the rest.

1. You will continue to face the same test from God until you pass it.

I learned this by trying to rush out of uncomfortable seasons instead of sitting in them long enough to actually change.

2. God is your only source.

Losing my job reminded me how quickly things can shift when you confuse provision with security.

3. Show up for people even when you don’t feel like it.

This season showed me how my village showed up for me in ways I could never repay, and I believe it’s because of years of pouring into relationships without keeping score.

4. You have the right to change your mind.

I released people, plans, and expectations this year that no longer aligned with who I’m becoming.

5. No decision is still a decision.

I stayed stuck longer than necessary in certain areas simply because I was afraid to choose.

6. A cluttered space reflects a cluttered mind.

When my life felt chaotic, my home did too and cleaning became a form of therapy.

7.Everything isn’t a priority.

This year forced me to decide what actually mattered when I didn’t have the capacity for everything.

8.You can’t avoid messy beginnings.

Starting over; financially and professionally, was humbling, but necessary.

9. Name what you want.

Once I stopped chasing what looked good on paper and got honest about what I truly wanted, my actions started to shift.

10. Success is having options.

Being able to slow down, walk, or enjoy my coffee without rushing now feels like real wealth to me.

11. Slow down and be present.

I started intentionally sitting still, especially in the mornings, and it changed how I experienced my days.

12. Name your emotions.

I learned that being positive doesn’t mean ignoring sadness, disappointment, or grief.

13. Sometimes it’s better to be quiet.

Not everyone needs access to your process, some people unknowingly project their fears onto you.

14. Stop saying “it couldn’t be me.”

This year taught me empathy. You never truly know what you’d do until you’re in it.

15. When you look good, you feel better.

On days I felt low, showing up put together helped shift my mindset.

16. You are what you believe.

I watched how limiting beliefs quietly restricted my faith and expectations.

17. It’s okay to say “I don’t know.”

Admitting I didn’t have answers was freeing, and reminded me I don’t have to be in control.

18. Healing is a journey.

My surgery taught me patience; what felt unbearable at first became something I eventually laughed about.

19. You don’t have to perform for love.

I learned this after realizing how exhausting it is to prove your worth to people who can’t see it.

20. Sometimes you have to disconnect.

Stepping back from social media and constant news was necessary for my mental health.

21. What worked before may not work now.

Just like seasons change, habits must too.

22. You don’t know what you don’t try.

Saying yes to things I normally wouldn’t opened doors I didn’t expect.

23. You don’t get what you don’t ask for.

This year stretched me to use my voice instead of waiting for someone to notice my needs.

24. Love is honest.

Avoiding hard conversations isn’t kindness, it’s fear dressed up as protection.

25. Faith requires action.

This year taught me that trusting God means moving, even when the outcome isn’t clear.

Bonus lesson:

I learned that while I love helping people, my identity cannot be rooted in being the helper. I can help, but I am not the help. Sometimes the most loving thing I can do is pray and step back, trusting God to do what only He can.

2025 came with so many twists and turns, highs and lows, lefts and rights. Things I expected didn’t happen. People I thought would stay didn’t. This year stretched me, stripped me, and reshaped me. And honestly, I’m still changing every day.

But one thing is certain: I’ve been closer to God and in my Bible more this year than ever before. I’m still in a transformative season, even as I step into 2026, but this time, I’m stepping in with faith, openness, and expectancy.

I spent today cleaning my home and getting things in order because I truly believe God is about to blow my mind in 2026; not just mine, but yours too.

I don’t even have a word for 2026 yet, but I trust God will reveal it in due time. Until then, I pray you have a safe and peaceful New Year’s Eve. Take time to reflect before you rush to plan. Look back at 2025 closely, even if it was hard, and I promise, there’s something good in it.

Sometimes the year that breaks you is the very year that builds the foundation for everything that’s coming next. And if 2025 taught me anything, it’s this: God doesn’t waste a year.

I Finally Cleaned Out My Closet & It Changed More Than My Wardrobe

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 02:10:22 GMT

How Decluttering My Closet In December Taught Me About Making Space For Blessings, Alignment, And The Next Version Of Myself

After months of it officially being fall, and now winter, it’s finally starting to feel like it here in Atlanta. The mornings and evenings are breezy, and the days sit comfortably in the low 60s. If you’re standing in the sun, it feels warmer. Still, it’s that time: time to put away the summer stuff. Well… it’s actually been time. I’m just finally doing it.

Two days ago it was almost 80 degrees, but we still have plenty of cool days ahead. I’ve been putting off one task for almost two months: switching out my closet. But with the weather finally shifting, it’s officially time to pack up the sundresses and pull out the sweaters.

And even if you’re not in Atlanta, you might be like me, holding on to summer clothes by layering and hoping for the best. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown on a halter top with a duster sweater or a sundress with tights trying to make it work. The final straw was wearing a tank top and cardigan to a tree lighting and freezing the entire time. Enough was enough.

As I stared at my closet, I realized something else too: my style is changing. Of course, I have staple pieces I’ll always keep, but I’ve been craving a reset. Realistically, with the way this economy is set up, I can’t replace my entire wardrobe, but I can make space and prepare for what’s coming. Just because I’m not in a place financially to buy new clothes doesn’t mean I can’t prepare for them. Preparing space for what you want is being a good steward. It’s showing God you’re ready for more.

I was talking to a friend recently about everything I wanted to buy and how I was ready to “start fresh” with my wardrobe. But when I started making my list, I stopped myself and thought, Let me see what I already have first. I’m quick to say I want new everything without getting rid of what’s old. And that made me think about life, how often we say we want something new, but never create space for it.

Some people might say I’m a bit of a hoarder (I prefer recovering). But one thing being a recovering hoarder has taught me is this: holding onto things past their season is one of the quickest ways to block your blessings. And I’m not just talking about clothes. When you hold onto something old, you’re telling God, “This is the best I can get, so I need to keep it.” But what if He’s waiting for you to let go so He can give you better?

I had this black leather jacket I loved. I bought it years ago when I worked at Nordstrom, one of my first “adult” purchases with my own money. I made so many memories in that jacket and loved every outfit I styled it with. But six years later, it’s tight. I keep telling myself, I’ll lose weight and fit it again, but the truth is, I’ve been saying that for a while. I hold on to it because of the memories, because it was my favorite, and because I haven’t found one I love more. (And if I’m honest, I haven’t really looked.) Because I’ve been holding onto that jacket, I never even think to shop for another one. In my mind, I already have a black jacket. But the truth is, it doesn’t fit my life anymore, literally or figuratively.

The same thing happened with my lounge sets. I had these wide-leg long sweatpants I wore constantly over the past year. They were comfortable, familiar, and easy. But they were also covered in lint balls, had small holes, and a few stains. Still, I kept telling myself, one more wear. It wasn’t until my mom saw me and said, “You have a hole in your sweats,” that I paused. I told her, “I know, but I love them.” She said, “Just because you love them doesn’t mean there isn’t another pair just like it or better. Look for some and I’ll order them.”

And that’s when it clicked. I realized I had a lack mindset that needed to shift, from this is all I can get to there’s so much more available to me. I don’t know how long this mindset has been with me, but I noticed it held me back from so much. The first step in changing that mindset was tackling my closet.

As I pulled out my fall and winter clothes, I made one rule: if it looked old, had lint balls, holes, stains, didn’t fit, or didn’t feel like me anymore, it had to go. And yes, that included the “when I get skinny again” clothes. The reality is, if I lose a lot of weight, I’ll probably want new clothes anyway. When I finished, I felt lighter; not just in my closet, but in my spirit. I did the same thing when packing away my summer clothes. There’s no need to hold onto things that have passed their expiration date, in fashion or in life.

Take a moment and ask yourself:

• What areas of my life need decluttering?

• What am I holding on to that’s past its season?

• Am I making space for what I’ve been praying for?

I wanted new clothes, but I didn’t have space for them. Once I made room, things shifted. Believe it or not, I cleaned out my closet at the beginning of December, and by Christmas, some of the exact items I wrote down that I needed showed up as gifts, without me asking. Even the lounge sets I let go of were replaced. I received four new ones, and even some black Savage Fenty sweatpants that may be my new favorites that were better than the ones I released.

Let me be real: it wasn’t just my closet that needed a clean out. I’ve been single for over a year. Do I want a relationship? Sometimes. But if I’m entertaining people I already know aren’t meant for me, why would God send my husband now? It’s the same with habits. I say I want to read more, grow more, and be more productive, but my bad habits were taking up that space.

Your future life is going to cost you your old one.

This season, I’m decluttering more than my wardrobe. I’m decluttering my time, my relationships, my habits, and my day to day life. Because holding onto outdated things only holds you back. Maybe for you it’s not your closet. Maybe it’s your car, your office, your phone, your inbox, or the people you’re entertaining. Physical clutter is often a reflection of mental clutter. Only you know what areas of your life need to be cleared. So I’ll ask you again: what has God been nudging you to release so you can step into your best self?

We have five days left in this year. Let’s step into the new one with intention and a wardrobe and mindset that aligns with where we’re going next.

The Gift of December: 12 Days of Christmas with Dymond’s Diary | Day Eleven: Christmas Movie Magic

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 03:24:38 GMT

A Cozy Christmas Eve Tradition Filled With Nostalgia, Connection, & A Little Movie Magic

I’m a movie fanatic. I literally go to the movies by myself every week… well, typically, I’ve fallen off a little lately. Some of my sweetest childhood memories are tied to going to the movies with my mommy, my grandma, and sometimes my entire family on holidays. Movies have always been special to me because they transport you into an alternate reality, a place where you can fully immerse yourself in the story unfolding in front of you. I also love movies because, at their core, they’re storytelling. And I’ve always loved a good story.

I think that’s why movies mean so much to me; growing up, they were how my family connected. Even now, I can sit with my mommy, nana, or grandma and watch movies for hours. Every time I go home, I spend at least one night on the couch with my mommy and the puppies watching a movie together. It’s so ingrained in us that whenever my mom or grandma watches a good movie, whether at home or in theaters, they call me and tell me to watch it. And I do the same. It doesn’t matter the genre or style. That’s our thing.

I know some people hate watching a bad movie, but I’m pretty open-minded. I always try to find something good, the acting, the fashion, the cinematography, the storyline, something. I’m not really a movie critic because I appreciate the art of it all.

The holiday season takes my love for movies and puts it into overdrive. I love Christmas movies, the corniness, the hope, the magic, the joy. Give me a sappy Christmas romance and I’m locked in. One tradition that’s followed me since childhood is watching 25 Nights of Christmas on ABC Family, now Freeform. It’s literally a highlight of my Christmas season. My mom asks me about it every year starting December 1st.

I watch at least one Christmas movie a day in December. I mix new releases with the classics, and yes, I even love a good Hallmark movie. There are so many amazing holiday films that if I tried to list them all, we’d be here forever.

Christmas Eve is a time to slow down, disconnect, be still, and make memories with the people you love. What better way to do that than by immersing yourself in a holiday movie; whether it’s a romance, a comedy, or a nostalgic classic.

So today, I’m sharing my must watch Christmas movie list, a mix of old and new, cozy and chaotic, heartfelt and hilarious. These are movies you can watch alone or with family

My Christmas Movie List

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Red One

Merry Liddle Christmas (all of them)

The Mistletones

The Santa Clause (all three)

Candy Cane Lane

Home Alone (the original two)

Oh What Fun

Christmas with the Kranks

Four Christmases

This Christmas

A Christmas Miracle

The Christmas Campaign

Christmas in Handcuffs

Meet Me Next Christmas

Dashing Through the Snow

Last Holiday

Almost Christmas

A Christmas Story

The Best Man Holiday

Jingle Jangle

Black Nativity

Unaccompanied Minors

The Perfect Holiday

Fred Claus

Elf

The Polar Express

Spirited

Jingle All the Way

Arthur Christmas

Jack Frost

Deck the Halls

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

A Bad Moms Christmas

Falling for Christmas

Bad Christmas

Noelle

Home Sweet Christmas

Snow Globe

Whether you’re curled up by the fire, watching movies with loved ones, or on the go this Christmas Eve, I pray you’re safe and fully able to enjoy the magic of the holiday season.

There are so many other movies I could have shared, but this list alone carries me through December. I look forward to revisiting these every year, and to discovering the new ones that continue to come out and add to the magic.

Movies remind me to slow down, feel deeply, and believe again, and that’s what Christmas is really about. I’d love to hear from you, what are your favorite Christmas movies? Let’s share the magic.

The Gift of December: 12 Days of Christmas with Dymond’s Diary | Day Ten: Holiday Looks I'm Loving This Season

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:22:50 GMT

Seven Easy Holiday Outfits For Every Festive Plan

I’m having so much fun with this series, and now it’s time to get into one of my favorite parts of the holidays… THE LOOKS.

Putting together the perfect outfit, doing my makeup, and getting my hair done is truly the quickest way to boost my mood. I love winter, but I especially love the holidays because the girls really show up with the looks. Christmas season screams boldness, sparkles, fur, texture, and anything a little over the top. Holiday parties are the perfect excuse to pull out that one piece in your closet you haven’t had a place to wear yet.

And the best part? You don’t have to do too much. You can mix flashy statement pieces with basics and still look put together. Sometimes all it takes is sequins, a great jacket, or a bold accessory to elevate the entire look.

Today I’m sharing seven of my go to holiday looks, no matter what kind of party you’re attending. This time of year, the invites stack up quickly; girls nights, office parties, bar parties, Christmas events, and New Year’s Eve festivities. I know it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what to wear for everything, so I put together looks that are easy, stylish, and made up of pieces you might already have in your closet.

We’re already spending enough money during the holidays; gifts, Secret Santa, giving back, and everything else, so my goal is to help you save where you can. And if you do feel like grabbing a few new pieces, everything I’m sharing will be linked, easy to find, and under $50.

1,The Little (or Long) Black Dress

Everyone has a black dress in their closet; whether it’s sweater material, silk, cotton, or ribbed. The holidays are the perfect time to pull it out. Add stockings, a boot or bootie, maybe a slingback or pump, a red lip, and you instantly have a holiday look. You can even add a Santa hat or elf ears for something playful.

This look is for the girls who don’t want to do too much but still want to look classy. A black dress and a festive accessory works for an office party and a girls’ night. If you want a little razzle dazzle, swap in an animal print or colored boot or pump.

2. Satin, Silk & Tulle

I love playing with texture, especially in the winter. Satin is one of my go-to fabrics because it instantly looks elegant. Satin pants or skirts elevate a look right away, and they can be dressed up or down, even styled with sneakers.

Mixing satin or silk with other textures like lace, metallics, fur, or leather makes an outfit feel intentional and fun. I also love a monochromatic look with different textures layered together.

And tulle isn’t just for kids. Long tulle skirts during the holidays are everything. Like sequins, tulle is the star of the show, so you can keep the rest of the outfit simple. A tulle blouse with jeans or a long tulle skirt paired with a tall boot is such a cute holiday look. Add gold or silver accents to make it festive.

3. A Good Blazer & Jeans

I live for a good blazer. It’s perfect when you want to look casual but still put together, especially for after work holiday mixers. Whether it’s a festive red blazer, classic black, or a patterned one, pair it with wide leg or skinny jeans and you have a look.

In the winter, I usually add booties and it never misses. If you want to take it up a notch, throw on a sequined cami underneath for a cute New Year’s Eve moment. The blazer is the star, so everything else can stay simple. And the best part? Blazers come in so many silhouettes and styles.

4. Sequins

The holidays are the prime time for sparkles. I love sequins year round, but during Christmas, they’re essential. Whether it’s sequined pants, a dress, or even shorts paired with stockings, this is the season to wear those “over the top” pieces.

Sequins are the main character, so everything else can be simple, basic shoes, a neutral bag, and you’re done. I love pairing sequins with a plain bodysuit because it looks like you did a lot when really the piece is doing all the work. And don’t limit yourself to black, colored sequins are just as fun. I've been loving the burgundy's I've been seeing lately.

5. Mini Skirt or Shorts

I used to hate shorter pieces, but I’ve leaned into them lately, in a tasteful way. I’m not saying walk around with your cheeks out. I’m saying, depending on your body type, a mini skirt with tights and a sweater can be really cute for the holidays. I usually pair mine with thigh-high boots.

Shorts aren’t just for summer either. Leather, denim, sequins, velvet, paired with a turtleneck or sweater, can easily become a holiday look. This one can go from cute to too much quickly, so I wouldn’t wear it to a work event, but it’s perfect for a good Friendsmas or girls night.

6. Leather

Leather is a fall and winter staple, but it’s also one of my favorite holiday textures. A leather dress, leather leggings with a sweater, or even leather shorts can work perfectly for festive events. I wore leather to a play last week and it was such a hit.

What I love about leather is the versatility. They even make beautiful animal print and colored leather now. My go to colors are black and burgundy, but brown leather is having a moment too. I love softening leather by pairing it with pearls for an extra touch.

7. The Christmas Sweater

You can’t go through the holiday season without a Christmas sweater. I wear mine to see Christmas lights, walk around the neighborhood, and casual holiday gatherings. I was invited to a holiday game night recently and I’ll definitely be wearing a Christmas sweater and jeans. Plus, they don’t always have to be red.

You can dress one up with heels or keep it casual with a flat boot or sneaker. I love this option because it’s comfortable. I usually pair mine with leggings or boyfriend jeans, and sometimes I’ll add a collared shirt underneath for an extra touch. Christmas sweaters also work for casual Fridays at the office, depending on your workplace and yes, you can even wear one with a skirt if you want to dress it up a bit.

The key to holiday dressing is having fun. Wear the pieces you’ve been sitting on all year. Dress up just to go to the grocery store. This is the season to step a little outside your comfort zone. Even if you’re just Christmas shopping, throw on your favorite party dress.

For me, adding flair to my style is part of the Christmas magic. I even find myself shopping differently this time of year, picking up pieces I normally wouldn’t. This is the season to explore, experiment, and express yourself.

Whether you’re headed to an office party, holiday mixer, movie night, Friendsmas, concert, or just taking yourself out for a bite to eat, I challenge you to put on an outfit that makes you feel your best. Clothes are a form of self expression. You don’t have to follow the status quo, and you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” moment to wear your favorite pieces.

This is the moment. Bring them out now!

The Gift of December: 12 Days of Christmas with Dymond’s Diary | Day Eight: Embracing the Season You’re In

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:40:33 GMT

Finding Joy & Presence In The Season I'm In

This series was never about perfection or pressure, it’s about honoring the season you’re in and leaning in where you are. Some days are slower, some days are fuller, and both are allowed. What matters most is showing up present and open to what God is teaching you in the moment.

Being single for the holidays carries such a negative stigma, when in reality, it’s really not bad at all. This is my second year being single during the holidays, and honestly, it’s just as joyful as when I’ve been in a relationship.

I was walking Saint last Saturday when the Holy Spirit reminded me that God is a God of seasons and He honors them. Every year, without fail, we experience winter, spring, summer, and fall. There’s a season for sowing and a season for reaping. You can’t experience a harvest if you never sow the seed. That means every season matters, whether it feels ideal or not.

Another thing the Holy Spirit showed me is that seasons are temporary. Just last week, it was freezing here in Atlanta. By Saturday, the sun was shining, and it was 66 degrees. A reminder that everything changes. When you spend your time longing for past seasons or fixating on future ones, you miss the beauty and the lessons of the present. If you spend all winter hating the cold and wishing for summer, you’ll miss the snow, the holiday lights, and the quiet magic that only winter brings. Every season carries both beauty and challenge.

I say all of that to say, I’m currently in my single season, and instead of wishing it away or resenting it, I’ve decided to fully embrace it. For me, that looks like dating myself and doing the things I genuinely enjoy. It looks like trying new places and experiences. It looks like leaning into my girlfriends and planning intentional girl days when I feel sad or when I catch myself wanting a man’s presence.

It looks like not skipping holiday parties just because I don’t have a date, but instead putting on a cute outfit, owning my season, and going to have a good time. It looks like decorating my home even though I don’t have children. It looks like being deeply present with my family when I’m blessed with time together. It looks like intentionally calling and checking on family and friends I haven’t spoken to in a while.

That’s how you embrace singleness during the holidays. Yes, there are moments when I want companionship. And when those moments come, I sit with them. Because the truth is, this could be my last holiday season single. I choose to look at the glass half full. What if this is my final Christmas without having to split time between my family traditions and someone else’s? What if this is the last season where I get to move freely, fully, and intentionally on my own? That perspective changes everything. That’s how you honor the season instead of taking it for granted.

So far this season, I’ve already attended two Christmas tree lightings, one with a friend and one with just Saint and I. I’ve gone to Christmas movie premieres both solo and with my girlfriends. I decorated my home exactly how I wanted, without anyone else’s opinions. I’ve gone to my church Christmas concert alone. I went to Vegas for a day with my sisters. And this is only the beginning. I still plan to do matching pajamas, holiday photoshoots, light tours, and all the festive things, even if I have to do them alone.

Every night, I pick a Christmas movie and watch it by myself, and it genuinely brings me joy. Watching love stories unfold reminds me that love exists, even when I’m not currently experiencing it romantically. That’s how I’m embracing this season.

Another reality I allow myself to sit with is this: God does not owe me anything. He has already given me more than I could have ever imagined or deserved. If it is not in His plan for me to be in a relationship, or even to become a wife or a mother, that is something I must find peace in. Because the truth is, this may be my last holiday season single… or this may be my life until Jesus returns.

And you have to find peace there.

That is true surrender; trusting that God’s will will be done, whatever His will may be. And even if His plan looks different than mine, I can still create joy within singleness, even during the holidays.

Maybe you’re not single, but I challenge you to honor and embrace whatever season you’re in this Christmas. I’m not saying ignore your feelings. Feel them. Sit with them. But don’t let them stop you. Do it scared. Do it tired. Just do it.

If you’re a wife or mother missing your single holiday days because life feels hectic, pause and recognize the blessings surrounding you now. If you’re grieving or navigating loss, I’m sending you all the virtual love and hugs. This season may look different, but you are allowed to create new traditions. Hold space for your emotions, whatever they may be, but I also challenge you to live out loud. Try something new. Create memories anyway.

No matter how hard this season may feel, there is something you can be grateful for. Fix your eyes on that. And if gratitude feels hard, start small. Write a thankful list, big or tiny, it all counts. When you focus on gratitude, your feelings eventually follow.

Tomorrow, we’re stepping into the fashion side of the holidays, and I can’t wait to share these looks with you.

The Gift of December 12 Days of Christmas with Dymond’s Diary | Day One: Intentional Joy

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:59:07 GMT

Choosing Intentional Joy At The Start Of The Christmas Seasons

Hey Alexa, play “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams.

It’s my second favorite time of year, the first being my birth month. The last six weeks of the year are truly the most magical. I know some people believe the Christmas season starts the day after Halloween, but I like to wait until December 1st. I prefer to let Thanksgiving have its moment as its own cozy fall holiday before I throw myself into Jingle Bell Rock.

Before I go any further, I want to pause and acknowledge that this season doesn’t feel magical for everyone. I know some of you are navigating grief, loss, or heaviness during the holidays. Please know you are seen, loved, and covered in prayer. I pray God meets you with comfort and peace this season. This space and this series is for you too.

My December kicked off with family still in town from Thanksgiving, and that alone boosted my mood. Being around my family always does, I love them so much. I’ve shared before that I’ve been in a transitional season of rebuilding and reconnecting since losing my job in August. Even so, my spirits have remained high, and I’ve been in a genuinely good place thanks to God’s grace. Yes, I have my days but I have more good ones than bad. I refuse to let my circumstances steal my joy or keep me from enjoying the holiday season, so I’ve made a conscious effort to lean into the festivities.

In the past, I’ve committed to Blogmas and Vlogmas, posting daily holiday content all the way through Christmas. This year, with everything going on, I didn’t have the capacity to commit to 25 straight days of content. Over the weekend, while planning what felt realistic and aligned, the idea for a shorter series came to me and just like that, it clicked. The Gift of December: 12 Days of Christmas with Dymond’s Diary.

Over the next twelve days, I’ll be sharing my holiday favorites; from festive fashion and Christmas outings to holiday routines and thoughtful gift guides I think you’ll genuinely love. It’s my version of Blogmas, just more intentional and within twelve days. I’m truly so excited about this series.

I’ll be honest, I’m a little behind on my festivities this year. By this time last year, my Christmas tree and decor were already up, and I had even hosted a Christmas movie night with friends at the beginning of the month. This year, I’ve dabbled in a few Christmas outings, but I’m still on the fence about hosting. This season looks different, but I’m choosing to enjoy it fully, exactly as it is.

Last week, I picked up my Christmas tree from my grandfather’s house, where I store it, and stopped by a few stores to grab some additional pieces. I spent Sunday turning my house into a Christmas wonderland, and honestly, decorating brought me so much joy. This December, I’m prioritizing intentional joy, doing the things that make my inner child smile.

This felt like the perfect start to my twelve days of Christmas. Whether you’re in a transitional season like me, single and rebuilding, married, or creating holiday magic for your children, this series is for you. I truly believe there’s something here for everyone. I’m inviting you into these next twelve days with me. Tomorrow is all about prioritizing you and how I maximize the holiday season as a single woman.

I love the joy and magic that come with Christmas; the sense of wonder, the endless possibilities, the feeling of hope. This season is about restoring faith, spreading love, giving generously, and being present. While it’s easy for the focus to drift toward gifts, Jesus is the true reason for the season. Christmas is a reminder that God loved us so much He gave His only Son. Through Jesus, we were cleansed and redeemed. If He can love us that deeply, the least we can do is love one another.

Christmas is also a time to restore your faith. I often think about Mary, how she accepted the message delivered by the angel Gabriel with trust and obedience. She believed she had found favor with the Lord. God is no respecter of persons; we too, can put our faith in Him. What He promises, He fulfills. His word will not return void.

So I challenge you to lean in this season. Open your eyes to the beauty, the blessings, and the quiet moments that Christmas brings.

Say What You Mean: Healing From People Pleasing & Learning To Set Boundaries

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:20:45 GMT

As a recovering people pleaser, I’m finally learning what it means to say what I mean and why honesty scared me for so long. The deeper I get into therapy, the more I realize how much my people pleasing hurt more than it helped. One of the biggest effects was how hard it was for me to speak my mind.

Let me be honest: this is still something I struggle with daily. But what pushed me to start being honest was asking myself why I wasn’t doing it in the first place. And when I talk about being honest, I don’t mean lying on purpose. Honesty is also about telling the whole truth, not shrinking your voice, and not hiding what you really feel.

Why I Struggled With Speaking My Mind

I hate the word no. It doesn’t feel good, and it brings up all kinds of emotions. Because of that, I projected my discomfort onto others and avoided saying no at all costs. I said yes to everything because I didn’t want others to feel what I felt when I heard no.

But here’s what I had to learn:

When you ask someone something, they have the right to say yes or no. You cannot take their no personally.

In therapy, I told my therapist that no is a “negative word.” She asked why. I said, “Because it’s not what I want to hear.” She gently reminded me that just because it’s not what I want doesn’t make it negative.

I even said, “But Jesus said yes to people when He didn’t feel like it.” And she quickly corrected me: Jesus had boundaries. He was not a yes man then, and He’s not a yes man now. Jesus has no problem telling me no and not carrying the weight of my feelings about it.

No is a complete sentence. You don’t have to over explain it.

When Someone’s Best Isn’t Enough

Another hard lesson was accepting that someone’s best might not be enough for me, and that’s okay. It’s okay to walk away from people, places, or situations that don’t align with who you’re becoming. You don’t owe anyone a paragraph long explanation.

And to be real, I think this generation struggles with commitment. Not just relational commitment, but in life overall. I’m not someone who believes in leaving the second things get hard. Some blessings actually come through pushing through discomfort.

But there’s a difference between discomfort that grows you and misalignment that drains you. If something goes against your core values or the woman you’re becoming… it’s okay to leave.

I’ve stayed in so many situations because I cared more about the other person’s feelings than my own. And that’s not sustainable.

Honesty Helps You and It Helps Others

Being honest isn’t just for them. It’s for you. When you avoid saying how you really feel to protect others, you subconsciously neglect your own emotional needs.

But the other side is this:

You don’t know what your honesty will teach someone.

Sometimes your “yes” becomes their crutch.

Sometimes your silence prevents them from learning the lesson God is trying to teach them.

Sometimes stepping back is the only way they discover what they’re capable of.

Your over helping can hold people back.

Your honesty might be the very thing God uses to grow them.

Stop Trying to Play God in People’s Lives

Trying to play god in the lives of people I love has been one of my biggest struggles and one of the hardest habits to break.

I love helping people. I can help, but I am not the Helper. Sometimes the best help is simply being a listening ear, and praying about it. And honestly, if you’re constantly helping everyone else… when do you help yourself?

We have to stop carrying responsibility that does not belong to us.

A Challenge for This New Season

As we enter this holiday season, the final month of the year, I challenge you to say what you mean and mean what you say. Your voice is powerful. Your truth matters. People need to hear it whether they can handle it or not.

And with this being the last stretch of the year, people are going to be asking for your time, your energy, your presence, and your capacity. This is the perfect moment to get rooted in your “no,” protect your peace, and honor the woman you’re becoming. Saying no now sets the tone for how you walk into the new year.

Love doesn’t hide the truth.

Love doesn’t sugarcoat to avoid discomfort.

Love is honest.

Yes, there’s a kind way to say things but you still have to say them. Avoiding hard conversations leads to one sided anger and frustration.

Where in your life do you need to start saying what you mean?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and journey in the comments.

Becoming the Woman I Pray For: My Season of Self-Discovery, Discipline & Trying New Things

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:29:06 GMT

I'm Finally Getting Consistent...In Every Area Of My Life

The Quote That Shifted Everything

A few months ago, I read a quote that changed my perspective: “You are exactly who you think you are.” It’s simple, but it made me stop and really think about how I viewed myself.

I pride myself on being a positive person, but the truth is, there was a disconnect between who I said I was and what I truly believed I could be. That disconnect showed up everywhere, even in how I ended my day or prepared for bed.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.”

I saw a pattern in myself that I needed to stop.

Right now, I’m in a season where God is developing me into the woman He wants me to be. Some call this the valley or the wilderness, but I call it preparation.

When Life Forced Me to Look at Myself

There are a lot of reasons I know this is a new season.

I lost my big girl job a few months ago.

I woke up one morning and realized I didn’t fully know myself.

I started journaling more.

And therapy revealed things about myself I genuinely didn’t like.

On the outside, I was thriving.

On the inside, I was running from myself.

I was half stepping everything; fitness, goals, friendships, self-development, doing just enough but never giving my full effort. That’s not thriving.

I had to ask myself: What was the last thing I fully committed to? I couldn’t answer.

So I decided: enough is enough. I wanted an extraordinary life but kept showing up average.

Sitting With Myself & Hearing My Own Voice

Have you ever sat with yourself and asked the hard questions?

We consume so many opinions every day, social media, conversations, work, TV, it becomes easy to lose your own voice.

I had to return to God to remember who He says I am.

I reread Ephesians, started the 100 Days of Believing Bigger devotional, joined Sarah Jakes Roberts Identity Course, and read Change Your Story, Change Your Life.

I needed new routines:

Less screens, more silence.

Less rushing, more stillness.

I’m usually always multi tasking., but this season is about being present. Even with my morning coffee, I try not to take it to go anymore. I sit down and enjoy it.

Routines, Fitness & Rebuilding Discipline

I looked at every area of my life and journaled about the woman I want to become; what I love about myself, what’s holding me back, and what needs reshaping.

My morning routine is solid. Waking up early and watching the sunrise does something for my mental. I feel my best when I follow through on my word and do what I said I was going to do.

Fitness became a huge part of rebuilding discipline. But I also learned that consistency looks different for everyone. I learned that my fitness journey can go beyond lifting weights.

Running became something I love; the “me vs. me” challenge. Then I started trying different fitness classes: Pilates(mat, reformer & heated), HIIT, boxing, and even outdoor classes. I accidentally took a trampoline class and loved it. I tried kayaking and hated it, but even that taught me something about my upper-body strength.

Trying new things forces me to be a beginner, something I usually avoid. It helps me not take myself so seriously.

Dating in My Late 20s… Differently

I started dating again, and wow… this season is new for me. It’s been pretty interesting.

I’ve never had a period of just dating. I normally meet one man and before I know it, I’m in a relationship or situationship.

This time?

No pressure.

No fantasizing.

No over-romanticizing.

I’m not taking things too deep.

Just learning myself; my likes/dislikes, my voice, my needs, my boundaries.

Honestly, I might even take a dating break soon so I can go all in on loving myself, but I’m waiting for God’s direction.

Saying Yes, Letting Go & Becoming Her

This is a season of exploring and getting to know myself.

Falling in love with who I’m becoming.

Praying, “God, help me see myself the way You see me.”

Life is too short to rush through.

I’m saying yes to new experiences and no to anything that doesn’t align.

I’m releasing old things; clothes, people, jobs, even old versions of myself. I’m trusting my gut. I don’t have to perform to be worthy, God handcrafted me before I was in my mothers womb. I’m shifting my dependence from myself and people back to God.

I’m done settling for average when God called me higher. This is a season of stripping away the layers the world placed on me and getting back to my God centered identity. Breaking cycles instead of repeating them.

Your Turn To Reflect

This isn’t just about me.

Ask yourself:

Do you love the life you’re living?

Do you love the person you show up as?

Are you truly ready for change? And willing to do the work necessary?

Don’t wait for the new year.

Start now.

You’re not stuck, you can shift.

Consistency is a love language to yourself.

Every day won’t be easy, but who you become will be worth it.

You’re the only one standing between where you are and the next level.

I’m excited for this discovery journey. And I’ll keep you updated along the way. You’re not alone.

Be the Person Who Goes For It: How to Stop Watching and Start Doing

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:58:55 GMT

Stop Sitting On The Sidelines Of Your Own Life

I love social media and all the opportunities it brings, the inspiration, the connections, the access. It shows you what’s possible and gives you a glimpse into the lives of people doing what you want to do. The problem is, it can also trick you into believing you can watch your way to where they are. You’re only seeing a highlight reel, not the hours of unseen work behind it.

I get it, studying your craft matters. Watching, learning, and researching are key parts of growth. But too many of us get stuck there. I’ve been guilty of that too: signing up for classes, taking workshops, watching endless videos, but never fully applying what I’ve learned. You can’t study your way to success. Research is valuable, but knowledge without execution keeps you in the same place.

Visualizing and dreaming about the life you want is powerful, but it’s just the first step. I once saw a video that said, “Stop watching workouts online and start doing them.” It hit me because I used to believe that consuming motivational content meant I was moving forward. I’d spend hours watching people talk about success, but I wasn’t actually becoming successful. I still love watching those videos, but now I challenge myself to take action immediately after, because the longer I sit on an idea, the less likely I am to follow through.

I’m not saying you should stop scrolling or consuming altogether, inspiration and learning have their place. But you have to develop a producer mindset if you truly want to go after the things you desire in life. You can watch videos about how to live the life you want and stay a consumer, or you can produce the life you want by actually doing the work. Maybe that means consuming less, or maybe it just means knowing when it’s time to stop scrolling and start creating. Either way, balance is key, don’t let consumption become a substitute for creation.

You know the old saying: “Are you going to talk about it or be about it?” Well, which one are you? We spend so much time talking about our goals to friends or journaling about them, but never actually doing them. This season is about keeping your word to yourself. I’ve learned to fight overwhelm by breaking big goals down into smaller, manageable steps. I talked about this in my blog Locking In On What Truly Matters: Finding Focus For The Rest Of The Year , where I shared how overcommitting leads to inconsistency or worse, burnout.

One of the things I love most about living in Atlanta is being surrounded by young, successful people, some who I used to only see online. It reminds me that success isn’t far away; it’s possible. I even train with women I once watched on YouTube who now make six figures or more. I remember telling my trainer I wanted to get serious with my content, and she told me something I’ll never forget she said, “They aren’t better than you. The only difference is they decided to go for it.”

That’s stuck with me ever since. You can spend years watching people live the life you want, convincing yourself you’re “researching” when really, you’re just avoiding action. Or you can start creating your own version of that life today. Inspiration is meant to move you, not paralyze you.

Before you scroll through someone else’s story wishing it was yours, ask yourself: Am I putting in the work to create mine? Don’t over invest in watching other people’s lives and forget to live your own. Your future depends on what you do now, not what yo u watch, like, or save for later.

So be the person that goes for it. Start messy. Start scared. But just start. The clarity and perfection you’re looking for comes by doing

Getting Back to Me: A Season of Self-Discovery, Healing, And Fashion

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 22:12:24 GMT

How Going Home, Reconnecting With My Roots and Stepping Out Helped Me Find My Spark Again

Happy Friday! My fourth quarter started off in such a unique way. I ended September with what I called my “grounding tour,” which simply meant getting back to my roots. I spent some time in Buffalo, where I’m from and Detroit, where I used to live. It was good to be around family and reconnect with the inner child in me. I honestly can’t remember the last time I spent two full weeks at home, probably the summer after freshman year of college when I was 18, so ten years ago.

It felt good to just be, no rush, no responsibilities, no pressure. I got to show up for loved ones in ways I haven’t been able to in a long time. Usually, I’m only home for a quick weekend, so I don’t get to see everyone. This time, I even saw my childhood home and got my hair done by my childhood stylist, who’s been doing my hair since I was four and yes, we did a new color!

Lately, I’ve been in a season of rediscovery, getting clear on who I am and what I love. The last few months felt mundane, like the spark in me was fading. To find it again, I had to go back to the start and reconnect with my inner child. Somewhere in the noise of the world, she got lost.

This season is about silencing outside voices and hearing my own. When will I ever be this young and single again? It’s a time of reflection, assessing where I’ve been, who I’ve been showing up as, and why. I’m keeping the parts of me that I love and letting go of the ones that no longer serve me. I’m trying new things, revisiting old passions, and allowing growth to happen, even when it feels uncomfortable.

The Bible says, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” but I’ve learned you can’t love others well until you truly love yourself. And love is honest, it tells the truth. The truth is, there are things in me showing up that I don’t like. Some habits and mindsets were holding me back. Change doesn’t happen with a simple switch; you have to dig deep and heal from the root.

Back in August, I wrote Self Care Reset: The Road to Loving Myself Again about practical ways I’ve been falling back in love with myself, things like weekly roses and solo movie dates. I’ve been staying consistent with those rituals, even while traveling.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I used to be the event queen. I started going to networking events in college and fell in love with the energy. I may be an introvert, but I love connecting with like-minded people and being in rooms that challenge me. Those spaces push my creativity and remind me what’s possible. I even met some of my closest friends at events like those.

While I was in Michigan, I went to four networking events, ran a 5K, and even tried a new workout class. It felt so good to be back in my element. It just so happened to be Michigan Fashion Week; a full week of events celebrating fashion, beauty, and creativity in Detroit.

Michigan Fashion Week, founded by Loren Hicks, brought together designers, models, photographers, stylists, and more. There were two fashion shows; one for streetwear and another for high fashion, featuring over 25 local designers. Plus, three mixers at The Style Guru Boutique, Coach, and the beautiful rooftop venue Cielo.

I actually met Loren a few years ago, and seeing how much Michigan Fashion Week has grown was inspiring. What better way to jump back into networking than this? I called up my girl, J Blair, a Detroit designer, and we hit the town. Being in rooms full of ambitious, creative people filled me up. There’s something about being in those spaces, it stretches your mindset and reminds you that people are really out here chasing their dreams. It makes you reflect on your own goals and reignites your drive.

Since coming back to Atlanta, I’ve been intentional about getting out again, attending events, connecting with new people, and staying in rooms that push me forward. Because truthfully, it’s not always about what you know, but who you know. This season is all about getting back to who I am and rediscovering what makes me feel alive.

Locking In On What Truly Matters: Finding Focus For The Rest Of The Year

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:19:23 GMT

The Real Meaning Of Locking In

Last week, I was talking with one of my close friends, and she mentioned how her entire social media timeline is filled with challenges and people talking about “locking in” for the rest of 2025. Every year there’s a new trend, whether it’s The Great Lock In, 75 Hard, The Winter Arc; there’s always something about focusing on yourself and your goals. And honestly, I get it. This is a great time to check in with yourself and your goals. The seasons are changing, people are staying in more, and life feels a little less chaotic than summer.

My friend said something that really stuck with me. She sent me a video of a girl saying that for the next four months, she’s not going out, she’s working out twice a day, eating clean, reading her Bible, reading 30 minutes a day, not spending money, hitting 10K steps daily, journaling for 30 minutes, waking up at 5 AM, and the list went on. My friend’s response was, “This doesn’t even align with the life I want to live.” And she was right. She’s in a place where she loves her body, so fitness isn’t her top priority. Plus, she’s a teacher so waking up at 5 AM isn’t realistic or even beneficial for her schedule.

After we hung up, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I don’t know how many times social media has made me feel like what I wanted wasn’t enough. I’m not saying you shouldn’t lock in on your goals, you absolutely should, but it doesn’t have to look one specific way. Everyone’s priorities are different, and that’s where honesty with yourself comes in. The “great lock-in” isn’t one-size-fits-all. You have to tailor it to your needs and your life.

I was talking with another friend about how we have to realign our identities, our wants and desires, outside of what the world tells us we should want. It’s so easy to conform and try to be a chameleon to fit into what everyone else is doing, especially when it seems to be working for them. But the truth is, success doesn’t have one formula. Some people thrive waking up at 5 AM, while others don’t need to. Discipline looks different for everyone.

Now, I’m not saying the people on social media are wrong, some of their advice is great. But before you jump in, identify what your actual priorities are. Once you know what you want, you can tailor your habits and consistency to match that goal. For example, my friend doesn’t need to work out twice a day or get 10K steps to move her life forward. For her, consistency might look like working out two to three times a week, and that’s enough. Consistency isn’t about frequency; it’s about sustainability. Depending on your life, your version of consistency will look different, and that doesn’t make you lazy or unmotivated. You can still be locked in by creating habits that truly align with your life.

There are definitely habits that a lot of successful people have that we can learn from and implement into our daily lives. Waking up early is one of them. But again, it has to fit your lifestyle. For example, my workday doesn’t start until almost noon, so my version of “waking up early” is 6:45am. That gives me time to do everything I need before my day officially begins. Challenge yourself and stretch toward your goals, but don’t make them unrealistic, because that’s how you end up feeling like you’ve fallen short or started something you can’t maintain. Progress doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective. Reading for 10 minutes is better than not reading at all. Start small, stay consistent, and before you know it, your time, discipline, and habits will grow naturally. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s steady progress that fits your season.

I’m not saying don’t challenge yourself for the last quarter of the year, I’m saying your challenge needs to make sense. I’m all for maximizing these last four months and doing everything your heart desires. But tailor it to you. The truth is, you won’t find clarity scrolling through social media. You find it by assessing your current life and dreaming about the one you want.

If you’re wondering how to lock in and focus on what matters to you, start by remembering that you’re running your own race. Figure out what you want outside of other people’s influence, and be okay if what you want looks different. Then, reverse engineer it. Ask yourself: What will it take to get there? Break your long-term goal down into small daily habits that move you forward. These are the habits I challenge you to lock in on for the rest of the year.

Once you know what matters, say no to everything that doesn’t align with it. Simple? Yes. Easy? Not always. It takes real dedication to your “why.” On the days you don’t feel like it, pull on that why, it’ll keep you going.

The truth is, yes, there are only four months left in the year, but so much can happen in four months. That’s over 120 days. Go back to the goals you set at the beginning of the year or make new ones to finish strong. If you start now, you’ll already have momentum when the new year comes. And if your body or spirit needs rest, that can be your lock-in, too. Resting isn’t falling behind. Don’t let social media make you feel like you have to operate from scarcity or burnout. Move with abundance. Expect great things to happen in these last four months, because they can. This can still be the most transformative season of your year if you choose to make it so.

At the end of the day, it’s you versus you. Don’t let social media make you feel behind or like you need to do all the things. Lock in but lock in on what truly matters to you.

Day Three: Ninth End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:42:49 GMT

Walking Into Something New, The Unknown

I can’t believe we’re already at the end of the fast. This was our first year doing three days instead of a week, and honestly, I was nervous. I thought maybe it wouldn’t be enough. But God reminded me that He doesn’t need a full week to change a life, He just needs your obedience. I pray these three days have rekindled your fire for your Creator, because I know they have for me. God has sent me so many reminders of who He is and just how powerful He can be.

It’s a gloomy day here, but this morning I went for a run and felt so connected to God. There’s something about moving your body and breathing in the quiet that makes His presence undeniable. As we close this fast, I want you to know this: God has placed something inside of you that He’s waiting for you to birth, but it’s on the other side of your obedience. You cannot fully do what He’s called you to do until you know who you are in Christ. I pray this fast lit a new zeal in you for Him, because He wants to be first. The world is full of noise and distraction, but when you put your focus back on Him, He’ll give you a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Now, let me be real with you, completing this fast doesn’t mean the rest of the year will be easy. I don’t know how the rest of 2025 will play out for you, but I do know this: if you keep Him first, walk in who He called you to be, and do what He told you to do, He will cover you with grace no matter what comes your way.

As you return to the things you gave up, I pray you go back with fresh eyes. Keep the habit of reading your Word as part of your daily rhythm. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” You are the light of the world, and God wants you to carry that light into every space you enter, your job, your family, your community. Nothing in your life is by accident. Everything you do is meant to bring Him glory.

So as you close out this fast, ease back into things slowly and cover it all in prayer. Thank God for what He’s done, and believe He’s already fulfilled your intentions. Remember the story in Matthew 9:28-29, when Jesus asked the blind men if they believed He could heal them. Their faith made them whole. The same is true for you: because of your faith, it will happen.

Be mindful of what (and who) you prioritize. Sometimes, without even realizing it, we put things above God. I’ve done it too, choosing TV over reading my Word is still choosing TV over Him. Until your relationship with God is right, it’s impossible to fully love yourself or others, because you won’t even know yourself. Pay attention to who you surround yourself with. Iron sharpens iron, and your circle should reflect Christ. But also know, some instructions from God are just for you, even if you don’t fully understand them yet.

As we step out of this fast, I encourage you to pick a book of the Bible to study each month. The only way to recognize His voice is to spend time with Him. We spend time doing so many other things, so why not carve out time to read His Word?Remember, God’s order is always Be → Do → Have. We’ve uncovered the be and the do, but today I want you to focus on the have. God has blessings with your name on them, but if the first two aren’t in place, He can’t release them. Honestly, there are some blessings you don’t even want right now, because you’d fumble them. Obedience shapes you into the kind of person God can trust with more.

One of my favorite prayers is: “God, prepare me for the blessings before they come. Prepare my heart, prepare my mind, make me the person who can carry what You’ve called me to.” God wants you to live a life of abundance, not lack. His Word is filled with His promises. Today, I want you to pause and write down three promises of God that you’re standing on. When life gets heavy, go back to those promises.

Obedience isn’t always easy. Romans 6:16 reminds us that we are slaves to whatever we choose to obey. So ask yourself: are you choosing to obey sin or to obey God? Jeremiah 18 paints the perfect picture of why obedience matters. Jeremiah was told to go to the potter’s house, and because he obeyed, God showed him a vision of how He molds us like clay. Had Jeremiah not done the first step, he would have missed it all. That’s how obedience works. Sometimes you won’t see the whole picture, but God only asks you to take the next step.

As we close this out, I pray you step into this final season of 2025 with a tender heart, ready to obey. I pray you feel the weight of the calling on your life and realize your obedience matters, not just for you, but for the people connected to you. Someone’s salvation might be tied to your “yes.”

For those who did the detox, I hope you really made room for what’s next. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily disciplines create the future you want. Remember that word you wrote down on day one for how you want the rest of your 2025 to feel? Go back to it and ask yourself: what will it take to make this word my reality?

For me, that word is intentional. To walk out the rest of my year intentionally, I have to stop “going with the flow” and get clear on what I want. And then I have to be bold enough to say no to anything that doesn’t align. That’s what commitment looks like.

I challenge you to create a mission statement for your life, a simple, guiding truth that keeps you accountable. I made one a while back, after reading Everyday Magic by Mattie James, and it’s been my anchor. It doesn’t have to be deep or long, just something that helps you say no to anything that doesn’t aligned.

As we step into this new season, remember: life is always going to life. But discipline and commitment will shape your future. You’re not lazy, you’re just not committed yet. Find your “why,” and let it carry you.

I want to thank you for joining me on this fast and detox. My prayer is that you feel renewed, restored, and ready to step boldly into what God has for you. The old season is complete. It’s time to walk into something new. And while new may feel scary, remember that God is already in your tomorrow.

Until next year.

Day Two: Ninth End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:50:25 GMT

Obedience Over Acceptance: Choosing God Above All Else

Wow, we are two days in! This morning, I woke up, went to church, and spent the afternoon reading the Word and praying. But instead of only bringing the “big” things to God, I found myself talking to Him about everything. Just like you would with a close friend, I poured it all out, and it was so freeing.

I want you to know: you don’t have to come to God with everything perfectly together, or with long, elaborate prayers. He is your Father and your friend. He simply wants to hear from you. The message today at church was so good, it reminded me that I need to stay in my Bible consistently, not just during a fast, but beyond it.

Yesterday, we spent time reflecting, checking our hearts and getting honest about where we are. I pray you really took that to heart. Because in order to step into your future self and everything God has planned, you have to first identify where you are right now.

Today, we’re shifting focus: Where are you going, and what has God called you to do?

Yesterday, I reminded you of God’s order: Be → Do → Have. You can’t do the things God has assigned to you until you become who He already called you to be.

Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” That means God already knows your beginning and your end. There’s a version of you that He designed, and the more you step into that identity, the more you unlock the fullness of His plan.

I was watching an interview with Pastor Brenda Palmer (I’m also reading her book The Journey of Yes), and one of the main points that struck me was about obedience. Obedience is simply doing what God told you to do, whether it’s about your bigger purpose in life or something small and practical in your everyday. Maybe God tells you to pay for the coffee of the person behind you. Obeying that nudge is still obedience.

Jeremiah 7:23 says,

“But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.” That verse reminds us that obedience is the key to life. Disobedience, on the other hand, always costs something. Even when it feels “small,” it matters, because God sees the bigger picture that we cannot.

Ask yourself this: What are the last five things God told you to do? Were they big, life-changing commands? Were they small nudges? Did you act on them immediately, or did you delay, waiting for confirmation from others? If you struggle to remember the last time you heard from God, I challenge you to ask Him to open your ears. As Job 33:14-15 reminds us: “For God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in their beds.” God is always speaking. But the only way to recognize His voice is to spend consistent time with Him in prayer and in the Word.

There’s a few reasons why we don’t obey God: Disagreement: Sometimes what God tells us goes against what we want. Comfort: A “good” season can actually keep us stuck if God is calling us to move. Fear: The unknown feels unstable, so we hesitate. Pride/Ego: We want control. Acceptance: Wanting others’ approval more than God’s. As Pastor Brenda said, “Obedience doesn’t need an audience. It doesn’t even need agreement.” One of my own struggles has been craving acceptance from loved ones. Sometimes, if God told me to do something and they didn’t agree, I hesitated. But the truth is, God’s approval is the only one that matters. Today my prayer is: “Lord, break the hold of acceptance from others in my life. Remind me that I only need to please You.”

For those of you focused on the detox, today is about making space. You wrote down goals yesterday, now it’s time to clear the clutter that could hold you back. Look at your physical environment: closets, cars, emails, even your phone contacts. Look at your digital environment: what you watch, what you listen to, who you follow. Look inward: thoughts, beliefs, or habits that no longer serve who God is calling you to be. Ask yourself: Does the person I want to become spend time here, think these thoughts, or keep these relationships? If the answer is no, it’s time to release them. Clearing out space; physically, emotionally, and spiritually, makes room for the blessings God wants to pour out.

We have 24 hours left in this fast. That’s more than enough time for God to move. Remember, He doesn’t operate on earthly time. He can do in 24 hours what would take us nine months.

So today, reflect on obedience. Identify the last things God told you to do, and commit to moving forward with boldness. And if you’re detoxing, begin clearing space, both in your surroundings and in your spirit , for what’s ahead.

Tomorrow we’ll close this fast together. I truly believe transformation is waiting if you allow God to do what only He can.

Day One: Ninth End of Summer Fast & Detox

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 01:13:55 GMT

Setting Intentions, Searching Hearts, and Stepping Into Completion

We are 24 hours into the Ninth End of Summer Fast & Detox. I hope you’ve taken time to be still and talk to God. This is one of my favorite times of the year because the world is so noisy. So many things pull at our attention, and before you realize it, you’ve unintentionally drifted further from God. This fast is the perfect time to return to Him and put Him back at the center of your life.

Over the last 24 hours, I’ve made space to be still and read the Word. I even sat outside both at Starbucks and the backyard for hours to pray and meditate. I’ll admit, I don’t usually like being in nature, but there was something so peaceful about hearing the birds chirp and feeling the wind against my face. During this fast, I’ve decided to focus on Romans and Ephesians. Yesterday, I studied chapters 1–4 in both books. I chose Ephesians because it’s a powerful reminder of our God-given identity, something I’ve been wrestling with, especially as my desires have felt so fickle in a world driven by social media. I’m intentionally working to reconnect with who I am and what I want outside of the world’s noise.

This morning, I ran a 5K, completely unplanned, and then joined a friend for a prayer and Pilates class. The rest of my day was filled with walking and worship. Fasting is so special because it’s more than abstaining; it’s a way to honor God. Worship doesn’t have to happen only in church or when a gospel song is playing. You can honor Him through your daily life. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

You glorify God when you steward well what He has entrusted you with. You glorify Him when you show up fully as a mother, sister, daughter, or friend. You glorify Him in the kindness you extend to strangers.

I pray this first day has been just as grounding for you. And if it hasn’t, if you slipped back into old habits or made a mistake, that’s okay. You still have 48 hours left. Recommit and keep going.

Before moving forward, I want you to set your intention for this fast. Write it down, in your journal, your notes app, or on a sticky note. What is this fast about for you? It could be one thing or several. Maybe you’re seeking clarity, healing, direction, answers, or simply to rest in God’s presence. There’s no right or wrong. Be honest with Him about what you need.

This is year nine, and biblically, nine symbolizes completion. As we close out one season and prepare for the next, it’s important to reflect on where we’ve been. You can’t know where you’re going without first assessing where you are. Psalm 139:23–24 says: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Ask God to search your heart. Reflect on your current relationship with Him. Do you feel as close to Him as you’d like to be? Life’s ups and downs shape us, but they can also weigh on our hearts. As you journal today, identify what in your heart doesn’t align with Christ. Some things you’ll know right away, while others God will reveal as you continue.

Next, reflect on the last season of your life. Who have you been showing up as in the world? Do you like that version of yourself? What qualities do you want to keep, and which ones need to change?

There are nine fruits of the Spirit. Which one do you feel you’ve been lacking most? This may feel uncomfortable, but self reflection is necessary for growth. And remember, extend yourself grace. You’re human, and you will fall short, but God looks at the heart.

As you write these things down, bring them to God. Ask Him to keep the good and remove what doesn’t serve Him. One of my favorite prayers is simple: “God, make me more like You.” The goal is always to reflect Christ.

Once you know where you are, you can begin to pivot toward where you want to go. The world will try to define you, but it cannot. Only God, your Creator, knows your beginning and your end. You are already enough because your worth is not based on what you do. True transformation follows God’s order: Be → Do → Have. Be who God called you to be, do what He’s instructed you to do, and you will have what He has prepared for you.

Today’s scripture is Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Remember, you are God’s masterpiece, handcrafted with intention. You are here on purpose.

For those focusing on the detox, this is more than just letting go of three habits, it’s about replacing them with one new, life giving practice. Set your intentions. Why are you detoxing? Do you need a reset? Are you trying to quiet the noise? Are you realigning with your goals? Write it down.

Then, reflect on 2025 so far, the good, the bad, and the in between. What are the highlights? Where did you drop the ball? Compare your current self to the future self you envision. What habits are holding you back? What do you need to leave behind?

You don’t have to wait until January to set goals. Write down three goals to accomplish before this year ends. Be specific and list the action steps to get there. Then, choose one word you want to define the remainder of 2025.

The point of all this is clarity, about who you are and what you want. Boldly set your goals. There are still three months left in the year, and that’s more than enough time to change your life.

We are one day down, with two more to go. I’m excited about all God has in store. Keep seeking His face. Keep reflecting. And tomorrow, we’ll go deeper.

"I sought the Lord, and he heard and he answered''

Ninth Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:09:46 GMT

The Year Of Completion & Fruitfulness

The summer is ending. Nights and mornings are getting breezier, and fall is quietly creeping in. Stores have already put out their fall decor, and Starbucks has unveiled their pumpkin flavors. Kids are back in school; college, high school, or even elementary. Depending on where you are in the world, it might already feel like fall. Some people believe Labor Day marks the end of summer, but according to the calendar, we still have until the 22nd. With all that said, it’s my favorite time of the year: time for our End of Summer Fast and Detox.

Eight years ago, a few months after starting this blog while I was still in college, I began an end of summer fast and detox called Fasting for 4.0s. Now, even though I’m out of school, it’s a ritual I’ve continued each year. There’s something about the changing seasons that draws me closer to my Creator. I know it’s September, and we only have three months left in 2025, but I truly feel like there’s still so much in store.

Fall represents change, transition, and letting go; what better time than now to draw near to God? I don’t know about you, but I believe God is going to do some miraculous things as we close out this year. I don’t want to miss or fumble those blessings because I wasn’t connected. Have you ever received something you weren’t ready for? It’s tough. And let’s be honest, summer is full of distractions. Fun isn’t bad, but sometimes it can pull us away from God.

This is our ninth End of Summer Fast and Detox. In the Bible, the number nine represents completion and fruitfulness. The old season is complete, and it’s time to step into a new era. There are nine fruits of the Spirit, and you can’t fully become the person God called you to be without cultivating these fruits in your life. Living by the fruits of the Spirit brings peace, something so essential in a chaotic world. This is a time for breakthrough; from repetitive cycles, past traumas, shame, doubt, whatever has held you back, it’s time to break free.

Lately, I feel God nudging me to go deeper. We get excited about what’s coming, but that often means letting go of what’s behind us. Connecting with God gives the courage to release. As we enter this new season, you may need to release something, not just a habit or distraction, but a season of your life. Whether you’re on top of the mountain or in the valley, it’s the perfect time to fast. If you feel far from God, fasting is a way to refocus, because He hasn’t moved, you have. The key is seeking God first in every area of your life: your career, dreams, routines, habits, relationships, and will. Surrender it all and seek His face.

There are blessings that only come through fasting. Maybe you need clarity, guidance, or a breakthrough. Maybe your mind feels foggy from the world around you. Fasting quiets the noise so you can hear from your Creator. And if you’re guilty, like me, of ever running to family or even ChatGPT in times of decision-making, consider running to God instead. Maybe you’re facing a big decision, seeking healing for yourself or a loved one, or even feeling disappointed with God, this is the perfect time to draw closer to Him.

Fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food, it’s about removing what distracts you from intimacy with God. There are many types of fasts: water-only, Daniel Fast, or personal fasts from things that take up your time, focus, and energy. For this fast, I challenge you to choose five things to lay down for three days. These should be the biggest distractions in your life; what’s capturing your attention right now? Ask God to reveal them, then place them at the altar so you can focus fully on Him. Only you know the things that have your attention. Don’t cheat yourself or God. Personally, I’ll be giving up social media, unless for business, TV, secular music, eating from sun up to sun down, and alcohol.

I also understand that not everyone shares my faith, which is why we incorporate a detox as well. We’ll detox our minds, bodies, and spirits. Summer is a time of indulgence, and it’s easy to intake toxic habits, behaviors, and foods. Detoxing resets your mind and body, helping you align with your goals. Maybe you’ve heard of the “Great Lock-In” trend on TikTok; people are hyper focusing on goals from September to December to set themselves up for a successful new year. Our detox does the same: we remove distractions, sit with ourselves and our thoughts, and jumpstart discipline, which is essential for growth.

It’s hard to focus when you’re unclear about where you are or where you’re going. Whether you’re “locking in” for the rest of the year or not, now is the perfect time to pause and reset. Without a detox, it’s easy to drift into the new season stagnant. This fast is also about self discovery, removing distractions so you can face what’s really shaping your life. Think of three habits or indulgences that aren’t serving you, (be honest with yourself,) maybe it’s liquor, hookah, smoking, oversleeping, or even negative thinking. For three days, commit to setting them aside and, instead, replace that time with one new life giving habit: walking, working out, journaling, reading, or even changing what you watch.

Starting tomorrow Friday at noon, until Monday at noon, we will take a mental and spiritual pause. Each day, I’ll send a scripture, activity journal prompt, and prayer. Whether you’re spiritual or not, I encourage you to join this special time. You can’t enter the fall expecting change if you aren’t willing to do something different. This fast and detox is sacred to me because every year, God shows up in ways that blow my mind.

Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog (link below) so you don’t miss a day, starting Friday, September 19th through Monday, September 22nd. This fast will be challenging, but if you commit, it can transform your next season.

My Morning Routine For Glowing Skin & A Productive Start To The Day

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 23:36:25 GMT

From Prayer To Skincare, Here’s How I Start My Mornings With Intention, Energy, And A Glow That Lasts All Day

Your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve had a jumpstart morning that caused me to spend the rest of the day playing catch up. Personally, I thrive in routines; they help me flow. Whether you realize it or not, you already have a morning routine. The question is, does your routine set you up for success, or is it holding you back? If I’m being honest, a good morning routine really begins with a good nighttime routine, but we’ll save that conversation for another day.

I used to be the type of person who would sleep in until the very last possible second before getting up. I don’t know how I used to function like that, because now I rely heavily on routines. The first two to three hours of my morning are crucial to my well being. I recognize that I’m in a season where I can be more selfish with my time since I’m single without children. But I’m also part of a community with mothers and wives who prioritize waking up before their households so they can spend quiet time with themselves.

I truly made myself into a morning person. These days, my body naturally wakes up between 6:50–7:05 am Ideally, I’d like to be a 5 am or 6 am person, but I haven’t gotten there yet. I set an alarm for 7:10, but I rarely hear it because I’m already awake. The key to waking up earlier is simply going to bed at a decent hour. Another thing that forced me into consistency was my dog, he has to go out first thing in the morning, no matter what.

Another tip for waking up earlier is to change your alarm sound. I’ve heard of people using gospel songs, clapping, or even jingles that make them smile. The sound of your alarm really sets your initial mood. When I used to wake up to the generic alarm sound, I would wake up annoyed, stressed, and anxious because it was so harsh. Once I changed the sound to chimes, I started waking up more peacefully. Another hack: put your phone or alarm across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. I used to keep mine in the bathroom, and once I was up, I was less likely to crawl back into bed.

Once my eyes are open, I like to give God thanks, even if it’s just a simple, “Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes today.” Then I brush my teeth and take my dog outside. I try to make it out five to ten minutes before sunrise because the sky is so beautiful at that time. While Saint potties, I read my Bible and pray. When we head back in, I feed him and refresh his water.

I head straight to the gym after feeding Saint because if I wait, I won’t go. I’m proud of the consistency I’ve built with working out over the last few months. What helped me was being honest with myself about when I actually had the energy to go. For me, afternoons and evenings were too much of a struggle. Some people thrive then, but I didn’t. Knocking it out in the morning sets the tone for my day and gives me the energy to push through.

After the gym, I log onto my live morning calls with Mattie James And More Community, it’s a community where women, mothers, wives, and more come together. Some days we dive into Bible study, other days it’s a Q&A, and I love spending about 30 minutes soaking in that encouragement and connection before moving into the rest of my routine. Then I shower and dive into skincare. My morning skincare is crucial. As I’ve gotten older, my skin has gone through phases where I break out randomly, and one way to combat that is with proper skincare. I like to double cleanse because it removes sweat, makeup, and anything else lingering on my skin. A brand I’ve always trusted is CeraVe , it’s affordable and effective. They have a new balancing cleanser that hydrates while controlling oily skin, and it’s been a game changer for me.

Then it’s time for coffee and breakfast, which is usually oatmeal. While that’s heating, I take my vitamins. I started consistently taking vitamins last year, and I can tell a difference in my energy and overall health. My routine includes Iron, B12, Vitamin C, B9, Magnesium, D3, and a hair/skin/nail vitamin. Some people prefer a multivitamin, but I’ve gotten used to taking them separately.

As I enjoy my oatmeal, I typically watch a podcast or interview for morning motivation. Listening to something encouraging sets a positive tone for my day. Finally, I look over the to-do list I created the night before and officially start working.

Having a consistent morning routine has changed everything for me. It’s not just about glowing skin or getting to the gym, it’s about creating space to start my day with intention. My routine blends faith, movement, skincare, and vitamins, but it also includes community. The time I spend connecting with other women through the And More calls reminds me that I don’t have to do life alone, there’s power in showing up for yourself and being surrounded by others who are doing the same. No matter what your season of life looks like; single, married, parenting, or somewhere in between, building a morning routine that works for you can set the foundation for a more productive and peaceful day. If you’ve been feeling scattered or rushed, I hope this post inspires you to create small habits and find community that leave you energized, confident, and glowing from the inside out.

My 28th Birthday Trip to Arizona: Wellness, Adventure & Memories with Mom Part 2

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 01:43:52 GMT

Continuing With My Birthday Reflections and Emptying My Archives, I Want To Share Part 2 of How I Celebrated This Year

J ust because I was in a season of fasting and praying didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy my birthday. Who says fun has to be tied to alcohol or partying? This year, I discovered joy in other ways. At first, I didn’t think I’d even be able to have a birthday dinner with my close friends since I wasn’t eating certain foods or drinking. But as you saw in Part 1 , that turned out to be completely untrue, I still celebrated beautifully.

Another tradition I keep every year is traveling for my birthday. At first, I had no idea where to go. I knew I didn’t want anything tropical since I had just had surgery and couldn’t wear a swimsuit yet. I also wanted something more wellness focused since I was fasting, not a trip centered around nightlife or partying. I wanted rest, relaxation, and renewal.

I asked my followers for suggestions and also talked it over with my mom. Arizona came up again and again, so I started researching. After watching a few videos, I was hooked. The flights weren’t bad, and the activities looked unique. When I told my mom, she jumped on board immediately. And I’m so glad she did, because it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips of my life.

We enjoyed amazing food; brunches, dinners, and everything in between. We took an early morning hot air balloon ride that was absolutely magical. My mom and I even drove out to the Grand Canyon, just a few hours away, and seeing it in person took my breath away. We also explored Scottsdale, Phoenix, and even Flagstaff, each city had its own charm. This trip was so special because it was about more than just sightseeing, it was about connection. Sharing these first ntime experiences with my mom is something neither of us will ever forget.

Of course, I vlogged the entire trip for you! From flying into Arizona, to road trips, to 3 AM wake up calls for the hot air balloon ride, I captured it all. This season of my life is about trying new things, stepping outside my comfort zone, and embracing discovery. This birthday trip set the tone for chapter 28, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin.

I’m excited to see everything this next year has in store, and I’m open to all the opportunities and possibilities that come my way.

My 28th Birthday Flashback: A Self Care & Healing Celebration Part 1

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:11:51 GMT

Throwback to My Birthday: Emptying My Drafts & Catching You Up

My birthday was a few months ago, and honestly, I’m still on a high from it. This year was my first time having a slower, self care focused birthday, and I had a few reasons why. Normally, my birthday is basically a national holiday, I go all out with dinners, clubs, trips, and anything else I can think of. I usually celebrate the entire month of April. But this year, I not only wanted to slow down, I had to.

For one, I was only seven weeks post-op from surgery and still had a lot of restrictions. On top of that, I’ve been evolving as a woman, and my wants and desires are shifting. This was also my first birthday in a while where I wasn’t in a relationship. To be real, I had mixed feelings about turning 28. I’m no longer in my early 20s, and I feel myself stepping into a new phase of life. I’ve been thinking about my future more where I want to go, what I want to build. Your 20s are really about discovery, and I’m learning more about myself every day.

The biggest reason for my slower birthday, though, was spiritual. I was fasting with my church our 40 day fast leading up to Easter. And this year, my birthday just happened to fall right in the middle of it.

At first, I’ll admit, I was a little sad. I thought fasting meant my birthday would be boring. But after talking to my mom, I felt so much better. She reminded me that this season was about healing, not just physically but spiritually. My surgery was a huge part of my year, and even though recovery came with restrictions, it was still worth it. That’s when my mom helped me come up with the idea of a healing, self care birthday.

Even though this birthday looked different, I wanted to keep some traditions. One of my favorites is having dinner with my family and friends, it’s something I do every single year, and I wasn’t about to skip it.

The morning of my birthday, I woke up early to watch the sunrise. I spent time with God, thanking Him for another year. After that, I deep-cleaned my home, because cleaning is one of the ways I show gratitude for my space. Then I sat on my balcony with a cup of coffee and just enjoyed the stillness.

Instead of a spa day, I booked one of my post op massages. I also did a little shopping at the mall, which lifted my mood. My grandparents surprised me with balloons, it was the sweetest thing. Later, my hairstylist came to my house to do my hair, which made me feel pampered and special. I ended the night with dinner surrounded by the people I love most.

Even though I couldn’t drink, I still enjoyed mocktails and plenty of laughs. Normally, after dinner, I’d go out with friends and keep the party going, but this year it felt so good to come home, slip into my PJs, and just be. Once I shifted my perspective, every negative thought I had about this birthday disappeared.

Of course, I vlogged the entire day for you! This is part one of a two-part video series. Next week, I’ll be sharing the healing trip my mom and I took, and everything we did while we were there. But for now, enjoy part one: my self-care birthday vlog.

I say all this to remind you: just because life looks different in a certain season doesn’t mean different is bad. Learn to romanticize both the highs and the lows. It’s okay to grieve what was, but also embrace what is. Every season is temporary. Just because my birthday looked like this in 2025 doesn’t mean next year won’t look completely different. Don’t wait for life to be “perfect” before you celebrate, find the beauty in the season you’re in.

The Power Of Rest: How Slowing Down Helps Me Show Up As My Best Self

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 23:59:17 GMT

Discovering Productivity & Purpose Through The Power Of Rest

I used to think rest was only bubble baths and shopping sprees. I thought self-care meant spa days and drinking mimosas by the pool. Don’t get me wrong, I love splurging on beauty products and doing all of those things, but that’s not practical for my everyday life in this season. Besides, you can have the best beauty products in the world, but if you aren’t rested, it’s going to show up on your face and in your skin.

I grew up believing in hustle culture, and I still value hard work. But I’ve also learned that there’s a time for rest. Hustle culture glorifies constant work, long hours, and nonstop productivity, even at the expense of your well being. We live in a society that constantly pushes us to “do more.” I’m learning now that it’s okay to just be. Even if that feels uncomfortable. Even if it means being bored. There’s a real purpose in slowing down.

I’m guilty of always feeling like I need to be moving. I used to tell myself I thrived in chaos and worked better under pressure, but the truth is that was a lie. Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. I caught myself filling time with “busywork” instead of meaningful work that actually pushed me closer to my goals. The Superhuman blog put it best: “Being productive is less about always having something to do, and more about making sure that what you’re doing is propelling you toward a goal. Busy people stay busy for the sake of it. Productive people work with purpose and intent.”

One thing I look forward to every year is attending Woman Evolve Conference by Sarah Jakes Roberts. It’s more than a conference, it’s a chance for me to refill my cup and be surrounded by like minded women. This year was different because I didn’t take off work like I normally do, since it was in Atlanta, so I only caught the evening sessions. But I’ll never forget how Sarah closed the conference. She talked about rest, and how easy it is to attend an event, get inspired, and immediately feel like you need to “go home and do all the things” instead of resting and letting it pour into you. That hit me hard.

Since then, I’ve taken a different approach to my life and goals. I’ve started prioritizing rest. And by rest, I don’t just mean sleep. I mean full body, intentional rest. Some days it looks like sitting in my house listening to music and doing absolutely nothing. Other days it’s binge watching a show guilt free. It can even look like reading a book on my balcony. For me, rest is anytime I allow myself to pause. It hasn’t been easy; my brain always has so many tabs open and I struggle to turn it off. But I’ve realized that resting doesn’t make me weak. The truth is, the work I do from an exhausted place is nothing compared to the work I do when I’m rested and renewed.

Rest isn’t just for my body, it also gives my mind space to wander and dream. I can tell when I’m behind on rest because my mood shows it. When everything and everyone irritates me, I know I’m overdue for a reset. But when I’m rested, I handle life differently. Even something as simple as sitting in traffic feels lighter when I’m not running on empty.

To be clear, I don’t believe you can just rest your way into success. Life still requires hard work. But I’ve stopped glorifying “busy.” I want my work to be intentional and aligned with my goals. Rest is a priority for me, not because I’m lazy, but because I want to show up in the world as my best self. Hustle culture leads to burnout, but rest allows us to operate at our highest capacity.

Think about it: your phone at 10% doesn’t run the same as when it’s at 100%. Neither do we. That’s why I choose to prioritize rest, not only at the end of a long stretch of work, but in small ways every single day. Those small moments of rest are what keep me fueled, balanced, and fully present. As we enter this new month, and finish out the third quarter, I challenge you to make rest a priority instead of an option. If you want to maximize the rest of this year, you first start should be to ensure you're rested.

Don't wait for a vacation to rest, it can be apart of your day to day!

What I Wore After Lipo 360: My FashionNova Transitional Haul

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 20:40:42 GMT

Finding Confidence in FashionNova Fits While Healing From Lipo 360

I know I said I was done with fast fashion, but every time I try to leave… something pulls me back in. Back in February, I decided to get Lipo 360, and honestly, it was the best decision of my life. But let me keep it real, the thing nobody tells you about lipo is how much your clothes are going to fit differently, especially during the healing phase.

For six months plus, you’re walking around in a faja with foams and boards u nderneath. I’m already six months post-op and I still swell up. Your body changes so much during recovery, and it’s a process of learning how to dress yourself all over again. Naturally, I wanted to live in sweatpants and oversized tees, but reality hit, I had to get back to work and actually put on clothes. And let me tell you, it’s crazy how much not getting dressed impacts your mental. It’s true what they say: when you look good, you feel good.

Your girl was struggling, so I ran straight to Fashion Nova for some transitional pieces I could wear to work and errands. And of course, I had to film a video haul f or you to get a real feel of what I purchased. Some pieces didn’t work out (because sizing can be tricky,) but I also found some really good gems that made me feel cute and confident again.

Pro tip when shopping Fashion Nova:
Always read the descriptions before ordering! Especially with jeans, if it says NO STRETCH, size up two sizes. Trust me, it’ll save you the frustration.

And right now, Fashion Nova is even offering free one-day shipping , so it’s the perfect time to snag those transition pieces if you’re also in between sizes, healing, or just refreshing your wardrobe.

This haul gave me the reset I needed and reminded me that style doesn’t have to stop just because you’re in a healing season. If you saw anything you wanted, click the items below.

Waist No Time Black Blouse

Brown Yoga Pants

Charlotte Midi Dress Black

Stripped Shirt

blue Heidi Wide leg Trouser

Ophelia Button Down Brown Dress

Tasha Pants Green

Pink Heidi Wide leg Trouser

Victoria Plaid Dress Pants

Chocolate Mona Ruched Midi Dress

Navy Heidi Trousers

Feeling Preppy Pant

Lost Without You Bootcut Jeans

Relaxed Vibe Joggers

Relaxed Vibe Hoodie

Down Your Block Flare Jeans

Day Dream Cardigan

Class Me Up Sweater

Maple Belted Cropped Trench
Ollya Midi Shirt Dress

Self Care Reset: The Road To Loving Myself Again

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 01:09:28 GMT

Practical Ways I'm Falling Back In Love With Myself

Seasons aren’t only about weather. A few weeks ago, I shared how this summer turned out very differently than I expected, partially because of the season I’m in with life. I’ve been dealing with grief, growth, and discomfort. Outwardly, things have been amazing, but inwardly, it’s been chaotic. Not to sound cliché, but have you ever had everything you thought you wanted, and still felt like something was missing? That’s been me for the past couple of months, the passion I had with life has been absent.

Part of it could be that I haven’t been writing as much as I used to. Blogging fills me in so many ways, but it’s also because of other life factors. Someone asked me, “When was the last time you were truly happy?” and I was tongue-tied. On the surface, you’d think I’m happy, but when I really think about what happiness looks like for me, I get tripped up.

Please don’t worry, I’m not in a depressed spiral. I have happy moments, and I still have fun. But my day-to-day had become something I didn’t even know how to define. A couple of weeks ago, I attended the Women Evolve conference by Sarah Jakes Roberts, and felt a tug of “enough is enough.” Have you ever had to pick yourself up from a place you never thought you’d be in? That’s what this felt like. No one else can pull me out, I had to be the one to do it.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “No one is coming to save you.” It’s true. I realized I’ve allowed myself to be in this mental fog for too long. I’m on a mission to get back to myself. And if I can’t get back to who I was, I’m on a mission to become who I need to be. But rather than waiting, I’m learning to enjoy the journey.

I don’t know how my confidence slipped into the background and how everyday life took over. But instead of staying there, I’m choosing to pour back into myself. This journey isn’t always going to be pretty or perfect, but it’s one I’m prioritizing intentionally. Do I have everything I want? Is life perfect? Absolutely not. But I refuse to wait to live my life until I get there.

I made up my mind to give this season everything I have. I sat down and journaled about what I didn’t like about my current season of life and envisioned what my dream life would look like. Then I reflected on the things that truly bring me happiness, not just social outings with friends and family, but the things I do for myself, by myself.

One thing I used to do every week was go to the movies alone on Tuesday for $5 days. For some reason, maybe work or laziness, I stopped. Streaming movies online became my new habit. But going back to solo movie dates was nostalgic and brought me real joy. Even on a tight budget, I can always find $20 for a solo movie day.

Another ritual I had stopped was getting weekly flowers. When I was living back home, I'd watch my mom buy flowers for herself, filling the house with them. When I moved into my own space, I intended to continue the tradition, but I got out of the habit. Weeks would go by with dead flowers sitting around. I told myself I was saving money, but flowers truly bring me joy. Plus it’s not like I wouldn't spend the money other ways; whether that’s on random shopping spree, Starbucks outings, or just eating out every day. I decided to start again, finding deals at Publix to stretch my budget while still keeping fresh roses in my home.

I’ve also been re-prioritizing simple joys like taking baths in my apartment for the first time, walking my neighborhood, and reclaiming routines that once made me feel grounded. I jumped back into my fitness routine and even started different workout classes. For me, this season is about throwing things at the wall and seeing what things bring me happiness.

No matter what season you’re in, you have to maximize it. Life comes with highs and lows, and one thing I’m learning is to focus on what I can control. Another thing helping me in this season is trusting that everything works together for my good. God doesn’t waste any season, and I know there’s a reason I’m here right now. Rather than resist this season, I’m choosing to embrace it and do everything I can to be the best version of myself. You can’t control life’s circumstances, but you can control your happiness and joy.

What You Feed Grows: Lessons from Regaining Focus After a Summer Break and Running My First 5K

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:03:27 GMT

How One Small Decision Helped Me Realign, Refocus & Remember Who I’m Becoming

Summer is slowing coming to an end. Here in Atlanta, the kids are headed back to school this week. If you’re up north or in the midwest, kids still have one month left of summer. The weather has been extremely hot, but for the first time, when I went to walk my dog this morning, it was actually cool, because of the rain. Personally, summer ends for me in September, after Labor Day.

I’ve been MIA, and it wasn’t on purpose. I've been living my life, and not sharing or feeling the need to post. If you know or follow me, you would know how much I typically share. Life has been definitely all over the place. I’ve been blessed to experience some beautiful things this summer, on the other hand I had to grieve some heavy things too. Trying to balance the duality of life has been a struggle. Maybe we’ll dig into that in the future, but I’m still working thru it, plus today I have something else to talk about.

We’re over halfway through 2025, and that always makes me pause and take stock of my life. We’re just four days into August. New months, quarters, seasons, and years are natural reflection points for me. I like to step back, look at my goals, and track my progress. I’m constantly asking myself, “What do you want? And is what you’re doing moving you closer to that, or pulling you further away?” I think about the woman I ultimately want to be: What are her habits? What does her day-to-day look like? What’s important to her? Pausing to assess where you are, can help you determine if you need to adjust.

At the beginning of June, during one of these reflection moments, I started to think about the habits that version of me would have. One thing that came to mind was that she’s a runner. She runs because she’s active, and running is one of her hobbies. After visualizing her, I asked myself, If future you is a runner, when’s the last time you actually ran? Back during COVID, I used to run (okay, more like slow jog) around my parents neighborhood, but I hadn’t truly run, besides quick sprints during workouts, since 2020.

One day, I was talking to a friend about how I have too much time on my hands and need a hobby. She asked what hobbies I was considering, and I told her, Honestly, anything and everything. She laughed and asked, Well, where will you start? and I said, Maybe running. She laughed even harder when I said, Yeah, I’m actually going to do a 5K. I had never run a 5K before; I hadn’t even looked one up. After we hung up, I searched for local races and found one that was just three weeks away.

I called one of my closest friends and casually said, Let’s run a 5K. She wasn’t active at all but has an athletic background from her childhood, so she agreed. We looked up how to train for our first 5K on ChatGPT. We made a whole plan and started run/walking every day, separately but holding each other accountable. Every day we’d check in and encourage each other. I signed us up for the race, and before we knew it, three weeks had flown by.

On June 21st, we ran our first 5K, and finished with a record-breaking (for us!) time of 33 minutes and 22 seconds. We placed 5th and 6th in our age group and ranked 33rd and 34th out of 201 runners. Crossing that finish line was such an amazing feeling because, honestly, I was just talking when I said I’d do it; I didn’t really expect to follow through. We always talk about how powerful our words are, but today I want to look at it a little differently: What you feed grows, and what you starve dies. It’s true what they say: Change your focus, change your future. The three weeks leading up to the race showed me that you can truly do whatever you put your mind to, you just have to get out of your own way.

For half the year, I focused on how big my goals were and how different I felt from the woman I envisioned myself becoming. Instead, I should’ve been focusing on aligning my current self with her. Running is a habit, that I saw my future self doing, but I told myself that current me couldn’t do it. I was feeding my distractions instead of my focus. I was feeding my distractions by focusing on what I didn’t have. I was feeding them by telling myself all the things I couldn’t do. I was feeding them with lies and believing them.

Lies like I’m not a runner. I don’t run. 

Lies like I’m lazy and not disciplined. 

Lies like I’ll start tomorrow.

Lies like I don’t deserve to become the woman I want to be. 

Lies like I’ll be happy when I achieve XYZ.

The truth is, you can keep believing the lies your mind makes up or you can feed your focus and do the work. You’re not lazy, you’re just distracted. Remove the distractions and get to work. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” What you focus on will be drawn to you. You have to change your thoughts. The enemy will try to make you believe you’re not enough but that’s a lie. Shift your focus. You can either see the glass as half empty or half full. Until you shift your thoughts and focus, you’ll keep feeding your distractions and stay stuck.

We have so much more to catch up on. This summer has truly been a rollercoaster, but I wanted to start here. You have five months left in the year, that’s more than enough time. Give yourself some grace and stop dwelling on how much of the year is gone, you still have time.

(This was from my second race which was The largest 10k in the world on July 4th, look at me becoming a real runner)

Why God Won’t Bless Chaos: The Power of Clean Spaces and Obedience

Wed, 28 May 2025 23:42:33 GMT

Struggling With Clarity Or Feeling Stuck? Start With The Last Thing God Told You To Do

The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to keep a clean space. Whenever my house or even my car is messy, I notice laziness creeping into other areas of my life. It’s so true what they say: clutter ruins clarity. I’ve made it a habit to tidy up my common spaces every night. That means washing dishes, vacuuming the floor, putting things back where they belong, and handling any visible messes. Sundays are for deep cleaning; mopping, scrubbing toilets, and doing laundry. This routine came naturally to me, and honestly, it helps so much with my focus and productivity.

May has been nonstop for me. I had graduations, Mother’s Day, friends visiting, a wedding, and my mom’s birthday, all packed into one month. I haven’t spent a single weekend at home because I’ve been traveling every weekend for four weeks straight. And while I love traveling, it throws off all my routines.

One major part of my routine is Sunday Starbucks after church. I spend at least an hour there every week, brain-dumping and preparing for what’s ahead. But this month, because I’ve been on the move so much, I haven’t been able to do any of my usual Sunday resets. Now, here we are at the end of the month, and I can feel the impact. My house has been a mess. I’ve been starting my weeks unprepared and just going with the flow, and not in the good, “let the Spirit lead” kind of way. Every day, I told myself, Today’s the day we’re getting it together. And every day, I didn’t. I kept slipping deeper into the chaos. I even almost missed a work meeting because I forgot it was on my schedule. After work, I’d say, I need to clean up, but then I’d sit on the couch and do nothing. I started losing things around the house. I couldn’t even find my work laptop charger one day, so I had to sit in my car and charge it just to get things done.

Then one morning during prayer, I was asking God for increase; more opportunity, more income, more of Him. Right in the middle of my prayer, I felt a check in my spirit. Why should God bless me with more when I’m not even being a good steward of what I already have? Whew. That one hit. Later that day, I was venting to a friend, going on about how my house was a mess and how I’d been charging my laptop in the car for three days. I said, I just don’t have time! Right then, the Holy Spirit got me together real quick: You seem to have time to sit here and chitchat. Oop. I hung up and got to cleaning.

The truth is, I had tried to clean up a few times over the last three weeks, but the mess was overwhelming. I didn’t know where to start. So I chose the smallest task: unpacking my suitcases and bags. Four hours later, I had cleaned the whole house and was on my fourth load of laundry. While putting purses away, I found my laptop charger. And I just had to pause and thank God, not for the charger itself, but for what that moment showed me about His love and discipline. My friend and I always say, God don’t bless no mess. This whole situation was proof. God is a God of order, and He blesses obedience. He had been nudging me for weeks to clean up, and I kept ignoring it. He even let things get uncomfortable to wake me up, like misplacing my charger. But the moment I followed through and obeyed, the door opened.

So why am I sharing all this? Because maybe you’re in a similar place. Maybe life is passing you by, and you’re feeling stuck. Maybe you’ve been ignoring God’s instructions, especially the small ones. Maybe you’re in a season you can’t stand. What if I told you your obedience is the key to your next season? If your current season feels confusing or chaotic, go back to the last thing God told you to do. Had I not cleaned up, I wouldn’t have found my charger. Had I not cleaned up, I wouldn’t have had the clarity to show up at work this week prepared. Had I not cleaned up, I wouldn’t even be writing this blog.

Here’s another truth: some of the dysfunction you're experiencing might be because of your own disorganization. I’ve said it before in another blog, keeping your space clean and orderly is part of being a good steward. If you're faithful with what you currently have, God can trust you with more. But if you're careless or ungrateful with your current blessings, why would He increase you?

So this week, and for the rest of the year, keep this in mind:  God don’t bless no mess. Yes, it’s bad grammar, but it’s the truth.

Painting My Room: A Journey of Creativity, Confidence, and God’s Hand in the Details

Wed, 07 May 2025 23:11:12 GMT

The Remodel I Didn't Know I Needed

Most of you know I moved a couple of months ago. Now I’m in a bigger space with an extra bedroom and bathroom. I always used to say I wanted a two bedroom space, but honestly, I never knew exactly what I’d do with the second room. I just knew I wanted it ready for when family came to visit and I knew I wanted an office, but one that could also be my beauty space.

When I first moved in, I was overwhelmed by all the possibilities for that second room. I would sit on the floor and let my brain wander through all the options. I was also in shock, realizing I was living inside my answered prayer and dream. Of course, I started searching Pinterest and social media for inspiration. Don’t you hate when you have an idea in your hea d, but it’s hard to explain it out loud?

I tend to get in my head sometimes, and it usually takes someone else to pull me out. On a visit home, my sister asked how decorating was going. I told her it was okay, but I was struggling with what to do in the second room. As I shared my ideas, she started looking for inspiration and kept sending me things. I told her how much I’d loved the little office/glam corner I’d created at my parents’ house, it was a desk and huge vanity mirror tucked into my bedroom, and how I wanted to expand on that now. After that conversation, it was time to get moving.

One thing I knew for sure was that I wanted a pink wall. Pink is hands down my favorite color, but it’s more than that. My last three bedrooms have all been pink. My family and I joke about the “pink room” at my parents house. Since I was a kid, at least two of my bedroom walls have always been pink. Having a pink wall in my second room would bring a little nostalgia into my space, and that’s something I needed. I always told myself I’d incorporate pink into any home or apartment I live in.

So I ran to Home Depot, grabbed tons of paint swatches, and held them up against the wall when I got home. I even called my mom for help deciding. At first, I was planning to hire someone to paint, just like I had for other projects. But when I jokingly said I was going to do it myself, a friend asked, “Why not?” My first instinct was, Because I’m a girl, and I don’t want to mess it up. But as I thought deeper, I realized the real fear: I’m not a perfectionist, but I do like things done right. The idea of taking a brush to my own walls felt intimidating. I wasn’t sure if I had the skill or the patience. But I quickly learned that painting is messy, imperfect, and full of grace.

I watched tons of YouTube videos and even called a good friend, who's like a brother to me, to walk me through the process. The next day, I ran back to Home Depot, grabbed the paint, and bought all the supplies he recommended. I laid down the plastic, put up the tape, and got to work. And honestly? I didn’t realize how fun it would be. I’m not usually a DIY kind of girl; I’m the type who likes to pay someone else to handle it. But once I got started, the fear began to fade. With every brushstroke, I realized I didn’t have to be perfect to make progress. Every little section I covered reminded me that confidence doesn’t come from waiting to feel ready, it comes from moving forward even when you’re unsure.

As I painted, I felt God’s presence in the smallest moments. Even when I messed up, when a streak showed, when the tape didn’t hold perfectly, when I had to go over a spot again, I felt God gently reminding me, You don’t have to get it right the first time. He works through the process. It was such a sweet, unexpected lesson: perfection isn’t the goal; showing up and being willing is. The more I painted, the more I felt tuned in to His hand, the satisfaction of finishing a section, the surprising joy of watching the room transform, the reminder that even this small project was part of reflecting His creativity in my life.

The next day, as the paint dried, I added a desk I’d found at Ikea while my parents were visiting. I hired someone to install floating shelves and mount the TV. I couldn’t believe how nicely everything was coming together. I wanted the room to work as a guest room too, but I didn’t want a full bed taking up space. My mom has a pull out couch in her office, so I wanted something similar. But not just any pull out, I wanted a small couch that folded out to a full sized bed. It took me weeks to find the perfect one. I checked stores, but nothing matched the vision in my head. I turned to Pinterest and eventually found the right one on Bed Bath & Beyond. Once I had the measurements, I searched around and ordered it, then hired the same person to come back and assemble it.

Although the room isn’t 100% complete, I still want to add artwork and small touches, I’m in love with how it turned out. It feels so good to have a space where I can work, lounge, and even sleep when I want to change things up. I’m so glad my sister pushed me to create this special space. It’s my glam room where I get ready. It’s my office when I work from home. It’s my second bedroom when I need a change of scenery.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to make your home feel special. You spend so much time there, why not make it a place you love?

So here’s what I want you to take away: if I can do this, so can you. You don’t need to be an expert or have it all figured out to start creating a space that feels like you. God shows up when we step into new, uncomfortable, or creative spaces. He meets us right there teaching us, stretching us, and reminding us we’re never alone. Your home matters because you matter. Whether you’re in your dream house, your first apartment, or still living at your parents house, you can invest in your space and make it your own. Investing in your home isn’t just about pretty walls or cute decor; it’s about creating a sanctuary where you can rest, reflect, and recharge — a place that nurtures your spirit and reminds you daily of God’s love and faithfulness. So go ahead, take that step. You are worthy of a home that feels like peace.

How Visiting the Grand Canyon Showed Me God’s Love, Strength, and the Power of Perspective

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:14:49 GMT

A Faith-Filled Trip That Reminded Me of God’s Love and the Beauty of Growth Anywhere

My birthday was last week, and honestly, I’m still floating on a high from it. This year looked a little different for me; I chose to slow things down and have my very first self-care birthday. There were a few personal reasons behind that decision, and I’ll be sharing the full birthday recap and why I switched it up in next week’s blog. I actually have an entire post coming with all the details from my birthday week, including a long vlog. One of the highlights was a trip to Arizona, where we road-tripped out to the Grand Canyon. And today, I really want to share what standing in front of that view taught me about God, growth, and gratitude. It was one of those moments that reminded me how small we are, but how deeply loved and cared for we can still be.

When I first said I wanted to visit the Grand Canyon, I honestly had no idea what I was signing up for. All I knew was that I was flying to Arizona, and it was just a three-hour drive away. You know how people have these travel bucket lists? Yeah, I don’t. I’m pretty open to going wherever life takes me. Truthfully, I can count on one hand (without even using my thumb) the number of times I’ve thought about or even mentioned the Grand Canyon. I’m just now becoming the type of girl who kinda enjoys nature, as long as there aren’t too many bugs involved. But visiting the Grand Canyon felt like something new, different, and way out of my usual routine. I wanted to give you a little backstory before we jump into the good stuff.

First let me say, the drive into the Grand Canyon was beautiful. The mountains and cacti were truly a sight to see. You could even spot snow on top of the mountains. The landscape was unreal. If you didn’t know, the Grand Canyon does charge $35 to enter, and the stretch to get in is long. As soon as we parked and began walking up to the canyon, my mind was blown. It’s truly MASSIVE. Pictures don’t do it justice. I thought I’d see this big rock formation — but it’s so much more than that. It stretches beyond what your eyes can see. It’s honestly breathtaking in person.

The colors are vibrant and rich. The green on the trees looked unreal. We spent about an hour or so there and left because it was sunrise, and we didn’t want to be out there in the dark. Something I didn’t know is how dangerous the Grand Canyon can be. It’s essentially a massive cliff with no railings or barriers in many areas. You have to be careful. I even strapped Saint into his stroller so he wouldn’t get too close. There weren’t any park rangers or security around that we could see. God forbid something happened, who could help you? People were sitting on the edge, and others were hiking down into the canyon. That’s something I think I’d love to do soon, too.

My mom and I were amazed at all the beauty surrounding us. It was a reminder of God’s love, creativity, and power. The same God that created this massive canyon intricately created each and every one of us. As we walked the Rim Trail, we saw albino deer, birds, butterflies, elk, and other creatures. It was incredible to see so many different living things coe xisting in such a beautiful space.

One moment that really stood out was when my mom and I saw this tree growing out of a rock. Don’t get me wrong, the canyon itself has trees scattered throughout that are beautiful. But this one tree, uniquely twisted together, growing on the side of a rock, stopped us in our tracks. There was no other explanation for it but God. Some things in life don’t make sense by human standards, and this was one of those moments.

There’s a song I love by Jordan Welch where she sings, “How much more does He love you?” And as I stood there, looking out over the canyon, it hit me — if God cares so much for this earth, creating every detail to work together in perfect harmony, how much more does He love me? How much more does He love you?

Everything in the Grand Canyon serves a purpose, playing a part in making the entire ecosystem thrive. And just like that, everything in your life has been handpicked by God for your good. This trip was an experience I didn’t know I needed, but one I’m so grateful for. If you’ve never been, I sincerely encourage you to go. It puts life into perspective and reveals God’s love in a way words can barely explain. I’ll definitely be going back to hike later this year, and now, I fully understand why the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Why Strong Friendships Matter: How to Show Up, Support, and Build Lasting Connections

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 22:56:09 GMT

How Prioritizing Friendships and Embracing Support Can Deepen Your Connections

Happy Monday! Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my heart lately, the importance of showing up for the people in your life and nurturing meaningful friendships. As I continue to grow and evolve, I’ve realized just how valuable it is to surround yourself with a supportive community. Whether it’s through networking, catching up with old friends, or celebrating life’s big and small moments, building strong relationships is essential. Forget the idea of “no new friends,”some of my closest bonds were formed in adulthood, and I believe that investing in these connections can bring so much joy and fulfillment.

I have friends in many different states, and whenever I’m in their area, I prioritize seeing them. It could be grabbing food or coffee, running errands together, or simply stopping by their house for a visit. Whether it’s once a quarter or once a year, I make an effort to connect. I also make it a priority to celebrate their accomplishments, whether it’s a graduation, their child’s birthday, or their wedding. Even if I can’t attend physically, I make sure to send a gift or flowers to let them know I’m thinking of them. Celebrating the people I care about is a big part of how I value my relationships.

I was recently talking to someone who said she struggled with finding quality friendships and felt that females were difficult to deal with. I hate hearing this because that’s not true for everyone. Yes, not everyone has pure intentions or is a great friend, but when people tell me they don’t have strong friendships, I often challenge them to reflect on whether they’ve been a good friend themselves. Sometimes, the issue isn’t just with others, but also within ourselves. Friendships require effort, and if you’re not willing to invest in them, they can naturally fade. Just like romantic relationships, friendships evolve, and we have to recognize and adapt to what our friends need in each season.

Now, I’m not saying to let people use or abuse you. I’m simply asking if you’re putting into your friendships what you hope to get out of them. While relationships shouldn’t feel transactional, there is a natural give-and-take that happens. No friend will give in the exact same way that you do, but that doesn’t mean the friendship isn’t balanced. I used to label myself as the “strong friend,” always showing up for others and never asking for help. But that became exhausting. Once I started being more vulnerable and honest with my friends, our relationships deepened beyond the surface level.

It’s important to remember that no matter how strong, successful, or independent you are, you need community. God didn’t put us here to be alone. While some relationships will be closer than others, all should bring some value to your life. I had a procedure a couple weeks ago and was grateful to see my friends and family show up in ways that I hadn’t even asked for; bringing flowers, physically helping me, sitting with me, and offering support. This reminded me of the importance of allowing people to help. I used to always say, “I got it,” refusing help even when I needed it. That only led to frustration. Learning to accept support is crucial, and it requires letting go of pride.

Three key takeaways from today’s post:

1. Show up for the people around you. Celebrate your loved ones’ wins as if they’re your own. Be present during the highs and lows of life. Show up for your friends, not only when things are good but also when they’re struggling.

2. Stop believing the lie that you are the “strong friend.” The strong friend also needs support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Pride can prevent you from getting the emotional or practical support you need. Lean on your friends when times get tough.

3. Evaluate the relationships in your life. If you feel like you’re always giving without getting anything in return, ask yourself why you’re allowing that dynamic to continue. Sometimes, the people we keep showing up for are no longer adding value to our lives. Not every friend is meant to be in your life forever—some friendships are just for a season, and that’s okay.

In conclusion, friendships, like any other relationship, require effort, honesty, and balance. It’s important to show up for the people you care about, not just in moments of celebration, but in times of need as well. Equally, it’s okay to acknowledge that even the “strong friend” needs support. Take time to evaluate your relationships and ensure they’re built on mutual respect, care, and reciprocity. Life is better when we invest in our communities, nurture our connections, and allow others to pour into us as much as we pour into them.

The Power of Preparation: Lessons from My Grandmother, Nehemiah, and Life’s Missed Opportunities

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:57:07 GMT

Stay Ready So You Don’t Have To Get Ready

Almost every morning, my dad sends my brother and I, a good morning message with a hint of inspiration. Sometimes they’re long, other times they’re as short as, “Morning; Be Great.” We are all super busy, but we make it a priority to at least like the message. Last week, my dad called me and told me, it’s on me to send the good morning message. At first, I was nervous and didn’t know what to say. I prayed and asked God to help me articulate myself in such a way that it would resonate with them. I sat with it for a little bit, and these words came, “Good morning family; Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Remember opportunity dances with those on the floor. No such thing as luck, just preparation meeting opportunity; but if you aren’t ready, you’ll miss the opportunity. Happy Monday!” I was amazed at how good it sounded and couldn’t stop thinking where the idea came from. A few hours later, it hit me; this lesson was after watching my grandmother.

My grandmother was in town for about a week and stayed at my house. Every morning, when she woke up, after she would pray and journal, she automatically would get up and get dressed. Mind you, she had nowhere to go. She was babysitting Saint, while I went to work. I was amazed how she would naturally just get ready. She has the same routine even while she’s at home. She’s now retired, but every morning gets up and gets dressed. Even if her only plans for the day is to sit around and watch TV, she makes it a priority to still get ready. Every day that I watched her do this, it made me think about all the times that I’ve gotten left as a kid. I know this may sound crazy, but let me explain. I was the child who always wanted to go with my mom. Whether she was going to the grocery store, the mall, or just on a drive; I always wanted to go. There have been many times that my mom has actually left me, because I wasn’t ready when it was time to leave. The reason why my week with my grandmother brought me back to my childhood, is because it showed how my lack of preparation as a kid, led me to miss out. Everyday she would get up, get dressed and put her clothes on. She would even go as far as curling her hair and putting on lipstick. A few of days while she was here, I would call ask if she wanted to go somewhere, and if needed to get ready; but she would already be ready. Because she was ready, she never got left.

This is so much deeper than getting up and getting yourself physically ready. There have been so many times in my life that I’ve missed out on opportunities simply because I wasn’t ready. Whether it was a promotion, an outing, even a collaboration with the blog; my lack of preparation, has held me back before. A Couple weeks ago, I told you guys to ask for what you want. That’s important, but before you ask for what you want, you have to be ready. I’m in this Bible study group and we’ve been reading Nehemiah. Think about the Bible for a second. Nehemiah asked the king specifically for what he wanted, but it’s only because he was ready. He had already spent his time with God and asked him specifically what his request should be. I want to take it a step further today, it’s not about just asking for what you want, it is also about being prepared. If Nehemiah had not already prayed and asked God what he should ask for, he would not have been ready when the king asked him for what he wanted.

If you haven’t read the book of Nehemiah, I definitely challenged you to spend some time reading it. To sum it up in short terms; Nehemiah, learned from his brothers that the wall of Jerusalem had been torn down. He was really sad to learn this, and prayed to God for help. He also prayed for favor that when he went to the king, that he would grant his request. In chapter 2, he goes to the King the next spring, and the king saw he was sad. The king asked him what was his request, and he ultimately told the king that he wanted to go to Judea to rebuild the wall. He even asked specifically what he would need. The king granted his request. The first thing he did, before he built the wall, was went and inspected the space. He was prepared because not only did he pray, he also inspected what needed to be done before he began, but he also had clarity on how to move forward. So many times we don’t do the work necessary because we don’t do the pre-text of work that we have to do. It’s hard to be prepared if you don’t pray and connect with God and assess the work that it’s going to take.

The thing that gets me with Nehemiah, is that he was prepared. He was prepared by seeking God first, before he went to the king. He could have just asked the king directly, but he wanted to make sure that he was prepared for when the opportunity presented itself. So many times we walk into rooms and spaces, unprepared and just hope that things will go our way. How better would life be if you would prepare? I don’t know about you, but I know I can always tell days that I’m prepared and days that I’m not. Even as simple as preparing for the day ahead, I have a better day when I actually prepare for it the night before or even the morning of. When I walk into a day blindly, yes, I have a good day, but it could be so much better if I’d been prepared. The thing with preparation that people don’t like, is the preparation work. Everybody talks about the work that needs to get done, but they ignore the preparation. The preparation is the action before the work. The preparation is the “boring “work.

I hope you really understand why preparation is so important. Personally, I like to spend my Sundays preparing for the week ahead. I even use the night before each day to prepare for the next day. I pick out my clothes, and write a to do list, that way, I know exactly when I wake up what I’m doing the next day. Sometimes it takes five minutes, other days it may take hours. Some nights I fall asleep and don’t do it, but there is a huge difference on days when I’m prepared and when I’m just winging it. I’m not saying you have to have everything perfectly organized and set together, no. I’m simply saying take some time to prepare for the things you want. Things won’t always go as planned, be able to be flexible. On top of that; your lack of help in life may be a direct reflect of you lacking a clear plan. The men were willing to help me Nehemiah, he was prepared. People are willing to help you when you have a specific plan. It helps you and them.

Take some time and think about ways you can get better prepared for the things that you say you want. What areas of your life lacking preparation? Could you not being ready, be the thing holding you back from the next level you’re trying to get to? If I gave you everything you wanted right now, would you be prepared to handle it? If a genie gave you three wishes, would you be prepared for with what you would ask for? Opportunity dances with those on the floor. Get off the bench and get in the game.

No More Playing Small: Ask Boldly & Take the Limits Off in 2025

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 01:49:18 GMT

Dream Bigger, Believe Bolder: Step Into Everything God Has for You in 2025

We’re already a month into the new year. Believe it or not, people have already given up on their resolutions and goals. A new year brings fresh energy in the beginning, but it’s important not to lose that momentum as we get deeper into the year. I typically don’t set New Year’s resolutions, but I am someone who plans and sets intentions for the year ahead. I understand why people fall off their goals so quickly. I used to set goals, get mad when I wouldn’t maintain them, and then fall off completely.

So many of us try to make drastic changes rather than realizing that true change is in the small daily habits. For example, if you want to eat healthier, it can be very hard to go cold turkey from everything that you’re used to. If you want to get into the gym, it can be challenging to go from never working out to working out seven days a week. It’s important to set large goals that scare you, but it’s equally important to set smaller goals with action steps to get you to that bigger goal. If you haven’t set any goals or intentions for 2025, it isn’t too late. If you have already set them, I want you to go grab them while we dig deeper.

I like to make sure all of my goals have a "why" attached. The "why" doesn’t need to be deep, but it has to be clear. Whenever my goals don’t have a "why" attached, I fall off almost instantly. I like to reverse engineer my goals; that simply means breaking the big goal into smaller, actionable items. If the goal is to move my body every day, I don’t hold myself to the standard of just going to the gym. I can move my body by going for a walk, doing an at-home workout, or taking a fitness class. Aside from fitness, I set goals for every area of my life. That means I have goals for finances, faith, personal growth, career, and more. Whatever the long-term goal is, breaking it into smaller, short-term goals allows you to track progress along the way.

Here’s what I want you to do: grab a sheet of paper (you can use your phone notes, but I like having physical paper that I can reference later.) At the top of the sheet, write "2025." I want you to list 25 things that you want to happen this year. They can be as big or small as you like. Allow your mind to wander to all the possibilities that could happen. I know this may feel uncomfortable at first, but I promise it’s going to be worth it. This exercise took me almost an hour because I kept trying to make each thing on the list realistic.

Naturally, as humans, we want to feel safe and we don’t want to let ourselves down. When we set goals, our brain often defaults to something "safe." Unconsciously, we sometimes set goals that seem obtainable and within our scope. Instead of shooting for something that could seem "crazy," we aim for something realistic. I want to challenge you to go deeper. Allow your brain to think of the wildest things you can imagine. When we were kids, we dreamed big. As we become adults, those dreams get smaller and smaller, based on what we deem realistic. This is the year we take the limits off. Stop limiting yourself to what you believe to be true. We serve an almighty, all-powerful God who parted the Red Sea—there’s nothing too big that He can’t do in your life.

Once you set this list of 25 things you want to see happen in your life, set some goals that help you reach them. Break the goals into quarterly and weekly steps. If you want to go the extra mile, you can add daily habits that help you reach the bigger goal. Beyond this list of things you wrote down for 2025, I want you to take this thought process with you every day. Take the limits off. Stop limiting yourself to what you can do, based on what you can currently see. There are things you never thought were imaginable if you lean into God and trust Him. Our brains can’t even compute all the things that God wants to do in our lives, and we limit Him to what we can only see.

I hope this exercise helped you dream bigger. Aim for the stars. They always say if your dream doesn’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough. Your dreams should scare you a little bit. Having a dream of losing weight is cool, but having a dream of living a healthy lifestyle and making healthy decisions is life-changing. Having a dream of writing a book is cool, but having a dream of being a New York Times bestseller is bold. When you shoot low, you get lower; when you shoot high, you get higher. Stop limiting yourself to what is possible for your life this year and beyond.

It’s not just about shifting your mindset; you must also take the limits off your actions. Can you truly say you have faith if you’re restricting what you believe is possible? Faith requires movement—action that aligns with your belief. Taking the limits off means stepping into the unknown, doing what you’ve never done before, and daring to pursue what once seemed out of reach. The action starts with your thinking, which leads to doing, and ends with having.

I was listening to a podcast from Mattie James, and she said, “Society will tell you to have all these things to be the person you want to be, but that’s not true. Be who God told you to be, so you can do what you’re supposed to do and have all God has for you. Be, do, have; that is the order.” Once you change your thoughts and become who God called you to be, you move differently. It’ll cause your actions to be different, and ultimately you'll have all the things you're looking for in life, (if it aligns with Gods will.)

If I’m believing for increase, why am I making future decisions with the capacity that I have now? I’m not saying don’t make plans; I’m simply saying make plans with what you believe is coming. That’s the thing about faith—to act as if it is. For example, if I'm believing that God will give me the miracle of having a child, I wouldn’t buy a house that only has one bedroom. Do your actions match your faith? Do your current habits align with what you’re believing for? If God gave you exactly what you wanted right now, would you be the person ready for it?

Take the limits off and ask God for what you want this year. You have to have some audacity about yourself and your goals. I know society says to move in silence but you should be sharing your goals with trusted people around you because you never know how they can help. Your friend might have the contacts or other resources to help you reach a goal, but if you don’t share it, how could they help?

I challenge you to take the limits off this year and ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT! Don’t let fear, feeling “unworthy,” lacking self-confidence/belief, or being comfortable stop you from asking for what you want. Ask God for those big blessings. Ask your friends for help. Ask for that promotion at your job. No more playing it small. This year, it’s time to go after all that you want!

First, you have to stop being scared and limited, and find out what you truly want. Not what society tells you you should want, but what are the desires of your heart? The only way to find this out is to unplug and spend some time with yourself! Next, you have to come up with a plan that requires you to take action. Lastly, you have to speak up. As a little girl, my mom would always tell me, "Open your mouth and say what's in your head. I want to help you, but I'm not a mind reader.'' So I challenge you to do the same, open your mouth. You never know where your help will come from.

One Year Back In Atlanta: 24 Lessons I learned in 2024- Part 3

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:01:00 GMT

Each Obstacle Taught A New Lesson

Happy New Year! 2025 feels so refreshing, I don’t know how to describe it. Typically, I try to get all the things done before the new year, but this year I did things a little differently. Of course, I deep cleaned my house and organized the pockets of clutter on New Year’s Eve. I had some other projects that I knew were going to take longer than 24 hours to complete. I created a list of things that need to get done within this first week of the new year and that list includes things like organizing my closets, reflecting on the previous year, organizing my drawers, and some other things. Rather than rushing to get everything done, I wanted to give myself more time to get things done correctly. I could have rushed, and did things mediocre, but I chose to take more time to get things done correctly. I am happy to report, everything on my list were done before the first week in the new year. Doing it this way, gave me more time to reflect on the year. During my reflection time, I realized the best way to end my moving mini-series, is to list 24 lesson my first year in Atlanta taught me. 2024 was a long year that was filled with a mix of emotions, why not compile a list of 24 lessons 2024 taught me

Before I get into that, I have to say, I’m so overwhelmed with all of the positive feedback I received with this series. I know it took longer than expected to come out. Life got in the way, and I wanted to be present during the holidays. I know I may make this move sound like it was all bad, but this move was the best thing that could’ve happened. It was honestly what I needed to become, who I needed to become. If I’m being honest, I still have some growing and evolving to do, but who I am today is a direct testament to what I I’ve gone through. My first year back in Atlanta was one for the books. It catapulted my personal development. I’ve learned so many lessons that will stick with me. I’m excited for all year two has in store. Let’s jump into the lessons, these aren’t in any particular order.

1. It’s good to make plans, but make sure you run those plans past God. He is the creator, He knows your beginning and end. Why would you not connect with Him for guidance on where your life should go. If He put certain things on your heart, it’s for a reason. God made each and every one of us unique, and sometimes we can look at other people and think we need to do what they’re doing, rather than sticking to our own plan. You have no idea what the next persons story is, focus on yourself and the plan that you created with God.

2. You have to learn to let go. I stayed in a relationship longer than I should have, because of fear of letting go. I allowed my feelings for the person, to hold me in something, even when things weren’t aligned. Letting go isn’t always of a person, it’s also letting go of control, your habits, or anything holding you back. I’m learning to let go and let the chips fall however. No matter how hard you try, some things are out of your control. Everything is temporary, that’s good and bad; so learn to enjoy the things as they come and release when it’s time.Everything is not for a lifetime, some things are just for seasons. Looking back at old seasons will stop you from growing. Think about it, you can’t wear a winter fur coat in the summer. Don’t waste your seasons wanting the past season or waiting for the next season.

3. Change is inevitable. It’s the only constant thing in life. You have to be able to adapt with the changes that come, or else you will be stuck in what was. You have to embrace change. Running from it, only keeps you stuck and puts you behind. Successful people understand that change is inevitable and they learn to pivot. Fighting change won’t stop the change from happening.

4. The tongue is more powerful than you think. Be careful what you say, because it might just come true. I remember when I first moved, I kept saying, this is going to stretch me beyond my capacity. I had no idea that meant like this. I was praying for months, saying God stretch and grow me, but I didn’t know what that would look like. I was definitely stretched this year, thanks to my tongue. Another thing that I spoke into existence, was my current apartment. A couple months after moving into my first unit, I saw someones two bedroom corner unit and fell in love. I remember talking to a friend saying, my next apartment is going to be a corner unit. I had no idea how it was going to happen, I just said it. Now I’m in a two bedroom corner unit. Be careful what you speak. When you say that you’re broke, it triggers something in your mind. Even when you say that you’re tired, it triggers something in your mind. Be mindful of the things that you say.

5. Focus on what you have. I know people hate the saying, “Things could be worse,” but it’s true. No matter how hard your life may seem, somebody else has it worse, there’s always something to be grateful for. I’ve learned to focus on gratitude, because it’s always something to be thankful for. When you focus on all you don’t have, it makes you ungrateful. The Bible says to learn to be content in every season. God won’t bless you with more, if you’re not being a good steward of what you already have.

6. Good company is crucial. I’ve always been mindful of the friends that I keep, but it’s important to be mindful of the people you have around you friends or not. I have friends who don’t always know what’s going on, but who pray and speak life into me consistently. When things get tough, it’s natural to isolate, but that’s when the devil plays with your mind. Having good company, pulls you out and uplifts you. I have people around me who tell me the good, bad and ugly, no matter the situation. You need honest people around you to grow, yes men will keep you stagnant.

7. You can really ruin your day by worrying about tomorrow. I know how cliche it sounds, but the present is really a present. I don’t know if you’re like me, and always looking for the next thing. Learn to enjoy the present. Each day, every second is a blessings. Always looking for the next thing robs you of the joys in the present. Every season, no matter what you’re going thru, is a gift. Learn to enjoy the journey instead of the destination.

8. Be ok trying new things and not always being good. I’ve learned to try new things and it’s been so freeing. I don’t know why, we as people, started not liking being beginners. I know it can feel uncomfortable and frustrating when trying new things. We don’t like making mistakes, feeling awkward, and experiencing a lack of proficiency, because it’s vulnerable. I challenge you to try something new; take a new class, try a new skill, etc. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is uncomfortable at first, but if you keep at it, it gives you a sense of empowerment.

9. Learn to listen more than you speak. Whether it’s professionally or personally, you have to listen to hear rather than respond. When you’re listening to think of a response, you aren’t listening to truly understand. I can’t tell you how many times being quick to speak has hindered me. The Bible even tells us to, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” I have to be mindful to hold my tongue and open my ears more.

10. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket, when it comes to finances. It’s important to have multiple streams of income. I’m not saying to have multiple jobs, but you can have different streams for finances. Whether that be a side hustle, a business idea, a hobby, or passive income; You can make money in multiple ways. If you think you can’t, think about the skill your job is paying you for. Could you be doing something like that on the side. You were blessed with different skills, take some time to explore them.

11. Being emotionally intelligent is not an option, it’s necessary. Actively managing your feelings and reactions to situations, rather than letting your emotions dictate your behavior or actions impulsively, is crucial. Whether it’s in relation to other people or even yourself, you have to get a handle on your emotions. You can’t allow your emotions to run your life, because they change too much. Please hear me, I’m not saying not to feel your emotions, I’m simply saying they should be the passenger and not driver of your life.

12. Expect good things to happen. I have a bad habit of preparing for the worse. I’ve learned to have better expectations. I read that, “People sometimes "hope for the worst" as a way to mentally prepare for potential negative outcomes, essentially acting as a defense mechanism against disappointment by lowering expectations; however, this can be considered bad because it often leads to unnecessary anxiety, hinders positive thinking, and can prevent people from fully enjoying good experiences when they do occurs.” I don’t know where I learned this, but I’ve been actively trying to stop living this way. I serve a good God, why am I living my life expecting the worse to “protect” my feelings? It shows that I lack faith in whatever I’m hoping for the worse in. Instead of expecting the worse, I put my faith in the one I know is good and who will work all things together for my good and His glory.

13. Family is everything. Over the course of these last couple of years I’ve started putting family at the forefront of my life and things have gotten so much better. You have to prioritize family. Life will always life, but make time for the people you care about. Pick up the phone for your family, you’re not too busy for a phone call.

14. You have the power to change you. Stop trying to change everyone and everything around you, and focus on changing you. Lean into the things that you actually can change, and stop focusing on all that you can’t.

15. People will only treat you how you allow them to. If you don’t like how someone is treating you, tell them. If nothing changes, remove yourself from the equation. You’re really not a victim if you’re allowing them to treat you that way.

16. Forgiveness is freeing. True forgiveness is when you no longer harbor any ill feelings towards the person. It makes you feel much better. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve said that I forgive someone, when I haven’t. Moving on is not always forgiving.

17. We all have our vices. Just because you aren’t doing drugs, doesn't mean you don’t have any addictions. You can be addicted to anything. If God asks you for something and you are unable to give it to him, it’s probably because you’re addicted.

18. Life is filled with decisions. Each decision you make gets you closer to your goal or further. You have to be intentional with each decision that you make.

19. Love is a choice and it’s shown through your actions. When you love others, you show up for them despite if you feel like it or not.

20. If you can’t handle $100, you won’t be able to manage $1000. The point is, get your money management in order. If you aren’t a good steward of what you currently have, why would God bless you with more?

21. Vulnerability isn’t always easy, but it’s the only way to have authentic relationships. The easiest way to be vulnerable with others, is by being open and honest with yourself.

22. Take pride in where you live. Rather that means cleaning up, decorating, organizing, etc. When your house is out of order, the rest of your life is too. Living in clutter is a direct reflection of your mind. Invest in where you live, because you spend most of your time there.

23. Be careful not to keep yourself “busy” in order to hide from yourself. Sometimes we keep ourselves busy with the wrong things in order to avoid our feelings, work that we need to actually be doing, self awareness or even conversations we need to have. When you find yourself overly busy, make sure it’s with things that actually matter.

24. Slow down! As someone who is running late, a lot, I learned to slow down. Rushing to get ready or rushing to the next thing makes you anxious. It may mean you have to get up earlier to give yourself more time, but it’s worth it. Rushing in 2024, caused me to hit my car while I was exiting my parking garage, run over a pothole and instantly catch a flat tire and so much more. Commit to slowing down. That doesn’t mean there won’t ever be times you need to rush, but plan ahead and give yourself more time, it’ll help you mentally. I used to always lie to myself that I do better under pressure, but that’s a trick your brain tells you.

I can’t explain how much I’ve grown in just 12 months. I’m a true believer that everyone needs to spend at least a year living alone; You get to find yourself as a person. The woman I am now, isn’t the woman I was when I was living in Michigan, in my pink room. Living on your own exposes you to all the possibilities that could be. I’ve even met some amazing people who have inspired me to reach for the stars. It’s true that if you don’t see something, it’s hard to believe that it’s possible. Before I moved, I thought everything would be perfect and that wasn’t the case. Even though I had a lot of “bad” experiences last year, I don’t consider them failures, because it was a way for God to teach me something new. Each obstacle I had to overcome this year, made me who I am today. I know the second year is going to have its own challenges, but I’m excited to face them head on. I expect my second year to bring good things. I’m so excited to continue on this journey, with you of course!

2025 is a year of endless possibilities. I’m open to all God has for me. I pray 2025 is filled with clarity, action and increase!

One Year Back in Atlanta: My Big Move, Fresh Start, and First Taste of Freedom- Part 2

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 20:26:57 GMT

The Highs, Lows, Wins and Losses

It felt so good sharing my moving story with you the other day. Whenever I think about how my move happened, I’m reminded of God‘s faithfulness and kindness. Remember you're currently living one of the prayers you used to pray. I know how easy it is to get caught up in the the day to day; sometimes the blessing may seem like a burden, but always remember, how badly you once wanted what you have. Don’t get me wrong, some months I don’t feel like paying rent, but I’m so grateful that I’m able to. Whenever my mind gets to a place of complaining or forgetting the blessing, God pulls me back. Last September, I remember saying, my move is going to stretch me. I had no idea what that stretching would look like. I knew the move would be new and hard, but I might’ve made it harder by how I spoke about it.

Today, I want to share some hurdles I had to overcome after making this move. In part one, I shared how I was waiting to move for so long, because I wanted things to be perfect. I heard peoples struggle stories about moving, and wanted to avoid that. God had other plans. I feel like there were so many hardships that came with my first year living here. Honestly, if I knew all that was coming with it, I probably wouldn’t have moved. I can honestly say with each obstacle, I’ve gotten stronger and my faith has increased. If I didn’t know God before my move, I absolutely know Him now. It’s something about going thru hardships that bring a deeper connection and understanding of who God is. Let’s recap all that I’ve encountered in these twelve months.

Six months after moving to Atlanta, I lost my big girl job. Now let me be honest; I wasn’t doing my best. Remember when I shared that I had just won an award before I transferred? I guess I was still riding the high of that, I didn’t feel like I had to really work. I wish I could have received a formal warning, but that wasn’t the case. When I first lost my job, I didn’t share it with anyone. When it first happened, as I was driving home, I called my mom twice, but she didn’t answer. I remember, vividly, God telling me to hush. Looking back, I think the reason He wanted me to keep it to myself, was because that was a period of just Him and I. He wanted me depending 100% on Him. I’m blessed to have a mommy and grandma who are fixers, they would’ve paid my rent and other bills, even if they couldn’t. God wanted me to know that He was the one providing. I was blessed to have a bartending gig, and some other side hustles that carried me through. For three months, I went without a solid income. I didn’t miss a meal, my bills were paid, and I was able to go out with my friends. During those three months, I can honestly say I didn’t miss a beat. If I’m being honest, I hadn’t saved much of anything, so I know it was only God making ways.

Two months after loosing my job, I ended my four year relationship. Even though it was my decision to part ways, it still was very painful. I felt like it was time; we were on two different chapters. He was a good person, just not for me, at this time. This was my first time breaking up with someone. I’m a recovering people pleaser, so this was extremely hard. I struggle with trying to please other peoples wants over my own. I cared too much about how I would look, by ending things. I’ve been in therapy for two years and we’ve been actively working on my prideful people pleasing. Breaking up with him was hard, because it was a comfortable relationship. I didn’t know what was on the other side of that break up. Also, it took me a while to understand that just because someone is a great person, that doesn’t make them my person. It was hard for me to admit that I wanted more in a relationship, without caring how others viewed me. Maybe I’ll share more about that in the future, but not at this time.

After seven weeks, I finally told my family about losing my job. They were so comforting. I ended up interviewing with a couple companies, and was offered two good positions in July. Both offers were more money than I had ever made in my life. After consulting with my parents, praying, and thinking about the best fit for me, I made my decision and started my job in August. Two weeks after starting my new job, I was fired from my bartending gig, over something so absurd. They accused me of stealing $17. At first, I was so upset, I called my mom crying. She reminded me, that I had mentioned wanting to quit or minimize my days. I wanted to quit on my own time, God let them fire me as my way out. The crazy thing is that my new job salary is more than I was making previously from my "big girl job,'' and bartending combined. Essentially, I wasn't missing out on any money, but getting fired from my bartending job, was another blow to my ego Along with the loss of two jobs, and my relationship; I also lost two of my side hustle clients for different reasons. That was about $2,750, of my income lost, in the course of a month.

Financials aside, I lost all of my wrist jewelry, in the course of eight months of me being in Atlanta. I had a two-tone diamond watch, Louis Vuitton bracelet, and a David Yurman bracelet, that all came up missing. Now the two bracelets, I lost in the airport once my bag flipped over. The watch just came up missing in my house. I know this may sound irrelevant, but after everything I faced this year, the jewelry was the cherry on top. Not to mention, I lost my diamond earrings when I went skydiving for the first time this year. It was an incredibly experience, and I would definitely do it again. As I was jumping out of the plane, I felt one of my earrings come out. On top of all of this, I encountered a narcissist for the first time and almost lost my mind. The saddest part is, I traveled the least in these last twelve months. If you know me, you know I love to travel. Once upon a time, I was traveling every weekend. I knew that would change with me moving on my own, but I still thought I would be gone, at least once a month, but that was not the case.

There were so many things that kept happening. I don’t want to make it seem like this year was all losses, I had a lot of wins too. Like I said earlier, I accepted a job that pays more than I’ve ever made, with bonus potential to earn more. I started a mini side hustle working with clients doing admin and marketing work. I got a new puppy, Saint, who brings so much joy to my life, even though he works my last nerve . My relationship with God has grown; especially after I completed my first 40 day Daniel fast. As far as the blog, this past year was the best year for our annual fast; per feedback from you guys. My relationships with my friends have evolved and I’ve learned to show up better. I worked on my people pleasing, I’m not 100% better, but I’ve started saying no and it’s been freeing. I faced my fears and went skydiving. I said earlier, I haven’t traveled as much, but I did take one international trip to Panama with my mom this year. Back in February, I was in New York for a baby shower, and went to the Sherri Shepherd show, by myself. I ended up sitting front row and being on TV. I had a really good conversation with her producer, and it was really inspiring. I’ve been to more basketball games in these last twelve months than my entire life. I went to some great networking events and meet some amazing women, I used to look up to. Being in these rooms has been so motivating, you know your network is your net worth. I used to only go to church on Sunday, but I’ve gotten more involved with my church. I started trying random things and being ok not being great at it; including scorekeeping karate matches, kick boxing, dance classes, new content, and more. My relationship with my grandfather has been restored and we've grown so close. That’s not even half of the great things I’ve been able to do in these twelve months.

Overall, there’s been more good than bad my first year year living back in Atlanta. I can’t explain how much I’ve grown in just twelve months. I know I keep saying this was my hardest year, but I learned so much. Every loss I faced, came with a lesson. Each obstacle I had to overcome this year, made me into the woman I am today. My friend called me after reading part one and said, “I didn’t know you were having your hardest year friend, I know you lost your job, but I couldn’t tell it was hard for you.” That’s a testament of how God was carrying me thru that time. When I hear the song, “Firm Foundation” by Maverick City, it’s a testament to my relationship with God. There’s a line that says, “I've still got joy in chaos, I’ve got peace that makes no sense. So I won't be going under, I’m not held by my own strength.” This one line describes how my first year living alone was. I clung to my foundation, and with every storm, I drew closer to God.

I don’t harp on the losses much, I just wanted to share the rollercoaster I’ve been on, to help you. People look at my life and think it’s perfect, but it’s not. I hope my story encourages you to have a foundation that's unshakeable, no matter what storm you face. I lost a lot this year, but between my foundation in Christ, and my support system with family/close friends, I didn’t lose my mind. Tomorrow, I’ll share twelve lessons I learned by living back in Atlanta.

If you didn't read part one, click here to catch up on how my move came together.

One Year Back in Atlanta: My Big Move, Fresh Start, and First Taste of Freedom- Part 1

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 22:45:11 GMT

Part 1: How It All Fell Into Place

Wow, I can’t believe I’ve been back living in Atlanta for a full year. I feel like so much has happened over these last twelve months. 2024 has been the hardest year of my life; mentally, financially, emotionally, and even spiritually. Even though my first year back in Atlanta was a struggle, it’s had some amazing moments. We’ll do a full 2024 recap later, because it’s still a month and a half left. I moved last November, crazy how quickly time flew by. I’ve grown so much within this year and my relationship with God has gotten deeper. I wouldn’t change anything about how this first year went. Before I get into all that came with this year living in Atlanta, let’s go back to the beginning. At first, I was going to share some lessons I’ve learned in the year, but I realized I never shared how the actual move came into play. So I’m starting a mini series titled, “One Year Later: Reflecting on My Move Back to Atlanta! Part 1 is all about how it all came together what sparked the decision, the hustle, and the leap of faith it took to make this dream a reality. Over the next three days, we’ll break down our move and all the lessons I learned along the way. Today, let’s go back to the very beginning from when the idea transitioned into reality.

Last July, I came to Atlanta for a hair appointment; it’d been a few months since my stylist had relocated from Detroit. As I was leaving my appointment, I saw a cute apartment building and wanted to get closer. I guess you can say I was trespassing, because I ended up in the private parking garage. This complex had a sitting area on the roof with a sign that read, “You’re exactly where you need to be.” During this time, I was still living with my parents in Detroit, but I had started to think about where I wanted to move. I was considering Atlanta, Miami or Houston. Honestly, I was open to moving anywhere warm, because I didn’t want to do another winter. At this time, I had no money saved and whenever anyone would ask, I would tell them that I’m only moving when God tells me to, and I’m making $10,000 a month. I also said I wasn’t moving until I could live in my high-rise that I always wanted. The rationale behind all that, was that I wanted to move and not struggle. I wanted to move when I had all my ducks in a row. Fast forward, to this wall saying I’m exactly where I need to be; I sat on the rooftop for maybe 20 minutes, just talking to God and in complete silence. I remember telling God, “Wherever you want me to go I will go and whenever you tell me to move I will move.” I ended up looking up the apartment I was standing in and it was a mid-rise apartment in Sandy Springs, GA.

When I returned back to Detroit, I remember talking to my best friend and telling her that I’m moving soon. Clearly, she was tired of hearing that because I had been saying that for four years. She responded by saying something along the lines of stop talking about it and do it. I had therapy that weekend, and shared with my therapist how I felt like I wanted to move soon, but I wanted to have everything to be together. She asked me what I was waiting on, and I told her I was waiting for God to tell me exactly where to go. She responded by saying, “Have you done anything for him to speak to you about the move?” She could tell I was confused, and added, “Are you waiting on God, or is he waiting on you. Maybe you should try taking steps in any direction and allow him to open doors. He may be waiting for you to have some faith to do your part.” This lit a lightbulb in my brain, because I had never thought about that. I hadn’t looked at apartments, applied for jobs, or done any of the necessary steps in order to move. I simply had a few places in mind that I was considering, and that’s it. I spoke to my dad about possibly transferring jobs, and he showed me how to look up different places. I saw it was an opening for a position in Atlanta. I want to talk to my boss about possibly transferring, and it was just after I won an award for my performance. He gave me the green light and I submitted the application for transfer. The next day, I decided I was going to book a flight to look at apartments. I made a list of my non-negotiables for apartments, and found 12 apartments that matched.

I booked a two day trip to Atlanta, to look at all 12 apartments. Keep in mind, I didn’t have a job offer or anything. I didn’t fall in love with any of the places, but I kept looking when I got back home. A few weeks later, I went back to Atlanta with my parents to visit 15 more apartments, that I added to the list. This time was a little better, I had a top five that I liked, but I still wasn’t sure. For three weeks straight, every weekend I would fly to Atlanta just to look at apartments. I started with the list of only mid-rises, and somehow a high-rise ended up on the list. I didn’t know it was a high-rise at the time, when I visited it with my parents, we instantly fell in love. But of course, it was out of budget. We learned that they were doing a two month free special, and by spreading that out I was able to lower the rent, and it fitted the budget. After the three weeks ended, I was talking with my parents and my dad posed the question, if this one high-rise has that two month special, how many other high-rises are? My wheels began to spin again. I made another list of apartments for us to visit one more time, but this time they were all 10 high-rises. I spent a month and a half looking at apartments.

At this time, I had only interviewed for the transfer position, they hadn’t given me an offer. Fast-forward to the end of September, I received a call, with a job offer making more money than I was currently making. I was so excited, but now this just made it real. I pushed the start date back to finish out the quarter. I went to Atlanta for a wedding in October, and while I was there, my parents and I stayed an extra two days to look at apartments. It was so hard for me to decide between two, so I applied to both and ended up getting approved for each. Once I made the decision on which place I wanted to move to, it felt surreal. Atlanta, wasn’t new to me because I spent four years there while in college, but I had never lived on my own as an adult. Throughout college, I stayed either on campus student housing, or with relatives. This was the first time I would be living on my own and paying bills. Did I forget to mention, when I decided to move, I had maybe $2000 saved, if that. November 1st, I packed up my car, along with my best friend, and drove to Atlanta. My parents rented a van to drive the rest of my stuff. I had no idea what was in store with this move. My grandfather payed for some of my furniture and my grandma even pitched in for other household necessities. My dad bought on of my tv's, and my mom gave me $5,000. Other family/ friends sent me money and gift cards.

In the span of four months, I went from waiting on God, to moving into my high rise apartment I’d been dreaming of. In July, when I first saw that sign, I had no idea this was possible. When I first started looking at apartments in August, I was looking at mid-rise Apartments, because I didn’t think I could afford anything else. The Bible says that God’s ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. That statement is so true, just look at my life. I had no idea what was on the other side of me taking the first step. I didn’t know my family and friends was going to chip in like they did. Fear is crippling, it stops you from doing what you can do. So many times we say we’re waiting on God to do his part, but we haven’t even done ours. One thing that I’ve learned with this entire move, and my whole life, is that God can do the extraordinary, but sometimes we are in the way of getting our blessings. It’s easier for God to redirect you while you’re on the path than to push you into taking the first step. Once I stepped out on faith and looked at apartments and jobs, everything else fell into place. I’ve learned to not focus so much on the how things will happen. When you focus on the how, it prevents you from taking any steps.

So I’m going to ask you the same thing my therapist asked me, are you waiting on God or is he waiting on you? What steps can you take today to change your dream into a reality? I had no idea what was on the other side of me taking that first step. Once you step, God will meet you. Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing the rollercoaster that came within this year being back in Atlanta. You don’t want to miss it, I had so many losses within these twelve months. I never lost my faith. Meet me back here tomorrow!

3 Inspiring Lessons the 2024 Gymnasts Taught Me About Chasing Dreams

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 22:21:50 GMT

Happy First Of The Month

If you know me, you know sports really aren’t my thing. However, it was a treat to watch the 2024 Olympics in Paris a few moths ago. I still find myself researching interviews from the different athletes. I tried to watch most of the sports, but I found myself honed in on the gymnastics portion. I felt like it had me on the edge of my seat. I’m a Simone Biles fan, so I was excited to see her return and rooting for her every step of the way. I know the olympics were two months ago, but I’m still in awe at the talent the olympians showcased. The amount of time, energy and dedication that each athlete has to commit to make it to the olympics amazes me. Watching the Olympics inspired me to reach for the stars. Today, I want to share with you, three lessons that the gymnastics portion of the Olympics taught me. These lessons honestly stretch beyond the gymnastics portion, but I had the epiphany while watching that section.

Healthy Competition Is Good

I always tell you that you’re your biggest competition, but it is good to have healthy competition with others as well. The key word here is HEALTHY! Healthy competition helps you reach your goals and brings out the best in you. While watching the Olympics, we could see Simone Biles being on her toes when she was watching Rebecca Andrade, (another gymnast.) I even watched a interview where Simone said that because she realized she was competing against Rebecca, she had to put her best foot forward. It’s something about having competition that forces you to go a little harder. Competition switches to unhealthy when you focus on the other person, rather than how to improve. I’m not telling you to be obsessive and compare yourself to others, but I’m saying to have a little competitive nature about yourself because it’ll take you far. Healthy competition comes when you have a growth mindset rather than a comparison mindset.

2. People Are Going To Talk

This isn’t just true for the Olympics, this is true for every sport. There are always going to be spectators; They cheer very loud for you when you win, but when things are tough, they talk the most about you. Simone’s career is a good example of this. People talk so much about her personal life, people spectate her every move. From who she married, to why she pulled out of the 2020 Olympics, the media always comments on Simone’s moves. If you search Simone Biles on Google or social media, you will see thousands of opinions about her. Simone is really good at ignoring the critics, because she rarely, if ever, responds to the negativity. The reality is people are going to talk, whether you’re doing good or bad, so you might as well give them something to talk about. No matter what anyone says, that fact remains the same; Simone biles is the greatest athlete of all time and the most decorated gymnast in history. The same is true for LeBron James, he is an incredible basketball player, but he is always criticized and compared to other people, when he should just be in a lane on his own. The point is, you can’t care about what people say. You have to know who you are, and what you can do. I’m not saying don’t accept the praises and compliments that come your way. I’m simply saying, don’t need them, because people won’t always cheer for you. Everyone has an opinion, when you’re on the road to greatness, you have to block out the noise and focus.

3. Resilience Is Key

When you look at the Gymnast Olympic podium, you’d see Simone Biles, Rebecca Andrade and Suni Lee. All three of them are women of color, which is just so inspiring for the next generation. Another thing that is key with this lineup is that all three of them have stories of resilience. Simone dropped out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and had to leave due to mental health. Everybody was upset and talked so negativity about her for putting her mental first. For her to have this comeback story, is so inspiring and just attests to what’s meant for you will be yours. Rebecca tore her ACL three times in the last four years, coming back from that thru recovery and being able to flip the way she did was nothing but God. Suni Lee battled with kidney disease and fought her way back. No matter what sport, career path, or story, the greatest ones have a story of resilience. I know you may think that you are in the fight of your life, but on the other side of that, build up a resilience that will be a part of your story. The reality is, uncertainty is the only constant thing in life. You could plan all you want, and life will throw you something unexpectedly. Resilience is bouncing back despite the circumstances. You can look at your shortcomings or curveballs as obstacles or roadblocks. The choice is yours. You can’t become successful at anything without resilience.

Here’s the thing, chasing your dreams won’t always be easy, but the reward will be worth it. Despite what you may think, it’s still time for you to reach whatever dreams God placed on the inside of you. My paster preached last Thursday about finishing what you started. He said, “We’ve become a society of being serial starters, but never finishing. We’ve normalized incompletion.” He also shared what gives us the discipline to finish, the plan given by God. Don’t loose sight of Gods plan. It doesn’t matter what distractions or roadblocks may have slowed you down, you can still make your dreams a reality. You can and will win and reach whatever goal you placed, as long as you don’t quit. We still have eight weeks left in 2024, that’s 62 days. You have more than enough time to start or get back to it. You won’t reach your dreams by staying still, you have to chase them. You have to do all that you can, and let God do the rest.

The Importance Of Creating A Morning Routine That Works For You

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:30:24 GMT

How You Start Your Mornings Set The Tone Of Your Day

It’s officially October, which means it’s the last quarter of the year. I can’t believe how close we are to the end of the year. Fourth quarter is honestly my favorite quarter, because I think it’s the most important one. If you didn’t know, what you do in the fourth quarter, determines how strong your next year will start. That means, the actions, habits, and behaviors you cultivate in these last three months, will directly impact how your 2025 starts and ultimately ends. If you want different in 2025, the change must start now. During the fast and detox, I created a new morning routine that I’ve been able to stick to. I’m the type of person that thrives when I have structure and routines. Any time I wake up and have to jump straight into my day, I feel all over the place. Having time in the morning for myself is the best feeling. Creating and consistently following my morning routine has been a game changer.

What Is A Morning Routine?

A morning routine is a set of habits and motions that you do naturally or intentionally when you wake up. Naturally, ( I hope ) you brush your teeth every morning, you don’t have to think about it, you just do it. Something intentionally could be working out, it might not be something you do naturally, but you intentionally prioritize it every morning. I have a morning routine Monday-Sunday, not just weekdays. It isn’t always tied to a specific time, I have a solid routine that can flow no matter when I wake up. I “sleep in” on weekends, so even though I’m not up at 6:30am, I still prioritize my routine. Whether you wake up at 7am or noon, you need to have a morning routine.

Why Is A Morning Routine Important?

CNBC said, “There are science-backed benefits of having a morning routine: Past research has shown that a consistent morning routine can reduce stress, boost your energy levels and improve your productivity at work.” Morning routines help you set your tone for the day. I used to be the person who would sleep in as late as I could, wake up and go straight to work. I would find myself trying to catch up throughout the day. Having a morning routine helps you start your morning proactive rather than reactive. Before I had a good morning routine, I would be disorganized and overwhelmed. Luckily, I’ve been in position to not need an alarm, so I would wake up and go with the flow. The problem is, the flow was not helping me be successful at all.

How Having A Good Morning Routine Changed My Life?

Having a consistent morning routine was a struggle for me. Back during Covid, I had one, but once I was back working, it was over. For the last year, I would start morning routines, but fall off after a week or so. During the fast, I made it a priority to figure out how to create a routine that I could stick to. Some of the credit for my morning routine has to go to my new puppy, Saint, there’s certain things I have to do for him, no matter how tired I am. My morning routine begins around 6:30am. I set an alarm, but find myself waking up just before the alarm, most mornings, ( I want to switch that 5:30/6am. ) Next, I brush my teeth and wash my face. I like to take Saint outside by latest 7am. After our morning walk, I pour a glass of water, sit either on the balcony or at my table, pray and read my word. I like to have a moment to brain dump and clear my brain from the tabs that I have open in my head. After my quiet time with God, I feed saint and get ready for the gym ( I only go some mornings, some days I go in the afternoon. ) When I come back from the gym, I shower and wash my face. Then I head to the kitchen to make my coffee and review my to-do list from the night before. I eat a quick breakfast while either listening to a podcast or reading a chapter of my book. I start working by 9/9:30am. Everything in my routine is consistent, besides the gym, no matter what time I wake up, or the day of the week. Even on vacation, I follow this same routine. I can see a change in every area of my life from having this routine; I’m more productive, I have more energy and I’m able to maximize my day. Those rare days that I’m unable to follow my morning my routine, I can tell a difference.

How To Create A Morning Routine That’ll Work For You

I remember talking to someone and she told me, ”Whether you know it or not, you naturally have a morning routine. It’s the rhythm your body follows when you wake up.” She then asked me to walk her thru my typical mornings. I told her that I would wake up and go with the flow. She responded by saying, “What’s the typical flow?” I said I don’t know, I’d check my phone, read my devotional, shower, make coffee, and leave the house. After saying that out loud, I learned that my morning routine was working against me, it was then that I decided to make the change. The key to having a morning routine that works for you, is to decide what’s most important. What things make you feel fulfilled? The reason morning routines weren’t working for me is because I was trying to follow someone else’s routine. It’s nothing wrong with pulling pieces of people you admire routine into your own, but it has to be a priority for you. If you aren’t spiritual, prayer/devotional time would be hard for you to incorporate, because it’s not a priority. For years, I would try to incorporate morning 30 minute journaling into my routine, I would be consistent for a week or two and then fall off. I would beat myself up for dropping the ball, but the reality is, that’s not a priority for me. That doesn’t mean I never journal or it isn’t a healthy habit to have, but it isn’t a priority for ME, every morning. Start by writing down what is most important for you. Once you decide what’s most important, you can come up with how much time it’ll take you and reverse engineer. I like to have at least two hours to myself before starting any work, that’s why 6:30 works perfect for me. Whatever time, you start work, or your day, decide how much time you need for yourself. Giving myself that 2-2.5 hours, allows me to have a slow morning and ease myself into my day, because that’s a priority for me. Maybe you only need an hour, wake up that hour earlier. Yes, you will be sacrificing sleep, but think about who you’ll become if you give yourself that time in the morning. Write out your ideal morning routine and try doing it. Once you start doing it, you can tweak it as necessary.

Morning routines are game changers. They help you kickstart your day. They only work, when you make one that’s tailored to what’s important to you. Heres the secret, they may change. My morning routine in this season will look completely different once Saint is no longer a puppy. When we get into winter, it may change too. Be fluid with your routines. You have to be flexible and continue to tailor your routine to fit your needs. If you miss a day, it’s ok, you can pick it back up the next one. Whether you consider yourself to be a morning person, it’s key to have a solid morning routine. The key to having a solid morning routine is having a good night time routine, but that’s a story for another day.

Over on Instagram I shared a Reel video of how my mornings look. I mentioned the two items that have helped boost my energy. When I started waking up earlier, my body would crash around 1pm/2pm, not anymore. I started adding a scoop of the For Wellness Good Stuff Performance Pack into my coffee, and it’s improved my focus. I also love how the cinnamon flavor mixed into my sweet Italian coffee is so good, ( there’s other flavors. ) Most people get energy when they workout, I’m no exception. However, the energy I receive from working out would fizzle out after about two hours later. I started taking the For Wellness Recovery Vitamins, and they have benefited me so much. Not only do they improve my focus, they restore my energy and help with my soreness. I hate how sore I would feel after working out, these vitamins have minimized it. I love that both these products are all natural. Click here to shop both these products and more, use my code DYMOND70782 for money off.

Day Seven Of 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: The Finale

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 18:08:13 GMT

You've Made It To The End,You Did It!

Wow, you did it. I hope you feel accomplished for completing the seven day fast and detox. Look at you being a person who does what they say that they’re going to do. I woke up this morning and went to a 7am workout class, and was overwhelmed with joy. I can’t believe we reached the finish line. I hope you feel transformed and renewed. Congratulations, I know this time wasn’t the easiest. It came with challenges, but you overcame the obstacles and made it to the finish line. Maybe for you, these last seven days were a breeze and you didn’t encounter any struggles, that’s great for you. For me, these seven days were a struggle. I had to constantly take my thoughts captive and keep my mind set on God. I hope that you’ve gained something new over these days. Maybe you added a new habit to your routine. Maybe you’ve picked up a new hobby you didn’t know you liked. Maybe you learned that you can get more done with less TV during the week. Whatever it is, I pray that you’re walking out better than you walked in. I pray you’ve created a better prayer life and deeper relationship with God. I pray that you learned something new about yourself during this time. I hope you got clear on the person that God created you to be, and how you should show up in this world. For the next couple of days, I am going to rest like never before. I feel like I’ve been pushed to my limit. I really wanted to make sure that this eighth annual fast and detox was one for the books, and God showed up. The way he used and flowed through me, words can’t even put into explain.

God, thank you. Thank you for showing up and meeting us. Thank you for using me as a vessel to pour into your people. Thank you for this special time with you, God. Lord, we put our future in your hands and ask that you will give us total peace about it. We don’t want to be trying to secure our future with our own plans. We want you to be in the center of YOUR plans. Lord, we pray that you would give us the strength to endure without giving up. We know that you have saved us and called us with a holy calling. Thank you, Holy Spirit, that you are always with us. We humble ourselves under your mighty hand. God, as we exit this time of prayer and fasting, I asked that you keep your hand on us. As we enter back into the things that we gave up, I pray that you let us remember this time with you. God, I pray that we never get too busy For you. I pray that you may the head of our lives, no matter what is going on around us. Help us to keep our eyes on you, and not what’s around. Help us to walk by faith and not by sight in this next season. We surrender ourselves to God, do with us as you will.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

I’ve truly enjoyed exploring our hearts, minds, purposes, harvests, environments and seasons. I don’t know why, but God laid it on my heart to use this tree analogy this year. We are the seeds planted in the world. I don’t know about you, but I feel like my heart has been cleansed and made new. My mind has been transformed. My purpose has been made clear. I’m prepared for the journey ahead. My environment has been decluttered, and matches my future. And I’m maximizing my current season.

Our lives are not about what we can accumulate in this world. We are called to be the answer for this broken world, not to fall in love with it. Stop falling in love with this world, because it is fleeting. That’s not our assignment. Make sure, going into this next season that you remain obedient to what God tells you to do. 2 Corinthians 9:10 says, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” How are you storing the things in this season? Be mindful of this as you enter into the new season.

Luke 16:10 say, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Can God trust you with the little? You can’t ask God for more in this next season, if you’re not being a good steward over your current things that you have in this current season. Mattie James once said, “ God pours his favor into willing vessels. To receive uncommon favor, you have to have uncommon discipline. When you have uncommon discipline, it tells God that you are a willing vessel.” When you give God your yes, and your actions align with that yes, he’s able to trust you with more. It’s always a little bittersweet when the fast comes to an end, because I love this special time with God. Of course, I prioritize special time with Him throughout every day, but it’s something about when it’s the only focus. When I go back into the things that I gave up, I don’t want to get caught up in the busyness of life, that I put him on the back burner.

As you return back to the things that you gave up today at noon, I pray that you are changed inwardly. Don’t be like the people of Israel who were held captive by what was behind them, that they couldn’t move to what was ahead. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t know what this next season has in store for you. It will likely come with its own challenges, but the one thing I know for sure, is that God is with you. I really hope this fast strengthened your foundation in him, so that when the rough times come, you can have peace in the storm.

Whatever he’s called you to do in this new season, he has equipped you with everything that you need. No matter how the circumstances may look, hold onto the word that God gave you. This is the season for crazy faith. I’m trusting and believing God for the impossible. Not only am I trusting him, I’m moving towards what that thing is. Remember, what you feed is what you put out. Are you feeding your fears, or your faith? Are you feeding your spirit, or your flesh?

I want you to remember how you’re feeling in this moment. I want you to remember the joy that stillness brings. If life begins to get two out of hand, you don’t have to wait for next year’s fast and detox, you can silence the noise on your own. The gift of pausing is great. Taking time to stop, think, and breathe is sometimes crucial to staying sane. The world has so much noise and outside influences, which sometimes makes it hard to hear God, or your own voice. Try implementing silent time into your daily or weekly routines. I pray that you learned some lessons during these seven days that you can take into this next season, and beyond. Go back to the list of questions that you wrote down on day one, and see if you God gave you the answers. Sometimes, God doesn’t respond to us, because deep inside, we know the answer already. I pray you’ve gotten all that you need during this time. I hope that you enter into this new season with a clear mind and opened heart, ready for all that is in store.

It’s less than 120 days left in 2024. It’s time to live a life of abundance. God did not put you here to live a base level life. Stop playing it safe. Get off auto pilot, and start living your life to the fullest. This next season of your life is only going to be different, if you take this step. If you want different, you have to do different. If you want better, you have to be better. It all starts with you. I appreciate those who reached out and shared their kind words about how this fast helped, it really warmed my heart. Do not get to next year and regret being in the same place. The year is not over. We have three months left to turn it around. Next year you can be in the same place, or you can be happy that you started now. Time is going to keep going, whether you’re ready or not. It’s time to move in faith, and go for the go! We serve a powerful, big, incredible God, stop being comfortable with a mediocre life. Thank you so much for joining me for the eighth annual fast and detox. I know this next season of your life is going to be a season of clarity, productivity, intentionality, joy, and increase.

Day Six Of 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: The Season

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 02:21:33 GMT

Are You Managing The Season That You’re In?

Happy Saturday. 24 hours left in the fast and detox. I want you to give yourself a handclap, because I know how hard this can be, especially on weekends. Today was really eye-opening for me. I go to therapy every Saturday, and it’s something about talking through my thoughts with this fast, with my therapist, that brings me so much comfort and peace. My heart is full, of gratitude, for how God is working in my life. Everything isn’t perfect, and each day brings its own challenges, but through it all, I can say that God is good. His goodness does not depend on my circumstances. I hope you are feeling a change come through in you during this time. I’m very intentional about these last 24 hours and spending them in silence to just hear from the father.

Lord, thank you. Thank you for these last six days. Thank you for meeting us in this stillness. God you’ve already done so much in these six days. Thank you for transforming lives, and renewing minds. Thank you for healing our hearts, and filling them with you. God, thank you for knowing our beginning and end. Thank you for the pieces together every part of our lives. Thank you for the time of suffering, because we know that it produces endurance. Lord we ask that you show us the work that we are supposed to be doing. Whatever it is that you have called us to do both now, and in the future. We ask that you give us strength and energy to get it done. Thank you for all the abilities you have given us. Where we are lacking in skill, help us to grow and improve. God, help us set our lives in order right now. Give us a submissive heart, set us free from our pasts. Wherever we made the past our homes, I pray that you would deliver us, heal us and redeem us from it. We don’t want to tie ourselves to the past. I know you want to do something new in our lives today. Help us to concentrate on where we are now and not where we’ve been. Release us from the past so we can move out of it and move to the future you have for us.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

I hope that you know, that I’ve been praying for each and every one of you that’s joining. We’ve tapped into the root, soil, seed, fruit, and field. Today, we are digging into the seasons. Trees go through four different seasons; winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season brings something different for the tree. In the winter, trees are bare without any leaves, and seem as if they’re dying. Trees are preparing for the cold months ahead, without the leaves, they’re susceptible to the ice. During the winter, they get a scar tissue that prepares them for the cold months, and stops them from breaking with the cold temperatures. In the spring, new cells begin to open and new leaves begin to expand. Some trees, even produce flowers, in the spring. In the summer, trees grow their tallest. The flowers begin to fade away, and the fruit begins to appear on the tree. Trees are also their most intense green color during the summer months. In the fall, a trees leaves begin to change colors, and fall off. Not all trees lose their leaves in the fall, some of them just stop producing more. Winter, spring, summer, and fall are not only seasons for the trees, but correlate with us as well. The winter season for human beings symbolizes, endings, rest and reflections, and resilience. The spring season represents new beginnings, renewal and growth. The summer season represents joy, growth, fruition, and getting outside. The fall season represents change, abundance, balance, and moving forward. These seasons and their representations, are projected to as from childhood. Think about it: Typically in the fall students are going back to school so that is the change, and moving forward in grade level. Winter is at the end of the year, which ultimately symbolizes the ending as we prepare for a new year. We typically rest and reflect most in the winter. Spring is a new beginning because, “spring has sprung” and it hits all of us perfectly after the cold winter months. In the summer as children we are on break, so of course we are experiencing joy. On top of that, we experience different life seasons; whether that’s change, motherhood, new career opportunities, etc. Each season may look different for everybody. How one person handles a season, might look completely different for another. For example, how one person enters motherhood can look different for another. We have countless seasons, and changes that occur with our day-to-day lives. Some seasons we prepare for, and others are brought without any preparation. We are entering a new season, which is fall, but for some of us, we have a new season coming in life.

The Bible talks about seasons as well Ecclesiastics 3:1-8 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.” King Solomon is telling us that there’s a time for everything. God has appointed specific seasons for all aspects of life. He’s sharing this so that we can accept and live through these seasons with faith in Gods plans. I love this scripture, because it proves to me that nothing is permanent. Seasons change, no matter how hard or tough they get. Trouble don’t last always. Our problem is, we get anxiety over what’s temporary. We have a tendency to look at certain circumstances as if they’re permanent when scripture tells us over and over that they’re not. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” Even in the tough seasons, you have to know that it’s for your good. I understand tough season, I’ve gone through plenty! I know it’s easier said than done, but you have to look beyond your current circumstances.

If you get caught in your current season, without looking beyond, you’ll find yourself in the same cycle. I watched the sermon from Pastor Dharius Daniel’s where he said, “How we manage the time determines if it’s a season or a cycle. It could be 11 days, but your attitude and emotions could make it 40 years. Wilderness experiences will come, but it doesn’t have to be wilderness wandering.” You know the story in the Bible of the Israelites where it was supposed to only take them 11 days, ended up taking them 40 years? The reality is, our unbelief could be holding captive, and extending our seasons too. Each season teaches us a lesson and until you learn the lesson, God will keep you in the season. You may be wondering why you can’t break out of your current circumstances, but it might be because you haven’t learned the lesson. It could even be your attitude towards your current season. I’m not saying that you’ll love every season that you go through, but you have to look at it with a mind of possibilities. A lot of people who started on the 11 day journey, didn’t make it to the promise land. Do you want to die in the current season that you’re in, never experiencing all that God has for you? Seasons are created and directed by God. They’re purposeful and passing, so why not embrace each one. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Seasons do not last forever. Think about it, no matter how much it snows, and how cold it gets in the winter, you know that in a couple months summer is coming. The same is true for the seasons that we go through. God is doing a new thing in each season. You can’t get caught up in your current circumstances that you forget what’s coming. So many times people want to skip the season that they’re in, and get the promise, but without suffering, you can’t get it. The way we handle one season directly impacts how we experience the season that follows.

So how can you maximize your season? Today, I want you to explore your current season. A couple days ago we wrote down lessons that pour current season is teaching us, go back to that list. To get the most of where you are, you must understand the characteristics of your season. Once you go through the list, I need you to take it to God in prayer. Ask God these three questions. 1. What lessons are you trying to teach me in this current season? 2. What actions do I need to be taking to prepare for the next season? 3. What is the plan you see for me moving forward? Understand that God might not show you the entire plan, but he might give you your next steps. Once you identify your current season that you’re in, if you’re willing, loop in someone close to you that you know has been through the same season. They can encourage you and give you wisdom for what steps to take. The reality is, God is in control, surrender yourself, your will, and your way and let Him lead you on this path of life.

Now, for those of you who are detoxing, I want to explore your current season too. We have a tendency to look for the next season, that we forget to be present in our current one. So many times, we are looking for the next thing, we forget, all that we have. I was so ready to graduate college, that I really didn’t take the time to appreciate each step. So many times, we forget that life is not a race, it’s a journey. Stop looking for the end, and fall in love with the ride. When you get to that next season, you’re going to look back at the journey it took you to get there. The high of reaching a goal doesn’t last very long. It’s the memory of the journey that stays with you. Health Today said, “Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack.” Today, I want you to write a list of 12 things that you’re grateful for in this present moment. This list will help you look at the glass half full, rather than half empty. Next, write down three positive things from this current season. No matter how tough a season may feel, there’s something to be grateful for. As we are evolving, there are things that we have that are positive, that we want to take with us into this next season. I hope this list encourages you. I hate to say it, but it’s true, “Things can always be worse.”

Less than 24 hours left!

Day Five Of 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: The Field

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:31:16 GMT

Where Are You Planted?

Today was gloomy here in Atlanta. I love the sun, it’s part of the reason why I moved back here, because it gets more sun year round. Whenever it’s cloudy like this, I find my body extremely sluggish. Typically on days like this, I sit and watch TV or Netflix all day long. Because TV is one of the things that I gave up, I spent a lot of my time today in quietness. I was able to hear my own thoughts, and listen for God’s voice. I can’t believe we have less than 48 hours left. I had someone message me and ask if they cheated would they have to throw the entire fast away. I reassured them although it’s not ideal, it’s ok, they still have time to make it up. God doesn’t want you to be perfect, he wants you to be trying. We’re going to fall short, not just during this fast, but in life. When we fall short, God wants us to repent and ask for forgiveness. Maybe it’s just me, but when I know I did something wrong, I hide from God, when in reality he wants us to run towards him. If you’re like the person who reached out to me, and fell back into your old ways during this fast, you still have 48 hours to lock in.

Lord, thank you. Thank you for this special time with you. God, we don’t take it for granted that you are here, In this moment. Lord, give us wisdom in all aspects of our lives. Open our eyes to see the way you see. Reveal to us the people, things and places that no longer serve us. Give us the courage to walk away from anything that has reached its expiration date. If it’s someone who we are holding back, remove us. Give us the strength and courage to let go. God, send us godly wise council. Send us people who push us to our next dimension. Bring us people in our lives who see us the way you see us. Change our environment. Lord change our habits. Remove the desires to go the places that you no longer want us to go. Remove the desires of wanting to do the things that you don’t want us to do. Help us to love what you love and hate what you hate. Thank you, God for blessing us with people who want the best for us. Thank you for sending us people who can encourage us in our time of need. Holy Spirit have your way in our lives. Help us to discern what is from God and what is not. Help us to have environments that draw us closer to you.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

Over the last couple of days, we’ve explored the root, the soil, the seed, and the fruit. Today, we are exploring the field, which is your environment. Where are you planted? Whether you believe it or not, your surroundings have more of an impact than you think. I know you’ve heard this saying, you’re product of your environment. This simply means, you’re influenced by your surroundings. The environment that you’re in, shapes your beliefs, habits, perceptions, behaviors, choices, mental health and more. Your environment is your friend groups, family, culture, place of residence, sphere of influence, job, activities, social groups, and where you are day-to-day. Your environment has an impact on you, for better and worse. It’s extremely hard to change your life without changing your environment. Now hear me clear, I’m not telling you to pack up your life and move to another city, ( Unless God told you to do that.)

It will be hard to make lasting changes, without shifting at least some parts of your environment. There’s so many scriptures that talk about the environment that you’re in. Genesis 12, is the story about Abraham and the call he receives from God. Verses 1-3 read, “The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” The first instruction was for Abraham to leave his environment. Without leaving his environment, he couldn’t receive the blessings that God had for him. The next verse says that Abraham does just that, he takes his wife and nephew and leaves. How many of you have that type of obedience? I know for me, God can tell me something and I’m quick to ask for a sign or for him to say it again. Maybe God isn’t telling you to leave your country, but he may be asking you to leave the relationship. He might not be asking you to leave your father‘s house, but he might be asking you to leave your friend group. It doesn’t tell us in scripture why God wants him to leave his family or country, but he does it. That’s the type of obedience I’m trying to get to. Where I don’t need to know why, but just listen to what God says. What is God asking of you? Where is He you asking to go? Is there anything he’s asking you to release? God challenges Abraham to change his environment. He accepts the challenge, have you?

Does your current environment match your future, or your past? There’s some things that won’t happen until you switch environments. It’s hard to grow beyond your surroundings. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” You are in fact the company you keep. I’m not telling you to go drop all your friends. My pastor once said, “Everybody doesn’t need a front row seat in your life.” I have some friends/associates that I’m mindful of when I talk to them. If I’m focused and locked in on what I have going on, I can’t afford to sit and gossip. That doesn’t mean we aren’t friends anymore, that just means rather than a front seat, they get one in the balcony.

There’s so many scriptures in Proverbs that discusses the people that you’re around. Some of my favorites are: Proverbs 13:20, “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” And Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Solomon tells us over and over how intentional we need to be about the company we keep. It’s more scriptures throughout the Bible that discuss this, but I wanted to highlight these. Are you wondering why you keep getting sucked into old habits? Do you feel like every time you make progress towards change, something pulls you back? Do you feel like no matter how much progress you make, you can’t break certain cycles? Could it be, that your environment is pulling you back? Let’s be clear, I am not saying that you are any better than anyone else. I’m simply saying that when it’s time to shift, your environment will need to be obedient and follow the direction God is taking you. Does your environment set you up for success, or failure? Does your environment make you better? Only you know the truth about your environment. Whenever I have this conversation with people, they’re quick to say that Jesus sat with sinners. However, you’re not Jesus, and you may not be anointed for that. For example, if I’m trying to stop drinking, but the only activity my friends and I do, is go out for drinks. I’m going to remove myself from that environment, until the habit is changed. Then I may go back into it. It’s very hard to change within an environment, it’s better to remove yourself, change, and maybe circle back in the future. Jesus was anointed for that, you might not be anointed to go hang with the people who are holding you back just yet. There are some instances, where people are removed from environments, and still held captive mentally by the environment. For example, the people of Israel were held captive by their environment, but had to continue to move forward.

Today, I want you to look at your environment. Look at the people closest to you and write down if they are wise, or not? No one is perfect, not even the people in your circle. Looking at each person in your sphere of influence is going to require more than just looking at the physical. Don’t just look at what they have and what they do, look deeper into their hearts. Are they good human beings? Do they care about others? Do you feel more fulfilled, or drained when talking to them? When you look at their life, is it a life that you would want to live? What is the fruit that they’re producing? Isaiah 37:31 says, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit". What is the fruit of the people that is closest to you? If they are not producing any fruit, it may be time to take a step back. If they’re producing a fruit that you don’t want to produce, or you’re trying to break, it may be time to take a step back. Write down the top 10 people you speak to throughout the week. Whether that’s face-to-face, over the phone, or social media. Once you write that down, write down what are their fruits. What are the things about them that you like? One thing that always stands out is when I ask someone why they’re friends with someone, and they say because we’ve been friends for years…..like what else!? Time shouldn't be the only reason you're friends with someone. Some people, friends included, might have only served one season in your life, and you’re trying to drag them along for a lifetime. That’s not everyone’s role in your life. Once you list off the people and their fruit, I want you to look at your social media, and the people that you follow. Do they inspire you, or make you feel worse about yourself. If they inspire you great, but if they don’t, unfollowed them. We’re going to a new dimension in this next season and can’t afford to allow our environments to hold us back. Make sure you pray and ask God to give you wisdom daily, because wisdom will help you see the role of each person in your life. Without wisdom, it’s hard to decipher whether people are meant to be in your life, or if you’re holding onto them past their expiration date. If you want to go deeper, look into the conversations that you’re having. Are you gossiping about what the next person is doing, or are you having conversations that are watering your fruit? There are many things that are in our environments that are out of our control, but there are some things that we have the power to fix with just a couple tweaks.

For those of you who are detoxing, I want you to check your environments as well. I read a quote one time that said, “Show me your friends and I can tell you your future.” The reality is, we are our environments. We are the people that we associate with, the places that we go, the things that we consume, and our day-to-day lives. Have you ever caught yourself doing or saying something and thinking, where did I get this from? It happens a lot to me, especially with my mother. I find myself picking up on things that she says, and her mannerisms. It also happens for my friends. If I’ve been hanging around my friends a lot, I pick up on their lingo, and unconsciously their habits. Ryan Holiday once said, “It is in fact, a combination of these two things: Who we know and what we do that influences more than any other factor, who we will become. Because what you do puts you around people, and the people you’re around affects what you do.” Once again, this does not mean that you are better than anyone else, it’s just different. If you hang around five millionaires, you’ll ultimately become the sixth. If you hang around five criminals, you’ll become the sixth. It’s simple logistics.

The people that you hang around, should make you better. Now better is subjective. The people that you hang around, can make me you better in different aspects. I could hang around someone who is just nice, which makes me nicer to people. It’s deeper than just the physical. You pick up on the smallest things from the people that you hang with. Here’s an example, I have a friend, who is a really super forgiving and caring. I find myself being more like her when it comes to people who wrong me. I used to just cut them off and not think twice, where now I actually have compassion and don’t take everything personal. My friend and I have never sat down and talked about this, it just happened naturally. People love saying that they’re not the people that they hang around, and just can “vibe” with anybody, but that’s not true. Successful people are successful because they edit their circles a lot. I don’t want this to sound transactional, but the people around you should be making your life somewhat better in at least one aspect. Life is short, why waste time on people who are making you worse?

It’s time to check your surroundings. We spend so much time on our phones, what are you giving your time to. Clean up your contact lists, erase old photos, delete people off your social media who don’t serve a good purpose, and delete apps that drain your energy. Unfollow anyone who doesn’t motivate you or make you feel good. If you’re following someone, and their content is making you feel negatively about yourself, it’s ok to unfollow. Next, I want you to look at the people you talk to most. Are they speaking life into you, or are they just gossiping about the next person? Successful people understand that editing your circle is crucial. The people around you have more power than you think. Make sure you’re not giving your energy to people who don’t deserve it. People around you should bring out the best in you and if they aren’t, why are they in your life? Moving on to the places you hang out, if you are in spaces that don’t serve you, stop going. Maybe God is calling you to relocate, start to take steps in that direction. What music are you listening to daily, is it making you feel worse or encouraging you? Maybe you can’t watch the shows you’ve been watching, because it brings out the jealousy in you. Take some time to go thru every aspect of your life and clean up shop. Now, I’m not saying that you need to have some dramatic breakup with the people that you’ve been talking to, this could be done gracefully, and honestly without even saying anything. I’m not telling you to ghost your cousins and best friends, I’m simply saying, you can step back and deal with them accordingly. I know when I was doing this at first it felt selfish, but that’s not the case. Switching some things in your environment, can ultimately shape your reality and your way of life. It’s your life, why allow “blind loyalty” or time wasters to take over. It may feel weird at first, but you will have more time to spend with yourself and to add new people in. If I’m spending all my time hanging with someone who is draining my energy, how will I have time for the person who encourages me and pushes me to my next level? It’s time to edit our spheres of influence, your future self is waiting on it.

Less than two days left, you’ve got this!

Day Four Of 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: The Fruit

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:57:13 GMT

Are you prepared for the harvest that you’re sewing for ?

This Thursday has been long, and filled with a bunch of emotions for me. If I’m being honest, I must say that my mind has been all over the place for this fast. I find myself constantly praying over my mind and thoughts. No matter how much I prepare, I get overwhelmed with doubts, especially when writing the updates. As soon as I say, a prayer, I feel much better, that’s how I know it’s a trick from the enemy. Besides my mind being under attack, my day four has been good. How are you feeling? We’re past the halfway point. If you are still struggling with the things you gave up, think about how far you’ve come. You already did it for four days, what’s three more?

Thank you God for blessing us with this special time with you. Thank you for showing us a mirror of our true selves during this time. Thank you for transforming us from the inside out. Thank you for giving us purpose while here on earth. Lord, I pray that every person that we encounter sees our light. Lord we know a harvest is coming, help us to prepare ourselves for all that you have promised us. Increase our faith, and help our unbelief. Give us strength to stand strong on your promises and believe every word you say. Remove any doubt or fears that may stop us from receiving activating our faith. Help us to walk by faith, and not sight. Lord help us to align what we know to be true with our actions.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

We’ve already explored the root, soil, and seed. I honestly don’t know how we got to this tree analogy, but it’s been flowing. What do you think we’re getting into today? If you guessed the fruit, then you’re right. I want to dig into the harvest, which is your fruit. What are you producing? Now I know this may sound similar to yesterday‘s seed, but a seed is different from fruit. A seed is what you plant, but the fruit is what grows. The question I want you to think about, is are you prepared for your harvest? I hope during this time, you’ve been reading your word, and learning more about who God is. As you read His word, you’ll even explore all the promises He has given us. We are all able to receive God’s promises, if we have faith, be obedient, and have patience. Psalm 37:3-5 says, “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.” As long as your heart is aligned with Gods, He will give you the desires of your heart. Even in the midst of trials and times of uncertainty, you have hold on to God’s promises and know that He will show up for you. I don’t know what seeds you’ve planted, or what you’ve been asking God for, but you have to know that He hears you. We have a Father that cares and loves us, and who wants to give us our desires.

We are going into a new season, this is uncharted territory. The practices and habits that brought you this far, will not take you to this next season. What used to work is no longer working. If you truly want this new season to be different, you have to be different. Whatever you’ve been seeking God for, have you put them to action? What I mean is, does your faith match your circumstances or what God said? I’ll give you an example, It’s been many times where money has been tight, and I didn’t know how I would pay for a certain things. Rather than believe what my circumstances showed, I had to stand on the promises that God was going to supply all my needs. During those times, I still made sure to give my tithes, because I know He will make a way. Another example is how I was looking at apartments, without having a job or money to afford it. You have to have the faith to prepare for the things that you ask God for. I hope during this fast you have been sharing your desires of your heart with your Father.

We are officially in preparation time! That means, this is the time to get ready. I was reading my Bible, Joshua chapter 1, and one particular verse stood out to me. Joshua 1:11 says, “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.” In the NKJ version, it says, “Prepare your victuals.” I don’t know why that stood out to me, but I began to go down the rabbit hole, and God revealed in epiphany to me. Joshua was essentially telling them to prepare for what was coming. They couldn’t just sit around and pray for God to bring the land to them, they had to go fight for it. Are you ready to fight for the things that you asked God for? Now, if you don’t know the backstory of Joshua, I’ll sum it up for you. This was after Moses died, and they were headed to the promise land. It goes on to say, “Your wives, children, and livestock may remain here in the land Moses assigned to you on the east side of the Jordan River. But your strong warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them until the Lord gives them rest, as he has given you rest, and until they, too, possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. Only then may you return and settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the Lord, assigned to you.”

You should definitely go read the entire chapter for yourself because it’s really good, Joshua is a great book for new beginnings. One thing I got from these verses is that, they were in preparation for the promises God gave them. The preparation time isn’t the time to be celebrating and resting. Some seasons require work and other seasons can be for play. Preparation requires work and attention. That may mean this isn’t the time to go out and be with friends, we have things to prep for. To get what you asked God for it’s going to require some work on your part. If this is going over your head, let me give you a practical example: My dad loves to cook grilled chicken. The thing that makes his grilled chicken so good, is the prep that he does going into it. My dad will prep his meat by seasoning it and letting it marinate for days. Honestly, I think he spends more time prepping than he does actually cooking the chicken. The reality is prep time is longer than the time it takes to actually cook. If this is true for cooking, why don’t you think it’ll be the same for you?

‭‭

Are you really ready for the things that you prayed for? I know you’ve heard the saying, stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. If God gave you the desires of your heart right now, would you have the longevity to sustain them? Whenever I ask God for a thing, I make sure to ask Him to prepare me for the things. Getting prepared for the things you prayed for, is simply bringing structure and strategy to what you believe. If you believe God is going to give you a new house, have you even started looking at the criteria to get the house? God wants to partner with you, but you have to be willing to do some work on your end. I used to always say I’m just waiting on God, but the truth is he was waiting on me. Trust me, I’ve been there, where I was waiting for God to do something big in my life, but I had no idea what it would take. Preparation time, helps you realize what it will take to get the things that you want. I can’t say I want a apartment and not know what I need to get it. I can’t sayI want to write a book, and not even research the steps that it takes to get a book published. I can’t say I want a better job, and not even look at what skills my dream career looks for. Luke 14:28 says, “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” Have you sat and even thought about what the things that you asked for would take? An example would be asking God to bless you with a six pack, and you don’t have the interest in working out ever.

For today’s activity, I want you to sit and write down what the desires of your heart are. What are the things that you are believing God for? After you sit and discover what those things are, I want you to ask yourself who do I need to be to get these things? For example, I would love for my blog to grow to 1 million subscribers. The person I would need to manage and maintain that, is someone who is consistent and organized. Whatever the things that you’re believing God for, ensure that each thing has some actionable faith behind it. A couple days ago we talked about having an expectant heart, and this goes along with that. Not only do you have to believe that it’s going to happen, you have to put that faith into action. Anticipate and prepare now, as if it’s going to happen. Next on your list, write three things that God has been telling you to do. It can be things from yesterday, or things from eight years ago. In the Bible, Isaiah tells the people of Zion to enlarge the place of their tents. When you have an expectant heart, you prepare different. You have to stretch beyond the familiarity and make room before the blessing shows up. Think about your physical space. Have you made room for what you’re asking for? Are you asking God to bless you with your husband, and entertaining people who are not? Are you asking God for a new house and your current space is a mess? During this time of preparation, I want you to look at every area of your life and check how you are stewarding things that God has blessed you with. You can’t beg for a new car and your current car is filthy. You can’t ask for a better job, when you’re barely giving any effort in your current position. You can’t ask God for better finances, but yet as soon as you get paid, you blow through all the money you get on shoes. It’s time to prepare like never before get ready. Get ready, Get ready, Get ready!

The word “position” means the way in which your life is placed or arranged, so if your present life is a mess, what chance do you have of reaching something greater? Life isn't about faking it until you make it. It's about really doing it, so you don't have to fake it. In order to position yourself for success, you must:

1. Position Yourself In Your Own Mind. The way you see yourself will shape the way others see you. The way you think about yourself determines how you do everything. It affects the way you live, the way you grow, the way you manage your time. It shapes everything you do. As a result, people will see you the way you perceive yourself. That’s why we dug into the mind on day two.

2. Position Yourself With Your Attitude. You can't walk into a room with your head low and think you'll stand out. Also, you can't say you want a Benz but mope around talking about how poor you are. It all starts with your attitude. Having a positive, optimistic attitude will go a long way. You must believe you deserve whatever you want. You must have confidence.

3. Position Yourself With Your Appearance. First impressions get set in stone very quickly. And, like it or not, the way you look is the most important factor in shaping those first and lasting impressions. All you have to do to see how vital good appearance is, is to reflect upon your own reactions to people you meet. Don't you pay more attention to people who look important than you do to people who look sloppy? Most crucial, your prospects judge your importance by the way you look. I'm not saying to judge a book by it's cover but that's the world we live in. Dress for success.

4. Position Yourself With Your Actions. You determine your importance, your intentions, your reliability, and many other critical factors, by what you do daily. Be proactive, rather than reactive. Make sure your actions align with your desires.

5. Position Yourself With Your Words. Every word you say positions you either as a person to be considered important or as someone to be dismissed as quickly as possible. Don't be the person who says they're going to do something but never do. Your word is all you have.

6. Position Yourself With Your Focus. What has your attention? Is it something that will help you reach your goals? If not, why are you focused on it? Remember, you get what you focus on, so focus on what you want.

I hope these tips can help alter your life and help position yourself for success. Prayer is essential, but make sure you're truly prepared and positioned for the blessings God has for you. It’s time to come up with a action plan for the things you say you want. Three days left!

Day Three Of 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: The Seed

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 03:43:45 GMT

Your Purpose Was Predestined Before Your Arrival

First of all, let me say thank you to everybody who reached out and shared their thoughts on the posts so far. I know we do this fast every year, but this year I wanted to make it extra special. I’ve literally been praying and pleading that God would have his way and speak through me, in a way like never before. I’ve even researched a lot this year. I pray that this time is special for you, and that you get whatever it is that you need during these seven days. We are on day three, I feel like time is honestly flying by. The one thing I was craving was to scroll on Instagram today. This morning, I got on to promote yesterday‘s activity, and found myself really wanting to scroll. My mind began to wonder about all that I was missing. Immediately, I exited the app, and turned on a sermon. I even turned on some worship music, to get my mind right. Sometimes it just takes one worship song, to bring you back. I hope day three is treating you well, and that you are finding good ways to carve your cravings.

Father, thank you. We can’t thank you enough, but we will continue to give you all the glory and praise for our lives. Thank you for cleansing our hearts, and renewing our minds. God, thank you for calling us with the holy calling. We know the plan that you have created for us existed before we even knew you. Help us to live our lives with a sense of purpose and understanding of the calling you have given us. We lay down all pride, selfishness, and anything else that will keep us from moving into all you have for us. Lord enable us to understand the call you have for our lives, take away any discouragement that we may feel and replace it with joyful anticipation of what you are going to do through us. Use us as your instruments to make a positive difference in the lives of all who we encounter. Lead us in the way that we should go. Lord, we lay down our will and the way we see our lives, and align with what you have planned for us.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

We’ve already dug into the root and soil. Today, I want to explore the seed, which is your purpose. Your purpose is what God put you here to do. If you search purpose in Google, you’ll find thousands of articles and videos on the topic. When I say purpose, I don’t mean your earthly purpose, like the world wants you to think. I’m not talking about the way you can get rich and famous. The purpose I want to discuss, is the thing that God placed you here on earth to do. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" Before you were born, God created your purpose. He knows your beginning and end. You are not here by accident, no matter what you may think. God created each and every one of us to share the good news and to go make disciples. We were created to follow His commandments. God doesn’t do things just for the sake of doing them. Everything He creates has a purpose here’s on earth. Whether that is a human being, or the birds in the sky.

Your purpose, should ultimately lead others to Christ. I know that’s contrary to what the world may lead you to believe. We live in a very selfish society, where purpose is centered around what you want, and how you want to get it. That’s not God’s purpose. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” God has set each and every one of us apart. Yesterday, we talked about being in this world and not of this world, and I hope it’s something that sticks with you. When you decide to follow Christ, your life is no longer your own. We are here to follow His will, and His way. God is asking us to come out from among the crowds and to be separate. That means you can’t always do what other people do, and you can’t go where everybody goes. I remember growing up, I couldn’t do the thing that my friends would do. I felt like anytime my friends did something that was living on the edge, and I tried to do it; my punishment would always be extreme. Everybody around me could commit a crime, but as soon as I even thought about doing it, I would have some sort of consequence. I remember being so frustrated as a child, I asked my mom why me. She responded by saying that I’m a child of God, and it’ll always be different for me. When she first said it, it felt like I was being singled out, but now as an adult, I know that I’ve been set apart. When Gods hand is on you, his grace is with you, but that also means that his eyes are on you. Further more, when you love someone and have a relationship with them, why would you want to do something that would upset them? God chose you to be set apart.

Our purposes are all the same, but each person can live it out differently. That’s why you can’t really compare your life to another person. Although our purposes may all look different, we all flow together in the one body of Christ. God has planted gifts and talents in each and every one of us to bring glory to His kingdom. The Bible tells us to work onto others as if we’re working onto God. Stop looking at your life like it’s one dimensional. My pastor always says, don’t look at your job like just a job. If you’re a teacher, your purpose is not only to be a teacher, you are there to show the love of God in that classroom and with the staff. The job that you are in, can be a vehicle for your purpose, but doesn’t necessarily have to be your purpose. Your purpose, the destination, is how to lead other people to follow Christ. We get so caught up on the vehicle, our jobs, to get us there.

Getting to the point of knowing your purpose may seem daunting but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. First, you need to pray and ask God to reveal His purpose and the method He wants you to use to get there. Surrender your will, and how you thought your life would look. Give it all to Him. Sit and meditate on His word. That’s how you can learn his voice, by reading his word. You have to discern what’s His words compared to your own. Next, think about what your natural talents are. What can you do well, it doesn’t have to be deep. We all have gifts that come easy to us. They might not be “popular,” but they’re still gifts. After you sit and explore that, I want you write down what you’re passionate about, no matter how big or small. Make sure it’s a passion that takes action. For example, I’m passionate about home decor, but I don’t take action with it. With your talents and passions, write down the first things that come to your mind. Lastly, once you’ve created your list, ask three people you trust and that are apart of your community, (family, friends, coworkers,) what they think your gifts are. Make sure it’s people you trust and whose opinions you value. Once they tell you, see how it matches with the list you created. Once it’s all said and done, take it back to God in prayer and let the Holy Spirit reveal them to you. Make sure your mind and heart is open to receive. These are your seeds that you are planting on the earth. You share your seeds with every person you encounter through your day today. People can see your seeds within a minute of talking to you. Make sure that your seed shines through. God created us to be the light of this world. Shine your light, with every person you encounter. You never know the impact that you’re one interaction may have with someone.

The problem with purpose is that many people look outward to discover what it is that they should be doing. In this new season, God is asking, what do you already have in your hand? In your hands, it’s not enough, but if you partner with God and put it in his hands, it’s more than enough. It’s so many stories in the Bible, where God uses people and what they already have in their hands to bless them. Contrary to what you may believe, everything you need you already have within you. God has blessed you with some amazing gifts and talents, you might not have even discovered them yet. Ask for wisdom and direction to discover these hidden things. Uncovering these things will require you to partner with God, invite him in. Invite him him into your decision-making, thoughts (good and bad,) job, friendships, honestly every area of your life.

Now for those of you who are detoxing, we’re digging into your zone of genius too. According to Gay Hendricks, “A zone of genius is the intersection of a person's unique talents, passions, and strengths, where they feel joy and fulfillment while using their natural abilities.” It’s the area that you thrive. Naturally as human beings, we have a tendency to try to over work and do. We will do ten things good, rather than focusing on one thing that we do great. Focusing on your zone of genius helps you be more productive, satisfied, energized, organized, inspired and profitable. This isn’t just with business, it can be used with every area of your life. It helps you focus on the things you’re good at and delegate or ask for help on the other stuff.

Today, I want you to discover your zone of genius. It’s time for us to operate out of our gifts. Now, please don’t think because you decide your zone of genius that you’ll never have to do other work, because you will. However, finding your zone of genius, allows you to reach your highest potential. It helps you make decisions when doing group projects, taking jobs and manage day to day tasks. It helps you flow in life. First, look at your SWOT analysis you created two days ago; where you shared your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Look at the strengths and write down your skills. Next, I want you to write down three things you’re passionate about. Think about what comes naturally to you, it can be as big or small as you think. Whether it’s organization, encouraging people, explaining, painting, planning, etc., write everything down. Next, I want you to connect with the three people that know you best, and ask what they think your area of expertise is, and ask for feedback. What things do they say that align with your list? Start to be more mindful while doing these things, to see how naturally they come. Find out how to incorporate more of these things into your daily and weekly lives and see how your attitude towards work changes.

Three days in, four more left!

Day Two Of 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: The Soil

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:20:01 GMT

Do You Like The Direction Your Current Thoughts Are Taking You?

We are officially two days in. You know we have to check in, how do you feel? I know for me, the first day is always the hardest day, around the second/third day, my cravings begin to go away. If your cravings are still heavy, just think about your why, and it’ll help. Today was harder than normal for me. Typically I go to the movies every Tuesday, so not being able to go was a struggle. I wrestled with whether the movies was TV or not, in the end I decided if I had to ask then I probably shouldn’t. I spent the time that I would be in the movies reading my Bible and journaling. I had to pray, because I was upset that I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. As I was praying, gratitude filled my heart, and the feeling of missing out, went away. I shared that so that you know you’re not alone. I know some people act perfect, but I’ll be honest and say that the feeling of wanting to watch TV, or scroll on social is real. It’s not like I’m doing this fast and I don’t want to do the things that I gave up, because I do. I find my strength and joy and knowing that I’m doing something that is pleasing God. In the moments that it gets hard, that’s when I pressed in to him, because I can’t do it on my own.

Lord, thank you. Thank you for meeting us where we are. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for never leaving us. Lord, heal our minds. Help us to never exchange your truth for lies. Search our minds and remove any lie that enemy has tried to plant. As we read your word, reveal any wrong thinking in us. Thank you God for giving us the same mind that is in Christ. We know your thoughts are higher than our thoughts, help us to cast down any thoughts that contradicts yours. Thank you for sound mind. Thank you for renewing our minds. Holy Spirit, have your way in our minds. Empty us of ourselves, and fill us with your presence. God we’re sorry that we allowed the lies of the enemies to penetrate in our mind. Help us to combat his lies with your truth. Father give us the mental capacity to fight anything that tries to come into our minds that is not from you.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

Yesterday, we dug into the root, which is your heart. I hope you spent some time with yourself and explored your heart. Today, let’s explore the soil, which is your mind. It’s time for us to renew our minds, and take our thoughts captive. Please don’t think that exploring your heart and mind is something you should only do for this fast, you need to ask God to search your heart and renew your mind, every morning. When God first told me to discuss the power of the mind, I didn’t want to, because it’s something we touch on every year. I wanted something different this year, but God revealed that we can’t fast without digging into the heart and mind. They’re the nucleus of everything in our lives. We can’t talk about changing your life, without changing your mind. You can change every part of your life, but without changing your mind, it won’t stick. TD Jakes once said, “If you don’t change your mind, the same experiences will perpetuate itself over and over again. You can’t change outwardly, if you don’t change inwardly. It’s your default settings.” You ever find yourself in similar circumstances over and over? You ever find yourself dating the same person with a different name over and over? You ever find yourself at a place with your finances over and over? You ever find yourself in a cycle you can’t seem to shake? This is all because of your mind! Your mind is holding you captive.

Your mind is a very tricky thing. If you don’t ask God to renew your mind, you will become a victim to your thoughts. Your mind produces thoughts, which directly influence your perspective. Your perspective is everything, it’s what you believe to be true. You ever heard the saying, “Expect the worst, so you’ll never be disappointed?” This is a very detrimental way of thinking because, all the miracles we read come from people with expectant hearts. In Luke, both Jairus and Simeon waited for Jesus expecting a miracle, in two different stories. That’s just one book. The woman who reached for the hem of Jesus garment, had an expectant heart for Him to heal her. I expect God to show up in my life, because it’s who He is. I wake up in the morning, expecting to have a good day. Expecting things opens the doors for God to do good things in your life. I know the world says to expect the worse, but I serve a God who wants me to expect the best. Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” It’s so easy to get caught up in the ways of this world, but I challenge you to change your mind and to refresh your hope. This is how you grow your faith, you have to expect things to work together for your good, so He can get the glory.

Romans 12:2 says, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” ‭‭Everybody gets hung up on the first part of this scripture, which talks about being in this world, but not of this world by the renewing of your mind. BUT, I don’t hear a lot about the second part. It tells you exactly why the renewing of the mind is crucial. Without asking God to renew your mind, you won’t be able to discern a just good thing from a God thing. When your discernment is off, it obscures how you live and operate with others. Satan loves when your discernment is off. When your mind isn’t right, he’s able to plant thoughts. He did it with Eve in the garden, Job, and even Jesus in the wilderness. The devil is the father of lies. You can know something for sure, but the fears and anxieties from our minds or even outside influences can alter what you believe. What I mean is, the truth you stand on can vary. Our lives follow the direction of our thoughts. Solomon says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:,” in Proverbs 23:7. If you want this next season to be different, you have to change your mind.

For todays activity, I’m going to give you some practical ways to change your mind. First, take some time to meditate on Gods faithfulness. Grab your journal and write three ways God has shown up for you this season, no matter how big or small. I like to mark His goodness with my camera. I take a lot of pictures, and when God does something that I found myself stressed about, I add it to my note titled, “His Goodness.” It’s a note on my phone with screenshots of photos where God showed up. One example is a picture when I moved into my apartment. Now, you might not understand, but I had been talking about moving for years and even looking at apartments prior with all of $50 in my account. Fast forward to November 2nd, last year, I moved in and it was nothing, but God, (this is a story for another day.) I challenge you to start marking when He shows up. It’s a good reference for when anxiety and lies start to creep up, you can go see visuals of how he showed up before. If he did it before, he can certainly do it again. I didn’t mean to go on a tangent, but I had to get it out. Next, start to challenge your thoughts in the moment. When you feel a negative thought creeping up, ask yourself is this even true? Write down three negative characteristics you believe about yourself. Next to each one, combat it with Gods truth. Who does God say that you are? These are your biblical affirmations, say them over and over. Add them into your morning routine. Feel free to write more than three.

Now for those of you who are detoxing as well, I hope you understand the mind is extremely important. Psychology Today said, “When positive thoughts are generated, when you’re feeling happy, or optimistic, cortisol decreases and the brain produces serotonin, creating a feeling of well-being. When serotonin levels are normal, one feels happy, calmer, less anxious, more focused and more emotionally stable (Scaccia, 2017). Dopamine is also a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward system and pleasure center. The brain draws precious metabolic energy away from the prefrontal cortex. With these negative thoughts, the brain can’t perform at high or even normal capacity. When stressed or scared, it’s difficult to take in and process new material, yet alone think creatively. “Stress can alter plasticity in the nervous system, particularly in the limbic system”

Have you ever thought yourself out of something? I know I have. Our minds have the ability to create our own anxieties, over what if’s that may never even happen. We will even go as far as preparing for the what if situation that our mind created. Today, I want you to write down ten affirmations. According to Mindtools, "Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.'' Not only do I want you to write it down, I want you to speak them out loud twice or more a day. Make sure you write your positive affirmations in present tense and first person. Write them as if they have already been achieved. By doing it this way, you are training yourself to believe in them, by making them real and achievable. This is a great activity help you be more positive and overall happier. You need to let go of any and all negative thoughts and images and bombard your subconscious mind with new thoughts and images that are positive.

Two days down, five more to go. You’ve got this!

Day One Of 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: The Root

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 20:04:46 GMT

What's Your Why?

We are officially 24 hours into the 8th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox. How are you feeling? I hope you are ready and open to all that this time has to offer. This year, I fought really hard to decide what things I needed to give up. It was extremely hard for me, because I wanted to make sure my three things were of value and were going to actually challenge me. I didn’t want to just give up things, just because. As I was trying to decide what things to give up, I created posted notes and put them on my wall. After talking with my really good friend, she helped me get clear on the things I needed to give up. During this time, I’m not watching television, I’m not aimlessly scrolling on any social media, and I’m not drinking any alcohol. Now, these may seem like three simple things, but the reality is I wanted to go deeper. With this fast, I am trying to have a clear mind, which is why I gave up alcohol. I want to break the spirit of idleness that’s taken over, which is why I gave up social media and TV. I want to get more disciplined, which is why I’m creating and following certain routines during this time. See how all of my things flow, that’s how deliberate I wanted to get this year. A clear mind breaks idleness which leads to discipline. Make sure that the things you gave up, will really stretch you. Make sure they’re things that you do daily or if not every other day. Don’t cheat yourself, but more importantly, don’t cheat God.

Lord, thank you! Thank you for this time of stillness. Thank you for quieting all the noises that try to take your place. Thank you for redirecting our focus and attention to you. Lord search our hearts and reveal to us the mess that’s inside. Cleanse our hearts and make them new. Father, I invite your Holy Spirit to fill us right now. Help us in our weakness, and teach us things we don’t know about you. Help us to live like you. We put all our expectations in you. Lord, we repent of the times we expected other people or other things to meet our needs, when we should have been looking to you. We pray that you take your place as the driver in our lives, as we take the backseat. Open our ears to hear your voice. Lord have your way in our lives, not only for this fast but for the rest of our beings.

In Jesus name I pray amen.

For day one, I want you to define your why. What are you fasting for? You can fast for anything, and it doesn’t have to just be something physical. Are you seeking more intimacy with God? Do you need a breakthrough with different areas of your life? Do you have a decision that you need to make? Are you searching for clarity for what your next step should look like? There are plenty of reasons why you can fast, and it can be for multiple things. Take some time to write down what your why is. This is going to help you when things get hard. For me, one of my why is because I need better discernment of God’s voice, so that I can be obedient. Times that I want to stop and watch TV, I think about my why and it pushes me to not watch it. If you’re having a hard time defining your reason for this fast, I want you to look at areas of your life where you need God. This isn’t the time to act like your life is perfect and everything is all together. This is a time for you to be real. Think about what parts of yourself you’ve been hiding from God, consciously or without you even knowing. I want you to write down three questions that you want God to answer. They can be as deep as you want them to be. In order to define your why, you need to do a heart check. Most people think that your mind controls your heart, but that’s not the truth. Your heart controls your thoughts. Thinking begins with believing and believing begins in the heart. There are countless scriptures that discuss the heart and the importance of guarding it. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” If you want to know your desires, check your heart. Your motives for this fast will flow from the heart. If your heart isn’t right, that’s ok. This is the time to clear and cleanse the heart. People always talk about your hearts posture, and you may not know what that means. I can write a book on all the seasons that weren’t the best, and a lot of them have to do with my hearts posture. Your heart posture is simply your attitude or position in relation to God. One prayer that I find myself praying every single morning is, “Lord search my heart, if anything is in my heart that’s pulling me from you, remove it. Cleanse my heart and purify it. I want a heart that loves what you love and a heart that hates what you hate. I want a heart that is aligned with you and your will.” From the heart flows everything in your life. I didn’t mean to go on a tangent about the heart, but this is the first step with this fast. Invite God into your heart. This fast will be a complete waste, if you can’t check your heart and find your why. It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you currently are. Think about it, when you put directions into your maps, you need a to and from location. If you don’t know where you currently are, it’s hard to tell where you’re going. This may not be easy for you to explore, but I promise it’s going to help you for this next season. 1 Chronicles 28:9 says, “For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.” During this fast, I pray that you earnestly seek him. I hope the things that you gave up leave space for you to seek Him. It’s not enough to just give up things, you have to be actually replacing that time with time with the father.

For those of you who are detoxing, whether you’re not religious, or simply detoxing along with fasting, I have some questions for you. I want you to get clear on your why as well. Why do you need a change in your life? To prepare for this next season, you have to sit in analyze your current and past seasons. I want you to also define how you’re going to replace your time. You gave up three things, but how will you replace them? For example, if you gave up alcohol, will you replace that with more water? If you gave up TV, would you replace that time with journaling and reading? Only you can define how you will replace your time. Replace the time with something that will better you for the future. Who are you? This is a time for self assessment, look at your life in totality. Back in school, we used to do a SWOT analysis, (strength, weakness, opportunity and threats.) Today, I want you to do a personal check in with these questions. First, I want you to ask yourself to think of three words to define your current season. Who are you now? Where are you strong, and what areas are you lacking? Also, identify two habits that are holding you back in this season? Next, how do you want0 your next season to look? Who is the person you want to become? This is all about visualization. What do you need in order to become that person in this next season? For me, I want to be someone who has consistent routines, in order for me to get there, I need a schedule that I can actually follow. Another example is, I want to be a person that moves her body daily, and in order to be that, I need discipline to workout. I was recently reading How We Heal by Alexandra Elle, she has an exercise titled, Identifying Pain Points & Feelings. In the exercise, she has you make three columns in a journal title each column with: 1. What Hurts? 2. Why It Hurts? 3. How Do I Want To Feel? I challenge you to spend some time thinking about different feelings and events that happened in this current season and figure out how you want to feel. I’ll give you an example: What hurts? Ending my relationship even though it was time. Why it hurts? Because I felt like we had time and emotions invested, and I hate the feeling of starting over. How do I want to feel? I want to feel loved even while being on my own and for my next relationship to be mutually beneficial. Take some time to sit with your feelings and figure out how you want to feel. I know how heavy this may be, but I promise you, it will help you get to where you want to go.

I know day one seems extremely heavy, and like it’s a lot of things to do. But, these are all things needed in order to get to the next step. I know I said it earlier, but you can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you currently are. The reality is, our feelings are messy, and sometimes all over the place. Our heart is deceitful, and will lead us to a path of destruction. Whether you are fasting, detoxing, or both, sit and reflect on your why. Don’t run from heavy feelings, don’t run from your mess. Nobody is perfect, no matter how things may seem. We all have things inside of us that are ugly, but the first step is acknowledging them. I pray day one treat you well, and that you discover some things about yourself that you’ve been running from.

Eighth Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 22:02:20 GMT

It’s My Favorite Time Of Year

Before you can say hello, you have to say goodbye. Before we enter into the new season, let’s reflect on the old. This was a very interesting summer. I had so many incredible moments with my family and friends. I also learned a lot about myself this summer; some good and bad. I even overcame a lot of trials this summer. If you watch tv, or went into any major store, you’d see all the fall decor is front and center. Fall is knocking on the door, even though, I live in Atlanta, and it’s still 90 degrees. Technically, summer doesn’t end until the end of September. However, college students are back on campus, teachers are back to work, and students are back in their classrooms. Many people define summer ending after Labor Day, even though the calendar says it doesn’t end until September 22nd. No matter when you think summer ends, a new season is on the horizon. Every year, for the last seven years, we come together for our End Of Summer Fast and Detox. I’m personally inviting you to join us on our eighth annual one.

Starting on September 1st through September 8th, we will be preparing our hearts, minds, spirits and souls for the new season. I don’t mean just the physical season of fall, I mean this new season of life. If you’re new here and you’ve never joined us, let me give you a little back story. Back in 2017, I was a junior at Clark Atlanta University, I had just started the blog four months prior. I found myself fearful and overwhelmed with all the thoughts for the new school year. God gave me the idea to do a end of summer fast and detox which was titled Fasting For 4.0s. This is a process I’ve brought with me into adulthood, as I’ve evolved, the fast and detox has as well. For the last seven years we have came together as a community to fast pray and detox our way into what’s coming ahead. What started as a fast and detox for a new school year, became a movement that has stretched to all ages and genders. Each year, we fast for change and breakthroughs. It’s something about when two or more gathered that things shift. That doesn’t only mean physically get together. When we come together as a community, it’s a time to declare that we are prepared for what God has in store for us. This time of fasting isn’t just to get physical things from God. Whether you need clarity, to get unstuck, to renew your mind, to change your thoughts, or to break the spirit of depression off of your life; this fast is for you. Breakthrough from the same cycles! Breakthrough from past traumas! Breakthrough from shame! Breakthrough from doubt! Whatever has had a hold on you, it’s time to breakout and breakthrough.

This year, God has been calling me for a deeper relationship with Him. So this fast is not only a time to get things from God. This is a time to seek intimacy with Him. Mathew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” A lot of times we live our lives out of order and are confused when we’re stuck in cycles. The correct order is seeking first God. Seeking Him first with every aspect of your life: your career, your dreams, your routines, your habits, your relationships, your will. Surrender it all to Him and seek His face. How many times do you get an idea or a revelation and you call your friend? God wants us to call Him first. He gave you the ideas and dreams that are in your heart and head, why would you not seek the maker first. So many people are searching for their purpose and what God is asking from them, but they aren’t consulting with Him to get the answer. Over the weekend I was at Mattie James Magic Experience and she said, "You can not ask a thing, what's the purpose of a thing, you have to ask the maker.'' This is our time to seek the maker of everything to learn what he has in store for us. When your device, (phone, laptop, etc.) isn't working properly, you take it back to the creator. Why is it that so many times we find ourselves going to people who did not create us to tell us our purpose? God created you with a purpose, why not spend intimate time with him to learn. This fast and detox is going to make you seek God, seek a relationship, and seek His face. During this time of praying and fasting, we won’t only be talking to God, but we are going to be removing the noise so that we can hear from him. There are so many things that are begging for our attention, God may be talking to you, and you can’t even hear him through all the other noise.

This is our eighth annual End Of Summer Fast and Detox, and I’ve been studying what the word eight means in the Bible. The number eight stands for new beginnings, and resurrection. Isaiah 43:19 says, “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” So many times we pray and ask God to show up in our lives the same way he did in the past, when he’s trying to do something new and different. It is a new beginning for many of us, not just the new season of fall. Whether you’re in a new role with work or life, a new season of motherhood, or a new season of change; it is something new. You can’t go into new seasons with old mindset. That is why this fast and detox this year is going to prepare you in a way that you didn’t even know you needed. This is a time for resurrection of the dreams that God put inside of you that went dormant. Starting this Sunday at noon, we are going deeper. I would love for you to join, all you need to do is come up with a list of three things that you are giving up for the seven days. Three things that you can lay down and place them at the altar so that you can focus on your relationship with Christ. If you’re struggling with what to lay down, ask God to reveal them to you. What distractions have your attention in this current season? What things are you using all of your free time on? Take some time to think about that. I’m so excited to see how God will show up. Each day I’m going to share a scripture for you to marinate on, a worship song, and an activity for you to complete

If you're not a believer like me, that’s ok. I want you to join me during this time as well, because not only is it a fast, it’s also a detox. We are detoxing our mind and bodies for this new season. You can’t want different and do the same thing. If you want different you have to be different, but that starts with our minds. Your heart shapes your mind, which shapes your actions. This is the time where we are detoxing from things to prepare our bodies for different actions. Each day I will share activities with you so you can get a deeper understanding of you. It’s time to reconnect with the things that you want for yourself. The world is so noisy, we see things, being thrown at us every which way, and your wants and desires get lost. This is not only about shaping your wants and desires, it’s about shaping the person you want to be. This is the time to reconnect with yourself in a way that you don’t know. Detoxing cleanses you mind and body to be aligned with your future life. Ready to get clear on your goals and to come up with a plan to have an amazing future? Join this detox, by thinking of three time wasting things that have your attention. For seven days, we are quieting the noise of outsiders and sitting with ourself and thoughts. After the long eight months we just encountered, we need to get rid of all the things holding us back. This detox will also help jumpstart your discipline, which is essential for growth.

Whether you’re religious, or not, I hope you join me in this fast and detox. Make sure you are subscribed to the blog, (down below) because every day, starting Sunday September 1st, to Sunday September 8th , I will send you a scripture, prayer, and an activity. This fast will be challenging, but if you take it seriously, it can change the trajectory of your next season. It starts Sunday September 1st at noon and ends Sunday September 8th at noon. Are you ready? Let’s go!

It's Not Over, Finish Your Race

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:03:17 GMT

The Most Important Quarter Is Here, Make It Count

Last week, on the 4th of July, I was watching the AJC Peachtree Road Race. It’s an annual 10k marathon that started back in 1970. I had no intentions in watching the race, but I stumbled my way to it. It had over 60,000 participants, and thousands of spectators. As I was watching and cheering for random strangers, God gave me the most incredible revelation: FINISH THE RACE! I’ve only witnessed marathons or races on tv, seeing it in person was amazing. While I was watching this race, I saw people of all ages, ethnicities, and even genders. The beautiful thing, is that they were all running/walking at different paces. Some people were sprinting, others were doing a slow jog, and even some people were walking. I even saw a guy with prosthetic legs running this marathon. Although they were tired, they all looked like they were having a good time. The people on the outside had balloons, and even signs to cheer the runners along. Some people had signs that said you go you random stranger, and other people were cheering for their loved ones. Watching this race, showed me that when we say life is a marathon, it means that you can slow down as many times as you want, but just run your race. Whether it takes you one or five hours, run your own marathon. The beautiful thing with these races/marathons is that you’re your only competitor. I spoke with some people who were apart of it and they all had different agendas for the race. Some people had a time they were trying to beat, some people wanted to run the whole thing without stopping, and some just wanted to get out the house and make it to the end. The people who wanted to make it to the end didn’t care how long it took, they were excited for the journey ahead. If this isn’t an analogy of how we should live our lives, I don’t know what is.

Half of the year is already gone, no one cares how you started, or what happened in those first six months. All that matters is that you finish the race. The race is yours, you are the only person in the lane. The hurdles you’ll have to jump over are your doubts, fears, anxieties and other things in your way. If you feel like the first half of the year, tried to take you out, take a deep breath, because you are still here. If there is still breath in your body, God is not done with you. Deals could have fell through, money could have gotten tight, people could have walked out of your life, but through it all you made it to the second half of the year. We are in the third quarter, this is the most important quarter in any sport. We’re now past halftime, and it’s time to check in with yourself. Spend some time sitting with your thoughts to figure out what your true wants and needs are. You may even find that the goals you set for the beginning of the year are no longer goals, and you may want something totally different. And that is okay. Figure out what YOU want out of YOUR life. The beautiful thing is you can change your mind and pivot at any time. When I’m goal setting, I find it easier to work backwards, asking myself what I want long term, helps me to plan for short term. You can take a break during your marathon, but don’t exit the track. As I was watching the race, many people slowed down, and even stopped, but they got back to it. You may not have friends and family on the sidelines to cheer you on, but their are many strangers that are waiting on you to get off the bench and into the race. So many peoples destinies are tied to you staying the course. Don’t allow what happened or didn’t happen in the first half of the year to hold you back from finishing the year strong. Jonathan Nelson has a song called, ‘Finish Strong,’ it’s so encouraging in seasons that feel heavy.

Every day won’t be your best, and things will get tough, but that’s when you must dig deep and put your faith in Jesus or whatever higher power you believe in. When you feel like things are too heavy, think back to all the hurdles God has already brought you over. Also, stop looking at the hurdles as roadblocks. You can still make 2024 the best year yet. So much can happen and change in six months, but only if you decide to finish your race! If you don’t see anyone cheering for you, know that I’m here rooting for you to finish strong! Lace up those shoes and put one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you’ll be back running.

15 Last Minute Fathers Day Gift Ideas

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:13:09 GMT

Men Want To Feel Loved & Appreciated Too!

I can’t believe we are already in June. I know I say that about every month, but time really just be flying. I feel like it was just Easter, and here we are at Father’s Day. I was talking with this guy on the elevator and he was telling me how Father’s Day is one of the most underrated holidays we have. When I asked him why, he said, "Aside from the reality that a lot of people don’t have active fathers, men are typically downplayed when they receive gifts. Whereas most people shower their mothers with gifts and praise, fathers get cards and calls.'' Initially, I thought he was crazy. But the more I sat with it, I realized it was the truth. Stores poor so much money into marketing for Mother’s Day, you start to get bombarded with gift ideas, and ads in early April. Although there are some stores that market for Father’s Day, the ads are slim to none. Just think about it, restaurants number one busiest day is Mother’s Day. One of the biggest church attendance days is Mother’s Day. The least amount of crime in America is done on Mother’s Day. The reality is people love their mothers and mother figures, and love to show it to them. That’s not to say that people who have fathers and father figures, don’t love and appreciate them as well, they just show it differently. When I asked the man in the elevator, would he like to have a gift and be taken out by his children, he said, "Of course.'' I don’t know why society, believes that men don’t want to be celebrated just as much as the mothers, (I mean good, active, caring, fathers, not the deadbeats.) I understand that a lot of people have strained relationships with fathers, and daddy issues, but the best fathers aren’t celebrated at the capacity that mothers are.

My dad is the hardest person to shop for, every year I asked him what he wants, and he says nothing. That could be why it’s easier to shop for my mom, because she always says something that she wants throughout the year. I like to call myself the gift God, because I pride myself on giving good gifts, that the other person wants, or needs. Gifting is my love language, giving and receiving, so I love gifting, others how I do. Typically, I like to take my dad out and get him a gift, but unfortunately, I won’t be able to this year, since I moved. Last night I began to think about ways to make him feel appreciated and loved, I thought why not share it with you guys. I know we are less than five days away, but I wanted to share fifteen last minute gifts that your father, father figure, or husband, would love to have this Father’s Day.

1.Cologne

This is honestly a easy gift to grab a guy, make sure you find scents that he likes. So many times, women gift men cologne that they think smell good, but I challenge you to think about the man’s body chemistry, and what scents work well with him. When you’re researching, find one based on the kind of cologne that he already wears and read the notes to find something that fits. I hate getting perfume that I think stinks.

2.A Golf Day

This is something that is very inexpensive. Look up the closest golf course, or country club near you, and learn about their day passes or rates. You can gift someone a day pass to do their favorite thing. If the male in your life likes to golf, but doesn’t have golf clubs, you could either rent them, or purchase some clubs for him. Golf clubs are such a good lasting gift to give.

3.Cufflinks

If the man in your life wears a suit more than twice a month, this is the perfect gift. You can get some really nice designer cufflinks for under $300. If he is into personalized items, you can get some nice cufflinks engraved, and that’ll be a keepsake that he keeps forever.

4.Nice Backpack or Computer Bag

Whether the man your life is in corporate, or an entrepreneur, this is the perfect gift. Men will lug around their laptops, tablets, etc., in their hands all day. This gift, well make their life so much easier. If you have some extra cash, you can find them a really nice leather bag that is durable. Depending on the man, if he has a favorite brand, I’m pretty sure they have a backpack or computer bag you could find.

5.A Spa Day

Please don’t think that ladies are the only people who enjoy a nice spa day. Men love massages. Find a day pass to a nice spa with a pool to gift the male in your life. Even throw in a facial if you have some extra money. If the man is stressed, or cares about self-care, this is the perfect gift for him.

6.Premium Liquor

If the man in your life collects a specific liquor, find a nice bottle to gift him. A lot of men collect different bourbons, whiskeys, or even tequilas. Find something exclusive or unique that he can add to his bar. Even if he isn’t into liquor, and is a wine head, this is the perfect gift.

7.Pair Of Glasses

You can only gift glasses to someone you know very well. You have to know their face shape, and what style looks best on them. If the man in your life loves glasses, get him a new pair to add to his collection. If he's always rocking aviators, find a cool pair to give him.

8.A Hat

Hats are so universal. If the man in your life loves a hat, get him one that matches his style. For example, my grandfather loves fedoras, one year I got him a fedora and he loved it. Another year, we got him a Gucci baseball cap and he loved it too. Hats are honestly a really good gift to give a man, who already wears them. I wouldn’t gift someone a hat who I’ve never seen where a one. Check out your local Nordstrom rack, because they have some really good quality hats, at affordable prices.

9.Luggage Or A Duffle Bag

If the man in your life travels a lot, this is a nice gift to give him, because it’s something he wouldn’t likely buy himself. New luggage may sound boring, until it’s time to pack your suitcase and hit the plane. If he isn’t into the roller luggage, get him a nice spacious duffle bag. You could even get his initials engraved inside the bag.

10.Clothes

Typically I don’t like gifting people clothes, but when it comes to a man, I would. I’m not saying go find him a new outfit, unless you’re absolutely sure you know his style. Some quality loungewear, a couple jogging suits would be perfect for any man. Even some basketball shorts and T-shirt’s would be a good gift.

11.Sneakers

Once again, you’ll need to know his style to gift this. You can’t go wrong with a nice white pair of sneakers, I feel like men need these every year. If the man in your life is style conscious, get him a funky pair of sneakers that he could put a nice outfit together with.

12.Cigars

This is perfect for some men, especially if they smoke them already. Head to your local cigar shop, and pick him up a box of cigars, with The Cigar kit. That way he can have everything he needs to enjoy his smoking experience.

13.Headphones

These are a great gift idea for any budget. Last year, I upgraded my dad’s AirPods to the pros and he loved them. If the man in your life already has AirPod pros, maybe gift him a pair of AirPod maxes. If he’s heavy into the gym, maybe gift him a pair of beats. Headphones are so universal and can fit anyone’s lifestyle.

14.Pair Of Slippers or Nice Robe

Ugg makes the best house slippers for any gender, especially males. Men don’t think about house comfort, but I promise you if you gift the man in your life a pair of house shoes, you’ll catch him wearing them to the ground. Robes are so comfortable, and men actually like them. You can find a nice plush robe to gift the man in your life, try to get it engraved for a personalized touch.

15.An Outing Or Experience

Take the special man or men in your life out for Father’s Day. Whether that’s to a nice restaurant, the movies to see Bad Boys, the gun range, or even just a sports bar to watch the game, get out the house and spend quality time with the male in your life. This is such a nice gesture to show your appreciation for all that he does.

I hope one or more of these ideas helps you find the perfect gift for the father, father figure, or husband in your life. We have to change the narrative around Father’s Day, because there’s so many amazing fathers out here. Let’s spend not only this weekend, but every weekend, telling and showing them how loved and appreciated they are!

Three Life Lessons I Learned From A Thunderstorm

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 19:33:39 GMT

After The Storm, The Sun Will Shine Again

If you are in Atlanta, you know that baby the rain came pouring down last week. Not only was the rain coming down, the gusts of wind was insane. I woke up to seeing my patio furniture drenched and pillows on the ground. After it rained for a good seven hours, I looked out my window, and saw the glimpse of the sun beaming in through the clouds. I instantly felt God give me a revelation: Storms are going to come. They are going to shake up your life, but after every storm, the sun will shine. This revelation hit me in a way that I knew could only be from God. We have to be able to stand on Faith, knowing that in the midst of the storm, the sun will shine again. Something about watching the rain hitting my window turn into sunlight shinning thru was the greatest feeling. I immediately grabbed my journal and began to write. Today, I want to share with you three life lessons I learned from watching a thunderstorm.

Maybe you’re like me, and when you wake up and see rain, you instantly get annoyed. Something about knowing that it’s a rainy day, throws off my routine and makes me want to do nothing except sit in my bed and watch TV. It’s always a struggle for me to push myself to be productive on rainy days. I could have plans booked in advance, but if I wake up and it’s raining, I’ll change the whole schedule. The first lesson this thunderstorm taught me was that rain is inconvenient, and it does throw off routines, but it doesn’t last forever. The problem is, many of us, me included , treat the rainy seasons like they’re going to last forever. Let me give you an example; The day it rained for seven hours, I actually had plans to have my friend come over and catch up out on the patio. However, when I woke up that morning and saw the rain, I instantly texted my friend to reschedule, (it was only 6:30am, we were supposed to get together at 8pm.) The problem with changing your entire schedule when you see rain, is the fact that it does not always last all day. By the time I realized the rain had stopped at noon, I had already made my mind up that I was no longer connecting with my friend. I missed out on a night that would’ve been filled with laughter, because I mentally prepared the storm would last all day. Now when it comes to the stormy seasons in our life, we have to know that it’s just a season and focus on how we will be when it’s over. Please don’t think I’m saying to ignore your emotions in times of hardships. I’m simply saying, when things get hard and life seems like you’re in a storm, don’t sit and soak, focus on the story you will tell when it’s over. I watched Hey You with Sarah Jakes Roberts and she shared, “God I don’t know how you’re going to do it, but I come into agreement with what the story’s going to be. Your story is going to come out better than you think. You have to testify about the story you’re going to tell about this season of your life in the future. If you activate it in your heart, it’ll change the way you talk, it’ll change the way you walk. It’ll change the way you see God. Start living out what God has already spoken about your life, despite how you feel right now. Speak it into the atmosphere the story you’ll tell when it’s over, even if you can't see any evidence.” When we’re in times of trials, it’s so important to speak about what we want the other side to look like. Don’t allow your current circumstances to get in the way of what you know God will do. Don’t stop living when you’re in a stormy season.

The second lesson this thunderstorm taught me, is that you won’t always know when a storm is coming. I love checking the weather app, but it’s not always 100% accurate. It’s been plenty of times that the forecast would show clear skies, but out of nowhere, an overcast comes and it’s pouring down. This is true with life. Sometimes, we know and can feel when things are about to get shift. Whether that’s with intuition or a new season we actually sat and prepared for. It could be a new job, a new baby, or a new season of marriage, there are seasons when we know life as we knew it would change. However, there are times when life throws us a curveball, that feels like it came from nowhere . Whether you lose your job, someone passes away, or a sudden illness comes about; it’s times when life changes suddenly and without warnings. Change is hard whether it’s expected or not, but it’s inevitable. Most of you know, I’ve struggled with control issues that I’ve been working on in therapy so this reality is hard for me to grasp. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, no matter how hard you plan. Your foundation has to be rooted in truth, for me, that’s Jesus. Whatever foundation you decide to stand on, must support you in times when your life is shaken up. When you’re in an unexpected storm, you can’t stand on things that won’t support you. When change comes and disrupts your routine, it’s ok to stop, pause and start back. The faster you realize life is full of ebbs and flows, the faster you’ll be able to have peace in a storm. This also means you can’t make things or people your idol or god; Whether that’s money, a career, a relationship, etc. You could lose everything tomorrow, so get a strong foundation in something.

The third lesson I learned from this thunderstorm is that storms are necessary both literally and figuratively. Rain is essential for the watering of plants. According to Calwild.org, “Hurricanes and tropical storms overall can help keep the earth's temperature in balance, help combat drought, and help shape the landscapes they pass through.” Noaa.gov puts it this way, “Thunderstorms help transfer the negative charges back to earth (lightning is generally negatively charged). Without thunderstorms and lightning, the earth-atmosphere electrical balance would disappear in five minutes! We aren't really sure what would happen if this balance wasn't maintained.” Storms are essential for our ecosystem. The same is true for storms in our personal lives. The bible says, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This literally means God knew that we would have seasons of trials, he never said we wouldn’t. During the stormy seasons, God does his best work. I wouldn’t know God was a healer if I never needed to be healed, I wouldn’t know He was a keeper if I didn’t need to be kept. I wouldn’t know God was a way maker if I didn’t need a way made, I wouldn’t know He was a provider if I had it provided on my own. I know when you’re in a storm that it seems like God has left you, but you have to change your perspective to learn the lesson God is trying to teach you. Maybe you’re not religious, the reality is storms build resilience. You wouldn’t know what you could do if you’ve never been in times of adversity. According to Smartkids101, “Adversity grinds a certain amount of fortitude into us, a resilience that we wouldn’t otherwise have if it weren’t for those times of hardship, suffering, or pain.” Diamonds are made under high heat and pressure! You have no idea what’s on the other side of the storm you may be going thru. Change your perspective when it comes to trials because they’re going to happen. Everything won’t always be perfect, but that’s why it’s good to be present and feel every emotion. When you have a day where you feel amazing and things just seem to go your way hold onto that, because that will be the thing that can carry you through the storm.

I don’t know about you, but these three lessons are eye openers to me. I hope the next time you enter a stormy season, you can change your perspective and grow thru it. Think about the story you’ll tell after, and how much you’ll change. I don’t always like change, but I’ve learned to embrace it. Get you some solid truths to stand on when you’re going thru a hard season. Make sure you don’t allow your thoughts and emotions to take over. Embrace the rain, let you cleanse you for the new!

Bronner Bros Homecoming Atlanta 2024 Show

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:02:01 GMT

The Legendary Bronner Bros Multicultural Beauty Show

Last weekend was THE weekend of beauty in Atlanta, Georgia. Hairstylists, make up artist, barbers, estheticians, and other beauty creatives showed up from all around the world for the Bronner Brother International Beauty Show. This was the first show since the 2020 pandemic. The energy in the room was so pure. The people in the room were there with intention. Whether that intention was to show their work, sell a product, or learn; you could honestly feel the hunger and inspiration as soon as you step foot inside.

If you’ve never heard of the Bronner Bros International Beauty Show, where have you been? It’s a three day one night experience like no other. To call it just a beauty show, would undermine all that it encompasses. It’s the world’s largest professional trade show dedicated to multicultural beauty. This weekend is jam packed with education, networking, and entertainment. It’s a celebrity filled star-studded event that takes place in Atlanta twice a year. You can shop, eat, connect, and so much more at this experience. This was the 77th annual show, and was the first time, since Covid, that they were able to do it. This shows theme was Homecoming, and they did not disappoint. I left with so many goodies; some that I purchased, others that were gifted.

When you think about legacy and generational wealth, Bronner Bros is one of the best examples. The Bronner beauty Empire was started in 1947, when Nathaniel Bronner and his brother Arthur opened their first store, in Atlanta, with all their own beauty products. They even had their own Station Wagon, which was going from beauty salon to beauty salon, selling products. The first Bronner Brother Beauty Show took place in 1947, at the local YMCA with only 50 stylists. It began to grow over the years and even had guest speakers like Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Dick Gregory. Now, they fill the Georgia World Congress center with over 10,000 people. It is to date the largest show of its kind. They have two main events, the barber and hair battle, and many battles in between. It’s a place where beauty professionals can be surrounded by like-minded people, and get inspired. There has been so many stylists, and professionals who have been discovered, and whose lives have been changed by attending the beauty show. Whether they competed in a competition, or made a connections with someone, many have been transformed after attending. The Bronner Brother empire is built on God, family, and business. Nathaniel had a vision for all that Bronner Brothers could be. Now, the second generation is running and operating Bronner Brothers. At the night time fashion and beauty show, President James Bronner, introduced his daughter on stage for the prayer to open the night. After the prayer, he shared that she is carrying the fourth generation, because she’s expecting. For over 77 years, Bronner brothers has been and remains family owned. There isn’t a lot of black businesses that can do this. The spirit of excellence and vision is passed down with each generation. I’m excited to see what the next generation does in the future.

I first started attending the Bronner Brother show, back when I was in college, at Clark Atlanta, in 2018. I had just launched Dymonds Diary, and was approved to be press. I’m not a beauty professional, but I love and respect the beauty industry so much. It’s a billion dollar industry with so many creatives, who have a work ethic like no other. The first time I attended, I was blown away. It’s so much love in the exhibit, I can’t even explain it. I have made it my business to attend the show each year since. I was devastated when they stopped doing it because of Covid. So many times, stylist, and other beauty technicians spend so much of their energy, making other people beautiful, they don’t have a lot of spaces where they are the priority; that’s why so many of them make it to the show. Whether you’ve been in the game, 20 years, or are fresh out of cosmetology school, this is a place that you need to be. The connections, inspiration, and creativity that you get by being in the room is unmatched. I left feeling so motivated and inspired. Many professionals use it as a time to stock up on beauty essentials from the vendors. Other people, use this time to pass out flyers and samples of their products. There were over 20 workshops, and small classes for people to learn in as well. All of your favorite vendors were in attendance, plus new ones. It was over 100 vendor booths. When you walk the floor, you get to see upcoming trends in the hair and beauty, space, talk to people who have been in the game for years, and bump into your favorite celebrities. This year, I got to see and speak with Yandy, Judy, Derrick J, Shekinah, and many more. The top beauty influencers were even there, and celebrity stylist.

One thing that the Bronner Brother beauty show is known for, is the night time Sunday fashion show. They feature designers from all over the world, and even have a hair and barber portion. I was honestly blown away by all of the styles I got to see. The show even included some entertainment and musical performances. They gave out some awards during the show as well. The fashion show, is always one of my favorite parts, because I just love seeing the different styles that the designers create. I also love seeing the kids portion where they have children modeling different looks.

Whether you are a beautician, barber, esthetician, fashion designer, or any other beauty creative, you need to make the Bronner Brother Show part of your yearly tradition. Before Covid, they would have a show in the winter, and summer; typically, the winter show was in February, and the summer show was in August. I hope now post Covid, they bring back the August show. For updates on what’s to come check out BronnerBros.com . That’s also where you can sign up to be a vendor, I suggest doing that early. You can even inquire about participating in one of the many competitions that they have. As soon as I find out what’s to come, I will be sure to keep you posted. If you want a full detail of the beauty weekend, click here , to watch some of my previous recap videos.

Don’t Make Your Future You Hate You

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 00:43:43 GMT

Your Current Decisions Hold More Weight On Your Future Than You Think

I was watching TV, and the craziest commercial came on. It was a commercial by Nerd Wallet, picture this: The year is 2074, and some older men and women are singing about how they're future you. They say things like, “Our life could’ve been really different, but thanks to you it isn’t.” The whole point of the commercial is to warn you to start making smarter financial decisions today, so that you don’t regret them in the future.

After watching this commercial, I was overwhelmed with emotions. The wheels in my brain started spinning. It was so much bigger than financials. The question that kept playing over and over in my mind was, what if future me 40 years from now was sitting right next to me? What would they say about my life's decisions? Would they be retired or still working? Are they healed and walking in their purpose? What is their legacy? All of these questions circled around in my head. What’s even crazier about this commercial, is a couple months ago I was on the plane, and this woman next to me, turned to me, and said “In next 90 days be careful the decisions you make. Some will have a longer affect than you think.” I'm getting chills just writing this, we are truly the decisions that we make. Right now in this present moment, where I am is because of the things I did months and even years ago.

Your decisions today, affect your future, the good and even the bad. Think about it: when you go to the gym and work out, you don’t see the results until weeks or even months in. Me deciding to lay around and watch TV today, might not have immediate results. However, if I do that every day over a period of time, instead of doing work for my job, I could risk losing my job or not reaching my dreams. You might think in the moment, eating a bag full of candy is fine. A month later, you may find yourself with cavities. Have you ever spoken with someone older and they list off all the regrets they have? They say the things they should’ve done, the person they should’ve married, dreams they should’ve followed and things they would’ve done if things were different. I don’t want to be a could’ve, should’ve, would’ve person. I want to die empty!

I went to a funeral a few weeks ago, for my great aunt, and death always reminds me how short life is. Our days here on earth are limited, why waste time not going for the gusto. So many times people, and even myself, have excuses as to why things can’t get done. This is the year to drop all excuses! If it’s something you want to do, why wait to execute it. If you know me, you know, I love daytime talk shows. I started watching them when I was a kid. I religiously watched The Real, every single day. I would record it and watch it as soon as I came home from school. I was devastated when that was cancelled. For the last, year and a half, I’ve been obsessed with The Sherri Shepherd Show. I watch it ever single day, live or on Youtube. When I realized I’d be in New York, for my friends baby shower, I knew I had to try to attend the Sherri Show live. I went to the website, signed up and waited patiently for weeks to hear if I’d been selected. The week of my trip, I received an email saying, “Congratulations, you’ve been selected.” Most people wouldn’t have went, because I didn’t have anybody to go with. I refused to let that stop me. I went to the show and had such an amazing time. It felt good to check something off my bucket list, even if I had to do it alone.

Stop allowing fear, lack of resources, not having somebody to do it with, or any other things, hold you back from doing the things you desperately want to do. This is the year, we’re breaking out the box. What does it mean to die empty? According to Tony Martignetti, “It means fully completing your mission and emptying your tank of all you want to put out into the world. It may seem dark, but it is really powerful. As stoic philosophers would say, memento mori, "remember that you [have to] die," so get living!” You only get one life, so why sit on the sidelines playing it safe? If God put a desire on your heart, the least you can do is try to explore it. You can pivot, change, restart, move, or even change courses no matter how old you are. If I told you, tomorrow was your last day on earth, what would you do? It’s time to start living like that. Please understand, I’m not telling you to live frivolously and not to plan for your future. However, if you don’t take risks, you’ll have a wasted soul.

If I would’ve let fear and self doubt, talk me out of attending the Sherri Show, I wouldn’t have ended up on tv and experiencing something I always wanted to witness. If I would’ve listened to fear, I would’ve never moved. If I would’ve listened to other people, I wouldn’t have quit working in retail and wouldn’t have the free schedule I have. This is the time to have discernment when it comes to decisions. Those words from that lady on the plane unlocked something new in me, where I started living more intentional and mindful. This is my wake up call for you!

Push Past Being Uncomfortable

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 03:53:06 GMT

Confidence Is Deeper Than Your Appearance

A few weeks ago, my trainer, Jiyan, asked me if I could join her photo shoot for her rebrand. Initially, I was excited, but the more I thought about it, my emotions began to take over. I sat and stared at myself in the mirror, and thought about all the ways I had dropped the ball which included: All the workouts I had missed, all the snacks that I had eaten, and all the times I decided to get fast food rather than cooking. My mind began to spiral, and I didn’t think I would be able to do it. Typically, I work out in oversized sweatshirts, to hide my imperfections. I can’t tell you the last time I went outside in a sports bra and yoga pants. I’m human, so I struggle with my body image just as much as the next person. It’s some days I wake up and don’t feel pretty.

As I began to think about what Jiyan had asked me to do, I started looking up fitness shoots and immediately compared myself. I’ve been in the gym for years, but didn’t get consistent until November of last year. Looking at the “ideal fitness girlies,” I looked at myself and said we don’t even compare. I felt bad and unworthy. Before I could spiral too far, something kicked in and I thought to myself why are you going to sit here and believe all these lies? I started to combat every negative thought and replaced it with a positive one. This lasted for about an hour and before I knew it, my confidence boosted. The next day, I showed up and was apart of the photo shoot. I’m not at my ideal weight, but I felt good. It ended up being really fun and I met some amazing women. Plus the photos came out great!

I say all this to say, confidence is deeper than your appearance. Confidence is bigger than beauty. Self love is an everyday struggle, so on days when your mind is trying to take over, you have to combat that with positivity. Confidence comes from showing up and doing the things you said you would do. Don’t beat yourself up for days when you don’t feel your best, but don’t allow yourself to stay there either. Also, don’t run from things that make you uncomfortable, I’m not referring to illegal or unsafe things! Fear told me, not to do it. Had I listened to fear, I wouldn’t have moved. If I listened to fear, I wouldn’t have did the shoot and would’ve missed out on meeting some amazing girls, who motivated me. It’s 2024, don’t allow fear to run your life. In the past, fear held me back from evolving into the woman I want to be, but not anymore. I’m not telling you to be fearless, but I’m telling you to do it scared. You never know what’s on the other side of the fear you’re feeling! Getting butterflies in your stomach is proof that you’re pushing yourself. 2024 is a year of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Being nervous is not a bad thing. Don’t let your mind get in the way of you trying new things. The bigger the risk the bigger the reward. One thing I plan to do this year, is take more risks. I have a bad habit of coming up with the worse case scenario in my head, and allowing it to stop me from doing things, but thru therapy I’m learning that that’s all in my head. If you’re like me, it’s time to push anyway! That’s my focus for the year, not allowing my emotions to stop me from pushing towards my goals. It’s only week two of the new year, it’s time to go for broke!

I f you’re looking for a trainer, whether you’re in Atlanta or open to virtually, sign up for Pretty Fit Academy by Jiyan. I promise you, you get more than a trainer, you get a program designed to help you transform every part of your life. I’ve been training with Jiyan for years and although, I haven’t taken my “fitness” journey 100% serious, the mental growth and guidance I’ve received has been nothing short of incredible. She is someone who cares about you and your goals, whether personal or fitness! What better time than now, than to take your health and wellness seriously? Click here to sign up for PFA.

23 Things I Learned In 2023

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 01:49:26 GMT

If You’ve Prayed For It Prepare For It

I don’t have to tell you, because you already know, the years are flying by. I can’t believe we have made it to see another year. Happy New Year, I’m excited for all that 2024, has in store! 2023 was an interesting year for me; it had a lot of highs, but even some lows. Through it all, I can’t complain about anything that happened last year. I had some really big wins in 2023, but I also hit my financial lowest in 2023. You can say what you want about what happened last year, but if you’re reading this, you’re alive which means you’ve made it past the threshold to see a new year. Whether 2023 was your best or even worse year, you should be grateful to have made it thru. It’s still air in your lunges which means you can make 2024 even better. My pastor preached about a reflective pause that you must do when ending one year and entering a new one. It’s time for reflection and preparation. You can’t prepare for a new year without reflecting on the prior one.

So many people are planning and goal setting for 2024, people are making vision boards and preparing for the year ahead. I challenge you to take some inventory during this time. Take some time to prepare for this new year. I’m a firm believer in if you prayed for it, you need to prepare for it, which means make room for the blessing to happen. Take some time to sit and think about how you want YOUR 2024 to be. Ask yourself questions like: Where do I want to be on this day, next year? What are some things I want to accomplish this year? How do I want to evolve this year? What are some routines that can help me accomplish my goals this year? What are some things I need to add in my life to be better? How do I want my finances to look this year? What’s my focus for this year? Break the year into quarters and plan how each quarter will look financially, mentally, physically, personally, and business wise if you have one. Proper planning prevents poor performance.

You can’t prepare for the new year, without reflecting on the old one. Depending on how your year was, it might be hard to reflect, but I promise it’s crucial if you want to grow. Look at how 2023, was overall. What’s some things you did well and areas you dropped the ball? What are you proud of? What didn’t you get to accomplish? What were the best and worse moments from last year? I completed the Year Compass Workbook (click here to download your own, it's free,) and it was such an amazing reflection. Take some time to complete it. Don’t feel rushed, if it takes you all January to reflect on the previous year, and to prepare for the new one, that’s ok. As I was doing this, I came up with lessons I learned last year. There were many lessons I learned, but I wanted to share some with you. Here’s 23 lessons I learned in 2023.

Stop and Truly Be Present (When it’s all over, all that we have are our memories)

2. Family Is A Priority (Don’t put anybody or anything before your loved ones)

3. Keep Your Space Clean & Organized (When living in filth, your life on the outside will reflect that)

4. It’s Ok To Say No (Still learning this- You saying yes may be the crutch holding somebody back)

5. Be Mindful The Advice You Take (I’m not saying don’t consider it, but follow your own mind)

6. Enjoy The Journey (This is cliché, but you have to find joy along the way rather than the destination)

7. Be Mindful What You Digest (the things you intake or listen to have more influence than you think)

8. If It Scares You, Do It (Nothing illegal, but you have to break your comfort zone)

9. Do You, Even If It’s Different (This world tries force people in a box, you don’t have to follow the crowd)

10. Fall In love With Yourself (We’re constantly evolving and you have to love each stage you’re in)

11. Take Faith-based Risks (When things are aligned, ask God and take the risk)

12. Don’t Just Buy The Book, Read It (I’m good for buying a book and reading one page, actually read it)

13. Throw It Away (If you haven’t worn or used it in over two years, you don’t want it)

14. Get Up & Go To Church (I know you can watch online, but it’s something about going in the building)

15. You’re No Different (You’re able to do anything someone you look up to can do, just go after it)

16. Nothing Lasts Forever (When things are bad this is key, but even when things are good, things will change)

17. Make The Call (If someone crosses your mind, call or text them & let them know you’re thinking of them)

18. Be Kind (Whether you’re talking to a stranger, or loved one, it costs you $0 to simply be kind)

19.You’re Waiting On God, But He’s Waiting On You (You can’t just pray for it, you have to work for it)

20. You Haven’t Forgiven If You’re Still Holding On (God says to forgive & forget; moving on isn’t forgiving)

21. Moderation Is Key (Whether it’s good or bad, too much of anything is bad)

22. You Don’t Work Better Under Pressure (This is a lie your brain says so you can procrastinate)

23. Nothing Is By Accident (God uses everything in each season to prepare you and give you tools for the next one)

Happy New Year! I pray this year, brings you joy, happiness, clarity, and any more of your hearts desires. I pray that this is the year for transformation from the inside out. This year will be the same, if you don’t change you. Take some time to pause and reflect while you prepare for this new year!

Cherish The Moment In Real Life

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:01:29 GMT

Take Time Out To Be Present

The holidays are a time to be around your loved ones, and to be grateful. We are now in the thick of the holiday season, and it’s so many things going on. You have holiday parties, last-minute deadlines, busy schedules, gifts to purchase, planning for next year, and so much more. It can be so easy to get caught in the hustle and bustle of the holiday, that you forget to actually be present within the holiday. The holiday season lasts about two out of twelve months. I know it can seem overwhelming and long when you’re in it, but the truth is the holiday season is less than 60 days. That’s not even half of the year. Although gratefulness and loving on your loved ones is something you should do year-round, it’s essential to do it during this time. Yesterday, I was looking through some photos from Thanksgiving, and I had this Epiphany. During Thanksgiving, I had been moved for a couple weeks, and I was initially excited to go home. I had an early flight, and was extremely tired. I also was on my cycle, so my irritability was through the roof. Being in a house filled with my family, started off great, but eventually every thing and body got on my nerves.

Before I went home, my grandmother and I planned to cook some of the Thanksgiving dinner together. She had been wanting to teach me some of her recipes, and just spend time. I was really excited to do it initially, but once the time came, my tiredness took over. I didn’t feel like helping my grandma, but she forced me (in a loving way.) Looking back, I’m actually glad that she did. Another thing that kind of worked my nerves, was everyone asking me to run to the store to get things. If you know, you know. Did I feel like going to the grocery store twice, no. Did I feel like hearing my aunt scream my name, no. Did I feel like finding the remote for my cousin, no. My mom always tells me that memories are all that we have. When someone passes away, it’s not always the stuff we have, that helps us remember them. The most important thing we have when someone passes away, are the memories we make with them. We all know death is inevitable, so why not cherish our time on earth. “Cherish the moment,” it’s a saying that’s cliche and not really applied in real life.

Moving back home in 2020, taught me one thing for sure and that’s how to put family first. Crazy enough, I wasn’t as family oriented before moving back. I was always close with my family, but in my four years of being home, I built some of the strongest relationships with everybody. It’s so easy to take life for granted, and to not cherish the people while they’re here. While I was visiting for Thanksgiving, I felt myself not wanting to do stuff and being easily annoyed, (I’m naturally moody, but working on it.) The beauty is, I was able to take a moment to check myself in the moment and fix my attitude. That is truly growth. God blessed me with family who love and care about me, how dare I get annoyed by them wanting to spend quality time with me. If you’re like me, and find yourself in these situations, say a quick prayer, I promise it helps. I literally started thanking God, and my mood switched.

If you are still struggling with cherishing moments and being present, remove the distracts. Try putting your phone in another room, it always helps. I always tell myself, “Yes, your feelings are valid but, it could be worse.” I know people don’t like to say it could be worse, because it invalidates the feelings, but I see it as looking at the cup as half full. Many people wish they had family to be with for the holidays. If you’re lucky enough to spend quality time with them, don’t ruin it with negativity. Don’t let the busyness of the day to day, take you from loving on the special people in your life. I promise, you won’t regret putting the phone down and being present this season. Happy December!

I’m also doing Vlogmas over on Youtube, where I post a video every day until Christmas, if you’re interested make sure you subscribe!

19 Places You Need To Shop This Black Friday 2023

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:50:34 GMT

We Love A Deal

We’re only a few days away from the biggest shopping day in the USA, Black Friday. Although, since 2020, most companies have been stretching Black Friday out to lasting all Thanksgiving week thru cyber Monday 11/27. Growing up, Black Friday, was my favorite day of the year. My cousins and I would hit the stores at midnight and literally be out until 6pm that evening. I love the thrill of it all and I’m a sucker for a deal. I’m not the person that buys Christmas presents during Black Friday, even though that’s such a good idea. I typically stock up on essentials, fall/winter clothing, tech, or anything I’ve been eyeing for a while. I do stumble on other things that I end up purchasing that day that I just so happen to see as I’m out. Even though, Black Friday isn’t the same, because online retailers have dominated the industry, it’s still something I look forward to yearly.

1.Target

It’s time to get those big ticket items. Your girl recently moved, so this is key for me. I have so many “Save For Later” items that I’m adding to cart this Black Friday week. From TVs, to pots and pans set, if it’s something you’ve been eyeing at Target that was a big ticket, I urge you to buy now. I’ve seen things go as low as $100 off and even more. The good thing with shopping here is that, if you’re a part of Target circle, you’ll get some cash back and additional savings. Another tip is to look at big things you’ve purchased recently and check if they’ve been lowered, you can get them price adjusted.

2. Victoria Secret

Now when it comes to the essentials, underwear and bras, Black Friday is perfect to stock up. They currently have 40% off everything and in store on Black Friday will be 50% off. Stock up on your pjs, robes and even loungewear. Bras can be expensive, getting them at 50% off makes a huge difference.

3. Nike Outlet

Since I was a kid, one of my favorite parts of Black Friday has been going to the Nike outlet. The deals are always so good. It’s discounts on top of already being a discount. I always find cute running shoes, and even legging sets. One thing I love, especially when working out, is pullovers and they always have them in multiple colors for up for 40% off.

4. Nichole Lynel

Nichole Lynel is a fashion designer out of LA. She is one of my favorite black designers and boutiques to shop. So many of my unique pieces that you’ve seen have been from her. Every “Pink” Friday, she has these blowout sales that start at 50%. She even has power hours that go up to 70% off. It’s definitely a steal, you can snag some of your winter and even next year pieces.

5. Ugg

This is a no brainer. Uggs are essential and I use Black Friday to restock on styles I’ve been needing. They currently have some fan favorites on sale and the store will be up to 30% off on Friday. Also, make sure you sign up for the emails because you get an additional 10% off.

6. Skims

If you’ve ever considered purchasing from Skims, but the price was off putting, it’s the best time to purchase now. It’s the Bi-Annual sale where so many things are discounted. You can stock up on lounge sets, bodysuits, shape-wear, undergarments and more. I’ve been obsessed with Skims since they’ve launched. The fit on everything is amazing, definitely check out this deal.

7. Paris Dior Co

Now this is for my extension wearing girlies. One thing so many of you always compliment me on is my hair. Majority of my extensions are units from Paris Dior Co. This year, they're having a sale on all pre-order ready to ship wigs, 30% off. Factory wigs are also on sale, 25% off. All the hair accessories are also marked down. I use the hot comb faithfully and it’s marked down to under $40. This is a steal!

8. Walmart

This one is honestly a no brainer. Walmart has so many markdowns for Black Friday. Tech is up to 30% off, Christmas decor is also on sale, appliances are up to 40% off and clothing has huge markdowns. They’ve started the pre Black Friday sale, but I know they’ll have additional savings on Friday. I’ve never shopped the in person sale for Black Friday, but I will say to be careful because people can be crazy.

9. JCPenney

I stumbled upon this hidden gem a few years ago and I was so shocked. I used to shop at JCPenney’s a lot as a kid, and stopped as I got older. They sell some affordable basics that are good quality. My mom and I bought some sweaters, under $15, and basic long sleeve shirts, under $5. We got there right before closing, so we couldn’t explore too much. The fine jewelry is starting at 10% off. Almost everything is marked down now and will be 50% on Friday.

10. Express

For a long time this was my favorite store. I would hold off on buying anything or using my rewards until Black Friday. Right now, the entire store is 50% off everything, even marked down clearance. If you really want the biggest bang for your buck, head to the Express Factory Store, outlet, the prices are already marked down and you get the savings on top of that. If you can hold off until Friday, in the morning until about noon, the store goes to 60% off.

11. Lululemon

I finally joined the Lululemon train. I went in to try on some leggings and now I’m hooked. I researched to learn how their Black Friday deals were and I wasn’t disappointed. They have some really good markdowns that hit Thursday morning and last thru Cyber Monday. I’ve seen things up to 50% off. If you’re near an outlet, pop in to shop the best deals.

12. Amazon

Who doesn’t love Amazon? Maybe you’re like me and have a long “Save For Later” list on your account, well it’s time to place that order. I love having an Alexa in my house, it’s literally attached to my lights and even outlets. If you have been on the verge with getting one, now is the perfect time, because Amazon has them for 56% off. They also have great deals on other home gadgets too. They have sales on honestly every category. I’m also excited to see how they are on cyber Monday.

13. Bath & Bodyworks

Now they have had a week full of different sales, but on Black Friday they have the sale of sales.

Bath & Bodyworks, is known for always having some sort of deal going on, but Black Friday it’s truly the time to stock up on hand soaps, lotions, candles and more. Right now, they have buy three get three free. But on Black Friday, I expect them to have up to 50% off everything. If you follow this company, you know that they are known for their nine dollars and 99 candles that they do throughout the year, and I believe it will return on Black Friday. One thing that I’m stocking up on, is the room sprays that are only $2.95, I love spraying these all over my house. I also use black Friday as a time to stock up on the gift sets that they sell, these are perfect to give out to extra people during the holidays.

14. Gymshark

Now, if you are in the gym, or looking for top tier, athletic wear, look no further. I fell in love with a Gymshark a couple years ago, and it all started on a Black Friday. I have been eyeing them for a while, and had a cart that was over $500, when I went to that same cart on Black Friday, it was $200. On Black Friday, through cyber Monday, they drop the prices on almost everything, and make the site 50% off. It’s best to shop this deal early, because so many sizes and styles sell out.

15. Forvr Mood

This is really one of my favorite candle brands, the owner is, Jackie Aina, and the scents are so unique. I have over 30 of these candles, I literally buy every scent that comes out. These are sold in Sephora, but it’s best to shop with the brand directly, on Black Friday. They have so many things on sale. The site is up to 40% off. You can get exclusive candles, minis, and even the exclusive branded tote.

16. Ulta Beauty

Whether you need to stock up on your favorite products, or want to explore beauty brands, Ulta, has you covered. They currently have up to 50% off, and I really use black Friday to restock on all my favorite products. Mascaras and lipsticks are only $12. They also have brands like Mac, Lancôme, Morphe, and more on sale for up to 40% off. They even have some deals on the fragrances. This is perfect whether you are shopping for yourself, or early Christmas gifts.

17. Aldo Shoes

I’m personally a large fan of Aldo shoes, even though I don’t shop there as much as I used to. I feel like they have affordable shoes, no matter your age or style. One thing I do look forward to each year, is picking up some new boots from Aldo. Right now, Aldo, is having a sale for up to 50% for men and women, clearance included. If you want to avoid the lines, and crowds, you could definitely shop online. I suspect that on Black Friday they’ll have an additional 10% off for in-store shopping.

18. Anthropologie

I moved recently, so I have been on all the home sites. I fell in love with this brand back when I worked at Nordstrom, I loved how unique each piece was. I love Anthropologie for home stuff, but they offer so much more including women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. One of my favorite things with this brand is how they have initial mugs, I gift these to so many people for the holiday season, they are currently on sale for only $14. Right now the entire site is 30% off regular priced items and 40% additional off sale items. I’m pretty sure if you shop in store on Black Friday you’ll get an additional 10% off making everything 40% off, you can also get this additional 10% by signing up for their emails.

19. Nordstrom

Nordstrom is definitely a favorite of mine, they have so many brands and honestly have something for everybody. If you’re a Nordstrom shopper, you know that their big sale is the annual Anniversary Sale, but don’t sleep on the Black Friday deals they have. Nordstrom has a half yearly sale that begins in December, but they have thousands of things on sale now. Right now, designer brands like Versace, Alexander Wang, Mugler, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Off-White, and more are up to 50% off at Nordstrom. They even have deals on clothing, shoes, makeup, skincare and even fragrances up to 40% off. These are savings you don’t want to miss!

Love Wins: Don't Give Up On Love

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 01:51:31 GMT

Love Is An Open Door

Happy Monday. Last month, I attended my cousin Courtney’s beautiful wedding. First, let me say, I can’t believe it’s already been a month, it’s scary how fast time flies. Secondly, her wedding was in Atlanta and the theme was fall. The decorations, ambiance, dresses, food, DJ, literally everything, was so stunning. I loved seeing all my family and even some childhood friends. She even had a painter who drew a portrait of the ceremony during the reception. I’m so happy she allowed me to be in attendance. Last week, I was looking at all the photos from the wedding and the phrase, “love wins,” stuck in my head.

The word love has showed up a lot in my life this last month or so, literally everywhere. Love shows up in my relationships, readings, devotionals, and even as I’m in Target, I see signs about love. One of the earliest commandments God gives us, is to love Him and one another as we love ourselves. Think about any movie you’ve watched, love little conquers anything. Even in real life, love brings people closer. My church, Elizabeth Baptist Church’s, mission statement is even centered in love, “Inciting one another to multiply the breakthrough love of God.” What I’ve been studying lately, is intentionality and what I’ve learned is when it comes to love, it’s a choice. We have to intentionally choose to love others, whether that’s a husband, boyfriend, wife, girlfriend, friend, parent, family member, random person we see in passing, dog, etc. Love might not be your default to your neighbor, but you need to actively work towards it. That means when people are working your last nerve, you must choose to love. That doesn’t mean because you love someone, you allow them to abuse you, you can love from a distance.

Most people default to romantic relationships when it comes to love. Yes, that’s a big part, but love also shows up in platonic relationships too. Especially after the “honeymoon phase,” love is work. You have to align your actions within the relationship, whichever form. The actual word, love, is a verb. You can’t make anyone love you and vice versa. Growing up, I didn’t realize that love was a choice. Gods love is unconditional, same for my parents. Outside of that, each person that chooses to love me, doesn’t necessarily have to. When I was studying this, I was hurt. How will I ever have a husband when love has conditions? The reality is, I come from a loving family, who raised me with love. Being in the world, of course I’ve encountered my share of expecting others to give me that same love. I’m human, so of course, I’ve had my share of heartbreaks, when that love wasn’t given; whether that was with friends or even romantic relationships. It’s easy to use what you’ve been thru to hold you back. There’s plenty of people in the world who have given up on love all together because of betrayal; They have friends who stabbed them in the back, and choose not to make new ones. They have partners who have cheated in the past, and they choose not to let anyone in. They have a sibling that doesn’t show up how they would have liked, and they distance themselves from the family altogether. Whatever the scenario, all of us have had situations of betrayal or heartbreak. That doesn’t give us a green light to be disobedient to Gods commandment.

I know it may seem easier said then done, but I promise you, love does conquer all. Love conquers hate, betrayal, disappointment, and fear. If you give up on love, you’ll miss out on so much. All it takes is one; One amazing friend to make you forget about all the back stabbing friends. One caring partner who fits you like a puzzle. It truly only takes one, and once you experience that, you’ll move with, love with everyone you encounter. God has your village out there for you. Looking at my cousin and her now husband, gives me hope in love. One of my favorite children’s movie is, Frozen, and they have a song called Love Is A Open Door. It symbolizes that love can lead to new opportunities, experiences, and personal growth. The main character, Anna, is referring to love being open and welcoming, involving actually interacting with people instead of being isolated. As adults, we can take a page out of this book and continue and allow love to open doors in our lives. Take some time to explore when you closed the door to love in the different areas of your life. Once you identify them, take some time to journal how you can heal, (You may need to loop in a therapist for this part.) You are not your circumstances, and your past does not predict your future. Open your heart to the brighter future and choose love because, it always wins!

Come With Me To My First Bachelorette Weekend

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:44:48 GMT

Less Than 36 Hours In Cancun

I went to my first bachelorette party weekend in Cancun. My cousin Courtney is getting married and I was thrilled when she asked me to come on the trip. Cancun is such a good quick getaway location. This was my sixth time visiting Cancun and each time is a different experience. We stayed at the Breathless Cancun Soul Resort. The food was pretty good, it also had a lot of other amenities that I wasn’t able to explore. Due to weather issues, I missed my flight and had to get on a later one, so I missed the first excursion and spa day. We did the hip-hop party boat, this was my second time and it was so much fun. The views from my room were everything!! Even though I only had less than 36 hours there, it was a great time. I’m so happy I decided to go despite the circumstances. I hope you enjoy!

Walking Into The New Season

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 20:37:34 GMT

Thank You For Joining The 7th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox

We are officially one week, post fast, and I am in awe. Coming out of this fast has awaken something in me that I didn’t know I needed. I just want to say thank you to everyone who participated. I was very intentional this year, when it came to the fast and detox. I wanted to make sure that everyone who participated was able to get something out of it. I prayed hard for each, and every one of you; the things you told me you needed from this fast, and even the things you didn’t. I pray that this next season is full of transformation. I pray that you’re going into this next season, with a clear mind and ready to handle whatever comes your way. I don’t mean that as far as only physical season. I mean this new era and season you’re entering to for your life. It is officially October, which means it’s the last quarter of the year.

During the silent time of fasting and detoxing, we took some time to identify our why, began the process of renovating our minds, remembered the sovereignty of God, brought back our expectations and made room for the things we’re asking for. It’s time to put them together and apply what you’ve learned. James 1:22-25 says, “ 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” Don’t take this new clarity and breakthrough back into your old routine and habits. This is not just the high you want to feel now, but something you want to feel for the rest of your life. In order not to go backwards, you must stay aligned with God. I understand that life gets busy and things happen, but you have to prioritize quiet times with him. I like to fast at least two times a year, because the world is so noisy. Even when I can’t fast completely, I like to tune out everything and focus on him, even if it’s only for 30 minutes out of the day. It’s time to hold your head up, and walk into this new season knowing that he’s about to blow your mind. God has done some amazing things for you, he’s opened so many doors, he’s removed the people holding you back, he’s orchestrated this next chapter just for you. So hold your head up and know that he has made a way. He is with you, and has equipped you with the things you need to make this next season great. I can say it all day, but you have to believe it and walk in it. It’s time for us to have faith like Noah, Sarah, and Abraham. Steven Furtick has this song that I listen to every morning where he says, “My focus is fixed and my heart is expecting, I’m set. I’m not nervous about what’s next. My eyes are on the thrown. I trust the one who’s in complete control. The one that knows how he’s going to work it according to his purpose. Even the worse situations are sure to turn in my favor if I keep moving forward, keep moving towards him.” Click here to listen.

For those of you who are not religious, I really wanted to have something for you as well. I understand that everyone is not religious, and I wanted to share the importance of detoxing. Cleansing your life is not only a spiritual practice, but one that everyone needs to do. Living in clutter causes clutter in your mind. During this time, we got clear on the person we wanted to become, wrote ten affirmations, explored the power of the mind, became more grateful, and decluttered our physical and digital spaces. This next era of your life, is set to win. As long as you remember, all that we did in those six days. The beauty is you can use the skills and the activities if you ever need to reset. Life will life, and you’ll fall off your routine and regimens. The key is to not stay fallen off. You can reset and readjust as many times as you need to, but you must keep moving forward. The journey to the person you want to become and healing is a long road, but one that you must be consistent on.

The purpose of this fast and detox was to shake off all that happened during the summer and the beginning part of the year. We go through so many changes, and in order to get to the next level, you can’t go with the same mindset and habits. It was a time to sit at the feet of our Creator. A time for praying and meditating on his word. When you seek him first everything else will fall into place. Remember this time, and keep the scriptures that you wrote down, and continue building that as a habit. Just because you fasted, doesn’t mean that in this next season, you won’t have problems, that’s not how it works. I really hope this fast strengthened your foundation in him, so that when the rough times come, you can have peace in the storm. It is less than 100 days left in 2023. It’s time to live a life in abundance. God did not put you here to live a base level life. Stop playing it safe. Get off auto pilot, and start living your life to the fullest. This next season of your life is only going to be different, if you take this step. If you want different, you have to do different. If you want better, you have to be better. It all starts with you. I appreciate those who reached out and shared their kind words about how this fast helped, it really warmed my heart. Do not get to next year and regret being in the same place. The year is not over. We have three months left to turn it around. It’s less than 100 days left in 2023, that means it’s only twelve Mondays left. Make this year account. Next year you can be in the same place, or you can be happy that you started now. Time is going to keep going, whether you’re ready or not. It’s time to move in faith, and go for the go! We serve a powerful, big, incredible God, stop being comfortable with a mediocre life.

Until next year.

Day Four & Five Of 7th Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox: Expect Things To Happen & Make Room

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:55:20 GMT

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for encounters with you. Thank you for always being with me and making a way. Thank you for being a consistent God, even when I am inconsistent. You never fail! Thank you for the gift of discernment, help me to strengthen it so I can only hear only your voice. Lord, strengthen my faith. I believe, but if it's anything in me that doesn't, help my unbelief. Give me the push to take the first step. Remove any fear and doubt that has taken over my mind nd kept me paralyzed. Thank you!

Wow day four and five were the longest days of my life. Between working both jobs, cleaning my space, and traveling, life has been a whirlwind. In the midst of the craziness, I still made it a priority to spend time with God, thru prayer and silence. These last two days showed me how life will always throw you curve balls, you must prioritize sacred time with God, or else you will get further and further away from him. I decided to combine these last two days because they’re pretty similar. We’ve already identified our why, began the process of renovating our minds, and remembered God’s sovereignty. Today, we’re discussing having a heart of expectancy and making room for the things you want.

Thursday, we talked about how faithful God is; he’s always there no matter what. If he has made a way for you before, you can expect him to make a way for you again. So many people believe, expectation is a bad thing, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth. My pastor once said, “If you have great expectations, don’t expect your life to remain the same.” In Isaiah 54:1-4 the people of Zion had been in exile and captivity for 70 years. The prophet Isaiah came to them and gave them encouragement and hope. He told them that they had to have great expectation against the backdrop of the exile experience. He said that God is going to execute their expectations. If you expect God to do something great you must: Sing in bold praise, See a brighter future, Stretch beyond the familiarity, Have diligence, discipline and drive, Strengthen your foundation in christ, and Slay your fears. We have already discussed singing in bold praises, and strengthening our foundation in Christ. Today, we are discussing seeing a brighter future, and stretching beyond the familiarity. It’s not enough to expect something, you must turn that expectation into action. You can only turn that expectation to action if you truly see it. Let me explain.

Most of you know, I moved with my mom in Michigan after I graduated college, a few years ago. The plan was to be home for a year, then Covid happened. Whenever people would ask me when I was moving, I would say whenever God wanted me to. I would always talk about moving, but never take action steps. I didn’t apply for jobs, look at places to live, or even calculate the cost. Before I realized, three years had went by, and it wasn’t until my therapist asked me the most simplest question. She asked if I was waiting on God, or if he was waiting on me? Truth is, I didn’t really see myself moving, I said it because it sounded good, but I didn’t believe God fully. Expecting is one thing, but you have to act as if it is coming.

Think about it, Noah had the expectation and faith to build the ark, before it was raining. It’s very hard to build an ark in the rain. Noah had an encounter with God, which lead him to move in faith. He saw what was coming, without actually seeing it. Noah didn’t have all the answers, he was simply being obedient to what God said. Having expectation, without the obedience to do the first step, will result in you staying stagnant and becoming complacent. In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel tells Saul to obey is better than to sacrifice. You don’t have to have the entire plan. You don’t have to know how, why, when, and where. Start small, and focus on what God told you to do. So many times, we fail to take the first step, because we can’t see the finish line. That is where God comes in. You must take one step he’ll meet you halfway, but he wants to see you actually taking action. You can’t have any of this, without first, hearing the voice of God. That means you have to be connected to him, to order your steps, and to be in alignment. You can’t have expectations, if you’re being disobedient to God. I’m not saying, God won’t give you a grace and mercy when you’re being disobedient, this is simply for expectations. It’s one big recipe for transformation. You must spend time with God, to know what he’s telling you to do. Once you know what he’s telling you to do, you must be obedient and step out on faith, with the expectations that God will make a way. It’s very hard to set things in motion, when you don’t know if what you’re doing is from God, or your own mind.

Roman’s 8:24-25 says, “But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” You have to be able to see in the spiritual what hasn’t happened in the natural. You have to see life beyond your current context. Behave as if it is. I behave how I behave, because I believe what I believe. If you can see it physically, that’s not it. You have to have radical expectation, that sparks you to walk different. Sarah Jakes Robert’s did a sermon called, Radical Expectations. (Click here to watch.) She said, “Radical expectations comes from radical transformations, which comes when God has an encounter with you. It’s supposed to change your expectations.” Anticipate and prepare now as if it’s going to happen. It is crucial that you don’t get caught in your fears during this time. This is a time to feed your faith with the scripture, and starve your fears. Today, I want you to write down three things. God has told you to do, it doesn’t have to be from Justice fasting time, it could’ve been things he’s told you to do over the years. For years, I would say that God didn’t tell me to do anything, but that’s a lie. God speaks and tells us what to do, through ideas, people, dreams, and scripture. It's up to us to have proper discernment, to discern the voice of God. You must have a vision that comes from God himself, or complacency will creep in. It comes when you have no vision. Take some time to think about the encounters you’ve had with people, and even some dreams that you’ve had. Has God given you an idea, that you’ve ignored? Do you feel called to a certain place? Sit with the ideas you’ve had, and ask God for discernment to identify if it’s what he’s calling you to do. Once you get that list of three things, I want you to do one thing on that list before the year ends. It’s time to activate your faith. God has something greater and better than your right now. Stephanie Ike preached a sermon titled, Activate Your Faith, click here to watch.

Part two of this is from Saturday, day five. It’s time to make a room for the things you want. When you’re being obedient and have great expectations, your faith needs to move you to make room. In the Bible, Isaiah tells the people of Zion to enlarge the place of their tents. With expectation, comes preparation. You have to stretch beyond the familiarity. It’s time to make room, before the blessing shows up. I watched a Steve Harvey speech before and he said, “For years I would tell my mom I’m going to get a new car, but I had my old broke down car, sitting on bricks in the garage. Every day I would tell her I’m getting a new car and she would tell me I don’t have room for a new car. One day, I had a friend tow the old car out the garage. A few weeks later, I was able to get my new car. My mom said to me, I knew you were going to get it because you made room for it. You can’t ask God for something and then not make room to receive it.” You can’t say you want a new car, but your current car is a mess. You can’t say you want a new relationship, but you’re still dibbling and dabbling with old flings. You can’t want a new job, when you’re barely applying yourself at your current job. today, I want you to de-clutter your space. Throw out things that no longer serve you and organize things that you’ll keep. Decluttering lowers anxiety and stress levels. A messy space equals a messy mind. Decluttering, frees us from unnecessary distractions. Keeping your physical and digital space clutter free and organized, ultimately give you more time to focus on what really matters. Less clutter equals more space. There is no need to hang onto anyone, or anything, that doesn’t bring you joy or inspiration. If it’s taking up unwanted space in your physical or digital place, it’s time to say goodbye. Clutter can distract you, weigh you down and in general it invites chaos into your life. This new season we are entering is going to need our entire focus. We can’t afford to be stressed over the clutter around us.

Start with the physical, your house, car, office, etc. Once that’s cleaned up and organized, move on to the digital. We spend so much time on our phones, what are you giving your time to. Clean up your contact lists, erase old photos, delete people off your social media who don’t serve a good purpose, delete apps that drain your energy. Unfollow anyone who doesn’t motivate you or make you feel good. If you’re following someone, and their content is making you feel negatively about yourself, it’s ok to unfollow. Next, I want you to look at the people you talk to most. Are they speaking life into you, or are they just gossiping about the next person? Successful people understand that editing their circle is crucial. The people around you have more power than you think. Make sure you’re not giving your energy to people who don’t deserve it. People around you should bring out the best in you and if they aren’t, why are they in your life? Moving on to the places you hang out, if you are in spaces that don’t serve you, stop going. Maybe God is calling you relocate, start to take steps in that direction. What music are you listening to daily, is it making you feel worse or encouraging you? Maybe you can’t watch the shows you’ve been watching because it brings out the jealousy in you. Take some time to go thru every aspect of your life and clean up shop. I know doing all this may feel daunting, but once you’re done, you’ll feel refreshed. We are making room for the things we say we want. Right now you’re holding on to things, but God wants you to release them so he can give you better. Here’s the thing with trusting God, you must understand that he would never lead you wrong. I know you don’t see it all the time, but he has great plans for you. Get rid of the things that are things that are taking up space. Organization is good for your mind, it brings clarity.

The beautiful thing about both of these activities, is that once you identify what God has told you to do, and being obedient, making room, for the blessing, won’t seem as bad. I hope I encouraged you to bring back your expectations with God. When I pray, I expect an encounter with him. When I go to church, I expect to be filled with his spirit. I praise him for who he is, but also for what I am expecting. For those of you who are not religious, decluttering your space is not only good for making long for blessings. Decluttering your space allows you to have the mental capacity to take on all that life throws at us. So many times, my mind is foggy, and ideas are blocked, because I have clutter in my physical space. being organized, and clutter free is a key to success. I am so sorry that these activities are coming later than normal, life has been lifing. I hope you are spending time with God, and silence during this time. We are very overstimulated people, sitting in stillness is more challenging than you think.

You’re almost at the finish line, finish strong.

Worship Song Below

Day Three Of 7th Annual Fast & Detox: Remember God‘s Sovereignty

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:37:20 GMT

Prayer Point

Lord, thank you for revealing my true self to me. Thank you for transforming my mind and taking over my thoughts. Thank you for always showing up. Lord forgive me if I ever forget to acknowledge your grace and mercy. Forgive me for ever allowing pride and ego to get in the way of you. Lord in this next season, I want more of you, less of me.

We are in the halfway mark. I can’t believe how quickly this time seems to be going. Before you know it, it’ll be Sunday and you’ll be back to the things you gave up. I spent a lot of my time today going over my notes from the Woman Evolve 2023 conference, that I went to last weekend. It was so powerful, I definitely encourage you to attend next year if you can. The reason I was looking at my notes, was because I didn’t want to miss the moment. So many times we have life-changing moments, and we don’t truly take it all in, or give credit to the one who made it possible, God. This world has so many things being thrown at us. Between work, family, social media, friends, and just day-to-day, we have over 10,000 thoughts in our brain. It’s easy to forget the prayers you prayed, and the exchanges that you’ve had with God. We’ve already identified why we are fasting, and are renovating our minds. Today I want to talk to you about Remembering God‘s Sovereignty.

Yesterday, I spoke about how powerful the mind is. It can literally trick you into believing that you’re self made. The reality is, if it wasn’t for God’s grace, mercy, and favor, none of us would be here. No one is self made! No matter how smart or talented you are, or even how much money you have; you are nothing without him. Pride and ego will suck you into a cycle that causes you to lose everything. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." I know somebody is reading this and thinking, how could I forget the sovereignty of God? It’s easy, to forget experiences, no matter how good they are. Here’s an example.

When I was a kid, I went to Disney World, and had the time of my life. I vaguely remember the trip though. I have photos that show me smiling, and when I talk with the family that was there they tell me about it. If I didn’t have the pictures, and my family wasn’t there, I would honestly forget majority of the trip. That’s how we can experience God. We can experience an amazing sermon, leave church and forget everything that was said. God can literally make ways for us, and answer prayers, and as life goes on, we forget that it was him that did it. When you are in the midst of something, you call on God and ask him to make a way. Pride will cause you to forget the blessings God has given. Many times, when God answers a prayer, and we are on the other side, we forget that it was him that did it. Maybe I’m the only one, but I’ve made the mistake, of praying and asking God for certain things, and when I got them, not giving him the thanks he deserves. Pride has plagued my life a time or two. Don’t let pride trick you into thinking that you did it without God. Here’s an example:

I used to pray for God to give me increase when it came to my salary, I wanted more money. I wasn’t specific, I just would ask for more. A little time went on, and I received my first bonus. I completely forgot about that being a component of my pay. Initially, when I received it, my head got a little big. What I mean is, pride took over, Thoughts like, I’ m so good at my job, I’ m so great, I wanted more money so I went out there to get it, plagued my mind. So many thoughts centered around me. After about 10 minutes, I had a conviction, because the reality is, it wasn’t me. I wasn’t the best at my job, I wasn’t even giving it my all. I wasn’t the smartest person, I didn’t even know my numbers as to why I was eligible. Pride will seep in and be your downfall. See the flesh will have you thinking that you are the reason for where you are. It will have you taking responsibility for things that had nothing to do with you.

Understand that you are currently living in an answer prayer. It might not look like it, you might still be in the middle of it, but you are in an answered prayer. Pride is deceptive and feeds the ego. The key to killing pride is remembering the character of God. My pastor, Craig Oliver, did a sermon series on the spiritual sinkholes we fall into, one was about pride and it was so good. He said, “Pride is Deceptive and destructive. It causes loss of perspective, humility and empathy and even sanity and self-control.” Click here to watch it . So many times when we want God to do something, we focused simply on his actions, negating the character of who he is. I know right now, you may be in the middle of something, waiting on something, or just lost; but do not forget the goodness of God. Don’t forget the things he has done for you. Gratitude is the memory of the heart. Your mind will try to trick you, that is why you have to start with gratitude. I encourage you to take notes when watching sermons, even take notes of when God answers your prayers. These will be great things to look at when you start to think you are responsible for your life. I keep a gratitude journal where I write four things that I’m grateful for that day. They don’t have to be deep, some days I’m simply thankful for coffee. That brings me to today’s activity. I want you to write the last encounter you had with God. When has he showed up for you, how did you feel, where were you physically? So many times, in seasons of loneliness, we forget that we are never alone. Taking some time to write the encounter you had with God, will be a reference for times you feel like he isn’t with you. When you can look back and remember how he showed up for you before, it will encourage you to know that he will do it again. He is the same God yesterday, today and forever. Once you write down that encounter, I want you to write down five things that you are grateful for right now. Try doing this daily at the top of your morning, before your first prayer.

For those of you who aren’t religious, and detoxing. We’re talking about gratitude as well. So many times, we are looking for the next thing, we forget, all that we have. I was so ready to graduate college, that I really didn’t take the time to appreciate each step. So many times, we forget that life is not a race, it’s a journey. Stop looking for the end, and fall in love with the ride. When you get to that goal, you’re going to look back at the journey it took you to get there. The high of reaching a goal doesn’t last very long. It’s the memory of the journey that stays with you. Health Today said, “Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of always reaching for something new in the hopes it will make them happier or thinking they can't feel satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack.” Today, I want you to write a list of 12 things that you’re grateful for in this present moment. This list will help you look at the glass half full, rather than half empty. On day one, we looked at the person we want to become, this will help you see the traits you currently have that you want to keep and grow. As we are evolving, there are traits and habits that we have that are positive, that we want to take with us into this next season. I hope this list encourages you. I hate to say it, but it’s true, “Things can always be worse.”

Halfway there, three more days to go!

Worship Song Below.

Day Two Of 7th Annual Fast & Detox: Renovate Your Mind

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:38:00 GMT

Prayer Point:

Lord, thank you for this sacred time with you. Thank you for making me better. Father, renovate my mind. Transform my thoughts. Remove the lies of the enemy and replace them with the truths from you. Use me as proof of your mighty hand. Dwell in my mind and heart. Make me like Jesus, I want to be more like you. Whatever thing in me that is not aligned with you remove it. Remove the desires of this world. Thank you for your grace and mercy!

We’re 48 hours in. Happy Wednesday. How are you feeling? A few of you have reached out and shared that you’ve found it a struggle, that’s the point. This is a time to deny our flesh of earthly things to feast on him. Mathew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.” I’m here to encourage you not to waste this sacred time. The purpose of this fast is not only to let go of things, it’s crucial that you’re spending time with him; praying, reading your bible, and meditating. Shame on you, if you simply let go of three things and replace it with three other things. This is a time to shift your focus to God, subject your flesh before God and to seek FERVENTLY after God. The purpose of fasting is to intensify our prayers to God, insight into the plan of God, inoculate with the power of God, and intercessory plea to God. This is a time for an encounter with him. Yesterday, we looked at our hearts posture and got clear on the reason why we were fasting. Today, we’re renovating our minds.

I hope you had a second to watch the sermon I shared yesterday from Sarah Jakes Roberts, if not click here , she was talking about God’s Grace. When I was sitting with God and thinking what today’s focus should be, the mind popped up. The way you think ultimately dictates how you live. TD Jakes once said, “The voice you believe, determines what you birth.” He didn’t mean literally birth, he used the word in reference to what you produce; i.e a business, the thoughts you think, and even the way you go about life. We can’t ask God to change us and make us better, if we don’t ask him to TRANSFORM OUR MINDS. I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Dharius Daniels, and he said, “You do not change your life by trying to change your life. You change your life by changing your mind. Your transformation is tied to the renovation of your mind. We will always behave in a way that is consistent with the way we see ourself.” It was a really good sermon, click here to watch . Your mind is so powerful. The Bible is filled with scriptures that share how important your mind is. Think back to the garden of Eden. Satan was able to persuade Eve, by attacking her mind. He made her question what God said. The devil is the father of lies, he plants seeds into our heads and let them unfold. I watched an interview with Israel Houghton, the famous gospel singer, and he said “What you believe is sometimes different than what you know.” That spoke to me because our minds have more power than you think. You can know something for sure, but the fears and anxieties from our minds or even outside influences can alter what you believe. What I mean is, what truth you stand on can vary. Our lives follow the direction of our thoughts. Solomon says, “7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:,” in Proverbs 23:7. I don’t know about you, but I chose to stand on the truth of what God has said. God tells us over and over the power of the mind. Scripture shows us many examples of people who have had downfalls, due to the power of the mind. Even modern psychologists talk about cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaching reveals that many problems from addiction, anxiety, relational challenges, depression, and more, are rooted in negative patterns of thinking. When the Bible and modern psychology say the same thing, you know it’s the truth.

So many times when we want to be better, we focus on the behavior we want to change, rather than the getting to the root of what causes the behavior. Let’s say you want to start exercising daily, or eating healthier, you’re focusing on the behavior. When we do that, we ignore the real problem of the lie we believe and the mental rut we fall into. That leads to us only attacking the symptoms and not the source. You can not change a habit simply by removing it. You will always drop the ball and fall back into it. That’s why I had us come up with reasons as to why we’re completing this fast yesterday. It’s time to rewire our brain and renew our minds. The words you speak and thoughts you think shape your world. You can’t believe this is true for positive things and not true for negative things. The mind ultimates shapes how you speak about yourself and even others. You can speak life or even death. There's so many scriptures on the power of the tongue. You have to learn how to hold your tongue because, you may be the person holding yourself back. Faith and fear can not coexist. Are you constantly down playing yourself and accomplishments? Stop that. Be kind to yourself. I want you to write down six scriptures about who God says you are. This way, when negative thinking comes in, you can combat that with his word. Write these scriptures in your notes digitally, index cards, white board or even on sticky notes. I want you to say these scriptures every morning and night. HABAKKUK 2:2 says, "And the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it." When you write something down, you affirm it. The only way to grow and change is to change your mind. Romans 12:2 says, “2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

For those of you who aren't religious and detoxing, I hope you understand the mind is extremely important. Psychology Today said, “When positive thoughts are generated, when you’re feeling happy, or optimistic, cortisol decreases and the brain produces serotonin, creating a feeling of well-being. When serotonin levels are normal, one feels happy, calmer, less anxious, more focused and more emotionally stable (Scaccia, 2017). Dopamine is also a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward system and pleasure center. The brain draws precious metabolic energy away from the prefrontal cortex. With these negative thoughts, the brain can’t perform at high or even normal capacity. When stressed or scared, it’s difficult to take in and process new material, yet alone think creatively. “Stress can alter plasticity in the nervous system, particularly in the limbic system” Today, I want you to write down ten affirmations. According to Mindtools, "Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.'' Not only do I want you to write it down, I want you to speak them out loud twice or more a day. Make sure you write your positive affirmations in present tense and first person. Write them as if they have already been achieved. By doing it this way, you are training yourself to believe in them, by making them real and achievable. This is a great activity help you be more positive and overall happier. You need to let go of any and all negative thoughts and images and bombard your subconscious mind with new thoughts and images that are positive.

Two days down, four more to go! Let's get it!

Worship Song Below

Day One Of 7th Annual Fast & Detox: Identify Your Why

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:40:00 GMT

Identify Your Why

We are officially a full day into our 2023 End Of Summer Fast and Detox. I want to thank all of you who have decided to join me in this special time. Though this is a time of sacrifice, it’s also a time of celebration. Mathew 6:16-18 says, ““Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” This means continue to keep your head held high during this time. Do not look like struggle. This scripture shares that if you’re fasting for others to see, it’s a disgrace to God. That’s exactly why we are going to start at the root today. It’s time to unpack your why.

Why are you fasting during this time? Do you need clarity? Do you need a financial breakthrough? Do you need to be renewed mentally? Do you need to deepen your relationship with God? Do you need answers? Do you need a shift? Do you need healing? Do you need restoration? Your why is so important, and it’s only for you. Only you know the desires of your heart, and what you need. It’s time to check your heart posture. Take some time to sit and write down your why for this fast. Write down what you need from God for this next season. God has already done his part, it’s time to look within and see what in you is holding you back from the next level. If I’m being transparent my anxiousness and doubt are two things in my way at this time, although there are many more. I heard a sermon recently where the pastor said, give it to God and he will transform it. So after you write this list, give it to him. For me, it’s not enough, but for him it’s more than enough. It’s so many stories in the Bible where God takes someones weakness and uses it for their good. Sarah Jakes Roberts preached a sermon about Grace and shared, “Grace is an exchange with God where he wants to partner with you. Give God your weakness, brokenness and bitterness and he will give you his grace. He will breathe on it and expand it.” CLICK HERE TO WATCH. In order to see what’s holding you back, you have to get clear on your why. I’m in a season where everything I do has to make sense. I’m no longer just doing things, just to do them, it has to be a reason behind it. It’s not enough to just know your why, you have to write it down. You can write it down on paper, or even digitally. For example, you could be fasting for a breakthrough. In this case, it could be your lack of confidence, holding you back from that next level. This is personal, only you know the areas where you lack, and the things that you need. Today, sit and pray on these things. Not only pray, but search his word to combat that weakness. When you find yourself struggling during this time, refine on the why and it’ll push you.

Prayer: Lord help me be a true believer. Make me better. Help me to have an encounter with you. I want to know you. Remove every idol in my life that’s blocking my relationship with you. Help me to see myself how you see me. Lord I give you my weakness. I lay every thing that’s standing in the way of you at your feet. Only you know what I need in this next season, make me ready to receive the blessings you have in store.

For those of you who are detoxing, it’s time to get clear on who you want to become in this next season. Learn them inside and out; their daily schedule, how they interact with other people, what do they think about, how do they show up? Once you identify who the person is you want to become, you can see the disconnect from the person you are today. Write down three things that need to change within you. Maybe it’s your lack of discipline, maybe it’s your laziness, whatever the three things are, write them down. Next, find a new habit to fix that area. For example, maybe you have a problem of not having enough time, the new habit could be waking up an hour earlier. Each thing needs a new habit to change the behavior. Write this list somewhere you can reference each day.

One day down, five more to go!

Seventh Annual End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 00:38:52 GMT

It's Time To Get Aligned

It’s my favorite time of year, time for our 7th Annual Fast & Detox. Year SEVEN is very special to me. I spent a lot of time, praying and surrendering to God, because I wanted to make sure that I did this right. T his fast is not for me, but it is for you . There’s so many blessings that God has for you in this next season, not just literally , but in order to get there, you have to get uncomfortable. The point of this fast and detox, is to align yourself with him. I don’t know if you need breakthroughs, clarity, deliverance, shifts, or even to be renewed; whatever it is that you are asking God for, believe that he is giving it to you. What he has for you in this next season is already yours, it’s already done. This fast and detox is just to show him that you believe him, and that you are willing to sacrifice. Pastor TD Jakes once said, “Fasting is important because it brings us into alignment with what God is already purposed to do. When I fast , I’m saying make me able to receive everything that God has for me in this moment.” I f you are new here, and have no idea what I’m talking about. Every year, at the end of summer we do a fast and detox to prepare ourselves for the new season. I started this back in 2017, when I was a college student, and it was called Fasting For 4.0s. As I’ve gotten older, I learned that preparing your mind, body and soul, for a new season is not just for students, but crucial for adults.

So many of us lose ourselves during the summer, not literally. We lose track of the goals we had, and begin to live for the moment. Maybe I’m the only one, but it’s something about the summer that can be a distraction. It’s time to align our minds and get centered in him. Each year this fast gets better and better. If I’m honest, I went back-and-forth with when to do the fast this year. I prayed and meditated on it, and came up with September. I spent the weekend at Women Evolve 23, and I strategically wanted to place the fast right after. I knew I would walk out, leaving different than going in, and I wanted to make sure I put my best foot forward with this. It’s time to be still and silence the noise of the word, to connect with our creator. I don’t know about you, but I have been asking and trusting God for BIG blessings in this next season. I know he’s going to do it, and doing this fast is going to prepare me to be ready to receive them. Anybody can join this fast, all you have to do is come up with a list of three things to give up. The key here, is not only give up and stop doing these things, but you h ave to replace the time you would do those, with time with him. You don’t want the stress, struggles, fears, confusions, people, or things that held you down all year, to follow you into th is next season. Make sure you think of a good list of things you do daily and that take up most of your time and energy to give up. You want to give up things of value, to focus on bettering yourself, and getting closer to God. Don’t cheat yourself, and don’t cheat God. Only you know what that sacrifice looks like for you. Starting on Monday, September 18, at noon, I will be giving up TV , fast food, and alcohol. During t hose six days, I will be waking up earlier, mindful of the things I listen to, and complete the Sarah Jakes Robert’s identity in Christ course. I have been definitely on the move a lot more lately, this is the time for me to sit in the stillness of Christ.

For those of you, who are not religious, I have you covered too. This is not only a fast, but it’s also a detox. For six days, we are going to be cleansing our minds, bodies and spirits. Detoxing is essential to having a happy and prosperous life. Detoxing cleanses you mind and body to be aligned with your future life. This is a life detox. This is a time to meditate and hear your inner voice, get clear on your goals and to come up with a plan to have an amazing future. After the long nine months we just encountered, we need to get rid of all the things holding us back. This detox will also help jumpstart your discipline, which is essential for growth.

Make sure you are subscribed to the blog, (down below) because every day from Monday to Sunday, I will send you a scripture, prayer, and an activity. This fast will be challenging, but if you take it seriously, it can change the trajectory of your next season. It starts Monday September 18th at noon and ends Sunday September 24th at noon. Are you ready?

Stop Allowing Pride And Fear To Keep You Stuck

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 23:54:08 GMT

A Closed Mouth Doesn't Get Fed

Last weekend, my mom and I took a road trip to Charlotte, for my friends bbq/engagement party. The whole weekend was filled with love and memories. Of course, we had some nights out, along with brunches and dinners. As we were on our way back home, I had an encounter in the bathroom that brought the word of God to life, literally. I was waiting in line for the bathroom, and had to go so bad, it was only one woman in front of me. About four minutes went by, somebody new walked in and asked if I was in line, I said, yes, and she said no. Turns out, she was waiting for her granddaughter to come out. This small mishap, opened my eyes to the possibilities that I could have been missing, just by not opening my mouth. Had I asked her if she was waiting, I could have been used the restroom.

Most of you know, I start my morning with my devotional. For the past month, along with my devotional, I have been reading scriptures as well. I was struggling with identity for a while, and looked to the word for who God said I was. In doing so, I ended up creating a list of scriptures that I add to daily, and read fist thing in the morning. I say all this to say, one scripture that I have on my list, is Mathew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

I read this scripture every morning, and it’s so simple, yet so many of us miss it. Maybe I’m the only one, but I have a problem of keeping things to myself. As a kid, my mom would always tell me, “I’m not in your brain, open your mouth and ask for what you need. Nobody can ever help you, if they don’t know what’s going on.” Maybe I had a pride issue, but I always would try to figure out things on my own, rather than asking for help. Not only did I keep my mouth shut when it came to asking for help, I kept my mouth shut when I wanted something too. I pride myself on being self-sufficient, but the reality is none of us know everything. We all are ignorant in some areas, and pride will have you thinking you don’t need anybody. Pride will also make you believe you can figure it out on your own, but we were not created to figure it out alone. God has blessed me with a village, to ignore that villages help is asinine. The most successful people pride themselves on there networks and circles. For me, asking for help was a sign that I wasn’t independent and was weak. The problem was that I found myself getting stuck and running around in circles by not asking for help.

Can I let you in a little secret? Pride is not the only thing that stopped me from asking for help and what I want. Fear is also a big chunk of this as well. When I first discovered this, I didn’t believe it. I felt like I was fearless. The more I sat with why I didn’t ask for what I wanted, it ultimately came down to fear.

Let me give you an example: When I was in college, I got three parking tickets. I didn’t have the money to pay them off at the time, but I told myself when I got paid I would. Each time I got paid, I would either forget, or have something else come up to pay. These parking tickets ended up increasing 4xs the original price. A few months later, they were mailed home and my mom called asking why I didn’t ask for help for the $25 ticket. In the moment, I told her because I was going to pay them on my own, or I thought they would just go away. Looking back, it was fear of letting her know that I didn’t have it, as to why I didn’t ask for help. I felt like I got myself into this mess, and I will get myself out. I was scared of the criticism she would give, and how she would react. Ultimately, I dug myself into a deeper hole by not asking for help, when I could have opened my mouth. I allowed the fear of admitting I fell short, stop me from asking for help.

That same fear and pride have plagued my life in adulthood. It wasn’t until I started to unpack them, that change started to occur. They even showed up, in ways that I was people pleasing. I wouldn’t ask for what I wanted, and settled for what was. Part of the reason I didn’t ask or say what I wanted was because I didn’t want to be disappointed. It was my way of protecting my feelings, which ultimately is fear! I read an article on Forbes, that said, “The reality is you will rarely, if ever, be given more than what you have the courage to ask for. So don’t dilute your requests in order to minimize the possibility of being turned down.” I don’t know where I came up with the lie that it’s too painful to hope that other people will be there for me so I planned on having to take care of things myself. I would expect the worse case scenario, to spare my feelings. Viewing life and people thru this lens only continued the cycle. If you expect the worse, the worse will happen.

Another thing I learned, is that God is a giving God. However, he wants you to ask. So many times, I have desires, but fail to speak them out loud. We already know the tongue is so powerful, speak the things you want. If I’m being honest, I hate being told no, it’s part of the reason I don’t like asking others for anything. I’m working on not taking the word no, so personal. Even with God, he isn’t a magic genie that answers all your requests, he can say no. When God says no, it can mean not right now, he has something better coming, or it isn’t meant for you. It’s hard in the moment, but know that he knows your story and it’s all working together for your good.

I say all this to say, stop letting fear and pride keep you stuck! You don’t get an award for being”self-made,” and to tell you the truth nobody is. A closed mouth doesn’t get fed. Dr. Maggie Warrell once said, “Asking for less than you really want - from yourself, from others and from life - doesn’t serve anyone. So I dare you - try asking for what you really want. Who knows… you might just get it!” Open your mouth and ask God for the things you want and need. Use the resources, your circle and network , God has blessed you with. Sorry to bust your bubble, but you don’t know everything. It wasn't until I started opening my mouth and asking God for what I wanted, that things started to shift! You're not stuck, you just haven't specifically asked for what you want. If it's aligned with Gods will, it will be yours.

Come Along On Our Summer Vacation To Colombia

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 00:25:14 GMT

Travel With Me On Our Family Vacation

Two weeks ago, my family and I went on our annual summer vacation. This year my mom put together the most amazing experience ever. We went to Cartagena, Columbia. At first, my mom was the only one excited, but as it got closer my Nana, dad, brother, and I all got on board. They were there two days longer than me, because your girl had to work. I would say three days was enough time to be there, but I could have stayed more. When we were looking for flights, we saw that it was cheaper to fly from Detroit to Fort Lauderdale then from Fort Lauderdale to Cartagena. Luckily, I have friends there so I was able to spend the night connecting with them. I was even able to get my nails done by the best nail tech ever! As far as details for Colombia: We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena and had the best tour guide, Carlos.

I flew into Cartagena, Saturday at noon, and we hit the ground running. After, I checked in and met up with my family, we went to explore the Walled City (Clocktower) area and did some shopping, which was my favorite part. The shopping in Columbia was immaculate! I found some really cute pieces that were dressy, and even some nice loungewear. The part that I loved about shopping, was that it was very inexpensive, yet the quality was perfection. Honestly, I would go back to Columbia, just to shop. Our hotel was even right next to the mall. After we shopped, I went back to the hotel and sat at the rooftop bar next to the pool, the views were everything. I ended up getting some finger foods, which were ok. For my dads birthday dinner we went to Restaurante Candé. The food was good, my favorite part was the ambiance. After dinner, my dad, brother and I went out for a night out. We went to two clubs, both recommended by our tour guide, Delirium and Imperio. We had a section with bottles at both and it was lit.

Sunday we woke up early and headed out to do some quick shopping, before our excursion. We took a private boat tour around to the Caribbean Sea. We saw the different islands, the old Pablo Escobar houses, and ended our day at Cholón. Which was an outdoor bar/restaurant in the middle of the water with hookah, drinks, food and more. It was a nice experience, but honestly overpriced. If we had to do it all over again, we’d do Bora Bora, which is like a beach club. The boat tour lasted all day, literally eight hours. After the boat, we chilled at the hotel. Later that night, I explored the next door mall, food court. It rained this day and it was so interesting to see all the streets flooded with so much water.

Monday, we started even earlier than Sunday, because we had a mid day flight and had to explore more of the island. We took a taxi to Getsemani. I just had to see the famous umbrella streets. One of my favorite things about Cartagena was the architecture and artwork. The buildings had such beautiful paintings and I loved the bright colors. The island was so lively and vibrant, with people who were super friendly. After we walked the streets for a few hours, we headed back to the hotel. I had a meeting for work and when it was over we went straight to the airport. Coming back, we did the same flights as going so we had a day to spend in Florida. We shopped at the outlet, and had dinner together. I ended my night by meeting up with my friends and hanging out all night. Tuesday we shopped at the outlet and headed back home.

Overall, the trip was amazing. I’m so happy we came together and spent this time. Life is truly about making memories. We take about three or four trips together a year as a family, but we like to do a big one every summer. I hope you enjoy watching this video, I tried to capture as much as I could while still being present in the moment. I think everyone should visit Colombia, I’ll definitely be going back. I would even love to explore Medellin Colombia too! I felt super safe while I was there as well.

Interview With Overachieving Dreamer Ja'hnysha Blair

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:01:34 GMT

If It’s Your Passion, You Have To Go After It & DO NOT STOP!

Meet Ja’hnysha Blair! She’s a Detroit native, who’s a visionary with an eye for fashion and a focus like no other. Ja’hnysha is the founder of Shop J Blair and J Blair Lux Label. Shop J Blair is a women’s boutique that sells the most adorable pieces that are purchased wholesale. Ja'hnysha started the company two years ago and it has grown so much in just two years. The boutique sells dresses, pants, sets, accessories and more. There’s a lot of boutiques in the world, Shop J Blair caught my eye, not only because the pieces are different, but the consistency and dedication Ja’hnysha shows is unmatched. I love seeing her branding, from the website to the hang tags and even the packaging! Shop J Blair is an experience like no other. Ja’hnysha Blair is also a fashion designer, her brand, J Blair Lux Label, is where she designs unique clothing pieces. I was scrolling thru Instagram and saw, Nichole Lynel , a fashion icon, raving about these pink feather pants. I had to find out who the designer was, and lo & behold, it was Ja’hnysha. If I had to describe her brand, it would be feminine, unique and lux!

After watching and stalking her page, I knew I had to bring her on. Ja’hnysha is an overachieving dreamer, who uses her platform to show the world how to follow their passion. When asked why she thinks she’s been able to get this far, she responded, “It’s what I eat, sleep, and think. It’s my dream and that is what drives me to keep going and to always bet on myself!” This interview was one of my favorites. The conversation is going to encourage you to keep going on whatever your dream is. Ja’hnysha was very transparent, and shared the truth of operating a business. I hope you enjoy watching this interview as much as I did conducting it. Not only watch to learn, but take something with you to apply in your life! Click here to connect with Ja’hnysha. Shop J Blair, by clicking here!

How To Evolve From Ordinary To Extraordinary

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:24:15 GMT

The reason you’re getting subpar results out of life

Last week, I was woken up out of my slept and felt the need to write. I fought the urge for about 30 minutes and even tried to go back to sleep, but couldn’t. Finally, I sat up and started writing any and everything that came to mind. I’m a firm believer on doing the things that God has put on your heart. It was 3am, do you think I wanted to be up in the wee hours of the morning writing? NO! However, I’m so locked into my spiritual journey, that I’m trying to be obedient in every aspect of my life. Aside from that, I believe in writing things down. Mattie James, a lifestyle expert, who I’ve been following for years, said, “You’re stressing yourself out and causing anxiety, because you’re refusing to write things down. When you write something down, you start to close the tabs in your head, because you no longer have to keep it stored there because you wrote it down and can reference it later.” She calls it brain dumping. I don’t know about you, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told myself to remember something and later in the day can’t remember that thing to save my life. It’s so much going on and being thrown at your brain throughout the day, writing it down in my notes section on my phone, or even a sticky note has been a lifesaver. Whether it’s a task I need to complete, a person I need to call, or an idea I want to implement, writing things down as soon as I get the thought has saved me tremendously.

Let’s not get off track too much, that is not the point of this post. As I was writing at 3am, I had a revaluation, pop into my mind. Stop putting in minimal effort and expecting miraculous results! I hope this hits you like it hit me. We live in a popcorn world. Everybody wants to be successful, but nobody wants to put in the work necessary to get there. I’m not sure if it’s entitlement or laziness, but newsflash, just because you want something, doesn’t mean you will get it. I’ll even take it a step further, you can be great at something, but talent alone will only get you so far. Victoria Forester, an author, once said, “Raw talent only gets you so far in this old world and the rest is a whole lot of practice, persistence, and perspiration.” You can be the best (insert thing here,) if you don’t have grit and hustle, you won’t go very far. I’m not sure if it’s the “post-covid” effect, or entitlement, but something has plagued us with, dear I say, laziness, when it comes to the things we say we want. Stop thinking that just because you do 20% of work, that your RIO (return on investment) will be 100%. This is for every aspect of your life.

For example: for years I’ve been consistent-ish, with working out. I would go three/four months where I was working out four times a week. However, I would ignore the meal plan my trainer would give me and eat whatever I wanted. On top of that, I was showing up to the gym for my workouts, but doing the bare minimum, not challenging myself with the weights, and not doing cardio. I would step on the scale and saw that I only lost 5-10 pounds, if that. I would be pissed and stop going to the gym. I had to step back and say, is the gym really not working, or am I giving minimal effort and expecting maximum results. Just because I did the bare minimum, which was working out, didn’t mean I was entitled to losing the weight and being healthier.

I can pin point so many other areas of my life where I wasn’t reaching a goal or expectation, but thru it all, I was the culprit as to why. After taking a step back, I saw that this was an issue with so many areas including, business, work, fitness, relationships and more. I was paralyzed with the “idea,” that as long as I give a little and try, it’ll work out how I want. God quickly bursted my bubble and brought me to the reality that my hopes, dreams, and positive thinking are NOT powerful enough to make things happen in the real world, without doing the hard work necessary to get it. You’ve heard the saying, “If you run from the hard work, you might as well hide from the money.” That saying is true literally and even figuratively! You are special and God has a plan for your life, you’re worthy just because you’re alive! However, you’re not entitled to the fruits of this world just because you show up. You have to give maximum effort. Show up with a sense of excellence. Give your best to everything you do, that’s how you get miraculous results. I don’t know about you, but I’m in a season where I want act with a spirit of excellence with everything I do, even if it’s just washing dishes. That takes intentionality. If I’m not going to give maximum effort, why do it at all? If you’ve been getting the same average or subpar results, maybe it’s time to check your effort. There are many things that will be out of your control, but you have to at least do your part by giving it everything you’ve got! Remember, how you do one thing, is how you do everything. If you’ve been giving bare minimum in one area of life, do some soul searching to see what other areas you’ve been just coasting too! Why be average and get the bear minimum, when God has called us to be so much more.

Let’s put our foot on the gas and leave nothing left in the tank!

The Secret To Breaking The Start & Stop Cycle

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 22:10:42 GMT

It's Time To Get Off The Hamster Wheel Of Stagnation

I know I say this a lot, but time really does fly. It’s already mid July. It’s a new month, and new season, SUMMER. We are officially in the second half of the year. Not only is it a new season physically, by it being summer, but it’s also a new season for me, personally. It has been ages since you’ve heard from me, I haven’t shared a new post since May. I took some unplanned time off, to step back and figure some things out. I get bursts of creativity, and then plummet into a period of being uninspired. During this period, I allow my feelings to dictate my discipline, when they shouldn’t. My problem is, once I break my streak of consistency, I fall into a downward spiral. One day will turn into seven, which will turn into weeks, and sometimes lead to months of nothing. Don’t get me wrong, there are other factors that go into my disappearance from my business, such as work picking up, traveling, more, and even just laziness. Sometimes, I make excuses for my bad habits which lead me to continue making the same mistakes. Let’s compare it to someone who is just getting into fitness:

Let’s say a person starts going to the gym, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They go two weeks strong. Then, they miss a Monday workout in the third week. Rather than picking back up on Wednesday, they fall off completely and skip a full week. When week four rolls around, they are less likely to pick back up the stamina they had in week two. They continue to spiral and miss a month of the gym. When they go to put on their favorite pair of jeans on, they learn that they don’t fit. So they start the cycle back over again.

This is the same pattern I’ve been in for about a year and a half now, not just with fitness, but with every area of my life. I start and stop so much when it comes to the things that I say I want, including my fitness, my business, and even my savings journey. I’m truly a routine person, who thrives with routines, but once my routine is broken, I find it hard to adjust and get back on track. I am very self-aware, and always trying to grow and evolve. I brought this up in therapy one time and she challenged me by asking me if I lacked commitment. I thought the reason, for my lack of consistency was due to me lacking focus. My therapist shared that it might not be lack of focus, I just may be focusing on the wrong thing. When she broke it down, she shared that I was focusing on the outcome, rather than the process. By focusing on the process, it helps me to develop a plan and habits to get me to the outcome. This all means if I don’t have a clear why, I will continue to start and stop everything. After our conversation, I sat in journal about the life I want, and some of the sacrifices that I’m willing to get there. This was back in June, but yeah, it was still hard for me to get back on track. I had to let go of the guilt associated with everything I had let go of. I took some time to look back at the goals and plans that I set for the top of the year, and honestly, I became discouraged. Looking at all the things I allowed to fall to the wayside, left me paralyzed from moving forward. I was so ready to throw the whole year away, because I felt like I wasted the entire first half. I’m so thankful that I was able to give myself grace, because we all dropped the ball. Life is ebbs and flows, highs and lows, and if I allow every low to stop me completely, I will never accomplish anything. I’m human, so sometimes I allow my feelings to dictate how I operate. The truth is, feelings are not faxed, and allow yourself to feel the fields, but I understand that feelings change. Do not allow your feelings to keep you stuck in the same place. Whether you feel like it or not, it’s time to come back.

I say all this to say, if you are like me, and started the year off with huge goals and plans, but got lost or slow down along the way, it’s time to pick it back up. Do not get hung up on all that you didn’t do. We still have the second half of this year to come back. We are in the second half, third quarter, get back in the game. I can give you thousands of examples of where sports teams have came back in the second half and won the game. It does not matter how many people counted you out, even if you counted yourself out, you can still come back and make 2023 an incredible year. Take some time to look at the goals you set for this year. Assess those goals, and if there are still things you want to accomplish, rewrite them and come up with a new plan. If there’s goals that you no longer want, scratch them out. If you never set any goals for 2023, now is the time to do so. We are only three weeks into the summer, it’s time to get activated. remember those dreams and goals you want wanted, it’s time to go after them. Stop procrastinating, stop with the blame game, stop making excuses. We are going after the life we always wanted. Let’s go sis!

Can You Honestly Say You Really Love Yourself?

Fri, 19 May 2023 19:08:24 GMT

Self-Love Is More Than A Trend, It’s Constant Work

Self-love is talked about so much. People are always saying to love yourself, and have confidence in who you are. That’s easier said than done, if I’m being honest. We live in a world where it’s so many things coming at us at once. Before social media, the beauty standards were set by magazines, and TV. There has always been influences from outside sources dictating the standards. Confidence truly does come from within, but I’m not going to sit here and act as if outside influences don’t affect that. I feel for these young girls who are going through their awkward phases, while growing up on social media. Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about, everybody has an “ugly” phase. Our childhood experiences shape our outlooks on the world and relationships as adults. That’s one reason I signed up for therapy, because I wanted to get a better understanding on why I responded to things the way I did/do.

Self-love has become a trend, but it’s something that everyone has to work through. Self-love comes from being confident with knowing who/whose you are and owning your truths. Until you know who you are, it’s very hard to truly love yourself. Knowing yourself is a never ending journey. I still learn new things about myself daily. Last week, I went to Cabo for my mom‘s birthday, and I had such a beautiful time. If you know me, you know, I love to travel. Most people love to sit by the pool, and soak up sun. For years, I struggled with this, and I never truly knew why. It wasn’t until I had a conversation with my mom, where she reminded me of something that I had forgotten. When I was a child, I would avoid the sun at all costs, because I didn’t want to get darker. Naturally, I'm a brown skinned woman, but in sun, I can get chocolate. I think as a child I wanted so desperately to be liked. The thing that the people around me liked, was what society deemed “beautiful,” which was what was shown on TV. My mother and grandmother were both brown skinned women, and told me I was beautiful my whole life, they affirmed me daily. When I would go into the world, I saw the lighter skinned girls getting treated better. I used to be a little boy crazy as a kid; the boys I liked always liked lighter girls. I used to want to be on TV, and all the girls on TV that were black, were lighter skinned. Of course, I saw successful women in my family, but the ones doing what I wanted were all lighter. I know this mentality goes back so many years from slavery and before, but it was a struggle for me. I would get compliments, of course, from friends and family, and even some boys, but it wasn’t enough. Wanting to be liked and people pleasing are some things that I’m working thru in therapy, but they stem from my childhood. I remember back in high school, a boy told me he would never date me, because I wasn’t light-skinned. Here I am at 26 thinking that I had outgrown these ways of thinking, but my actions showed that I hadn’t. Subconsciously, I wouldn’t sit in the sun on vacations because of the thoughts I had as a child.

While I was in Cabo, I sat by the sun, and it was the most relaxing and liberating thing. I didn’t think twice about getting too dark, and just allowed myself to be present in the moment. By the time I got back to my room, I realized that I had a deep suntan, and rather than being sad, I was excited. If I was younger, I would’ve cried about it. In that moment, I recognized my growth. I owe it to that little girl in me to embrace my skin tone, no matter the complexion, because I am beautiful. I had an epiphany and just thought wow how I’ve grown and how times have changed. I’m so glad that little brown skinned girls get to see representations of themselves now via social media, tv and even movies. I just watched the trailer of a black Little Mermaid, with Halle Bailey, coming out next week and it made me so emotional. That’s why it’s important to have representation in every career field and occupations. Although, I was told how beautiful I was my entire life, I still struggled with self love as an adult. I always thought I loved myself, but this was an area that I had been struggling with. The road to healing is not always easy, it will show you things that you thought were insignificant. It’s true, your childhood truly shapes your adulthood. There’s so many things that I have to heal within for the little girl in me; in order to become the woman I’ve always dreamed to be. I challenge you to sit and reflect with yourself. If you can, reach out to a therapist or counselor to help you with this. It’s 2023 and we are on the road to healing and being whole. The younger version of you, that lives within, deserves to see you evolve, make yourself proud!

Warning: this journey is messy, but so worth it.

Five Lessons Learned At 25

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:19:38 GMT

A Toast To Chapter 26

Year 25 was different. My biggest prayer was for God to reveal myself to myself. I wanted to see me from the inside, which isn’t always easy. Through prayer, journaling, fasting, and even therapy, God allowed me to see myself with a new lens. I was able to see the good, the bad and the ugly. Identifying is the first step. I did a lot in my year 25. Of course, I traveled, spent time with loved ones, and even took care of myself. Year 25, was a very interesting one. Although it was a roller coaster, I learned a lot. If I’m being honest, I had some fears, stepping into this new chapter. Something about the age 26, scared me. Maybe because my whole life I learned that 26 is a real adult age. I knew going into my 26 year, I would have to get my own insurance, which means that’s a piece of my parents leaving me. I also felt a little sad going into this new chapter, because I felt like I was being forced into adulthood. I know many people think 21 is when you are an adult, but for me 26 was symbolic. I felt like I had to have it all figured out. Maybe I felt uneasy about this new age because this was my third birthday I spent living back at home, when the goal was only one year. Even with the uneasy feelings I felt, I pushed thru. This year, my birthday fell on Resurrection Sunday. At first, that wasn’t a big deal, until the day before. If you didn’t know, I fasted for 40 days leading up to Resurrection Sunday. The fast was thru my church, Elizabeth Baptist, and my friend was the one that lead me to do it. We broke the fast together in prayer and fellowship and it was so amazing. This was the longest time I had ever fasted and although it was hard, it was great to do. I believe the fast, helped with my uneasy feelings I had towards my birthday. Also, allowing myself to sit in the feelings I was having, helped me process those feelings. As I was reflected on my feelings, I reflected on the previous year, 25. I wanted to share 5 major lessons I learned at age 25. It was extremely hard to narrow down only five, because year 25 brought me so many lessons that I’ll cherish forever.

1. You’re Waiting On God While He’s Waiting For You

This was a HUGE pill I had to swallow. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used the excuse that I’m waiting on God for certain things. Please don’t get me wrong, waiting on God is great, but how you’re waiting is key. Are you waiting and doing nothing? Are you waiting and still moving? Faith without work is dead. Are you waiting on God and being idle or waiting and being productive? God may be waiting on you to bust a move, so he can bless it. He’s waiting on you to move so he can show you his power. Whatever has been tugging on your heart for you to do, you need to go and do it. God wants you to take a step in the direction with faith and courage and he will meet you. He can’t bless the work that you never did. Take a step towards the thing you’re waiting on God for and watch Him work.

2. You Can’t Help Everybody All The Time

When it comes to people I care about, I don’t want them to want for ANYTHING. I have a savior complex that I’m currently working thru. I have such a huge giving heart and it also has some people pleasing mixed in to it. I will give my last dollar to someone and be without for myself. It’s great to give and help those in need, but don’t be the thing holding that person back from growing. I learned that sometimes people are venting and sharing things with you, just for a listening ear. You can’t fix everyones problems, that is God’s job not yours. I used to drive myself crazy trying to be everything to everybody while solving all their issues. Also, some people can use this to their advantage and use you. Be careful and mindful when trying to help everyone. I work thru this by asking myself why I’m helping this person, and it helps.

3. It’s Ok To Step Back & Disconnect From ALL Outside Influences

This world can be so influential. Whether it’s social media, tv, or just your friends/family, it’s easy to lose focus on what you truly want. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with this sometimes. Disconnecting regularly is key with this. Allow yourself time to sit with yourself and to focus on what it is that you truly want, without outside inputs. Confidence will help you not to be so influenced by outside things/people as well.

4. Sometimes You Are The Problem

Yup, you read that right. It’s not always everybody else, sometimes you’re standing in the way of you. Whether that be your mindset, habits, triggers, traumas, etc. sometimes it’s us that is the problem. I watched a video by Alex Elle, author of How We Heal, and she said, “No one talks about how sometimes it’s us. Sometimes we’re the problem. Sometimes we’re the toxic ones. Sometimes we’re the problematic ones. Sometimes our unwillingness to change, heal, and grow is the issue. Sometimes our triggers will keep us stuck in cycles we say we want to break.” When I tell you wanted to throw my phone, because she was talking directly to me. Think about that, it's not always everyone else. Identifying that the problem is you, is the first step.

5. Not Only Check Up On Your People, But Actually Show Up

This is something I’ve been practicing for about two years, but I really honed in for year 25. I’m not always good at checking on my friends and family, but I wanted to be better at it. While I was doing this, I learned that people love when you’re there physically too. What I mean is, celebrate their accomplishments, show up for birthdays and other special moments. For years, my mom has been telling me to pull my head out my own butt (you know what I mean) and understand that the world isn’t all about me. In year 25, I learned how to stop always only worrying about myself and what I have going on and to show up for those that I say I care about.

Year 25 was beautiful overall. I learned a lot about myself, my strengths and weakness, my triggers, my childhood experiences that still show up today and so much more. I’m excited to see what I learn in year 26. I know when you’re in the middle of things, it’s hard to see the testimony that will come out of it, but it always is. Life is about evolving and growing, the only way to do that is to live. I challenge you to live, no matter what age you are. Lessons are happening every single day. Whether your birthday has passed or is coming up, I challenge you to reflect on your previous age. I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to think if something BIG didn’t happen, I stayed the same. But that’s not true. It’s the small lessons that lead to growth. By doing this reflection, you’ll be able to see all the things you’ve overcome in the past year, that you may have forgotten. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. Birthdays are a beautiful time of growth and rebirth, but it’s easy to have feelings of uneasiness and even depression. Reflecting on the year before will help you work thru any feelings you may have towards turning this new age. Trust me, it works, I know it, because I tried it. Give it a try this year for your birthday and let me know if and how it helps you.

Come With Me On A Winter Snowy Getaway

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 22:31:47 GMT

Weekend Ski Trip With My Friends

First trip of 2023 in the books. Last weekend, I took my best friend and her little sister to Aspen, Colorado for her birthday. I asked my best friend where she would want to go in the US, and she said Colorado. At first, I was a little skeptical about going on vacation to the cold, because I'm in Michigan, and it's already snow here. I'm so glad I decided to still go.The flight was two hours and 45 minutes. Soon as we touched down in CO, my mouth was on the floor. The views in Colorado were STUNNING!

We flew into Denver, and drove to Aspen. The drive was about three and a half hours. During that drive, seeing all the mountains and tunnels, was like being in a movie. Imagine stepping into a postcard, that's exactly how it felt being there. After we made it to Aspen, we checked in and headed to a amusement park to ride the Mountain Coaster. That whole experience was fun. I rode my first gondola, which is the cable transport to take you up the mountain. The amusement park was on top of the mountain. It was their Fire & Ice festival, so they had fire dancers. We went at night time, so it was so dark coming down the gondola (the mountains need street lights, ha.) Our first night, I got super sick for about two hours, I was dizzy and felt extremely nauseous, I had no idea what it was. I learned that it was Altitude Sickness from adjusting to the lower oxygen pressure at the new altitude. We were supposed to have dinner at Catch Aspen, but they cancelled due to a pipe bursting. Luckily we were able to have dinner at Steak House No. 316. After dinner we went to a lounge and had some drinks.

The second day, we woke up early and drove to Breckenridge, CO. It was only about two hours away and was on the way back to Denver, while we were there we went on a three hour Snow Mobile tour. This was sort of like being on a jet ski, but in the snow. The tour took us up the mountain, we were up 12,000 feet. The views were beautiful, but coming down was a little nerve wrecking. After our excursion we drove to Denver for dinner at Ocean Prime. After dinner, we walked around this alley with different bars. We ended up stopping in a upscale bar and ended our night there.

We had a pretty early flight out on Monday. I went with them to Atlanta for what was supposed to be a day, but ended up being two. Overall, Colorado was really pretty and freezing at the same time. It was a great experience and I would definitely go back to ski. Unfortunately we didn't have time to ski because our trip was only two days. I hope you enjoy watching this vlog of our trip. I even included a small portion of my time in ATL, which includes a spa day, dinner and some nights out. Thank you so much for watching.

Stop Taking Everything So Personal

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 23:20:39 GMT

Struggling With Being Defensive?

Last week, my dad took my family and I to a hockey game. This was my first ever hockey game, and he was able to get his hands on some premium seats. These seats were in the Executive Club and came with such an amazing experience. Even though I’m not a huge hockey fan, I had such a great time. My family and I were talking and it’s something we want to do more. If I would’ve missed this experience, I wouldn’t have known what I was missing. The crazy thing is, I almost missed out on this. I almost allowed my feelings to get in the way. I’ve been replaying it over and over in my head to blame someone else. If I’m being honest, I am the only person at fault. I’m very self-aware, and always looking to better myself. So I took some time to dissect the situation for accountability.

Let me share the situation with you. My family and I were all walking into the private entrance. As we were going through security, I was stopped because my bag was too large. The security woman told me, ”Your bag is too large to come in here.” Now, I purposely wore my smaller crossbody bag, to prevent this from happening, but it did. When the security guard initially said it, I looked at my mom’s bag, and looked at mine, and it was maybe 3 inches larger then. I instantly got defensive and responded, “What am I supposed to do with it.” Both security guards told me that I could either put it in the car, or check it downstairs in the bag area. At this point, I already had an attitude and felt like she was picking on me. I had a whole eye roll going on. My mom asked me what I wanted to do, and I agreed to put it in the car. She came with me to take it back. Luckily, I was able to fit my wallet and lipgloss in my pocket. As we were walking back to the car, I had so many negative thoughts. I was thinking that I would Uber home, or sit in the car and wait for the game to be over. I’m an Aries, so I’m quick to get an attitude and be over it. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve said, forget it to things because things didn’t go my way. I couldn’t act on any of these thoughts, because my mother was with me. So I just put my purse in the car and went back with my family. We walked into this suite and it was stunning. We had our own private bar, with a large food selection and even snacks included. At first, I wasn’t even able to experience it, because I was in my mood over the bag. After I made my plate, and got a drink, I finally started joining in the conversations with my parents. I told them how I initially really wanted to leave, but I’m glad I stayed. My mom responded by saying, “You have to learn to let things roll off your back. No need to hold onto that.” That was not what I wanted to hear in a moment, but it stayed at the top of my mind. After the game, we tried a new restaurant that I had been wanting to go to, and it was really fun. The next morning, as I was journaling, I sat with what my mom had said. The truth is, she was right. The lady wasn’t picking on me, she didn’t have a attitude. She was honestly just doing her job. In the moment, my depiction of what happened was completely negative. I thought she was rude, and honestly just picking on me because I was cute. When the reality was, she wasn’t.

Are you like me, and always getting defensive when someone corrects you, or tells you, you can’t do some thing? I know I can’t be the only one who does this. I brought this up when I was in therapy and my therapist read me this excerpt, “Defensive behaviors have the purpose of distracting you from your feelings of being hurt and feeling shamed. The objective (whether you realize it or not) is to shift attention to the faults of the other person, so that in turn you feel better about yourself in the moment.” She had me go through different areas of my life and pinpoint instances where I get defensive. We learned, that I use defensiveness as a way to be the strong powerful person I have in my head. It’s rooted in me wanting to always have things together. Which ultimately comes from me not wanting to show that I like in any area. Do you know what this is? VULNERABILITY! Now I get it, the hockey game incident wasn’t that deep. But, if I look at other areas of my life, defensiveness is my go to. That’s why I get defensive, I challenge you, if you are, someone like me, to uncover why you get defensive. Because the truth is, it can be multiple reasons why.

I say all this to say, it’s a new year. This year we are going to be our best selves, and in order to get there, we have find out where we currently are, and fix the areas that need fixing. In order to get the success, blessings, and goals accomplished in this season, we are going to have to become different versions of ourselves. Truth is, you taking everything personal, is hindering you. Don’t allow your mind to play these tricks on you. Your feelings are valid, but sometimes you have to check the feelings. Are your feelings rooted in truth or in fiction? Whether that is with other people, or the thoughts and feelings you have about yourself. The first step in growing and evolving is identifying where you are and how you got there! Let’s grow together!

22 Lessons I Learned In 2022

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 01:03:50 GMT

Another Year Has Come & Gone, But The Lessons Will Last Forever

Every year I say how fast time flies, but this year really flew by. Ever since Covid, I feel like the years have been getting shorter. We made it to the end of another year. I’m so blessed to say I survived 2022. This year was pretty comfortable for me. Although I had some challenges to overcome, overall, the year was good. If I had to title this year, I would say it was the year of Minimum Effort, But Maximum Living . I played it very small in 2022, and allowed myself to fall into complacency. If I’m being honest, God’s grace is what carried me through 2022, because it was not my effort.

Towards the end of 2022, I move the needle a bit by identifying the areas of my life that needed change. I got into therapy in 2022, plus I got consistent with the gym. Although I didn’t go as hard in other areas of my life, I’ll celebrate every win big or small that I endured in 2022. The last quarter of 2022 was truly an eye-opener for me. My prayer was that God revealed me to me. I wanted to see the every aspect of myself, even the parts I needed work in. I’m so excited for this new year. I know I’m going to go for the go in 2023. I will begin to dream BIG again in 2023. I will not allow my current circumstances to trap me into complacency. I know I talk about all the "bad'' things in 2022, but there was a lot of good too. I traveled a lot, both domestic and internationally, which I love. I showed up for the people in my life more than ever this year. I faced some of my deepest fears in 2022. I even got a new car this year. 2022 was one for the books. Through it all, I’m happy to say I made it out on the other side. During my time of reflection, I thought about the many lessons I learned this year. I learned a lot this year, but I wanted to share 22 lessons with you.

1. Drinking water does more for you than you think. (Your skin, energy, and so much more)

2. Talk less, listen more. (Always remain a student you never know what you’ll learn and from who)

3. Streaks will be broken, just don’t miss twice (when it comes to habits, and daily/weekly routines)

4. Move your body daily (whether that’s with exercising, or just walking)

5. Put the phone down sometimes ,it’s so important to just be present

6. Take daily vitamins, they are so good for you in the long run & give you a boost of energy

7. Stillness is golden! Find time to be still and alone

8. Never feel bad for investing in clothes, when you look good, you feel good. (I'm not saying be a shopaholic)

9. Learn to release. (It is ok to let go of things and people. Everything has a season)

10. Don’t get caught up on the past. It is the past for a reason. Focus on where you’re going.

11. A clean space is key. (Being in a clean & organized environment makes you productive)

12. It’s ok to outsource.( For example, I don't like grocery shopping. I invested in a grocery delivery service that helped me focus on other parts of my life.)

13. Get a solid routine. (Having a morning and night time routine set you up for success)

14. Check in with yourself often. (We intake so much from the world it’s important to stop & listen to your own voice)

15. Save money. It’s that simple. (Life is going to throw you unexpected curveballs. A savings account will come in handy.

16. Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. (Quality friends are so much more important than quantity. Be the friend you want to have, show up)

17. Eat breakfast. (Whether it's oatmeal, a granola bar, or a full platter. Make sure you take time for breakfast. It’ll set up your day.)

18. Ask for help. (Lean on the people around you when you need it. We weren't created to do everything on our own)

19. Give to others. (Whether that be to a homeless man, or paying it forward at the drive-through. Give often whenever God place it on your heart.)

20. Stop allowing other people to change your mind. (Stop being so impressionable by others. Focus on what you want)

21. You can not save everyone. (Plus everyone does not want to be saved)

22. Extend yourself, grace. (You're human and evolving every day. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Just keep trying)

I am so excited to enter into this new year. My space is clean and clutter free. I have set my intentions. I have journaled and prayed for God to continue to guide my steps in this next year. I’m letting go of all the worries and stress that I had in 2022. Everything I went through was to prepare me for this next chapter. Before you go wherever you’re going tonight, I pray that you take some time to sit still, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. Reflect on this past year, the highs and the lows, and prepare yourself mentally and spiritually as we enter in 2023. This next year is going to be the same as last year, if you do not change internally. Be safe, and have a happy new year! I cannot wait to continue to grow and elevate with you 2023!

3 Red Liquid Lipsticks For New Years

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 23:51:49 GMT

It's that weird time between Christmas and New Year’s, where you don’t know what day it is, but it’s not quite January 1. Some people are off, others are working from home, plus there’s a select few who are actually going into work. Everywhere you go people are saying happy holidays, because you can’t say Merry Christmas anymore. People are even saying Happy New Year, because they don’t know the next time they’ll see you before the new year. People keep asking me what I’m doing for New Year’s, but I’m really unsure. All my life, up until a the pandemic, I brought in the new year by going to church. I was in Houston to bring in 2021, I watched church virtually, and then went out afterwards. Unfortunately, last year I brought in the new year in the house sick with Covid. Of course, I thought about how I want to celebrate this year: A part of me wants to do a solo vacation, While another part of me wants to be with my family. I even thought about bringing in the new year by going to a party. I’m really not sure how I want to celebrate this year, but one things for sure, I will have a red lip.

Lipstick colors have bigger symbols than you think. Wearing red lipstick is such a bold and powerful move. Some women of color feel like they can't wear red lips and I'm here to tell you, THAT'S A LIE! I don't know who started the lie that red lipstick is unflattering and loud on brown women, but it needs to end. Red lipsticks come in all shades, so no matter what undertones you have, there is one out there for you. Celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Tyra Banks, Brandy, Rihanna, Nia Long and more, have been seen rocking red lips on carpets and at events. When a woman wears a red lip, it means she is powerful and empowered. I haven’t quite figured out my word for next year, but I know I want to be confident and bold. That’s exactly what red lipstick does for me. When I wear red lipstick, I feel like I can do any and everything. I don’t care if my life is falling apart, when I put on red lipstick, I can handle anything that comes my way. I just started getting into lipsticks within the last couple of years. I’ve enjoyed trying different formulas to see which ones I liked you didn’t like. I’m still exploring when it comes to lipsticks, but I have found my go to's. If you are someone like me and looking to look chic this New Year’s Eve, I have three red liquid lipsticks to share with you.

1. Kylie Cosmetics | Red Velvet Lipstick

Nothing about this lipstick is new. I’ve shared my love for this lipstick so many times. Through the years, this has remained a stable in my makeup bag. Its the prettiest red on the brighter side. This lip kit comes with a red liner too. If you’re looking to add a ombre, use a brown lip liner. It’s a creamy and velvet formula. You can pick this up at your local Ulta or online at KylieCosmetics.com

2. The Lip Bar | Bawse Lady Vegan Matte Lipstick

I was listening to a podcast by Myleik Teele a few years ago and she mentioned this being the perfect red lipstick. I didn’t run to the store to get it because I wasn’t into red lipsticks like that back then. This Christmas, I gifted my aunt a mixture of red lipsticks and was researching which ones to pick up. I was scrolling on Instagram and saw Mattie James raving about this lipstick , so I decided to pick some up. This red matte but not dry, and lasts all day. I’ve always loved The Lip Bar, I have a few other products from the company. I’ve even been to the flagship store here in Detroit a few times. This red is a little deeper, yet bold and perfect. You can pick this up at your local Target, Walmart, or online at TheLipBar.com

3. Fenty Beauty | Uncensored Stunna Lip Paint

I was super late to the party with this one. I have tons of Fenty Beauty products in my collection like foundation, concealer, setting powder, and lipgloss. I’ve never thought to pick up one of these lip paints. People on Tiktok have been talking about how good they are. Thankfully, last month in my Boxycharm Luxe Subscription box I received it. Let me just tell you, the people were not lying about how amazing this product is. It’s a soft matte finish with the most unique applicator. You can pick this up at your local Sephora or online at FentyBeauty.com

It’s the holiday season, tis the season for red lipsticks. I’m so thankful Boxycharm sent me this red lipstick this month in my Luxe Box. If you want to find out what else I received, click here!

Why You Need To Prioritize Self Care This Holiday Season

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 01:33:56 GMT

It’s officially Christmas Eve Eve! We’re in the thick of the holiday season. Christmas is in two days, Kwanza is in three days and the New Year is in seven days. I’m a lover of all things holiday: I love the giving/gifting, I love the shopping, I love the family time, I love the movies, I love the music. One of my favorite parts is giving and gifting to those around me. I I love giving gifts, because I’m a really good gift giver. I try to give something special to everyone in my life, even if others get their gifts later than expected. I’m a giving person, and I get so excited to see the persons reaction to my gift, because it’s usually thoughtful.

Although there are many people, like me, who love this time of year, please keep in mind that there are other people who don’t. There are people in the world right now, who are hurting, mourning, sad, depressed, anxious, and lonely.People tend to forget that this is a rough time for a lot of people, so you really want to be extra kind to everyone you encounter. Whether it’s the person in the McDonald’s drive-through, or even your mailman, you want to be a little extra nice during this time. You really never know what anyone is going through, especially during this time of the year. I know it’s easy to get caught up in your own life and bubble, but don’t forget that everyone isn’t as blessed and fortunate as you. If you’re someone who isn’t in a good place right now, I am praying for you and I want you to know things will get better. Mental health is such an important thing, especially in the black community. People are committing suicide, at heart breaking rates. Life gets hard for everyone, some people get it harder than other’s, push thru the hard times, because they don’t last forever. Whether you love this time of year, or hate it, do not forget to love on the most important person, YOU!

I was talking with my therapist a few weeks ago, and she asked me, “When was the last time you checked in with yourself?” That question stumped me, because I’m one who loves self-care. I take myself to the movies often, I tend to buy myself nice things, I even travel by myself, but it had been a while since I had stopped and really checked in with myself. Throughout the year, we become so consumed with the wants and needs of others, that it can be easy to lose focus of what we want and need for ourselves. It is crucial, especially during this time, to stop and check in with yourself. Checking in will look differently for everyone, but however you can, take some time to check in with yourself. Ask yourself, what do you want, celebrate the wins that you had this year, and identify some areas where you dropped the ball and need to do better. This check in with yourself is very vital for growth and evolution.

Last weekend, I checked myself into a hotel, because I live at home with my family, for 48 hours. I went and had my first ever facial and massage, ate a very nice dinner, went to an upscale bar, journaled, prayed, and sat with myself. I disconnected from social media, and put my phone on do not disturb. I really wanted to focus on being present, and being with me. I’m someone who actually enjoys being in my own company, but I had never done it like this before. I asked myself certain questions, and allowed my mind to wonder. I cut out all distractions and outside influences. I reflected, I read, I cried, and so much more. By the end of my weekend, I was able to identify exactly who I am, and where I want to go. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some things that I’m working out, but I gain so much clarity. You’d be amazed with all that can come, just from disconnecting with everyone and connecting with myself. Maybe you can’t go to the extent that I did, but take some time to be alone this holiday season. Find pockets of time to get away from everyone. Check in with yourself before we enter into this new year. For the second half of my alone time, I did absolutely nothing. I watched Christmas movies and ordered room service. That was my reward to myself after surviving this year. Take yourself out to eat, go get a pedicure, do anything you can do to treat yourself, while disconnecting from others. We spend a lot of time worrying about other people, don’t lose track of the most important person, YOU.

I’m praying you have a safe and beautiful holiday with your loved ones. Merry Christmas!

5 Tips For Christmas Shopping At The Last Minute

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 22:31:22 GMT

Don't Feel Stressed & Overwhelmed, You Have More Than Enough Time

It’s the most wonderful time of year! No need to spend your time stressing about all the gifts you didn't get. A lot of people start preparing for the holiday season, early November. Most stores even put out their holiday display, before Thanksgiving. Every year, I say, I’m going to do better and get all my gifts out of the way early, but somehow I end up waiting until the week before. Now it's a few days before Christmas and I had to figure out what I was going to gift everyone. It was too late to order some gifts, because I didn’t want to chance them getting here too late. I sat down and planned all my gifts, and ran to the stores. I’m happy to say everyone’s gift is now purchased, and just needs to either be picked up or getting delivered Friday. As I was going through this process, I thought, "There has to be other last-minute shoppers like me.'' Have no fear, I have you covered with the last minute gift ideas that everyone in your life will love. Some people try to make me feel bad for being a last-minute shopper, but I get everything done just in time. We are almost at the finish line, but you can still find some amazing gifts for any and everyone. Don’t get anxious and overwhelmed. I have some tips that are going to help you. Relax, I wouldn't leave you hanging like that, we're in this together. The best part is, I'm not judging.

1.Make A List, Check It Twice

Before you run to the stores, sit down and write a list of everyone you need to get a gift for. Having a clear list of who needs a gift will help you not overspend. Once I got my list together, I then went through each name and thought about something that either they said they wanted, have asked for, or I know that they would need. By thinking back to old conversations I was able to pick some gifts quickly. I even keep notes in my phone from when people say they like something of mine, so I can gift it to them.

2. Shop Online, Pickup In Store

For the people I had no idea what to get, I ran to see what stores had order pick up. Nordstrom, and Target were my go to’s. I’m not a big mall person, I like to online shop, and I knew that the stores will be crowded. Most, if not all, stores have buy online pick up in store options. Wherever you are thinking about shopping, head to their website and just order it. I love how some places even bring it out to my car, that way, I don’t even have to go inside. A bonus with this option is that most stores have gift guides fo different people. For example, Nordstrom has a gift guide section on their website, which I can filter to items near me.

3. The Gift That Keeps On Giving

This year, I got heavily wrapped into subscriptions. I feel like everything is a subscription now. Think about it: TV is no longer cable, we now have subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount, etc. I have a beauty subscription that gives me five full sized products every month, Boxycharm. Whether you’re gifting, your favorite aunt a fragrance subscription for a year, or maybe your grandpa an ESPN+ subscription for a year. You can not go wrong gifting someone a subscription. A plus with subscriptions is, when you pay for the full year, you typically get a discount. Hop on Google, and find the perfect subscription for your loved one, they won’t be disappointed.

4. What’s Better Than A Physical Thing

Some of the best gifts I’ve given or even received have been experiences. Gifting an experience is possible with any and every budget. If you’re looking to spend a little more, give someone a flight or even a hotel for a couple of nights. Who wouldn't love a trip?! You can even give someone a spa experience with massages, facials, etc. If you’re not trying to break the bank, look on Groupon for different experiences. You could gift someone a cooking class, a theater ticket, the possibilities are honestly endless.

5. Gift Cards

Once you’ve browsed the websites and still came up short with gift ideas, now it’s time to think about the a "basic" gift for anyone. Gift cards are perfect for any, and everybody, no matter how old or how young. The key with picking the perfect gift card, is thinking about what matters most to that person. For example, maybe it’s a coworker who you always see drinking Starbucks, a Starbucks gift card would be perfect for them. Maybe it’s your nephew who loves the video game, you can’t go wrong with getting him or her a PlayStation gift card. If it’s for someone, not as close to you, get them a Visa gift card that they can use on anything. Some people feel like gift cards are a copout, but that's not always the case. Giving gift cards are better than gifting money, because they're more thoughtful if done right!

Let's Travel Together: North Carolina Vlog

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:39:22 GMT

48 Hours 2 Cities: Charlotte & Greensboro

Last weekend, my mom and I went to North Carolina, Greensboro and Charlotte, to be exact. While we were there, we got to see one of my longest childhood friends, and her family, along with my cousin and some other family members. We flew into Charlotte on Friday morning, and spent the day there. Then drove to Greensboro on Saturday, and spent the night there. On Sunday, we drove back to Charlotte, to fly out back home. I know I say this a lot, but it was really good to be around loved ones. It’s so easy to get caught up in your own life that you forget how much fun it is to be around people who genuinely love you. Jada, is one of my longest childhood friends. We don’t talk often, but every time we see each other, we never skip a beat.

I’m very blessed to say that I come from a family of graduates. We are really big on celebrating graduations, whether that be high school, undergrad, grad, and so forth. When we got the news about my cousin, Sydney, graduating last month, we knew we were going to make it. We found the perfect flight. It was a bonus that this happened to be Jada‘s birthday weekend. We're able to kill two birds with one stone. We were able to attend Jada’s birthday dinner, see her house and new baby, and of course had some turn up time at this lounge afterwards. My cousin Sydney, graduated from North Carolina, A&T on Saturday morning and we had brunch at the cutest place afterwards. We even had a family movie day and went to see Will Smith’s Emancipation. Overall, the trip was amazing, so many family members came from different places to celebrate this accomplishment.

Thank you so much for watching, I hope you enjoyed this vlog.

Spend Thanksgiving With My Family

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 21:57:50 GMT

We Are Family, I Got Everybody With Me

Two weeks ago, I headed to Virginia to spend Thanksgiving with my family. We decided to go to my grandmothers house this year, because we never have. The last time I went to Virginia, was in September, when my Grandpa Tony had his open heart surgery. My parents and I drove down for a week to be with him. When we left, he was in the ICU recovering. It’s amazing to see him awake, talking and full of energy. He isn’t cleared to travel until 12/13, so if we hadn’t went to visit them, we wouldn’t have spent Thanksgiving with my grandparents. I’m so happy we did, because family is everything. For a long time, I was living unbalanced and not prioritizing family, but the older I get, the more I understand how important family is. Don’t get me wrong, they work my last nerves, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world. My parents, brother and little cousins drove in, and my cousin from Oklahoma came by. With everyday life, it’s so easy to fall into routines that you miss being present with the small moments. I loved just sitting around the living room watching Netflix. These will be the memories we’ll have forever.

I tried my hardest to vlog most of it. Of course I missed some moments, because my focus was on being present. I hope you enjoy my Thanksgiving weekend vlog. It was filled with love. Family is all you have, you have to cherish the family you still have. Thank you so much for watching. From my family to yours, happy holidays!

Let The Past Be The Past

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 22:46:48 GMT

You keep going back to your past failures because you can’t see your preferred future.

Stop romanticizing your past, and adapt to your present. A couple weeks ago, I wrote a post about not letting your future hijack your present, today I want to talk about not allowing your past to stop you from being present. As humans, we have a tendency to romanticize our past, sometimes to the point where we can’t show up in the current season. How far do you think you can go, if you continue to focus on what’s behind you? My pastor said, “You keep going back to your past failures because you can’t see your preferred future.” That hit me like a ton of bricks. Your past can mean an ex, an old habit, past behaviors, the possibilities are endless. Let that marinate for a minute!

I had a conversation with someone a couple days ago, and I had an epiphany. We were talking about life pre-Covid and how much she wanted to get back to how things used to be. I told her that I really don’t think that we will go back to how we were before, and that it’s best if we just adapt to how the world is now. We ended the conversation, by agreeing to disagree, but that thought played in my head all night. Maybe I’m the only one, but I have a tendency to romanticize my past. Personally, I do it when it comes to working out, and even how I handle my business. Whenever I get a glimpse of my past, I always say how I need to get back to that. For example, if I find an old gym picture, I say I need to get back to that routine or weight. I’ve even made a comment saying how I need to get back hungry for my business, like how I was in the beginning. Truth is, that was then, and this is now. No matter how hard you try, you will never go back in time. Circumstances were different in the past, which is why your present is different. I’m not saying disregard the past completely, because you need it to gauge how to move forward. Think about your car; you have a rear view mirror, but you also have a front windshield. Which of the two is larger? Your front windshield! Why do you think that is? You need to focus on going forward. It’s ok to glimpse into your past occasionally, but if you stare too long, just like with your car, you’ll crash. Your past can teach you what things to do and not to do, but you have to focus on the present and future.

Maybe you’re reading this, and you’re thinking to yourself, I’ve never done that. Even if you think you haven’t, I know you have, you’re human. Think about if you’ve ever encountered someone who is stuck in the past. When I think back to old colleagues from college, there’s some of them who are stuck in the past. What I mean is they always talk about how life was, but not from a memorizing place. It’s hard to have conversations with them, because we only talk about the past, nothing about the present. Even, working at the bar, I’ve had conversations with older people who are stuck in the past. I like to call them the would’ve, could’ve, should’ve folks. Can you think back to a time when you were talking to someone and they said things like: If this would’ve happened, I would’ve been further, I should’ve done things differently, or If only this could’ve happened. These are the lies that hold us stuck to the past. If you can recall someone like this, I’m not suggesting that you’re equally as stuck as them. What I’m saying is, you too have looked at your past, at least once, and said wow things were so much better back then.

It is our human nature to look back, but don’t get stuck there. I’m not only talking to you, I’m talking to me too. Glancing back is fine, the problem comes when you stare too long. Remember what my pastor said, “You keep going back to your past failures because you can’t see your preferred future?.” the key to breaking up with your past, is to get clear or your preferred future. Get clear on what you want, and go after that. Once you see it, then you will envision it, which will make you go get it. Stop focusing on what used to be and worry about right now, the best is yet to come.

The Reason You Aren't Achieving Your Goals

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 23:41:53 GMT

Feeling Stuck? Intentions Vs. Goals

You thought I was playing when I said the last quarter of the year is going to fly by. We’re already in November, and we are officially in the holiday season. Before you know it, it’ll be Christmas and we will be counting down the seconds to the new year. If you think the holiday season hasn’t started, take a step outside; Starbucks has officially brought back their holiday drinks, and stores have brought out their holiday decorations. The rest of this year will be over in the blink of an eye. Last month, I encouraged you to keep going, because you can still end this year better than you started. Don’t fall into the trap of waiting on the new year to be better.

I was scrolling on social media and saw a quote that said to set your monthly intentions. That post caught my attention, because at the beginning of the year, I said my word for 2022 is intentional. Eleven months in, and I

never even thought to set monthly intentions. Of course I set goals both monthly and weekly, but that’s different. Being intentional requires being completely honest with yourself. For example: You could set a goal to run one mile per day to lose weight. It’s a great goal because it’s measurable and has an end result. Let’s say it rains one day and you lose motivation to go back running. Your brain may trick you into thinking you’re a failure and you never get back to the goal. What if you had set intentions to love and take care of your body each day by feeding it good food and keeping it well exercised and healthy. Setting intentions will keep you going when the motivation fades. The intention is about “Achieving a desired feeling or state of being today. Setting an intention keeps your attention on how you feel right now. Your success cannot be measured in definitive terms, because no matter what, simply acting in line with your values and desires increases your confidence.”

It’s so important to set and honor your intentions, because you prioritize your desires over the end goal. Making slow progress each day is better not doing it at all. So many times we focus on the big goal that we forget why we are doing it.

Please don’t think I’m telling you to throw away goal setting, because I’m not. If you’re someone like me, who keeps setting certain goals and falling short, it may by time to set some supportive intentions to backup the goal. I have been asking myself, “Who do I need to become in order to achieve this goal?” It’s a simple question, but when you’re truly honest with yourself, it’ll be a game changer. Let me break it down: Goal-Move into a high-rise. Question-Who do I need to be in order to get in a high-rise? Answer-Financially disciplined. If I know I need to be financially disciplined, but keep spending all my money on shoes, I need to set better intentions for my day to day life. I need to make intentional spending habits in order to reach the goal. Of course this may seem like a no brainer, but it actually takes some thought! I was brutally honest with myself and looked at how my habits were last month and for the beginning of the year. I learned that I was honestly the only person in my way from my goals. Identifying where you are, compared to where you need to be is the first step. Once you identify the problem, you can work to change it. Maybe get an accountability partner, a trainer, or even a therapist. Only you know exactly what areas of your life need to be fixed. Once you get to a place where you’re tired of standing in your own way, change will happen.

According to The Empowerment Dynamic, “Focusing on intentions does not mean you give up your goals or desire to achieve. Here are three differences between goals and intentions: 1. Goals are focused on the future. Intentions are in the present moment. 2. Goals are a destination or specific achievement. Intentions are lived each day, independent of achieving the goal or destination. 3. Goals are external achievements. Intentions are about your relationship with yourself and others. By setting your intention first, and combining it with goals, you will become a person who enjoys both the journey, as much as the destination.” If I’m being honest, I’ve been focused on the destination, while trying to ignore the journey. That could be the reason why I feel like I’ve been in the same place. You are where you are for a reason. Maybe you’re like me and you find yourself making the same mistakes or having the same “failures,” God may be trying to reveal some lessons to you.

Take some time to sit and look at your goals and plans, attach some intentions to each of them. These intentions will be your mantras that help you move throughout your day. It’s time to finish this year with INTENTION. Don’t get so wrapped up in everybody else this the holiday season, that you forget to get yourself together! Enough is enough, it’s time to get out your own way. Wake up each morning and set your intentions. Think of your intentions as priorities to align with. You already know what life you want to live, it’s time to go after it! Setting goals is great, but until accompany them with intentions, are a waste of time. What are your values? What do you want? Get clear on these things align how you act with them and watch how you soar!

Shop Today's Post

5 Outfits Styled From My Kahlana Barfield Brown x Target Collab

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 20:50:07 GMT

Support People That Look Like You

When I saw that the fashion icon, Kahlana Barfield Brown, had a collaboration with Target, I was so excited. Kahlana is a fashion staple who has been killing the industry for years. She is extremely tenacious, disciplined, ambitious, and overall a good spirit. I hope one day to connect with her face to face, but for now I will admire her from a far. If you know me, you know that Target is definitely one of my favorite stores. I’m there at least four times a week. Words can’t explain how happy I was to see my two favs, Target and Kahlana, collaborate. Target launched their Future Collective Campaign where they are going to be featuring different influencers of the fashion industry, to bring their style to target. The goal is to, “Capture each influencer’s unique style and personality and bring it straight to our fashion-conscious guests. Each influencer’s collection will share a new style story and aesthetic, providing on-trend options — all at a value you’ll only find at Target.” Kahlana’s collection is the first of this new program. How amazing is it that a brown skinned, black woman was the first?!

If you don’t know, I graduated from Clark Atlanta University, with a major in Fashion Merchandise and a minor in Journalism. Back in 2017, while I was there, I was trying to narrow down what I wanted to do. I started researching different people in the fashion world, who were journalist. As I was looking at different people, one person came across my feed. Kahlana Barfield. She instantly caught my eye, not only does she have an amazing style and is gorgeous, but she had a story that was similar to mine. At the time, there weren’t many brown skinned women in the fashion industry who were editors, but she was. On top of that, she was an HBCU grad, from Howard University. After I followed her on Instagram, I became obsessed and started reading her work and watching her interviews. She started out as an intern at Instyle Magazine, for a year. After the internship ended, and she was unable to get a job in New York, she packed up her bags and moved to Seattle. She was home less than a week, and Instyle called her back for a job position. Throughout her career at the magazine, she took on several key positions, including Beauty Director, and fulfilled duties that ranged from writing in-depth features to reporting live from the red carpet. She's now a leading fashion and beauty expert who inspires a new generation of women to embrace beauty from within. She’s been on countless talk shows, red carpet events and more. Two years ago, Kahlana quit Instyle to work for herself full time with consulting and collaborating with brands.

I am obsessed with Kahlana for multiple reasons. When she announced her collaboration with Target, I knew I would support her. I ordered every piece I could get my hands on, because it sold out so quickly. I’m an avid Target shopper for clothing, so I knew the quality would be there. Kahlana has amazing style, so you know the collection is hot! This is just one reason why I truly love Target, because they support black creatives. I ordered sixteen pieces from this collection, and honestly wish I can get my hands on more. It’s a fall collection, that has a great range in sizes from XS-4X. Today, I want to share with you Five Outfits I Put Together With My Kahlana x Target Collab Pieces. I could have done so many more, but I wanted to keep this short and sweet.

1. A Mini Skirt & A Turtleneck Sweater

I honestly love this look. The skirt is a asymmetrical a-line skirt. I love wearing turtlenecks in the fall and winter, they just are so cozy and chic. I was a little nervous when I saw that this was cropped, but paired with this high waisted faux leather skirt was everything. The skirt also comes in a denim material. FYI, it's super short, I don’t mind it, but if you do, try pairing it with some tights. Of course I had to throw on some over the knee boots with this look. If you know me, you know this is my signature fall style: some shorts or a short skirt, and some thigh highs. I sized up in the sweater so give me a little bit more room.

2. A T-Shirt Dress & Oversized Denim Jacket

I’m so mad the this collection came out at the end of September. This would have been my summer stable. I love t-shirt dresses because they’re so easy and comfy, but still cute. They can be worn with sneakers, heels, or boots. This t-shirt dress also has a tie up detail around the neck. I paired it with her oversized denim jacket. I’m going to be wearing this denim jacket all fall. Everybody needs an oversized denim jacket, but what I love about this one is the unique asymmetrical cut.

3. A Utility Denim A-Line Dress

I love anything that is utility style, whether it’s a jumpsuit, dress or skirt. I love this because it’s so easy, but looks so put together. I bought this in both styles: the brown denim leopard print and the blue acid wash denim. I paired the brown one with a thigh high boot and the blue one with a black bootie. You could even pair this with a sneaker for a casual look. The thing I love most about this dress is the big sleeves, they add a extra pop to this button up dress.

4. A Sweater Dress & Trench Coat

Can it honestly be fall without a plaid overcoat? When I saw this jacket, I knew I had to add it to my cart immediately. I would have never thought I needed a blue brown and tan coat, but I’ve already worn this three times. She also has a blazer with similar colors but a different pattern, that I also bought. One thing I’m going to do in the fall, is wear a sweater dress. This sweater dress is comfortable and stretchy, yet so cute. I love that it’s not skin tight. It has a stripe on the arm and buttons on the side bottom. It is an A-line style so it has a little bit of a peekaboo affect. I was obsessed with this ribbed dress, so I purchased it in both black and blue.

5. A Pleated Skirt & V-Neck Cropped Blouse

When I first added these pieces to my cart, I had zero intentions on wearing them together. As I was playing around with them, I realized they actually would be nice together. So far this fall has had many warmer days. This is perfect for a warm fall day. This pleated skirt is super airy and light. I love the length on it because you can wear it to the office, brunch or even a night out. My favorite part about this outfit is the top. It’s a cropped collared blouse with small cut outs at the sides. This would be so cute with jeans or even a fitted skirt.

There are so many great pieces with this collection and I wish I could go share them all. If you liked this post and want to see the rest of the items I purchased, please let me know in the comments. It’s so important that when large companies invest and collaborate with black creatives you support, because that way it shows them that we need more! If you missed these drops in your size, it’s not too late. Kahlana dropped another KBBxTarget yesterday, Sunday October 16th, on Target.com and select Target stores. This new collection is completely different so you know I added more to my cart.

Don't Give Up In This Last Quarter

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 22:26:44 GMT

How will you close out the final chapter of the year?

It's the first Monday of the last quarter of the year. We are in the final stretch. Champions are made in the fourth quarter, not the first. I don’t know if it’s my fast that I went on, or if I just woke up on the right side of the bed, but I woke up energized this morning. Every year, I find myself amazed at how fast time flies. I can not believe we are about to enter the holiday season again. That’s the one thing about time, it really waits for no one. There are less than 90 days left in 2022. During my fast, I looked back at the goals I set for 2022, and it’s so many things I haven’t tackled. There’s so many things that come up throughout the year that distract my focus. I’m so happy to be back locked in and laser focused.

We are officially entering that time of the year, where people start to put off things to next year. You know what I mean? People, me included, will see the time that we have left and put things off until we have a fresh start, like a new year. It’s honestly a vicious cycle where you can end up on a procrastination wheel, struggling to accomplish anything. Of course, you make small progress, but being on a procrastination wheel, will hinder you from accomplish large goals that take a lot of energy. Have you ever had a to do list, and avoided the large tasks, while completing the small ones? That is the procrastination cycle. A famous blogger, Mattie James, always says, “I do believe in David Your Goliath which is my take on eating a live frog in the morning aka getting the hardest thing of your day done first.” I applied that in my everyday life and gained an epiphany: When you tackle the large tasks and goals, the small ones feel like a walk in the park. I’ve been operating backwards by being lazy and completing small tasks, and putting off the larger ones. By the time I look up, I realize that I’ve put off all the major goals I had. Not anymore. I’m moving into this quarter with the mindset of facing my larger goals and struggles like David.

It’s time to double down on the things you say you want. Stop running from the goals that scare you. Stop procrastinating on taking the daunting steps to get you to the life you want to live. If you have to get uncomfortable, do that. I’m not only talking to you, I’m speaking to me too. I’ve been living in a very comfortable space for the first few quarters of the year. (I don’t mean physical space, I mean mentally.) Growth and success can’t come in comfortability. What I’ve been doing, hasn’t been working, so it’s time to change some things around. If that’s true for you too, it’s not too late to change. If you give your goals 100% for the rest of 2022, you can accomplish them. You don’t need to wait until the new year, you don’t even have to wait until tomorrow. Start today! Take some steps towards your goal, and watch how you get momentum to get it done. If you didn't set any goals at the beginning of the year, take some time to think about what you want to accomplish before this year ends. The best way to set goals and action plans, is to think long term: Where do you want to be in five years? Break that down into yearly goals, then monthly, and last weekly. Once you know where you want to be, it's easier to set goals towards that.

It’s officially fall, the fourth quarter and the final chapter of the year. How will you close out the game?

Day Four Of 6th Annual Fast & Detox: Stillness

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:31:37 GMT

Clap For Yourself

Wow, congratulations. You completed the end of summer fast and detox. It’s officially October 1st and the final quarter of the year. I hope you feel as proud as I do, about completing this four day cleanse. I hope you took this fast and detox seriously, and took some time to complete each of the activities to dig deeper. Look at you being a person who does what they says they’re going to do. You said you were going to stick to this fast and detox, and you completed it. I woke up this morning feeling accomplished and at peace. I feel like my environment is decluttered, my mind is refreshed, my intentions are clear and I’m ready to enter this new season. I understand that this has been a long four days, but I really hope you gained some things along the way. Maybe you discovered that you can get more done with less tv during the week. Maybe you’ve picked up a new hobby you didn’t know you liked doing. Maybe you added a new habit to your night time routine to prepare you for the day. Whatever it is, I pray you’re walking out better than you walked in. I pray you have a better prayer life, and deeper relationship with God. I pray you learned something new about yourself during this time.

I know the fast ended at noon, and you are probably back to doing the things you gave up, life may seem back to normal. I want you remember how you feel in this moment. I want you to remember the joy that stillness brings. If life begins to get too out of hand, you don’t have to wait for next years fast and detox, you can silence the noise on your own. The gift of pausing is great. Taking time to stop, think, and breathe is sometimes crucial to staying sane. The world has so much noise, and outside influences, which sometimes makes it hard to hear your own voice, or Gods voice. Try implementing silent time daily, or weekly m into your routine. Maybe you only have three minutes, that’s still ok. The time doesn’t matter, just make time to do it. Just start. You need this in your life more than you know. Thank you so much for joining me for the sixth annual fast and detox. I know this next season of your life is going to be a season of clarity, breakthroughs, productivity, intentionality, joy and increase.

Day Three Of 6th Annual Fast & Detox: Take Inventory

dlphillips0409@gmail.com (Domonique Phillips) — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 02:10:27 GMT

Your Environment Is Key To Your Growth

We have officially crossed the halfway mark. Only one more day left, can you believe it? It’s time for us to clean house. When I say that, I don’t mean clean your physical house. Although, you can do that too. It’s time to refresh your space. When I say space, I mean everything around you. It’s time to clean up your social media, phone, environment and whatever else needs it. It’s time to clean up shop. I’ve told you guys before, I am a hoarder. It’s hard for me to get rid of things. That’s a bad trait because I never have a room for the new things. God can’t bless you if you don’t have room. People normally spring clean, but why not do it for fall. We are entering the last quarter of the year, and a new phase of your life. You don’t want to go into the new chapter with all disorganization. It’s time to get things in order.

Cleaning your space is great for two reasons. The first reason why decluttering and cleaning your space is great is because, what you're around is what you become. I know you’ve heard the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Whether you believe that statement is true or not, there is some truth to it. Success breeds success. If I hang around a bunch of millionaires, I would ultimately become a millionaire. Why? Because what you're around gets into your mind and when they get into your mind it comes out of you. I was watching a Sarah Jakes Roberts sermon, and she said “Whatever is around you, will get on you, then get in you and will come out of you.” That statement hit me so hard, because of how true it is. Think about an abusive person, A lot of the times, they first experience abuse at home, then grow up to become the abuser. If I’m in a messy, unorganized and chaotic environment, how do you think I would subconsciously be in the world? So many times when I feel all over the place, I look at my space and it is a direct reflection. Let me take it a step further, your environment has a direct affect on your growth. Your environment includes: the friends you keep, the space you live in, the things you do daily, the places you go, the things you watch, the things you eat and so much more. You can’t grow beyond your environment. Genesis 12:1-5 says, “ 1 The LORD said to Abram: Go forth* from your land, your relatives, and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing .3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will find blessing in you. 4 Abram went as the LORD directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. 5 Abram took his wife Sarai, his brother’s son Lot, all the possessions that they had accumulated, and the persons they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan.” Some things are not going to happen until you shift your environment. You have to move some things to receive some blessings God wants to give you. At the beginning of the fast I had you write down what you wanted to receive from this, now I’m asking you how bad do you want it? Are you willing to change your environment to grow?

The second reason why cleaning your space is crucial is because, you have to make room for the things you want. On the first day I said, “How can God give you more, when you aren’t grateful for what you have.” Gratefulness doesn’t only show with words, it shows in your actions. If you’re thankful for your space, take pride in cleaning decluttering and organizing it. I watched a Steve Harvey interview before and he said, “For years I would tell my mom I’m going to get a new car, but my old broke down car, was sitting on bricks in the garage. Everyday I would tell her that I’m getting a new car and she would ask me how, I don’t have room for it. One day, I had a friend tow the old car out the garage. A few weeks later, I was able to get my new car. My mom said to me, I knew you were going to get it because you made room for it. You can’t ask God for something and then not make room to receive it.” You can’t say you want a new car, but your current car is a mess. You can’t say you want a new relationship, but you’re still dibbling and dabbling with old flings. You can’t want a new job, when you’re barely applying yourself at your current job. Decluttering lowers anxiety and stress levels. A messy space equals a messy mind. Decluttering, frees us from unnecessary distractions. Keeping your physical and digital space clutter free and organized, ultimately give you more time to focus on what really matters. Less clutter equals more space. There is no need to hang onto anyone, or anything, that doesn’t bring you joy or inspiration. If it’s taking up unwanted space in your physical or digital place, it’s time to say goodbye. Clutter can distract you, weigh you down and in general it invites chaos into your life. This new season we are entering is going to need our entire focus. We can’t afford to be stressed over the clutter around us.

Take some time to declutter your space. Start with the physical, your house, car, office, etc. Once that’s cleaned up and organized, move on to the digital. We spend so much time on our phones, what are you giving your time to. Clean up your contact lists, erase old photos, delete people off your social media who don’t serve a good purpose, and delete apps that drain your energy. Unfollow anyone who doesn’t motivate you or make you feel good. If you’re following someone, and their content is making you feel negatively about yourself, it’s ok to unfollow. Next, I want you to look at the people you talk to most. Are they speaking life into you, or are they just gossiping about the next person? Successful people understand that editing your circle is crucial. The people around you have more power than you think. Make sure you’re not giving your energy to people who don’t deserve it. People around you should bring out the best in you and if they aren’t, why are they in your life? Moving on to the places you hang out, if you are in spaces that don’t serve you, stop going. Maybe God is calling you to relocate, start to take steps in that direction. What music are you listening to daily, is it making you feel worse or encouraging you? Maybe you can’t watch the shows you’ve been watching, because it brings out the jealousy in you. Take some time to go thru every aspect of your life and clean up shop.

I know doing all this may feel daunting, but once you’re done, you’ll feel refreshed. We are making room for the things we say we want. Right now you’re holding on to things, but God wants you to release them so he can give you better. Here’s the thing with trusting God, you must understand that he would never lead you wrong. I know you don’t see it but he has great plans for you. Get rid of the things that are taking up space. Organization is good for your mind, it brings clarity. You’re almost at the finish line, finish strong.

Day Two Of 6th Annual Fast & Detox: Power Of The mind

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 01:56:01 GMT

Take Your Thoughts Captive

We are officially 48 hours into the fast and detox. How do you feel? Today for me was better than yesterday, but still a struggle. All I wanted to do was go get some Taco Bell, lay down and watch tv, but I didn't give in. After I went for a walk around my neighborhood, with Dior, I was back feeling good. Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don't want to do it. That's the key to this fast and detox. Training your mind to be stronger than your body. If you don't train your mind, you'll never have discipline which means, you'll never buckle down and accomplish a goal. I was reading my devotional this morning and it said how in Mathew 4, Jesus went and fasted in the desert. While he was fasting and praying, satan came and tempted him continuously. Every lie that Satan tried to give him, Jesus relied on the truth of God to replace it. Why shouldn’t we do the same principle: Remove the lies, replace the truth. The world will try to get you to think you can’t do something, or you’re not worth it, but replace those lies with the truth that God shares in the Bible. Find a scripture and lean into it, during this fast. Make it your mantra. Today, my mantra was, I can do all things thru Christ that strengthens me.

Your mind is so powerful. I watched an interview with Israel Houghton, the famous gospel singer, and he said “What you believe is sometimes different than what you know.” That spoke to me because our minds have more power than you think. You can know something for sure, but the fear and anxieties from our minds or even outside influences can alter what you believe. What I mean is, what truth you stand on can vary. Our lives follow the direction of our thoughts. In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul tells us that our thoughts shape over lives. Modern psychologists talk about cognitive behavioral therapy. This teaching reveals that many problems from addiction, anxiety, relational challenges, depression, and more, are rooted in negative patterns of thinking. When the Bible and modern psychology say the same thing, you know it’s the truth. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” I chose to stand on the truth of what God has said.

Do you like the direction that your current thoughts are taking you? If not, it’s time to change them. Once you remove the lie, and replace it with Gods truth, it’s time to dig deeper. So many times when we want to be better, we focus on the behavior we want to change, rather than the getting to the root of what causes the behavior. Let’s say you want to start exercising daily, or eating cleaner, you’re focusing on the behavior. When we do that, we ignore the real problem of the lie we believe and the mental rut we fall into. That leads to us only attacking the symptoms and not the source. You can not change a habit simply by removing it. You will always drop the ball and fall back into it. That’s why I had us come up with reasons as to why we’re completing this fast yesterday. Today, I want us to dig deeper and see what thing leads us to the bad habit. It’s time to rewire our brain and renew our minds. In Genesis 3, Eve explains how she was in the headspace to go against what God said. The serpent went after her mind and made her question what God said. Satan will continue to attack your mind and you will lose every time if you do not have the truth of God to to stand on.

The words you speak and thoughts you think shape your world. You can’t believe this is true for positive things and not true for negative things. What we declare, no matter good or bad, is what can come to pass. There's so many scriptures on the power of the tongue. You have to learn how to hold your tongue because, you may be the person holding yourself back. Faith and fear can not coexist. Are you constantly down playing yourself and accomplishments? Stop that. Be kind to yourself. I want you to write down ten affirmations. According to Mindtools, "Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.'' HABAKKUK 2:2 says, "And the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it." When you write something down, you affirm it. Not only do I want you to write it down, I want you to speak them out loud throughout the day. Make sure you write your positive affirmations in present tense and first person. Write them as if they have already been achieved. By doing it this way, you are training yourself to believe in them, by making them real and achievable. This is a great activity help you be more positive and overall happier. You need to let go of any and all negative thoughts and images and bombard your subconscious mind with new thoughts and images that are positive.

Now for those of you who are detoxing as well, here's my new task for you. Write down your old habits, ways, traits, and things you used to do. The things that led you to failure. Now, when I say failure, I don't mean the literal term. I mean led you to not meet the mark. The things that didn't get you to where you wanted yourself to be at. For example, I used to eat fast food at least once a day, so I didn't reach my flat stomach fitness goal. A business example is, I went out three nights in a row, which caused me to sleep in late, and on Monday I didn't write a post for the blog. Every effect has a cause. Normally, it's a list of causes that lead you to failure. Write down this list, on paper or in your notes. Keep this list and if anytime throughout this new season of your life you see yourself reverting back to old ways, CATCH IT EARLY. Break old habits. If you're religious, pray that God removes those habits. Changing those habits will change the outcome. Changing the outcome means gaining success. Failure isn't bad. Failures are apart of life, if you don't fail you don't learn; if you don't learn you'll never change. We all have habits or ways, that make us better and make us worse. Write that list for you

Day One Of 6th Annual Fast & Detox: Make Room

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 21:38:42 GMT

I Hope You're Ready For This Journey!

I want to thank you for joining me. This week won't be easy, but it will get easier. How are you feeling in this moment? Today, I wanted to come check with you and make sure you actually are taking this seriously. First thing is make sure you are not short changing God. Write down the things that you decided to give up and actually analyze them, if it's not things you do multiple times a day, try to switch it for something else. Also with this being the first day, I want to make sure you are not just giving up things. The point is to use the time you usually spend doing those things to pray and glorify God, and meditate. Sit in silence and hear your own voice. Today was a lot, I felt all over the place and spent most of the day, besides work, in my car. Nothing went as planned, and I was just over it. I turned on some praise music and focused on thanking God, by 3pm, I was out of my rut.

Today, I want you to go back to that list of things you wrote down to give up. During this time, how do you plan on replacing those things. For instance, I gave up TV as one of my five things. Instead of watching TV, I plan to use my in between time to pray and read. Instead of listening to secular music, I plan to listen to gospel music to worship and listen to podcasts on self development. Go through the list of things that you decided to give up, and really decide how you want to use that time. Once you do that, I want you to look back at the goals you set at the beginning of the year. If you didn’t set goals earlier, it’s not too late. Write a list of goals that you want to accomplish before the year ends. These goals can be personal, fitness, business, spiritually, etc. Once you re-write these goals, I want you to think about something that is hindering you, from accomplishing them. For example, I have a goal to create more content consistently. I struggled with this the entire year, because I lack clarity on what content to create. During this fast and detox, I want to gain clarity for my business, relationships, and overall life. Another thing I’m fasting for, is re ignition. When I say that, I mean I’m asking God to re-ignite the passion I once had for business. Re-ignite the passion I once had to be in the gym. Re-ignite my creativity. I also want to gain increase from this fast. I want financial increase, business increase, and spiritual connection increase. Ultimately, I want to become more aligned during this time. The goal is to be completely aligned with God, so that I’m living the life has planned for me, not the life I want to live.

Take some time today to sit and think about some things you need during this fast. You may need healing, or a shift. You may need peace, or strength. Whatever you need during this season, to make the rest of the year the best part, pray and ask God for during these four days. By silencing everything around us, it’s easier to hear from him. While you’re coming up with this list of things that you want, take a look at how far you’ve come. Blessings and favor come from gratitude. You may not be where you want to be. You may not have completed all the goals that you've set. BUT , what good have you done this year? Pat yourself on the back for that. Look how far you've came. If there’s still air in your lungs, God has blessed you with a new day to make it happen. Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life, is the foundation of all abundance. No matter how crazy life is, there is always something to be thankful for. It all starts with your mind. You can complain about what you lack or you can be thankful for what you do have.

Don’t worry if you’re not religious, it’s ok. I still want you to replace the things that you gave up with something else. For example, I’m not eating any fast food during this time. I’m replacing fast food with healthier meals, because I ultimately want a cleaner diet. Maybe you gave up social media, how do you plan to use the time you normally scroll? A good thing would be to journal, read, or write a business plan you’ve been putting off. Use this time wisely. I also want you to look back at your goals you set for the year. If you didn’t create a list of goals, go ahead and come up with some. Figure out what’s holding you back from completing these goals. Maybe you lake discipline, but get to the root of why. Maybe you lack direction, get clear on exactly what you want. Maybe you don’t truly want these things, and you just see them on social media. Figure out what it is that you want, and come up with a action plan to get there. Keep it up!

Couldn't Enter This New Season Without This

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 00:21:55 GMT

It's That Time Of The Year Again

Now I know you didn’t think we were going to enter into this fall season without completing our annual end of summer fast and detox!? If you follow me on Instagram, you should have saw my story a few weeks ago where I shared that the fast and detox will be delayed this year, because I had some family/personal things going on. I know summer technically ended on Wednesday, but it’s not too late. I went back and fourth with the idea of skipping this year or not. After praying about it, I decided that I wouldn’t let the summer being over, stop a tradition that has helped over the last five years. If you’re new here, you’re probably confused on what I’m talking about. Every year, for the last five years, we fast and detox for seven days to cleanse and refresh for the fall season and end of the year. A fast is when you give

It’s time to be still and silence all the noises of the world to focus on God and his word. If you aren’t religious, that’s fine, this detox will cleanse your mind and prepare you mentally for the next chapter coming. For these next four days we are silencing everything focusing on the only voice that matters. Starting tomorrow, Tuesday 9/27 at noon for a four days, we will be fasting and detoxing. Anyone can join this detox, all you have to do is come up with a list of five things things you want to give up. I know we normally do three things, but since it’s cut in half we need to give up more. You don’t want the stress, struggles, fears, confusions, people, or things that held you down in the all year, to follow you into the next chapter. Make sure you think of a good list of things you do daily and that take up most of your time and energy to give up. Don’t cheat yourself, you want to give up things of value, to focus on bettering yourself, and getting closer to God. This is not only a fast for my spiritual readers, this is a detox for my non-religious people too. Detoxing is essential to having a happy and prosperous life. Detoxing cleanses you mind and body to be align with your life. This is a life detox. This is a time to meditate and hear you inner voice, get clear on your goals and to come up with a plan to have an amazing future. We are cleansing our mind, body and spirits. After the long nine months we just encountered, we need to get rid of all the things holding us back. This detox will also help jumpstart your discipline, which is essential for growth.

Starting tomorrow, at noon, until Saturday October 1st, at noon, I'll be giving up Starbucks, TV, (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Youtube included,) eating between sun up to sun down, secular music, and fast food. During this fast and detox, I will share daily activities that will help you clear out your life, and get ready for the blessings coming. This is a time for silence, to meditate on hearing God and your inner voice. For the next seven days, I will be keeping you updated on scriptures to read each day and different prayers. I'll also be sharing posts daily via Instagram make sure you're following me. (@Dymond_lashay) I'm super excited because, this fast and detox changes my life every year. Thank you to everybody who is participating. If you're interesting, just make a list of three things and really stick to it. I will be talking to you tomorrow, remember to remain disciplined. Lets make it happen. Remember you can't level up, if you aren't willing to do the work! After all the blessings God has given you, are you willing to sacrifice things you love for him? Looking forward to another year of breakthroughs!

Get Ready With Me On Vacation: Hair, Makeup & Fragrance

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 00:30:10 GMT

How I Prepare For The Day On Vacation

I am obsessed with finding my personal style. I feel like the older I get, the more my appearance evolves. When I say that I mean, the way I like my hair, makeup, outfits, etc. continues to change. On top of that, my makeup skills have even gotten so much better than where I began in 2015. They say the more you do something, the better you get, and that is true with my beauty skills. I look back at old photos and cringe at how bad my skills were. No matter how bad I was, I continued to keep trying. I’m not saying that I’m perfect when it comes to make up, but I have definitely learned a few things. There are still some things I still want to learn, but I celebrate where I am currently.

As you know, I was in the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago. While I was there, I filmed a get ready with me video, as I was getting ready for the wedding. In the video, I included hair, makeup, outfit and even fragrance details. Filming this was out of my element, but honestly so much fun. I hope you enjoy watching it. If you like videos like this, let me know and I’ll do more.

My dress was from ASOS, click here to shop

My shoes were from Ego, click here to shop (sold out, similar pair)

Wig from & installed by Paris Dior , click here to shop.

5 Tips For Shaking Laziness

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 01:07:18 GMT

Can I be honest? Like really really honest? I can be extremely lazy, at times. I know you may be reading this and thinking that I’m exaggerating, but I’m not. My problem is, after a break, I struggle with getting back on track. I’ve shared this time and time again, I am a person who thrives in routines, whether it’s a morning, work, or just daily/weekly routine. On top of that, I need to switch my routines with the seasons. What I mean is, my summer morning routine looks a little bit different from my winter morning routine. I love the consistency that routines bring, but I need them to change periodically, so I don’t get complacent, if that makes sense.

What do you do, when your routine is broken? In a perfect world, you’d just fall right back into a new routine, but the world isn’t perfect. For the month of August, I took a little break, but when it was time to come back, I felt myself sluggish and lazy. The spirit of laziness and procrastination, stayed for weeks. By the end of the month, I felt myself crying and praying that God remove the laziness and procrastination spirit that had taken over me. I was so frustrated because, there was so many things that I said I wanted to do, but wouldn’t. I told myself I was going to get up in the morning and start fresh a new day, but yet I would sit on the couch and do nothing. Every time I felt myself getting back on track, I would fall right back off. I felt as if nothing would truly stick.

What do you do when you feel yourself living in a cycle of laziness? It’s hard to break it when operating out of feelings. The truth is, you may never “feel like” doing the things necessary to be productive, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to. You will have to do things you don’t want to do now, so that you can live how you want later. Telling yourself to suck it up and get things done doesn’t always work. If you’re like me and feel yourself slipping into a season of laziness, I’ve got you covered. Here’s five tips for getting back on track.

1.Set Your Intentions

When you find yourself in a cycle of laziness, you think about all the things you need to be doing. Sitting down and actually writing them on paper, help you get clarity. It breaks the tasks down and somehow they become less daunting. The thought of having to workout, versus writing down the workouts I need to get done, help actually get the task done. While you’re writing the intentions, also write why each of these things need to be completed. Having a solid why, even if it’s just to keep your job, motivate you to get things done.

2.Break The Task Down

Sometimes, when we have so much to do, we do nothing, because our tasks seem too big. Having too much to do, can leave you anxious. When you feel like the task is too big, it can leave you confused on where to start, which leads you to procrastinate. As humans, it’s natural to put off things we don’t want to do. BREAK DOWN THE TASK. For example, I was trying to implement daily reading. My goal was an hour a day, but I would avoid starting because that’s a leap from not reading at all. I changed the time from an hour to 15 minutes. I did that for a week and found myself going over. Now, I read for about 30-45 min. 15 minutes sounded better than an hour, so it was easier for me to get up and do it. Break down the goal, instead of completing a task that’ll take an hour in one day, take 12 minutes Monday-Friday to get it done.

3.Set Yourself Up To Win

So many times I would set myself up for failure, and be upset when I don’t get things done. When you set tasks, be honest with yourself and where you are. What I mean is, don’t set tasks that are unrealistic and that will stretch you too far. Last month, I was going to sleep later and waking up even later. I would set goals for myself to wake up at 6am, after going to sleep at 2am. Then, I would get upset, when I would oversleep. If the goals was to wake up at 6am, I should have had myself in bed the night before at 11pm. Setting yourself up to win, means planning when, where and how you will get things done. If the task is to workout first thing in the morning, have your workout clothes picked out and your water bottle already filled.

4.Tidy Your Space

When I was in my season of laziness, my space was cluttered. My room wasn’t cleaned or organized. Once I cleaned up, I started to get things done. A clean workspace increases productivity. When you declutter your environment, it helps you to focus on the task at hand. The place where you get things done, needs to be a place you look forward to working. I cleaned my desk, bought my weekly flowers, lit a candle, and suddenly I looked forward to sitting in my workspace.

5.Let Go Of What You Didn’t Do

When I felt stuck in my season of laziness, I would focus so much on what I didn’t do. Everyday, rather than looking forward to all the things I could do, I was stuck on all the time I wasted. It wasn’t until I gave myself some grace for the past, that I was able to focus on the change I wanted to create. Focus on the present and the future, not the past. Truth is, routines will be broken, it’s about getting back on track. There will be days when you forget a habit, how will you bounce back?

I hope these tips help you to get back on track. We are humans, who make mistakes, and have lazy days. Don’t allow a few lazy days, to get you off track, or to forget all the progress you’ve made. Celebrate the small wins and watch how you bounce back. It’s equally important to have people around you who hold you accountable and who speak life into you. My trainer would send me motivation paragraphs and videos to help boost my drive. I didn’t tell her I was in season of laziness, she just knew. I pray you shake whatever procrastination, laziness, anxiety or whatever else is holding you back.

Happy Monday and New Month, let’s make it a good one!

A Magical Destination Wedding Weekend

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 21:59:29 GMT

Travel To The Dominican Republic With Me

If you follow me on any of my social media channels, you would know that I went to the Dominican Republic, last week. It was a family trip, for my cousins wedding. We were in Punta Cana for four days. This was my second time going to the DR. This time was very special. I'm so glad I went on the trip, because honestly I was contemplating not to. From flight delays, to canceled rooms, the process of getting over there was unreal. It seemed like everything that could go wrong, did, but through it all, I would do it over again.

We stayed at Dreams Macao Beach, which was HUGE and of course beautiful. My cousin had a huge turn out for her destination wedding, with over 80 friends and family. The weekend was magical. Which kicked off with an all white welcome party, which even had talented fire dancers. We all even went on boat party which included snorkeling and a natural pool. The wedding was everything, the ceremony and reception left everyone speechless.

Dreams Macao Beach is a five star resort with over five restaurants, four pools, two water parks, zip-lining, a club, a bowling alley, and so much more. It's perfect for a family vacation or even a solo get away. The Dominican Republic no longer requires a negative Covid test to visit, but you do have to fill out a travel authorization before you go and upon return. If you are traveling to the DR, DO NOT I repeat, DO NOT drink the tap water. That includes for brushing your teeth. I didn't listen to that advice and came back with travelers diarrhea which is not fun at all. Overall, the trip was amazing and I would definitely go back to visit, this was my second time in the Dominican Republic.

I hope you enjoy watching the recap. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Summer Quick And Easy Everyday Makeup

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 23:55:43 GMT

Quick Routine No Matter What Temperatures Are

Is it just me, or has this summer been extremely hot? I feel like every single day has been 80° and up. I love attending summer outings, while dressing up and looking cute. Nothing feels better than the sun beaming on my face, my hair being laid to perfection, and my face being beat to the Gods. With temperatures like these, I can’t afford to do full coverage makeup looks, for daytime festivities. This summer I have been loving the no makeup, makeup a look. I thought why not share my quick and easy summer makeup routine, featuring my favorite, Boxycharm . It’s a monthly makeup subscription. Each month, you get at least five full-sized makeup and/or skincare products. They have different options: Base Box with 5 full size products, Premium Box with 6 full size products, and Luxe which is 8 full‑size products every 3 months.

The key to summer make up, is wearing less products, but still wearing enough. It’s super important to look moisturized, but not too greasy. In this months box, I received the Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream by Kate Somerville. I have sensitive skin, and this product felt so good going on my face, plus it was great as a primer for my makeup. A trick I learned from Jackie Aina, is to apply setting powder before foundation, so after I moisturize and prime that’s what I do. I also apply setting spray after the power, right before my foundation. For the summer months, I use a foundation that is lighter and medium coverage. I have been loving the Pat McGrath lately. There’s so many light to medium foundations out there, find the one that’s perfect for you.

Another important thing with summer daytime make up, is to not overdue your eyeshadow. I’m not a huge eyeshadow fan, but on the days when I’m going to a day party, brunch, or just want a little extra, I use it. Typically I’ll keep my eyeshadow very neutral with browns, but today I added a little shimmer. Another product I received in my Boxycharm box was, Phase Zero Makeup The Necessities Eyeshadow Palette . This palette has eight matte shadows that are very pigmented and the shades can be buildable, if you want more of a dramatic look. I used the darkest shade and the medium shade, with a little bit of the brown shimmer on the middle of my eyelid.

I was super excited to find that I received the Eloise Beauty Prism Luxury Eye Shadow Brush Set , in my Boxycharm box. I received some brushes from them in my box a couple months ago, and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. I even went ahead and ordered one of the other brush sets, for foundation. Their brushes are so cute and girly, but also soft and apply products perfectly. The great thing with having light eye makeup during the day, is that you can add to it for the night. These brushes can also be used to blend out concealer or bronzer.

One thing that makes my summer makeup so easy, is having lash extensions. If you know me, you know I used to not be a lash girl. I just started wearing lashes within the last three years. I liked them before, but the maintenance and upkeep was just too much for me. Plus, if I’m being honest, I don’t know how to apply strip lashes on myself. Having lash extensions helps me look put together, without having to do anything. There are so many lash technicians all over the world, get on social media and find one close to you. If you are in Atlanta, book with my best friend Toria, Total Esthetics. While we were talking about lashes, I want to talk about the health of your lashes. Whether you wear extensions or not, it is important to take care of your natural lashes. This month I received, Dr. Lili Fan Probiotic Xlash Enhancer . This product is meant to be applied at night to help your lashes grow longer and fuller in 4 to 12 weeks. Although I have my lash extension, I applied it to my lash line on the top and bottom. I’ll share my before and after pictures in a few weeks.

Whether you’re applying summer, or winter makeup, setting powder and spray are super important. Setting spray locks everything in, while setting powder keeps your face from melting. I keep my Mac N45 powder on me, throughout the day, just in case I need to apply some powder. I know I already spoke about top lashes, but in order to have a pop, I apply mascara to my bottom lash line. This month, I received the Beauty For Certain Whole Lotta Mascara . This product added volume and length to my bottom lashes. It really made my eyes more bold.

Don’t let the sun and heat stop you from wearing make up on your face in the summer. Huge shoutout to Boxycharm for this month’s box, the theme is Status OOO. Summer is in full swing and we’re all about relaxing, day parties, brunches and showing skin. Best believe this box will help you do that. Kourtney Kardashian said her vibe right now is just living life, and that is exactly what I’m doing! If you’re interested in signing up for Boxycharm, click here .

Get Outside & Connect With The Sun

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 23:08:04 GMT

3 Reasons It's Important To Spend Time Outdoors

Do you remember how fun summers were back when we were children? I don’t know about you, but I would get up early and spend a large bulk of my day being outside. It’s crazy how I would be outside from sun up to sun down. On days when I didn’t want to go out, I remember adults telling me to turn off my TV and go outside to play. At first I would be annoyed, but in the end, I always had such a great time playing outdoors. Why don’t we push ourselves as adults to go outside?

The only time I hear people wanting to be outdoors as adults, is when they are at the beach or the pool. Getting outside in your neighborhood, a park, a trail, your porch or even backyard is just as important as sitting by the pool. Over the weekend, I sat outside, with my dog, Dior. She loves to sun bathe in our backyard, and even on the porch. Sunday morning, I decided to drink my coffee on the porch with her. Being outside for that hour, set me up for a great day. Being in the sun gave me a boost of energy that I didn’t know I needed. I ended up going back outside later that evening, with my book. It was something about seeing the trees and hearing the outside life that gave me peace. Don’t get me wrong, I used to hate outside, because I hate all the bugs. I can’t describe the feeling that comes from sitting outside. I love when the wind blows in my face, while the sun shines on me.

If I’m being honest, I’ve been a little anxious and stressed, just with day-to-day life and everything I have going on. When I was outside, my mind wasn’t all over the place and I was able to be present. If you work from home, or spend a lot of time indoors, I suggest you go outside for 20 minutes, and watch how well you concentrate when you come back in. Another great thing that came from me being outside was that I slept better that night. I normally get decent sleep, but I got some of my best sleep on Sunday night and I know that came from me being outside. Think about it, when kids spend their day outside, they get better sleep? It’s a direct coordination.

Being outside is so important for your mental and physical being. Why do you think kids have recess outside? Time outside is not only great for kids, but adults too. One of the greatest things that came from me being outside, was the gratitude it gave me. As I was looking at all the beautiful things God created, I couldn’t do anything but give thanks. Put your mind at ease and spend some time outside today. I personally, had to add it to my every day routine, even if it’s only 10 minutes. It’s so many things going on in the world. We even have phones that are constantly showing us things. Stepping outside will allow you to disconnect from the virtual world, and connect you with your environment.

It’s extremely therapeutic just being outdoors. Don’t believe me? Get outside and see!

3 Tips For Attending Social Events Alone

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 22:24:22 GMT

Your Appearance Plays A Bigger Role Than You Think

I shared last week that I was back attending events. If you’ve been reading my blogs since before the pandemic, you know I love going to networking events. I started attending networking events back in 2018, when I was living in Atlanta. I would just Google events happening in whatever field I was looking for. For example I would Google, “Beauty Events Near Me.” I would also use Instagram and the people that I follow to see what events they were having or speaking at. When I find an event I want to go to, I save it, do some research and then purchase a ticket or register. I love attending events, dinners, seminars, fashion shows, and even mixers. I just really get a kick out of connecting with like-minded people, it inspires me. Although everyone might not be a blogger per se, it’s good to network with people in other fields too. I’ve met some great friends by being at networking events. I met my amazing friends Nesha and Nahjeeh, at an event at the Nars store, a few years ago. Over the years, we’ve built a lifelong friendship, which includes attended events together, having sleepovers, being there for baby showers and more. Even though I no longer live in Georgia and neither does Nahjeeh, we are still always there for each other. It’s crazy the things that can come from attending events.

Whenever I post that I’m at an event, the main question I get is, how do I go to events alone? There are times where I do go to events with friends, but for the most part I go alone. Especially because, I don’t have a lot of friends here, I love to push myself to go alone. There’s many perks to going to events by yourself, the main one is you’re forced to talk to people. I met some beautiful women, at the event I attended alone last month. I met one amazing woman who owns her own store front. Sometimes with events, you don’t only network with the panelist speakers, but you really want to connect to the people next to you too. Networking across is just as important, if not more, then networking up. Attending events alone has helped me in so many ways. I can only imagine how scary it might be to go out and network alone, f you've never even went anywhere solo. I’m going to share three tips that have helped me. Once you attend one event alone, it breeds confidence to do another.

1.Have A Plan

Whenever I go to an event, I try to set specific goals for myself. Yes of course, the goal is to speak to the keynote speaker/speakers, but what do you plan to say when you see them. People love just passing out business cards, and walking away, but that’s not how you stand out. Have a plan for what you will say to them, as you give them your business card. Even if your plan is to just simply introduce yourself and tell them how much you like them, a plan is essential. Don’t only have a plan for what you’ll say to the high profile people, but have a plan for what you’re going to say to the others around you. For example, I like to find the person who is taking a selfie and ask if they want me to take their picture for them. It’s an easy ice breaker, that helps me to start a conversation. I even set goals for after the event, to make sure I follow up and stay connected to the people that I met.

2.Be Open Minded

You never know who you may be sitting next to, and how your paths can connect. I’ve met some lifelong friends just by being at the same event. Also, even though you may be there to learn one thing, you'll probably learn so much more. Try to stay off of your phone, I know it may be hard. For me, my phone is my safety-net, so I have to physically put it away to be in the moment. Be open to all the possibilities that can happen. Be open to all the knowledge you’re going to receive. Be open to hear everyone’s story. Just be open to every conversation with every person in every field. If you go to the event expecting one thing, be open to see what else it could be. Having an open mind, will help you absorb all you can while being in the room.

3.LOOK YOUR BEST

This might be the most important tip. The truth is when you look good, you really do feel good. When you look your best, you are confident in the way that you carry of yourself. I put a lot of effort into my look whenever I go to an event. First impressions are honestly everything. You want to put your best foot forward, when you get into new rooms. Plus, when you look good on the outside, people tend to compliment you, which also breaks the ice for conversations. I can’t tell you how many times, the person I was going to see, called out my outfit, in a good way. Just at the last event, all of the speakers, told me how pretty I was and how they loved my color blocking look. It helps make you more memorable. I understand that sometimes money is tight, but looking good doesn’t have to break the bank. Looking good means wearing something you feel your best in.

I really hope these tips help you moving forward. You can go to events, fashion shows, mixers, etc. alone. If your friends tell you they can’t make it, don’t let that stop you from going. You never know who you’ll meet and how they can help you along your journey. Events are good for the knowledge, but also the networking. What you learn and gain from an event is good, but it’s most important what you do afterwards. How you apply what you’ve learned is crucial. It’s just as important to stay connected to the people you meet at events. Whether you have someones business card, or their social media, stay in touch and follow up after the event. Try these three tips and watch how it boosts your confidence.

Come Out The Locker Room Stronger

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:58:11 GMT

The First Half Is Gone: How Will You Assess & Adjust For The 2nd Half?

Happy Friday and first of the month. I feel like I haven’t wrote a new blog post in forever. I truly try my hardest to put new posts up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Last month, my creativity was extremely low. I’m very intentional about the blogs I put out. When I share these blogs, I’m not only speaking to you, but I’m also speaking to me as well. Over the last four weeks I’ve had plenty of post ideas, but when it came to sitting down and writing the words, I just couldn’t do it. After the first week that I missed posting, the second one flew by. Before I knew it, it had been four weeks and I hadn’t put out one single blog post. At first, I was so upset that I allowed myself to fall off, because I’m trying to be more consistent, especially because I want this to be my career. I was also upset, because I had a great streak going. In May, I was posting blogs consistently, going to the gym, and honestly doing great things. June came and I feel like everything came to a halt. Ultimately, I didn’t feel like working out, or writing blog post, or being productive. At first, I was so upset at myself that I allowed my feelings to stop me from doing the things I needed to get done. I sat in reflected on the month as a whole, because I am very optimistic and I try to find the positive in everything. Although June was a very off month for some things, I did do some other good things last month. I went to a networking event in Flint, Michigan, that was all about leaving your mark on the world and sharing your gift. The event was put on by Kyona The Lawyer, and some of the speakers were Mia Ray, Nichole Lynel, Shana Wilson-Williams, and more. I also went to see Sarah Jakes Roberts, speak and her sermon really set a fire in me. She spoke about doing what you're supposed to versus doing what faith requires you to do. She spoke about the woman in Luke 8:43 who was so desperate to break the cycle of what she's been doing, that she jumped out on faith and reached for God with the hunger and hope. I also went to visit some of my friends in Atlanta last month, which is always a great time. So just because on the surface it looks like I wasted an entire month, I still managed to pour into my own cup.

I really can’t believe that July is here honestly. It’s officially the second half of the year. Plus, it’s the third quarter of the game of life. I’m not really a huge sports fan, but I do watch basketball from time to time. One of my favorite things about basketball is a team is never out of the game. What I mean by that is, a team could be losing the entire first quarter, but come back after halftime and win the game. I don’t know what coaches say to their team in the locker room, but it activates something in them to push harder in the second half. Think about it, there’s been plenty of comebacks in the NBA history. One of my top comebacks that I can remember watching, was when the LA Clippers were down 30 points to the Golden State Warriors in 2019. I remember talking smack about how the game was over and how GSW would have another victory. I was shocked to see them change the odds, and beat the warriors 135 to 131. There’s countless times in sports history where the underdog comes back and defeats the other team. Think of life in that same way. You may have been down and out the first half, but you can come back and have victory. You may be the underdog that every one has counted out, but you can change the story. When it comes to sports, half-time is used to prep and review the game. Coaches and players use half time to communicate adjustments to the team. I don’t know about you, but I used June as my halftime month. I got closer to God (my coach) and was still to listen. I assessed how I was doing and found the adjustments that needed to be implemented. I’m coming out the locker room with a new found drive. Sarah Jakes Roberts, said something in her sermon that woke something in me up. She said that it’s time to get activated. She said stop storing information like a library and start applying it. Break your own rules and dare to get hungry. Understand that God doesn’t always speak directly to you, he uses people as vessels too. Even if you didn’t use June as half-time, take this holiday weekend and use it to assess and adjust as we move into this new month.

I recently reread James Clears, Atomic Habits . One thing that stood out to me this time, was what he said about a streak. He says that top performers make mistakes and break streaks, just like everyone else. The difference with them is they get back on track more quickly. The goal is not to miss, because we are human and we will miss sometimes. The goal is to never miss twice. According to Zarvana.com, "You will inevitably break your habit streak. Don't be surprised or discouraged. In fact, you should expect this. The key to mastering a habit is not maintaining a perfect streak; it's bouncing back every time you do break your habit streak.'' So yes, I did miss an entire month of writing and working out, but I won’t miss two months in a row. The problem is that when we fall off track, most of us stay there. The people who are successful, don’t allow mistakes to overtake them, or hold them back. Even if you are not a sports fan, you can learn a lot from sports industry. Players who really want to win, don’t allow what happened in the first half to keep them from going harder in the second. Pick yourself up, shake off whatever happened or didn’t happen in the first half of 2022. You still have six months to make this the best year yet. Whatever goals you set at the beginning of the year, can still be accomplished. Maybe you need a new approach to make the goal a reality. Break down that goal and come up with a action plan to get you there.

Interview With Goal Driven Owner Of La'Mo Beauty Spa

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 21:43:38 GMT

Use Social Media As Motivation, Don't Get Envious

Meet Laurice Walker, a goal driven esthetician whose determination and consistency helped her create and build a beauty brand, when Covid first began. Laurice launched her business, La’Mo Beauy, in 2020, after graduating from Esthetician school. In just two years, she has been able to expand her services and grow steady clientele. Fresh out of high school, Laurice knew her dream would take her further than any other thing she would do. Her faith and ambition has helped her create a business that continues to grow and expand to service women and men of all ages.

Laurice decided to take a different path after graduating high school. Her original plan was to become the first college graduate, but after a lot of thought, she realized the beauty industry was more fitting to her. With the support of her mother, she stepped out on faith and created her brand. Consistency and determination have been the main two factors that helped her grow in just two years. She believes her business is her baby and continues to put everything into it, knowing that is the only way it’ll grow.

In today’s interview, Laurice shares her journey. Although her path wasn’t easy, she stayed the course. After 2 1/2 short years, she now offers services such as lash extensions, teeth whitening, waxing, and even facials. She has been on billboards and even magazines in our hometown, Buffalo, New York. Laurice even launched her first E-Book, on teaching people how to turn their hustle to a business.

I first met Laurice, years ago back when we were children in Buffalo. I love seeing people from my city flourish in business. I know she will continue to grow her brand and business to new levels. I hope this interview inspires you to go after whatever dreams you have. She is living proof that if you believe in yourself, and do the work, anything is possible. Thank you so much Laurice for sharing your story, I know we will see you continuing to thrive. Click Here to connect with Laurice.

Spring Day Time Date Get Ready With Me

Mon, 30 May 2022 21:31:59 GMT

Did Somebody Say Date Night?

It’s my favorite night of the week, DATE NIGHT! I don’t care if it is a self date, intimate date, or even friend date, I'm always down for a date night. I’m so glad the temperatures are heating up and I’m able to do daytime dates now. Date nights are so important with your partner and friends. It’s equally important to always date yourself. Today is Memorial Day, and it’s supposed to be 90°, what better day for a date night? Today I wanted to show you how I prep for a spring date night, because the preparation is just as important as the actual date. Today’s get ready with me is featuring Boxycha rm May box. It’s a monthly makeup subscription. Each month, you get at least five full-sized makeup and/or skincare products. They have different options: Base Box $25/month with 5 full size products, Premium Box $35/Month, with 6 full size products, and Luxe which is 8 full‑size products every 3 months for an additional $24.99. I love Boxycharm , especially during this time, because I need to refresh my beauty products and they make it easy. It's so many products and brands out there, with Boxycharm , I'm able to try so many different things.

Preparing for a date night is so much fun. I feel like I’m a little girl playing dress up. I know it may sound crazy, but I have a mini checklist of things that I do to get ready for the date. Since today was a spontaneous date night, I had to skip some things on my list. My best piece of advice for spring date nights, is to always stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. That means keep an outfit on hand, and make sure your hair and nails stay done. That way if something pops up, you’re not scrambling day of, trying to get everything done. Also, keep a list of places, including restaurants and outings, that you want to try, so that if you feel like taking yourself out, you know where to go. I literally have a list of 60 restaurants I want to try all over the United States, I’m always adding new spots to it.

First things first let’s get this skin together. With it being spring/summer, the sun is shining. I love looking sun-kissed and moisturized. Before I can moisturize, I need to get all this hair off of my body. Don’t judge me, but I literally shave every single day. I just personally love my body to be smooth so I make sure I shave my legs and under arms daily, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER. Want to know a secret that took me a while to discover? The razor that you’re using really matters. Please invest into a good razor. This month in my Boxycharm box, I received the, Refreshments Dazzling 5-Blade Razor Kit . This razor was everything. It came with two blades, and I’m able to order replacement ones. It also came with a magnetic wall mount that can stick to any surface. The brand has so many bathroom products, and you’re able to subscribe and schedule your deliveries. This razor was so gentle and left my skin filling extremely smooth.

Next, continuing on with skin, using a good body wash, exfoliator, and serum is key to having soft skin. Another product I received in my Boxycharm box this month, was the Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body Body Seru m . I love this brand, and I actually found out about them, from Boxycharm. I use their cleanser and toner on my face. This serum was what I like to call a pre-lotion. After I washed up, I put this all over my skin and let it sit for about a minute and then rinsed it off. It was so hydrating and instantly softened my skin. This product is meant to improve texture and tone for smoother glowing skin, while also eliminating bumps with 10% lactic acid. This kept my body moisturized before I got a chance to put on my lotion and body butter.

After a shower, I move on to getting my face prepped. Before I do my make up, I make sure to do my skin care routine. We all know the base of any good make up look, is having clear skin. After my face is all cleaned and moisturized, I move on to prepping for make up. Another product I received in my Boxycharm box this month, was the Skin Inc Serum Glow Filter . This product blends beauty and technology in a bottle. I used two pumps as a primer for my foundation. It is meant to brighten and even skin tone, while reducing the appearance of lines. The one thing that I found so cool with this product was that it had gold hibiscus extract that acts as a make up base. This primer was super lightweight and hydrating.

Next up, I was feeling super spontaneous today. Most of you know, I rarely do eyeshadow, but I was in a good mood today so why not. Another product that I received in my box was the, Basic Beauty Eyeshadow Primer .

This primer base is made with hemp seed oil‘s to moisturize and maximize the color intensity of eyeshadows. This product definitely made my eyeshadow more vibrant in color. It also helped my shadow from creasing and is supposed to last up to 12 hours. Because it is so warm outside, I wanted to keep my make up more on the natural side so I did a neutral eye color.

Last thing, as I finish this make up look I wanted to keep the lip color super fun and bright. Since I’m going on a daytime date, I thought why not do a pop of color. Another product I received in my Boxycharm box this month, was the V Kosmetics Liquid Velvet Lipstick in the shade bubbly. It is a true pink that screams spring/summer. This formula was extremely creamy and light weight. On top of that, it’s very long wearing. This months Boxycharm theme was Super Bloom and I feel like a pretty flower with this pink lipstick on.

Well there you have it. This is how I prepare for a date night. Of course finding an outfit, plus having your hair and nails is super important, but prepping your body and skin is equally as important. Who doesn’t want to go on a date with dewy and glowing skin? I threw on a button-down mini dress and added a pair of brown mules. I'm going to enjoy the weather and see what the night brings. I love date night specially during this time. Please prioritize date nights with yourself and partner, and even friends. It’s the best way to spend quality time and communicate with one another. Self dates are a great way to connect within and love on you. Make sure to get out and go on a date night or even a day date. Thank you so much to Boxycharm for this months box, it was another hit.

Don't Let Your Future Hijack Your Present

Mon, 16 May 2022 21:21:23 GMT

Why Is It So Easy To Put Off Living?

You read that correctly, you can indeed put off living your life. I don’t know about you, maybe I’m the only one, but I get so wrapped up into my future and goals that I forget to be present. When I get into my hustle/grind mindset, nothing else matters. I spend so much time planning my life and coming up with strategies to get the things that I want, I forget that right now is still equally as important. Don’t get so wrapped up in what’s to come, that you forget to show up now. This can look like waiting to do something, until you get whatever you’re going after. This can also be waiting to wear an outfit until the perfect time and you never end up wearing it. This can even look like, not giving 100% to a situation/job/relationship etc. because you know it’s temporary. I know I’ve said it before, and I’m going to say it again, don’t get so laser focus on the future that you forget everything that’s happening right now. You are right where you’re supposed to be in this present moment, maximize that. Soak up everything you can from right where you are now, because I guarantee you it will be a lesson for your future.

Many of you know I absolutely love going to the movies, I used to go every single week by myself, as self care. I stopped going once the pandemic happened and I haven’t really gotten back to it since. Every time I drive past a movie theater, I tell myself I’m going to get back to doing that, as soon as I hit my monthly savings goal. I always get my goal, and just set a new one without going back to the movies. I genuinely want to get back to it, but I keep putting it off. One day I asked myself, why are you putting off this $20 date for yourself that means so much to you? When I sat and thought about the answer, I didn’t have a valid reason. I was living in a endless loop of waiting to do something until the goal is achieved. This cycle is great in the beginning, but when you find yourself always waiting to hit the next goal, you wait forever. Another example is, I’m currently working this job that I have zero interest in. I’m just there for the money to build towards my own thing. Since I have no interest in it and know it’s not a forever thing, I tend to give it the bare minimum, if that. The reality is, I was given this job for a reason. It’s something God wants me to get out of it, so why not give it my all? On top of that, giving it my all is how I can show God I'm thankful with the opportunity. I'm not saying forget what my end goal is, but show up in every role, because it'll help in my own business. Don’t miss all that you have in the present, waiting to get to the next level. If the pandemic hasn’t taught you anything, it should have showed you how short life is and how important it is to be in the moment. Soak up the things that you can while you are here and every single stage of your life, because it is all a part of your journey. It’s really not about the destination, but rather the journey.

Sarah Jakes Roberts once said, “The idea of living with the end in mind, keeps us from maximizing our present.” It’s so easy to self sabotage what we have by being so anxious about the future. For me, I didn’t give my all to my job, because I knew in the end it wasn’t my career. Because I know that I want to live in the high-rise in a major city, I might miss out on all the moments that are happening now by being at home living with my family. It is great to set goals and plans for your life, but don’t let them hijack your present. Don’t get anxious about what’s coming that you stress yourself out and lose sight of right now. Maximize the person and season you are in right now. Also, make sure you take time to love on yourself in this season. Be present and happy with what you have. If you think that getting something else will make you happier, it won’t. I’m happy to say that I am back doing my weekly solo movie dates. I won’t allow me saving in planning for my future, to take over where I am right now. You have to have show yourself love and care right now. Every week, I get three dozen pink roses for self care. Originally, I wanted to get them delivered thru a florist, but financially I’m not there in my life. I get my pink roses from the supermarket, and it gives me the same feeling that flower deliveries give me. Maybe you can’t take yourself to a five-star restaurant, but don’t let that stop you from taking yourself out to eat. Stop and smell the roses, because you are right where you are meant to be. Stop waiting for the next thing to show up. Stop waiting for the next thing to give 100%. Stop waiting for the next thing to live life. Balance is about planning your future, while still living in the present.

You Don't Get To Choose The Hand You're Dealt

Fri, 13 May 2022 00:56:24 GMT

Stop Blaming Your Circumstances

Do you know what I’m so tired of hearing? I’m tired of hearing people complain about what they didn’t have. I really hate when people have the woe-is-me attitude, and blame their circumstances for everything. I know you’ve heard, or even have said things like, “If it weren’t for (this) i’d be further.” “I can’t do (blank,) because of (blank.) "My (blank) are holding me back.” “If (this) hadn’t happened, I’d be so much further.” So many times people use their parents, upbringing, debt, partner, kids, fears, injuries, neighborhood, and so much more as reasons for not doing something. That is such a endless loop, blaming your circumstances for current life. You do not get to choose the cards you are dealt, but it is It’s your job to play them. According to Farflex, that means, “To accept, deal with, and make the most of one's current situation or circumstances; to make use of that which one is afforded or has available. I know you feel unsatisfied with your life at the moment, but we all have to play the hand we're dealt. Just keep working hard and things are bound to improve!”

Please understand that I know everyone has challenges and things that hinder them. I mean I am a black woman in America, duh! I’m saying, don’t let your circumstances be the reason you never go after what it is that you want.

What you believe in, effects how you operate. If you believe your circumstances are hindering you, you will fall victim into settling for the way things are, rather than how things could be. I’ve always been an optimistic person, who believes in endless possibilities. My faith plays a really big role in my optimism. I truly believe that everything that God puts me through works together for my good, even if I don’t see it at first. I remember being in middle school, and reading, “The Other Wes Moore.” That is one book that truly changed my life as a child. If you don’t know, the book is about two men from the same neighborhood and similar upbringings. One of them is serving life in prison for murder, and the other one is a successful author, producer, and army officer. The only thing that separated these two, was their choices. The point of the book, is to show how our choices and decisions, no matter how big or small, play a large role in our lives.

It can be so hard to not blame your circum stances. The reality is, blaming your circumstances, won’t change them. My mom had me as a teenager. Statistically, we are not supposed to be where we are right now. We are far from rich or wealthy, but we are comfortable and blessed. The statistics of teen parents are horrible. For example, “Only 40% of teen parents finish high school. Less than 2% finish college by 30. More than half of all mother’s on welfare had their first child as a teenager.” My mom not only finished college, she also completed law school, before the age of 30. Statistically, because I was born to a teen parent, I’m supposed to have a difficult time with language, social, and emotional skills including self control and confidence. On top of that, statistically, having a young parent has a negative affect on a child’s educational success. “Kids born to teen mothers are 50% more likely to be held back a grade than their peers.” I’m glad to say, I’ve never been held back and I have a college degree. Plus, I have great social skills and even articulate myself pretty well. Now I share my story to say this, my mom could have looked at the statistics and given up completely, but she didn’t. Even with all the naysayers, she still pushed for her dream of becoming an attorney, and did it. Now, I’m not saying that there weren't other factors. God has extended so much favor and grace over our lives. Plus, we were blessed with great support from family, that helped as well. However, that doesn't negate the fact that my mom didn’t allow her circumstances to determine her reality. Wanting to be an attorney is hard for the average person, imagine for a mother.

Life is like a deck of cards, you are given a hand to play, and you have to make the best of it. Especially if you're an adult, blaming your circumstances does not make it go away. Don’t waste your whole life allowing what you didn’t have, stop you from what you could have. You can choose to allow your circumstances to hold you back, or you can use them to make you better. Decide to change your situation. You do not have to be what your parents are. You do not have to be what your situation is. You create your destiny. Anytime, I find myself blaming my circumstances, I look at my mom and keep going. If you are religious, this is where your faith and prayer will come in. Understand that God does not make any mistakes. Everything that he puts you through, and allows you to go through, will all work together for your good. Once you stop blaming your circumstances, or others for the way that your life is, you start to take life into your own hands. Don’t harp on the things that you don’t have, rather, focus on all the good that you do. Maybe your parents didn’t teach you about financial literacy, but you can learn on your own. Maybe your dad wasn’t around, but that doesn’t mean you have to hate men. Maybe you were a teen parent, but that doesn’t mean your life is over. It’s never too late to change your life. If you are unhappy with the life you are living, change it. You’re not a tree you can move your feet, so get to it. The reality is, no one can change your life, except for you.

Things Can Always Be Worse | Find Something Positive

Wed, 04 May 2022 22:28:55 GMT

There's Always Something To Be Grateful For

As you already know, I went to celebrate my birthday in Jamaica with my friend a few weeks ago. The trip was sweet and a little sour, all in one. Everything about the trip itself was sweet; the beauty of the country, the excursions, the food, all of it. The only things that were sour was the travel arrangements. I missed my flight going and had to buy another flight and then coming back my flight got delayed like four times and I ended up having to spend the night in Miami. After all the things that happened coming back I was pretty frustrated. I had a layover in Miami, but my original flight was delayed, so I ended up missing my connecting flight. I literally spent all day in the airport, trying to get reticketed for another flight and looking for a hotel. In the end, I was able to get a hotel room and get on the next flight the next day. I was so frustrated, after everything I had been through, that when I got to the hotel, I went on the balcony to get fresh air. While I was out there, I looked down under the bridge and saw so many homeless people sleeping on cardboard. Instantly, I felt bad that I was over here complaining about all the travel mishaps I had, while there were people sleeping outside. I instantly had to check myself because I felt like I was being ungrateful. Now don’t get me wrong, my feelings in that moment were valid, but I had to change my perspective on the situation. I was blessed with the funds to get a uber and a hotel room. I love Miami, and I got to spend a half of day there. Yes, in the moment, I was annoyed, but the gratitude I came home with was needed.

People always say to be grateful, but they don’t tell you the peace that comes with being grateful. I know for me, being ungrateful seems like this big thing, but the reality is being on ungrateful can be displayed in so many ways. It’s always something positive you can focus on. I say all this to say, when your problems feels like the end of the world, always remember that someone has it worse than you. I know society hates when people say that, because it is invalidating to the individual, provides a barrier to treatment, and is nonsensical at its very root, but it is true. When you are going thru something, allow yourself to feel the feelings, but still find something to be grateful for in the moment. It will bring you peace over the entire situation if you focus on gratitude. Also, in the midst of trials and tribulations, flip the lens to try to see what God is trying to show you. God doesn’t do anything by accident. Rather than fight with all the negative things going on, discover what lesson is coming from it. For me, I needed some time alone, to recharge and remember how big God is. In life, sometimes our problems have a way of seeming bigger than what they are, but always remember God is bigger than whatever problem or situation going on in your life. I know people hate hearing it, but your problems are never as big as they seem. God allowed all of my flight delays to happen, because I needed to be in that hotel room to see the people sleeping under the bridge. Don’t get me wrong I know there’s people homeless, but seeing it makes you really appreciate the things you have in life.

When you’re going thru things in life, it’s ok to feel the negative feelings, but remember to focus on the things you’re still grateful for. It’s not always easy, but it’s better than dwelling on the negative ESPECIALLY IF IT’S THINGS OUT OF YOUR CONTROL. I could have sat in that hotel room mad all night, but it wouldn’t change anything. The reality is, in that moment I was going to be stuck in Miami whether I liked it or not. In life, things will always happen, but it’s important how you respond. I chose to focus on the positives and I think you should too!

Interview With Powerhouse Who's The Soft Life Owner

Mon, 02 May 2022 21:18:32 GMT

Her Focus Is To Create A Life Her Daughter Is Comfortable In

Meet Kaneica, a healthy and happy mommy who has been a powerhouse in the marketing industry for over five years. Kaneica is a marketing specialist who has a passion for empowering women. She started her journey in college, but has continued to evolve over the years. Thru faith and prayer, she has been able to conquer everything she’s set out to do.

Kaneica also worked her way up the music industry, starting out as a intern and then became a manager for independent artist. Her calling to empower women, led her to start The Soft Life Series which is a platform for women to tap into their softer life. Kaneica is hosting her first event for The Soft Life Series in Atlanta on June 4th at 2pm ( Click Here To Grab A Ticket. )

When one of my followers on Instagram told me about Kaneica, I followed her and fell in love. I knew I learn more about her journey. In today’s interview, Kaneica shared how she was able to build herself as a marketing specialist in the music industry. She also shared her motherhood journey, and how it led her to start living a soft life. Unfortunately, we had some technology issues and I lost about 10 minutes of footage from the interview, but it is still such a good chat. I hope this interview inspires you, I know you will gain so much from watching this. Thank you Kaneica, for being so transparent! I can’t wait to see all that the future holds for you and your brand.

Boxycharm April 2022 Unboxing & Try On

Sun, 01 May 2022 00:52:55 GMT

It's Time To Revive Your Beauty Products

Do you know what a revival is? According to Webster.com, a revival is, "An act or instance of reviving : the state of being revived: such as. a : renewed attention to or interest in something. b : a new presentation or publication of something old." A few weeks ago I told you to use this season to revive your hustle, goals routines and habits. Today, I want to talk about reviving your beauty and skincare routines. Your clothes are not the only thing you need to change with the seasons, your makeup routine needs some tweaks too. Your skin may also change with the seasons, so you will need to change your products. Buying beauty products are expensive, so why not get a subscription that can help? Boxycharm is perfect because they mix skincare and makeup to give you a great monthly box of goodies.

If you don't know, Boxycharm is a monthly makeup subscription. Each month, you get at least five full-sized makeup and/or skincare products. They have different options: Base Box $25/month with 5 full size products, Premium Box $35/Month, with 6 full size products, and Luxe which is 8 full‑size products every 3 months for an additional $24.99. I love Boxycharm , especially during this time, because I need to refresh my beauty products and they make it easy. It's so many products and brands out there, with Boxycharm , I'm able to try so many different things. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received a product in my box that I loved, and ran to Sephora to get more. Whether you are new to the beauty world, or trying to expand your collection, Boxycharm is perfect for you. This months theme is Boxy Spring Revival. Why not let Boxycharm help you revive your beauty collection.

1.PUREHEALS | Real Rose Petal Sleeping Mask

When I first saw this product, I was a little skeptical. After trying it out, my mind has changed completely. This sleep mask contains real rose petals and rose water to moisturize and revitalize your skin while sleeping. When rolling it on the skin, it delivers rose's vital moisturizing energy to the skin with a melting technology of rose petals. This mask isn't too thick or thin, and dries down into your face so nicely. The next morning, my face felt so smooth and refreshed. This retails for $55.00

2.CHRISTOPHE ROBIN | Instant Volume Mist With Rose Water

This mist makes thin, fine, or flat hair feel thicker and full of body while delivering an easy-to-style hold. I used this on my wig unit and it made my waves super defined and voluminous. You could even use this when styling natural hair or extensions. This mist retails for $39.00

3.BEAUTY BAKERIE | Sour Ya Doin'? Eyeshadow Palette

This palette screamed spring, as soon as I saw the colors. The colors are rich and bold, yet soft for those who want to be subtle. Sour Ya Doin' is perfect for spring looks, I loved the oranges even the mustard shade. It even has two glitters that shimmer perfectly. This retails for $38.00

4.ITEM BEAUTY BY ADDISON RAE | Lash Snack Lengthening Mascara

First let me say, I love the size of the brush on this. I always have lash extensions, but struggle to add mascara to my bottom lashes. This brush made it so easy to apply. This smudge-proof lengthening mascara is packed with nourishing lash boosters and hydrating conditioners like castor seed oil, glycerin and coconut oil so your lashes can live large. The unique micro wand and exclusive complex in the formula naturally enhance every single lash for 3x the volume. This retails for $15.00

5.PERSONA COSMETICS | 24hr Waterproof Eyeliner

Thanks to Boxycharm, I was already a huge fan of the brand because of the lipliner I received last month. I was excited to see how I would enjoy the eyeliner. Glad to say, I wasn't disappointed. Intensify your eyes with this creamy, 24-hr waterproof eyeliner that glides on smooth for all-day to all-night wear. Featuring a smooth, blendable formula, it’s ideal for both the lash line and the waterline. This retails for 14.00.

The Perfect Spring & Summer Romper From Missguided

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 23:56:15 GMT

Temperatures are finally (SLOWLY) starting to feel like spring here in Michigan. Although we just had snow earlier this week, we are finally getting consistent sunshine. Something about the sun shinning, makes me want to change my entire wardrobe. I told myself before I officially shop for the spring/summer, I need to first go through and purge my closet. As I began to do that, I found an entire package from Missguided that I bought at the end of summer last year. I had over eight items with tags on and wrapped in plastic. The temperatures dropped so quickly last year that I wasn’t able to bring out any of the pieces. That helped so much when I was planning for my last vacation, because I didn’t have to shop at all. One piece in particular from my Missguided package was this, Bardot Flared Sleeve Crinkle Romper.

If you know me, you know these two things: 1.) If I like something, I’m going to go back and buy it in every single color, and 2.) I live for a two piece set, or a romper/jumpsuit. Can I tell you a secret? I’m a lazy dresser sometimes. I love things that are easy to dress up and make cute, hence why I love rompers. In the fall and winter, I wear so many jumpsuits. When temperatures rise, I swap out my jumpsuits for rompers. Two years ago, I found this romper from Missguided in black and white, so last year when I found more colors, I had to snag them. Off the shoulder pieces have been my thing for the last five years. I love showing off my collar bones. If you think I’m lying, look back at this post where I shared my love for off the shoulder pieces (click here.)

Missguided continues to release this romper in new colors and I’m here for it. The Bardot Flared Sleeve Crinkle Romper, is perfect for spring and of course summer. You can wear it casually like I did on vacation (picture above,) or dress it up with some heels. You could even dress this romper all the way down by added some nice sneakers. I currently have it in this rust color, black, white, and even a blue floral. In the photos below, you can see how I’ve styled them. I’ve worn this on vacation, on a boat, on dates, and even to an event. Another reason I love this romper is because they’re so comfortable, but still show your shape. I love being able to breath in clothes. Currently on Missguided, they only have this romper in a yellow tie-dye and white floral , but keep an eye out because they bring them back throughout the season. I’ve already ordered both prints, because they’re just so cute. The big trumpet, voluminous, sleeves are a statement. Every time I wear one of these rompers, I get so many compliments. It’s truly one of my most feminine pieces. The best part about this romper is the fact that it has a belt which helps accentuate my curves.

If you’re looking for a great spring or summer piece, look no further. Missguided has the perfect romper for every occasion. If this isn’t your style, they have so many others. I promise you’ll get your bang for your buck with this romper.

The Renewal Of A Birthday

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 01:53:32 GMT

A New And Fresh Start

I am on such a high after my 25th birthday last Saturday. At first, I was nervous to be turning 25, but now I just feel renewed. I honestly don’t know why I felt so uneasy with turning this age. It could’ve been, because I’m only five years to thirty. Another reason could’ve been, because when I thought about how and where I would be at 25, I wouldn’t think here. Once the clock struck twelve, all my uneasy feelings simply disappeared. The only feelings I felt on my birthday was happiness and gratefulness. Why doesn’t anyone talk about the gratitude that birthdays bring. I found myself filled with pure joy. The more I looked around, I saw all the reminders of how loved I am.

Let’s Recap

I brought in my birthday in Chicago. Anyone who knows me knows I love being in the heart of a city. Waking up in a hotel on Michigan Avenue, was just what I needed. I even got to go to a rooftop bar to bring in my birthday. That morning, I got to shop and eat brunch at the cutest restaurant before I headed home. Once I got back to Michigan, I had a dinner with my family and friends in a heated igloo in downtown Detroit. The experience was so special. The next morning I got on a flight and went to Jamaica with my best friend. My overall birthday experience was nothing short of amazing. I’m so thankful for all the people who made my day special. As I drove home after dinner, I was overwhelmed with feelings. I was so thankful that God allowed me to see another year. I literally sat in my car in my driveway and cried. I’m so thankful for the life God has given me. Although I’m not where I thought I would be, I am in a pretty great place. I have so many people in my life who genuinely love and want nothing but the best for me. God blessed me with the gift of a new year.

Since my birthday, April 9th, I’ve literally been walking on a “gratitude cloud.” I find myself saying thank you God like twenty times a day. When things are going wrong, I still give thanks. It’s so hard to explain, I’m just looking at life with a new lens. Whenever something unexpected happens, I look at it with the “glass half full” mindset. Yesterday, I had to buy four new tires and rather be mad about the money I had to spend, I found myself thankful that I had the funds able to do so. I was so thankful just to have a car. Before my birthday, I would’ve been complaining about it, but now I can’t even find the words to do that. I’m currently reading the devotional, “It Always Begins With The Heart,” and it’s truly opening my eyes and heart. Even if you aren’t religious, having a grateful heart helps you be more optimistic with life. I always find myself striving for more, but I learned to be more content with what I have. I used to think being content was a bad thing, but the truth is, in order to get more you must be happy and content with what you have.

My trainer always tells me that life is going to happen. Things won’t always go as planned. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond and react. I’m so happy my birthday brought a new sense of peace and thankfulness to my life. I had to share this with you, because I never see people talking about the renewal of a birthday. We tend to focus more on what we are going to do to celebrate our birthdays, rather than how we will feel once our birthday passes. I’ve learned, when you have a heart of gratefulness, things work out more in your favor. When you are truly thankful, you have a better outlook on everything. Thank you again to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I’m so excited to see what this year brings. I have truly surrendered my life to God and want his will to be done. Of course I have goals and plans, but my prayer is that they align with the plans he has for me. Even if you are not religious, I challenge you to lean into thankfulness. Start with a gratitude journal where you write three things you’re thankful for. Watch how it changes your life.

3 Reasons You Need To Travel

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 20:51:57 GMT

Book That Flight, You Won't Regret It

Today is my first Monday back from my birthday vacation. I spent four days in Montego Bay, Jamaica with my friend and one day in Miami by myself. To say that Jamaica was beautiful would be an understatement. My first time traveling to Jamaica was last year with my family, and this time was even better. Jamaica has to be one of my favorite places to visit, because it just feels like home. I love the culture, people, and even food. Everybody that knows me, knows I love to travel. It’s really one of my favorite things to do. I’m so thankful that my mom started taking me on trips when I was just three years old. Now, I travel every chance I get. I’m not afraid to spend money on traveling, because I know it’s going to be money well spent. I even love traveling alone, it really brings me clarity. My best friend Toria and I travel really well together, because we allow each other to do our own things. Plus we really travel the same way. For me, I’m very particular in hotels and resorts that I stay in, and I invest a lot into the memories that I make. For example we stayed at a five-star resort in Jamaica, Ocean Eden Bay. The rooms were beautiful, had 15 restaurants, a bowling alley, three pools, a lazy river and so much more on it. We even did incredible excursions like climbing Dunnes River, which is a huge waterfall, River rafting on these bamboo rafts, and rode horses through the ocean. These excursions will be with me for the rest of my life, because it was something I had never experienced.

It’s important to travel with people who are like-minded as you, or else the trip could be hard. Don’t get me wrong I love group trips as well, but it’s something about traveling with someone who has the same energy as you. Jamaica is a place that I could definitely see myself going again. I even got to unplug and disconnect from the world for just a few days. Coming back home from a vacation is very refreshing. I always feel like I come back restored after a good trip. Someone asked me why I traveled so much, and initially I responded by saying because I like it. On the plane ride home, I thought deeper into that question. I sat with myself and pondered on why I love traveling like I do. The more I thought about it, these three reasons came to me.

1.It's So Much More Out There

How can you know what all this world has to offer if you never see it? Traveling shows me that I can be anywhere and do anything. It’s so many people who don’t think they deserve or are worthy to be in certain places. Traveling has removed that thought from my subconscious. Just because I am a black woman, doesn’t mean I can’t go anywhere, and do anything. Traveling opens your mind to the idea that the world is yours. I just love experiencing different cultures and ways of life. It gives me gratitude towards life and God! Whenever I travel I find myself constantly looking around and saying look at God.

2.It Activates Your Hustle

Every time I get home from a vacation, I get into grind mode like no other. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I spent too much money lol, or that I see how other cultures operate, but I return with a refreshed hustle. For example, in Jamaica, the people do so much with so little. Jamaican culture is to just get it done with no excuses. If they can do so much with what they have, how dare I come back to where I have all the resources and not do more. The people in Jamaica are all about the hustle, everybody is trying to get to the money, that inspires me to go harder. Also, being in Miami, and seeing all the nice cars, beautiful condos, and the way people are living, let’s me know that it’s so much money out here in this world, I just have to go get it.

3.It Creates Memories

The older I get, the more I just want good times and memories. Material things can’t go with you, all you have is your memories. Think about it, when someone passes away, all you have is the photos and memories. Money comes and goes, but the memories are what last. Life is so precious and I just want to maximize it. Beyonce once said, “You really need to live your life and open your eyes. You don’t want to wake up with no memories and never really being able to see the world.” That quote lives with me, and I just try to explore as much as I can. So I challenge you to get out and travel. Make memories with the people that you love. I know to some people traveling may seem scary and expensive, but it is worth it in the end.

20 Things You Need From Amazon

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 00:34:43 GMT

Amazon April 2022 Haul

I literally have a problem. I can’t stop ordering from Amazon. I have so many packages that come to the house daily. I find myself running to Amazon for almost everything. I had an idea to share some of my recent purchases with you. Maybe you’re someone like me who buys everything she sees, or maybe you just are looking for things to add to your collection. In the video, I share things for your office and desk, items that keep me organized, home decor, electronics for content creators and more. Don’t worry I provided links to everything mentioned. Click here to shop any of the products. Let me know if you like videos like this and I’ll continue to make them for you!

Fertilize Your Life

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 21:04:32 GMT

It's Time To Kick It In Drive

Happy Monday, its the first Monday in this new month! It’s finally April! I’m so pumped for a new month. I love the fresh start and new beginnings that a new month brings. On top of it being a new month, today starts the second quarter of the year. We are officially four months into 2022, can you believe it? I swear time is flying by. Before you know it, it’ll be the fourth quarter and we’ll be in the holiday season. April is such a special month to me. My birthday is in April, but above that, spring is my favorite season. Life can become daunting during the winter for me. It’s extremely cold, weather is unpredictable, and I’m usually catching up after the holiday season. January-March are truly head down do the work months for me. Yea, I travel a little bit and hang with friends, but for the most part, I’m doing my own thing for the first quarter of the year. Typically the first quarter is where I’m also setting up systems for my life. I’ve definitely been on autopilot the last few weeks.

That’s why I love April. Back when I was attending school, I would literally be so deep into my studies for the first quarter of the year that when spring break came around, it was a time for me to reset. During spring break I would literally mentally decompress and return to my studies refreshed and renewed. According to LiveScience.com, “Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake.” After months spent conserving energy, flowers bloom in the spring, once they sense that the days have grown longer and the weather has turned warmer. If a flower can use the spring season to bloom why can’t you and I? Spring is a time for blossoming, even if you aren’t a flower.

I was reading this article about farmers and had to share some of it with you. EminenceOrganicFarm said, “Spring is typically considered to be the start of the growing season in the Northern Hemisphere, spring represents fresh beginnings for life on the farm.” Each season represents a different phase of the growing cycle for farmers. The spring season is for fertilizing fields and planting crops. I don’t know if you know anything about planting, but let me tell you this. When you water a plant, it grows, but when you fertilize, it boosts the growth. You also get a healthier, more beautiful looking plant because you put effort towards tending to it. This can apply to life as well. Whether you’re building a business, career, or just pushing towards goals, you have to put in effort for it to grow. Spring is the season to fertilize your life. I don’t know about you, but every aspect of my life could use a boost.

Fertilize your hustle, your business, your spiritual journey, your creativity, your goals! It’s time to come out of hibernation and rise. Build the dreams you had in your head to the world. Plant your seeds for success. Planting your seeds is simply doing the work in order to get there. You know the desires of your heart. You know the goals you want to achieve. Go out and plant your seeds and watch how things grow. Once you plant the seeds and fertilize, the only thing left is to believe and trust that God will grow whatever it is. Think about it, farmers plant and take care of seeds with the expectation to get a harvest. Why wouldn’t you do the same with whatever it is you’re going after? Do your part and watch it grow. Nothing comes from nothing. You can’t believe something will happen without doing any work towards it. On the other hand, you can’t work towards a goal that you don’t fully believe you will achieve!

It’s a fresh month and season. It’s a new quarter of the year. It’s time to be more like farmers. It’s planting season. Sow your seeds. Fertilize your goals. Happy April, here’s to a great planting season!

Interview With Resilient Owner Of Dreamless Hair

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 20:32:17 GMT

You must really have a passion for whatever you pursue for longevity!

Meet Shaneika, an ambitious CEO and millionaire in the making. Shaneika is the owner of Dreamless Hair, which is a hair extensions company that sells bundles, hair care, wigs, and more. Dreamless Hair is known for their quality products and excellent customer service. Shaneika started out wanted to work in law enforcement, but after having a bad experience with hair, decided to launch her own company. Since her childhood, she always had a passion for hair. She launched her company in 2015 at the age of 23, and has grew and expanded over the years.

I connected with Shaneika in 2020 at the Bronner Bros Hair Show. One thing that stood out to me was how she remained a student, even after being in business for so long. I love how she was investing in her industry and craft. In today’s interview, Shaneika talks about her seven year journey, and how growing a brand in 2022 is different than 2015. She shares so many gems in this interview. One thing that stood out to me was how she decides which things/events to invest in. Shaneika is extremely resilient and after hearing her story her I felt inspired. She even answered all the reader questions you guys asked. I know her brand will continue to thrive and blossom. I can’t wait to see all that she has in store come to fruition. I hope this interview inspires you and gives you the push you need to keep going.

Boxycharm March 2022 Box | Game Changer

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 20:29:50 GMT

Spring Fresh Everyday Face

Happy Wednesday, it's the first Friday of spring. Spring officially started on Monday and I am beyond excited for this new season. March is literally flying by. It’s been pretty warm the last few days and it’s time to be outside! It’s my favorite time of the month, when I discuss my Base Boxycharm Box with you. This box came just in time, because as I’m starting to go out more and take my mask off, I need to make sure my makeup is on point. One of my favorite things about Boxycharm, is that it’s not all makeup. The key to having a great makeup look, is having good skin. Boxycharm has you covered because they mix skincare and makeup to give you a great monthly box of goodies.

If you don't know, Boxycharm is a monthly makeup subscription. Each month, you get at least five full-sized makeup and/or skincare products. They have different options: Base Box $25/month with 5 full size products, Premium Box $35/Month, with 6 full size products, and Luxe which is 8 full‑size products every 3 months for an additional $24.99. I love Boxycharm, because there are so many beauty brands out there, and I never know where to start when trying new products. With this subscription, I’m able to get new products from brands I know and some I don’t. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve received a product in my box that I loved, and ran to Sephora to get more. Whether you are new to the beauty world, or trying to expand your collection, Boxycharm is perfect for you. This months theme is Game Changer. Why not gift yourself Boxycharm for Women’s History month. New season means new looks, let's be game changers together. Now let’s break down each product I was in my box!

1.Frank Body | Brightening Vitamin C Mask

When I first opened this product it reminded me of a roll-on deodorant. I love the packaging, because it was simple yet detailed. Plus, I love anything pink honestly. It’s a pump liquid mask that's natural and cruelty free. It’s meant to dissolve your top layer of dead dull and damaged skin. It retails for $19.99, and has a lot of product in it. Vitamin C is good for hydrating your skin, and helping with inflammation. Plus, vitamin c can be used as an exfoliant. When I washed the product off, I instantly saw a nice glow on my face.

2. Korres | Santorini Grape Velvet Skin Drink

This is a light oil for your face that felt good going on my face. This oil has a light scent to it. I actually liked the scent while applying it to my face, normally I don’t enjoy scented products though. This product is meant to transform your skin by blurring imperfections, smoothing texture and adding hydration. It retails for $48.00. This product absorbed nicely into my face. FYI: a little bit of this product goes a long way.

3. Luxie | Florals Brush Set

First let me say I love the purple pouch that this brush set came in. Whenever I get brushes in my box, I’m excited. This set came with four brushes: an eyeliner brush, eye shaping brush, concealer brush, and a tapered blending brush. It also came with a small blender sponge. I loved the small sponge, it was perfect to blend out my concealer on the trouble areas, like the crease of my nose. This retails for $40.00. I did a little research and found that this brand is known to have a great quality brushes.

4. Persona Cosmetics | Lip Liner

I was just telling myself I needed more liners, because I really only use browns. If you are someone like me who has to wear lip liners with lipsticks, you would appreciate this product. It’s a cream gel lip liner in a burgundy/brick shade. It’s super creamy and pigmented. It retails for $14.00. I was nervous that it would be messy, but it dried down pretty well. That means that this product has good staying power, so it’ll be long lasting.

5. Eleman Beauty | Matte Liquid Lipstick

I have a love-hate relationship with matte lipsticks. I hate when they get “chalky.” It’s safe to say that I did not get that with this product. I loved the contrast with the darker liner and lighter lipstick for an ombré affect. I was nervous with the shade, but I actually liked it. This product retails for $18.00. This is going to for sure be my spring shade!

My box retailed for 139.95. That’s a steal, because with Boxycharm you could get all five of these for only $25.00. I actually enjoyed all of my products this month. My favorite product was the oil, and the lipstick. I will definitely be using all of these products in the future. If you are interested in getting any of these products click here to shop on Boxycharm. Thank you so much to Boxycharm for sending me this box, all opinions are my own.

3 Ways To Do What You Say You're Going To Do

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 23:29:45 GMT

It's Important To Keep Your Others, But Crucial For Yourself

Let me tell you the secret to a successful life. It is very simple, but so many times we forget to do it. Are you ready? DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU’RE GOING TO DO! If you’re like me, you run from people who do not hold up to their word. One way to get cut off with me, is not doing what you said you’re going to do. My dad ingrained into my head that a man only has his word, and if he doesn’t do what he says, leave him alone. It’s crazy how I’m like that with others, but I don’t keep that same energy with myself. We’ve all done it, told ourselves that we were going to do something, but didn’t. I understand, that sometimes life happens and you are unable to, but I’m not talking about those times right now. Right now, I’m speaking specifically to the times when you told yourself you were going to do something, but you didn’t simply because of yourself. For example, maybe you said on Monday I’m going to go to the gym, and Monday when you woke up you didn’t feel like it, so you don’t go. Let me share my personal tribulation with you. The last five weeks I dedicated to just doing what I said I was going to do with fitness. I was tired of the excuses. I have been saying I wanted to get consistent with the gym for years, just to have a healthier lifestyle, and yet I kept dropping the ball. I’m currently five weeks consistent and doing a 31 Day gym challenge where I go to the gym everyday in March. I’ve only missed one day this month. This isn’t just for fitness, I’m trying to have a more consistent and disciplined life. The key to discipline is just doing what you said you were going to do.

One thing that has helped tremendously has been planning my day the night before. I love to write out my to do list and have a top three priority that need to get done that next day. I don’t like having a long to do list, because I never get everything done. I like to have my to do list with about six or less things on it. As I’m trying to be more consistent and disciplined with life, I learned that it’s crucial to have habits in place to make sure things get done. For example one habit I have is setting out my gym clothes the night before. That small habit really helps me go to the gym the next morning. Another thing that has helped, was understanding that everything isn’t time sensitive. I used to tell myself that I was going to go to the gym every morning at 6 AM. In days that I would oversleep, I wouldn’t go to the gym at all. Don’t get me wrong, there are some mornings that I do go at 6 AM, but every day I can’t make it at that time. The trick is not to give up if you don’t make it to the at the “perfect” time. Get them done when you can. Because I map out my day the night before I know how my time structure of my day is, which helps me decide when I’m going to do the things I said I was going to do.

I saw a post that said “Demand consistency from yourself before you demand it from others.” That post spoke volumes to me, because I hold everyone around me at such high standards, but yet I was allowing myself to drop the ball. My trainer says, “Show up for yourself everyday.” Doing what you say you’re going to do is how you can do that. When you’re an entrepreneur, nobody’s going to check in see if you’re really doing what you said you were going to do. You don’t always have to clock in and out of a job. It is crucial to really have discipline when you have a business. Even if you have a 9-to-5 or a business on the side, having discipline will take you further because you will structure your time to get things done. One thing I’m learning in the corporate world is, there won’t always be someone over your shoulder making sure you’re working, but the expectation is that you’re getting the job done.

So here’s what I want you to do. Go back and look at your plan for 2022. If you didn’t create a plan or goals, go create some. Once you have that list of goals that you set for the year, create a plan to help you achieve them. I understand that you might have larger goals that take time, but you have to break down them into small pieces. Think of it like a puzzle the small pieces of doing what you said you were going to do is what creates the big picture. Anything is possible. Whatever your wants and dreams are, you can and will achieve them. But I understand that no one is stopping you, you are your biggest enemy. So when you wonder why you’re not going to that next level, look in the mirror and see if you have been really doing the things you said you were going to do. It’s still two weeks left in March, it’s time to start showing up for yourself. Daylight savings time has us having more sunlight which is good, for getting things done. Spring is right around the corner, and before you know it we will be walking into second quarter of the year. Once you start creating that discipline muscle, you will be unstoppable. How you do one thing is how you do everything. Once you start keeping your word to yourself with one thing, you’ll do the same in every aspect of life. Stop making excuses and trying to find the shortcut. The secret is doing what you said you were going to do. Create a plan and stick to that it.

5 Tips To Be More Productive When Working From Home

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 22:15:36 GMT

One good thing that has came out of this pandemic, has been the amount of companies that allowed their employees to work from home. One in every four Americans are currently working remotely. Even though some places are opening back up, I believe working remotely is here to stay for a lot of employers. Companies are now seeing that people are more productive being at home, then they were in offices. They are even more happier and have a better work-life balance. According to Apollo Technology, “A survey report conducted by Owl labs suggests remote workers are happier and stay in their jobs longer. They also found that workers who were working at home reported being happy 22% more than workers who always work in an onsite office environment. These remote workers reported having less stress, being more focused, and a better work-life balance. The remote workers also worked over 40 hours a week, 43% more compared to workers that never worked remotely.” With these statistics, it would behoove employers to keep their employees remote, or even hybrid. A lot of companies are splitting the work week between days at home and days in office. Plus, another benefit is that people are saving money on gas, which means employers could actually pay less.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or work for a company who has implemented remote working, working from home is not always easy. It’s honestly a good and a bad thing. You must have discipline in order to get anything done. As most of you know, I started a new position and my role allows me to work from home on some days. Initially, I thought it will be easy because I get to wake up and do whatever. I quickly learned, you must have systems and structure in order to really hold yourself accountable. Working from home means you can stop and watch your favorite show whenever you want. No one is looking over your shoulder to see if you’re really doing anything. With all that power, you have to be focused. I’ve been working from home for about two months and I think I have a great system to get things done. If you feel like you are struggling with working from home, here are five tips to kick you back into focus.

1. Have A Set Time And Designated Area . Whether you start at 8 AM or even noon, have a set time that you will begin your work day. Decide the night before, the time you want to start and where you will be working. Some days I like to work at my desk, other days I like to go to coffee shops. By knowing what time I want to start, I can plan to wake up early enough to get myself together and be at the designated area at that set time.

2. Create A To-Do List The Night Before. This is so important. I hate when I wake up and I don’t know what all I have to do. I like to look over my calendar and write down everything that needs to get done that day. I write down calls that need to be made, meetings I may have, and emails that need to be sent or responded to. Of course I review this list the morning of, but it’s something about being prepared the night before that sets me up for success.

3. Implement A CONSISTENT Morning Routine. My morning starts off with me reading my devotional and praying. I try to make my bed as soon as I get out of it. On the days that I go to the gym, I go first thing in the morning. Then, I shower and wash my face. Next, I make coffee and light my candle at my desk. Lastly, I take my vitamins as I water my flowers. Once I complete this routine, I sit at my desk, look at my to do list, and start my workday. According to The Very Well Mind, “The morning routine helps us set the tone for the day, better allowing us to control our schedules rather than our schedule controlling us. As we start each day fresh, we can better focus on what is in front of us, where to prioritize our time, and, ultimately, increase our productivity.”

4. Get Dressed (Yes Real Clothes, Not Pjs.) When you don’t have plans to leave the comfort of your own home, your normal routine to groom yourself easily falls to the wayside! When you look good, you ultimately feel good. Which makes you to be more productive. Getting dressed at the start of the morning, turns your brain on. Your mindset is switched from lounging to work.

5. Take Breaks When Necessary . It’s important to build breaks into your daily schedule. It’s not good to sit at a desk all day, without stepping away. I like to work in intervals of 30-90 minutes. Make sure that during your breaks, you stand up and stretch. Take a walk to a different room in your home. If the weather is nice, step outside for some fresh air. A change of scenery will clear your mind and get your blood flowing. When you come back after break, you will feel refreshed and recharged. Don’t underestimate the power of a 5 to 10 minute break.

These tips are good whether you have a traditional job, are a entrepreneur, or even if you're someone who just wants to be more productive at home.

Leather Knee Length Boots 4 Ways | Saks Off Fifth Boots

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 01:28:42 GMT

One of my focuses for the year is expanding my closet. I want to build a solid capsule wardrobe for every season. Yes I have a lot of clothes, but they’re one off pieces. I want to get pieces with longevity and quality. Plus, I started my first corporate job back in January and I’ve been creating my work wardrobe with the help of my parents and friends. I’ve never worked in Corporate America, so I had no idea how to dress for my new role. I wanted to fit in industry standards without losing my personal style. On top of that, I turn twenty-five this year and I want my closet to reflect pieces that showcase the woman I am evolving into.

Perfect Winter Boot

When I first started the job, I thought I researched so much about the types of clothes and shoes I can wear. I was convinced the only type of shoes that were office appropriate were pumps and Chelsea boots. Thankfully, after a talk with my mom, I learned that that wasn’t exactly true. One piece that I’ve had on repeat for the last few weeks are these Leather Knee High boots from Saks Off 5th. At first, I had the black ones and after a day of wearing them, I knew I needed the brown pair. I’m so thankful my mom found these boots.

For the past year or two, I’ve been obsessed with square toe shoes. I don’t dislike point toe, but I find the square a little more comfy. With this new job, I’ll be doing a lot of walking and being on my feet, so comfort with shoes is essential. The heel on these is a block and only three inches. By it being a block, it doesn’t look as short. I’m not a fan of kitten heels, I wanted to still look chic. I like quality shoes, especially when it comes to leather. Faux leather is cool when it comes to trendy pieces, but with staples I like to have genuine leather for longevity. Another thing I love about these boots is that they don’t have any hardware on them. I always feel stuck when my boots have silver or gold, but with these I can wear honestly anything. They’re literally the perfect length for any office setting.

The great things with these boots are that, they don’t have to only be worn to work. These boots are perfect for casual days too. I’ve found myself grabbing these boots even on a weekend to run errands. If you’re looking for a elegant chic pair of knee length boots, look no further. Here’s a secret, they look so more expensive than they actually are! Click here to grab your own pair of these boots they come in black and chestnut. They’re currently on clearance and selling so fast.

BELOW I'LL SHOW FIVE WAYS YOU CAN STYLE THESE BOOTS. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS

You can pair it with a dress. I live in Michigan, so I love a good sweater dress. These boots look good with or without tights.

2. You can pair them with a good jean and sweater. On casual days, I love wearing turtleneck sweaters with jeans. It's a quick outfit that doesn't require a whole lot. Even if you change to a t-shirt, these boots are perfect to go over or under a good pair of jeans.

3. You can pair them with a good pencil skirt. Honestly, it can be any mid length skirt. That's why I love the simplicity of these boots, with this loud outfit, I love how they pair well. I honestly could have even paired the brown pairs with this.

4. Lastly, you can even pair these with leggings. I live for loungewear, but sometimes I like to dress up my leggings by adding a sweater or blazer. The elegance of these boots paired with this tweed blazer makes this simple leggings and turtleneck look more dressy than it is.

How To Stop Your Mind From Getting The Best Of You

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 22:20:04 GMT

Monica once said, “It’s just one of them days, when I wanna be all alone.” Yesterday, was one of those days. I had planned to do a Sunday self-care day, which included going to brunch, taking some pictures at this really cute hotel and more. When it was time for me to start getting ready, that is where the struggle began. I tried on so many outfits and I just wasn’t feeling it. I felt that I looked fat, and my body just wasn’t looking how I wanted in any of the outfits. I just couldn’t find something that I liked. When I started doing my make up, I had a pimple on my cheek, which just threw the entire face off. Once I finished my face, I sat there in the mirror and said to myself, nope not today. I wiped my face from the make up, put some pajamas on and laid down. I took a nap and when I woke up, I watched some TV. Do you ever have days where you just aren’t feeling it? Something was off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Physically, nothing was wrong. I wasn’t sad or mad, I honestly just felt blah. After resting for a few hours, I found the strength to get up and get ready for work. As I was getting ready, I started to say affirmations to myself. Along with affirmations, I started to just thank God for all that I have. By the time I got in the car and was on my way to work, I felt much better. I ended up going to work and having a great night.

I say all this to say, every day won’t start off amazing. There will be days where you just don’t feel it. There will be moments when you criticize your looks and life. Although I had plans to spend my self-care Sunday out and enjoying a solo date, instead I decided to stay in and rest. I allowed myself to sit with the feelings I was feeling. Like I said, I had no reason to be upset, or sad, but I was feeling some kind of way. With the way my morning started, I could have kept that same energy throughout the day, but I didn’t. After giving myself time to feel the feels, I switched my focus. The affirmation and gratitude, opened up my mind. Naturally, the feelings went away, without me having to force myself or fake it.

Our minds have a way of making us believe things that aren’t true. Initially I thought by neglecting all my plans, that made me lazy. When I couldn’t find anything to wear, I thought I was fat. When my make up wasn’t coming out the way I wanted, I just figured I was ugly. The truth is, I’m not ugly, fat, or lazy. I'm someone who has self confidence, but we all have these days. There are going to be things that you don’t like about yourself, and those things can be changed. I started back going to the gym and got a new meal plan from my trainer. I know the pimple on my face came from me drinking two cups of Sprite the night before. And maybe I was tired, I do have two jobs and work six days a week. These things didn't need an explanation, but I felt like saying them anyway. Do nothing days are just as important as working days, but that's a topic for another day.

It’s two main things I want you to take away from today’s message. One being, when you feel off, don’t allow your thoughts to take over. You control your mind, so focus on things that are true. If you struggle with this, look in the Bible and look at how God sees you. Look at your life from another perspective. Yes your feelings are valid, but you have so much to be grateful for. The second thing is, don’t allow small things to ruin your day. You have to shake things off. If you don't, that’s how bad days turn to bad weeks, then months and before you know it, a bad year. In life things are going to happen, you won't always be able to follow the plans you make. Don’t write off your entire day because of a little mishap. Keep pushing and watch how the day changes.

How To Set Goals You’ll Actually Achieve In 2022

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:09:12 GMT

Wow, I feel like just yesterday, we were all saying Happy New Year. Crazy that we are already halfway thru February. I pray your year off to a prosperous and intentional start. Every New Year, millions of people around the world set resolutions that they promise to themselves, they’ll complete in the new year. According to the New York Post, “A new poll of 2,000 Americans, found that it takes just 32 days for the average person to finally break their resolution(s) but 68% report giving up their resolutions even sooner than that.” With these statistics, by February 1st, many Americans have already abandoned all their resolutions. Isn’t that number wild? 2022 is a year of growth and evolution. It’s time to get rid of resolutions and instead create goals and action plans to help you achieve them.

Setting goals for the New Year doesn’t have to happen on the first. It can happen any time. Goals give us a roadmap to follow, while resolutions are just ideas. “Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something. Goal: the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result. ... Goals provide a direction to follow to achieve desired outcome. Goals involve intention setting, planning, preparing, and taking REALISTIC action.” Now you tell me, which one you’d rather come up with, a goal or a resolution? We are already 47 days into the new year, if you've broken your resolutions, that's ok. It's time to set goals, that you can actually achieve.The great thing about goals is that they can be broken up into long and short term. They can actually be broken down shorter, into quarterly, monthly, and even daily. I like to first look at what I want to achieve in the year. Knowing where I want to be in 365 days, helps me goal set for the next 31 days. That way I know what each days purpose is. Ultimately, that’ll help me be more intentional with what I’m doing every single day. Take some time to write some goals in that way; Yearly, quarterly, monthly and daily. I also like to separate them into personal goals and business goals.

Next, after you set the goals, it’s time to create a action plan on how to make these things happen. Ask yourself, what are the systems I’m going to put in place to make this a reality? Another good question to ask yourself is, what habits do I need to create or get rid of to achieve this? Understanding why you want to achieve this goal is also going to help you stick to the habits attached to it. Think of daily habits that you will do, in order to achieve the long and short term goals. Each goal you have in place needs to have this attached. It can be tedious to do, but it makes a difference. Writing a action plan helps the dream become a reality. It helps the goal not look too hard to reach. Setting goals helps me stay on track. It’s so easy to get distracted. Sometimes, things happen and slow me down from my goals. When life happens, adjust the action plan, don’t change the goal!

It's only February, but this year is going to fly by. Don't let 2022 goals fade to the background. Before you know it, it'll be summer and then Christmas. Look at the life you want to live and the person you want to be, and start writing down your goals. Writing down goals and action plans help you stay accountable. You don’t just wake up and become the person of your dreams, you must actively work towards it every day. The only way this year will be different, is if you do things differently. Doing the same things will keep you right where you are. Take some time to goal set. Make sure your goals are visible to you. I look at mine daily to keep me on track. Don't lose sight.

Don't Forget The Most Important Love

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 21:52:37 GMT

Happy Valentine’s Day! No matter where you are in your life; whether you’re single, in a relationship or figuring it out, I hope you enjoy your day. For those of you who are single and not feeling the best about this holiday, click her e to read my post on how to survive Valentine’s Day being single. With everything going on, on this commercial holiday, I want to make sure that you're mentally doing good. Although the world may try to show you that the meaning of today, is gifts and relationships, but that’s not true. Valentine’s Day is a day of love.

What is the best form of love? Self-love is most important, no matter what your relationship status is. Self-love is crucial. You have to love yourself. So many people tend to look to relationships, social media or the world to be complete, but those things can't fill you. Self love breads self worth and confidence. Another hurdle we face when finding self love is, comparing ourselves to others. Don't diminish your self esteem by looking at other peoples paths. God has a specific plan for you. Before you can be in a healthy, loving relationship, you need to have self love. On this day of love, I challenge you to look within. When you have self love, it doesn’t mean you don’t want to grow and evolve. Having self love, means you accept who you are right now, and you put your physical, emotional and mental well-being first. When you truly love yourself, you only choose things that nurture your well-being and serve you. That goes for people, situations, jobs, and literally every aspect of your life.

The more you love yourself, the more confident you'll be, and the happier your life ultimately will be. A confident person, knows who they are and does not let anyone change that. When you’re confident in who you are and whose you are (God,) you walk with your shoulders back and your head high. Showing love to yourself is a daily task. Showing love today you can look different tomorrow; today, I might buy myself roses, but tomorrow self-love might be extending some grace on mistakes that I’ve made. I challenge you to love on yourself a little bit more today. Do something you love to do. Do some self-care on this Valentine’s Day Monday. This does not only apply to single people, even if you’re in a relationship, you need to love yourself. Remember that if no one else has you, you have to have you.

While you’re sharing all this love on this special day, don’t forget the most special person, YOU! ��

A Week In The Bahamas Recap Vlog

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 23:15:22 GMT

First trip of 2022 was to the Bahamas with my best friend for her birthday. I meet her in Miami and we flew to Nassau for a four day vacay. We stayed at the Warwick Paradise Island, which was all inclusive. While we were there, we did a day pass at the Atlantis and slid down all six of the slides. We also booked an excursion which included parasailing, and jetskiing. Her family happened to also be there at the same time, so we met with her uncle for a night out too. Lastly, we booked a driver who showed us a bunch of local clubs throughout the island. Overall, it was such a great trip. I hope you enjoy watching the recap.

My Vacation Makeup Routine & Product Breakdown

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 21:30:08 GMT

By now, you should know I’m obsessed with traveling and being on vacation. I am currently in the Bahamas with my best friend for her birthday and having the time of my life. My favorite part of traveling internationally, has to be the excursions. I love pushing past my fears and trying new things. While we were here, I went to the Atlantis and slid down six water slides. One thing that’s a must for me is looking good while doing the activities, because let’s be honest, those pictures need to be fire. Luckily, this time the weather wasn’t too hot, so my face wasn’t melting. I know a lot of people try to go makeup free on vacation, some days I do too. But on other days, I want to look polished, especially when I have plans to take pictures. I’ve finally perfected my vacation makeup and it’s even perfect for water parks. Don’t get me wrong, I love my natural skin and I’m comfortable not wearing make up outside, but I still love to wear it. My vacation makeup is a soft glam, which doesn’t require a whole lot. As you can see in the picture below, my vacation makeup is very natural and adds a little extra spice to any look. Let’s break down my look:

Let’s Talk Eyes

First things first, before I go on vacation I always make sure that my eyebrows are tamed. Whether you get your brows waxed, threaded, or whatever, make sure you clean up those eyebrows before you head on vacation. I use the Benefit Cosmetic 24-Hour Brow Setter , as a gel for my brows. Next, I go in with the Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer to clean up under and over my brows. I also use this concealer all over my eye lid, since I don’t use eyeshadow much on vacation. Lastly, I use the LA Girl Brow Bestie to lightly fill in my brows. I like using a pencil on vacation, because it gives me more of a natural brow, than my normal pomade does.

Moving On To Skin

This is where things are very tedious. When I’m on vacation, I’m doing a lot of walking and exploring, along with activities, and I don’t want my face to look too oily or cakey throughout the day. After I put on my sunscreen, I go in with the Milk Hydro Grip Primer . Next, I apply the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder , to control oil because I have oily skin. Then, I spray the Mac Prep And Prime Fix+ Spray , all over my face. After that, I use that same Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Conceale r , under my eyes, around my mouth, in the middle of my forehead and the middle of my nose. I use a beauty blender to melt all of it in. Then, I use a little of the Nars Radiant Foundation all over my face. Next, I use the Fenty Beauty Match Sti x for contour. Then, I go in with the same, Laura Mercier Translucent Powde r , all over my face. I really focus on the areas where I put my concealers. After that sits for a while, I spray my face with a setting spray. Normally I use the Morphe mist, but I left it at home, so I had to use the Mac Fix+ spray. Last thing I do is add a very minimal highlight with the Black Radiance Highlighting Powder.

As For The Lips

During the day, I like to keep it simple with a gloss and liner. Today, I used the Naya Vista Lip Liner and Lipgloss. I topped it off with the Fenty Beauty Glass Bomb , for an extra shine. If it was later in the day, like dinner, I would have used a lipstick and gloss over it. Sometimes, i Just use a clear gloss with a brown liner for looks.

There you have it, that’s how I achieved this look. I try to keep a balance while on vacation. I don’t wear makeup everyday, but some days when I want to be extra fine, I will. Another tip is to try and use less products. This look lasted all day and now I’m about to spruce it up for dinner. Don’t worry my vlog of this trip will be up next Monday, so be on the lookout!

Atlanta Getaway With Family & Visiting Friends

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 22:50:07 GMT

A Quick Getaway To Atlanta Is Always A Good Idea!

Last weekend, my family and I went to Atlanta for a Christmas getaway. While we were there, we spent time with my grandparents and other family that flew in from NY and Abu Dhabi. It was really nice to see so many loved ones and just enjoy each others company. Of course, I had to meet up with my friends while I was there. One day, I went to brunch at Big Sky in Buckhead and dinner at Fogo De Chao. That same night, I went to Cru Hookah Lounge. Another day, I babysat while my family went to the basketball game, Hawks vs. Bulls. Of course I extended my flight, because I wasn't ready to come home. My day, I rested in the house and went shopping with my family. I tried a new restaurant, Beetlecat, with my friends. We had such a good time bar hopping. We ended our night at Spondivits for a late seafood dinner. Overall, my time in Atlanta was so much fun. I always have a ball when I go, it's like my second home. Hopefully, I'll be moving back soon, fingers crossed. Of course I vlogged the whole thing, I hope you enjoy watching!

*Quick disclaimer, I did have Covid when I got home. I'm not sure when I was exposed to it!

21 Lessons I Learned In 2021

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 01:10:31 GMT

Wow, another one bites the dust. Can you believe we are already saying goodbye to another year? I know I can’t. To say this year went by fast was an understatement. I feel like the year was gone in the blink of an eye. 2021 was a year of trial and error for me. I traveled over twelve times both domestic and internationally in 2021. I started a new job, got fired and found a new job all in one year. I also made my biggest luxury purchase in 2021, for my mom. I lost an aunt in 2021. I rekindled my relationship with my grandfather in 2021. I contracted Covid-19 in 2021. I jumped off a cliff in 2021. I procrastinated a lot in 2021. I didn’t complete all of my 2021, but through it all, I made it out of 2021.

2021 was a rollercoaster. This decade has been the oddest times I’ve ever lived in. Through all the ups and downs, I’m glad to say I made it to the end of the year. The last week of the year, I like to use as a time for reflection. After I deep clean my space, I like to reflect on everything I went thru in the year. Next, I like to prep for the new year, by journaling and goal setting. I set goals for each month, quarter, and the overall new year. Then, I write a letter to my future self that I’ll read on this day next year. Lastly, I pray and give God thanks for everything I overcame in the current year, and I pray over my new year. During my time of reflection, I like to think of lessons that I learned throughout the year. Some lessons I learned the easy way, but some the hard way. I’ve learned so many lessons in 2021, but today I want to share 21 lessons with you.

1. Don’t take everything so personal.

2. Stop wasting time. It’s so precious and limited.

3. Balance is important. There needs to be a time for work and a time for rest.

4. Forgiveness with a grudge is not true forgiveness.

5. Don’t wait until you get where you want to go to be happy.

6. Happiness is something that comes from within. (No one else can make you happy)

7. Making your bed every morning really does lead to a more productive day.

8. Stop putting off tomorrow what you can do today. Stop procrastinating and do it now.

9 . Always do what you say you’re going to do. (Even when you only say it to yourself)

10. Create memories with the people you love, while they’re here.

11. You can reinvent yourself at any moment. Pivot with your life or career whenever.

12. Good Friendships are just as important as romantic relationships.

13. You don’t just wake up and become the person of your dreams. It’s something you must actively work towards.

14. If someone crosses your mind, call or text them. You never know why God placed them on your heart.

15. Fresh air is good. Even if you’re in a cold climate like me, it’s good to go outside at least for 5 minutes just to get some air.

16. When something isn’t working, change the strategy, not the goal.

17. Get a good solid morning routine. Doesn’t matter if it’s a two or three step one, have some habits you do in the morning to set the tone for the day.

18. Watch your tongue. It really has so much power. Be kind to others and even yourself.

19. Putting yourself first doesn’t mean you don’t care about others or you’re selfish.

20. Save money. Having a solid savings will help you when you need it. Have multiple savings accounts. If the money is not in your checking account, you don’t have it.

21. You don’t need someone else to do things. Don’t wait for a man to go out to dinner, or a friend to go travel with. You can do things alone. Use what you have until you get what you want!

My Newest Obsession: Candles & Why I Love Them

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:53:52 GMT

The older I get the more I fall in love with scents. I’ve always had a love for fragrance, especially perfume. Back when Covid first started, I found a new love, CANDLES! I love lighting candles, no matter what the occasion is. My morning routine includes me lighting a candle in my room before I start my day. I light them all over my house actually, including, my bathroom, kitchen, and even in living room near the Christmas tree. I even light candles at my desk before I do work. If I light a candle in the morning, it’ll burn for up to eight hours. I love walking into a room and sniffing a specific scent. Candles to me, set the mood for the room.

I can’t wait until I’m in my high-rise condo, lighting different scents all around my house. At first I thought it was just the ambience of candles that I love, but it’s so much more to burning candles that I didn’t know I needed. Chryssa Chalkia said, “It is scientifically proven that scented candles can play an essential role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, working capacity, and overall mental health.” I find it incredible how scents are so closely linked to our emotions. Candles help me escape my reality. According to Discovery.com, “Scents bypass the thalamus and go straight to the brain's smell center, known as the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is directly connected to the amygdala and hippocampus, which might explain why the smell of something can so immediately trigger a detailed memory or even intense emotion.”

Candles are more than decorations. They’re great for relaxation. It’s something about having a stressful day, and coming home and lighting a candle that makes it better. Candles are a little jar of happiness. They’re so calming. In life, you have to find the small things that bring you happiness. For me, candles are my luxury that elevate my daily routine. I am all about luxury, especially black girl luxury. Who said luxury has to be expensive? To me, luxury is lighting an aesthetically pleasing candle with a unique scent.

When I think about black girl luxury with candles, there’s one brand that sets the tone. Jackie Aina’s brand, Forvr Mood, is my favorite candle brand at the moment. I have over thirty Forvr Mood candles. Every time they drop a line, I run to purchase. It’s something about them that is just different. The names of the collections are always so different. The name of each candle is witty and spot on, every single time. It’s so many reasons

I love Forvr Mood, but I want to share seven reasons why below.

1. Aesthetically please (I love gold and they are all lined with gold lids)

2. Oils are potent (The scents are so strong and smell different over time)

3. They have gift sets of four (Each collection has four and they burn nicely separate or even together)

4. You can mix and match

5. I love the story (Jackie Aina and her husband created this line and the story is relatable. Consumers love good storytelling. I love a good brand story)

6. It’s created by a black woman (Jackie Aina is a black woman who looks like me, of course I love to support.)

7. The throw is amazing (I can burn it in my room and smell it at the front door of my house)

As you can see, I love the Forvr Mood candles for so many reasons. Next time you feel anxious or stressed out, try lighting a candle. Even if it’s not from Forvr Mood, try exploring different candles. If you’re interested in Forvr Mood, click here.

BTW, I'm doing vlogmas this month, which means I'm uploading Youtube videos, every day leading up to Christmas. If you haven't been following, click here to catch up . I even shared my entire Forvr Mood collection on vlogmas day five.

Remember The Younger You

Sat, 04 Dec 2021 00:46:34 GMT

Over the weekend, I went back home to my hometown, Buffalo New York. I was there for a baby shower. The baby shower was for a friend who I met back when I was twelve or thirteen years old. At first, I was a little reserved about going, but I’m glad I did. I got to see friends from my childhood, who I haven’t seen in years. On top of that, I got to go back and visit places from when I was a kid. I saw my childhood home, and it always does something to me going back to where I’m from. Not all he doesn’t humble me, but it reminds me of the little girl who I once was. The little girl who had such big hopes and dreams and who was so fearless. Being a kid is amazing, you don’t have to deal with the doubts and fears that come with adulthood.

Being home was very nostalgic for me. I lived in my childhood house for 16 years. So when I go back and think about 60 year old me, I just member how much I’ve grown. Growth is definitely a part of life, but you want to remain true to the kid in you. When I was younger I didn’t focus on how things were going to happen, I just knew they would. I’m so happy my mom gave me the freedom to dream, with the sky being the limit. I think about me being in the childhood house and how my creativity was sore. I even had a colorful room with different color walls and a polkadot blanket. When I was a kid, I really let my creativity sore, but I didn’t care what anybody thought. Right now, I have so many influences on me. From social media, to peers, to even the naysayers, they’re all factors in my being. The goal is definitely always to evolve and grow, but while you’re doing that you have to honor the child in you. Never forget the child you once were. It is through them that you are now who you are. Maybe the dreams he was had, are now different, but there are some things you can learn from the younger version of yourself. For me, it is that anything is possible no matter what anyone says.

Spend some time remembering the younger you. Although you’ve grown, there’s still some things you can learn from them. When you’re a child, you’re a free spirit with no worries. It’s so important to keep your inner child alive. According to Kemmy D, “You lose your inner child at the point when you think that you do not need it anymore. You lose it when you succumb to the pressures of society, when you get a little too conscious, and when you think that others might begin to laugh at you.” Growing up should also mean leaving a small corner in your heart for the child you.

It's the holiday season and I have so many holiday habits and traditions that make me think of my childhood. I love watching the old ABC Family, Freeform 25 Days Of Christmas. That's something I've been doing since I was little girl. Figure out what nostalgic things you can do to remember the younger you.

Why I Quit My Job After Only A Few Months

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 17:08:40 GMT

Respect for me is required in any environment, especially at a job

I wasn't going to share this, but I thought why not share my story. Last Friday, I walked out of my job with no idea what I was going to do. I have a love-hate relationship with retail management. Although I love the fashion side of it, some of the logistics get on my nerves. I had no intentions on quitting my job, and the only reason why I did, was because I felt disrespected. It’s 2021 and employers need to understand that people are quitting their job at a higher rate. I know you see all the hiring signs around you, people are learning their worth and not staying at jobs, just for the sake of a check. Times are different, job loyalty is not as high as it once was. If you are unhappy or undervalued, find a job where you are. And when someone wants to silence your voice, grab a microphone and scream it from the rooftops. Don’t let fear or complacency keep you in a situation that is not serving you. No I’m not saying do what I did and just quit. Figure out an exit strategy so that you are not missing out on finances. Understand that all jobs will have their issues, but make a list of non-negotiable's for the work place. There are millions of opportunities out there for you.

I’m so grateful that since I’ve quit my job, I haven’t missed out on any money. I'm blessed to still be in a place to still pay my bills. I say all this to say, never sacrifice your respect, morals, or integrity for a job. Don't allow money to compromise who you are. Knowing your value and worth especially at a job is important.

Thank you for watching.

Seven Red Flags When Dating In 2021

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 17:24:40 GMT

Red Flags, signal a reason to stop. Don't miss them.

Last month, a new social media trend came in and took over. If you’re on social media, you’ve been seeing more of the red flag emoji’s lately. Black Twitter started it when they began to share funny dating warning signs following the use of five or more red flag emojis. Of course the trend blew up and had many twitter users sharing dating warnings. Since then, its evolved into something much bigger. It was simple: quote or short description + red flag emojis. The topics ranged from dating, to bad service providers, and even controversial topics. The trend got so big, even some celebrities and brands and joined in. Of course it evolved more and someone started to share green flags too. Red flags are simply warning signs you should look out for. Unfortunately, I was too busy reading all the flags to join in. It got me thinking though, when dating there are many things we ignore in the beginning. These small red flags in the beginning, tend to become bigger throughout the relationship. Today, I’m going to share seven red flags to watch out for when dating.

If you notice that many of the following red flags are true for you and your partner, it may be time to reevaluate. These are red flags for me and my preference. Everybody is looking for something different. Our red flags might not be the same. These are not in any particular order.

1. Communication.

Look at how he/she communicates with you. How is their verbal and non verbal communication. I understand everybody is busy, but it's not hard to send a quick text or make a call. Also, how he/she communicates about their exes. Pay attention to how the person you’re dating communicates when they’re upset, or even when they don’t get their way. Communication is key. How does he/she communicate their feelings or frustrations?

2. Relationships.

Look at how his/her relationship is with their friends. On top of that, how is their relationship with their family members. You can tell a lot about a person on how they deal with their loved ones. I do understand that some cases are different where families are toxic. Make sure you observe how he/she deals and acts with people closest to them.

3. Hustle.

This is big. I would hope that the person you’re dating has a job, but aside from the regular 9-to-5, what is their long-term goals? Working a job every day is cool, but in life jobs are not always guaranteed. You want to make sure the person you’re dating won’t fold if things get tough. If they lost their job today, will they know how to get back on their feet. Are they putting all their eggs into one basket? How is their work ethic? This is something to look out for.

4. Faith.

This is so important. Does the person you’re dating believe in God? Even if you two don’t share the same religion, it’s important that they understand that it is a higher power. Believing in God holds you accountable. Beware of the atheist out there. Faith is important because it's what I run to when things are tough. Also, you want to date a grateful person, not an entitled one.

5. Integrity.

How does this person act when no one is watching. Pay attention to stories that your partner tells you about previous situations. Integrity is a big thing and do you want to make sure that your morals are aligned. This also includes honesty, loyalty and truthfulness.

6. Finances.

Nobody wants to talk about this, but money in relationships is very important. How does he or she handle their money? Who is picking up more of the checks? Stay away from stingy, broke and cheap people, they're hard to date. Dating someone who is in your bracket is very important, especially when you're thinking long-term.

7. Respect.

Aretha was right, we all need R-E-S-P-E-C-T. We all want to be treated like somebody, especially when dating. It's crucial to feel heard, seen and appreciated. When you're respected by your partner, you feel safe, which builds trust. Beware of people who belittle and disregard you and your feelings. Above that, you want to date someone who respects themselves. If they don't respect themselves, it's no way they can respect you.

Many times we ignore red flags because we try to ignore our intuition. I don’t know about you, but I try to look for the good in everyone, especially when dating. Rather than face the facts, it's easy to deny the red flags and carry on. Denying red flags prevents the pain of conflict. These seven red flags are important because they're the warning signs before heartbreak. According to Dr. Wendy Walsh, "In relationships, red flags are signs that the person probably can't have a healthy relationship and proceeding down the road together would be emotionally dangerous.” With all this being said, I know it can be hard to step outside your situation and view the red flags, but it's so crucial. Take some time to identify what your non-negotiables are, that way you have clear understanding of which red flags to look out for. If you're still struggling, ask someone you trust to look at your situation. Identifying red flags and acting on them will save you time and emotions. You have to put yourself first!

Feeling Stuck Chit Chat & Get Ready With Me

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 16:01:34 GMT

October's Boxycharm Unboxing & Try On

Lately, I’ve been feeling so blah. I feel stuck and in a rut. I wanted to share how I was feeling in a new way. Here’s a chit chat, get ready with me. In the video, I discuss how I’m feeling and why I’ve been so MIA. While discussing this, we will be opening our October Boxycharm box and trying out the products. I’ve spoke about Boxycharm before, it’s a skincare and makeup subscription box. Each month you get five full sized products for $25/monthly. I love Boxycharm because I’m able to try new brands and products I wouldn’t buy myself. Some of my staple everyday products are from Boxycharm. Click here yo get your own box curated just for you.

It’s so many plans that I have for myself and my business. When I start feeling like this, I understand that my anxiety gets the best of me. I know you shouldn’t, but I always put these stipulations on myself. By the age of 24, I thought I would be living in my high-rise in a major city, having it all figured out. Sometimes, social media and society has a way of making us feel that we are behind. Today, I thought why not share the thoughts that I have with you. I know somebody out there has to be feeling like me, but I’m here to tell you that when this happens, you have to step back and log off. After I shared this video, I took the day to detach from everything. This is why you must trust God and know that his will, will be done. Everything may seem all over the place right now, but it’s all apart of your story. Your path might look different from others, but it’s yours. You are the author of your life. Stop waiting on things to fall together to become the person of your dreams, you must practice it every day. I’m not only saying all this to you, but I’m also saying it to myself. Everything is working together for your good. You might not see the progress, but look at where you are now compared to where you were last year. You have to keep pushing and understand that your time is coming. It’s not too late, what’s for you will always be for you!

Thank you so much for watching. I hope I encouraged you!

Only You Are Responsible For You

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 00:16:56 GMT

The latest craze is the new Netflix series, Squid Games. It’s their most watched show ever. It’s a “Korean thriller that adds a deadly twist to some childhood classic games all in the pursuit of a top $38 million cash prize.” It’s kind of like Hunger Games, but everyone volunteers. After seeing all the rave about it on social media, I decided to give it a try. The series had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It had many hidden messages behind it, but one that stuck out to me was how the volunteers blamed the game leaders for their own greed. The person who won the gangs, felt guilt, and rather than placing blame on themselves, pushed it on the people who ran the game. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but everybody had free will to play the games, they even signed a contract. No one was forced to stay, they even went home and many decided to come back.

That got me thinking, so many times in life we blame others for our own action, to escape the guilt and consequences. It’s easier to blame others, than to stop and take our own responsibility. By blaming others, we get to continue the behaviors that lead us is it to the problems we are blaming others for. For example, How many times have you shown up late somewhere and blamed traffic? T raffic is such an easy thing to blame when you rush into work ten minutes late. But is it really traffic’s fault that you’re late? Although traffic did play a role, the source of the lateness is you. Placing blame on other people or circumstances for your own misfortunes is a defense mechanism. When you place blame on someone else, you may be trying to justify your actions to yourself to reduce your mind’s natural inhibitions to acting in a way that is socially unacceptable. On top of that, the defense mechanism of blaming others is used to avoid facing situations that may be too challenging to handle.

Research shows that, “People who tend to look outside of themselves to place blame on others for their own mistakes tend to lose social status among their peers, have lower performance levels, and don’t learn as much when they run into obstacles in life.” I see it as a victim mentality. People often feel an unrealistic demand for perfection, leading them to blame others for their mistakes. When you play the blame game, you’re losing out on the opportunity for personal development. Taking personal responsibility as the first step in growth. How can you change your mistakes if you don’t first acknowledge them as mistakes? You have to take responsibility for your own actions. In life things are going to happen. Sometimes, those things are out of your control. The only thing that you can control is your response to the actions. When things go wrong, it’s natural to blame others, but you have to stop yourself. Try to look within and take ownership for your own actions.

Get Back In The Game

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 14:50:33 GMT

Less Than Three Months Left In 2021

Can you believe it’s already October 13th? I feel like I just woke up and we were in the fourth quarter of the year. It’s so many amazing things happening in the fourth quarter. It’s fall, holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas are around the corner. Before you know it, it’s going to be a new year. I started off Q3, July 1st, super motivated and focused, but towards the end I completely fell off. Today I took some time to look at the goals that I set for myself during the fast and at the top of the year. It’s so easy to get caught up in day-to-day, that you lose sight of what you want long term. If you didn’t write any goals for the year, take some time to write what you want your last three months of 2021 to look like. I set financial, business, and even personal goals. When it comes to setting goals, you want to reverse engineer. Start with the long term goals, which will help with the short term goals, which will ultimately set the tone for your monthly, weekly and even daily goals and tasks.

Aside from goals, how do you want to mentally be for the rest of the year. If you’re like me, and fell off, this is the perfect time to get back on track. Think about life like a basketball game, it’s four quarters in a game. A lot of times by the fourth quarter, the players are tired and on the bench. It’s time to get your spark back. Last year, the Lakers won game six and became the 2020 champions for the first time in 10 years. After losing game five, the Lakers could have gone into the new game defeated, but they didn’t. You cannot let the failures and trials stop you from finishing the game. You have to get that spark and drive you had in the first quarter back, this season. Last year, the Lakers were able to come back and win game six, because they were determined. To be determined means, "having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it.'' You have to be set on going for your goals and dreams, no matter what life throws at you.

Right now, is the time to really go for what it is that you want, because who knows what next year will bring. Stop quitting when it gets hard. Achieving goals never happens in a linear way. People expect to start a business in January and become millionaires by March, but that is not how that happens. Maybe you’ve quit your job to focus on your business, but your business is not bringing in the revenue right now to fund itself. You may need to get another job until the time is right. Sometimes in order to live your dreams, your reality has to fund your dreams, until your dreams can fund your reality. Don’t put your life off. It takes a while to figure things out. When things get tough or you make the wrong decision, you have to keep going. Every failure is step to success. If you’re not failing, that means you’re not doing anything. Maybe you set a fitness goal and you fell off. That’s ok, just don’t allow yourself to stay there. Whatever it is, it's time to get on track.

It’s time to get back in the game. Get back focused. Don’t wait until next year. Don’t throw in the towel. When you’re learning to ride a bike and you fall off, you have to get back up and try again. 2021 isn’t over! Get back focused. I talk a lot about refocusing because it's so easy to fall off. You will get tired, you will get confused, you will get defeated, BUT you can't stay there. "Pick yourself up, shake the past off. Put one foot in front of another and do it again.''

Feel Your Feelings

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 01:11:50 GMT

Happy Monday. Last week was a really long week for me. I feel like my life and emotions were all over the place, like a rollercoaster. I came back from Miami on Monday. Whenever I come back from a vacation, I get into a small funk, because I realize where I thought my life would be right now. Wednesday my fifth annual fast and detox ended and I felt so accomplished. A few other things happened too. Honestly, life was just lifing last week.

Normally when my emotions are high, I try to avoid them altogether. I avoid them by burying myself into work, or holding them in and acting as if they’d go away. Last Friday, I decided to let myself just feel. I needed a moment to myself to just cry. Feeling the feels, doesn’t only apply to sad emotions. Sometimes when good things happen and our emotions are high, we can be so focused on the next thing that we don’t feel the joy. When my fast and detox ended on Wednesday, I sat down and started planning for next year. I didn’t allow myself to sit in the happiness that I had for completing my task. Your feelings are real. Although they aren’t always facts, they are real to you. Feeling the feels looks different for everybody.

Acknowledging your feelings, sometimes can be a struggle, but it’s important. Often times I find myself telling people to get out their feelings. That’s wrong on so many levels, and I’m working on it. Last week, my pastor did a sermon on emotions. God created us to be emotional beings. The problem comes when you let your emotions take over you. There is a such thing as being too emotional, but we’re not talking about that today. Today, we are talking about simply feeling your emotions. If you need to cry and scream, do that. Maybe you’re the type who meditates and journals during an emotional time that’s cool too. My pastors sermon said that God created us to be emotional beings. He said that you need to feel your feels. In order to do so, you must first recognize them and then release them thru prayer. He said that prayer must be your first response to dealing with your emotions. Things don’t have to be going wrong for you to pray. If things are going wrong, cast your burdens into the Lord. That’s the only way to work thru our emotions.

Society has a way of making us feel bad for having feelings. Especially with social media, nobody seems to really have emotions. Nobody is a robot who is emotionless. Some people have found ways to cover up their feelings, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not there. Holding in and harboring feelings, is so bad for you mentally and physically. You may think you’re over it, when in reality you’re just ignoring it. Bad things are going to happen, that’s life. You have the right to have any feelings you feel. Don’t let anyone make you feel like your emotions aren’t valid. Make sure you’re checking in with yourself, to ask yourself how you’re doing. If you’re not honest with anyone else, make sure you’re honest with yourself. There’s nothing wrong with feeling your feelings, just make sure you don’t get stuck there.

I say all this to say feel your feelings. You are human and your emotions are a part of that. If you need to take a day to yourself to feel your feels, do that. My mom once told me, feeling you’re feelings is good, but make sure you’re talking to someone. If you can’t find anyone to talk to yet, try talking to God. He will bring you peace when you don’t even know you need it. Whether it’s happiness, sadness, joy, anxiousness, or anything, your feelings are valid and need to be acknowledged. It’s Monday, a fresh week. This is the Monday in September. Friday starts a new month and quarter. Whatever happened last week, yesterday or last month is over. Use today as a fresh start!

Day Seven Of 5th Annual Fast & Detox: Stillness

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:54:34 GMT

You did it. I’m proud of you. Look at you being a person who does what they said they’re going to do. You said you were going to stick to this fast and detox, and look at you go. I understand this has been a long week but I really hope you gained some things along the way. Maybe you discovered that you can get more done with less tv during the week. Maybe you’ve picked up a new hobby you didn’t know you liked doing. Maybe you added a new habit to your night time routine to prepare you for the day. Whatever it is, I pray you’re walking out better than you walked in. I pray you have a better prayer life, and deeper relationship with God. I pray you learned something new about yourself during this time.

I know today at noon, the fast will be over. And things will seem to be, back to normal. I want you remember how you feel in this moment. I want you to remember the joy that stillness brings. If life begins to get too out of hand, you don’t have to wait for next years fast and detox, you can silence the noise on your own. The gift of pausing is great. Taking time to stop, think, and breathe is sometimes crucial to staying sane. Practicing stillness won’t always be easy.

Here’s six steps to be still.

1. Schedule A Time. Maybe you’re like me, and you like to use your mornings to just be still, before the house wakes up. You might even like to schedule quiet time after a long day at work to be still.

2. Find A Place. I love going on the porch and listening to the noises. If the weather isn’t good, I’ll go near a window. When I’m on vacation, I like to go on the balcony for stillness. Figure out what place works best for you.

3. Set A Timer. Whether that’s five or fifteen minutes, setting a timer will keep you on track.

4. Relax Your Body. Make sure you’re sitting somewhere comfortable. I usually just sit in a chair with my eyes closed. Some people relax best in bath tubs too.

5. Relax Your Mind. This is the hardest part for me, because I always have so many tabs open. You have to force yourself to relax and not get distracted.

6. Be Present. During this time, you can’t be worried about the future or stressing over the past. Focus on right now.

I hope these tips help you. Try implementing silent time daily into your routine. Maybe you only have three minutes, that’s still ok. The time doesn’t matter, just make time do it. Just start. You need this in your life more than you know. Thank you so much for joining me for the fifth annual fast and detox. I know this next season of your life is going to be a season of clarity, breakthroughs, and increase.

Day Six Of 5th Annual Fast & Detox: Mindfulness

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:46:21 GMT

Six days in, look at you go. We only have one more day left in the fast and detox. By now, you’re cravings should be gone. You are in the final stretch. We’ve already talked about identifying where you currently are, discovering where you want to go, positioning yourself for the prayer, decluttering your life, and getting back to your why. Today, I want to talk about being mindful of your thoughts, and your tongue.

I have spoken about this many of times, but the power of your tongue is real. You speak life and death into yourself daily. The people that you share your goals and dreams with, need to uplift you. Be careful who you share the secret things with. Sometimes, other people can put their fears onto you. It’s not that they don’t want you to succeed either, it’s just that they may be more realistic. They don’t understand the dream God put inside of you. What is meant for you, everybody will understand. Telling the wrong people your goals might discourage you.

That’s not the only thing that might be holding you back. What do you say to yourself? What are those subconscious thoughts that come through your mind? Your fears show up in the things that she say. So many lies cross our lips, “I’m not good enough. This isn’t worth it. I’ll never be successful. I can’t do anything right. Everything is going wrong.” The list goes on. It can also show up like this, “I got a C on my math test, maybe I’m just not good at math.” That may seem like a realistic reaction to a situation, but it’ll lead you to a fear based fantasy, “I’ll never be able to go to a good college.” Negative self talk is any inner dialogue you have with yourself that may be limiting your ability to believe in yourself and your own abilities, and to reach your potential. It is any thought that diminishes your ability to make positive changes in your life or your confidence in yourself to do so.

Many times, I talk myself out of blessings. I already knew that my tongue had power, but I forget just how much power that is. The Bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. The words you speak and thoughts you think shape your world. You can't believe this is true for positive things and not true for negative things. What we declare, no matter good or bad, is what can come to pass. There's so many scriptures on the power of the tongue. You have to learn how to hold your tongue because, you may be the person holding yourself back. Faith and fear can not coexist. Are you constantly down playing yourself and accomplishments? Stop that. Be kind to yourself. You need to let go of any and all negative thoughts and images and bombard your subconscious mind with new thoughts and images that are positive. The problem with negative self talk is that we can start to believe it.

Today, I want you to be mindful of your thoughts and the things you say. When you hear a negative thought, ask yourself is this true. While you’re doing that, come back that negative thought with a truth. For example if I make a mistake at work and think, “You’re so dumb.” In the moment, I would stop and ask myself is this true. Of course the answer is no, and then I’ll fill it with a positive. “Nope you’re not dumb you’re a college graduate who made a mistake. People make mistakes it’s a part of life. Each mistake is a learning lesson, bet I won’t make it again. Let’s correct the error.” Being mindful of your thoughts is not easy. Talk to yourself like you’re your best friend. Remember those affirmations I had to write on the first day, go back to that list. Whenever you’re having a negative thought, pick one and say it’s yourself. I try to speak positive affirmations into myself throughout the day. If you don't know what to affirm, ask God to reveal them to you. Keep your affirmations somewhere you can visibly see throughout the day. When life gets hectic, I look at my affirmation and speak them out loud. Only one day left, you got this!

Day Five Of The 5th Annual Fast & Detox: Your Why

Sun, 19 Sep 2021 12:36:41 GMT

Everything that we do should have a purpose. I go to work every day, to get money, and to invest into my business, or to save for the future plans. It’s time to get back to the why. When you lose track of why you do things, you lose your spunk. Not only do you lose your spunk, but you lose your momentum. It’s so much going on throughout the day, it can be easy to become mundane with day to day life. Those are the times that I say get back to the why. You are on this earth for a reason. God breathed the breath of life into you today for a purpose. If you don’t know your life purpose that’s fine, but it should always be a why for what you do. Why do you work where you work? Why do you eat what you eat? Why do you go to the places you go? Why do you talk to the people you talk to? If the day-to-day things, don’t align with the plans you have for the year, why do you do it.

You see, I had to write down your long-term goals, because everything that you do today should be getting you closer to that. I look at my goals every day. I wanna make sure I’m not just doing things just because, and I’m being intentional about the life I’m living. It doesn’t have to be deep, but it has to be deliberate. I have a yearly goal of reading 10 books, that’s why I read every single day. Above that, I want to make reading a habit that I do without thinking. Every single thing you do, should have a why attached. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God is very intentional about the things that he does. You are not here for no reason, you have an assignment here on earth.

What was there one spoke about how the church had a mission statement, and they got me thinking. Before I started my business, I came up with a mission statement for it. When I start a family, we will have a family mission statement. What is a mission statement exactly? A mission statement is a brief description of a company's fundamental purpose. Essentially, it answers the question,'Why does the company exist?" This is your why. This doesn't only apply to businesses, you can have a mission statement for your life. Why are you here? If you don't have a why, you will eventually crumble in business or even life. No business can exist without a strong mission statement because it's audience/customers will be confused. I don't know about you, but once I'm confused about a company, I won't make a purchase. Let's be real, sometimes you will feel unmotivated. When you lack motivation, your why will keep you going. When things get tough and you don't want to do the hard work, the reason why you started should push you to do it any way. It's ok to add more to your mission statement as you grow but you need to have one that will remain true. Once again, not only for business should you have a mission statement, you should one for your life. Nobody is just here for no reason. Everybody has a purpose, so what is yours? It's ok if you don't know, pray and connect with God he will show you why you're here.

On top of a mission statement, you need to have brand values and personal values. Your values are a list of ways your brand promises to act for as long as you serve your chosen marketplace. That’s a promise you can’t afford to get wrong. It's a promise to your buyers. It's your non-negotiables. Without a brand values, you won't differentiate your company from your competitors. Everybody has things that they intend to do, your values are just that. Your values need to be timeless, memorable, meaningful, clear and defined, actionable, and unique. Take some time out to develop your personal and brand values. Really sit and think about it. Remember, your values don’t mean much if they’re not constantly represented by the things you do and say daily. Let’s get into today’s activity. It’s time to get back to the why. Today I want you to come up with a mission statement for your life. A personal mission statement defines who you are as a person, and identifies your purpose. It can be however long or short you want it to be. On top of that, I want you to come up with five personal values. Personal values are things that are important to us, the characteristics and behaviors that motivate us and guide our decisions. Once you come up with this two things, I want you to right it somewhere visible and hang it a place you go daily. Maybe put it in sticky notes and put them in your mirror or closet. Getting back to your why will help push you during the times motivation fades.

Day Four Of 5th Annual Fast And Detox: Decluttering

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 12:26:51 GMT

Wow, we are officially four days in. It's always hard to be disciplined on the weekends. Don't give in, you got this. First, let me tell you, the struggle has been real. I had a early flight this morning. Normally, I watch movies to make the time go by faster, but I can’t do that. So instead, I listened to TD Jakes sermons podcast. Then, when I landed, I had to go to my hotel shower and hit the ground running. Normally, for busy days, I start with coffee, but can’t do that. So what did I do? I got a smoothie from Smoothie King and kept it pushing. Believe me when I say, it was truly a struggle. I had to keep telling myself, you got this, it’s ok. I say all this to say, if you think you’re the only one struggling, I’m right here with you. That's the key to this fast and detox. Training your mind to be stronger than your body. Dana Chanel says, "I’m a slave to nothing and no one not even my own body! Most Disciplined!" That is the thing I've been telling myself all day. If you don't train your mind, you'll never have discipline which means you'll never buckle down and accomplish a goal.

It’s time to clean up your space. I don’t mean just your physical space, but that is a part. You know the saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” That statement is true for your entire life. It’s time to clean up your social media, phone, environment and whatever else needs it. It’s time to clean up shop. I’ve told you guys before, I am a hoarder. It’s hard for me to get rid of things. That’s a bad trait because I never have a room for the new things. God can’t bless you if you don’t have room. People normally spring clean, but why not do it for fall. We are entering the last quarter of the year, and a new phase of your life. You don’t want to go into the new chapter with all this organization. 1 Corinthians 14:40, which tells us that all things must be done decently and in order. It’s time to get things in order.

Decluttering lowers anxiety and stress level. A messy space equals a messy mind. Decluttering, also frees us from unnecessary distractions. Keeping your physical and digital face D clutter and organize ultimately give you more time to focus on what really matters. Less clutter equals more space. There is no need to hang onto anyone, or anything, that doesn’t bring you joy or inspiration. If it’s taking up unwanted space in your physical or digital place, it’s time to say goodbye. Clutter can distract you, weigh you down and in general it invites chaos into your life. This Jew season we are entering is going to need our entire focus. We can’t afford to be stressed over the clutter around us.

First I want you to start with your room. Get rid of old clothes and junk that’s in the way. On top of that, organize the space. Everything needs to have a home. On the first day I said, “How can God give you more, when you aren’t grateful for what you have.” Gratefulness doesn’t only show with words, it shows in your actions. If you’re thankful for your space, take pride in cleaning decluttering and organizing it. Once you finish your room, you can move on to the rest of your house. Your space should reflect the person you’re becoming. Fold those clothes that have been sitting in the basket. Wash your dishes and put them up. Vacuum the floor, mop it too. You already have to go out into a chaotic world, why not have your home be a nice and neat? Now that the house is done, it’s time to move on to your vehicle, your trunk too. If you have a office, it’s time to clean up your desk. The reason you can’t be productive at work, is because your desk is a mess.

Now that the physical space is cleaned and organized, it’s time to move on to the digital. First let’s start with your phone. Delete old contacts who you no longer use. Delete old pictures and messages that are taking up space. Maybe you have apps that you don’t use, it’s time to get rid of those too. Next, move on to your social media. Delete old posts that don’t align with where you’re going. (If you’re not ready to delete completely, archive them.) Go thru your dm and delete messages that you know you’re not responding to. Also, unfollow anyone who doesn’t motivate you or make you feel good. If you’re following someone, and their content is making you feel negatively about yourself, it’s ok to unfollow. While you’re cleaning up your phone, don’t forget to clean up that email. You’re struggling to get the good emails, because it’s too much spam and promotions in the way. Next, I want you to look at the people you talk to most. Are they speaking life into you, or are they just gossiping about the next person? Successful people understand that editing their circle is crucial. The people around you have more power than you think. Make sure you’re not giving your energy to people who don’t deserve it.

I know doing all this may feel daunting, but once you’re done, you’ll feel refreshed. We are making room for the things we say we want. Right now you’re holding on to things, but God wants you to release them so he can give you better. Here’s the thing with trusting God, you must understand that he would never lead you wrong. I know you don’t see it but he has great plans for you. Get rid of the things that are things that are taking up space. Organization is good for your mind, it brings clarity. You’re almost at the finish line, finish strong.

Day Three Of 5th Annual Fast And Detox: Position

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 01:35:19 GMT

Thank God it’s Friday. Today hasn’t been easy for me. I feel like I’ve been craving coffee more and more, especially with each Starbucks cup that passed me by. This morning my power went out, so I wasn’t even listening to music. Rather than be upset, I decided to use the quiet time to pray and meditate. On top of that, I journaled a little bit. Day ones activity really helped me to flip the lens and look at life with the cup half full rather than empty. On top of that, at work, one of our customers bought everybody lunch. I couldn’t get anything because it was Chik-Fil-A. Rather than give in, I used self control. It was hard, but I'm proud of myself.

Yesterday, I had you write down some goals and pray about them. Today, I want to talk about positioning yourself to receive the prayer. My pastor previously spoke up positioning yourself. He said, "So many times we pray and ask God for things, but he can't give them to us because we aren't in a place to receive them. We aren't quiet ready. When you're ready, you position yourself in a place to get the blessing." You've already planted your seeds. Now it's time to water them and wait for God to help them grow. The Bible says, "Faith without work is dead" (James 2:17.) Preparing for God’s blessings requires faith into action. It’s not enough to simply say you’re ready to receive God’s blessings, and yet do nothing to position yourself for God’s blessings. In order to position yourself for Gods blessings, you must:

1. Believe. First, believe He wants to give you good things! Psalm 56 says, “This I know, that God is for me.” Hebrews 11 says: “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” It’s been said that faith is the opposite of fear, and if faith comes by hearing the Word of God, then diving into Scripture & listening to sermons is your key!

2. Trust. Even when it doesn’t make sense, allow yourself to rest in His promises… He has goodness in store for you! Psalm 23 says, “Surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

3. Humble yourself. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble! If we want His opposition, we can continue to act out of our ego, or we can humble ourselves before Him and receive His grace & mercy. Repent, get right with Him, and humble yourself under His mighty hand that He may lift you up!

4. Repent. For running to things instead of Him. For judging & slandering others. For being selfish & unloving to the people He loves. For being proud & greedy, instead of exhibiting His humble, gracious & giving attitude. For not honoring God or believing His Word. When we do this, we invite His grace to flow into our lives.

5. Forgive. We simply cannot expect His grace to flood our lives if we refuse to give it to others. He Himself said so.

6. Praise Him. We often think God owes us something. He’s already given us ALL we need to live a life of godliness & victory in Christ! He also says “yes” to us when we say “amen” to His word & His promise. So why do we ask for more? I’m not talking about godly asks… but the ones that stem from an ungrateful heart. God loves cheerful givers, including when we give Him gratitude! He doesn’t wan t to spoil us when we have an entitled attitude."

For my people who are detoxing as well, yesterday you wrote down your goals, with a action plan as to how to get there. Today I want you to start positioning yourself in a place to get success. No one has intentions of being unsuccessful. However, sometimes the way we go about living isn’t conducive to being successful. Which means, we need to be better situated in our present situation in order to reach towards the destination we desire. The word “position” means the way in which your life is placed or arranged, so if your present life is a mess, what chance do you have of reaching something greater? Life isn't about faking it until you make it. It's about really doing it, so you don't have to fake it. In order to position yourself for success, you must:

5. Position Yourself With Your Words. Every word you say positions you either as a person to be considered important or as someone to be dismissed as quickly as possible. Don 't be the person who says they're going to do something but never do. Your word is all you have.

Have a fabulous Friday four days left.

Day Two Of 5th Annual Fast: Discipline

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:18:48 GMT

If I gave you a crystal ball to look into your future, do you know what you‘d see? Adults often ask children, what they want to be when they grow up? As adults, when you're looking to level up, the second step is to determine who you want to be. Not compared to other people, but who do you want to be? Some questions you can ask to get a clear answer is: What activities does this person do? What kind of food does this person eat? Where does this person shop? More importantly, how does this person operate day to day? How does this person feel and make others feel? It’s easy to say, I want a glow up, but unless you know how you want to glow up, you’re less likely to. I can say I want to be a NBA player, but if I’m never shooting in the gym, and actively pursuing it, do I really want it? Your actions must align with your words. Sometimes, we say we want things, because we see other people wanting them. That makes us think we want it, when in reality we don’t. During this silent time, I want you to really sit and think about what it is you want. Not what your parent wants for you, not what society says is acceptable for you, not what you see on the gram. I know the type of lifestyle I want inside and out. The career I want to have. The rooms I want to be in. I know the entire life of the woman I want to be, I can visualize it. Once you visualize it, it’s easier to make it happen. It’s hard to shoot for a goal, when you don’t really see it happening for yourself.

I want to take this a step further. If you say you want something, but you aren’t willing to sacrifice, or work for it, do you actually want it? If you want to lose weight you'll sacrifice time for the gym, and sacrifice money to buy healthier foods. That takes a lot of time and energy. My question for you is, what are you glorifying? How can you be asking God for strength, but glorifying man, social media or television? My major focus for this season is discipline. Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.'' Discipline is the work done on the practice field, so you can be ready for the big game. Lack of discipline will haunt you, if you don't take the time to incorporate it into your daily life. What's some areas of your life where you need to be more disciplined?

So many times, we fall short due to lack of discipline. People always want to become more disciplined in life, but miss the first step. Lack of discipline is due to lack of commitment. When you aren't fully committed you aren't disciplined. When you have a job and need money, you aren't going to not show up. Why, because you need money. When you truly want something, you commit fully to it. My activity for you today is to write down a list of five short and long terms goals. Short term goals are goals that you'd like to achieve within 6-12 months. Long term is anything after a year. Really sit and think about what you want. Remember, what you truly desire, you'll be willing to commit to, and sacrifice for. If you think you want something, but fail to put in the work for it, do you truly want it? Also, I want you to write a letter to your future self, the one you visualized. Tell the about all the work and sacrifice it took to get there, and the commitments you're setting right now. I'm giving my all to this fast and detox, because I'm obsessed with becoming the best version of myself, and I know this'll help me get there.

Once you get a clear vision of the life you want to live, you will start to be more disciplined, because you know the things that it takes to get there. Stop asking God to give you things, that you are ready to sacrifice for.

Happy Thursday!

Day One Of 5th Annual Fast & Detox: Gratitude

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:35:01 GMT

How can you want more when you're not thankful for all you have?

Can you believe we are halfway through the first day of the fast and detox. I want to thank you for joining me. This week won't be easy, but it will get easier. How are you feeling in this moment? Today I wanted to come check with you and make sure you actually are taking this seriously. First thing is make sure you are not short changing God. Write down the things that you decided to give up and actually analyze them if it's not things you do multiple times a day, try to switch it for something else. Also with this being the first day I want to make sure you are not just giving up things. The point is to use the time you usually spend doing those things to pray and glorify God, and meditate. Sit in silence and hear your own voice.

Today, I want you to focus on where you are now. You can’t level up, until you identify where you currently are. So many people are falling to the wayside because they don’t truly know themselves. What are some things that you like and dislike? What are some triggers, that cue you to act a certain way? Figure out what things make you happy. Everything is so silence now, it’s time to focus on you. Take a step outside yourself, and analyze exactly where you are now. In life, we hear so many negative things about themselves, but they aren’t true. It doesn’t matter what other people think and say about you, it’s all about what you think and say see yourself. Write out a list of five affirmations that are true for yourself.

On top of that, it’s time to change the perspective. I understand you might not be where you want to be, but you are further than you’ve come. I understand that I’m not the woman I’m supposed to be yet, but I’m so thankful I’m not where I used to be. It’s time to get back to a place of gratitude. When I flip the perspective, life seems so much more pleasant. Understand that the cup is half full, not half empty. Today, I want you to write a list of 10 things right now that you are grateful for. You can’t keep asking God for more, when you aren’t even thankful for what you have. I want a two door coupe, but I’m happy and thankful for the cruze that I have. It’s not enough so just say you’re thankful, do you take care of the things that God has already blessed you with? Do you want another house but your current house is a mess? Do you want more finances, but your current finances are in shambles? Can God trust you with more, if you can’t even handle all you have now? I like to start my morning with gratitude, because it starts me off right. It’s time for us to identify where we are, and get back to a place of thankfulness.

Blessings and favor come from gratitude. Watch how your day changes when you start with thankfulness. Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation of all abundance. No matter how crazy life is, there is always something to be thankful for. Sit and meditate on the list that you created. It all starts with your mind. You can complain about what you lack or you can be thankful for what you do have. Day one down, 6 more to go!

You’ve got this.

Life Is All About Seasons: Understanding Yours

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 14:22:16 GMT

It's That Time Again

Seasons are important. In school they teach us the four seasons of the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. They're important because it teaches us change. They have an influence on what we wear, what we eat and what we do in our free time. They also affect th e mood we are in. In ancient civilizations people observed that the sun was at different places during different times of the year. Knowing and understanding the seasons is very important. It’s just as important to know and understand the seasons of life. There are seasons of business, seasons of success and so much more. Don’t expect to be reaping the same season you’re supposed to be sowing. You can’t compare your season to the person next to you. Mattie James once said the four seasons of success are the homework season, hustle season, habit season and happen season. Stephanie Pollock said, "The four seasons of business are creation, growth, harvest and rest.'' Only you can know what season of life you’re in.

It’s important to know what season you’re in. I sometimes miss college, not because of the work, but because of the summer breaks when I would really have more free time to blog. I understand that was a season of my life, and the season I’m currently in makes me have to work harder to find free time. Rather than be upset, I give myself grace. Another example is when I have to go to my second job. I don’t always feel like going, but I remember that this is just a season. It’s ok to be anxious for your next season, but you must find joy in the season you’re in. Life is going to look different depending on your season. Personally, I want to be just blogging full time, traveling all over the world. Yet, I can’t right now because I’m not in that season. Mattie James said, “It’s important to honor what season you’re in. Don’t miss out on great opportunities, within certain seasons in your life, because you’re so busy wishing it was another season. If it’s winter and you’re complaining about how it’s not summer, you miss out on all the wonderful things that happen in the winter.” Learn to maximize each season you're in.

I know in certain seasons of life, it’s easy to get discouraged and forget all the things you want. It’s easy to give up, and feel like it’s not working. I'm here to tell you, everything is working together. As long as you continue to push every day, you are working towards the goals you set. Remember to extend grace to yourself, because you have to learn the rhythms of the season you're in. Maybe your old routine, won’t fit your new season. That doesn’t mean you should get rid of the routine, you should tweak it to fit your new season. When I went back to work full-time, I didn’t want to lose my morning routine I set during the pandemic. Rather than try to make it work, I created another one that fit my current season. Maybe you’re like me and want to workout daily, but you can’t after work because you get off too late. Rather than give up on fitness, try working out from home, or maybe going to the gym in the mornings. That’s the good and bad thing with seasons,they all come to an end. Seasons always change.

As we come to the end of a summer season, it’s time for clarity and breakthroughs. It’s time for my 5th Annual End Of Summer, fast and detox. It’s time to cleanse our mind, body and spirits as we enter a new season. Although, I’m sad summer is ending, I’m happy fall is coming. Starting tomorrow, Wednesday 9/15, at noon for a week, we will be fasting and detoxing. Anyone can join this detox, all you have to do is come up with a list of three things you want to give up. You don’t want the stress, struggles, fears, confusions, people, or things that held you down in the summer, to follow you into the fall. Make sure you think of a good list of things you do daily and that take up most of your time and energy to give up. Don’t cheat yourself, you want to give up things of value, to focus on bettering yourself, and getting closer to God. This is not only a fast for my spiritual readers, this is a detox for my non-religious people too. Detoxing is essential to having a happy and prosperous life. Detoxing cleanses you mind and body to be align with your life. This is a life detox. This is a time to meditate and hear you inner voice, get clear on your goals and to come up with a plan to have an amazing future. We are cleansing our mind, body and spirits. After the long nine months we just encountered, we need to get rid of all the things holding us back. This detox will also help jumpstart your discipline, which is essential for growth.

Starting tomorrow, at noon, until September 22nd at noon, I'll be giving up coffee, TV, (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Youtube included.) and fast food. During this fast and detox, I will share daily activities that will help you clear out your life, and get ready for the blessings coming. This is a time for silence, to meditate on hearing God and your inner voice. For the next seven days, I will be keeping you updated on scriptures to read each day and different prayers. I'll also be sharing posts daily via Instagram make sure you're following me. ( @Dymond_lashay ) I'm super excited because, this fast and detox changes my life every year. Thank you to everybody who is participating. If you're interesting, just make a list of three things and really stick to it. I will be talking to you tomorrow, remember to remain disciplined. Lets make it happen. Remember you can't level up, if you aren't willing to do the work! After all the blessings God has given you, are you willing to sacrifice things you love for him? Looking forward to another year of breakthroughs!

3 Tips For Becoming The Person Of Your Dreams

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:40:35 GMT

Self work is a ongoing journey!

Leveling up the person you are, is a very hot topic right now. So many people, especially on social media, are talking about creating the person you want to be. It’s many quotes and memes that are encouraging people to become the person of their dreams. I love seeing all the self work help, but before you can truly become the person of your dreams, some things must happen. Always remember, you have the power to change who you are. If you don’t like who you are currently, don’t just settle, do the work to change it. I have become infatuated with becoming the woman I want to be. It wasn’t until I did these three things that I started seeing a shift. It takes a conscious daily effort to build the person you want to be. Developing the person you want to be, takes focus and clarity. With these three steps, you can make it happen.

1. Get Clear On The Person You Want To Be AND Why

This step is important. You have to discover who you want to be on your own. With this step, you must log off social media and look at the plans for your life. Who do you want to be, not appearance and materialistically. Why you want to be this person is key. When discovering the person you want to be, you need to think of things like: What will he/she represent, when people encounter him/her how does it make them feel, what are her/his values, how does she/he live. It’s so many questions you have to ask yourself when working on self development. Start by looking at what type of life you want to live, and what you want out of life. I say to get off social media for this part, because it’s easy to want what you see. It’s easy to think you want this lavish life because you see the next person doing it. Try not to get caught up in the materialistic things. Really get clear on why you want to live this life and why you want to be this person.

2. Get Clear On Where You Are

After I sat down and discovered the kind of woman I wanted to be, I then looked at the woman I currently was. I pulled out my journal and started to look at myself objectively. Self awareness is really just about being aware and confident in who you are. I asked close friends to describe me. I wanted to know the good things and even the bad things. I started looking deeper into my feelings. I wanted to know my triggers, and why I reacted to situations like I do. I journaled my habits, good and bad. I wrote out my beliefs and values. I started doing daily self reflections and meditating. I wanted to be clear on who I was inside and out. Being self aware is a skill that anyone can learn, with just a little work. "When you lack self-awareness, you fail to identify what you're feeling and how it manifests itself in your daily actions. You fail to see the patterns in your behaviors and thinking. As a result, you tend to experience more negative emotions because you don't know how to better align your choices with what you want.”

3. Get Clear On What’s Stopping You

Once I became more aware, I was able to compare that to who I wanted to be, and see the gap. Maybe the person you want to be values her relationships, but you currently are a bad friend. What things can you do to change that? What new habits can you start implementing to replace the old ones. Maybe you need to declutter your house to get clarity. If you’re able to, connect with a therapist. Journal and add affirmations to help you believe you can become the person you want to be. Start doing the things the person you want to be does. Say no to anything that doesn’t align with the lifestyle you’re creating. This step is all about getting clear on what's the hurdles holding you back from being that person. Remember you become what you surround and feed yourself mentally and physically.

Self development is an ongoing thing. You should never stop being self aware and elevating. Everybody’s journey looks different and one is not better than another. Once you discover the person you want to be, your goals and plans will fall into place. It's a journey and you will need to extend grace to yourself along the way.

Solo NYC Travel Vlog

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 23:32:10 GMT

15 Hours In NYC

Guess what, I am back with another travel blog. We are going back to New York City. I love traveling to New York, if you haven’t watched my last vlog to NYC, click here. This time, it’s a little different. This time, I traveled to New York by myself for my friends pop up shop. I was only there for a day and wanted to show my experience. I wish I could have done more while I was there, but I was exhausted. I had such an amazing time, I really want to go back for longer just to explore all that the city has to offer. I thought my favorite time to go to New York was the winter, for all the lights, but NYC in the summer is everything. I really love big cities, especially near water, it just does something to me. More travel vlogs are coming. Thank you so much for watching.

I Almost Lost Myself After Losing A Job

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 23:53:14 GMT

As you can probably tell, I haven’t been blogging like I should, all July. The month started off great. I went to LA to bartend at my dad’s new restaurant. While I was there, I was trying new foods and even gifted myself a designer handbag and shoes. Not to say that material things are everything, but it felt good to be able to buy them for myself. I knew, things were going to continue to elevate from my luxurious trip. However, when I came home, everything went downhill. A few hours after I landed, my manager texted me to schedule a zoom meeting to chat the next day. It was odd, because we never talk over zoom, and I was supposed to work that day, but whatever. The next day, our meeting concluded and I was told to wait for the call for when I can return. It was strange, I felt bamboozled, but she reassured me I had nothing to worry about. The next day, our power went out, after a thunder storm. The first night, we stayed home in hopes of it returning the next morning. Unfortunately, the next morning, we still had no luck. We ended up checking into a hotel and being there for two nights. The fourth day, our power turned back on. My family, left for a trip to Florida and I was home alone. I was sitting in my room in silence and began to spiral. At this point I hadn’t returned to work in a week. I was waiting on a phone call from my manager, but that phone call never came. I began to talk down to myself. If you know me, you know I was over this job. I was ready to leave but wanted to wait until December. I always felt out of place while I was there. I felt like a failure. I felt tricked and bamboozled by my managers. How could a job that I had done so much for just leave me out in the dark. I’m a planner, I live my life organized and planned. This hiccup, was nowhere in my plans. How could this happen to me. Mind you, I technically wasn’t fired, I was just waiting in limbo. Thankfully, I still bartend three nights a week, and was able to pick up some shifts while this was happening. I felt myself mentally falling to a broken place. Even though I didn’t like my job, I had security in it. My friends had realized that I was off, and told me not to worry about it, they reminded me that I didn’t want the job anyway. Even though I didn’t want the job, I wasn’t prepared to let go of it. I felt like I was going through a storm, and it didn’t help that it was raining nonstop. I’m a person who needs some sunlight to help my mood. When it’s raining and cloudy, I tend to be in my own head. The first few days were fine, I had my mom around to push me out the house. But when she was gone I spent three days in the house literally in my own head. One day, I said to myself enough is enough, you have to shake this. The minute I stopped looking at God, and started thinking I had the plan for my life, I lost.

Rewind back to the day I had a meeting with my manager via zoom. That same day, a woman reached out to me, completely out the blue, to offer me a position at her company. I had interviewed with her last year, but the pay they offered wasn’t what I was looking for. She told me about a new position opening up, with more money. At first, I didn’t care about it, because I had that other stuff going on. It wasn’t until a conversation with my mom, that I realized the blessing in it. The same day I “lost” my job, God blessed me with the opportunity for a new one.

When I was shaking myself out of the funk I was in, I started to journal. In my journaling, I had to unpack why I was feeling how I was. I didn’t work for a week, but financially I was still good. In fact, I was still making money. I honestly didn’t love the job, so I wasn’t sad that I would no longer be working there. If it wasn’t the money and it wasn’t the job itself, why did I care so much? I looked at my short and long term goals. The job was working, although it was helping my financially goals I have, wasn’t aligned with my goals I had, so it wasn’t helping me get closer to them. During my quiet time, I realized that it was my pride that was crushed. I felt like, how could they do this to me. They were toying with me like I was a child. It would’ve been better, if they would’ve just fired me. Honestly, they had been moving weird for weeks, so it makes sense. Journaling, meditating, praying and just being still, helped me pull myself out of the dark place I was heading to. Along with having family and friends who cared about me. You have to speak life into yourself, even when you don’t feel like it.

I say all this to say, it’s ok to fall off. It’s ok to allow yourself to feel the feels, but you have to snap out of it. In life, things are going to happen, it’s how you react to them that affect you. Also, the people you have around you, can pull you up, or push you down. If I didn’t have friends to push me, I don’t know how long I would’ve lasted in the funk. Lastly, your thoughts are so powerful. You have to control what you think about and focus on. I’m happy to say, I’m feeling much better now. I started my new job, and honestly love it. I’m back to feeling like myself again. I’m operating out of a place of pure gratitude. It’s crazy how amazing life can be, if you operate out of thankfulness.

Los Angeles Vlog: 48 Hours In LA: Bartending, Shopping & More

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 15:16:58 GMT

As most of you already know, two weeks ago I went to LA for a quick work trip. I was able to bartend at a new black owned restaurants block party. The restaurant, Be You, will be opening next month, click here for more info. I bartend at home three nights a week, and I was so excited because I had no idea it would lead to this. While I was in LA, I ate at STK, did some luxury shopping and more. Originally, this was supposed to be a 24 hour trip, but of course I missed my flight and stayed an extra day. I have always had a special love for LA, the culture is unlike any other, and it just gives me the city vibes I love. This video should have been out, I’m so sorry it’s late. I hope you enjoy and thank you for watching!

Halfway Thru 2021: Reflect and Reset for Q3

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:12:49 GMT

Only Six Months Left In 2021

Happy Wednesday, today is the last day in June. It's crazy that we're already halfway through the year. July starts tomorrow and so is the third quarter. As the weather heats up and all the fun begins, don't forget to continue to push towards your goals you set in place for the new year. It's funny to me that the momentum people have in January is typically gone by March. Before you know it, it'll be January 2022, and your same goals will have carried over another year. It’s sad that, but sometimes, we lack the discipline to stay focused. Everyone at some point of their life losses focus, but you can't stay off track for too long. When learning to ride a bike, you have to fall down a couple times to learn. As a kid, after we fell down we got back on the bike. Why as adults do we not do the same. Failure is evident. It will happen, but if you're not failing you're not trying hard enough. Playing it safe never made something great happen. If failure is your excuse, push through. Understand that things will never be perfect. Stop waiting on the right time, because the time will never be right. It's so many excuses that can prevent you from going after everything you say you want.

I'm not only talking to you, I fall off track all the time. I have to refocus myself many times throughout the year. You can't always get yourself back on tack, you need to have people around you, who can hold you accountable. These people are your Purpose Partners. You need to have some people who can pull your coat tail to get back on track. Your accountability partners can't be scared of you or your antics. This person or people must care enough about you to tell you the truth and push you, even when you don't want to push. I personally, have multiple purpose partners. For example my mommy is my accountability partner. A couple times a week we both share different goals we have or things we have to do, and we have mid day check ins throughout the week, just to see how they're going. My mom isn't afraid to continuously push me, even when I get annoyed. I might not always like it, but I truly appreciate it. Also, I have fitness accountability partners. I don't like having friends who just kick it with me, but don't keep me on track. Read a book, go to the gym, create some proactive habits to help you accomplish your goals.

With all this being said, today is a good day to go back and assess where you are. Look at the goals you set in place at the beginning of the year and see what you've done. Come up with a six month plan to help get you back on track. Set daily, weekly and monthly goals. It’s the third quarter and time to get back in the game. Lastly, get you some accountability purpose partners who push you to be great. Stop hanging with friends who you can only party with. 2022 is six months away. I don't know about you, but I don't want to walk into a new year, or even this new quarter, with mediocre habits. We still have time to nip them in the butt. Don't let your 2021 goals become your 2022 goals. What new habits can you implement going into the new quarter? What areas did you lack last quarter? It's time to reflect and switch gears.

June 2021 Boxycharm Unboxing: Dare To Dazzle With Boxy

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:49:05 GMT

Omg we are in June. Which means it is officially summer. This isn’t just any summer, this is a hot girl summer. If you don’t know what Hot Girl Summer is, let me explain. Megan Thee Stallion, a female rapper, started this back in 2019, after her song debuted. Megan did an interview with Root and said, “It’s just basically about women — and men — just being unapologetically them, just having a good-ass time, hyping up your friends, doing you, not giving a damn about what nobody got to say about it. It’s about living your best life. Being you and being independent is all it’s about.” With all that being said, what better way to start off hot girl summer, than to spice things up. This months Boxycharm theme is BoxyDazzle.

If you don't know, Boxycharm is a monthly makeup subscription. Each month, you get at least five full-sized makeup and/or skincare products. They have different options: Base Box $25/month with 5 full size products, Premium Box $35/Month, with 6 full size products, and Luxe which is8 full‑size products every 3 months for an additional $24.99. I absolutely love Boxycharm because I love getting products from brands I never had before. I’m trying to build my makeup/skincare collection and Boxycharm is helping me. If you have someone like me who is starting to love make up and skin care more, you would love Boxycharm. Are used all the products in my box, to create today’s makeup look below. Now, let’s get into this box.

1.TOUCH IN SOL: Pretty Filter Glowdient Makeup Palette

“A multi face palette with gorgeous gradient shades that uses your own natural beauty to glisten, bronze, and add the perfect glow.” I used the darkest shade as my highlight/illuminator. I was introduced with this brand with Boxycharm, a few months back, and I love their products. Retails for $34.

2.BROW BAR BY REEMA: Browlights, Camera, Action Duo Brow Highlighter

“Two-in-one highlighter, featuring a velvety cream finish and another with a touch of diamonds.” At first, I thought this was a brow pencil, but it’s actually a highlighter. I was nervous because of how light it was, but it wasn’t that bad. It was nice to try something different. Retails for $16.

ACEOLOGY: Overnight Lip Mask

“This lip mask is here to give your lips that extra smoochable edge. This miracle worker will resurface your lips, boosting hydration and leaving them soft, supple, and smiling.” I started using this earlier this month, and it’s now in my night time routine. I love how soft my lips feel in the morning, after applying this at night. Retails for $19.

KVD BEAUTY: Dazzle Stick Eyeshadow

“A vegan, long-wear eyeshadow stick loaded with brilliant flecks of multidimensional pearlescence to deliver prismatic color in a flash.” I got the shade, Hail Surge. When I first opened it, I was scared. The shade is so light, but I only added a little to my inner corner and it added a pop. Retails for $22.

OPV BEAUTY: Spotlight Eyeshadow Palette

“The diverse array of shades ensure your looks stand out. Featuring the essential matte shades to create depth, from subtle golden shimmers all the way to bold blue metallic, the possibilities are endless. Created with all skin tones in mind, the formula is smooth, buttery, and highly pigmented.” BABYYYYY! This pallet was gorgeous. The colors were vibrant and perfect for summer. It even has colors for the neutral eyeshadow girls. Retails for $41.

The products in my box retail for $132. THAT’S A STEAL! You can sign up for Boxycharm and get them for only $25 monthly. Click Here, to sign up. Hurry up so we can Boxy Dazzle together!

21 Black Businesses You Need To Shop In 2021

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 03:04:44 GMT

Some Black Retailers We Can Pour Our Black Bills Into

Last year, I became more conscious of how I spend my money. I realized how much power the black dollar has and became very passionate about supporting more black businesses. Before last year, I shopped black businesses but it wasn’t as intentional. Also, like most of you know, I started a series on my platform where I interviewed over 17 black girl bosses. I've loved connecting with the ambitious and talented woman over the year. If you've missed any of them, click here to watch. At first, I wanted to share 21 female businesses, but I realized there's black men who are killing it too. Juneteenth was on Saturday and to kick off the first nationally recognized one, I wanted to share some black retailers. There's thousands of black businesses out there for you to shop. Make sure you expand your horizons and shop with them. By supporting more Black-owned companies, you can help create more opportunities for meaningful savings, property ownership, credit building, and generational wealth for black communities. It's time to close the racial wealth gap. Black entrepreneurs are breaking new barriers. There are over 2 million black businesses in the country and today, we are highlighting 21, not in any particular order.

1. Labelle Hair Collection

They have some of the best wigs and bundles on the planet. Not only do they sell weaves, they have hair care as well. The Anti Dandruff Shampoo is a customer favorite. I love their edge control, perfect to lay down my baby hairs.

2. Shade911

This is a sunglass company based out of Atlanta. They have many cute sunglasses and even face shields. Some big designer dupes can even be found on their site. I'm obsessed with there big black frames, they come in many styles.

3. Icon's Closet

A clothing brand, based in Atlanta. The owner is a Nigerian woman and she gets so many different African printed clothing. From dresses, to tops, to even kimonos, they have clothing for any occasion. I purchased this white puff sleeve from them and I always get compliments.

4. The Rachel Brand (Customs By Rachel)

The best when it comes to custom pieces. They have custom phone cases, iPad cases, stethoscopes, cups, mirrors and more. Now, they've even added slippers and pajamas to their website.

5. Keeyahri

This is a luxury shoe brand. Their shoes are so unique and cute. They have so many bold colors and textures available. Their staple gold heel is what caught my eye. Each pair is so different and bold.

6. Fovr Mood

This is a candle brand based out of California. Initially, I purchased these candles because the owner is Jackie Aina, but I truly love them. They burn for so long and each smell so different. I haven't missed a drop yet!

7. Odarias Beauty

This is a natural skincare brand based out of NY. Their brightening kit cleared up my face. I absolutely love their lip balm.

8. Shop Nichole Lynel

A clothing brand from Los Angeles. They have cute clothing for special occasions. I've purchased from them at least four times and each time I'm in love. Super feminine pieces.

9. Naya Vista

This is a all around beauty brand. They have hair extensions, jewelry, handbags and even cosmetics. I'm obsessed with their clear lip gloss. They have the fastest shipping.

10. Curl Box

This is an exclusive curly hair subscription box. It comes curated just for you each month. Brands like Cantu, Shea Moisture, Pattern and more have been inside.

11. Melita Collection

A Chicago based boutique. Sells affordable and trendy fashion and accessories. They even sell lipglosses for every skin tone.

12. Banks Beauty Boutique

This NYC based business specializes in high quality bundles, frontals and wigs. They even have glue remover and cleaner. Their boxes are super girly and unique.

13. Von J Made

This is clothing brand based out of Detroit. They sell street style clothing for men and women. The great thing is that everything is handmade and custom. Perfect for the creative individuals.

14. Manifest Your Purpose

This is a chic collection of office supplies, accessories and planning tools. I'm a sucker for cute girly office decor, and they have the best.

15. B Donnas

This Dallas based women showroom has form–fitting fashions & bold, quirky footwear, plus accessories. Their showroom in Dallas is so gorgeous. If you aren't in Texas, shop their website.

16. Brown Label Swim

A NYC risque swimwear filled one piece and two piece suits. The colors are so vibrant and the cuts are super sexy.

17. Tier

This is a street style loungewear company. They specialize in jogging suit sets for men, women and even children.

18. Genesis BoBo

Genesis is a chief and private event caterer, from Baton Rouge. On top of that, she sells her homemade sauces, seasonings and even butter.

19. Milano Di Rouge

A Philly based clothing brand which has a great motto. MDR stands for Making Dreams A Reality. They have women, men, and baby clothing. They carry everything from hoodies to t-shirts and even dresses and swimsuits.

20. Brandon Blackwood

A NYC based leather handbag company. Their focused on creating bags, totes and accessories that are trend-forward yet lasting. They’re sold in Nordstrom, and even Saks.

21. Diop

This is an apparel company that sells tops, bandanas, shorts, hats, and face masks. The prints are so unique and the colors pop. The founder is a second generation American who's parents are from Lagos.

The Importance Of Friendship

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 15:40:34 GMT

Having Great Friends Is The Key To Having An Amazing Life

One of my biggest problems growing up was friendship. If you don’t know, I’m the only child, so my friendship skills were not always the best. For years, I would cling to one friend, and when that one friend had other friends, I would fall back. I was always in girl drama, for having frenemies. I struggled with healthy friendships. I always held my friends to very high standards. One year for my birthday, I didn’t want to have family at my party, only friends. But none of my friends showed up, but my family was there. Today’s focus is not how I prioritize my family over my friends, that’s a story or another day. Today, I want to talk about why having good friendships is important.

I am an introvert, I love being alone. I go out to eat by myself, the movies by myself, I really enjoy being in my own presence. That doesn't mean I don’t love being around people too. If the pandemic didn’t teach you anything, it should have taught you, we need human interaction, no matter how old or young. I used to think, good friends are people you could hang out with, who didn’t ask you any personal questions. I had "friends" who didn't know the real me. Back in my teens, I had a lot of surface level friendships. It’s crazy because when I was a child, my grandfather tried to tell me that you can count your friends on your fingers, not including your thumbs. I thought he was crazy. I have many associates, some closer than others. I used to use the term friend so loosely, not anymore.

The power of friendship is huge. Back in 2019, I wanted to focus on my relationship building skills. It's so important to spend quality time building friendships, because healthy relationships are one of the keys to happiness. I watched one video and it said show me your friends and I’ll tell you your future. Back in the day, people always used to tell me, "You are who you hang around. Birds of a feather flock together" I never realized how true that was until I got older. The people who you spend the most time with, and talk to the most, should inspire you. I never want to be doing the best out of my circle, because it'll push me to be better. A true friend, helps you become the best you need to be.

The people in my life currently, are amazing. They push me to be better, motivate me, pray for me, and really speak life into me. I don't talk to my friends every day, we're busy, but when we talk, it's like we haven't missed a beat. My best friend, Toria, is a talented esthetician, who started her business back when we were in college. She's partially the reason I even started my blog. Being around her, it's no way I could just sit on my behind. My friend Zana, brightens up my days. She gives me blog ideas, checks me when I'm wrong, and helps me budget. My friend Nesha, is currently expecting, and still manages to be there for me. She is my prayer warrior, who checks on me to make sure I'm ok. She listens and encourages me, even when I don't know I need it. My friend Brittany, is my business friend. We talk all things business and future planning. I love bouncing ideas off her, and vice versa. I have other great friends in my life who are there for me, and who show up when I need them.

Friendship is not a one way street. All that my friends are to me, I am to them as well. The key to having good friends is to be a good friend. I didn’t get good friends, until I became a better person, which ultimately made me a better friend. I had to identify that I needed to be better. If you have no friends in your life, the problem might be you. We live in a world where it’s "normal'' to say you don’t have friends, and you don’t need anybody, but I’m here to tell you that you do. My friends are all going to be successful and have such a strong work ethic. My friends make me better just by being themselves. Being a good friend is a daily practice. You have to be actively care about other people. Sometimes I have to pull my head out my behind and remember that it’s not all about me. Become what you want to attract, with friendships. I value my friends so much, sometimes over my romantic relationships. Good friends are hard to come by, so when you have some hold on to them

National Best Friend Day was last Tuesday, and I showed my appreciation to my friends by sending them flowers and edible arrangements. Show up for your friends! The quality of your friendships is more important than the quantity! I have five incredible friends who are all in different states, ages, career fields, and more. I could call any of them and they'd be there for me and you bet, I would do the same for them. It's ok to have different friends for different things, that doesn't make them less of a friend. If your friends are not making you better, are they really your friends? Check your circle and see if you've outgrown some people. Successful people know how to edit their circle. Outgrowing friendships is normal and just because you stop being friends with someone, doesn't make them an enemy! You are the people you hang around, if you don't like it, change it!

Your Love Of Pursuing New Opportunities Is Killing Your Focus

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:27:25 GMT

The Biggest Entrepreneur Gift And Curse!

Right now, we are able to see everything that someone is doing via social media and the internet. It can be easy to see a business owner in your same field expanding and growing. It’s easy to feel as though you should be doing the same. The truth is, it’s better to focus on one thing at a time. Many people focus on the next thing, the next product, the next business, without mastering the one they currently have. Would you rather have one great product or five good products?

When Steve Jobs went back to Apple, after being gone for a few years, he said the product lines were so vast and significant that he couldn’t keep up with what they were. He said if he can’t keep up, how can the consumers. What he did was, got rid of about 70% of the product plans that were in the works. He knew that the bigger the lines, the harder to perfect the products.

The number one barrier to growth for early stage businesses, is lack of focus. As entrepreneurs, heck as humans, we try to do too many things and be everything to everybody. By doing so, we end up being nothing to nobody. As entrepreneurs our biggest strength and weakness, is that we love to pursue opportunities. We end up doing too many things at once. ESPECIALLY IN THE EARLY STAGES OF BUSINESS, FOCUS ON ONE THING. Having one great product is better than having several good products.

FOR EXAMPLE: Back in 2007, when Apple released their iPhone, they only had one phone. That one phone was better than any of other phones on the market. Other companies were releasing multiple phones at the same time, but Apple didn’t. The point is, build one great product; build one great business, before moving on to others.

Once you’ve built one great product and it’s successful, sustaining and profitable, you’ve then given yourself permission to go and do it again. The same goes for building a successful business, focus on one company first. Even if you’re in the service industry, focus on perfecting one craft before adding others another.

We live in a era where multiple streams of income is glorified, and that’s great. But how can you have multiple streams of income, without securing your main bag? You need a secure main stream of income FIRST! As a solo entrepreneur, you can’t do everything.

Make sure you always step back and look at the bigger picture. This is why, having vision and setting long term goals are important. When you have long term goals, you must set short term goals that align with them. That way, no matter what the next person is doing, you stay on track with what you want. When you don't have clear long term goals, it's easy to get side tracked and to think you need to do everything. Take a step back and look at everything you're doing. Does it align with your long term goals? Better yet, does it align with your why? If the answer is no, stop doing it! Stay in your lane and path that leads to what you want.

Atlanta Vlog: Graduation Weekend With Family & Friends In ATL

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 22:21:34 GMT

Remember when I spoke about my graduation two weeks ago? Well I'm finally sharing the vlog from my weekend in Atlanta. If you didn't already read my, Overcoming The Hurdles, The Resilient Mindset , stop and do so. I had such a good time being in Atlanta for my graduation. I was surrounding by love and positivity. Aside from walking across the stage, my weekend was full of excitement. I got to be outside with my friends and I had so much fun. I lived in Atlanta for four and a half years and never went to the aquarium. I'm happy I went with my family. The people in my life are everything! Thank you so much for watching, I hope you enjoy!

Cancun & Tulum Travel Vlog | 2021 Vacation Recap

Sat, 29 May 2021 17:36:14 GMT

A new month, a new trip. This week I went to Mexico with my amazing friends. Same group, different country. We flew into Cancun and visited Tulum. We stayed at the beautiful Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres Resort. While we were in Mexico, we did a catamaran boat and visited Isla Mujeres one day. Another day, we went to Tulum for a day of activities filled with ATVs, zip lining, horse back riding, jumping in a cenote and more. I had such a good time and I felt so adventurous!

Just some key take aways before traveling to Mexico: You're not required to take a Covid test to travel there, but it is required 72 hours or less to return to the United States. Thankfully, they have no curfew or capacity limits. It's super crowded so make sure you're masked up when going to the restaurants and bars. Also, when booking most excursions the sales tax is not included and must be paid for upon arrival.

Thank you so much for watching! Make sure you subscribe.

Overcoming The Hurdles, The Resilient Mindset

Wed, 19 May 2021 23:49:56 GMT

CELEBRATE YOUR WINS, NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL

If you met me, or discovered me in 2020 or 2021, you might not understand why this is so important. Back in 2019, I was humiliated. I was set to graduate in May, invited all of my family down, but had some of the most heartbreaking news ever. I was told three days before my graduation, that I will not be able to walk. Humiliated, defeated, and broken, I felt like it was over. Thankfully, I have a very supportive and strong family. Who wrapped me in their arms and embraced me. I’m thankful that my family pushed me to finish. I honestly think if it was up to me, I would’ve just dropped out. I was told I have to take four more classes, and then I'll be set with my degree. My family still celebrated me and uplifted me at my party, but I felt incomplete. I didn’t understand why we were celebrating, when the task wasn’t done. In 2019, I took two summer classes and two winter courses. That last semester of being on campus, I hated it. I hated my school, and I hated myself for not being on it. If I’m being quite honest I played a role in not graduating. I didn’t stay on top of my business. I had failed some summer classes a few years prior and thought they didn’t matter. When I finished my winter classes in 2019, I had my degree mailed to me. I moved back home for a year, just to gather my thoughts and get myself together. I had no idea the turn that 2020 would take. In my mind, since my school doesn’t offer winter graduation, I would walk in 2020. We all know what happened, which lead to graduation being canceled. I thought it wasn’t meant for me to walk, I already had my degree, and the ceremony that I thought I would be in, was canceled. I just moved on. ( click here to read last years post )

My 2019 "Graduation'' Party

At the beginning of this year, 2021, my school reached out to me inviting me to participate in the graduation ceremony. They explained that the class of 2020 will have their own ceremony and invited me to walk across the stage. At first, I said absolutely not. I didn’t understand the point, when I already had my degree and it’s been over a year. After a conversation with my grandmother, I started thinking about if I should. After all, I did dedicate four and a half years to getting this degree. One day I came home and just looked at the degree sitting in my mothers dining room. I thought to myself, all this work for this piece of paper. I sat and stared at it for about 10 minutes. Then I said to myself, I’m going to do it. What do I have to lose? I told my mom I decided that I am going to walk. Her response, was pure joy and excitement. My grandmother had the same joy when I told her. Unfortunately, my school only gave me four tickets for the graduation. I decided to keep it small and intimate. I wasn’t going to invite all my family, because I felt like they had already did that for me, two years prior. One night, my aunt called and asked why I didn’t invite her to my graduation. I explained how I only had four tickets and I wasn’t planning on doing anything after. She replied, “Who cares, we can do a dinner to celebrate you afterwards. Graduation in the boring part anyway, we can have a small party.” I honestly didn’t even think about having a party, because like I said, I had one already. The happiness that my aunt shared, made me change my mind. I started planning a small brunch with just my immediate family. A couple days later, my cousin called me and said why don’t you think your graduation is a big deal? I explain to her that I felt bad that I had people come down in 2019, and not see me walk. She reply, and excuse my language, “F*ck that. Life is short you have to celebrate all your accomplishments. We are going to celebrate this like it’s the first time you did it. We like traveling anyway, so it wasn’t a problem to have a vacation in Atlanta. Don’t dim your light. This is big!” After talking to her, I had a whole new outlook on my graduation. She was right, why not live it up like it’s the first time? I found the perfect brunch spot, with my floor to ceiling windows that I love. I asked my mom to get the cake that I loved, at the last party. I got my dream shoes, gifted by my cousin. We were going to do this thing big.

I headed to Atlanta on Friday night, and prepared for my Saturday morning ceremony. I woke up bright and early and headed to my graduation. When I got there, I didn’t speak to anybody, because this wasn't my class, I didn’t know them. I started to find myself falling back into the mindset I had before. Why am I here? As I was texting my friends complaining about how I didn’t know anybody, how my heel was falling into the dirt of the grass, and how hot and bothered I was, I was quickly checked. My friend said, “Stop complaining about everything, enjoy the moment. Realize where you sitting. This should motivate you!” I had to snap myself out of it. All of the little things did not matter I was here, I made it. Stacey Abrams, gave a powerful speech, and students from my school sang amazing songs. I felt proud to be sitting where I was. It was nothing but black excellence. When they called my name, I walked proudly across that stage. I felt so accomplished, like everything I had been working for was worth it. I closed the chapter of a book. I was a walking testimony of what resilience looks like. None of the problems that I had been through with my school, mattered at the moment. This was personal. I owed it to myself to walk across that stage. The beautiful thing was, those who weren’t able to attend, were able to stream the graduation via YouTube.

After I walked across the stage, I was embraced by my mother, father and grandmother and grandfather. My phone was flooded with congratulation messages and phone calls. Later that day, I had a brunch with my close family and friends. When I walked into the room, I was blown away. My mom hired a party planner to decorate the room. She arranged fresh flowers, by herself, all around and the room, and had large balloons. I was expecting a basic table, but got so much more. My best friend, Toria, brought me flowers and I was surrounded by love. After the party I went out and had such an amazing time with two of my closest friends. My friends, Zana and Nesha, treated me to dinner and more.

I say all this to say, celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small. I’m so happy I listened and walked in my ceremony. Although, I technically already graduated, walking across the stage symbolized something. It sparked something in me. I feel complete. I was finally able to do something that I wasn’t able to do before, just from being persistent, and resilient. Don’t give up and go for the go, no matter what. No matter what obstacle is thrown your way, you can do it. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you, all that matters is that you stick to it. Now I’m back in Michigan, ready to conquer all my goals. Being in Atlanta for the weekend reminded me how much and miss the south. I will be moving within a year, and I can’t wait! To everyone who congratulated me, thank you. This was more than a walk across the stage, it was a ending of a long hard story!

Don't Focus On How: Start Moving Your Feet

Wed, 12 May 2021 20:16:11 GMT

Sunday was Mother’s Day. A day to celebrate all the mothers and grandmothers out there. Not only was it Mother’s Day, but it was my mothers birthday. Last year, her birthday was during quarantine, and I knew I wanted to make it special this year. My aunt, dad, and I decided to plan her a surprise birthday dinner with all her loved ones. We picked the perfect place, ordered the perfect cake and decorated the space. When it was time to decide what to get her for a gift, I went directly to her to ask what she wanted. She gave me a list of items, and this one particular thing was at the top of her list. She wanted a YSL Handbag. Saint Laurent, YSL, is a luxury designer. The specific handbag she wanted started at $2,300. On April 21, I was sitting in my room trying to figure out what to get her. I said out loud to my friend, I’m going to buy her that YSL bag. When I said that, I had no idea how I was going to do it. I didn’t want to pull money from my savings, and I had just got done paying off all my debt for my birthday, so funds were limited.

The next morning, I said it out loud again, but to myself. I prayed and I asked God to make away for me to get her this bag. I sat at my desk and thought about ways I could get it, in two weeks. If you don’t know, I used to work at Chili’s in college. Well, not only Chili’s, I served at many restaurants for years. I called my local Chili's and talked the manager into getting me a job without training. He threw me on the floor and I worked 12 days straight. A week later, I was approached by a brand to collaborate. I negotiated them paying me upfront, instead of a net 30. When I say I was in grind mode, I was working nonstop. Every dollar that came in, I saved. I didn’t eat out, I didn’t go anywhere, I was stacking everything. A few days before her birthday, when it was time to order the bag, I saw they had a discount. 20% might not sound like a lot to you, but to me it was perfect. I ordered the bag and felt accomplished.

The bag came in two days and when I opened it, I cried. I couldn’t believe I really did it. The next day, my cousin texted me and said she wanted to contribute to my moms bag. I told her I already ordered it. She insisted on sending me some money. When she sent it, I couldn’t do anything but sit and give God thanks. Not only did he bless me with the means to get the bag, he reimbursed me for some of it. I’m telling you this story because I learned three major things from buying this bag:

1. Your tongue is so powerful. Something happens when you say things out loud, even to yourself. Not only did I say it, but I meant it, I believed it. I might not have known how, but I knew I was going to. When you say things, you need to really truly wholeheartedly believe them. Whatever goal you have, say it out loud confidently.

2. You’re waiting on God, and he may be waiting on you. So many times I pray and ask God for things, but I don’t apply any work. Faith, without work is dead. If you want God to move, you have to move. Right after I prayed, I got another job, and was actively working. I showed up every day and gave my all to each job that I had. I was showing God that I was willing to work for it. Saying it out loud, was the first step. The second step, was actively applying work. You must do both!

3. Setting goals, no matter how big or small, and achieving them, will always keep you motivated. "The act of achievement is a muscle and you must actively work it out.'' I set a goal of getting my mom the bag, and when I completed it, I loved the feeling so much, I now want to complete other goals. For example, days when I make my bed in the morning, I'm more productive. It's the first task of the day and sets the tone. When you achieve a goal, it activates something in you, which will push you to achieve more.

I say all this to say, don't be afraid to think beyond where you are now. Dream big and make goals. Whatever you want, you can have as long as you're willing to do the work.

9 Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under $100

Wed, 05 May 2021 21:43:25 GMT

Looking for last minute gift ideas for the mother or mother figures in your life?

Today we are talking about one of my favorite things to do. GIFT GIVING! Receiving gifts is my love language, and I love gifting people just as much. Mother’s Day is less than 5 days away. The key to getting a good gift, is listening to what the person says. People always say what they want, it’s up to you to remember. It’s time to gift the mothers and mother figures in your life. If you’re looking for a last minute gift under $100, I got you covered. Remember, Mother’s Day is not only for your biological mother, you can also celebrate the women who have played a motherly role in your life. Whether you’ve already bought big gifts and you’re looking for add ons, or you’re looking for a last minute gift, here’s 9 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Her.

1. Perfume

You can never go wrong with gifting someone a good scent. Some of my favorite affordable perfumes are: YSL Libre, Kilian Princess, Giorgio Armani Si, Givenchy L'interdit, and it’s so many more. When shopping for fragrances for someone else, make sure the scent smells like them and not you.

2. Handbag

I know these can get pretty pricey, but stores like Target, DSW, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Madewell have some great affordable options. Whether you’re shopping for a crossbody or tote lover, you can never go wrong with a good purse.

3. Jewelry

A good piece that everyone would love is an initial necklace. You can even get a good pair of earrings, either diamonds or gold balls. Some women love hoops. Jewelry is always a good gift option, especially personalized pieces. Bracelets are also a good option. 

4. Gift Card

This is perfect and doesn't have to be too expensive. Get her a gift card to her favorite fast food or lunch spots. Or get her a gift card to her favorite store.

5. Sunglasses

Summer is quickly approaching. If the woman is into glasses, this would be a cute idea. The good thing with these are that you can get expensive designer glasses, or affordable glasses from Target or Quay.

6. Candles

I've never met a female who doesn't like candles. Head to your local Bath & Body Works or Tj Maxx to pick up a candle she'll love. If you can, get one similar scents she likes. Forvr Mood, which is black female owned, have some of the best candles

7. Flowers

No matter how cliche it feels, women still love flowers. Gift her a couple dozen of her favorite colored flower. Some are super inexpensive and look really pretty. If you’re looking for a more expensive option, try Venus Flower.

8. Personalized Cup

Women love personalized items. Try to find a nice tumblr or mug with a cute saying that reminds you of her. Maybe even some engraved wine glasses, if she's a wine drinker. With these, the possibilities are endless

9. An Experience

This can be taking her out to a restaurant, the spa, a winery, or anything. This is a great gift because it’ll create memories that’ll last forever. She’ll remember the experience she had, specifically with you.

Stop Operating Out Of Insanity!

Mon, 03 May 2021 18:41:20 GMT

If you don't like the return on your life, change your investment!

Wow, it's the first Monday in May. It's crazy how fast 2021 seems to be going. I can't believe April is over, and May is here. For some reason, May always seems to fly by. At the start of a new month, I love to reflect on the previous month. Yesterday, I was doing my end of month check in, where I review what worked and what didn't. As I was doing that, I saw some goals that had got pushed from March to April to now May. I touched on this a little in the Anyone Can Start, But Few Can Finish blog post, but today I want to talk about changing your investment.

Nothing comes from nothing. If you want to lose weight, you work out. If you want to wake up earlier, you go to sleep earlier. We all know, you get out of life what you put in it. Why not change your investment if you don’t like the return you’re getting now? What I mean by that is, if you feel like you should be further in life, and you want more, it’s time to do things differently. I can’t go day to day doing the same thing, and mad that I'm getting the same outcome.

In March, I decided I wante d to workout consistently. Starting out, I wouldn’t prep at all to do so. I would go to sleep late, not pick out my clothes, not set an alarm, in hopes that my body would just wake up. On the next day, when I would wake up late and miss my workout, I would be frustrated and mad at myself for not working out. That cycle went on for two weeks. Albert Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Why was I continuing the cycle and thinking that the outcome would change? It wasn’t until I changed my approach to working out that I really started working out.

As I was doing my end of month check in, I realized I didn’t like the results I was getting. That means it’s time to switch the approach. As humans, we are wired to operate with routines. Even the most spontaneous among us stick to a lot of routines and habits in life. For us, it's challenging to try different approaches to the problems in our life. So when you’re making a new approach, you need to build it into your routine in daily habits. The things you did yesterday, got you to where you are today. So if you want a better tomorrow, you need to switch what you’re doing today.

It’s time to reinvent yourself. It’s time to break the cycle of insanity. Stop saying I should be here and doing this, when you aren’t doing the work necessary to get you there. Confucius said, “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” The goal isn’t the problem, the things you’re doing to get me there are. Just take a step back, and come up with a better plan to reach the goals you set. Create a different morning routine. Switch up the habits you do every day that are not getting you closer to the goal.

It’s time to go for the go. Think about the person you want to be a year from now, and create daily habits that will get you there. Success is in your routine. It’s already May. Don’t wait until December to realize you wasted a year in insanity!

Careful Not To Be Ungrateful

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 23:30:24 GMT

You Might Be The One Blocking Your Blessings

Yesterday, after work, I was counting money and on the phone with my friend, Zana. After I was done, I said, "That's it?'' Instantly, I caught myself. How dare I disrespect God, by slapping him in the face after he blessed me. I was acting like an ingrate. First of all, I asked God to make $100, and he blessed me with $140. Secondly, he didn’t have to give me anything. Third, that’s more than I had when I woke up in the morning. MOST IMPORTANTLY, HE DIDN'T HAVE TO GIVE ME A DIME! I had to quickly repent and apologize for my inappreciativeness. My friend even checked me. I love how my friends push me, and hold me accountable. She told me I was acting like a spoiled brat, and how everything God gives is a blessing.

To be honest, God doesn’t have to do anything, I don’t deserve it. I’m not the best Christian, I sin daily. It’s not because I’m so cute, it’s all because of God’s mercy that I have any and everything. This morning as I was praying, it was still on my heart. I did some reflecting, and had an epiphany. If I show ungratefulness with money, what other areas of my life have I been ungrateful? Our tongues hold so much power, we speak life and death. I was standing in the way of my blessings. If I don’t appreciate the things I have now, why would God bless me with more?

I want to operate out of a place of gratefulness, in all areas of my life. Each day is a blessing. Everything God has blessed me with is a gift. I had to think, how would I feel if I gave someone a gift, and they turned around and said, “That’s it!” I would never gift that person again. I’m so thankful God is patient and gives us grace. Be grateful for every second of the day. Be careful what you say and think, your ungratefulness may be the thing standing in the way of your blessings. God loves a grateful heart.

As I was reflecting, God revealed these things to me: If you’re wondering why you’re questioning your new prayers, go back and review your old ones. How can you be blessed with new things when you don’t appreciate your old/current things. Be grateful for where you are right now, you’re further than you were. I prayed for where I am. I can remember being in college begging God to help me finish, he did that! I have to check myself sometimes. It's easy to get caught up in wanting new things, that you forget all that you currently have. I'm thankful God always grabs me, when I get beside myself.

What are three things you're grateful for now?

Unboxing April 2021 Boxycharm Box | First Impression & Try On

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:28:21 GMT

April Showers Bring Sweet Treats, Let's Get Spring Glam

Can’t believe it’s spring already and we’ve officially entered the month of April showers and sweet treats! Today's video is an unboxing of my Boxycharm April 2021 box. The theme is BoxyTreats and it includes some perfect products for a sweet creative makeup look. In the video, I try all the products and give my honest opinion. Boxycharm gifted me this box, but all opinions are my own. Here are all the products mentioned (click each to shop): Eloise Body Illuminator , Touch In Sol Primer, Terre De Mars Cleanser , Laura Geller Lipstick ,

Natasha Deona Ayana Palette. Thank you for watching. Sign up for Boxycharm, click here.

Anyone Can Start, But Few Can Finish

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 01:02:09 GMT

Do The Things You Said You Were Going To Do

Have you ever started a new diet, went to the store and bought all the right stuff, just to fall off two days after? Maybe you got a business idea, bought a planner, started researching and never picked up the business? All of us have started things that we have not finished. In the beginning, we are excited and motivated about this new thing. Once you realize all the work that it will take, or you get busy with day to day life, it’s easy to fall off. Starting things, although it takes some courage, is the first step. The real beauty is when you can consistently do things and finish. Just think about, how many New Year’s resolutions are started at the top of the year, and by February, people forget all about them. Once a good feeling about it is gone, and the motivation fades, that is when it really matters. Discipline is doing the things that you don’t want to do, in order to get the results that you ultimately want. We live in a culture where it’s glamorized to start things, but nobody talks about finishing them. Research shows that people who struggle with starting things, struggle even more to finish them. 32% of people who start reading a book, never make it past the first chapter.

I’ve even struggled with this. Just recently in December, I purchased a course that was $2,200. This course was from my favorite blogger, Mattie James. At first I was super excited for the course, and couldn’t wait to start. After being, two chapters in, I started procrastinating. Months went by, and in April, I realized I had never finished. I started to look at other areas of my life, and saw the same pattern. I had to take some time to research and learn how to break the cycle. I came up with a strategy to help me stay consistent on doing the things necessary. Relying on motivation to keep you going, will hinder you from pushing towards your goals. When the motivation fades, you need to have habits and daily practices to help you continue working towards a goal. Simply put, do the things you say you're going to do.

Why is it so hard for us to do the things we say we are going to do? I know for me, I'd say, “Tomorrow I’m going to do XYZ.” By the end of the next day, I’d look up and did nothing. I researched why that was and learned something that was groundbreaking. Often times, w e don’t do the things we say we are going to do because we are afraid to fail. In this instance, you start the business, but you make a mistake. Rather than see that mistake as room for growth, we take it as maybe it’s not meant for me. The rule of success is not talent, it’s consistent effort over time. You’re going to make mistakes. If this is the thing holding you back from finishing, you just need to switch your thinking. Rather than thinking that every hiccup you come across is failure, see each challenge as one step closer towards success.

With all that being said, how do we break the cycle of starting but never finishing? How can we start to follow thru on the things we say we are going to do? Here's my four steps towards breaking procrastination:

1. Strategize The Completion.

Sit down and really map out how it's going to get done. I love breaking down large goals to small baby steps. What are the things you can do daily to push you towards the goal? Write a plan of action.

2. Watch How You Speak

I don’t know how many times I’ve talked myself out of doing the work I had to do. I’ve talked myself out of working out, because I say I’m too tired and will do it tomorrow. Be mindful of the things that you say to you, it’s pulling you away from completion. What you say will become your reality. Saying things like, I'm too lazy or I can't, will ultimately trigger your mind to believe it.

3. Stop Using Time As An Excuse.

Why put off things you can do today to tomorrow. Prioritize the things that need to get done each day. I bought this new day planner, and it helps me prioritize three things each day. Truth is, everything is not a priority. Look at your long term goals and prioritize the things that get you closer to them. You have time, whether you have to get up early or stay up later, you can make time.

4. Set A Time Limit.

The reason why I struggled to finish the course, was because I didn’t have an actual deadline. I could finish the course whenever I wanted to. What I learned is, when I have a goal with a specific deadline, I’m more likely to get it done. If you don’t have the accountability to hold yourself, reach out to a friend or family member and let them know that you plan on finishing some thing on a specific day and ask if they can follow up with you to make sure it’s done. I call these people accountability partners. I have a few.

These steps helped me break the spirit of procrastination. Once I started applying these steps, I saw a change in my follow through and completing of tasks. It's time to finish what you started. Make a promise and plan to finish one thing you started this week! The time is now!

A Bold Yet Feminine Style Top You Need

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:50:45 GMT

I'm currently trying to transform my wardrobe. I want to add better quality pieces and grown pieces, if that makes sense. As I continue to grow and evolve as a woman, I want my closet to reflect that. I'm 24, with no kids and an amazing body, I want to dress more feminine. As most of you know, I'm obsessed with off the shoulder pieces. I’m so happy that the temperatures are finally rising, because I can start wearing them. Unfortunately, it’s not warm enough, here in Michigan, for me to start wearing dresses, but I have started wearing off the shoulder tops. They can be dressed up or even down, I just love how versatile they are. They are bold yet feminine. Many designers have been releasing off the shoulder tops for years. It’s one trend from the 1960s, that will never go out of style. They are now called, Bardot Tops, because Brigitte Bardot, a French style icon, was known for making them popular.

Whenever I’m wearing something that is off the shoulders, I feel so feminine. I could be wearing a loose-fitting dress, but once my shoulders are out, I feel so sexy and pretty. Whenever you are in need of a dose of feminine fashion in your wardrobe, pick you up a casual off the shoulder top. The flash of skin elongates the neck and creates a look that is both flirty and fun. These tops are flattering on most body types, and can be found almost anywhere. I love wearing off the shoulder tops to brunch or any daytime event/activity. I pair mine with jeans or even a skirt, with a cute pump or sandal. In the picture below, my top is from Frame, but this similar style be found on ASOS, and many other stores. Next time you're out shopping, pick you up a Bardot style top.

I can't wait to continue to build my new wardrobe with new pieces for the spring and summer. I will definitely be bringing you along the journey.

Aruba Vlog | Birthday Trip Recap | 2021 Travel

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 01:10:07 GMT

One Happy Peaceful Island

This is my first time traveling out the country by myself, well without my mom. I went with my two friends and their friends for a girls trip getaway to Aruba. The island was so beautiful and the people were so nice. The hospitality was incredible. While we were there, we went snorkeling, had a boat ride, explored the island, shopped and had nonstop laughs. I can't wait for another girls trip. I brought in my 24th birthday right! I left feeling relaxed yet exhausted, but overall blessed.

Just some key things to keep in mind: You must take a Covid test before you go and before you come back. Also, Aruba has a curfew at 9pm and all bars, restaurants, and stores must be closed by then. If you stay at an all inclusive resort, it typically stays open later than the curfew. So it's best to stay at a good resort with A LOT of amenities.

Thank you so much for watching, I hope you enjoyed! More travel vlogs are definitely coming in the future.

Spring Cleaning: PURGE YOUR CLOSET

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 21:51:22 GMT

OUT WITH THE OLD & IN WITH THE NEW

We are five days into April. Which means we are officially in the second quarter and my favorite season, Spring! I love the spring time for so many reasons. First and foremost, I'm an Aries and my birthday is April 9th, but I'm celebrating all month long. Also, Spring is so refreshing to me; more sunlight, longer days, and the weather isn't too hot or cold. Spring to me, represents new beginnings. Whatever happened in the first quarter is over, it's a new chapter and time to get back activated. Go back to the goals you set for 2021, it's not too late to refocus.

I know you've heard the term, Spring Cleaning. It's a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the often hectic seasons of spring and summer. People take some time to clean out their homes, offices, cars and so much more. I’m a hoarder, so it’s hard to me to let go of things. I have stuff in my closet from middle school. Whenever it’s time for me get rid of things, I always make up excuses as to why I should keep them. NOT ANYMORE! I had been putting off cleaning my closet, car and even desk for months. I always tidy up, but it was time for a deep clean. 

I made it a priority to take spring cleaning seriously. I was going to PURGE my closet, no matter what. Last Saturday, I went thru all my clothes. If I hadn’t worn it within the last two years, I threw it away. That included shirts that had holes, my favorite denim jacket I over wore, and so much more. I always say I have nothing to wear, but when I buy new things, I have nowhere to put them. In order to get a new wardrobe, I had to purge my old wardrobe. I did the same with my shoes. It was so hard for me to let go, but I did it anyway. After I finished my closet, I moved on to my desk drawers. They had been junky since I first got them. I went to the container store and picked up some organizers to get things in order. After a few hours, I got things to look how I wanted. Everything had a home. Lastly, I moved on to my car, it's always junky. I took a garbage bag and purged my trunk. I had shoes, broken umbrellas and so much more stuffed into it. Then, I took my car to a car wash, for a full detail. I will never allow my car to get that dirty again.

As I was spring cleaning my spaces, I started to think about how I can deep clean other areas of my life. This year, I’m really trying to transform my life from the inside out. I want to be more like the woman of my dreams. So many times, we hold on to things that no longer serve us, including: relationships, friendships, situations, habits, and more. Sometimes, holding on is causing more damage than just letting go. We say, we want this new life with new things, but we have a problem letting go of old things. If you’re a hoarder like me, you may be holding on to dead things. That could be a friend who only calls you to gossip, or a habit of sleeping in too late. Only you know the dead things in your life, that are stopping you from moving forward.

Take some time to purge all areas of your life. Purge your phone and socials, if you need to. Purge your closet and diet if you need to. Think about the woman or man you want to be, compared to who you are now. What things, do you need to get rid of, to get you closer to becoming that person? For me, I wanted to change my closet completely, but didn’t have the space. I had to make room for the things I want. I wanted to be more healthy and fit, but I had to let go of my habit of sleeping in and missing my workouts. It’s time to take inventory of your life. Spring is the perfect time to refresh and reset. It’s time to clear space for your blessings. Carve out some time to spring clean all areas of your life!

Jamaica Vlog | Vacation Recap | 2021 Travel

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 23:36:11 GMT

A Small Island With A Big Heart

This is my first time traveling out the country since Covid happened. I had such a good time visiting Jamaica, for the first time. I've traveled internationally before, but this time was different. I felt like I was traveling home, and the islanders were my people. Everything was in English, the service was top notch and I was in paradise. I'm already booking my next visit, which will be in August. I went to Jamaica for my cousins birthday. While I was there, I went on a catamaran tour, rafting in the river, snorkeling and so much more. I'm happy to have vlogged all of it. All of the excursions, were completely outside of my comfort zone, but I'm so happy I did them. I definitely recommend you visiting Jamaica, if you have the time and money. Just some key things to keep in mind: You must take a Covid test before you go and before you come back. Also, Jamaica has some strict curfew times until April 13th, so it's best to stay at a good resort with A LOT of amenities.

Thank you so much for watching, I hope you enjoyed! More travel vlogs are definitely coming in the future.

The Power Of Friendship

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 23:36:21 GMT

"Show Me Your Friends And I'll Show You Your Future!''

I'm very picky with who I surround myself with. The older I get, the more I understand how everybody shouldn't be around you. Personalities, habits, traits, and words, rub off naturally. You've heard the saying, "You are who you hang around.'' THAT'S THE TRUTH. People you choose to associate with determine a lot of where you're going in life. Be selective with who you call friend.

Two weeks ago, I went to Atlanta to visit some friends and get some personal things done. While I was there, I rested and really took some time to be grateful for my life. I am in a season where I'm surrounded by people who are doing amazing things. My best friend, Toria, has an amazing lash business in ATL and is currently in school to become an esthetician. My trainer, Jiyan, just launched her academy, which is her community of diverse empowered women who make fitness a lifestyle. For the past year, I've been training virtually with her. We've built a relationship where she pushes me, not only in the gym, but in my personal life too. My hair stylist, Jenifer is a working mom who is helping her son with virtual learning. On top of that, she has a beautiful home and is killing it in her career. Being around these three women while I was in ATL, activated me to go harder. When I came home, I revisited my goals and made a plan to achieve them. I got back to waking up early and reading daily. I was inspired after being in their presence. The conversations were different. Each of them asked me, "What's new with you? What's the goal you're working towards? What is it that you want?'' These questions are important. If nobody is holding you accountable how will you get better?

Not only are the women in my life great, I have some male friends who are really going after everything that they want. Being around people who are crushing their goals, is so motivating. The power of having a strong circle really pushes you to be the best version of yourself. I’m at a place in my life, where I am really selective of the people I’m giving my energy to. In my past, so many people would suck the energy out of me but not pour into me. Having a strong circle, whether you talk to them every day or not, will have you making better life choices. People say, "Millionaires hang around millionaires.'' That quote is so true. Who you hang with and spend time with is who you ultimately are and want to be. You shouldn't be the most successful person in your circle.

I’m able to learn from my circle. I love how my friends and family can call me out when I’m doing something crazy, or making bad decisions. That’s the greatness that comes when your circle is really on another level. Everybody around me is elevating in their own lane, getting their own bag and focused on growth. We aren’t having petty arguments, drama, gossiping, or any of that. When you change the people that you hang around, your conversations are different. Once the conversation shift, your mind will ultimately shift. My friends and I have goals that we are trying to accomplish, so we are moving a little differently. I only want to be around people who are inspiring me.

If I'm around my friend, Toria, we don't even have to discuss goals, I see how hard she's working and it pushes me. The crazy thing is, we don't speak every single day, but when we speak or link up, I leave better than I came. Just seeing her booking clients drives me to go harder. I remember her starting her business and to see where she is now, shows what hard work can do. My hairstylist doesn't have to talk about all the moves she's making, I see it when I'm in her presence and it inspires me. Sometimes, it's not all about talking about it, but doing it. The people around me, are DOING IT, and it pushes me to do it. I feel lazy if everybody around me is working and I'm doing nothing. Be selective of who you are around, because their habits will rub off on you. The power of friendship and networking is real. Friendships are important, but make sure your friends look like your future.

Five Red Lipsticks For Brown Girls

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:52:35 GMT

Nothing More Powerful Than A Brown Girl In With Some Red Lipstick

Red lipsticks are such a statement. They're bold and feminine, yet still powerful. Lipstick colors have bigger symbols than you think. Some women of color feel like they can't wear red lips and I'm here to tell you, THAT'S A LIE! I don't know who started the lie that red lipstick is unflattering and loud on brown women, but it needs to end. Red lipsticks come in all shades, so no matter what undertones you have, there is one out there for you. Celebrities like Gabrielle Union, Tyra Banks, Brandy, Rihanna, Nia Long and more, have been seen rocking red lips on carpets and at events. When a woman wears a red lip, it means she is powerful and empowered. I had to go to a family funeral last week, I felt the power of red lipstick. It gave me the strength I didn't know I needed. There's so many great red lipsticks out there. I have tried quite a few myself. I wanted to share just a few of my favorites. Here's five of my favorite red lipsticks for black and brown woman. They aren't in any particular order.

1. MAC: RUBY WOO

This has been out for years. I remember wearing this color to my junior high school homecoming dance. The shade first released back in 1999, and has now become one of their most iconic colors. It's a vibrant color that goes on creamy and dries down matte. It's described as a cool toned medium dark blue/red shade. This lipstick is flattering to almost every shade!

2. FENTY BEAUTY STUNNA LIP PAINT: UNCENSORED

Fenty Beauty just doesn't miss. This liquid lipstick is one of my all time favorites. It's such a universal shade of red. It's a soft matte color that has little transfer when worn. This lipstick is so pigmented and can be worn all day. I've even worn this color as a lip liner. This shade was released back in 2017, and has been a fan favorite.

3. THE LIP BAR: BAWSE LADY

This isn't my first time talking about this brand. If you remember, back on National Lipstick Day, I shared five of my favorite colors from The Lip Bar. I didn't include this one, because it's one of their top sellers, so it was harder for me to get my hands on it. It's such a rich red color. When you apply this lipstick, it will last you all day, without smudging. The price is super affordable and it can be purchased at Walmart and Target.

4. KYLIE COSMETICS: RED VELVET LIP KIT

Many people have said negative things about Kylie Cosmetics, but I am a fan of her lip kits. I own four of them and love the pigments. The lip kit comes with the liquid lipstick and lip liner. I personally match my lipsticks with darker liners, so I wear them separately, but I still love it. I get the most compliments with this bright red lipstick. It's described as a vivid warm red. The formula is super creamy and doesn't dry down.

5. ROUGE DIOR: 999 SATIN RED

This is the most hydrating red lipstick I own. It stays put and can be worn for a long period of time. This shade has coral undertones, which make it perfect for any skin complexion. I made this my special occasion red. Dior is such a luxury brand, when I wear it, I feel fancy. It's a little pricey but it's also refillable, which is why if you can splurge, it's nice to have.

Interview With Confident Spiritual Girl Boss Deija

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:24:49 GMT

Meet Deija, a spiritual hippie, who is also an intelligent black woman who is confident and highly intuitive. Her brand Spirit Scape is a black owned business that promotes self enriching activities that will elevate divine energy. She sells sage and goddess baths, and spiritual sprays and more for those individuals interested in elevating their energy. Deija started her business in August of 2020, after her mother and best friend pushed her to because of how informative she is.

In today's interview, we talk about how she started her spiritual journey. We also discussed some of the misconceptions people have with spirituality vs. religion. Deija also shared how she started her business with no money. She even answered all of the questions you guys sent in. One of the biggest takeaways I had was how important it is to be mindful and how it all starts with you. Make sure you do the inner work. I hope you enjoy this interview. Whether you agree or disagree with Deija and her practice, it's definitely something you can learn from this interview.

March 2021 BoxyCharm Unboxing And Try-On

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 00:45:43 GMT

Let's Get Lucky With The March 2021 BoxyCharm Box Together

Guess what just came in the mail? The BoxyCharm March 2021 makeup box! This months theme is Lucky, in honor of St. Patrick's Day. As usual, with the base box, it came with five full sized products. The retail value of this months box was $121, that's a major steal. Out of five of the products, I had only used one brand previously. I love being able to try new products, especially because the brands were all new to me. In my box, I received, Too Faced Mascara , Lavish Wet Brush Cleaner , Kab Lip Oil , Maven Rose Water Setting Spray , and the Lime Crime Venus 3 Eyeshadow Palette . Overall, I enjoyed this months box. My favorite item was the Kab Lip Oil. I loved how hydrating it made my lips, I will definitely be using this on the daily. What are you waiting for, sign up for your own BoxyCharm subscription now. This box was sent to me, but all opinions are my own.

Don't Lose Sight Of The Goals & Dreams You Want

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:48:05 GMT

WHAT DO YOU WANT?

I love to use the first of every month to reflect on the previous months. I'm constantly doing self inventory. I look at habits, and traits that helped me get closer to my goals and dreams. Not only do I celebrate the wins, I also look at the things that I struggled with. I struggled with consistency and self discipline in February. My lack of self discipline lead my to be inconsistent in many areas of my life. I had a real conversation with myself to identify why I struggled with it and what I need to change moving forward. Being on vacation, really allows me to connect with my inner self and gain clarity. Especially when I'm surrounded by people who are focused and crushing their goals.

This year, I'm really trying to elevate my life from the inside out. Everybody says, "If you want better, you have to do better." Meaning, it ultimately is up to you. It's so easy to lose sight of the dreams and goals you set, but you can't! I had to write my short and long term goals on a white board in my room so that I can see them daily. Don't let your current season or job allow you to become stagnate. I found myself falling off and I had to come up with a plan on how to get back focused. I came back home back activated and ready to kill it. I had a quick chit-chat with myself to get back focused, and recorded it for the video above. If you find yourself getting comfortable, you have to snap out of it. Go back to those goals you once wrote down, go look at your vision board, don't lose sight of the things you want. Do the work and they will come! It's ok to slow down, but don't stop chasing your dreams, no matter how far they seem. Shake that lazy spirit off and get back to the grind!

NYC TRAVEL VLOG: Mobb Bawse Pop Up Shop | Hanging With Friends | Looking At Apartments

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 01:33:17 GMT

Last weekend I went to NYC to surprise my friend at her pop up shop. Remember my interview with Brittany from Banks Beauty Boutique? She had her first pop up shop in Brooklyn. It was ten local vendors from all different industries. While I was in New York, I shopped, linked up with some friends from my hometown, and even looked at this high rise apartment. The vlog is a little choppy and all over the place, but it's still good. Thank you so much for watching, more travel vlogs coming soon.

Month Of Love Featuring Boxycharm

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:42:01 GMT

The month of love is quickly coming to an end. I couldn't let the month go by without sharing this months Boxycharm box. If you don't know, Boxycharm is a monthly makeup subscription. Each month, you get at least five full-sized makeup and/or skincare products. They have two different options: Base Box $25/month with 5 full size products, and Premium Box $35/Month, with 6 full size products. I love Boxycharm because it's the gift that keeps on giving. If you're like me and always wanting to try new products, but unsure of where to start, this is perfect. To get started, all you have to do is take a beauty quiz, so they can learn you a little better. You get products curated just for you. Even if you're new to the beauty world and wanting to learn about products this is perfect for you. The products come from so many different type of brands, including Tarte, Too Faced, Nars, Mac, Marc Jacobs, Pur, Huda Beauty, Becca Tacha, Milk, Hourglass and so many more. Each month, Boxycharm creates a theme and has products that goes along with it. This months box theme was, Boxy Xoxo. I used all the products in this box to get today's face. This box retails for $178, but is only $25 monthly.

1. Saturday Skin Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask

This is a lightweight mask that works while you sleep to deliver moisture while targeting the look of aging, dullness, pores, stress, and texture. It refined my pores just after one night of using it. This was my first time using a sleep mask and I loved how it made my skin glow. The next morning, my face was so soft. This retails for $29.

2. Getaway Eye and Face Palette

This eye shadow palette includes six shadows, a blush and a highlighter. It has four shimmer eyeshadow colors and two matte colors. All the shades are in the brown/gold warm tone family. The colors are super pigmented. I wish it had a darker shade in it, but I still enjoyed it. The blush wasn't overly pigmented but it got the job done. My favorite thing with the palette was the highlighter. This retails for $36.

3. Glamierre Pink Luxe Glitter Eye Brush Collection

This is a set of four eye brushes and they're made of duo-synthetic fibers. They're pink with glitter hearts that move around when you move the brush. I personally loved the aesthetic of these. They were super soft. This set retails for $29.

4. TRÈSTIQUE EYE DUO: MASCARA + EYE PENCIL

This is a mascara and eye pencil.On top of the mascara, it's a eyelash curler. I was nervous about trying this, because I've never used an eye curler before, but I thought it was cool. I have lash extensions, so I could only use it on my bottom lashes. I did use the eyeliner as a base for my eye shadow and it helped define my outer crease. This retails for $44.

5. Saint Luxe Beauty Limited Edition Liner Duo

It comes with two lip liners. Secret Admirer, which is a chocolate brown, and Love Letter which is a nude/pink color. These lip liners were so creamy and easy to apply to my lips. I love brown and nude liners, both of these shades were perfect for my skin tone. This set retails for $40.

Interview With Strong Motivational Mompreneur Brittany

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 23:51:24 GMT

Yesterday Was The Last Day For Excuses! Make Time

Meet Brittany, a mompreneur. Who is the owner Shade911 LLC. Her company, is an e-commerce eye-wear brand that focuses on providing affordable everyday accessories to on trend women. Brittany started her business three years ago, with $500. Since then, she's built her business by marketing, vending at pop up shops, networking, and more. We met a few years ago, while we both worked at Nordstrom. Since then, she's quit and now is a full time entrepreneur. Shade911 sells sunglasses, blue light glasses, face shields and even wholesale. Brittany is also hosting a business seminar March 21st, in Winston-Salem, NC. Brittany is the queen of pop up shops. She has attended and been a vendor at various pop up shops. On March 1st, she's releasing her ebook, "How To Pop Up At A Pop Up Shop.''

Aside from being a mom and business owner, Brittany is also a motivational plus size influencer. She uses her Instagram, ( @HerCurveDiaries ) to motivate people with daily quotes. She also shares her fitness journey. She just started her 100 Day Jump Rope Challenge. This challenge is to help people get their bodies moving for a healthier life. In today's interview, Brittany shared how she built her business with her tax money. She also shared tips for juggling being a mom and running a business. Brittany shared knowledge for everyone. Whether you're a business owner already, thinking of starting a business, or a mom who wants to follow her dreams, this interview will motivate you.

Get Out Of Your Head, Just Do It

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 01:18:29 GMT

Last week, I finally checked some things off my to do list. These were small things that I had been putting off so long. I put them off, because I thought they would take more work than necessary. For a while now, I’ve been wanting to change some things in my room,(ie my comforter and add wall decor,) switch my bathroom, and unpack from my trip. One evening, I decided I’m going to get up and do it. It didn’t take half as long as I thought it would. I always dread unpacking my bags, and switching shower curtains. For some reason, I always think say it's so much work, but that's wrong. I was procrastinating on switching my comforter and adding my wall decor, but now that I have I absolutely love it. The thing with procrastination is, what starts out as one day, ends up being two days, which leads to weeks, and so on and so forth. Once I completed the tasks and realized how procrastination and my brain have hindered me from completing simple tasks. If thats the case for small tasks, what does that look like for bigger tasks.

So many times in life we count ourselves out because we think it’ll be too hard or it'll take too long. That very thing that we are procrastinating on, could be the one thing that will take us to the next level. For example, every morning when I wake up for the gym, I have thoughts like, I just don’t feel like doing it and why not just sleep. If I decide to give into those thoughts, I won’t wake up and do my work out. But, if I push past those thoughts and force myself to get up anyway, I feel so refreshed. Once you start completing tasks, it’s like you can’t stop. When I check things off my to do list, I feel so accomplished. That’s why psychologist say, making your bed leads to a productive day. Think of some things that you have been putting off. Things that your brain told you, you don’t have time for. Make yourself a promise to tackle one of those tasks tomorrow. No matter how big or small, completing a task always makes you feel good. Make sure you keep track of all the tasks you are completing throughout the day. That way you have a sense completion. On days where I know I did a lot that I needed to do, I go to sleep not wishing that I did things differently. I sleep so much better.

Remember that you have the power to control your thoughts. It might not be easy, but try to combat whatever negative/lazy thoughts you have, with positive ones. When I start to feel myself having lazy thoughts, I begin to affirm my day. On mornings when I feel sluggish, I say things like, “Today is going to be a great day. I will crush my goals today. I will push past my feelings and go after everything I want today.” Some days, I have to say them over and over and over. Say it until you believe it. I promise you, the more you say it the more will. I even have to say affirmations throughout the day. When I start to feel lazy spirit, I have to combat it. I even give myself rewards for completing tasks. If I workout for a month straight, I promise myself to buy $200 worth of new workout clothes. If I'm on time for work for a consecutive week, I treat myself to a nice dinner on Sunday. Find what incentives you can give yourself for completing tasks.

Get out your head and go tackle those things you have been putting off. Nike said it best, "Just do it.''

Interview With The Impressionable Wig Slayer Nisha Of LaBelle Company

Sat, 13 Feb 2021 01:01:09 GMT

Understand That In Life, Timing and Preparation Is Everything

Meet Nisha (The Wig Slayer.) A New York based wig maker who started her hair company back in 2016, after having a dream from her grandmother. Nisha started selling hair extensions in 2016. It took her some time, but she got serious about her business in 2017. Since then, Nisha has invested in many business seminars and wig classes. She has expanded her brand, LaBelle Hair Collection, into the LaBelle Company. Nisha first launched a Anti Dandruff System which includes a shampoo, conditioner and oil treatment. Next, she released a Curl Care System for curly hair, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner and a leave in conditioner.

Nisha has also evolved into a luxury wig maker and educator, who specializes in color. Back in 2017, I reached out to Nisha via Twitter dm. I had no idea of the friendship that would come from a collaboration. Four years later, we have created a bond where I support her and she does the same. She’s included me in hair shoots, we went to Bronner Brothers, Hair Show, together, and so much more. Once Nisha, stepped out of her comfort zone, her business began to shift. I can’t wait to see all the success she has coming.The LaBelle Company continues to grow and evolve everyday. In today's interview, Nisha shares the backstory on how she got started and created her company. She also shares tips for finding your target audience and marketing to them. Nisha dropped so many gems on building a successful company. I hope her story inspires you to step out of fear and get serious about your business.

5 Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day When You're Single

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 19:35:14 GMT

Well it's that time of the year again. The stores all have teddy bears, and candy all out. Everybody is asking for flowers and edible arrangements. This is the one time of the year where, it seems like almost everybody is booed up and all of a sudden in a full blown relationship. Some people are taking extravagant vacations, while others are having home date nights. While I scroll on social media I see so many girls and even some guys, almost begging for a Valentine to fly out the sky. People even reach out their ex or people they haven't spoken to in months just to try to get a date for February 14th. Valentine's Day is one of the most overly commercialized holidays there is. It's supposed to be a day to celebrate love. I've even seen people break up with their partner, because of the gift they received on Valentine's Day. People equate love to gifts and money, when that's not what it is. Don't get me wrong, I love receiving gifts, but I won't allow society to make me feel bad about not having special plans for the day. Let's not forget, it's the middle of a GLOBAL PANDEMIC, which impacts how we date. If you're freshly out a relationship, a satisfied single, or casually dating, this post will help you. Here are five ways to celebrate Valentine's Day when you're single.

1. Buy Yourself A Gift

Whatever you can afford, the size of the gift doesn't matter. Maybe it's something you've been eyeballing. Make yourself special by being your own valentine. The gift you're craving from someone else get it. Every other week, I buy myself three dozen roses. It's my form of self care. It's a small gesture, that makes me feel special. Maybe it's gifting yourself dinner from your favorite restaurant.

2. Go On A Mini Vacation

I love traveling alone, it's so relaxing. If you can't afford to go somewhere expensive, try driving to the closest city or state from you. I love being in nice hotels and just new scenery. If you don't like traveling alone, grab our friends and hit the road. Make sure you're being Covid safe and following protocols.

3. Kick It With Your Friends

If you're unable to travel, call up your closest friends for a night in. Get some snacks, order some food and watch movies. You can even play games and just have fun. When you're feeling low, being around people who make you laugh, is so important. If you're in a state that's open, go have some Covid friendly fun. Maybe try a new restaurant, or do an activity like bowling, indoor skydiving or skating.

4. Create A Me-Day

Make a list of all of your favorite things to do. Try to spend Valentine's Day weekend checking off those things. Do all of your favorite things, eat your favorite foods, and just treat yourself. Nothing is wrong with taking yourself out. You can call it a "Self Appreciation Day." Even If you want to lay around and binge watch your favorite shows and eat junk food DO THAT.

5. Journal/Meditate

Be grateful that you're still alive when so many people aren't. Be thankful you're not in a toxic relationship or with someone who doesn't value you. So many people are in unhappy relationships because of fear of being alone. Speak life into yourself, and reflect on all the things you love about you. Take a nice bubble bath, light some candles and have a day to reflect and be grateful for the season you're in now. Remember, no matter how hard you think you have it, somebody out there is doing worse than you. Appreciate each step of the way.

Embracing Your Self Love and Confidence

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:46:33 GMT

"Does My Sexiness Upset You?" - Maya Angelou

Getting to a place of loving yourself whole heartedly is amazing. Some people take longer to get to that place than others. Some people never reach that place. But whether you’re a man or woman, you have to have self love. Self love looks different for everyone. Self-love will boost your inner confidence, which wIll show in your life. Getting to a place of loving the skin you’re in, will help you embrace your femininity, sexuality, truth, and even the things you don’t like about yourself. Having self love, will boost every aspect of your life. When you are confident, that shows in your work, personal life , fitness, relationships and in every aspect. Everybody has a greatness within them, but only a few people get to a place of realizing it. When you're confident, you value yourself and do whatever you want. You don’t answer to anyone or have to explain yourself. There’s this freedom you’ll come to be obsessed with when you get to that point. When you’re confident you quit. Quit the job that doesn’t make you happy. Quit the relationships that aren’t going anywhere. Quit the life that makes you feel trapped.

Last week, Chloe Bailey, the singer and actress from the Sister duo ChloexHalle, started her own Instagram and broke the internet. She posted some videos on Instagram and some people felt some kind away. Keep in mind Chloe is a 22-year-old woman, who is embracing her femininity. For years, she’s been a Disney actress and singer who was seen as a perfect little girl. Now she's embracing her inner woman, and people are feeling uncomfortable. Late last year, the sister duo released a new album that was more “sexy,” than fans were used to. In a recent interview, Chloe and Halle both said, “As we evolve as young woman, the music will evolve with us. We are normally very private with our personal lives, but now we want to show and share more of who we truly are.” They are at the place where they want to shed their innocent image. When asked were they ever nervous on how people might react to the change, Halle said, “Nope we’re going to what our hearts desires. If we’re growing into who we are as women and want to post ourselves and look beautiful doing it, then that’s just fine.” Both Chloe, who is 20, and Halle, who is 22, have great self love and are exuding confidence as they grow from young girls to young woman. I hate how society tries to box you into one thing, confidence will push you out that box.

Many times when women begin to embrace who they are, they receive backlash. People, men and women, assume they want attention. Owning who you are, has nothing to do with the outside world. When I feel cute and sexy, I take pictures and share it with my followers. It's just a part of my own path to self love and acceptance. Being confident allows you to share who you are, without caring what the haters say. Embrace your own sexuality and step into your confidence. That is what happens when you have true self love. It's a journey.

This isn't only for women. Men also go thru a period of embracing who they are. Men embrace their inner masculinity. I love seeing a confident man. Getting to a place of accepting all of the good and bad self traits, is key. I understand that nobody is perfect and it's always important to work on becoming a better version of you. BUT you have to love you for where you are now. If it's something you don't like about yourself, work hard to change it. I can dislike my stomach AND still love myself. Start your self love journey today, speak life into yourself. Find one think you love about yourself. Once you start, you'll learn that you have many things that make you unique. Step into your confident highest self.

Chit-Chat About Love Languages AND How To Find Yours

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 23:42:51 GMT

Let's have some girl chat. Go grab you some wine or a drink and let's talk. You already know how much I love talking about the five love languages. I decided why not make a video discussing it. Thank you for watching!

5 Ways To Wear A Basic White Bodysuit

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 22:57:13 GMT

Happy Wednesday! As you already know, I absolutely love bodysuits. I own so many different styles and colors. During the winter, I like to wear basic pieces and layer them. We've already discussed the Seven Body Suits You Need In Your Closet, now it's time to talk about how to style a basic white bodysuit. The five options I'm going to share can be paired with any style white bodysuit. For today's discussion, I'll be styling a Basic White Crewneck Bodysuit , from Boohoo. I was thinking of pieces you may already have in your closet to pair, to complete the look. The good thing with this bodysuit is that it can be dressed up or dressed down. Even if you're in a warmer or colder climate, you can make it work.

Click To Shop: Skirt, Bodysuit , Bootie , Jacket

First up, this is such a edgy yet chic look. At first I didn't know if I was going to like it, but after trying it on, I absolutely love it. I paired the white bodysuit with a bright silk midi skirt. This red skirt is currently on sale at Target. Honestly, you could do any color, but I loved pairing it with red, because Valentines Day is approaching. Even if you have a printed midi skirt, like polka dot or cheetah, it'll still look good. I added some black booties from Pretty Little Thing and a leather jacket from Nordstrom. Adding these leather pieces turned this from a corporate look to a edgy look. I could wear this on a date, out for cocktails or even for work, depending on the setting. If you're somewhere where the temperatures are lower, add some tights.

Click To Shop: Joggers , Bodysuit , Sneakers

This second option is perfect for a casual day. I love throwing on looks like this when I'm running errands and on chill days. Especially since quarantine, COMFORT is a must. This is even the perfect outfit for a day in of relaxation. This time, I paired the bodysuit with a pair of black joggers from Boohoo and some sneakers from Louis Vuitton. You could pair this with whatever color joggers you have at home and your favorite sneaker. I literally wear this outfit with every bodysuit I own at least once every week. Add a scarf and jacket if you're in a colder climate.

Click To Shop: Skirt , Bodysuit , Boots

Up next, this is my go to look for mini skirts. I love wearing mini skirts and thigh highs all fall and winter. It's such an easy look, but super cute. I paired this with my pink zipper mini skirt from Target and some Steve Madden over the knee boots. Since the bodysuit is white, you can pair it with any mini skirt in your closet. If you're not a fan of snakeskin, pair it with a black boot and accessorize. If you want, add a colored or flesh tone tight. I picked this mini skirt because it is corduroy and added some texture to the look. This is the perfect outfit for a night out with the girls or brunch.

Click To Shop: Jeans , Bodysuit , Jacket , Boots

Of course, I had to pair this bodysuit with some good ol bluejeans. I picked some jeans from Express, that have rips in the knees. Then, I added some leather to add a little pop to the look. I added some studded leather boots from iKrush and a plan leather jacket from Wilson Leathers. This is a good chill outfit. I would wear this to run to the small or grab a quick bite to eat. You could even wear some heeled leather boots to dress the look up.

Click To Shop: Pants , Bodysuit , Shoes

Last but certainly not least, this is one of my favorite outfits to wear. I wore this look a few months ago for a dinner party and loved it. It's a little too cold here in Michigan for me to wear now, but if you're somewhere warmer, definitely put this look together. I paired the bodysuit with some jogger styled cargo pants from, Uniqlo and some strappy heels from Ego. If you watched my shoe haul, you know how much I love these shoes. You could even belt this look to make it pop. Since I can't wear my toes out right now, I would wear this look with a bootie.

Unboxing January 2021 Boxycharm Box

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:50:27 GMT

Monthly Makeup Subscription: 5 Full Sized Products For $25

It's a fresh year, watch me create a fresh face. Today's video is an unboxing of my Boxycharm January 2021 box. The theme is Fresh Start, and it includes some perfect products for a natural everyday face. In the video, I try all the products and give my honest opinion. Boxycharm gifted me this box, but all opinions are my own. Here are all the products mentioned (click each to shop): Farmacy Deep Sweep Pore Cleaning Toner , Apple + Baume - Glow Lip Mask , Pur 4-In-1 Tinted Moisturizer , Violet Voss Olive You Forever Palette , Trust Fund Beauty Lipgasm Unprofessional. Thank you for watching. Sign up for Boxycharm, click here.

Five Lessons From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 22:48:56 GMT

There's So Many Lessons We Can Learn From This Extraordinary Man

Every year, the world pauses to honor the life of the incredible Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although we all know this is not his actual birthday, on January 18th, we stop and acknowledge him for all the greatness that he has done. He was an activist, minister, humanitarian, and leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Thanks to him, we now have made large strides towards equality for all people. Thankfully now, we still have access to all his incredible speeches. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has made an impact on everyone’s life. Thanks to him, we now have opportunities that we would have never had without him. He had a dream that was bigger than him, and actively worked towards it. He faced many challenges and adversities, but he was resilient. Today, I wanted to show my gratitude by taking time and discussing five lessons learned by Dr. King.

1. Have Unwavering Faith

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase." -Martin Luther King Jr,

Dr. King had so many problems, but rather than worry, he always prayed. He had a clear vision, and even through adversities, he kept his faith. He taught us to never stop believing! Dr. King always put God first. Whenever he was facing trouble, he looked to God. By keeping God the head of your life, you will have peace. Nobody saw his dream, but he had faith that it would come true.

2. Be Resilient

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Things will not always go your way. You have to be willing to keep moving forward, no matter what happens. On the road to following your dreams, you’ll get knocked down thousands of times. It’s ok to slow down, but you can’t give up. You can’t be defeated. You have to keep going. Do it scared, do it broke, no matter what do it.

3. Love Out The Hate

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

God tells us to love thy neighbor, and Dr. King truly did that everyday. He loved people who hated him. Even after being beaten and spat on, he still chose to love. It’s so hard to not match people’s hate with hate, but it’s better to love the hate out. The same way God loves us, he expects us to love others, no matter what. Choosing to love is always right, although it may be difficult.

4. Fear Is Inevitable

“Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

So many times, we think we will wait until the fear is gone to go after what we want. The truth is, fear will always be there. Courage will come, once you do it anyway. You may think Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was fearless, but he had fears too. The only difference was, he decided to push through anyways.

5. Create The Life You Want

“A productive and happy life is not something you find; it is something you make.” - Martin Luther King Jr

We don’t just wake up one day and have the life we dreamed of. It takes work each and every day to build the life you want. The things you do today will affect your tomorrow. Be intentional with the life you live now.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an incredible man. He was so ahead of his time. He prophesied the world as it is now. There’s so many things that you can learn from his life and legacy. If you have some time, study some of his speeches and work that he did. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

“If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Importance Of Learning Your Love Language

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 21:00:19 GMT

The Five Love Languages Are More Important Than You Think

For years, I've been obsessed with love languages. I first discovered them back in 2016, when I first took the test. The whole concept of people receiving love differently was genius. Since then, I've shared the topic with all my friends and family. If you have no idea what love languages are, let me explain. Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book in 1995 about how people both perceive and show love in different ways. He categorized these 5 ways as: receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch. He also has a quiz to discover your primary love language. I've always wanted to read the book, but it was never the right time. I finally purchased the book, after seeing it on sale at Hobby Lobby. In just nine days, I completed it and I'm forever changed. I thought I knew all there was with the five languages, but the book took it deeper. Love languages are actually not only for couples. They're valuable for any relationship where you care for how the other person feels.

Discovering your own primary love language is so important. Some people know their love language immediately, and others will have to really reflect to find it. What makes you feel loved the most? The first step to finding your love language, is to look at how you love others. How do you show love to your friends, partner, or family? Second, reflect on what you complain about the most. In previous relationships, I would always complain about not needing a holiday to get a gift. I would also always complain about them doing things without me asking. That was when I discovered my primary love language of receiving gifts and my secondary love language of acts of service. If you still haven't discovered your primary love language after doing the first two, try to visualize your ideal boyfriend/girlfriend. Your idea of the perfect partner should give you some idea of your primary love language. Lastly, think about your childhood. How did your parents show love to you? If they didn't show love how you wanted, how did you want them to love you? Once you discover your primary love language try listing them out from most important to least important. Push come to shove, try doing a process of elimination. Once you're done, click here to take the love language quiz to see how your answers match.

In regards to romantic relationships, contrary to popular belief, the obsessional "in love" phase doesn't last forever. After the "in-love" phase ends, (1-2 years after the initial relationship) the real love comes in. In order for that to come in, you must chose to love that person. Choosing to love a person requires effort and discipline. This is where the five love languages come into play. One of my biggest struggles in past relationships, was pushing my love language onto my partner. I would gift them just because gifts and go out of my way to do things that I knew they would like. Of course they liked it, but it wasn't relaying the message of I love you, because it wasn't their primary love language. For example, if your primary love language is quality time, and someone is gifting you every week, but always working, although it would be nice, wouldn't show you that they love you. Discovering your partners primary love language is CRUCIAL. It'll most likely be different than your love language, and will take work to do, but it will make your partner happy. It's so easy to try and love our partners how we want to be loved, but you can't do that. Some people think that if they love their partner how they want to be loved, it'll make their partner start loving them that way, but that's not true at all. I recommend, taking the love language test and sharing your results with your partner. If you're into leisure reading, try reading the book for a deeper explanation.

Love languages are so important. Choosing to love someone in their love language, might not come naturally, but will make a huge impact. What happens when you try to speak English to a person who speaks Chinese? It's a disconnect. The reason your relationship might be off, could be that you're not speaking each others love languages. After reading this book, my eyes have been completely opened. It's crazy how for some people, their love language will even go back to their childhood. Growing up, my mom loved me with all five love languages and the ones that always stood out were when she would buy me a gift and do something for me. I encourage all parents to love their children with all five love languages, because it'll teach them how to love others who have different languages. Dr. Gary Chapman has other books about love languages, and I can't wait to read them all. I love watching people take the test and having that aha moment.

Choices And Decisions Make Us Who We Are

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 21:20:19 GMT

Earlier this week, I shared my new word for 2021, intentional. Every January, we talk about how great the year ahead is going to be and how it’ll be the best year of our lives. You can say it all you want, the only way to make this year a great year, is by your choices. Our life is defined by choices, good and bad ones. Sometimes, we make the wrong decisions and we have to push through anyway. You can not harbor on your choices, but you can make better ones in the future. Last year, I made a lot of choices, some that were worse than others, but in the end it is how I navigate the choices that define who I am.

Last week, I watched a sermon by Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts, of The Potter's House at OneLA. She spoke about living and navigating thru life, on a tightrope. The bridge between where we are now and who we want to be might feel like a tightrope. That tightrope, will include challenges, distractions, hardships and much more. God will always give you strength to endure it. One of her key points that stood out to me was about our choices. There is a direct connection to our choices and where we are going or not going. Pastor Sarah said, “It is our choices that are the bricks and tools that build the bridge to where we are headed. I can tell where you're headed by the choices you’re making today. You have to ask yourself if you like the bridge in which you’re headed. If not, it's time to change the decisions you're making.” This resonated with me because, often times, we don’t think about how single choice will have a longer impact. Me choosing to be lazy today, is impacting my future life tomorrow. Everything is a choice and each choice has a positive or negative consequence. My choice to work out today, will have a positive consequence in the future. In that same instance, my choice to eat McDonald’s today, will have a negative consequence in the future. If you start to think that every choice has a direct consequence, you will start making decisions differently.

Pastor Sarah also said, “There are some people who made some decisions about 2021 and in making those decisions, they’re making different choices, because they recognize that the only way they’re going to get to who God has in mind for 2021 is if I make a decision today. I can’t postpone it, I have to make a choice today that’s going to get me there.” This year, I decided I was going to be intentional. Being intentional requires daily choices to get me there. Whatever word you set in place for 2021, will require the right choices each day. You have to be mindful of the choices that you make. You are not going to wake up and have the life of your dreams and be the person that you always wanted to be. You’re going to have it, because you build it by making the right decisions. It’s inevitable that sometimes we will make the wrong decisions. We can not sit and regret those choices, we must continue pushing forward. Forgive yourself, and don’t let the bad decision consume you. In life, making decisions can be hard, but making a decision, right or wrong, is better than making no decision. Don’t get so hung up on making perfect decisions, that you procrastinate on making any decision. Failure is inevitable, but face it head on. We are human and we will all miss the bar at some point. It’s not all about making the wrong decision, it’s about what you do after you make that choice.

Every day we make thousands of choices, some smaller than others. You’re free to choose on your own, but you can’t choose the consequences of your choices. Good decisions are key ingredient that make your life successful, effective and productive. Once you realize the power of your choices, you will be more conscious with the choices that you make. Below, I added a Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts sermon. If you have time I really urge you to check it out because it is a good one. Remember, you and only you are responsible for your life choices and decisions.

Creating A Word For 2021 Be Intentional

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 00:27:04 GMT

3 Steps To Picking A Word For The Year : Lessons From Kobe Bryant

It’s a new year and I like to start off my year by picking a word to define it. Picking a word for the year helps bring focus and clarify. I find it better to set a word instead of new year resolutions. When you pick a word, it helps you create a mantra to help guide your daily actions and become a better version of yourself. By selecting a word, it doesn’t stop you from specific hopes and dreams. Instead, it supports them by allowing yourself space to grow and make adjustments along the way. Claire Diaz Ortiz said, “Pick one word that word that imbues the type of year you wish to have, and a word that can serve as a guidepost for what you want in the year to come. One simple word that will help you decide between X and Y, and help you remember what’s important when you find yourself in an endless loop of Facebook/Twitter/Email checking you can’t get out of.”

When I first started thinking about what word to pick, I first started by reflecting. I went thru my journal and reflected on last year, and asked myself questions. The second thing I did was visualize. I sat and thought about how I wanted my year to be, and how I wanted to live my life daily. Next thing I did was wrote a list of words that came to mind. I wrote down about fifteen words, and then narrowed it down to my top three. I couldn’t pick a word so I said I would pray on it. The next day I watched the documentary about Kobe Bryant, amuse. After watching it, I had no doubt in my mind about the word to pick. My 2021 word will be intentional. Greatness doesn’t happen by accident, you have to be intentional with the things you do daily. This year, I will be intentional with everything I do, no matter how big or small. After seeing the documentary, I learned how by being intentional Kobe Bryant was able to continuously crush his goals.

Kobe made the choice to be a master of his craft at a young age. He wanted to be the best of the best and was willing to sacrifice in order to get there. He didn’t want to just be the best of his generation, he wanted to be the greatest of all time. Kobe was intentional. One thing he did was studied the greats. Not only did he study the known basketball players, he studied all of them. He was intentional about being a great player so he was willing to put time into it. At 18, he decided not to go to college and to focus on his goal of going to the NBA. By doing that, he was able to put all his time into working on his skill. Kobe intentionally manifested playing for the lakers. As a kid he would imagine himself in a Lakers jersey. He studied to learn everything about the team. He was willing to do the work to make that dream a reality. Kobe was mentally preparing himself for his dream of leading the team to a victory.

Kobe was also intentional about pushing thru failures. When he first got to the NBA he would rarely get play time. One play off game, when he got in, he shot all air balls. Rather than going home and crying about it, he went to his old high school and shot all night. He let out his anger by practicing and getting better. When the time came for his team to play that team again, he was better and made sure he was prepared to redeem himself. Lastly, Kobe was intentional about being the best leader. He wanted his team to all have his grit, fight and competitive spirit. He did that by pushing them each day in practice.

Kobe was always a student of the game, even when he made it to playing with the lakers. He became one of the greats by being intentional. Kobe was able to be intentional once he got clear on the vision. That’s exactly how my 2021 will be. I’m intentionally becoming the woman I’ve always dreamed of. Clarity in the vision accelerates the goal. Take some time to discover what your 2021 word is. Add it to your daily affirmations and watch how your world changes.

Interview With Phenomenal Detroit Baker

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 23:02:39 GMT

Focus On Perfecting Your Craft, Everything Else Will Fall Into Place

It's a new year, which means it's time for new girl boss interviews. I started this series last year, and many of you seemed to really enjoy it, so I had to continue it. Today's girl boss is someone I met, last year around this time. Meet Alexis, who is a baker based in the Detroit area, creator of Sweet Creations By Lex . I connected with her when I was looking for my cake for my boyfriend. I had a specific design in mind, and she brought it to life. Since then, she's made three other cakes for me, and we've stayed connected. I follow her on social media and love seeing her growth. When I was looking for my next person to interview, I knew I had to get her on.

I hope you enjoy watching my interview with Alexis. Her story is so inspiring. She's only been in business for less than four years, but has made a name for herself. Not only does she design cakes, she also makes pies, puddings and chocolate covered strawberries. If you're interested in booking with her, click here . Thank you Alexis, for chatting with me and being so open!

The Struggle Of Getting Back To It

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 20:25:06 GMT

7 Tips To Overcome Post Holiday Fatigue

The holidays are officially over. I can't believe we're six days into the New Year already. On Monday, I got back from my four day vacation in Houston. While I was there, I completely detached. I wasn't worried about posting on my social media or even my blog. I allowed myself to be completely in the moment. When I got back, I was exhausted, but the good kind. I had such a good time away. I wanted to allow myself a day to just recuperate and get ready. At first, I felt bad about giving myself the FIRST Monday of the year off, but after a while, I got over it. Tuesday, I slept in a little, but I pulled it together. Today, I got up at 5:30am, worked out, responded to emails and planned this weeks content. I am back and ready to conquer all 2021 has in store.

Getting back to work was very hard. I felt the fatigue from the holidays, both Christmas and New Year's Eve. All I wanted to do was lay in my bed and watch Netflix. I kept talking myself out of getting up and doing any work. After weeks of celebrating and being with loved ones, it's time to get back to the normal routine. After days of dragging my feet, I finally mustered up the strength to get back to it. Here's how I did it. (These aren't in any particular order)

1. Tidy Up

My desk was covered in clothes and pillows, I couldn't see the tabletop to get anything done. I was overwhelmed just by seeing my work station so junky. I took some time to really clean and organize my work space. Starting with a clean slate can help your mind focus on the tasks you have planned.

2. Write A Detailed Plan

Who wants to wake up and not know what to do? In my detailed plan, I shared steps to reach the goals I had set in place. These goals weren't all huge, some were as small as working out for 30 minutes. Set some goals and some action steps to get you there. It helped me to write a daily to do list, so I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

3. Share Your Goals With Someone You Trust (Surround Yourself With Productive People)

My mom is my purpose partner who holds me accountable. After two days of me being home and slacking off she came to me. She said, "Still not back to work after the holidays, huh?" That small statement kicked some fire in my behind, because she knows what I want in life and sleeping all day won't get me there. Having someone to hold you accountable only is annoying when you're not doing the things you need to do. Also, all of my friends are super productive. When I get on social media, and see them working, even if we aren't in the same field, it motivates me to get to work.

4. Watch Videos Of What You Want

Let me explain. On Tuesday, I felt so sluggish and didn't want to get out of bed. While I was laying there, I started watching Youtube videos of people doing apartment tours. If you don't know, I want a high rise 3 bedroom condo in a major city, with floor to ceiling windows. After watching two of these videos, I jumped up to get showered and headed to my desk. I know what I want and I'm willing to do the work necessary to get me there. Seeing it, pushed me to get up and get working so it can become my reality.

5. Put Some Clothes On

I love loungewear and being in my pjs all day, but it's something about when I get dressed that helps me be productive. Once I put on real clothes, I started to get things done. It's really true, dressing for success is key. When you look good, you feel good. I read an article about a man who dressed in a lab coat throughout medical school, and it helped him stay focused. Dress like you're where you want to be, and watch your work follow.

6. Plan Something To Look Forward To

I'm obsessed with traveling. I started planning my next trip and it gave me something to look forward to. If you can't do a trip, plan something you love whether it's a spa day, a party, visiting family, or just having some me-time. This will give your brain something positive to focus on and can help overcome depression and post-holiday lethargy.

7. Meditate

Listen to your inner thoughts and focus on your breathing. Shut out the world, just for five minutes and you'll get a boost of energy. Go for a walk if you can, being outdoors refuels me. Meditating is a great way to charge your focus and gain creativity or clarity.

I hope those seven tips help you get back to work on the dreams you want to make a reality. If you feel yourself sluggish, extend some grace, you're not the only one feeling this way. Many people feel post holiday fatigue. Don't feel like a failure, push thru it. Make sure you speak life and positive affirmations daily. YOU GOT THIS!

Happy New Year, 2021 will be amazing.

20 Lessons I Learned In 2020

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 19:00:11 GMT

Before 2021, Make Sure You Reflect On 2020

2020 has been a year. It was unlike any other year and SO DIFFERENT than I expected it to be. I had elaborate plans for 2020 and many of them didn’t happen. We lost a lot of people this year. Many celebrities and icons lost their lives some due to Covid and others were for other reasons. 2020 was also a year to really be happy with what and who you have. It was a year for self work. I got to know myself a lot this year and I loved it. Thru all the craziness, 2020 was still a great year. Make sure you celebrate the wins you had in 2020, no matter how big or small. As we approach 2021, I had to reflect on 2020. I learned so many lessons that will stick with me forever. I wanted to share some with you:

1. Anybody Can Have Money But Can You Keep It

I touched more money in 2020 than ever, but it was harder to keep. Money comes and goes. The people who have real money invest and save it.

2. No Matter How Much Of An Introvert You Are, You Still Need Human Encounter

I've always loved my alone time. I'm the only child, so I really enjoy my own company. This year taught me, I still need people. When we don't have human encounter, it can cause you to lonely and crazy. It's in our nature to need others.

3. Nothing Is Forever

At the start of 2020, I thought I had it all mapped out. I lost my job this year. That was a job I thought I'd have for at least two years. Our sense of normal was stripped away. Things are temporary, you must enjoy them while they last.

4. Peace Is Better Than Happiness

Things can make you happy. It's an emotion that comes and goes. Peace comes from within and lasts thru the storms. It's harder to get peace, but once you do, you're golden.

5. Self Reflection Is Necessary For Growth

You're human and always evolving. The you from 2019 is different than 2020. Get to know who you are in every chapter of life. What areas are you lacking in and need to improve?

6. Having Integrity Will Get You Further In Life

What do you do when no one is watching? It's important. Be a person of substance.

7. Self Discipline Is Essential To Have Anything

Can you do what you said you're going to do? Are you focused and doing the work? When motivation fades, this will get you to do the work.

8. Friends Are Important, Cherish The Ones You Have

In 2021, I have to be a better friend. I have some amazing friends and they really are always there for me. When I couldn't see my friends like I wanted, I realized how important they were.

9. Everything Happens For A Reason, You Might Not Understand In The Moment But It Will All Play Out

This sums up 2020. In all the bad breaded some greatness. Trust and have faith in God.

10. Life Is Really Not A Race, It’s A Marathon

Nipsey said it best. Just because things don't happen when you want doesn't mean they won't happen. Focus on the journey, not the end.

11. The Reason Why You’re Doing Something Is So Important And Will Keep You Going

When you aren't getting the results right away, focus on why you started doing it in the first place. Focus on the why, it's most important.

12. The Answer To Every Problem Is Not More Money

Money is important, but it's not everything. Just because you have more money, doesn't mean life will be perfect. More money more problems.

13. Spending Time With Family And Loved Ones Is So Important, You’re Not Too Busy

I don't know how I would've survived quarantine without my family. I was away for four years and forgot how much I need them. The laughs are everything.

14. Stop Waiting Until You Get To Where You Want To Be To Be Happy. Find Happiness In Where You Are

Material things and fancy vacations can't be the only thing that make you happy. Learn to enjoy the simple things.

15. It’s Ok To Stop And Be Still To Smell The Roses

I learned how much I love sitting in my backyard and just taking everything in. I'm usually always focused on the next thing. Stop and celebrate this moment right now.

16. Learn To Use What You Already Have

You don't have to have all the best and newest gear to start. Whatever you think you need to start is false. Use what you have in front of you. Be creative.

17. Accept What Is And Let Go Of What Was

I'm a hoarder. 2020 taught me to let go of what was. Stop holding on the dead weight and baggage. See what you have without mourning what you lost. Release. Sometimes holding on is harder and stopping you from what's ahead.

18. Embrace Change And Uncertainty Because It’s Inevitable

Things will evolve. Hating change won't stop it from happening, it'll actually old you back. understand that life is about growing and evolving. Change will come and I'll embrace it.

19. Sometimes It’s Not Them, It’s Me. I’m The Problem, Take Ownership

Stop blaming everybody else. What did I do in the situation. How did I react? What was my role? How can I be better in the next situation.

20. Life Is So Precious And Short, Make The Most Of Your Time Here On Earth. Don’t Wait, Do It Now.

So many unexpected deaths this year. You don't know when your time will come. Make the best of where you are now. Live life every single day. If you were to die today, would you be fulfilled. The movie, 'Soul' really helped me realize this.

Vlogmas Day Twenty-Five: It's Finally Christmas, Quarantine Edition

Fri, 25 Dec 2020 18:12:36 GMT

I've been waiting all month for Christmas. This year, we celebrated it a little different. I also shared some footage from the night before, seeing the lights with my boyfriend. Merry Christmas, Enjoy!

Vlogmas Day Twenty-Four: December Boxycharm Unboxing, Full Get Ready With Me

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 17:58:06 GMT

Boxycharm is a monthly subscription. For as low as $25 you get 5 full size makeup and skincare products, that are curated just for you. I shared my five products and how I used them to achieve the perfect holiday glam look.

Vlogmas Day Twenty Three: Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 20:59:11 GMT

Today's vlog is of me last minute Christmas shopping. I shared some of my hacks for how to successful get everybody's gift last minute and even a chatty car ride.

Blogmas Day Twenty-Two: Motivation To Keep Going

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 23:26:12 GMT

I can not believe Christmas is literally two days away. The new year is quickly approaching. Many people are starting to plan their goals for next year, and reflecting over this year. Many people feel defeated because, they weren’t able to accomplish everything they wanted to accomplish this year. Remember when things don’t go as planned you must persevere. Nipsey Hussle, may he rest in peace, once said, life is a marathon. Life being a marathon means, you have to have endurance to ride the highs and the lows. The only way you can run in the marathon, is by having a clear vision. What is your vision? What is the goal? Life won’t always go as planned. You have to be so dedicated to the vision that you push through anyway. People who reach success, are people who stay down. It’s the people who don’t quit, who reach success. Maybe this year wasn’t what you thought it would be, but it’s all a part of the journey.

Reaching towards greatness, is not supposed to be easy. I don’t know why so many people think the road to success is a straight ladder up, it’s not. When you look at successful people like Kobe Bryant, Nipsey Hussle, Chadwick Boseman, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and all the other greats you see, they all had endurance. They all had/have the marathon mindset. Nipsey Hussle, spoke about the marathon mindset and how he applied it to his life. Even if you didn’t like him as a rapper, you can learn a lot from his story.

Don’t lose sight of your vision because things aren’t going as planned. Don’t forget your dreams, because 2020 was a hard year. Give yourself some grace, and come up with a new plan to make your dreams a reality. We are less than two weeks away from a new year, which is a new chapter. Let this be the last year you fear change, doubt yourself and quit. Get back focused, speed is not important direction is. Even if you only took one step towards your dreams this year, you did it. It's all about laying bricks each day until your wall is built. Continue the marathon. Get back in the race!

Blogmas Day Twenty-One: Feeling Some Holiday Blues

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 00:32:17 GMT

It's the most wonderful time of year year, so why do I feel sad?

Today was a day for me. I was scrolling through some old pictures and realized I had been living here for almost a year. I can't believe it's already been a year. As most of you know, at first I hated the idea of moving back home. I felt like a failure and that all my hard work was for nothing. As time went on, I learned that being home was the perfect place for me to be. I don’t know why realizing that I had been here a year would trigger so many emotions in me. When I first moved home, I told myself it would only be for a year. I kept telling myself not to get stuck, because so many people do. Now looking back at all the time I had wasted this year, I felt like I wasn’t sticking to the plan. I was laying in my bed feeling empty, but then I decided to get up. I couldn't let myself stay there. The only way I was going to get myself to feeling better was to do some well overdue, self-care. Here in Michigan, we are back shut down so our movie theaters and restaurants are closed. Before the pandemic, going to the movies every week, was my way to reset myself. I decided to get up, get dressed and take myself on a date. I took a drive to Toledo, which is an hour away from me.

I love solo road trips, because they clear my mind. Being on the road, listening to my music and being in my own thoughts is so rejuvenating. When I got to Toledo, I was able to go to the movies. I went to see "The War With Grandpa." If you didn't know, I love all movies. This was actually funny to me. I love After the movies, I was able to take take myself to dinner. I love Chili's, I was so excited to go and have a margarita and some cheese fries. I made sure to take the precautions necessary to ensure I was staying safe.

I feel so refreshed and back to my self. This has been a crazy year for everyone. Plans have been altered, but through it all I’m still alive. I have to learn to cut myself a break, and extend some grace. In this year of being home, I did a lot. I had to look at the cup half full, rather than half empty. Being home and around family this year, was truly a blessing. I know that sometimes I will get sad and have bad days, but the key is to force myself out of that space. If you find yourself down or sad during this holiday season, do something to make yourself happy. Whatever that self care is for you, make it a priority!

Vlogmas Day Twenty: Trying All Starbucks Holiday Drinks

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 19:48:37 GMT

Every year, Starbucks release seasonal holiday drinks. I've always wanted to try them, but I usually stick to what I know. Today, I finally gained the courage to try all of the holiday drinks. I did it by myself and actually found some that I liked.

Vlogmas Day Nineteen: HUGE SHEIN WINTER TRY ON HAUL

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 19:40:17 GMT

I was so nervous to order from Shein Official, because they're located in China. I'm so happy I did it, I got so many great pieces at affordable prices. This haul includes over 20+ items.

Vlogmas Day Eighteen: How We Doing On Creating New Habits

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 19:42:36 GMT

December Self Discipline Challenge Check-In. How You Doing?

We are 18 days into the challenge. By now, your habits should be second nature. If you're still struggling, it's not too late to get back on track. This video is all about how to get back on track. I even shouted out people who were being consistent with the challenge.

Blogmas Day Seventeen: Favorite Christmas Memories

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 23:04:01 GMT

Wow for as long as I could remember, I’ve always been obsessed with the holiday season. I love being life hearing the music getting presents, but most of all I love watching holiday movies. Watching how many movies I was a kid, I would literally look forward to December just to watch ABC families 25 days of Christmas. I knew all the movies by heart because I would watch them over and over. Even as an adult, I literally watch holiday movies all month from Netflix, Hulu, Hallmark, and Amazon prime. Typically, I hate sappy corny movies, but when it comes to holiday movies I don’t care. Christmas time brings out my inner child and I absolutely love it.

I have so many holiday memories that remind me of my childhood. It’s so many Christmas traditions that I will definitely pass down when I have a baby. My family and I always give back during the holiday season. When I was younger, we passed out dinners with the church. Now, we pass out outerwear and clothes to the homeless on Christmas Eve. Giving back is something I will instill in my future children, the same way my family instilled it in me. Growing up, my mom always made Christmas time special. She would take me to see Christmas lights, and to get hot coco. As a kid, I loved helping my grandmother put up the Christmas tree and decorate the house. As soon as December first came around, I would play all of my Christmas CDs on my little radio. On Christmas Yves at midnight, my family would all get in the circle and we were all open up one gift from under the tree. One year I beg my mom to open up the rest of my gift, and after hearing me beg for about 10 minutes, she said yes. So I opened up all my presents and I was so excited. Until, the next morning when I woke up and realized I had opened all my gifts. I sat there while my mom and grandparents opened theirs. I was so mad and vowed never to do that again.

Every Christmas day, my family opens presents, eat dinner, laugh and go to the movies at night. Although I’m all grown up, and Christmases are not the same, I still love the holiday season. I love getting people the perfect gifts and seeing the smile on their face when they pull back the wrapping paper. I know we are in the middle of a global pandemic, and holidays are going to look a little different, but I challenge you remember the good times. While you do that, embrace the new normal. I find so much happiness by watching Christmas movies that I used to watch as a kid. Yesterday, I listened to the old Disney Christmas album, and it made me so happy. The little girl in me was able to come out and dance all around my room. Figure out ways to make yourself happy this holiday season. Whether it’s making Christmas cookies, watching old Christmas movies, or singing your favorite Christmas song, make your inner child happy today. Also, try to make some new Christmas traditions this year.

Blogmas Day Sixteen: 25 Stocking Stuffers For Him

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 02:11:54 GMT

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffers or add on gifts for him.

Happy HUMP DAY. Last week, we spoke about what to get for the ladies on your Christmas shopping list. This week it's time to talk about what to get that special man in your life. For guys, I love to use stocking stuffers to get things that they need, but don’t always necessary think about. I like to get them things that only I would think of. Especially when dating, I love to get guys stocking stuffers that remind them of me. Most guys that I know, don’t really get stockings from their family, so I like to make a personalized stockings and put all the stuffers inside. The good thing is I can give him a stocking stuffer in a stocking, or in a bag, either way, they are appreciated. Guys don’t like to admit it, but they like gifts just as much as us. Especially if it’s something that they want but wouldn’t buy themselves.

Stocking stuffers for guys can be tricky. They're so simple, yet complicated. Don't worry, I'm here to help. If you've already picked the big special gift you're getting him this year, and want to add some little extra stuff, just keep reading. Here's 25 gift ideas for him under $100. Most of these stocking stuffers are under $25.

1. T-Shirts

Whether a Polo or even Nike man, grab him a pack of t-shirts. Guys go through t-shirts super quick and always need to re-up.

2. Candles

Guys love candles. Try to find something that's masculine, but still smells good. Make sure you like the scent. Whenever he smells it, he'll think about you.

3. Travel Size Cologne

If he travels, this will be perfect. This is a great way to show him the scents you like, while introducing him to new ones.

4. A Wallet

Men don't like to change to wallets for some odd reason, no matter how old it is. Some guys don't even carry wallets and it's a necessity, so this is perfect.

5. Masks

Guys are very basic, and we're going to be wearing masks for a while, why not get him a few colors to make his outfits.

6. Phone Chargers

For some odd reason, they can never keep up with chargers. You need to get them one to have just in case.

7. Hand Lotion

This is perfect for them to keep in the car. Temperatures are dropping you don't want to see the cracks in your man hand.

8. Boxers

This needs no explanation, you can never have enough.

9. Razors

What guy doesn't use razors?

10. Beanie

These are perfect for fashion or even to stay warm. Theres so many brands to chose from and styles. I love the knit ones.

11. Gloves

This is a necessity especially if he works outside or lives in a colder state. Guys don't think about buying themselves gloves, but always appreciate when they get some.

12. Gas Card

Ladies, we always want him to fill our tanks, tis the season to return the favor.

13. Portable Charger

Guys phones are always dead. This is perfect, because he will have no reason for his phone to ever die. You can grab one from Amazon or even Best Buy.

14. Beard Oil

Make sure it smells good, try to find something that will help it grow and tangle free.

15. Socks

You could get personalized socks or even a basic pack of socks. These are always a need.

16. Airpods

These are great for everyday use. He can be on the go and still able to listen to music and talk on the phone. If he has a iPhone, he definitely needs these.

17. His Favorite Liquor

If he likes beer or liquor, get him a nice size bottle and even add a flask. Maybe find a personalized one, so it can be special.

18. Game System Play Card

Whether he has a Playstation or X-Box, this will for sure make his day. They start at $10 and go up to $100.

19. A Belt

Everyday belts that they can wear with casual clothing. TjMaxx have some good ones at affordable prices. If you're looking to splurge, grab him a designer one.

20. Cufflinks

If he dresses up for personal or work, these will be perfect. These can be personalized or even designer. Nordstrom have some goods ones.

21. Screen Protectors and/or Phone Cases

I go thru these like crazy. They're super affordable on Amazon. Guys phone cases get so dirty, try to pick him up some just to have in his collection.

22. T h ermals or Tights

It's chilly outside, they need these to stay warm. Target have these in packs, and Nike sells them as well.

23. Bluetooth Speaker

These are perfect for listening to music or even a podcast around the house. These range from $25 and up

24. Apple Watch

Who doesn't want there phone in a watch form? Especially if he works out, he will love this. Maybe grab an extra band or two for him to switch out.

25. A Book

Some men love reading and this is the perfect gift for those t hat do. Maybe a memoir of there favorite celebrity or a motivational book.

Blogmas Day Fifteen: My New Addition To My Room

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 21:34:47 GMT

I love creating different areas in my space.

I finally bought a bar cart, but not for what you think. For the last few months, I really wanted one to add more decor to my room. I'm obsessed with coffee, and I wanted to create a coffee cart in my room. I'm not sure if I'll ever use it for my morning cup of coffee. However, sometimes I need a mid day "pick me," and I don'e want to always want to go to the kitchen. I've been on the hunt for the perfect one, not too big, and not too small. I finally found the cutest bar cart on Amazon, (click here to shop.) It was so easy to put together, literally only four steps.

At first, I wanted to make it all about coffee, but then I decided to make it festive for Christmas. I went looking for the perfect little tree, which was harder than I thought, to find. I wanted it to be small, yet full. I really wanted a big one, but none of the pinks looked good. I went to Hobby Lobby, and found a green one that looked full and perfect. Guess what, it was originally $7.99, and on sale for $2.72. I wish I could have found a link for you, head to your local Hobby Lobby to get one. I found my mini ornaments at Home Goods for $1.99. Of course I added my pink Keurig k-Mini , and my Forvr Mood Candle, in the scent 'Left On Read.' At the bottom of the cart, I added my letters from my graduation party. I wanted to add DYMOND, but the cart only had room for Dym. I needed something to hold my coffee mugs, and I found a rose gold Mug Tree on Amazon . I also found a rose gold coffee pod holder , from Amazon too.

I don’t know why, but I made my room into a mini apartment. I have different sections that all make me happy. I love decorating, I'm a sucker for home goods and supplies. I can't wait to have my own apartment so that I can decorate the space how I want. I realized that I'm happier in a space I make my own. I have a desk area where I do my work. I have a reading and book area, where I sit and read. Now I have a bar cart area that I can decorate for every holiday. I’m all about using what you have now. Yes, I can wait until I get my apartment to decorate, but why not make my space beautiful now. You can't ask God for more if you don't appreciate and take care of what you have already. I love my new coffee cart area, I can't wait to continue to add new pieces to it.

Vlogmas Day Fourteen: Mini Day In The Life

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 20:28:20 GMT

Todyay's vlog is a day in the life. I take you guys bts of how I create a Instagram story promo. I also shared my travel secret for cheaper flights. Lastly, I took you along with me to find some Christmas decor for my room.

Vlogmas Day Thirteen: Making Christmas Cupcakes

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 01:16:06 GMT

Whew, the patience it took to film this. I made cupcakes with my little cousins and brother. I now have a new level of respect for parents, because this was a lot lol. It also included a mini car chat.

Vlogmas Day Twelve: Detailed Productive Morning Routine

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 01:06:19 GMT

Today's video is a vlog which includes a deep look into my everyday morning routine. It also includes some bts of how I create my Instagram stories. Plus, for the first time, I vlogged alone in Target.

Vlogmas Day Eleven: Self Discipline Challenge

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 23:11:08 GMT

Self discipline check in! We are officially 21 days from the new year. How are you doing on your daily habits you said you wanted to create? In today's video, I shared how I'm doing and tips for being consistent. It takes 21 days to form a habit, get back focused!

Blogmas Day Ten: One For You One For Me

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:08:12 GMT

Don't Forget About Yourself When Giving Gifts Out This Year

Many of us are making our lists and checking it twice this season. One thing to keep in mind this holiday season is you. If you haven't already, add yourself to your list of people you're giving gifts to this year. I find it crazy that people don't gift themselves. Is it something you've been wanting all year? Maybe, you were out shopping for someone else and really wanted the gift for you? Whatever the case, grab yourself a gift or two this holiday season. You may be thinking, "I don't need a gift." But of curse you do.

Treating yourself is a great way to remind yourself that you're important. When we have others to care for, we often forget ourselves. Christmas is a time for giving to others, but it's also the season to be just a little selfish. Even on airlines, they tell you to put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. You can't keep giving everything to everybody, without ever giving to yourself.

When is the last time you really treated yourself? You work hard, you deserve to be given a special gift this season. I'm not saying to empty your savings account on something you can't afford. I'm simply saying get yourself something in your price range. You know you, better than anyone else. Maybe it's taking yourself on a fancy dinner, or a spa day or even buying that handbag you've been wanting for years; Make sure you gift yourself something special this holiday season.

Blogmas Day Nine: How To Cope With Being Lonely This Holiday Season

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 22:03:40 GMT

Whether Your Alone Due To The Pandemic Or Being Single.....

We are in the middle of a global pandemic. Some states are more open than others. It may seem like people are “getting back to regular life,“ while you're still stuck at home. Birthdays are looking different this year. Thanksgiving was different this year, so you know Christmas and New Year’s are going to look different this year. Many people are ignoring the guidelines and going back to how things were before the pandemic. If you are being safe and staying away from loved ones, it can be lonely. I’m here to let you know that you are not alone. Whether your family is around the corner or in another state, being by yourself can get to you mentally. Maybe you’re single this season, and trying to navigate being alone during the holidays, without a partner. No matter what the reason for you being alone is, you have to cope in a healthy way.

When I’m single and spending a lot of time on my own, I love to dive into self care. Although the pandemic has changed how self-care looks, I still show myself love on the daily. I used to love going to the movies and to dinner alone, but now I love to order food and watch new movies at home. I turn off all the lights, light candles and really set the mood, in my room. I also love taking car drives, nowhere, and just listening to my favorite podcasts or music. Another way I love on myself is by gifting myself things that make me happy. Sometimes I buy myself big gifts and sometimes I just get myself flowers.

Back when I was away from my family and living in Atlanta, during college, I would love to FaceTime and talk to loved ones regularly. I loved hearing about their day and sharing details of mine. If you are away from your loved ones this season, try doing a Zoom call. My friends and I have even did Zoom wine parties. We would all get on Zoom, and play virtual Uno, it was so much fun. Things are different for everybody this year, don’t feel bad if you are lonely in this season. When I used to be single and would feel myself feeling sad, I would pray and ask God to send me comfort and peace. When I talk to God, I always remember that I'm not alone, no matter how lonely I feel. He is with me. I remain hopeful through the loneliness, because I understand that it’s only a matter of time before the feeling passes. This is a time to create new traditions.

I love to allow myself to feel every emotion. I give myself time to process and feel the feels, but I don’t get stuck in it. Grieve that times are different and things won't be the same. This is a time to remember what and who you still have. Take some time to share your appreciation for the people in your life. Try to find find peace in knowing that you're not the only one who feels lonely or sad this holiday season. This too shall pass.

Blogmas Day Eight: 25 Stocking Stuffers For Her

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 19:58:59 GMT

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffers or add on gifts for her?

Stocking stuffers are approached different with each family. Growing up, stocking stuffers were always small gifts that could fit into a stocking that hung. Stocking stuffers are little trinkets that can range anywhere from $5 and up. I like to get stocking stuffers that remind me of the person. I know some people are more sentimental with gifts, I like to get those people personalized stocking stuffers. The great thing with them, is that they add up. Stocking stuffers are my favorite things to buy, because I love to throw hints at what the big gift is by putting accessories in the stocking. I also love to use stocking stuffers as extra, when I want to give more than just one big gift. Growing up, my mom would put hints in my stocking. One year, she got me a new iPhone. That year, my stocking was filled with phone cases, cute headphones and even a pink charger.

Stocking stuffers are so good. Even if you're non-traditional and put the gifts in a basket or bag, they still have the same affect. Stocking stuffers for her, can be hard to pick. Don't worry, Im here to help. If you've already picked the special gift you're getting h er this year, and want to add some little trinkets, just keep reading. Here's 25 gift ideas for her under $100. Most of these stocking stuffers are under $25.

1. Travel Size Perfume.

Do you love a certain scent and want your girlfriend to try, but don't want to waste your money on a full bottle? This is the perfect stocking stuffer, because if she likes it, you can get the full bottle for another holiday. If she doesn't like it, she's not stuck with this huge bottle.

2. Phone Cases

Call me corny, but I still love the idea of matching phone cases with your partner, or even best friend. If you want to get real fancy, make it personalized. You can get so crafty with these. Picking her favorite color, character, or style.

3. Masks

We are in the middle of a pandemic. Clearly we are going to be wearing masks for the rest of 2020. Pick out a cute mask. There are som

e really dope masks out now, it shouldn't be hard to find.

4. Hair Ties

Everybody needs these, and they're always going missing. Whether she only likes black or is into the multi color, go pick up a couple packs of these and add them to the stocking.

5. Initial/Name Necklace

These are so underrated yet cute. A dainty initial necklace is perfect for everyday. Even people who aren't into jewelry love these necklaces, because they're unique and very fine.

6. Lip Gloss

If you've ever seen her apply chapstick or lipgloss, go pick up her favorite go to one. Nobody likes their lips to be ashy. Chances are, if it's her go to, she goes thru them a lot. This will also show, that you pay attention to her.

7. Coffee Shop Gift Card

Whether she's a Starbucks (best) or Dunkin Girl, go get her a $10, $15, or even $25 gift card. You can even put on the card, next coffee on me. If you can get a unique style one, get one that bests fits her.

8. Candles

I've never met a female who doesn't like candles. Head to your local Bath & Body Works or Tj Maxx to pick up a candle she'll love. If you can, get one similar scents she likes.

9. Business Card Holder

This is really good especially if she has a business. This will show her you believe in her brand. Make sure you grab one that matches her brands colors.

10. Airpod Case

If she has airpods, this is perfect. My parents always get their airpods mixed up, because neither of them have a case. Getting her a case that attaches to her keys will be very helpful to her. If she doesn't have airpods, that could even be a stocking stuffer.

11. Fleece Socks

Temperatures are dropping. This is the perfect season tp snuggle up with your favorite thick socks and drink hot coco. If you can, get matching his and her socks. That way, when you Netflix and chill, you're matching.

12. Sunglasses

If the girl is into glasses, this would be a cute idea. The good thing with these are that you can get expensive designer glasses, or affordable glasses from Target or Quay.

13. Makeup Brush Set

Some girls love makeup. If the girl you're shopping for does, pick up some cute brush sets.

14. Face Mask

These are great for giving yourself a at home facial. Most people are all home way more. Give her a at home spa treatment.

15. Pair Of Earrings

Every girl needs a good pair of everyday earrings. You can get some with her initial on it, a gold/silver ball, or even a diamond.

16. Gift Card

This is perfect and doesn't have to be too expensive. Get her a gift card to her favorite fast food or lunch spots. Or get her a gift card to her favorite store.

17. Tumbler Cups

These are great for on the go use. I love finding cute cups that keep my drinks hot or cold. Yetti make great cups and so do Starbucks.

18. Hand Lotion

We are washing and sanitizing our hands so much more now, if you can find a good hand lotion, she'll definitely love it.

19. Bracelet And/Or Charm

If she already has a Pandora bracelet, get her some charms to add to it. If she isn't a Pandora girl, get her some Alex and Ani bracelets. Make sure they're meaningful.

20. Keychain

I love keychains. You could get a customized one, with pictures, words and more in it. You could even get one that reminds you of her. The possibilities of keychains are endless.

21. Scarf

It's chilly outside, I love adding scarves to my looks. Whether it's a designer scarf, or knitted infinity scarf, these are great stocking stuffers.

22. Stationary

Cute stationary is essential. Try to pick up some printed pens or her favorite color notebook. A new year is approaching, grab her a 2021 calendar.

23. Classic Clutch, Wristlet, or Coin Purse

So many women are overdue for a new wallet or cardholder. Now, more than ever, women are wearing wristlets more than bigger bags.

24. Mini Ring Light

This will come in useful when she's trying to get that perfect selfie. I love these for when you're out and the lighting is trash. These are all over Amazon.

25. Her Favorite Snacks/Candy

Whether it's candy, popcorn, pretzels, gum, etc. stuff it with things to nibble on. This will also show you pay attention to her favorite treats.

Vlogmas Day Seven: Road Trip Chronicles

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:28:18 GMT

Today's vlog is a road trip to Ohio. We went on a quick getaway to the movies and dinner. It was a double date. It included a heated conversation about men tipping at restaurants. It includes Bj, Gary and his girlfriend, Yolit.

Vlogmas Day Six: GRWM Marriage Rant

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 17:23:08 GMT

Last week, the internet had so much to say about my opinion on marriage. I had to make a get ready with me, and girl talk to explain. I even called on of my good friends, Zana, to chime in. Marriage is not a goal of mine RIGHT NOW, who knows how I feel in the future.

Vlogmas Day Five: Saturday Morning Cleaning

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 20:24:46 GMT

This is your cleaning motivation, to get up and clean.

Here's my Saturday morning routine. I love to clean on Saturday's, because so much mess happens over the week. It's a great start to my weekend. Moving from Atlanta to Detroit, was hard because I have so much stuff. I need to declutter my room, but that's a video for another day.

Vlogmas Day Four: Filming My Intro

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 20:01:24 GMT

FIRST VIDEO OF VLOGMAS.

My first year filming a intro for vlogmas. I shared some behind the scenes of how I filmed the perfect intro. It was edited and recorded by Gary Jay ((https://www.instagram.com/garyjayjr/) He's a creative cinematographer, based in Detroit, MI.

Blogmas Day Three: Eating Clean During The Holidays

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 23:26:59 GMT

As you already know, I started back working out with my trainer last month. On top of training four times a week, she also provides me with a meal plan. I used to be the queen of dieting. I would try different diets and they would never stick. I would get so frustrated. I started researching why diet fail and was learned so much. I had to change my approach. I had to train my mind to think about my new meal plan as a lifestyle change, rather than a diet to get skinny. If I approach it with the idea that it’s a lifestyle change, I will stick to it more consistently. I’ve also learned that sometimes, it’s okay to satisfy yourself the cravings.

The holiday season technically starts with Thanksgiving. Back on Thanksgiving, I allowed myself to go crazy. I was able to eat whatever I wanted and how much I wanted. The weeks leading up to it, I had worked so hard to be consistent. As a reward, I gave in. Getting back to your healthy eating after Thanksgiving can be kind of hard. You have to push yourself. One way I pushed myself was by giving myself another thing to look forward to. CHRISTMAS! During the holiday season, people make Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, cupcakes, and so many other sweet treats. I had to look up some healthy alternatives to my favorite treats. Switching cookies to butterless popcorn, may seem difficult, but after a week of doing it, you adjust. By allowing myself to eat however on Christmas and Christmas Eve, I have something to look forward to. Now, during my workouts, when I’m in pain, I think about Christmas and how I’m going to have that sweet brownie that I’ve been wanting. It helps me push thru another set of squats.

Changing to healthier eating is a marathon, not a race. I cut out foods little by little. What I learned was going cold turkey can be difficult. Smart small by switching your drinks, you don't want to drink all your calories. I also started walking more, after my workouts, I love how being active makes me feel. I hate working out, but my body feels energized once it's done. Sticking to your healthy eating during the holiday season, will require you to train your mind to be stronger than your body. Your mind might be telling you your hungry, when in reality you're full. Take power of your mind this holiday season.

Blogmas Day Two: How To Set Christmas Budget

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 20:00:46 GMT

Three Step Plan To Stay On Budget For The Holidays

I know firsthand, it can be very hard to set a budget for the holiday season. If you’re anything like me, you want to get the best gifts for everybody. In the past, I used to purchase things I just thought they would like, last minute. But this year I’m approaching Christmas a little differently. I'm planning Christmas gifts for each and every person ahead of time. That doesn’t mean I won't pick up little things if I’m out. By me planning gifts ahead of time, if any of the items that I have on my list go on sale I can grab it. Here’s how I plan my Christmas budget.

Step 1. Write a list of everybody who want to buy gifts for. I know it seems pointless, but I have so many things on my mind right now, I don’t want to forget. Every year, I forget at least one person and I find myself scrambling last minute.

Step 2: Think about the things that you want to get each person. Try to remember old conversations to see if they’ve already said what they wanted. Try to think things that they need. If you can’t figure out a gift on your own, send a text and ask them for a list of 3 to 5 things that they want. You don’t have to get all the things on the list, but that way you can pay the thing for two that you want to purchase. You always get people to say I don’t know, in that case I like to really sit and think about what I want them to have.

Step 3: once you know the gifts that you want to get each person, then you need to research the prices of each item. I like to write a list with the price next to it that way I can at least one up. Once you add up all the gifts and get the total I like to add a buffer of one to $200 just for miscellaneous stuff. That way if I see a stocking stuffer I want to grab for if I have to add a gift for someone new I have the budget to do that.

And just like that you have your Christmas budget. These three steps will help you stay on track for your gift giving. I am definitely a person who never plans gifts, that’s why I’m always scrambling last minute to buy items. Keep this list somewhere that is easily accessible, that way if you have to add a person or a gift you can. Why are you adding that extra money as a buffer, if you have to switch a gift for someone you can stay in the price range that you already had allocated towards them. I hope this helps you this holiday season.

Blogmas Day One: What Is Blogmas?

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 19:00:18 GMT

Omg I'm so excited it's already Blogmas. I feel like 2020 flew by, I still remember writing last years posts. This year has been crazy. Definitely different than I thought it would be. Thru all the craziness, I learned so much and grew as a person. But that’s a post for another day, today is December 1st. That means we are 24 days from Christmas. It’s officially my favorite time of the year. I have a love/hate relationship with the winter, because I hate being cold. Besides the weather, Christmas time is my favorite time of year. I love all the lights, movies, treats and gifts. You know gift giving and receiving is my love language. I know Christmas is not all about gifts, I love the memories that the holiday season brings.

With that being said, it’s a new year and I have so much in store for this years Blogmas. I did a poll and asked if people wanted more videos or blog posts. The majority of the votes was for videos. I decided to set a schedule this year. Tuesday-Thursday will be written blog posts, and Friday-Monday will be videos. That way, you get the best of both worlds. This year, I’ve planned so much ahead a time, I promise to be consistent. Every year, I start off super consistent, but by day 14, I get so busy that I fall behind. NOT THIS YEAR.

If you don't know what Blogmas/Vlogmas is, it's a time where creators (bloggers, youtubers, etc.) upload everyday up until December. This month I'll be sharing my favorite Christmas traditions, Christmas shopping, Christmas food, Christmas travel, and all the festive activities leading up to the big day! Not only will it be all Christmas topics for me, I'll give you my December struggles as well because lets be real, preparing for Christmas isn't always easy.

Also, today starts my Self Discipline December Challenge. To join, all you have to do is make a list of at least three habits you will commit to do every day in December. Most people wait until January to change and make new goals. My challenge to you is do it now. It takes 21 days to form or change a habit. In order to live your best life in 2021, you must create new and break bad habits. The time is now, whatever you don't like change! It's December 1st, which means new opportunities and new breakthroughs. Are you ready for all I have in store for Blogmas? Ready, set, Go! ��

Self Discipline December Challenge

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 23:12:38 GMT

What Habits Do You Want To Create To Help You Reach Your Goals?

Wow, it's the last day of November. I can't believe we are 31 days away from the new year. 2020, has definitely been one for the books. This year was different than we thought it would be. Through all the craziness, this year has changed me for the better. I did so much self-reflecting, and soul searching this year. If you haven't done any inner work this year, NOW IS THE TIME. Don't go into the new year with old baggage and habits holding you back from being the best version of yourself.

It takes 21 days to form a new habit. Whether you know it or not, 40% of your daily activities are habits that you do without thinking. According to Michael Tonge, "It’s the small habits. How you spend your mornings. How you talk to yourself. What you read and what you watch. Who you share your energy with. Who has access to you. That will change your life." Getting ahead can be a struggle if you don't have the discipline to do the right simple things every single day. If you want to be successful and crush your goals, you have to be highly disciplined. Everybody always asks me, how do you stay motivated? Motivation means nothing, it comes and goes. The real power is in the habits you do every day. Habits happen naturally, you do it whether you feel like it or not.

We are so close to the new year and it's time to get ready. 2020 was the year to prep yourself, 2021 is the year to go after everything you want. With all that being said, tomorrow starts my Self Discipline December Challenge . Two weeks ago, I wrote about how to set goals and plans. I hope you did the exercise to create some great goals ( i f not, click here to read. ) Now, I want you to write three daily habits that will help you get to the goal. For the month of December, I want you to do these habits every single day. By the new year, these habits will naturally be in your everyday routine. I understand that creating habits aren't easy. If you miss a day, the key is not to miss two days in a row.

I'm so excited for this. Make sure you really put in the work, and by the end of the challenge, you will be so proud of yourself. It's going to be hard, but worth it. Here's my list of everyday habits I'm implementing, the minimum is three:

1. Reading at least 30 minutes a day.

2. Waking up before 7am daily.

3. Writing a daily affirmation in the morning.

4. Put on vaseline, or oil as soon as I get out the shower. (I tend to forget, so I'm always ashy in the winter.)

5. Meditate for at least 10 minutes a day.

Interview With Dedicated Dreamer Paris Dior

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 21:37:51 GMT

With perseverance, you can accomplish anything!

Meet Paris Dior, a licensed cosmetologist based in Detroit. Paris started out making U-Part wigs for herself and friends. Through that, she's transformed into a entrepreneur that now sells bundles, wigs, and accessories. She's based in Detroit, MI. I couldn't believe that she's only 23 years old. In just two short years, she's grown her business and built steady clientele. Now, Paris is in the process of expanding her brand into more than beauty. She currently specializes in custom lace units and ships them all over the world.Her talent speaks for itself.

In today's interview, Paris talks about building her brand from square one. She also talks about how to get steady clients in the beauty industry. Paris even answered all of the reader questions from Instagram. I loved talking to her, she is so sweet and focused. I can't wait to see how much her brand evolves in the future. One of my biggest takeaways from the interview was to just keep going, no matter what obstacle comes your way. I hope her interview inspires you.

You Can't Celebrate Thanksgiving Without First Giving Thanks

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 01:45:23 GMT

Let's not forgot the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

With Thanksgiving being tomorrow, I wanted to take some time to just reflect. So many people get caught up on Thanksgiving being a time for food and shopping, that they never really stop to give thanks. This year has been a roller coaster. Like I spoke about my last post, through all the chaos I found peace. I’m so thankful for the peace that I found this year. I know we are experiencing a global pandemic. Some people are out of jobs, some people are dying, and loosing loved ones. Covid has brought so much pain to the world, but it’s brought some great things too. With Covid, I lost my job and was put on pause. But if I’m being quite honest I made more money with unemployment than I made at my last job. In 2020 I touched more money than I ever had at one time. Last year and I made the conscious decision to move back home after graduating, and I’m so happy that I did. I can’t imagine being quarantine alone away from my family. My time that I had quarantine with my mom and dad was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. Yes they got on my nerves, but we spent some quality time in the house. I’ve been away from them for four years and the time we spent together in 2020, has made up for that. I’ve even seen my grandmother more this year than I’ve seen of her in the last five years. On top of that, I put so much time, research, and money into my business this year, because it was my only focus. 2020 has been a year unlike any others, but it’s definitely been one for the books. If you made it to Thanksgiving after everything we’ve experienced this year, you should be so grateful. If there’s one thing I learned this year is that LIFE IS SHORT. Every day is so precious and we need so stop taking things for granted.

One habit that I started implementing into my every day routine, was starting my morning with grateful journaling. I learned that when I start my morning with gratitude, it changes the course of my day. My task for you this Thanksgiving eve is to write a list of 20 things that you’re thankful for right now. These things can be as small or big as you want. Start your Thanksgiving off right from a place of things for me. I know this year has been hard for all of us, and everybody's struggle is different, but everybody has things to be thankful for. You have to focus on the good that you do you have rather than all the things that you don’t.

20 things I'm thankful for

1. My family. We may bump heads, but they're always there when I need them. I couldn't imagine not having them around.

2. My job. Going back to work was not in the plans, but I have a easy job that allows me to mix my business and expertise.

3. My health. I've taken the Covid test many times and each have been negative. I've been blessed to not have any sickness in me.

4. My business. I love creating content and sharing my experiences with all of you. I have a platform where I can use my voice.

5. My car. It may not be my dream car, but it runs smoothly and is still new, with no problems.

6. My hair. I officially have my edges back and couldn't be happier.

7. My upbringing. My mom was a teen mom, but she still gave me everything I needed and wanted. She set me up for success.

8. My weight. I used to pray to gain weight. Even though, I'm getting fat, I reached my goal weight of 150lbs.

9.My mind. God blessed me with sound mind.

10. My peace. Getting to a place of peace is amazing. I don't worry about things, I just pray.

11. My finances. I'm far from rich, but I have all my bills paid and wants met. I'm experiencing a season growth.

12. My spirit. I have a positive spirit, and it helps when I'm having a bad day.

13. My support. I have so many people who support my business and dreams. They push me to be better each day.

14. My vision. Not only the physical 2020 vision I have, my vision to see all my dreams. It helps me manifest.

15. Gods grace. Everyday he gives me grace and mercy, even when I don't deserve it.

16. My friends. I don't talk to all of them everyday, but when we talk it's always a good time. They keep my spirit up.

17. My growth. I've evolved as a person over the years and I'm happy with the woman I'm becoming.

18. My heart. God blessed me with the ability to see the good in all people.

19. My courage. I'm blessed to be fearless in my everyday life. I love taking risks in my business.

20. My life. I'm alive and well in this moment. My life is far from what I thought it would be right now, but I'm loving every moment of it.

Switching Shades In The Winter

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 22:08:47 GMT

You change your clothes and shoes, why wouldn't you change your makeup?

We are well into the fall season. I have officially started putting up my summer clothes and putting out my fall and winter pieces. Last weekend, I went thru my closet and pulled all my summer sandals and flip flops, to put in the garage. I even went into my makeup drawers and switched out some pallets and foundations. As the seasons change, so should your foundations. Your sun kissed golden color is now fading, since there is less sun. It's time to go a shade or two lighter in your foundation color. In the summer, I love using my Nars Natural Radiant foundation in the color Manuas. It matches my summer color perfectly. I'm naturally brown skinned, but in the summer, I love being in the sun. By August, my skin complexion is always a rich chocolate.

You may be asking, when is it time to switch? The answer is, when you start to realize that your current foundation isn’t lasting as long on your skin, due to the colder weather, or when you see a noticeable change in the weather. I did my makeup about two weeks ago and as I was using my summer go to foundation, I could see that it looked more orange. At that moment, I knew it was time to switch. I ran to Sephora to pick up a new one. My face did not match my neck. I naturally have oily skin, but in the winter, it tends to be more dry. I love using hydrating foundations in the fall/winter. In the colder season, I love switching from a matte foundation, to dewy.

Figure out what kind of skin you have: oily, dry, or combination, and head to your local Sephora or Ulta. Although you can't touch the samples, an expert can still color match you. The great thing with makeup is you can try things and if they don't work, you can return or exchange. Brands like Too Faced, Nars, Pat McGrath, Fenty, and Maybeline, all have great foundations with wide ranges. Once you master your natural undertones, you'll be able to match your own foundations.

I hope this was helpful.

Getting To A Place Of Peace

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 22:05:08 GMT

2020 has been a groundbreaking year. Through all the trials and tribulations, I’ve learned so much. I've even mastered the art of peace. My peace is so precious to me, and I won’t let anybody or anything take it from away. When I say I have peace, that doesn’t mean everything is perfect, it means I trust God 100%. This year has been a rollercoaster. I learned that when I trust God, despite the circumstances, things work together for my good.

If I’m honest, I had so many “expectations,” for how I thought 2020 would be. I never expected to move home after college. I never expected to go back to work. I never expected my business to not be a multi-million dollar company, after three years. I really expected by 23, I would have it all figured out and be a millionaire already.The last thing I wanted was to be starting over, in a new city, that I never wanted to live in. Yet, I’m here and I’m actually starting to enjoy it. I didn't get to a point of enjoying it, until I realized everything happens for a reason. Meaning, I'm here for a reason. I can complain about not being where I want to be, or I can enjoy the ride.That doesn't mean that I don’t have dreams and goals, it means I have trust in God that everything is working exactly how it is supposed to be.

Expectations can be devastating if you don’t watch out. At first, I found myself very hurt, and feeling like a failure. When your expectations don’t match your reality, the result can be painful. Honestly, my faith in God was almost faltered. Through journaling and prayer, I began to be okay. I still have my days, where I'm ready to be in a new chapter, but then I pray and ask God for patience. In the Bible, David spoke about how his expectation is only in God. Psalm 62:5, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.” I got to a place of peace, once I really understood and started applying that to my life.

Getting to a place of peace comes when you stop allowing expectations to run your life. On top of that, you have to stop allowing other people and events to control your thoughts. Yes, set goals and work to achieve them, but also allow God to be the head of your life. I am in the passenger seat and God is my driver. Where he wants me to go, I will. My prayer is always for God to take control of my life. I trust him and trust that everything happens for a reason. I might not understand why, in the moment, but in the long run, it'll all be for my good.

Target Try-On Haul

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 18:13:36 GMT

Since everybody thinks this is my favorite store, might as well do a haul

I love Target. I can literally go spend hours browsing thru all the aisles. I go to Target at least once a week. You guys seem to enjoy my hauls, and someone suggested Target, so I decided to do it. Last weekend, I went to Target with a budget of $200 and picked up all these pieces. I found some goodies that I love, and some that I need to exchange. Overall, I found some great fall pieces. I love shopping in Target for clothes, they have some of everything. I hope you enjoy the video, thank you for watching. If you have any suggestions on video ideas, or places for my next haul, let me know! Each item is linked under the video in my Youtube description box.

Do You Really Want It

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 00:32:28 GMT

Does the work match the goal?

Do you really want the things that you say you want? Last week, I reached out to my trainer and told her how my weight is officially out of control. She was so sweet and eager to get back to working with me. The next day, we were on zoom working out. We worked out for two days, and on the third day, I ended up oversleeping. I had hit snooze on my alarm three times. By the time that I had woke up, it was 6:10am, our session was for 6 AM. Out of frustration, she sent me a nice text about how she got up at 5am and a reminder to respect her time. I felt so bad. I literally sat in my bed for about 15 minutes, asking myself, do you really want a healthier lifestyle? It’s no way you can say you want to be healthier and fit, but not work out. Not only is it wasting money, but it’s wasting time. I asked myself, am I going to get serious, because I’m not about to waste my time or hers.

Can we say that we want something, if we aren’t willing to put the work in for it? After another 10 minutes of prayer and self reflection, I came to the conclusion that I do want a better life. That meant I had to get serious. I needed a night-time routine, so that I was in bed at a decent hour, to be up the next day for my gym session. I came to the realization that in order to be the fit gym rat that I want to to be, I had to be willing to let go of the life that I was living. I always see quotes about how your new life is going to cost you your old one. Sometimes you have to be real with yourself and ask those hard questions. If the answer is no, be honest and let it go. Are you willing to have these hard conversations with yourself? If you find yourself not doing the work necessary to accomplish a goal you set, maybe it’s time for a check in. I find myself having these check-in‘s with myself, when I’m missing the mark. If you’re having these conversations, more than often, you are not being real with yourself on the things that you say you want.

Being self-aware will get you further than making up excuses and lying to yourself. Why lie to yourself? You know you. I’m here to ask you today, do you really want it? Ponder on that thought and really evaluate to make sure the work that you’re doing aligns with the goals that you set. I told myself that if I miss another gym session in the next two weeks, and it isn’t an emergency, I am going to stop, because I refuse to waste my time or hers. Sometimes you have to set a mini goal, just to see if you are even willing to do the work. What are some ways that you can hold yourself accountable on the things that you say you want? It may be time for a check in.

Do You Get Inspired Or Envious?

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 19:12:42 GMT

Confident Women Clap For Other Women

As you already know, last week, I was in New York for some business. I was there for a hair shoot and to take some content photos. I needed a make up and hair stylist, to come get me together. As I was browsing on social media, trying to find the perfect one, I came across so many talented people. The talent and hustle in New York is on another level. After a long hard process, I found two amazingly talented women to book.Thankfully, both of the ladies had agreed to come to my hotel room for my service. The hairstylist allowed me to send her my wig early, to customize it. That way, all she had to do was come put it on my head. As soon as I met the hairstylist, Naz, I instantly felt her good energy. Many stylists, have a reputation for being talented but not professional and vice versa. That was not my experience with Naz. She was so sweet and really brought the look that I wanted to life. We had great conversations and laughed the entire time. Hearing about how she had moved to NYC from Virginia and was creating a empire, really intrigued me. A few hours into getting my hair done, the makeup artist, Kenola, arrived. She was so bubbly and patient. We began chatting and I soon learned she was from Trinidad. Kenola also moved to NYC alone, and was also building her brand. Being around successful women does something to me. I was on a high. Seeing how hungry and talented these women were really showed me that girl bosses are killing it. I love seeing women perfecting their craft. I love seeing girl bosses shine.

So many times we have this idea that only one female can be successful. Society has a way of turning everything into a competition, especially with females. They make us think that only one can be on top. Think about it, according to the media, there can only be one female rapper, but that is not true. There is room for every woman to be successful. One woman shining will never dim my light. When I see another female doing it, I don’t try to tear her down. I hate when a female sees another successful female, and assumes that a man is funding her life, or that she doesn’t deserve the life that she has. That is envy. When I see other females really on their hustle, I don’t get jealous. I get inspired when I see other hard-working females. I love when women are breaking barriers that people say they can’t reach. The next time you see a successful woman, compliment her. Another woman could be doing the same exact thing that I’m doing and I wouldn’t see her as competition. I would cheer her on. Being jealous and envious can hinder you from becoming successful. Stop being so focused on other people, you are your only competition. A lot of people say they’re for female empowerment, but can’t stand the thought of another woman doing better than them. I refuse to get envious when I see successful women, because I don’t know the work that they put in. I don’t know the struggles that they’ve been through. Being a successful girl boss is hard, I will always clap when I see another woman winning.

If you find yourself becoming jealous and asking why her and not me, you need to check yourself. Another woman making it, doesn’t close the door on you making it. Nobody controls your success but you. So stop worrying about the next woman and focus on being the best woman you can be. Major shout out to Naz and Kenola for this beat. I appreciate you both for coming thru the way you did. Go compliment a successful female today, it won’t kill you. Her win doesn't mean you lose, just clap for her. You aren't even in the same race.

Visiting NYC For Work

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 20:57:58 GMT

Travel With Me To NYC

Another travel vlog, but this time to NYC. You guys seemed to enjoy my Dallas travel vlog, so I made another one. I had to fly into NYC for a hair shoot, and brought my boyfriend with me. This was his first time in NYC, so I had to capture the moment. We were only there for a weekend, but tried to explore as much as we could. In the vlog, I share behind the scenes of how I create and record content. Not only did I shoot for a hair company, I also shot with another photographer for some lifestyle content. For the first time, I had a hair and makeup artist, come to my hotel to get glammed for a shoot. I loved it. I hope you enjoy watching this vlog, thank you for watching. More video content will be coming in the future.

How To Properly Set Goals

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 14:13:37 GMT

Get Clear On What You Want

Goals are very important, setting and achieving them. More important than just having goals, is writing down goals. So many times we have goals that we want to reach, yet we don’t write them down. We have so many thoughts throughout the day, and it’s easy to lose focus of what a goal is. Goals help me stay on track. I do extend grace when a goal is not achieved at the time I wanted it to be. Once you write down your goals, whether that be written or digital, then you must come up with a action plan to achieve them. Everybody talks about having goals, but nobody discusses how to reach a goal. When writing down goals, it is so crucial to be specific with what it is you want. Rather than saying I want more money, decide how much more money you want. Vague goals get vague results. Attach a specific number, and a date on the goal. How can you achieve something without it being a goal attached. Think about it, in basketball the goal is to put the ball in the basket. If they didn’t have a goal, how would they play? You have to be specific, so that way you can track your progress.

When writing down goals, first you must think about long term. What do you want in the next 1-5 years. Once you determine the long term goals, you have to figure out what the short term goals are. What do you want in the next 6 months to a year? What goals can you put in place to get closer to the long term goals. You have to be very clear. Once you write down these long and short term goals, you can start to track your progress. I even make monthly and daily goals. I make monthly goals for my personal life and business. On the first of every month, I sit and analyze my progress. I write down everything, that way I can see where I made it or missed the mark.

After you write down your goals, (short, long, monthly, weekly, daily, etc) you must come up with a detailed plan on how you’ll make them happen. For example, the bigger goal is reaching 10k on Instagram. For that to happen, I'll need 300 more followers on this month. In order to make that happen, I will post new content everyday and comment on at least 10 different posts a day. That is a action plan. It’s daily habits that I will do, in order to achieve the long and short term goal. Each goal you have in place needs to have this attached. It can be tedious to do, but it makes a difference. Writing a action plan, takes a little work, but helps the dream become a reality. I sit down and write out action plans to each goals, because it helps me create new habits. On top of that, it helps the goal not look too hard to reach.

Goal setting is key to be successful. If you don’t set goals, how will you win? Stop being so vague with your goals. Once I started being intentional with everything, I started to see growth. Now, everything I do for my business, has a goal. Whenever I post a picture on social media, it has a goal. Setting goals help me stay on track. It’s so easy to get distracted. Sometimes, things happen and slow me down from my goals. When life happens, adjust the action plan, don’t change the goal! If it’s hard for you to remain disciplined, find a purpose partner to help you stay on track. My mom and I are starting to have strategy sessions. In those sessions I share what I want for work, business and my personal life. Throughout the month, she checks in on me. Having an accountability partner, helps me do the things I said I wanted to do. Try finding one within your friends or family you trust. Carve out some time to sit and write out your goals and action plans. This time should be uninterrupted, you need to focus on what you want. Check in on those goals weekly or monthly to see your progress.

Getting My Eyebrows Ombred Experience

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 22:14:58 GMT

Sorry for this being super late, I finally found the footage.

Happy Wednesday! I'm super excited, because I found some old footage. I found the footage from getting my eyebrows tattooed. Back in July, my lash tech, KC, took a eyebrow microblading and ombre class. She needed a model and I wanted them done, so I went. I trusted her, because I knew she was with an expert and I know she's a perfectionist. Typically, eyebrow ombre costs anywhere from $450-$1000. The difference between microblading and ombre is how the pigment is applied to the skin. Ombre is done with a machine, and microbladig is done with a handheld tool. Both are great investments, and semi permanent. I like the look of ombre brows better. The pain was a 4 on a scale of 10. They do apply numbing cream, but it's not until after they start. You're supposed to go back 4-6 weeks after, to get a touch up, but I didn't. The heeling process is 3-10 days. Within those ten days, you can't get them wet. I recorded a vlog of how my ten days went, and my aftercare. Keep in mind, this vlog is all over the place, and was filmed back in July. I hope you enjoy watching. If and when I go back for my touch up, I will record the whole process.

Unleash Your Inner Unicorn

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 21:46:45 GMT

Make Your Life Sparkle

Every year, Dior and I match, for Halloween. This year, it was so hard finding the perfect costume. Last year, we were bumblebees. This year, I wanted to be something meaningful, rather than just cute. As I was brainstorming different ideas for costumes, a lightbulb went off. Why not be a unicorn. In a world full of horses, stand out and embrace your inner unicorn. It can be very hard being different, but once you step into that differentness your world will shift.

My whole life, my mom always told me I can’t do certain things, because I’m different. As a child, that used to get on my nerves. As an adult, looking back on all situations, I see how it remains true. I was never a follower, but I used to want to be "cool" and do what my friends could do. Whenever I would try to sneak and do things, I would always get caught. My consequences for things always seemed worse than my friends. Looking back, it was Gods way of protecting me. Not only was I different in that way, I was always a unique kid. I'm blessed that my family always embraced my uniqueness and celebrated it. In my life, I've had many ideas and dreams that seemed weird or different, but they've always worked out. I trust myself and my abilities, even when others don't see the vision.

If you have an idea, sometimes it's best to listen to your own mind. That doesn't mean you can't take advice from others, but follow your own instincts. If you listen to other people’s advice and do only what other people want you to do, you’ll never be happy with life. To be honest, most of the time, the crowd is wrong. People tend to project their fears onto you, if you let them. Sometimes, even our parents, can try to push their dreams and goals onto us. You can’t allow anyone to stop you from following your dreams. We are so affected by our environment, and what’s around us, sometimes you need to silence everything. Determine what it is that you want for you. Not what Instagram wants, not what you saw the girl you like wants, not what your mom wants, but what is it that you want. Discovering your own wants and needs comes when you’re alone and not on your phone.

You need to find your own path and focus on it, focus on what you do best. You are the author of your life. You write the story. If you don't like the narrative, change it. If you have a business, stop trying to run it like the next person, and run it like you. Yes you can be inspired by others, but ultimately you should be inspired by yourself. Stop trying to run your life the same way you see your favorites running theirs. Their success story is their own, and everybody is different. It’s so many routes to success, you can’t limit yourself to the one route you see. Pave your own lane. You have to be yourself. In a world full of horses and copycats, be a unicorn. Never let someone dim your light. Stop following the crowd and walk to the beat of your own drum. You've got this!

7 Affordable Lipsticks Perfect For Fall

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 22:42:09 GMT

I love all things beauty. As the seasons change, beauty trends change too. Back on National Lipstick Day, I wrote a post about lipsticks for black girls, featuring The Lip Bar. (CLICK HERE TO READ.) Before that post, I had never worn colored lipsticks, besides red, nude and pink. That was back in July, it's now October, and I needed to add some darker colors to my collection. I went to Ulta, Sephora, and Target, to pick up some new lipsticks. I was on the hunt for my fall signature shade. While I was out doing that, an idea popped into my head. That idea, was to come up with a list of seven lipsticks for the fall. Not just any lipsticks, I wanted to make it ONLY affordable lipsticks. Makeup can be very pricey, I wanted to find lipstick shades that everyone could afford. Keep in mind, I'm new to the lipstick world and easing my way into it! All seven of these lipsticks can be picked up at your local Target, Walmart or any drug stores. On top of that, they're all under $10.

1. Maybelline Voyager. This lipstick is part of the SuperStay Matte Ink collection. It is a liquid lipstick. I purchased this color because , Mattie James, a lifestyle blogger, wore it on a Instagram live. Mattie is lighter than me, so I was a littler nervous getting this shade. After seeing her talk nonstop for an hour, and seeing the lipstick still be perfectly laid on her lips, I had to purchase it. Once I put it on my lips, I instantly fell in love. It's a deep red lipstick. Sometimes matte lipsticks are dry and harsh on my lips.This matte lipstick glides on and has the perfect texture. This shade is so bold and stays on forever.

2. Morphe Peanut. This is another liquid lipstick. This one is a soft matte. The color is a little lighter than I expected. I thought it would be more orange, but it's a nudist orange. No matter what shade you are, this color will work with you. I added a brown lip liner to make it pop. It smells like vanilla. The formula is so creamy a n d pigmented, I didn't have to use a whole lot.

3. Nyx Cactus Dreams. This is the perfect fall orange shade. It's a deep orange color. I was so nervous about trying orange lipstick, but this is honestly one of my favorites. This lipstick was so moisturizing when I put it on. A little bit goes a long way. It's a satin lipstick with a smooth finish. The packagings is what sold me, it has a cute heart on it. Get ready to see me wearing this all fall.

4. L'Oreal Roseblood. This is the perfect Burgundy/dark purple lipstick. It's a liquid matte lipstick with a matte finish. It stays on forever, I literally had to scrub my lips for it to come off. No matter what shade you are, you need a good b urgundy lipstick. I used to only love red lipstick, I'm now leaning more into b urgundy. This shade could also be paired with a red lipstick for a ombre affect.

5. Revlon Bare Affair. Please don't ask why I picked this up. It's a very light nude that I would need to pair with a dark lip liner to wear. Before this, I would have never picked up this color, just because it's so close to my natural lip color. The name matches the shade perfectly. If you want a everyday natural lip color, this is it!!! Your lips look natural and moisturized. I would wear this on top of a lip liner on my lips. I would shade in my lips completely and throw this on top. The application was so smooth.

6. L'Oreal Yum. This is from the Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick Les Chocolat collection. This is my favorite out of all the fall shades I tried. I always wanted to try the dark brown lipstick trend but I was nervous. As soon as I tried on this shade, I fell in love. This one is the most affordable out of all the lipsticks, it's only $5.49! For it to be matte, it drys and still looks smooth. Dark lipsticks look good on every shade, pair it with your perfect sweater and start your day. A bonus is, i t smells just like chocolate , I wanted to eat it .

7. Colour Pop Starling. My new favorite nude. This is perfect for that soft, diffused just-blotted look. It's a medium coverage liquid lipstick that dries matte. It doesn’t budge, and feels soft and comfy on the lips. I used to use velvet nude lipsticks, but not anymore. It's described as a diffused deep yellow nude. I only had to apply one layer for me to get the perfect color. In every season, you need a good nude lipstick, especially in the fall.

What's Under Your Wig?

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 23:59:47 GMT

Thank God For Edges!

As most of you guys know, I wear so many wigs on my head. I love me a good lace front and full lace wig, but the most important thing is what's under your wig. Yeah it’s cute to have a wig laid to the Gods, but it means nothing if you’re bald underneath. A few weeks ago I started using the Edge Naturale Follicle Enhancer . I was shocked with my results. I use it on my head when my wigs are glueless and in between installs. As soon as I put it on my head, I felt the hair growing. It’s a mint flavor so it tingles.

A few months ago, I had a bad install. My edges fell out, due to the lace glue she used. I was heartbroken and ashamed. I pride myself on having hair under my wigs. When I saw the breakage, I didn't know what to do. Luckily, the owner of Edge Naturale, Shantel, found me right on time. After just seven weeks of using it, I can see major results. I’m so happy that now I'm able to use my real hair for hairstyles. I can’t wait to use it for six more weeks to see how much more grows. I love this product so much that I let my boyfriend use it for his beard. He uses it every single day, and loves it. With him using it for only three weeks, we see the hair follicles coming. This product is the truth for hair growth. You have to be consistent in order to see progress. Before using this product, I would have never used my real hair for a ponytail. This product gave me the confidence to leave my hair out.

Don’t only take care of your weave, your natural hair needs some TLC too. Your hair is your halo, take care of it. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to regrow and restrengthen their hair. It’s made of natural oils, peppermint and coconut milk. It’s such an easy application, with no mess. On top of that, it smells amazing. Head to Edge Naturale to pick up your jar now. Make sure you leave your email, because you’ll get 15% off your purchase. I’ll check back in with you for another update around thanksgiving. I can't wait to see how much thicker my edges get!

Five Shoes To Pair With A Leather Dress

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:00:50 GMT

We are well into the fall season, and the the temperatures are finally dropping. I'm so happy I can start to pull out my fall favorites. Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite pieces ever. This black leather dress is so cute and chic. Vogue wrote that, matrix style coats and dresses were one of the 11 autumn/winter trends for 2020. Designers like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Hermès, Versace, Saint Laurent, Mugler, Fendi, Alberta Ferretti, and more, have all launched leather dresses and coats this fall. The great thing with this Black Leather Dress, in particular, is that you can dress it up or down. On top of that, it can also be worn open as a jacket. Shackets (shirt jackets) are another major trend this year. The dress I'm wearing is similar to the designers style, and an affordable price. It's from Princess Royal Boutique and is only $120. If you're in the Detroit area, go shop the boutique at 29107 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI. If you're not, shop with them online. (click here)

If you're interested in purchasing a black dress and don't know what shoes to pair it with, this post is for you. Today, I want to share five ways to wear a leather dress. These shoe styles will work even if the leather dress is a different stye.

1.Thigh High Boot. I love thigh high boots in the fall. I pair them with dresses, jeans and almost everything. If you're plain Jane, go for a solid leather or suede thigh high boot. If you're a little more risky with the way you dress, add some animal print boots. The number one animal print this fall is tiger, but I love snake print. Adding a thigh high boot makes the dress more unique. You could even wear this look to work because the dress is past the knees. Nobody in the office would even know they're thigh high. I would wear this to work or out with the girls. My Snake Print boots are by Steve Madden. They're sold out, but Amazon has them on sale now.

2.Lace-Up Heel. Depending where you are this fall, you may can get away with wearing a sandal heel. In places where it's 60s and up, this would be the perfect look for brunch or dinner. I love strappy heels, they make your foot look amazing. In Detroit, we have a few days where the temperatures aren't too bad during the day. I would definitely throw this on for a daytime outing look.I paired it with a bag that's the same color as the shoe. Whatever color lace up heel you have will pair nicely with your black leather dress. My shoes are from EgoOfficial.

3.Espadrilles or Slip On Flat. If you're looking to dress down this look, these shoes are perfect. I would wear this look for a day of running errands, or a casual daytime lunch date. One thing I learned about myself during this pandemic, is that I love to be cute but comfortable. I paired mine with leopard print espadrilles, but you could do any print or plain. If you don't have any espadrilles, pair it with a slip on shoe or low top sneaker. By adding a flat shoe, it dresses it down without making it look tacky. My shoes are from Saint Laurent, but Asos have a great dupe.

4. Ankle Bootie. If you're looking to add an edge to the look, add a heeled bootie. I love wearing booties with dresses, it tones the dress down but adds a pop. The look is so stylish and chic. I paired mine with a leather and cheetah print bootie. Ideally, I would wear this with a plain leather bootie for a full leather look. If you don't have a leather bootie, pair it with a sock bootie for a stylish look. Nordstrom Rack have sock booties in multiple colors. If you'r e looking to be plain, add a black boot. If you want a pop of color, add a red bootie.

5. Classic Pump. The easiest way to style this dress is by adding a classic leather pump. This is the perfect outfit for work or date night. This look is so simple, but yet cute. Personally, I added a black pump, but you can add whatever you're comfortable with. Some people think pointed toe pumps are out of style, but here to let you know they aren't. They're classic, timeless, and can be dressed up. If this look is too simple for you, add a nice bag and chunky jewelry. Accessories can add an extra oomph to any outfit. My pumps are from Christian Loubitin , but any plain pump will work. Steve Madden make great affordable pumps.

Travel With Me To Dallas

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:12:23 GMT

As you know by now, I love traveling. Exploring new places is really my love language. I love traveling so much, that I do it alone a lot. Last weekend, I went to visit my family in Dallas, TX. I wasn't alone, I went with my mom and Dior. It was actually my first time traveling first class. While I was in Texas, I explored the mall, boutiques, restaurants, and so many other places. In this vlog, I take you with me every step of the way. Typically, I don't vlog while I travel, but I wanted to do something different. This way, you get to come on vacation with me.

The 5 Best Affordable Jeans For Women Under $25

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 23:20:47 GMT

Looking cute doesn’t have to always empty your account. Sometimes it’s about pairing luxury pieces with affordable clothing. I love mixing high and low pieces, to get the perfect look. Today I want to share five jeans all under $25. Jeans are everything. They can be dressed up for a girls night out, or dress down for a casual day in. There are so many different jean styles, if you haven’t found the right style, keep trying. If you can splurge on jeans, definitely do it. But if you’re looking for other options this post is for you. My weight fluctuates, which leads me to buy jeans often. I don't always feel like spending $100 on jeans. Also, I love trying new trendy jean styles, I refuse to spend a ton of money on a trend. This led me to create this post. Jeans don't have to be expensive for them to be quality.

First up, I’ve talked about Fashion Nova so many times before, I had to include them today. These C lassic High Waisted Jeans , are the perfect everyday use. They hug your body in all the right places. On top of that, they are high waisted, which instantly gives your butt a lift. These come in four different shades, all of which I own, and I think you should own too. These have been spotted on celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Cardi B, and so many other major stars. They typically run $29.99, but are currently on sale for $20.99 with an additional 20%-30% off.

Up next, these Old Navy Button Rockstar Jean s are so cute. They're skinny jeans, that come down to the ankle. I would pair these with a cute bootie for the perfect look. They have four buttons, which makes them different from zip up jeans. I was already a fan of the Rockstar pants from Old Navy, so I was excited to try these. They are modestly distressed, which are perfect for the fall. They're a light wash, low rise jean. I would also pair these with a solid color shirt and a utility jacket. Normally, these can run up to $50, but right now, they're on sale for $21.00. I picked mine up in store for only $13.49. R un, don't walk, to your local Old Navy to grab these cuties.

Th e s e third pair s, are one of my favorites. I love Target cloth ing , they're so cute yet affordable. Mom jeans are super trendy and comfortable. These , Universal Thread High Rise Vintage Jeans , can be dressed up or down. They're straight legged, but I rolled up my bottoms. I love the super light wash, especially in the fall, because they pair with almost every color. These would be so cute with a knitted sweater, or even a button down blouse. If you're edgy, these are perfect for you, because they're super distressed. Universal Thread, is a Target private brand, which have unique pieces. These jeans are only $23.99.

I love Old Navy jeans so much, I decided to add another pair. These are the, Rockstar Distressed Skinny Jeans, in the perfect shade. They're medium washed, low rise jeans. It's hard to find a good medium wash color jean that doesn't look cheap . The quality alone of these pants is impeccable. I love how they hug my hips. They aren't too distressed to where you're freezing. I also love the fading whispering near the pockets. These are normally $35.00, but are currently on sale for $19.00.

Last, but certainly not least, are these Walmart jeans. You know I was sleeping on Walmart, until I did my Haul video, and found out they have some hidden gems. (If you haven't already, click here to watch that video.) These, Celebrity Pink Mid Rise Jeans , are medium/dark wash. A few weeks ago, I was in Walmart with my grandmother, and saw these. I wasn't going to get them, but the price was so affordable. These jeans were only, $15.99. When I tried them on, once I got home, I instantly fell in love. Th ey are so stretchy and comfortable. On top of that, they go all the way down my ankle. I'm 5'5, and have long legs, so it's sometimes hard to find jeans that fit. These also come in black, I will be ordering those ASAP!

Finish The Game

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 18:39:08 GMT

You can't win on the bench!

We are already 12 days into the last quarter of the year, can you believe that? It’s crazy to think that 2020 will be over very very soon. I’ve already started seeing people talk about how 2020 is canceled, and they’ll try again next year. Don’t let that be you. Yesterday, the Lakers won game six and became the 2020 champions for the first time in 10 years. After losing game five, the Lakers could have gone into the new game defeated, but they didn’t. You cannot let the failures and trials stop you from finishing the game. You have to get that spark and drive you had in the first quarter back, this season. The Lakers were able to come back and win game six, because they were determined. To be determined means, "having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it.'' You have to be set on going for your goals and dreams, no matter what life throws at you.

I completely understand why you may feel low and drained, 2020 has been a roller coaster. From the pandemic, to the civil war, to everything in between, it has been tough. That doesn't mean you can just throw in the towel and say I’ll try again next year. Right now, is the time to really go for what it is that you want, because who knows what next year will bring. Next year might be a roller coaster to. Then what, you put it off another year? NO! Stop quitting when it gets hard. Achieving goals never happens in a linear way.. People expect to start a business in January and become millionaires by March, but that is not how that happens. Maybe you’ve quit your job to focus on your business, but your business is not bringing in the revenue right now to fund itself. You may need to get another job until the time is right. Sometimes in order to live your dreams, your reality has to fund your dreams, until your dreams can fund your reality. Don’t put your life off. It takes a while to figure things out. When things get tough or you make the wrong decision, you have to keep going. Every failure is step to success. If you’re not failing, that means you’re not doing anything. Let go of fear. When you let go of fear, good things happen.

There’s some people who just are not hungry enough for the blessings. It could be right in front of them, and they never know. Stop over looking the blessings that God is trying to give you, because you don’t want to do the work, or because you’re scared of failing. Yeah times get hard, but you don’t know how close you are to your breakthrough, if you quit. God is calling you to get off the bench, but you're denying the call. Accept the call, because it's so much in store if you do. You can't have a testimony if you don't go thru a test.

There’s nothing I can say to make things easier for you, because life is not easy. No matter what you do, it’s time to get up and get started. Get off the bench, and get back in the game. You can’t win from the sideline. If you keep letting every no or closed door stop you, you will never know what it feels like to walk into a yes. You can't walk into your purpose and blessings, if you don't get off the bench.

The Thin Line Between Confidence And Cockiness

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 23:59:36 GMT

Comparison is the thief of joy

Confidence is truly key. I know it’s very cliché, but when you operate out of confidence, your life elevates. Confidence comes from knowing. When you truly know yourself and love yourself, you operate out of confidence. confidence is different from cockiness. A lot of people think that if they embrace confidence, people will perceive it as cockiness, but that isn’t the truth. Cockiness is bragging without having the skills to back it up. It’s what happens when you try to fake confidence. When you’re confident, you not only believe in yourself, but you actually have the skills to back it up. Having the skill, takes work. You have to put in work to be confident. When you’re cocky, you think you’re better than other people. Cocky people are typically in competition with others. Confident people are only in competition with themselves. When you’re confident, you are not worried about with others are doing, because you’re so focused on your self. Be careful not to fall in the trap of becoming cocky, because it’s a façade that will wear off. Most cocky people are not happy with themselves. They are so insecure with themselves, that they continue to compare themselves to others. They even talk down on other people. Focus on you and becoming the best version of you. When you’re running a race and you look over, you slow down, because you’re so focused on what the other person is doing. Stay in your own lane. Comparing yourself to others is like taking a test, and trying to cheat, but the person next to you has a completely different test. When you start to compare yourself to others, it slows you down from reaching your purpose. Today, I just want to encourage you to focus on you. It’s a very thin line between cockiness and confidence, be careful you don’t fall on the other side.

Glueless Lace Wig Application: From Curly To Straight

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 23:20:45 GMT

My first ever hair video, featuring LabBelle Hair Collection.

When purchasing hair, you want to make sure quality is priority. Especially with the lace shortage in China, lace can be really hard to get a hold of now. A lot of companies have either discontinued lace products, or increased the price tremendously. I've always cared about quality of hair, but now more people are. You want to make sure your investment on hair, will have a good return. I love shopping with LaBelleHairColllection. Their lace is amazing, plus they offer custom wigs for affordable prices. If you're in the market to shop for bundles, wigs, closures, or frontals, look no further. In today's video, I shared how I layed my lace from wig using only hair spray, no glue. On top of that, I transformed my curly wig to a natural everyday style. Let me know if you like videos like this and I'll continue to make them. If you shop with LaBelle, make sure you use my code LaBelleDym for money off.

Tap Into Your Power

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 23:31:58 GMT

The Strength Of A Woman

Ladies it’s time to take back our power. For centuries we have been pushed around and haven't had a voice. That is no more. 2020 is the year of the woman. A woman’s power is one of the best things she has. It's time to learn that we are goddesses. Goddesses who don’t have to settle for anything in life. Never settle for a job, a man, your nail shape, or anything. You have a voice, it's time to be assertive. I refuse to settle with anything in my life. Wait for what you deserve. Don't settle, just be patient. If I need a pink dress, I'd go to the mall to find one. If I walk into a store and the sales person offers me a blue dress because they don't have pink in my size, I would go to another store, not buy the dress I didn't want. That's exactly how I live my life!

Over the weekend, I watched the movie Boomerang, again. It’s a classic movie starring Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Robin Givens and so many other great actors and actresses. The movie first c ame out back in 1992. It’s about a ladies man, who meets his match, and gets a taste of his own medicine.The movie has many layers, but one of my key takeaways is, the power of a woman. As females, we have to tap into our power. We need to understand that we are the catch. The two main female characters in the movie are, Halle Berry and Robin Givens. They taught me so much about my feminine power. Robin Givens character was a successful, powerful, and beautiful woman. On the first date she had with Eddie Murphy's character, she wasn’t giving him all of her attention. She acted as if she was one of the homeboys. She knew exactly the kind of man she was dealing with, and she took control of what she wanted. Robin’s character also taught me not to be so available and to give a guys some space. I know you've seen the girl who is always free for a man. She typically loses herself and what she has going on because she’s so caught up in him. Don’t be that girl. Halle Berry's character was more softer, but just as stern, in her own way. She knew exactly what she was getting herself into, because she knew the kind of man he was. She became a friend to Eddie’s character before the romance. So many times in dating we skip the step of friendship and jump right into romance, but if you don’t have a friendship how will the relationship last? One of my favorite parts of the movie, was when Halle Berry’s character, took her power and left at Eddie's character. She left him, when she realized he couldn’t love her in the way she deserved. So many women hold on to dead situations, because of history, kids or stability. They sacrifice their own happiness, because they don’t think that they can find someone who loves them to their standards. That is not true, you are a queen. If the person you are with is not loving you the way you want to be loved, you have to do what’s best for you. It might not be easy, but it’s what needs to be done. Sometimes you have to leave to show a guy. If it’s meant to be it’ll come back.

A man will only do what you allow him to do. If you allow him to walk all over you, he will. As a female, you need to claim your respect. Stand your ground and know your worth. If you have Netflix, I would definitely suggest you watch the movie, Boomerang. Even if you watched it before, watch it again. It’s so many key takeaways about being a feminine woman. 90s actresses femininity was on another level. You are a queen, never forget that. Don’t let today’s society make you feel bad about what you want and expect in life or relationships. Never settle!

The Key To A Successful Day

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:28:18 GMT

Dress For Success

Right now, we are in a awkward time. Some people are going to work everyday, while others are working from home. Some people are working on their own businesses, and others are unemployed searching for new opportunities. Wherever you fall, you need to start each morning by getting dressed.

When you don’t have plans to leave the comfort of your own home, your normal routine to groom yourself easily falls to the wayside! When the pandemic first started, that was me. I was waking up and staying in my pajamas until about 6pm. I only wore loungewear and pajamas, for about two months. Back in May, I decided enough was enough. The morning routine I was used to, was gone. It was time to create a new one. This new one started by me waking up and getting in the shower. After I showered, I began to put on real clothes. It could be jeans and a t-shirt or a dress, as long as it wasn't pajamas. Once I started to differentiate my sleep and work clothes, I was able to focus more. You might not think it, but being in pajamas all day can kill your productivity. But what does putting on clothes really do?

1 . It helps your mood. We all wake up on the wrong side of the bed, sometimes. Maybe, the weather outside is rainy and gloomy. That doesn't mean you have to be in an oversized old tee and some pajama pants. Put on some bright colors, it'll brighten up your day. How we feel about ourselves on the outside, directly affects how we feel on the inside. When you look good, you feel good. When I feel pretty, I'm able to accomplish more work. It's a form of self care when you get dressed. Take care of yourself, even if you're staying in.

2. It changes your mindset. When I start my morning by getting dressed, I'm more likely to sit at my desk, rather than my bed or couch. Getting dressed at the start of the morning, turns your brain on. My mindset is switched from lounging to work. It helps me prepare for the day. You never know if you'll have to run to the store or if somebody is coming by. Stay ready so you don't have to get ready. The same is for when I change at night, into my pajamas. It lets my mind know that I'm winding down and shutting off from the day.

3. It keeps the days from running together. It helps establish a patter or routine in your life. Life is all about routines. Our routines have all been shaken up. Getting dressed everyday gives some type of normalcy to our lives. Things are so uncertain, we all need something to keep us sane. Something as little as getting dressed every morning, can provide structure.

This is not only for adults. Parents get your kids dressed for zoom class. Kids who get dressed for zoom class will be more attentive. It will set the tone that even though they're at home, it is still school. Kids who are in pajamas for virtual learning, are more likely to log on, in bed. Create a morning routine for your child, it is crucial.

I'm not saying, never wear pajamas. It's a time and a place for everything. Maybe have a lazy Saturday, where you watch cartons and eat cereal in your pjs. On days when you have work to do, start your morning by getting dressed. It get's your day started, on a good note. Who doesn't love a hot shower, first thing in the morning? It'll wake you up! Try starting every morning with showering and getting dressed, and watch how your productivity increases!

Done Is Better Than Perfect

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 22:57:35 GMT

Waiting on perfection will kill your productivity.

Being done is better than perfect, because being perfect will never get done. Perfection is ultimately procrastination. According to Webster, perfect means, "Being entirely without fault or defect. Flawless.'' So many times we fear doing or launching something, because things aren't exactly how we want them to be. We fear stepping out on faith, because things aren't flawless. That is one of the biggest forms of procrastination, because things will never be perfect. Stop letting perfection be the thing holding you back. The problem with perfectionism is, it stops you from accomplishing many things that you have the ability to achieve. It prevents you from sharing with the world your ideas, your work and your craft, so you never benefit from the feedback necessary to get better; this means the world will not benefit from the amazing things you are capable of doing. Many of us say things like, if I can't do it perfectly, I won't do it at all. We tend to try to perfect all the wrong things for our business, when what matters is how valuable it is. The way to get good is by starting. People are afraid to fail. Failure helps you get better because you see what doesn't work. People use being a perfectionist, as an excuse not to get things done.

This is not only for business owners, this is even in everyday life. Struggling to make decisions because you want them to be perfect, will hold you back. For example, over the weekend I threw my aunt a dinner party. This was my second year throwing her party, and I wanted this year to be better than last year. I wanted everything to be perfect. I started planning this party, back in August, but I didn’t book anything, until five days before. I almost couldn’t get a cake, and I almost couldn’t reserve the restaurant that I wanted. All because I was waiting on perfect. Wanting things to be perfect will hinder you from making decisions. Once I realized her birthday was a week away, ready or not, I had to make a decision. By that time, the place I wanted to have it at, was booked. So I had to find a back up plan. On top of that, I already had a great baker, but I didn’t know the design I wanted. All I knew is that I wanted it to be perfect. By the time I had made a decision for the cake, the designer was already booked. By the grace of God she had a cancellation, and was able to squeeze me in. I almost let wanting things to be perfect stop me from having the dinner party all together.

When you want things to be perfect you second-guess a lot of stuff. Successful people are very decisive, and they make decisions quickly. Once you begin to overthink things, it slows down the process. You won’t have the perfect website, the perfect inventory, the perfect logo, the perfect anything until you start. Once you start, you'll see what needs to be fixed, and you'll keep getting better. Stop letting perfection kill your productivity. It will never be the perfect time. If you’re waiting on perfect, you might as well just say forget it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take a moment and make it perfect.

Tomorrow is October first, which is the final quarter of the year. It's only three months left in 2020. It's time to give it all you got. No more fear, stop holding back.

Shoe Obsession: Transitional Open Toe Heels

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:27:57 GMT

WHY DIDN'T ANYBODY TELL ME ABOUT EGO SHOES ??!! I found the most adorable and unique shoes and guess what? They're super affordable. Ego have shoes for everybody. So many styles and colors, I'm literally obsessed! As you know, I'm currently transitioning into wearing heels more. I used to wear heels occasionally, but after quarantine, it's been hard to get back into it. I was searching for cute heels, but I didn't want to break the bank. I came across Ego and now I literally order new shoes every other week. They have styles for as low as $15. The shoes are great quality and so detailed. Today's video is a shoe haul. I share some of my newest Ego shoes, along with all the links to them. I hope you enjoy the video!

You Have To Position Yourself For Blessings

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 23:34:48 GMT

Your new life is going to cost you the new one.

It's officially fall. Temperatures are cooling down, leaves are beginning to fall and pumpkin flavors are resurfacing. I love the fall, because I love layering pieces. It's crazy that we are already nine months into 2020. Time is literally flying. Did you forget about all the goals you had set in place for the year? Refocus as many times as you need to.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about visualizing the person you want to be. That's the first step to walking into your new life, the second step is positioning yourself. So many times we ask God for all these blessings, and he can't give them to us, because we aren't positioned. Have you ever been given something, you weren't ready for and it goes horribly? I certainly have. My mom used to always ask me, "Can you handle this Dom? If not tell me and I won't put you in a position to fail." You have to be honest with yourself, if you had everything you wanted right now, would you be ready?

You've already planted your seeds. Now it's time to water them and wait for God to help them grow. The Bible says, "Faith without work is dead" (James 2:17.) Preparing for God’s blessings requires faith into action. It’s not enough to simply say you’re ready to receive God’s blessings, and yet do nothing to position yourself for God’s blessings. In order to position yourself for Gods blessings, you must first:

5. Forgive. We simply cannot expect His grace to flood our lives if we refuse to give it to others. He Himself said so.

"1. Position Yourself In Your Own Mind. The way you see yourself will shape the way others see you. The way you think about yourself determines how you do everything. It affects the way you live, the way you grow, the way you manage your time. It shapes everything you do. As a result, people will see you the way you perceive yourself.

Are you positioned to receive what it is you say you want? You don't want to fumble your blessings. You have to do the work before you get them. This is not the time to get distracted!

Day Seven: End Of Summer Fast And Detox

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 22:31:34 GMT

Thank you for participating, I pray you took this seriously!

The fourth annual End Of Summer, fast and detox is now coming to an end. I'm so happy you decided to join me. I pray you remained disciplined thru this time. I know it was challenging, but the reward of clarity is worth it. I took this time to really silence out the noise to hear God. I wanted to remove my distractions to focus on him. I prayed for answers and growth. I meditated and heard my inner wants. So many times, with all the distractions of the world, it's hard to hear yourself. I focused on my wants and dreams. I even set some intentions for the fall. Plus, this fast and detox taught me that I'm a slave to nobody. When you set your mind on something, and you really stick to it, you get a feeling of completion, that comes from it. I hope this time helped you get clear about your goals for this new season.

There are four habits that you need to implement in order to receive this breakthrough and clarity in the new season. First habit was don't worry about anything. Second habit was pray about everything. Third habit was thank God for everything, in every situation. The fourth and final thing you need to do in order to receive this breakthrough is to, STAY FOCUS ON TRUE THINGS. Whatever breakthrough you need whether it is a financial breakthrough, relationship breakthrough, school breakthrough or even just a breakthrough with God, can come after you really get clear on these four steps. This is a mental change. You hear things everyday that hold you back that aren't true. The lies that hold you back that say you're not good enough, you'll never make it, you're ugly, etc. Don't feed your mind with that. Fill your mind with TRUE THINGS. Fill your mind with thoughts that are excellent and worthy of praise. What's true things? Not what you see on tv. Not what you hear on the radio. It's what is in the bible. It's the love of God. It's positive thoughts. Jesus said when you know the truth it'll set you free. To be set free means a breakthrough. You have to start reading your bibles!!! That's the only way to get his truth. Job 11:13-19 says

That's the reason why we fast and pray. That is the promise from God. Stretch out your hands in prayer, give up all secret sins, and you will be confident and fearless. I don't know about you, but I want to be fearless in this next season. In order to be fearless, you must get clear on God's promises. That scripture also says, your troubles will go away. You'll feel safe and secure and you'll sleep without fear. That's some good stuff. I have a tendency to worry and get anxious when it comes to the future. I now know, if I focus on God and give him all of me, he will order my steps. I don't want to be in the passenger seat anymore of my life, I gave God complete control, to do with my life as he will. When you rely solely on the promises of God, no matter what the circumstances are, you know, God will make a way. Here's my task for you, go thru the Bible and pick out three promises made from God. Write these promises in your notes and look over them at least once a week. By doing that, you will focus on pure things, rather than whatever problems come your way. My three promises are.....

1. "Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! there is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.”

2.“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.”

3. "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

For those of you who are detoxing too, I have a activity for you. So many times we go thru the motions. We have so many day one friends who may be the ones holding us back. Successful people have learned the art of editing their circle. Understand that sometimes the reason your blessings aren't coming is because of the company you keep. I should be able to look at your circle and it be a direct reflection of you. The people you associate with, should push and motivate you, as you should to them. Sometimes, time means nothing with a friendship. Any relationship, business, intimate or friendship, should be mutual exchange; Both parties should be getting something. Today I want you to look at your friendships, and call lists. Let's detox those contacts, social media friends, real life friends, and anybody in your bubble. If you aren't getting anything out of the friendship, cut it off. I detox my social media regularly. I block and delete any negativity or anything that doesn't motivate me. I recently unfollowed the Shaderoom, and I love it. I wanted a drama free life and that starts with what I digest. Remember, you are in control of the people you let in your bubble. Learn to protect your peace. Watch how positive your world becomes after you block negativity.

You did it. Pat yourself on the back. I pray you take some of these new habits into the new chapter of your life. The only thing we can control during this chaotic world, is our focus. The voices of the world are so noisy, God is found in the stillness. New vision and understanding comes from stillness. This is a season of harvest. There's so many things found when you sit with God. There's attacks on our focus, energy and spirit every single day. Our peace is found when we fast and detox. Stop letting things steal your focus.

Day Four: End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 23:09:46 GMT

Advancing through adversities.

Wow, we are officially four days in. It's always hard to be disciplined on the weekends. Don't give in, you got this. Today, I was running around all day, and I was so happy to have a hour of silence. I've been using my time during this fast and detox to really get connected to God and myself. Today I self reflected on my life. It's definitely been a roller coaster, but thus far, everything has worked for my good. When you're in the the middle of a storm, in life, it's hard to see yourself coming out. You think the situation is so big that sometimes you question why me. But in those moments, God always comes thru. During adversities in your life, you need to hold on to your faith.

First let me define the word adversity, it's a noun meaning difficulties. So many Christians believe, just because they are Christians, nothing bad will ever happen to them, but that's not true. One of the greatest scriptures has to be Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'' Many non Christians always ask me, if I really believe that, even when negative things happen to me. The answer is yes. Things in itself may not be good, but God will work them out for my good. The bottom line is that Romans 8:28 holds true no matter the hand you've been dealt. God has a way of allowing us to go thru our seasons of suffering in order for good things to come from it.

Another good scripture to read when you're going thru trials is, Philippians 1:12-19. It teaches us the uncomfortable situations in adversities. Paul says that even as a saint and believer things will happen in our life. At this time he speaks about the bounds that were holding him, as a results of him serving christ, he's referring to him being in prison. He was in prison as a result of him doing things that are right. He is al so dealing with the people, who are adding infliction to his wounds. The second thing we learn in this text, is the uninterrupted service during adversities. His opposition actually became his opportunity . Instead of shutting doors, they opened them. God can use anything to bring his name glory. Meaning any negative situation that we have in our life, God can turn to a positive.

Here's what I want you to take from todays message: Nothing just happens, just to happen. Everything that happens in your life is for a greater good. Look at your life and everything negative you've been thru, think deeply about it and figure out what was the good that came from it. The next time something bad happens to you, rather than question why me, figure out what it is he wants you to get from it. God also uses our adversities for encouraging others. Whatever crisis or hardship you're dealing with, you can advance thru it. Have faith, without doubt.

Only three days left, you have been doing so good. Don't give in now. Until tomorrow.

Day Three: End Of Summer Fast And Detox

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 23:01:21 GMT

Faith and fear can not coexist.

We are already three days into the fast and detox. By now, I hope your cravings have gone away. Day three was a pretty easy day. I drank more water throughout the day, and it helped carve my appetite. I was super busy catching up on work, so I didn't crave Starbucks like normal. As I was praying and meditating, I had a thought cross my mind. Many times, I talk myself out of blessings. I already knew that my tongue had power, but I forget just how much power that is. the Bible says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. The words you speak and thoughts you think shape your world.

You can't believe this is true for positive things and not true for negative things. What we declare, no matter good or bad, is what can come to pass. There's so many scriptures on the power of the tongue. You have to learn how to hold your tongue because, you may be the person holding yourself back. Faith and fear can not coexist. Are you constantly down playing yourself and accomplishments? Stop that. Be kind to yourself.

Today, I want you to write down ten affirmations. According to Mindtools, "Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts.'' HABAKKUK 2:2 says, "And the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it." When you write something down, you affirm it. Not only do I want you to write it down, I want you to speak them out loud throughout the day. Make sure you write your positive affirmations in present tense and first person. Write them as if they have already been achieved. By doing it this way, you are training yourself to believe in them, by making them real and achievable. This is a great activity help you be more positive and overall happier. You need to let go of any and all negative thoughts and images and bombard your subconscious mind with new thoughts and images that are positive.

Every morning, I write at least one affirmation for myself and the day. It doesn't mean things will be perfect that day. Repeating affirmations helps to reprogram the unconscious mind for success. "I t helps eliminate negative and limiting beliefs and transforms your comfort zone from a limited one keeping you trapped in mediocrity to a more expanded one where anything is possible. It helps to replace your cant’s with cans, and your fears and doubts with confidence and certainty.'' This small thing is key for shaping your day.

If you're religious, pray over your affirmations. If you don't know what to affirm, ask God to reveal them to you. Keep your affirmations somewhere you can visibly see throughout the day. When life gets hectic, I look at my affirmation and speak them out loud. Time is flying, four days left. Be disciplined.

Day Two: End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 22:01:04 GMT

One Year Anniversary Mugs Currently On Sale For $10 (Click here to shop)

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments

We are officially 48 hours into the fast and detox. How do you feel? Today for me was better than yesterday. I woke up energized, by 5pm, I was feeling lazy. All I wanted to do was lay down and watch tv, but I didn't give in. After I went for a walk around my neighborhood, I was back feeling good. Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if you don't want to do it. That's the key to this fast and detox. Training your mind to be stronger than your body. Dana Chanel says, "I’m a slave to nothing and no one not even my own body! Most Disciplined!" That is the thing I've been telling myself all day. If you don't train your mind, you'll never have discipline which means, you'll never buckle down and accomplish a goal. My prayer has been for God to grant me the desire. If he gives me the desire, the pain that I go thru for it won't seem as bad. Yes it will still be painful, but the desire and want for it will be greater, thus making it worth it.

Today, I found myself continuously asking God to give me the strength. The hardest thing is surprisingly food. I want to share a scripture with you. Ephesians 3:16 says, "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power by his Spirit in the inner man.'' What Paul is saying is, we ultimately pull strength by what we glorify. If we glorify God, he will be our ultimate source of strength. Isn't it funny how in life if we want to strengthen our beings, we turn to other things. For example, if we want to strengthen our body, we go to the gym and eat right; or when we want to strengthen our mind, we read books and watch videos on the subject. How many of us actually try to strengthen our inner man(woman?) We do that by what we glorify. You can tell what a person worships by what they glorify and what they bring glory to.

You can also tell what a person worships by what they're willing to sacrifice for. If you want to lose weight you'll sacrifice time for the gym, and sacrifice money to buy healthier foods. That takes a lot of time and energy. My question for you is, what are you glorifying? How can you be asking God for strength, but glorifying man, social media or television? My major focus for this season is discipline. Hebrews 12:11 says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.'' Discipline is the work done on the practice field, so you can be ready for the big game. Lack of discipline will haunt you, if you don't take the time to incorporate it into your daily life. What's some areas of your life where you need to be more disciplined?

So many times, we fall short due to lack of discipline. People always want to become more disciplined in life, but miss the first step. Lack of discipline is due to lack of commitment. When you aren't fully committed you aren't disciplined. When you have a job and need money, you aren't going to not show up. Why, because you need money. When you truly want something, you commit fully to it. My activity for you today is to write down a list of five short and long terms goals. Short term goals are goals that you'd like to achieve within 6-12 months. Long term is anything after a year. Really sit and think about what you want. Remember, what you truly desire, you'll be willing to commit to, and sacrifice for. If you think you want something, but fail to put in the work for it, do you truly want it? I'm giving my all to this fast and detox, because I'm obsessed with becoming the best version of myself, and I know this'll help me get there.

I don't care if you've cheated yesterday, today is the perfect day to recommit to the fast and detox. Remember, it all starts with your mind. When you miss the mark and give in to the cravings, you aren't

cheating me, you're cheating yourself. Stop playing yourself. You claim you want to have a better life, take this fast/detox seriously. We still have five days to really buckle down, pray and make things happen. I pray you have an amazing disciplined Wednesday.

By the way, my one year anniversary mugs are currently on sale for $10. (CLICK HERE TO SHOP)

Day One of End Of Summer Fast & Detox

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 23:55:23 GMT

Trade your expectation to appreciation and the world changes instantly

I will be honest and say today was hard for me. It's 7pm and I haven't eaten anything since 10am, so I'm starving. I have been craving Starbucks. On top of that, I feel like I missed so much by not being on social media. Even with all the struggles happening today, I am focused on God. When I think about everything he does for me daily, I refuse to complain about my fleshes desires. I took the day to look at my life, the people in it, things I've overcame, my failures, the highs and lows, and one thing I can say is I'm blessed. We are in the middle of a global pandemic and my family and friends haven't wanted for anything. So many blessings have came out of this pandemic. Today, I want you to look at your life. Step outside yourself and analyze where you are now. Understand that blessings and favor come with GRATITUDE. For example, I've been wanting to move for the longest, but I haven't been truly grateful for the place I have now. If I can't be thankful for where I am now, how can I expect God to bless me with more. You have to learn how to look at the glass half full, rather than half empty. Write a list of at least ten things you're grateful for RIGHT NOW. They can be as big or small as you want. Keep this list somewhere you can see daily and during this fast, add three things every morning. Watch how your day changes when you start with thankfulness. Sit and really give thanks to God for the ten things on this list. So many times we ask God for increase that we forget to thank him for what we have now. You might not have your dream job, but you're still employed when thousands of people have been let go.

I know everybody is not religious if you are not and you're still participating in the detox I want to thank you too. Life detoxing is so important especially with all the foolishness going on in the world. You have to know how to silence out everything and clear your mind of anything not benefiting you. I want you to write a list of ten things you're thankful for too. Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation of all abundance. No matter how crazy life is, there is always something to be thankful for. Sit and meditate on the list that you created. It all starts with your mind. You can complain about what you lack or you can be thankful for what you do have. You have to train your mind. You got this.

Day one down, six more to go. Don't cheat yourself!

It's Time For Change: End of Summer Fast & Detox

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:05:38 GMT

Do you need a shift, clarity or a breakthrough? You need to join me

Summer 2020 is quickly coming to an end. This has been a long, and unique summer. We are currently living in some strange times, where things change daily. There's only three months left in what seems to have been the longest year. 2020 taught me that nothing is forever, and living fearful will hold you back. I'm so happy that God has extended grace to cover me through this pandemic, racial injustices, and the many deaths all around. If you're still here September 14th, 2020, you should be so grateful, because a lot of people didn't live to see this day. With all of that being said, what better time to fast and detox. Many people think fasting is only food. Food for some is the most difficult thing to give up. If your like me, and food is not that big to you, you have to actually sit down and think about the things that are most difficult for you to sacrifice. Some people are attached to social media, watching TV, or partying, whatever it is for you let it go. Don't just cut it out of your life, the whole point is to fill that time with prayer and meditation. Rather than spending your lunch break eating and watching Netflix on your phone, you should take a prayer walk and ask God to prepare you for the new season. Feast on God's word. Take this time to let go of at least four of your favorite go-to things. Really sit and think about what to let go of. Don’t cheat yourself or try to play God, really give up some stuff of value.

This is my fourth annual Fast And Detox. Starting tomorrow at noon for a week, we will be praying for breakthroughs and clarity. This fast and detox is to prepare us for the new season. Fall is around the corner, as is Q4. You don’t want the stress, struggles, fears, confusions, people, or things that held you down in the summer, to follow you into the fall. Whenever I get confused, feel lost, or feel like I don’t know what God is calling from me, I like to just silence out the noise with the fast. When I surrender the things that I crave and use daily to God, I can spend one on one time with him. When you have so many distractions, it’s hard to hear God. Thru fasting we become more aware of the areas that Gods spirit is interested in helping us grow. Fasting helps us keep our balance, and helps us realize what things truly matter in our life. Most things we crave aren't essential, but yet still can takeover our life. Fasting is when we voluntarily chose to give up something of value to us, with the purpose to replace it with intimate time with God. Many great saints fasted like David, Esther, Paul, Elijah, Moses, and Jesus. Fasting is a great way for us to review the things in our life that control us.

This is not only a fast for my spiritual readers, this is a detox for my non-religious people too. Detoxing is essential to having a happy and prosperous life. Detoxing cleanses you mind and body to be align with your life. This is a life detox. This is a time to meditate and hear you inner voice, get clear on your goals and to come up with a plan to have an amazing future. We are cleansing our mind, body and spirits. After the long nine months we just encountered, we need to get rid of all the things holding us back. This detox will also help jumpstart your discipline, which is essential for growth. You can't level up with the same old habits. During this detox I challenge you to create at least two productive daily habits, that stick even after the detox is over.

Starting tomorrow at noon, until September 22nd, I will be giving up Starbucks, Youtube, Social Media, (besides business and updates) fast food, candy and pop. Also, I'm only watching two hours of tv and not eating after 7pm. During this fast and detox, I will share daily activities that will help you clear out your life, and get ready for the blessings coming. This is a time for silence, to meditate on hearing God and your inner voice. For the next seven days, I will be keeping you updated on scriptures to read each day and different prayers. I'll also be sharing posts daily via Instagram make sure you're following me. (@Dymond_lashay) I'm super excited because, this fast and detox changes my life every year. Thank you to everybody who is participating. If you're interesting, just make a list of four things and really stick to it. I will be talking to you tomorrow, remember to remain disciplined. Lets make it happen. Remember you can't level up, if you aren't willing to do the work! After all the blessings God has given you, are you willing to sacrifice things you love for him?

Why Your Day Is All Over The Place

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 21:50:08 GMT

I didn't understand this growing up, I do now.

My entire life, I've had my parents, and grandparents, telling me to make my bed. As a child, I didn't see the big deal. I always thought, it's my room and I didn't care to make it. I didn't feel the need to make my bed, because all it's going to do is get unmade when I get home. Little did I know, making your bed first thing in the morning, has many pros besides aesthetics. Many successful people all start by making their bed every morning. In several books, they talk about how it sets the tone for the rest of your day.

Retired U.S. Navy Admiral Seal William H. McCraven, believes making your bed every morning can have a big impact on your life. “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day,″ he said. “It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.” For the last couple of months I started making my bed every morning and can really see a difference on my productivity.

I recently read, 'The Power Of Habit.' The book is phenomenal. One takeaway is, Author Charles Duhigg, says making your bed every morning is a keystone habit. He said, “Making your bed every morning is correlated with better productivity, a greater sense of well-being, and stronger skills at sticking with a budget.” Randall Bell, Ph.D, has been studying success for over 25 years. He analyzes key habits and characteristics that successful people have in common. Within his years of research, he's surveyed over 5,000 people from all different professions. “Those who do their chores and keep their living space tidier tend to make more money,” he says. “For example, those who make their bed in the morning are up to 206.8 percent more likely to be millionaires.” It puts your mind into a productive mindset, he explains.

Making your bed can change the course of your day. Especially if you're working from home and your room is your workspace, you need to make your bed. Above all, working in a clean space directly improves your productivity. It increases your focus on the task at hand. My challenge to you is to make your bed as soon as you get out of it. Try this for two weeks. See if it increases your productivity and helps you focus. It may seem small, but it can have a great impact on your future.

Interview With Young Go Getter Lash Technician

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 18:51:40 GMT

Age and follower count means nothing, are you willing to do the work?

This young hustler is busy building her empire. Meet Kim better known as KC. She created her brand, KC Lashed Me, back in December of 2019, once she became a certified lash tech. In the beginning, KC was self taught. In just six short months, she opened her first salon suite. My first time booking with KC was in December, seeing her progress is so inspiring. She is only 18, but has created a lifestyle for herself. She's always looking for ways to be better and to expand her brand.

Being so young yet so focused is something that makes KC stand out. I love watching her grow. Even though I saw the process firsthand, hearing the behind the scenes story, motivated me. She's a hustler who wakes up everyday and does what she loves. Many 18 year olds, don't have the drive like she does. In her whole life she's only worked one job, for six months. I hope you enjoy watching KC's interview, she dropped GEMS!!! She only has 2,000 followers on Instagram, but is completely booked! Don't let the followers fool you. Follow her Instagram here , to see how she continues to elevate.

Does Money Matter When Dating?

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 00:51:35 GMT

You should not be dating if you are not financially in that place of your life.

Today, I want to talk about the one thing that is the elephant in the room. I feel like I have the unpopular opinion when it comes to this. Money in relationships. I hate that we have become conditioned to think that it’s either a good guy or a rich guy, why can’t we have both? When you’re younger, money doesn’t matter as much. You don’t care how well the person is taking care of themselves, but as you get older and you’re dating with a purpose to find a lifelong partner, finances are very important. Now if you ignore that, it could harm you in the end. This is why you need to know why you're dating. Once you discover if you’re dating for fun, or for a life partner, your priorities will shift. I’m at a point in my life where I’m not dating just to kick it. I’m the only child and I’m very okay with being alone. I'm dating right now with a purpose to have something grow and blossom into a life long partnership, and husband. I know very much so what I want in a man, and God has his plans on the man that I need, mix those together, perfect combination.

A lot of people say that money doesn’t matter, but it really does. I am in a transitional period where I am trying to elevate every single thing in my life. This means I’m in a growth season. The lifestyle I’m moving into, is more of a high class life. I like the finer things, and I don’t need a guy to have money to take care of me. But I need a man who is equally on that same level as me mentally and financially. I don't need a guy to have money to take care of me, but can you take care of yourself. I love taking trips, nice dinners, and trying new things. If I’m dating a person who isn’t there financially, I would have to either let go of that life, or pay for “US” to do those things. Both of which I’m not doing. Some people want to leach on to their partner and that isn’t healthy. Even if you’re dating someone who doesn’t have the same financials as you, they need to have the ambition and drive to want more. I’m far from where I want to be! I'm not saying I want a rich guy, but it's the mindset. I have the hustle and work ethic to go after everything I want. When dating, I have to date someone who is equally like that. Also, I don’t know about you but I love to be courted when dating. If you’re struggling financially, you won’t be able to fully do that.

On top of that, I’m on a feminine journey. Everybody, no matter if your male or female, can exude masculine and feminine energy. It’s not gender specific. Certain things will cause a person to exude one more than the other. The person who pays more will exude more masculine, dominant, energy. It happens naturally. I’ve occupied that space in the past and I don’t like that for me. It makes me more aggressive and ultimately brings out the worse in me. In past relationships, I had more than the guy. So I would take care of a lot of relationship money things. Like paying for dates, spending more on trips, and ultimately having the "head of household'' mindset. So I know moving forward I don’t want to occupy that space when I’m getting serious with someone. Some women thrive having that role in a relationship, I'm one who doesn't. I have to be aggressive and masculine in business, so when I'm with my man I don't want to have to be that way.

You have to know yourself when dating. Money is important when you’re getting serious with someone. Along with money, you need to date someone who is equally ambitious and goal oriented. Don’t let society make you think you’re wrong for wanting to date someone who is financially at a certain place. Money isn’t everything but it’s certainly something. Discover what that looks like for you and don't settle.

Seven Basic Bodysuits Everyone Needs

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 18:11:14 GMT

Let’s talk basics. I love taking basic pieces and dressing them up or down. My new obsession has become bodysuits. I used to shy away from them, because I don’t have the flattest stomach. I forced myself to wear one, and instantly I loved it. Since then, I’ve ordered so many bodysuits in different colors and styles. Bodysuits are so versatile. They can be worn anywhere depending on the style. With it being September, the weather is going to start changing soon. Bodysuits are perfect transitional pieces. They can go with you from season to season. Today, I'm going to show you seven basic bodysuit styles you need in your closet. Keep in mind, bodysuits are sold almost everywhere. Depending on the quality of clothing you're interested in will determine the price you pay. Places like Fashionnova , J Lux Label , PrettyLittleThing , Express , and Nordstrom , always sell good bodysuits, year round. Bodysuits come in so many styles, today I'm just showing you seven basic ones.

The Long Sleeve

This is the number one basic bodysuit. This is essential especially in the fall/winter. Long sleeve bodysuits come in so many styles, colors, and fabrics. Everybody needs a good scoop or v-neck long sleeve bodysuit. They can be worn with jeans, pants, joggers, skirts, etc. My favorite way to wear them are with mom jeans or oversized joggers. Long sleeve bodysuits are staples that you need in every color. My closet is full of neutrals. They can range from $10 on Asos , or $68 on Skim s . The one I'm wearing above has fake buttons and is ribbed material. It's from Walmart and was $12.99.

2.The Tank Top

You may think tank bodysuits are only appropriate in the summer, but that isn't true. Tank bodysuits are perfect for layering. Remember in my previous post, " Four Ways To Casually Wear A White Blazer , " three of those tops were tank top bodysuits. I also love pairing tank bodysuits with utility jackets. I love square neck tank top bodysuits over scoop neck, it adds a little extra oomph. At least add a black and white tank bodysuit to your closet this season. The one I'm wearing above is from Fashionnova.

3.The Sleeveless High Neck

I've said this before and I'll say it again, my shoulders are one of my favorite parts of my body. Wearing tops like this is so feminine and sleek. These style bodysuits are perfect for dressing up.When I wear these I feel sexy, without showing too much. High neck bodysuits are perfect to pair with a flowy paint or skirt. If the weather is starting to get chilly, throw on a Moto jacket to complete the look. If you only get one of these, make sure it's in black! The one I'm wearing is from Nordstrom's Leith Collection, it's actually on sale too.

4.The Turtle Neck

This is my go to for the fall and winter season. You throw on a turtle/mock neck bodysuit and some pants or jeans and it's always a look. It's effortless, but when on, looks so put together. They make these in long and short sleeve. I prefer long sleeve with this style. This also looks really good under a belted trench coat. This staple is great to have in every color. Besides solids, I love wearing this style bodysuit in animal prints. The one I'm wearing above is from PrettyLittleThing.

5.The Deep Plunge

This style is definitely more grown and sexy. This can range from a deep deep plunge, to a modest plunge, depending on what your style and comfortability is. I love wearing styles like this for a girls night out. I pair them with leather pants, mini skirts and even shorts when I want to be edgy. Styles like this, pair perfectly with layered necklaces. Plunge bodysuits come in so many different fabrics, I love the the silk material style. It's super girly but still grown. The bodysuit I'm wearing above is from Bebe.

6.The Sleeveless Bandeau

I love a good tube top moment, but I hate pulling them up all day. I love this style bodysuit because, you get the same look, without all the work. The bandeau bodysuit is perfect for skirts, sweaters, jeans, and even long cardigans. Since it's sleeveless, it can be layered with anything and look amazing. I love this style in ribbed material, because it adds some texture which covers my gut. The one I'm wearing above, is from Forever 21.

7.The Long Sleeve Off The Shoulder

Another off the shoulder piece, but this time with sleeves. I love off the shoulder bodysuits, for my wide leg pants looks. I love how simple they are. By them having your shoulders out, it adds a extra element of femininity. Since the top is simple, I can style this with a distressed jean and killer heel. This look in the fall is so bomb, you won't even need to add a jacket. You can even dress up this style bodysuit, with a pencil skirt. The bodysuit I'm wearing above is from Nastygal.

I hope you enjoyed these seven bodysuits. Let me know below, which one is your favorite? Which one are you adding to your collection this season? Also, if I missed any style you like, tell me about it below. Have a great weekend!

Don't Count Yourself Out

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 23:29:20 GMT

Faith and fear can not live in the same space. One will push the other out. How can you believe you can have something, but still have doubts in the back of your mind. That could be the thing stopping you from reaching where God wants you to go. Many successful people didn’t have a plan B. They only had Plan A, and they were going to work as hard as they needed to, to make that work. There's always going to be an excuse as to why you can't do something. At times, it will feel like the odds are all against you, but you that's when you must go for gusto. God never said we wouldn't endure trials. He never said nothing bad would happen, but you have to be persistent. Put in the work when things are good, but more importantly, put in the work when things are bad.

2020 has been a year of trials and tribulations. Last Thursday, Chadwick Boseman, passed away. He had been battling colon cancer since 2016. Since he was first diagnosed with stage three cancer, he went on to chase his dreams in a major way.Yes, he was acting before, but when this tragic news struck he turned it up a notch. Rather than sit around hopeless and feeling like life is over, he decided to go for the go. Since 2016, he’s starred in some major movies, including Black Panther, 42, Marshall and 21 Bridges. Personally, I loved each of these movies. He gave his all in each movie he acted in. On top of that, he worked with Spike Lee and even found time to fight for his people. That’s inspiring to me. If 2020 hasn’t taught me anything, it’s taught me to go after my dreams. It lit a flame in me to go harder. Chadwick endured so much negativity in the media for looking tired and seeming uninterested in what was going on. Whole time he was going thru a silent battle. You never know what someone is going through, but that's another lesson for another post! He fought thru that and broke barriers.

Just because bad things happen in life, it doesn't mean life is over. In those moments, you need to push thru the pain. You can't give up on yourself because of the circumstances you're in. Use that circumstance to push to make it happen anyway. You're stronger than you think, you have to light your flame. Activate the fighter in you. Maya Angelou once said, "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” You got this!

Interview With Persistent And Dedicated Girl Boss

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:41:40 GMT

If At First You Don't Succeed

Happy Monday! I can’t believe since March, I’ve conducted ten girl boss interviews. I’ve connected with ten amazing women with unique stories. I’m so happy I had the idea to start a series for women to be encouraged, especially during this time. These girl boss interviews are so good, because each one is unique. Each girl boss is at a different stage in their business. Some were in the same industry, but still had completely different journeys. I feel so inspired with each one I do, so I had to keep it going.

Today’s girl boss is Brittany Clark, better known as Brittany Banks. She is a bold, CAU Alumna, who recently relaunched a luxury hair extensions company, Banks Beauty Boutique . Brittany first started her business back when she was a college junior, in 2018. Since then, she’s hired a team and relaunched her entire company. Her story is so interested. In today’s interview she talks about her perseverance throughout the years. She also shared her trials of starting a business without the funds. Since her relaunch, she has a new level of hunger for success. On top of that she answered all of the reader questions that were submitted.

I hope you enjoy her story. It’s only up from here for her. It doesn’t matter how many times you restart, just keep going. You can shop her hair extensions here . Make sure you follow her personal Instagram @brittbanks_ and her business page @banksbeautyboutique to keep up with her success.

Fact Or Fiction: Red Wine Edition

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 21:50:23 GMT

#NationalRedWineDay

It's always a good time to wine down especially, when it's a holiday. Today, August 28th, is National Red Wine Day. If you're 21 and over, go grab you a glass and pour yourself some red wine. There's so many red wines ranging from $2 and up including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon and blends like Shiraz. Today is Friday, we survived another week. It's the start of the weekend. What better day than today to have a glass of wine.

I used to hate wine, until I kept trying them. One of the biggest misconceptions with red wine, is that it can't be chilled. The first time I tried red wine, it was room temperature pinot noir. I thought it was GROSS. After trying it cooler, I actually enjoyed it. I also thought red wine couldn't be sweet, but that isn't true. There is sweet red wines like Stella Rosa, Sunstruck, Red Vin, Jam Jar, Hazzlitt, and Liberty Creek, just to name a few. I've learned that I love cheap wine from Kroger and Trader Joes.

When I was trying to explore red wines, I learned some shocking news. "Researchers from Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, found that a resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, boosts concentration.'' They ran a test that showed how men and women did better in mental arithmetic tests after being given resveratrol. In moderation, researchers show that red wine helps you think. Red wine has also been proven to help with many health factors.

After a long hard working week, I love to wine down and listen to music or take a bath. It is one of my ways for self care. Today, I have a reason to pour a glass. Explore your red wines at your local liquor or even grocery store. I love trying new wines, attending wineries, doing tastings and learning about the wine realm. Make sure that when consuming alcohol, you're in a safe place, not driving and watching your drinks! Let me know what red wines you love! Have a great weekend. Drink responsibly!

From Mistake To Miracle

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 00:09:01 GMT

#NationalDogDay

Today is National Dog Day! Even though I do not consider Dior a dog, today is her day. They say a dog is a mans best friend. I definitely find that to be true. Having a dog, helps with so many things. Dogs are used for emotional support, service and even on the police force. If that doesn't show you the importance a dog, I don't know what will. As I began to reflect on Dior and I relationship, I can't help but to think how getting her might not have been the best decision. Allow me to explain.

Back during my senior year of college, I had a bright idea to get a dog. I was living with a family friend, working two jobs, and taking 6 classes. I was also kind of lonely, stressed and just wanted a dogs love. I went on Craigslist, found a dog, and went to see it with my friend. The puppies weren't ready to go home yet. We paid a deposit, and had to wait to get them in a month. A week went by, and the woman stopped responding. She ended up blocking us. We were pissed, kept calling and then just decided to say forget it. After that, rather than following the signs that maybe I shouldn't get a dog, I started looking again. I found Dior and once we saw her, I instantly fell in love. I had a few trips planned and wanted to wait until she was a full eight weeks to take her from her mom. This time, my friend and I, wrote a mini contract and paid the deposit again. This lady, sent weekly updates and was super sweet. I ended up getting Dior and not having a place to bring her back to, because the people I lived with had changed their mind. Thank God I had friends that I was able to stay with. About two weeks later, I remembered that my grandfather had just moved to ATL and I asked to move in with him. He said yes and the rest is history.

Many people thought getting a dog at the most stressful point of my college career was a dumb decision. God tried to warn me, but I did what I wanted to do. I'm human and I sometimes make bad decisions. I'm so happy that God extended grace and turned it into a miracle. Dior was just what I needed emotionally at that time. On top of that, Dior is a light in my entire families life. My mom loves Dior, they have a close relationship. Those nights that I'm sad and anxious, Dior brings peace to my life. I'm able to be still on her and focus on the moment.

I say all this to say, don't stress over mistakes and bad decisions. We all make them, it's life. Focus on the greatness that came out of it. Maybe it was a lesson. God extends us so much grace, and we fail to do the same. Give yourself grace, you're human. Stop holding on to the mistakes you made, forgive yourself. God has a way or turning our mistakes into miracles. It's ok, just keep going!

Happy National Dog Day to my baby, my best friend and my world, Dior!

Four Ways To Casually Wear A White Blazer

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 22:57:25 GMT

It's 2020, and Blazers are no longer just for the office. Blazers can be worn honestly anywhere, because they can be so casual. Back in the day, nobody wore blazers, unless it was with a suit. Most times blazers were worn for work, church or court. Today, I’m going to be showing you four ways to casually wear a white blazer. Yes girl, white blazer. White blazers used to be seen as "old lady-ish,'' but allow me to change that thought. Todays white blazer is from Express, but you can get them in most stores. To me, there are four major ways to wear a white blazer casually. Simply pair it with white, black, nude, or prints/patterns. Allow me to explain each color in detail down below. I hope you find a look that you're willing to try.

(click each to shop) Blazer | Bodysuit | Jeans | Shoes | Purse

Black. One of my favorite ways to casually wear a white blazer is with black. I paired mine with a black bodysuit , from Fashionnova, and some black jeans from Topsho p . I also, added a black heeled sanda l, just to keep it monochromatic. You could also wear this with a black top, some medium wash denim jeans, and a black shoe to break up the black. I personal just love wearing all one color. This looks so chic and edgy. I paired mine with a leather Black Boston bag. Any black leather bag will be fine with this.

(click each to shop) Blazer | Bodysuit | Shorts | Shoes | Purse

White. White on white is always a good way to wear a white blazer. I paired mine with a white bodysuit that is the exact shade of the blazer. Rather than adding white pants or jeans, I dressed this down by adding distressed shorts . This is a new trend that I'm currently obsessed with. Pairing denim with blazers first started with men, but women completely switched the game. This is street style, with a mix of femininity. Some people pair it with Bermuda shorts, others do daisy dukes. It's completely up to you. I also decided to wear a clear mule because it completed the look. To make this even more relaxed, add a sneaker. I added a Wallet On A Chain , for this simplistic look.

(click each to shop) Blazer | Bodysuit | Jeans | Shoes | Purse

Nude. Mixing nude and white, is always a look. I paired mine with a nude bodysuit . There's so many shades of nude. The more you explore the nude realm, you'll learn which nudes are perfect for your skin tone. With this nude bodysuit, I added some Distressed Fashion Nova Jeans and a Nude Strappy Heel , from Ego. With simple looks like this, I love adding a large bag just to make it pop. The bag I added was the Louis Vuitton Graceful MM in the Damier print, but any brown shoulder bag will do.

(click each to shop) Blazer | T-Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Purse

Pattern, stripes to be exact. Wearing a t-shirt with a blazer, is very underrated. Graphic, print, and even pattern tees are one of the best ways to dress down a blazer. Since this blazer is white, I avoided a graphic tee and went with stripes. I paired this look with a Striped T-Shirt and dark washed jeans . I wanted to add some color to this, so I added my Pink Strappy Heels and Pink Crossbody to make it chic. With a look like this, you can add red, yellow, pink or green. Honestly, whatever color accessories you have, would pair nicely with this. Since my shirt had a pattern, I wanted the jeans to be completely plain, no rips whatsoever!

Morning Skincare Routine For Soft Glowing Skin

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:47:35 GMT

Five Step Daily Skincare Regimen That Will Change Your Life

Last week, I shared a picture of my skin care fridge. I did a poll on who was interested in my skincare routine. 91% of you said you were, so here we are. A few months ago, I changed my products, and I can tell a huge difference in my face. I've always had textured skin, filled with acne. Now, I only have dark spots, with only a few minor pimples. In todays video, I show my entire morning skin care routine from start to finish. I use the Odara's Beauty brightening kit , Skinscript Green Tea Cleanser and Neutrogena Daily Moisturizer with SPF . I hope you enjoyed this video. My skin isn't perfect but has came a long way. Keep in mind, your skin is also a reflection of what you eat and drink daily. Clear skin is the basic for any flawless makeup application. Make your skin a priority! Understand that the road to clear skin takes time, give yourself grace.

Seeing Is Believing

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 23:54:14 GMT

"Creative visualization is the cognitive process of purposefully generating visual mental imagery.''

How do you expect to achieve something you can’t see? You need to see it, before you believe that you can have it. Last week, when I wrote about my reset, I got a lot of questions about how to visualize the person you want to be. It isn't easy. It will take time and focus. Spending time with yourself, meditating, praying, and reflecting, will help reveal to you the person that you want to be. Once you start to get an image, you should sit and ponder on it. After you realize the person you want to be, look at the person you are currently and take inventory. Write down what doesn’t match, and begin to change little by little. You don’t have to wait until you're where you want to be financially, to start to show up as the person you want to be. Don't let that go over your head. Changing small things within yourself, will bring you closer to your overall life goals.

When you're a kid, your imagination runs wild, but as you get older, it tends to fade. Put yourself back in that child like mindset, and let your mind wander. Spend time alone, off your phone. Go for a walk, a jog, out to eat, anywhere that you can allow your brain to think. After that, begin to journal everything, until you can fully visualize the person you want to be. What you think about, you bring about. While you’re visualizing the person of your dreams, don’t allow any fears or doubts to enter your mind. Visualize your life goals, and how your life will be once you achieve them. Some people do this with vision boards too. "Visualization helps our brain send a signal to our body to start behaving in a way consistent with the images in our head,'' NYC-based therapist Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW, tells Bustle. "It helps give us a clear picture of what we'd like to achieve and a vision that it is, in fact, possible."

Once you have a clear visualization in your head, it’s likely your body will follow suit to make it happen. Make sure to write everything down, the big, small, long and short term goals, literally everything. I sit and think about the woman I want to be every day. I schedule at least 10 minutes a day, to sit and let my mind just wander on the life I’m creating. When I’m in the shower, or driving alone, I speak out loud the affirmations of my life. I give myself permission to become the person I’ve always wanted to be. Change your wording, and act as if it’s already happened. Instead of saying, “if” use “when.”

Not only do I visualize, I create habits that help me become more of the woman I want to be. For example, I want to be healthier with my diet, so I have a habit of eating oatmeal and a apple every morning. When I think about the woman I'm becoming, I see her as well spoken and confident. Guess what habit I added into my everyday routine, reading. Knowledge is power. Reading builds your vocabulary, both written and verbal. Once you see your future self, you have to change things in your everyday life. Make sure you're ready for the things you're asking for.

Like I said, getting clear on the person you want to be, isn't easy, but it will change your whole life. Since realizing the life I want, and the woman I want to be, things have shifted in ways I couldn't have imagined. I have routines in place that help me stay on track, daily habits and so much more. I feel myself in a transitional period, growing and elevating daily. I've seen this quote all over the internet, "I'm Currently Creating The Woman I Want To Be Excuse Me While I Become Super Selfish With My Time And Energy.'' This is my current season of life! Do the work necessary to grow into the butterfly you always wanted to be. You got this!

Affordable Shoes For Every Occasion: Four Styles Under $40

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 23:12:38 GMT

If you don't know by now, I am a Frugal Fran who loves discounts and deals. Today, I have another boujee on a budget secret to give you. I love me a cute shoe. Shoes can make or break any outfit. You could have on the cheapest outfit, and accessorize it, by adding a cute shoe, to make it look like a million bucks. The first thing I look at when I meet someone, is their shoes. I love to wear unique shoes that people haven’t typically seen. I have a ton of shoes. I’m currently in a season of transitioning my wardrobe to be more feminine, flirty and girly. I’m trying to get back into wearing heels more. When I ran across Traffic Shoes , I ordered four pairs. Traffic Shoes , always has free shipping, and are currently running a buy two, get one free summer sale. Use the code: SUMMERSALE.

First up is my date night shoe. If I'm going out on date, but not trying to be overly dressed, I love throwing on a cute sandal. These sandals are gorgeous. The front is a snake print and the back strap is a mint green color. The shoe is the perfect mix of leather and suede. (click here to shop.) I paired these shoes with my mint green wrap top from Missguided and a light wash jean. (If you haven't watched my Missguided Haul, click here. ) I was super excited that the mint greens matched perfectly. The buckle on the shoe is gold, so I paired it with gold jewelry. They're only $18.88.

Next up, is my work shoe. Finding work appropriate shoes, for the summer, is sometimes hard. These magenta scrappy sandals are perfect for the office. I love how bold the color is, but it isn't too bold to where it's childish. I found these under the, 'Last Call' section. I paired this shoe with a long polka dot skirt and a white puff sleeve bodysuit. I found a magenta bag, in my closet, that paired beautifully. This outfit can be worn to work or even church. Guess what? These shoes were only $10.88.

This third pair, is one of my favorites. It's my girls night shoe. These black studded sandals , are perfect for a night out in the town. I know when I go out, for girls night, I typically start in heels. As the night progresses, I need a cute flat to switch to. These are perfect. It's a black faux leather sandal with silver studs all over. I paired it with these cream cargo pants, and a black bodysuit. These were also from the Last Call section and were only $10.88.

Last but certainly not least, are a casual day of running errands shoe. Whether you're running to the mall, grocery shopping, grabbing some lunch, or spending the day at the park with your kids, these nude jelly sandals are perfect for you. The clear jelly slides with stones, are so cute and comfy. By them being clear, you can wear them with any color. I paired them with a red/orange t-shirt and some distressed jeans. These adorable shoes were only $18.88.

Head over to Traffic Shoes to find the perfect pair for you. Don't forget to use the code: SUMMERSALE, for buy two get one free.

Full Face Of Drugstore Makeup: Black Girl Friendly

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 22:36:06 GMT

Beauty on a budget

Hey girl hey, Happy Friday. If you know me, you know, I love makeup. I love being all glammed and done up, but it can be pricey. The key to having flawless makeup, is using quality products. Quality beauty products can range from $5 to even $80. I’m so happy drugstore beauty brands are expanding there products for every shade. When I first started doing my everyday face, I was only using drugstore products. Back then, the products were trash. Last weekend in Atlanta, I forgot some of my makeup and I had to run to Target to finish my face. I loved the finish product and it got me thinking, why not do a full face of a drugstore make up. When I got back to Detroit, I ran to Target. I headed back to my roots.

Let's start with the brows. If you didn't know, I got my eyebrows ombred a few weeks ago. Eyebrow ombre is very similar to microblading, but less harsh. With that being said, I lightly filled in my brows with the Milani Stay Put Brow Color, in the color dark brown. After lightly applying that, I concealed with them with, Elf Hydrating Camo Conceale r , in the shade deep chestnut. Also, I used this concealer for my entire eyelid as "eyeshadow.'' I don't typically use shadows for my natural everyday face. After I concealed, I went back with the NYX Professional Makeup Microbrow Pencil , just to finalize my brows.

Next up, priming your face. Primer is the base of the makeup. It creates another layer between your makeup, and your face. On top of that, primer helps your makeup last longer and look smoother. I have combination to oily skin, so the primer I use is very important. For this face, I used NYX Professional Makeup Pore Filler . Before I apply foundation, I like to spray my setting spray. Ever since I watched Jackie Aina's video, I tried it and instantly loved it. I like the way it melts my face. I used the, Elf Makeup Mist & Set.

Once that setting spray is done drying, I color correct. The bottom half of my face, around my mouth, is typically darker. I used the, L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer , in the Orange color. Then, it's foundation time. It's so hard to find a drugstore foundation to fit my complexion. Typically, they're way too red for my skin tone. I found one that was pretty good to work with. I used the, Maybelline Superstay Full Coverage Foundation , in the color Warm Coconut.

Next up, one of my favorite parts, highlight and contour. First for highlight, I used the same Elf Hydrating Camo Concealer , in the shade Deep Chestnut. I let my concealer dry down a little before using my wet beauty blender, to blend it out. Once I finished that, I applied the Nyx Can't Stop Won't Stop Concealer , in the color Caramel. I tried something different for my contour. I used the Elf Hydrating Camo Conceale r , in the color Rich Ebony.

We're almost done with this natural face. Next. I set my concealer with, L.A. Girl Pro HD Setting Powder , in the color Banana. While my concealer is baking, I set the rest of my face with, Black Radiance True Complexion Loose Setting Powder , in the color Honeymoon. While everything was setting, I used the Nyx Professional Makeup Vinyl Liquid Liner Eyeline r , for a small eye wing.

After I brushed all the powder away, I sprayed the, Wet n Wild Photofocus Natural Finish Setting Spray . For the illuminator aka "highlight," I used , Black Radiance Color Perfect Highlighting Powder , in the color Glided Glow.

Lastly, for my lips. I used the Nyx Plumping Suede Matte Lip Liner , in the color Expresso. I put that all over my lips, and then added, Nyx Butter Lip Gloss , in the color Fortune Cookie. I only put the gloss in the middle of my lips and blotted it until I got the look I wanted.

I loved how this affordable everyday face came out. You can definitely get glam on a budget. I hope this beauty hack helped you!

Versatile Southern Girl By Day Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist By Night

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 01:06:48 GMT

Everything Happens For A Reason, It's A Part Of Your Testimony

This weeks Slay Of The Week is Teaira Blount. She's a celebrity wardrobe stylist and image consultant, based in Atlanta, GA. She has worked with A-List celebrities like CeCe Winanas, Erica Campbell, Dr. NYC, Casey J, Maranda Curtis, Jonathan McReynolds, Kirk Franklin and so many more. Her story is unlike any other. Teaira discovered her why as her legacy. She works hard daily to create something for the next generation. Teaira is grinding to solve a problem with her life.

Back when I was working at Nordstrom, I ran into one of the most sweetest, humblest, human beings ever. When I first met her, she didn't even tell me she was a stylist. Teaira has shown dedication to the fashion industry throughout the years. Three years in, she stepped away from styling and started to work in retail. Teaira is proof that what's meant for you will be for you! She provides a unique experience and is authentically herself to each client.

I hope you enjoy this interview, she was so honest and shared so many gems!

The LadyBossBlogger Course Helped Me Land A Campaign I’ve Always Wanted With My Puppy, Dior

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 20:04:43 GMT

Remember when I shared that I had taken the, “Make Money As An Influencer” course by LadyBossBlogger? If you haven’t already, click here to read my initial reaction from taking the course. I had no idea of all the lessons I would learn. On top of that, my growth that came from taking the course, was insane. It’s not enough to just take a course, you have to apply what you learn. There are so many great things that you’ll learn in the LadyBossBlogger course, let me break down some of the sections.

Course Contents

I took the, “Make Money As An Influencer” course. The course has nine sections. Each section breaks down a different part of the business with being an influencer. Four of my favorite sections were Pitching, Branding, Pricing, and Legal.

The Pitching section is geared towards preparing you to reach out to brands. It even has media kit details and so much more.
The Branding section helps you discover your niche. It even gives examples of different brands you can connect with that match your specific niche.
The Pricing section is one of the bests. Elaine breaks down how much you should be charging with reasons why. Being an influencer, it can be hard to not lowball yourself.
The Legal section is so unique. It teaches about the legal side of being an influencer. It’s so hard to get people to talk about that, that’s why it’s perfect. Not knowing the legal side, can cost an influencer money and even credibility.

That’s only four out of the nine sections. Click here if you’re interested in learning about the others. Use my code DYMONDPHILLIPS for 40% off.

Results

Since taking the course, I’ve approached my influencer business in a new way. Once I discovered my target audience and niche, it became really clear how to make content that benefited them. I also was able to pitch brands that I always wanted to work with. Before taking the course, I wouldn’t get responses. I was sending pitches that were unclear and that had no purpose.

The “Make Money As An Influencer ” course helped me land a campaign I've always wanted with my puppy, Dior. It also helped me feel more comfortable asking for my rates, because I now know my worth. Since taking the course , I now have an updated content calendar and I upload consistently to my blog. It’s never too late to learn new habits to implement into your influencer business. Without this course, I still would be uploading inconsistent content. Being consistent is the only way to grow which in the end helps you make money being an influencer.

Giveaway

A couple weeks ago on my Instagram account, ( Dymond_Lashay ) I announced my giveaway. I partnered with LadyBossBlogger to give one of you a free course of your choice! Are you ready to learn who won? First let me say thank you to everyone who participated. Drum roll please……. The winner is @Bossynyss

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I would love to hear from you.

Additional LadyBossBlogger Resources

Thanks Again to LadyBossBlogger and Elaine Rau for sponsoring this post!

5 Lipsticks Every Black Girl Needs Featuring The Lip Bar

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 18:06:24 GMT

#NationalLipstickDay

For a long time, I shied away from wearing lipstick. Being a brown skin girl, a lot of shades did not look flattering on me. I used to think that maybe it was just meant for me to wear lip stick. When I discovered lip liners, it made it a little better, but I only stuck in the nude and neutral family. I still wasn’t out of my comfort zone enough to wear colored lipsticks. Today, I want to talk to you about a Black owned vegan and cruelty free cosmetic line, The Lip Bar.

I first became acquainted with The Lip Bar last year, after listening to the owner Melissa’s podcast interview. I fell more in love with her story, after hearing her speak at Summit 21. I went out and purchased the lipstick from my local Target. When I first moved back to Detroit, I wanted to go to the flagship store, but I just never found the time to go. I cannot wait until they open back, because the pictures don’t do it justice. Melissa, recently was on The Real, and Seeing her on the show motivated me to continue to push my brand. Melissa is an example that girls who look like me, can make it to be whatever they want to be. Melissa started out working on Wall Street, and was making lipstick in her kitchen. She even went on Shark Tank years ago, and was humiliated. She persevered, and now has a flag ship store in Downtown Detroit, and expanded her products from just lipsticks to foundations, eyeshadows, highlighters, and more. The Lip Bar's products make me feel fearless and powerful. They hav lipsticks for only $13, and has beauty for all shades. Today I want to share five lipsticks that every black girl needs to have.

First up, 'Chocolate Spritzer' is the perfect nude. This is such pretty color and could be used for a ombre or a monochromatic lip. I even loved how smooth it felt on my lips. The formula is creamy yet long wearing. This is my new go to nude. Perfect for work, or even date night. This nude would be pretty on light skin complexions and even chocolate girls.

Second, 'Merlot' is the perfect fall color. Before today, I would have never worn a lip color like this. I'm so happy, I picked it out. This is the perfect burgundy/purple for brown girls. This color could even be used as a lip liner. If you're a risk taker with makeup, definitely get this. This will be so cute in the fall and winter. I love seeing other people with dark lips, I now have a color of my own. This color glides on the lips like butter!

Third, 'Cosmo' is the perfect red. It's so moisturizing and velvet on the lips. This for me, is a good everyday color. This could be worn to the office, and any other occasion. This is a traditional red, with a twist. Red lipstick on a woman is so powerful and sexy. It's not too bright, and not too dark, it's literally perfect. On top of that, the smell is delicious.

Fourth one, is one of my favorite shades. It's, 'Curlfriend.' This is a liquid matte lipstick. It's matte, but still moisturizing. It's enriched with Shea butter, avocado oil and jojoba oil to soften the lips. It's the perfect pink for a minimalist girl. This shade can be worn honestly anywhere, to work, date, girls night, grocery store, the possibilities are endless. This is a muted pink for brown skins, that doesn't look chalky. This shade will be cute on all shades of brown women.

Last but not least, 'Drama Queen,' is another liquid matte lipstick. It's a purple shade, but different from Merlot. It's bold and luscious. It felt like lip balm, and made my lips look plumped. The pigment is so amazing for any skin tone. This color lasts so long on the lips. When I tried to take it off, I had to scrub my lips clean. This is my new go to for girls night out. This is the perfect vampire lip color for black girls.

I hope you found at least one color that you're willing to try. Definitely go check out, The Lip Bar, they're also sold in so many Target stores. I'm trying to be more conscious with how I shop. I love circulating the black dollar. Make sure you support black businesses the same way you support these white major corporations. Today is National lipstick day, go pick yourself up some lipsticks today! The Lip Bar is now giving away a free lipstick if you purchase a lipstick.

Reset As Many Times As You Need To

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 23:20:46 GMT

It always amazes me how God grabs me, to refocus me. He never lets me get too distracted, without tapping me on my shoulder to get me back on track. It’s easy to become comfortable and forget all of the dreams (goals) you have. Whenever I get into those moments, something always urges me to travel. After the idea of traveling popped up in my head, I was beginning to drag my feet and push it off. Then, once again God began to move things in my life, to where I needed to travel and things changed. Traveling does something to my work ethic and gets me back in grind mode.

About three weeks ago, as I was walking Dior, and my phone rang. It was my doctor, from Atlanta, telling my I was due back. At first, I told her I would just try to find someone in Michigan to schedule an appointment with. With Covid and all of the new policies, I didn’t want to do the try a new doctor, especially because my experience would be biased because of the new protocols. I have a very unique and gently doctor in Atlanta, I didn’t want to risk going to somebody who wasn’t. In the end, I wound up calling her back and scheduling my appointment. Everything else, just fell into place; the rental was cheap, flight was cheap and I had friends to stay with. I hadn’t been to Atlanta since I left in December. I had no idea how bad I needed that trip.

While I was in Atlanta, besides my doctor appointment, I did brunch and dinner with friends, which allowed us to catch up. Also, I went and viewed apartments that I would love to live in. I toured about three or four high rises in Midtown and Buckead. Granted, I wouldn’t necessarily live in Atlanta again next, but I wanted to see the style apartment I wanted. I had seen them online, but seeing them in person was different. Walking through the apartments, instantly sparked my hustle. Seeing it, made it real. I know exactly how I want to live, and I’m more willing and excited to do the work that it takes to get there. I have a set monthly income I need to make in my head and I’m ready to strategize ways to get there. I even took videos and pictures of the places, so that it can motivate me on the days I feel lazy.

When I got back from Atlanta, I went straight on the road. I went to meet my mom in Chicago for a reset, mommy/daughter trip. Chicago is such a pretty city, I've been so many times. Each time I visit, I fall deeper in love with the city. My mommy first brought the idea to me about two weeks ago. Initially, I wasn't interested, but when I got back from ATL, I was on such a high, that I changed my mind. I'm so happy I ended up going because we had such a great time. I love city life, being able to walk everywhere is the lifestyle I want. Being in Chicago, gave me my high rise lifestyle experience that I can't wait to live. We were able to spend quality time by shopping and eating. Guess what? I bought my first big girl bag and shoes. I have other designer bags and shoes, but I didn't purchase them. I love the feeling of being able to buy what I want. I also love the feeling of being able to buy my mom luxury pieces. That is one of the reasons Chicago was such a good trip, it showed me a sneak peak of the lifestyle I desire to live .

When I came back home from Chicago, I got back focused. It's something about getting clear on the life you want, that motivates you to do the work necessary to obtain it. I came up with a new business plan, I wrote out blog and video ideas. I got a new content calendar and even scheduled time blocks for me to write blogs. Also, I went to Whole Foods and got back on my meal plan, that my trainer originally put me on. If I want more out of life, I’m going to have to do more. You can’t want better, but not do better. Consistency is my focus, but QUALITY and CLEAR consistency. That’s the only way I will grow my blog, socials and Youtube. I’m excited for the future, because I know if I do my consistent baby steps, God is going to move things in my favor. I am in the season of wanting growth, which comes from consistency.

Motivation is very fickle. I can be motivated to do something today, and next week be unmotivated. That’s why, when I am motivated, I like to create habits and plans. That way, I’ll stick to the habits when the motivation fades. When you’re feeling unmotivated, you have to shift things to get you back on track. That for me, is traveling and seeing the things I want. It is also visualizing the woman I want to be. I sit with my eyes closed and I think about EVERYTHING down to a t; what will she eat, what will she drink, where will she live, what will she drive, what’s her day to day routine, what will she wear, and more. Visualizng that makes me snap back into grind mode, to work hard to get there. Being in Atlanta and Chicago, helped me get clear of the lifestyle I wanted. Getting a taste of that, sparked a new flame in my hustle. On top of that, having friends who are all elevating in life motivates you to step it up. I have a few female friends in Michigan, but we really don’t hang out. I love going to do things with female friends who are really out here putting the work in, it empowers me to go harder!

This reset was right on time. I needed it and didn’t even know. I owe it to myself to be consistent! Are you feeling unmotivated and complacent? It may be time for a reset. Resets will look different for everybody, figure out what it is for you.

Is Missguided Worth The Hype?

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:25:55 GMT

I filmed another try on haul. It includes mainly summer pieces but some will transition perfectly into the fall. I always see people talking about Missguided, but I never purchased anything. I finally placed an order and I'm actually happy for all of the pieces I received. The quality is really good, especially for the price of the clothing. I liked the pieces so much that I went back online and ordered more. This is a huge fashion haul, I hope you enjoy. Make sure you subscribe to me youtube channel. (CLICK HERE)

Links to each piece

Stone (Nude) joggers https://bit.ly/3fZjroj

Nude (sand) bodysuit https://bit.ly/3jBarrI

White Puff Sleeve bodysuit https://bit.ly/2OTAyfr

Black Biker Shorts https://bit.ly/2ZYNWp8

Teal (mint) Biker Shorts SOLD OUT

Lime Green Satin Shirt (Sold out) https://bit.ly/2CMJIrN

Mint Green Satin Silk Shirt https://bit.ly/2BwbLv0

Black Romper https://bit.ly/39BnJ3b

White Romper https://bit.ly/2WRu7hr

Floral Dress https://bit.ly/2EgcFNc

White Swim Top https://bit.ly/30LPEsP

Black Sweater Dress https://bit.ly/3eSCFut

Oatmeal (stone) cardigan https://bit.ly/32LXHJ0

Interview With Creative Makeup Artist and Entertainer

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 23:52:19 GMT

In order to be successful with anything, you must live intentionally.

This weeks, 'Slay Of The Week,' is a great person all around. After chatting with her, I was able to feel her spirit and energy thru the camera. Her name is Julia Idaewor, and is the owner of Juju On That Beat. She's a makeup artist, who is very passionate about making black women feel beautiful and confident. On top of that she is a dancer and aspiring singer. She moved to the USA when she was only four years old, and continues to break barriers for herself. Julia shares herself via social media with so much grace and transparency.

This interview was so good. Julia shared her journey and how she is so intentional with everything that she does. I learned a lot after watching this interview. I now feel encouraged. Julia describes her why as, "Creating a world where young black girls can grow up knowing how beautiful and valued they are. While having the utmost confidence in themselves and being unafraid to love and express themselves to their fullest extent.'' In this interview she talks about all things makeup, starting a business, discovering your purpose, and so much more. What I love about Julia is how she focuses on pleasing God and living in her purpose while everything else falls into place. Make sure you like, comment and subscribe. I hope you enjoy!

You Won't Believe Where These Clothes Are From

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:27:30 GMT

I filmed my first try on haul. It included some summer pieces that you could add to your wardrobe that won’t break the bank. Today’s clothing haul is from Walmart. Yes, you read that right, Walmart. Before this video, I would’ve never went to Walmart for clothes, especially summer pieces. These are simple pieces that you could dress up or down for any occasion. My total for my entire order was under $100. I’m so excited to share everything I got with you. I hope you enjoy this video, I'll definitely film more try-on hauls in the future. I hope you enjoy.

Links to each piece

Stripped Jumpsuit https://bit.ly/2Vj2soC

Navy Blue Wrap Top https://bit.ly/2NsBk2b

White Bodysuit https://bit.ly/2A4QXdl

Black Jeans https://bit.ly/2BdEmFd

Pink Jacket https://bit.ly/3g3hFSZ

Short Sleeve Wrap Top https://bit.ly/2NtDXRv

Stripped Button Dress https://bit.ly/2Yzl8Tg

New Habits Build A New Lifestyle

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 22:42:05 GMT

What I've Been Reading

Happy hump day. We are well into this new normal. Some cities are opening back up, and it seems like the world is moving forward. During this quarantine, I've created new habits that will continue to be in my everyday routine. If you don't know, I study a lot of successful people. I watch old interviews, read articles and more. One similarity that all successful people have, is the fact that they read. Before this quarantine I would read occasionally, and when I felt like it. As I continued to study different successful people, I learned that reading is something they do daily. Many of them, read different genres, just to obtain the knowledge. Having knowledge gives you confidence in business. When I wrote down my lists of new daily tasks I wanted to implement into my life, reading was at the top.

Reading daily, has many benefits. It's changed my productivity in a new way. No matter how busy I am, I learned to carve out time to read. Some days, I sit and read for hours, other days it's only 20 minutes. Reading everyday, has given me a boost when it comes to being focused and concentrating on other things. I carve out uninterrupted time to read. I like it to be uninterrupted because, I have zero distractions, and I can put all my attention into what I'm reading. Also, reading daily has expanded my vocabulary, which increases the way I interact with brands and increases my income. Reading everyday, stimulates my brain, which reduces stress. On top of that, I don't know what it is, but since I've started reading daily, my memory has become so much better! Above all, reading daily has increased my writing skills, which elevates how I speak to you. It's a great habit that I challenge you to incorporate into your daily schedule. Start small, 15-20 minute pockets everyday. With that being said, I wanted to share what I'm currently reading with you

First, if you haven't already go watch my interview with Courtney Aiken. (click here.) Courtney is the author of, 'What Waiting Looks Like' which is a guide to preparing you for your status upgrade. I read it a few weeks ago to prepare for the interview, but had to read it again. This book is phenomenal. At first, I thought it was just for single women, but it's not. Whether you're in a relationship or waiting, it's never too late to renovate yourself. This books is a easy read and will get you together. 'What Waiting Looks Like,' makes you self reflect and level-up every aspect of your life. Each chapter that I read, I make sure to journal my thoughts after. This book makes your transform your life from the inside to out. What better time than now, to upgrade your life. Grab yours now .

Second, Brittany Hennessy shifted the way I view my blogging business. Last summer, I attended the Ignite Your Influence Conference. Brittany was a keynote speaker and she shared so many gems. If you've ever watched 'The Hunger Games,' she's the Katniss Everdeen of influencer marketing. Brittany was the first senior director of influencer strategy and talent partnership at Hearst Magazines Digital Media. Brittany's book, 'Influencer,' is great for any content creator trying to monetize, and grow their influence. This book explains exactly what brands are looking for when it comes to influencer marketing. 'Influencer,' reveals how to pitch to different companies, tips for engaging with your audience, and even how to get on the radar of your favorite brands. Since I started reading this, I've implemented key things that my blogging business was missing. This book gives you the core influencer principles. With everyone being at home, it's the best time to grow your online influence. No matter how long you've been in business, it's never too late to learn new tips. Grab yours now

This months reads were focused on leveling up. Both books challenged me to upgrade different places in my life and business. If you're in the market to find new books to read, definitely check both of these out. I can't wait for you to see how reading daily will change your life. Come out of this quarantine like a caterpillar, who went into a cocoon, and came out a butterfly. Until next week, make sure you stay safe!

It’s Never Too Late To Educate Yourself: LadyBossBlogger Course

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 00:02:00 GMT

Happy Monday. I hope you’re staying encouraged during this time. With Covid-19 and quarantine, I know it can be hard to find ways to be p roductive. I’ve decided to use my time to better myself from the inside out.

By me bettering myself, my business will ultimately elevate. Many successful business owners say, “Always remain a student. Continue to educate yourself. Never think you know everything.” I took this advice and started to research ways to learn how to be a better blogger and influencer.

There are so many different online courses out there that I know it can be hard to choose one. I’m here to tell you about one that will be a life-changer for you.

About LadyBossBlogger Courses

Understand that when you take an online course, no matter how good the information is, it’ll only work if you do the work necessary. With that being said, if you’re seriously interested in being an influencer, the LadyBossBlogger course would be perfect for you.

There are two different courses available:

1. Start A Money Making Blog

2. Make Money As An Influencer

Click here , to figure out which course is right for you .

I felt comfortable taking this course because of the founder’s track record . Elaine Rau , “Has been featured in 500+ magazines, books, and publications and has spoken on stages all over the world on how to become a successful blogger and influencer. Within just 3 years , LadyBossBlogger.com has amassed an audience of 250,000+ followers across all social media platforms.”

Course Contents

I took the , “Make Money As An Influencer” course. The course has nine sections. Each section breaks down a different part of the business with being an influencer. Four of my favorite sections were Pitching, Branding, Pricing, and Legal.

The Pitching section is geared towards preparing you to reach out to brands. It even has media kit details and so much more.
The Branding section helps you discover your niche. It even gives examples of different brands you can connect with that match your specific niche.
The Pricing section is one of the bests. Elaine breaks down how much you should be charging with reasons why. Being an influencer, it can be hard to not lowball yourself.
The Legal section is so unique. It teaches about the legal side of being an influencer. It’s so hard to get people to talk about that, that’s why it’s perfect. Not knowing the legal side, can cost an influencer money and even credibility.

That’s only four out of the nine sections. Click here if you’re interested in learning about the others. Use my code DYMONDPHILLIPS for 40% off.

What I’ve Learned

I’ve been an influencer for the last three years, however, the LadyBossBlogger course taught me so many new things I never knew.

One of my biggest key takeaways was how much money I was missing out on by not using affiliate links. So many brands have their own affiliate program, I have to go sign up with them especially on brands I already rave about. Many times, people ask me about something and I just give them the link. With affiliate marketing, I could be getting money just doing what I already do.

Another takeaway was that influencers still need to pay quarterly taxes to the IRS. Elaine breaks down how to do that with details. Being an influencer takes a lot of discipline and consistency.

The LadyBossBlogger course is perfect for people just starting out, and even intermediate influencers/bloggers. If you’re a content creator looking to monetize, this course would be super helpful.

I’m going to take what I’ve learned and incorporate it into my blogging business to take it to the next level.

“How to Make Money As a Blogger” and “How to Make Money As A Influencer” are definitely investment courses, but LadyBossBlogger has a 6-month payment plan available and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You have to be willing to invest in yourself, especially if you say you want something.

If you’re interested in taking either one of these courses, make sure you use my code DYMONDPHILLIPS for 40% off.

Giveaway Time!

Guess what?!?! I have partnered with LadyBossBlogger to give one of you a free course of your choice! Yup, you read that right, one lucky winner will win.

The giveaway is taking place on Instagram , click here to head over there and enter! All you have to do is…

1. Follow me @Dymond_Lashay , @LadyBossBlogger , and @Elaine Rau on Instagram.

2. Like the photo and tag a friend in the comments!

* Bonus entries by tagging additional friends.

I will be announcing the winner in my next blog post with LadyBossBlogger .

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I would love to hear from you.

Additional LadyBossBlogger Resources

Interview With The Dedicated Accessories Genius

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 00:30:36 GMT

She's the owner of an e-commerce ready to wear luxe brand.

About two weeks ago, I was able to chat with D'anesia, who your probably know as Melita. She is a fearless and outgoing entrepreneur from Chicago. Melita is the CEO of Melita Collection, which is a mobile trendy and affordable girl boss boutique. Melita Collection specialize in personalized jewelry and sunglasses. The brand is currently expanding into fashion and cosmetics. Melita Collection’s mission is to help every girl find her inner boss.

Melita has been in business for over six years. Back in 2017, she rebranded and launched Melita Collection. Thru it all, she remained consistent and diligent. When asked what is her why, Melita responded, “I love to express myself and since my business is ME, I get to control everything. I always wanted a flexible lifestyle and I know I can inspire others who don’t believe they can. My ultimate goal is to help others by becoming a business coach and manager for up and coming businesses.”

I hope you enjoy this interview with Melita. She was so genuine and transparent. Melita shared her journey and how she overcame obstacles that tried to stop her. Also, Melita shared gems for people who are interested in starting an e-commerce business. I love how her brand is constantly evolving and expanding. I can’t wait to see what she has planned for, in the future.

Special thanks to Melita for being so sweet and chatting with me. Thank you for watching. Keep up with Melita here , shop the Melita Collection here. Until next week!

More Than A Hashtag

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 00:07:15 GMT

All Lives Can't Matter Until Black Lives Do #BlackLivesMatter

Hi, I'm Dymond and I'm a black woman in America. Living in a country where lives of people who look like me don't matter, is depressing. But, I'm here to tell you that they do. If you've been living under a rock, a man named George Floyd, was murdered on camera by police in Minneapolis. This is not the first black person who was killed due to police brutality and racism. We as a people have been targeted for years. After two months of more black people dying from Covid than anyone else, Ahmaud Arbery being killed by three white men for simply jogging, and so much more, George's death was the feather that broke the horses back. We as a people are fed up and tired. IT SPARKED A REVOLUTION. Every single day it is a protest happening, people are looting, riots have struck, and sides have been chosen. Last week social media was so heavy that I had to just step back and breathe.

I was able to attend a protest in Detroit, with my mom. The experience was everything. Seeing people from all different races come together for a common goal, was a sight to see. There was a wide age range there, and you could feel the emotions of all the people. Last week, there were protests in all 50 states, plus 13 countries. With everything going on, I wanted to chat and share my protesting experience with you. I hope you enjoy this short video. Keep the conversations going. We have to continue to speak up, and share. This will be a daily practice to take action to make change necessary. Don't let the hashtags fade without actual change in the world happening. This is our daily fight, use your voice!

Interview With The ShEO

Thu, 21 May 2020 01:10:39 GMT

She's a mentor, author, evangelist, consultant and so much more.

Everyone knows the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.'' This weeks slay of the week is a living example of this. Allow me to introduce you to, Courtney Aiken. She's a South Carolina native, who relocated to Atlanta and made a way for herself. Courtney is the ShEO of The Showkase Agency, and Finding Me Before I'm Found. The Showkase Agency, is an event, project and brand management firm based in Atlanta, GA. Finding Me Before I'm Found, is a single women ministry to find who they are in God, before marriage. Courtney also, released her first book, 'What Waiting Looks Like' at the end of 2019. It's the guide to preparing you for your status upgrade. It's meant for single women, but women in relationships can definitely benefit from this book. It helps you renovate your life, from the inside out! I loved this book so much, that I sent some to my friends. This book will make you shift your mindset, and come to terms with yourself. Make sure when you read it, you grab a journal to write down everything you've learned through each chapter. I loved that this book focused on the individual, rather than how to get a man. No matter how old you are, how long you've been in love or anything else, it's never too late to renovate yourself. In the book, she uses scriptures to tie it all together. How can your man find you, when you haven't done the preparation to be found.

I loved chatting with Courtney. She shared so many gems for single women. I love how she speaks about embracing your season of singleness, rather than hating it. Her book will cause you to self-evaluate. Sometimes, God will hold on to your blessings until you are prepared and positioned to receive them. On top of that, when you finish this book, you will realize that, you are the upgrade in a mans life. We are currently in a season of standstill in the world. What better time than now to renovate yourself. You can catch up with Courtney on Instagram here . Also, make sure you grab her book, 'What Waiting Looks Like,' anywhere where books are sold. (Click here) I hope this interview helped you, no matter what season you're in right now. Thank you so much Courtney, for sharing so much wisdom with us. Looking forward to seeing all you have coming in the future!

Interview With The Resilient Lash Artist

Thu, 14 May 2020 20:42:39 GMT

You must remain a student!

This weeks, 'Slay Of The Week,' is such a sweet and humble beast. Her name is Ki'Ara, but she goes by Ki. She's an ambitious and outgoing Atlanta based lash artist. She started her business, Pretty And Minked LLC, at the age 18. Pretty And Minked is a luxury lash extensions company, that caters to all lash, ponytail, and brow needs. Ki is dedicated to getting her business to its fullest potential. After having people doubt her, God blesses her daily, which motivates her to go harder.

This interview was so good. Ki answered all of your questions. She also shared how to be a successful lash tech. One thing that stood out to me was that, she's always learning. She listens to lash tech podcasts, reads books, and is always researching ways to be better. That's key if you want to be successful, remain a student. No matter how talented you are, continue to educate yourself to be better. I hope this interview helps you. Hearing about her determination to be successful, motivated me to continue to push. Make sure you like, comment and subscribe.

Three Year Anniversary Limited Edition Mug

Fri, 08 May 2020 15:01:37 GMT

Cheers To Three Years

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with coffee mugs and I drink coffee everyday. I have a select number of these, once they are gone they are gone. For the next 24 hours, you can shop this mug for $15.99 with discount code 24HR . After today, the mug will go up to $20.99. Thank you again for your support. Thank you for reading, reposting, and sharing my site with your friends! I'm so happy to see Dymond's Diary growth over the years. (Click Here To Grab Your Mug)

Interview With Modern Day Renaissance Queen

Tue, 05 May 2020 22:47:03 GMT

The Multi-Talented, Hustling Beast

Todays Slay Of The Week is a Chicago native. She realized at a young age that she was created to be heard and felt. Her name is Jermesha, better known as busy. Busy, is a two time author, mentor, mental health advocate and creator of Brown Girl Proverb. Brown Girl Proverbs mission is to, "Promote creativity, beauty, social and mental health awareness and literacy in the African American communities.''On top of that, 'Brown Girl Proverb,' is the title of Busy's first book, which is a memoir. Her second book, 'Losses and Gains,' is a fiction story of a girl based in Outwest Chicago.

Busy also has many talents and hustles that she does on the side. She sings, dances, makes clothes, does hair and makeup, and so much more. She discovered her purpose through trying different things. Busy is more than a name, it's her lifestyle. I'm so happy she found some time in her schedule to chat with me. I hope hearing her journey encourages you, the same way it did me.

I loved talking to Busy. Her energy was so open. I'm thankful she was so transparent, I know that isn't easy. I can't wait to see what's next for her. Make sure you grab her books, click here. You can keep up with her via Instagram . The next time I'm in Chicago, I'll definitely be linking with her. May is Mental Awareness Month, it may be time to check on yourself. Remember, you can do anything you put your mind to. Until next week.

Fill Your Own Cup

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 02:27:37 GMT

How Can You Pour Into Others, Without Pouring Into Yourself?

Happy Monday. I hope you're feeling encouraged and happy today. It's a fresh week and we're almost in a new month. One thing I've been really good at, is filling my cup. I share a lot via social media, my blog, and Youtube. The only way I'm able to consistently do that, is by filling my own cup. Filling my cup, may look a little different in some ways, with the pandemic going on, but I still prioritize it. Even if you aren't a content creator, you still need to fill your cup. Filling your cup is when you replenish your mental, emotional, and physical energy. It's when you you stop and recharge your own batteries.

Right now, we're in a odd place as a nation. The world is currently on pause, but life is still moving. Everyday, somebody is having a baby, and some are losing loved ones. Even though it's a pandemic, time is still moving. Many people are waiting to resume their lives, once the outside world "opens up.'' I'm here to tell you, don't wait for a governor or president to tell you when your life can be resumed. Just because some things are paused, does not mean everything is. Sarah Jakes Roberts recently said in a recent podcast, "You have to make this time real. My life can resume within the parameters of the reality that I live in now, but everything doesn't have to be on pause.'' Don't let the Corona Virus stop you from taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically. I understand not everybody is in the space to hustle, but take some time to get to know you during this season.

My self care routines haven't changed completely. Before this pandemic, I filled my cup by going to events, the movies and Starbucks. Now, I'm unable to go to those places. Although I still can write, read, meditate and pray, I had to replace going to those places with something else. I started watching more motivational live videos, taking daily drives, listening to more podcasts, watching more sermons, and walking around my neighborhood. All of these things help me be better. Some of them are just things I enjoy doing. Learn what makes you happy in this season and carve out time to do it.

You have to fill your cup and take care of yourself first. Think about it, when you're on a plane, the sky crew tells you to put on your own oxygen mask, before helping a child. Don't lose your own oxygen because you're trying to help everyone else. The world teaches us that taking care of ourselves first is selfish and a bad thing. That is incorrect. If you don’t do things to keep your cup full, you have nothing left to give or share with others. Figure out how self cares looks for you in this season. You have to try different things in order to see what makes you feel good. I hope you take this, and apply it into your everyday life. Sometimes self care isn't taking a full day to yourself, but it's taking 20min every morning to have some me time. Discover what it looks like for you! Stay safe and stay inside!

Interviewing Mommy Boss and Real Life Barbie

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:54:23 GMT

"Detroit breads some of the greatest hustlers."

Who says being a mom slows you down? This mommy boss has taken her business to the next level after having her baby boy. Jasmin, who you probably know as Jazsyb, is a Detroit native who went from being in school studying to be a nurse, to owning a hair extension line and salon shop. I've been following her since high school and I've had the pleasure of watching her glow up. When I see successful women elevate, I cheer them on. When I sat down to think about who I wanted to interview, Jazsyb quickly popped in my head.

Jasmin started My Barbie Extensions four years ago. Last year, she opened up her salon, The Barbie Shop, has nail technicians, hair stylists, make-up artists, and lash technicians. She's currently working on new business ventures that will be releasing this year. With all the success she has, it's nice to see she's still very sweet and humble. She's actually interested in giving back to businesses during this pandemic. All you have to do is send her a dm, via Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/_jazsyb .)

I loved our talk. Jazsyb absolutely loves what she does and the passion is what helped her be consistent. She even shared tips for moms who want to start a business. I can't wait to go to The Barbie Shop after this quarantine is over. You have to support people and their accomplishments. I hope our talk inspired you. When one door closes, another one will open! Remember, you have to be consistent if you want to be successful. Until next week!

5 Tips For Staying Productive During Quarantine

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:56:57 GMT

I had to decide if I was going to adjust or continue to complain!

If you would've told me two months ago that I'd be working from home everyday and actually being productive, I would've thought you were crazy. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has forced us all to stay inside, but for me, there's still work that needs to be done. In the past, I've said multiple times, working at home doesn't work for me. I used to go sit in Starbucks for hours just to get work done. It's something about sitting in Starbucks, it just gets my creative juices flowing. When I'm at Starbucks, everybody around me seems to be doing something, so it forces me to be productive. Before the quarantine, whenever I tried to work at home, whether it was school work, blog work or anything, it would be an epic fail. I would end up on my bed, watching Netflix and eating Gushers. I always thought I could work in my bed, or on the couch, simply because it was comfortable.

After the quarantine started, and I realized that this was going to be my new normal for a while, I had to make some changes. I had already started putting together my vanity/desk area, but I got serious. I ordered so much stuff to make the space feel exactly how I wanted. When you love and organize your space, it allows your mind to flow. I added a girly pen holder, gold calendar, a chair, drawer organizers, and so much more. I hung the pictures I had been procrastinating on doing. If you know me, you know I'm always cold, so I added my small space heater right next to my chair. I was determined to make my space exactly how I had been imagining.

One of my focuses during this quarantine is creating a lifestyle I wanted. When you're a kid, you play dress up and talk about what you're going to be when you grow up. I had to use that same strategy in my adult life. I pray so much about wanting to blog full-time, that I had to use this time to create the life as if I did. My job is currently closed and I always said if I had more time, I would be doing so much more. At first, I was doing absolutely nothing, so I had to change things up. I lacked motivation, but I refused to let that stop me.

I created daily habits and tasks that forced me to be productive. Even on days I didn't feel like working, I had a "routine" that my body was used to doing. That doesn't mean that everyday I get so much done. I have many lazy days. I completely understand that it is a pandemic going on, and I allow myself days to feel the feels. BUT, I don't allow myself to stay there. Blogger, Mattie James, once said, "I am more disciplined than I am motivated. Everyday I have tasks to accomplish to keep me aligned with my goals. Tasks are action steps to help you achieve a goal. Goals are bigger projects attached to your legacy aka the person you want to become." I had to embody that mindset and I work everyday to train my mind to be stronger than my body.

Some other things that helped me be productive are:

1. NO TV

I can watch tv, only after 3pm. That forces me to focus on the tasks at hand. I learned that once I turn on the tv, my focus is there. I end up on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and whatever else. I become so indulged, and the day just passes me by. I definitely give myself breaks throughout the day, but I don't turn on the tv. If I start watching tv, my break goes from 30 minutes to 3 hours. I had to be honest with myself.

2. POSITIVITY

Before I do any work, I write down a positive affirmation at the top of my to-do list. It sets the tone for my workday. Plus, I added motivational quotes all over my work area. On the days I don't feel like working, I glance at the quotes, and they push me to keep going. While I'm working, I listen to podcasts and music that uplift me. Gospel music and 90's R&B are the only genres I can work to. Anything else, is a distraction and doesn't help my brain to do work.

3. CANDLES

I honestly have no idea what it is, but when I sit at my desk, I have to light a candle. Before the quarantine, I liked candles, but they weren't essential. That all changed when I started lighting them daily. I quickly saw a change in my productivity. According to LifeHack.org, "Scented candles can help you succeed in various tasks – it all depends on the scent you choose. Generate Ideas with Peppermint or Cinnamon. Stay Awake with Orange or Lemon. Calm Nerves By Using Jasmine. Focus More Using Rosemary." Research different scents and grab some that you like. Try lighting one before doing some work, and watch how things change.

4. FRESH FLOWERS

Yes, you read that right, fresh flowers. A few weeks ago, my mom brought me some flowers to brighten up my mood. I put them next to my desk, and things began to shift. I didn't know what caused this shift initially. She got me some more flowers for my birthday, and I put them in the same spot. I then realized flowers have a deeper effect. I was never a flower person, I never used to take care of them, so they would always die. Now that I see they help my productivity, I'll always keep fresh flowers in my office. Some researchers at Texas A&M actually tested this. " Results showed higher productivity as well as creativity for those employees in designated workspaces decorated with fresh flowers and plants."

5. GRATITUDE

Everyday when I wake up, after I do my devotional and prayer, I write a list of three things I'm grateful for that day. They can be big things or small things. When you operate in a place of gratitude, you tend to be more productive. Being thankful will switch your entire attitude and make you more hunger for success. Learn to appreciate where you are. The only way you'll be blessed with more is if you're thankful for what you have.

These are just my tips for being more productive when working at home. You will have days when you aren't in the best mood. With everything going on in the world, you may even have some sad days. Be kind and patient with yourself. Allow yourself to feel and go thru the motions. Set some tasks and habits in place so you're still productive even when you don't feel like it. Feelings aren't facts and you can't allow yourself to stay in your feelings forever. Try different things, you never know how they'll change your creativity. Trial and error are the only things to help you learn yourself, which ultimately reflects your productivity. Be honest with yourself on things that distract you, and remove them. Nobody knows you like you. I hope these helped. Until next week!

Traveling During Pandemic

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 00:44:15 GMT

Before you jump down my throat, keep reading. On March 20th, my aunt, mom, little cousins, and I, packed up a rental and drove from Detroit to Virginia. I was scheduled to be in Houston that weekend, but with everything going on, I realized flying might not be the safest thing to do. I hadn't seen my grandma in a very long time, so when my mom presented the idea to me, I was thrilled. During this time, Michigan was shut down, but Virginia was still open. We called my aunt, and got her on board.

I come from a faith based grandmother, so she wasn't worried at all. Family is everything, during rough times we tend to run to places of comfort. That for us, is my grandmother. Being in her new house, watching movies, making dinner, and just talking was one of the best things we could've done. The trip brought us so much peace and clarity, which set us up right for this quarantine. If you're blessed with the opportunity to be with your loved ones during this time, cherish every moment. Here's a vlog of how our trip to Virginia went. My grandmother was so excited to have all of us there. I can't wait to go back!

Interview With The All American Entrepreneur

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:09:04 GMT

Slay of the week

Happy Monday! Another week in quarantine down. I hope you're staying inside and safe. This week I wanted to continue with my slay of the week, girl boss edition. This weeks video interview is with the serial entrepreneur, Kierra Perry. Remember back in 2019, when Dior and I went to the boss lady sleepover? (Click here to read ) Kierra was the creator of that event. I love watching her journey on Instagram. Her goal is to help every small black owned business, including her own, grow and become the most successful in the world. When asked how she plans on doing this, Kierra responded, "I work day in and day out to offer my marketing services to different entrepreneurs. We all must work together because we all must succeed." After learning this, I knew I had to bring her story to you. Aside from her marketing business, she's also an author, boutique owner, brand manager, and more. Click here to grab a copy of MsKierraP book, 'Our Diary: EntrepreneuHER .' Also, if you're looking for a vendor list for almost anything definitely head over to Kierra's Website, https://shopmskp.com If you're looking for a business coach, investor, or just somebody to bounce your idea off, book a $40 business call with MsKierraP ( Click here)

I hope this encourages you during this time to go after what it is you want. Remember, anything is possible, you just have to start. Let go of whatever is holding you back. I loved this interview because Kierra was so transparent. One thing that stuck with me, is how she continues to turn any negative situation in her life, into a positive. Special thank you to Kierra P for sharing her story with us. If you have someone you'd like for me to interview comment below, shoot me an email, or send me a DM. I love hearing peoples insights. Everybody has a unique story and I love sharing them with you. Until next week, stay safe and stay inside.

We Are In The Tie Dye Renaissance

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:54:36 GMT

Look who made a new and improved come back in 2020

On days that I’m not filming, comfortability is everything. I love joggers, biker shorts and sweats. Spring is here and with that, I love spring colors and pastels. Just because we are locked inside, doesn’t mean we can't be stylish. Last year in the spring, the tie dye trend resurfaced. This year the trend has returned again, with a new switch. Traditional tie dye is colorful and done mainly on white cotton based cloth. New age tie dye is focused on pastels and more vibrant patterns. We are currently in the tie dye renaissance. According to Harpers Bazar, "Global fashion search platform Lyst reports that tie-dye is one of the fastest growing fashion search keywords of the year so far,"

This new age tie dye trend was seen on Spring/Summer 2020 runways from brands like Proenza Schouler, John Elliot, MSGM, Christian Dior, Stella McCartney, Prada, Versace and more. Tie dye pieces can also be picked up at Urban Outfitters, Who What Wear, and Nordstrom. Rather than being super hippie, this trend can now be styled more chic, edgy or street style. Tie dye print can be found in swimwear, tops and bottoms. I love that brands are incorporating this trend into loungewear. Brands like Fashion Nova, Target, Kohls, Forever 21, ASOS, and more are all now offering tie dye jogging suits.

I picked up my tie dye jogging suits from target (click here for both: green , lavender )

Wearing tie dye makes me feel like a kid again. I think about the times I'd make my own t-shirts or socks. I love this trend and I can't wait to wear it all season. This is just one way I keep myself sane during the craziness in the world. Being able to still feel trendy, while being comfortable inside, is my happy place. During these times, I'm doing more of what makes me happy so I can stay positive! Identify what that looks like for you and incorporate it into your everyday life.

Girl Chat: Relationship Edition

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:28:18 GMT

Grab your wine, cocktail or tea and have some well overdue girl chat with me

Hey girl hey, with everything going on in the world, I wanted to switch things up. This week I wanted to talk about relationships and how dating in 2020 really is. Being a strong and ambitious woman can be very intimidating for some men. I asked some questions on my Instagram, and the response made me think. Sometimes as women, we tend to think with our hearts. In todays chit chat, I shared my thoughts on the questions, as well as some tips on dating. I hope this video is an escape for you during these rough times. If you have any topics you'd like me to discuss let me know!

Interview With #MakeupBySosa

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 01:06:47 GMT

Slay Of The Week

Happy Monday!!! This is week three in quarantine. I'm so proud of myself for continuing to do what I said I was going to do. Remember how I said my focus for this extra time is connecting? Well, this week I'm continuing with my girl boss interviews. Today, we're chatting with one of Atlanta's youngest and talented makeup artists. We actually crossed paths back in 2018, at the Mac store. After she did a phenomenal job on my face, I had to exchange information with her. I'm so glad she was open to share her journey. After hearing her story, I now understand divine timing. When God orders your steps, you'll be put in rooms you don't even think you're qualified to be in. Her brand, 'Illustrious Looks,' continues to grow with each client she works with.

I hope watching this talk inspires you to follow your passion. Money is going to come especially when you're doing something you truly love. For me, this interview motivated me to keep going. Sam focused on perfecting her skill consistently. You should be working towards what you say you want, daily. My biggest focus for this second quarter is consistency. I'm obsessed with working everyday towards my dreams. I'm in a space where I appreciate the journey! Consistent baby steps will get you to wherever you want to be. Thank you so much Sam for being so honest and sharing your story with us. I wish you nothing but success and blessings going forward with your goals! Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenames_sam , she does a lot of live makeup looks.

If you have someone you'd like for me to interview comment below, shoot me an email, or send me a DM. I love hearing peoples insights. Everybody has a unique story and I love sharing them with you. Until next week, stay safe and stay inside.

Crockpot Success

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 17:56:12 GMT

Slow and steady wins the race.

I'm alive, I'm well, and I feel fresh! I love Mondays, because they set me up for the week and they help me get back on track. It's a new month which is like a new chapter in the year. Whatever happened the week before, whatever money you spent, whatever person didn’t call you back, none of that matters in a new month. I feel like I’m currently in a weird space in my life. I call this time, a transitional period. During this time, I need to look to God the most. It's so easy to get caught up in social media, the news and/or millennial syndrome. Millennial syndrome is when you want to reap the fruits of your labor, without actually doing the work. Dymond’s Diary has been out for over two years now, and I’m still in the process of getting it right. I feel like millennial syndrome tells me, "you’ve been doing it long enough why isn’t it getting you what you want," but then I have to get back to reality. Two and a half years, is not a long time. So many people in their 20s want things to come quickly, without actually doing things necessary. If you ask anybody do they want to be successful, I bet they would tell you yes. People want a whole lot out of life, don't want to actually pay the price and really sacrifice for it. Myleik Teele, (owner of Curlbox) once said, "Give something everything you got for three years. After three years, you can let it go, only if you know you've worked hard every single day for those three years." Give something three years of your attention, and watch how it changes. It’s a mindset you must have. If you don’t believe in yourself, business or whatever you have going on, why would anybody? You have to have that much passion and love behind it. Last week, I told you guys to get back focused. Don’t be that person who sets new goals every year, and watches the time pass. Time waits for no one. 70% of people who make New Year’s resolutions and new year goals let it go by February, but don’t let that be you. Not this year, not this decade! This is the time to get back focused and to really check yourself. Everybody looks focused on Instagram, but are they really in person? Are you honestly giving what you say you want your all? If you can say yes, this message is NOT for you, but if you can say no, this is for you. It’s not too late to get back focused; it’s not too late to figure out a new plan. Don’t get discouraged because you thought you'd be somewhere else by now. Use that as an opportunity to get where you want to go. Get creative and think about new ideas. Okay one door was shut, but that means another one will be opened.

B Simone recently released her road to 1 million on Instagram. It's where she is going to do different hustles every day until she turns 30, because a goal of hers was to be a millionaire by that age. Her plan is to grind every day until April 5, when she will have $1 million in her savings account. I found it so inspiring and amazing for many reasons. If you don’t know who she is, she is a comedian, artist, and entertainer who is from Dallas, Texas, but moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2015, at the age of 25. She is an entrepreneur, who sells cosmetics. She's also one of the comedians on Nick Cannon’s Wild-N-Out, that comes on MTV. I loved following her story, because she was on YouTube making videos from the beginning. I loved the fact that she stepped out, and moved to Atlanta broke, for entertainment. A lot of people think she moved for comedy, but she didn’t. Comedy just happened, and when God gives you a unique gift, sometimes it just "happens." Her ultimate goal is to be the female Jamie Foxx. She wants to dominate acting, music and comedy. After watching her, 'Road To One Million' documentary part one, I went back and watched her youtube video. The video is of her moving to Atlanta, in 2015. People don’t understand that she was broke, and that was her first time moving out of her families house. She was working two jobs, plus perfecting her craft of entertainment. In 2020, she is now $135,000 away from being a millionaire. See, a lot of people look at where she is now, and forget that she was putting in work five years plus. Success does not happen overnight, do not allow social media to rush your come up. In her video of her moving to Atlanta, she describes how she sees beauty in the journey to success. She was so humbled and so hungry in the video below.

(Skip to 11:31 if you can't watch full video)

I say all this to say, slow and steady wins the race. I don't know about you, but I want a crockpot success. I want a legacy and quick success doesn't create that. You've heard the story about the tortoise and the hare. Yes, the hare was faster, but it wasn't focused on the task at hand. Too many people are going nowhere fast. Don't fall victim of the the millennial syndrome . Everything happens in divine timing. Learn to appreciate and love where you are, because you're there for a reason. It's some key lessons that you learn during the journey, don't miss them trying to rush. There's no quick way to become successful. It's no secret sauce that you can get. The saying, "Life is a marathon," is so important. People who think life is a race, will go hard for a short period of time, but the extra effort doesn't last that long. Real success, no matter what it is you want, will take progress little by little over time. Focus on the big picture. Consistent baby steps!

Interview With The Customization Queen

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 14:45:43 GMT

Slay Of The Week is Back

Today is April 1st. It's the first day of the second quarter of the year. Time to restart and refresh your hustle. Yes, you read that right. Slay of the week is back. For my new readers you might not know, back in 2017, I used to interview different people who were apart of the fashion/beauty community. I loved connecting and hearing their stories. Some were recorded, some were written, but both had the same impact. One of my focuses for 2020, is networking and connected with people. I had so many conferences, and events on my calendar, but with everything going on, things are on pause. During this quarantine time, I wanted to continue with that. I had an idea a few weeks ago to do one-on-one video interviews with people. When things shift, you have to be able to shift with them. This idea was brilliant.

First up, is no stranger to Dymond's Diary. She's someone who I started working with back in 2017. I actually have an article from when I first started working with her. (click here to read) Rachel is the owner of Customs by Rachel. She's created so many pieces for me over the years. I honestly don't remember how we crossed paths, but I'm so happy we did. In the video below, we chat about everything business, personal and so much more. Rachel has such a strong work ethic, that I had to know her secrets. Hopefully after all of this clears up, we can link and do this face to face again. Huge thank you to Rachel for opening up and sharing her journey with me to share with you. I hope you take her story and use it as motivation to follow your passion. Rachel is a OG in the business game and continues to dominate year after year. Her brand has evolved to more than customization. She now has apparel, slides and more. Everything is available on her site https://customsbyrachel.com . Make sure you use my code Dymond with anything you order.

If you have someone you'd like for me to interview comment below, shoot me an email, or send me a DM. I love hearing peoples insight. Everybody has a unique story and I love sharing them with you. Use this time to do something productive, learn something new about yourself, or just meditate. Don't come out of this quarantine the same way you came in. I understand it's an odd time in the world, but don't let that distract you from your 2020 goals. Read a new book, write, learn a new hobby, the possibilities are endless. Until next week, stay safe and stay inside!

National Puppy Day

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 00:33:39 GMT

Puppies leave their paw prints on your heart.

Dior technically isn’t a puppy anymore, since she’s over the age one. But, Dior is only one and a half so she can still make the cut. In my household, she isn’t a puppy, she’s treated more like a baby. It’s crazy, even though she’s an animal, she has a mind of her own. She’s like her own little person. My love for Dior grows daily. I brought her home back in October, but I’ve loved her since I first visited her as a baby in August. Back during my last spring break, I let Dior go be with my mom, while I traveled. The gag is.... she ended up staying for EIGHT months. Yes, during those eight months I saw her, but it wasn’t the same.

Now, being back in the same house, it's very hard to re-establish my authority. I love that my mom opened her home and heart for Dior, but sometimes I feel left out. I currently work a lot and before the quarantine, I was always outside. Dior needed somebody with a flexible schedule, so she doesn’t have to always be at day care or home alone. One thing about this quarantine that I like, is being able to spend so much time with her. We get to go on long walks and she gets her mid-day play time, with me. One thing I will definitely work towards, is being home more and making more time for Dior. I know she still loves me, but I think she may love my mom more. This scenario is like a young mom who lives with her mom, and the grandmother always has the baby. The baby will naturally cling more to the grandmother, because that's who spends more time with them.

At the end of the day, I’m still Dior’s mommy and we have a great bond, but all relationships take work. I have to do more work, and prioritize her.. I’m blessed to have family that love her and will do anything for her, but I have to step up. Puppies need love and attention too! Dior is always there when you need her. She’s there for naps, she’ll make you play with her, and she'll definitely protect you.

Make sure during this time you’re home, spend more quality time with your pets. They are like your kids and need to be nurtured. I would be devastated if something happened to Dior! I love her so much! I love seeing all the pictures of pups today.

Dresses For Transitional Weather

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:58:03 GMT

National Dress Day was 3/6

Hey girl hey, I'm super excited that we're finally in my favorite season. I absolutely love spring. My birthmonth is April, plus I love the weather in the spring time. It's not quite as hot as summer but it's warmer than winter. I'm also obsessed with all the pinks, yellows, and purples. Depending on where you're located, the weather may not match up with the season. You guys know, I'm a jumpsuit girl for sure. But every now and then, I'll wear a cute dress. It's super hard to wear dresses during this transitional period. During this time, the weather is warmer in the day and freezing by 6pm. It's super nice here today, but temperatures are supposed to drop drastically tomorrow. Some days are 60s and 70s while other are still 42 degrees. These two styles of dresses are my absolute favorite for this bipolar weather time.

First up, this is a bodycon ribbed material midi dress. It's not a full turtleneck, it's actually a mock neck. This dress is so stretchy and comfortable. It also has a slit on each side of it, that makes me it better. The color is a burnt orange, which for me is more for fall, but can easily be worn in the spring. I'd pair this with a cute bootie or pump. It can easily be worn in spring by throwing on a cute low top sneaker or wrap up sandal. Mine was only $8 from Target's clearance section. It's such a simple piece that can be dressed up or down. You could also add a cute jacket to spice it up for chilly nights. Bodycon dresses are my go to because they hug every curve.

Bodycon dresses are perfect transitional pieces. This is my Saturday errands run, go to outfit. Add a chunky necklace and it can easily be a night out with the girls dress. You can even add a cute belt and matching boot to wear for a date. This is a basic piece everybody needs to have in their closet. I typically hate the ribbed material, but I actually love this dress.

Next up is another one of my favorite dresses. Yes I know, it's another "fall" color, but it's the perfect style for this transitional period. This is a basic v-neck midi dress. Its a thin sweater material. Perfect for a nice 60 degree day, with some boots. This dress could even be worn on a colder day, long as you wear a nice double breasted coat. This for me is perfect for date night, or even work. If it's warmer where you are, wear a cute nude pump and ACCESSORIZE . A cute chunky necklace would be a great way to dress it up.

This dress is from Fashion Nova. They always have deals going on, it's currently 30% off with coupon code Deal80 . (tap here to view) I love the belt in the middle because it hides the tummy. This dress also has a slit on the side, but this one is a tad higher. It also comes in a mustard yellow color. I would wear this with some ankle boots either brown or orange. You could also wear it with a animal print boot, if you're look ing to add some flavor to it. Depending where you're wearing it to, you could even add a nice fedora hat and poncho.

Shopping for this in between season can be super hard, especially if the weather where you are is bipolar like it is here. These two basic dress styles are perfect because you can add small accessories that make a huge difference. As the weather heats up you can continue to wear these, just be changing a shoe and removing a jacket. I'm definitely ordering more pieces like these in ever color. You can never have too many bodycon dresses whether they're v or mock neck styles. I'll definitely be sharing more of my go to spring pieces in the future.

Three Lip Liners For Brown Skins

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:58:02 GMT

Brown lip liners are essential to my existence.

Ever since I started wearing makeup, my go to has been brown lip liner. I used to think I was too dark for colored lipsticks which is why I always stuck with clear gloss. The way my complexion and lips are, I can't just wear lipstick without a liner or it looks odd. One thing that helped tremendously was finding brown lip liners. I used to be obsessed with pink lipstick and lip gloss on other people. I went to Mac and tried them on but absolutely hated it.It wasn't until a Mac artist did my makeup and lined my lips that I realized what was missing.

CHESTNUT, changed my life forever. It's by Mac and is the perfect brown for honestly any complexion. It's perfect for nudes, peaches, pinks, and even reds. I use Chestnut even for an ombre effect. The lip combinations you can do with Chestnut are endless. It costs $18 and is sold at Mac, Ulta, and even Amazon. Great thing I love with Mac is, once you get six empty products, you can turn them back in for a lipgloss or lipstick. It's the Back-To-Mac program and is something I do bi-monthly. This applies to empty lash containers, lip glosses, lipsticks, honestly all MAC products. This forces me to actually use my products. $18 is a little pricey, but when you calculate the buy back program, it makes paying for a little less painful. Grab your chestnut today. ( cl ick here)

Next up is one of my newer favorites. I know the reviews on Kylie Cosmetics can be very negative, but she has a lot of good products. I have a few of her lip kits and even some of her pallets. True Brown, is one that I'm obsessed with. It's the perfect brown liner and lipstick combo. I was very skeptical and nervous about ordering a brown lipstick, because I didn't know if it would look weird with my skin complexion. The lip kit came with a ' True Brown' lipstick and lip liner. I occasionally wear the lipstick, but the lip liner has definitely made it's way to my favorites. The liner is a little richer than Chestnut. I love pairing it with matte nude lipsticks. The liner is perfect for long wear. Its creamy formula, is unmatched. The lip kit costs $29, but is currently on sale for $23.20. If you're not into matte lipsticks, the liner alone costs $12, but went on sale for $9.60 and is currently sold out. You can go to Ulta or the KylieCosmetics to pick it up. (Click here, to grab your own)

Last but certainly not least is my newest favorite. I recently was watching Aaliyah Jay Insta story, she was talking about her lip combos. One color that she mentioned was Nyx Cosmetics , Expresso liner. I started researching the lip pencil and saw amazing reviews. I ran to Sephora to give it a try. I absolutely love Nyx's "Expresso' eyebrow pencil, so I knew it would amazing. This one is very vey similar to chestnut, but a tad bit warmer. If Mac's Chestnut is too expensive for you, this dupe is only $4. You can pick this up honestly anywhere makeup is sold. Nyx is such a great brand with quality products, but the prices are all so affordable. Starting out with makeup can be very expensive, that's why Nyx is perfect for those who are experimenting. A lot of successful beauty gurus still use Nyx products. It's currently on sale for $3.20 at Kohls. (Click here to get yours .)

Refocus Yourself

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 01:29:14 GMT

What happened to everything you said you wanted in 2020?

Happy Monday! I can't believe we're already at the end of February. It's so funny how January seems to drag, but once it's over, the year flies by. Today is 2/24/20. It's a sad day, because this morning was the Home Going service of the great Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gigi. It's such a tragic story that is hard to process. Life is so precious, and in the blink of an eye it can end or change. I send prayers and my condolences to all the people affected from the helicopter crash. Whenever sudden deaths like this happen, I tend to reflect on my life and purpose. One thing that stood out to me about Kobe, was his drive and work ethic. He had a mamba mindset that I aspire to work towards. With it being a new year and decade, what better time than now to really go after everything you want?

Back in 2019, at the end of the year, everybody had so much to say about what they wanted for the new decade. Now that it’s here, that beginning of the year momentum is slowing down and for some people it has even come to a complete stop. It’s only February and so many people are discouraged and have given up on their goals. "Approximately 80 percent of people who make New Year's resolutions have dropped them by the second week of February." We're currently in week four of February, do you fall into that statistic? Unfortunately, I did I felt myself falling into a place of discouragement and not having a spark. I was living my life just to live, and not working towards any goals. It’s so easy to fall off track but you have to get back focused. I’ve already written a post on how I get back on track, but sometimes it’s not as easy as self-care. Sometimes you need people to pull your coat tail and who push you to be the best version of yourself. I’m happy that I have that in my life and I hope I can be that in yours. So let’s get back focused together those New Year’s goals and dreams are not going to chase themselves. Find habits that will help you get back focused, for me it’s logging off Instagram and really spending time by myself. For me, I have to incorporate productive activities throughout the day to help me get focused.

Go revisit that list of goals you made for 2020 and everything that you said you wanted. Understand that it's ok if somethings have changed. It’s even ok if you honestly don’t know what you want for your year. But I'm here to tell you that looking for your purpose on Instagram is not it. I recently uploaded a picture with the caption, ”Name a successful woman who got to where she is by scrolling on Instagram depressing herself with other people’s lives?” That is something I have to tell myself in order to stay in my own lane. This week I want you to write a list of short-term goals and long-term goals. Short term goals are things that you want in the next 3-12 months. Long-term goals are things that you want in the next 2-5 years. Really think about where you see yourself in 2025. 2020 is such an amazing year! You have to have 2020 vision to make it amazing. Let’s get real clear on our goals and dreams this year. The only way to make 2020 your year, is if you go after everything that you want. Understand that tomorrow is not promised. Your time here on this earth is limited, you never know when God is going to call you home. In less than two months, if 2020 taught you anything it’s that you should value life, don’t hold grudges, and work every single day to accomplish your goals right now!

Together we can get back on track. Re-set, re-adjust, re-start and/or re-focus as many times as you need to just keep going!

Bronner Brother Winter Beauty Show 2020

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 01:29:00 GMT

So many people talk about legacy and generational wealth. One family who created a legacy that will continue for many generations, is the Bronner Brother family. Back in 1947, Dr. Nathaniel H. Bronner, Sr. and his brother Arthur E. Bronner, Sr. created a privately held, family owned company, Bronner Bros. The brothers began teaching cosmetologists at the Butler Street YMCA in Atlanta, Georgia. The first trade show had about 300 attendees. "The show attracted many well renowned speakers including Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Benjamin Mays. Mr. Bronner combed the country each year to bring positive, motivating people to the show." The second generation of Bronner Bros took over in 1993, continuing to build and expand on the same values of the original founders. Many great stylist got their start from the Bronner Bros Beauty Show including, celebrity stylist Kim Kimble, beauty influencer and entrepreneur Alonzo Arnold, and more. The Bronner Bros beauty show is a three day event with so much to do. In three days you can attend over 100 classes, explore the exhibitor floor (there's over 250 exhibitors) , connect with industry leaders, and shop for any beauty product you need. It's the best place to mingle with people from all over the world, there's over 20,000 plus people who attend. Leaving the show will spark your creative juices and help you see that it's possible to be successful in the beauty industry. This is the perfect event for cosmetology students, people starting their beauty career, makeup artists and even master barbers and stylists. Although it is a beauty show, it's more than hair. Nail technicians, boutique owners, vendors, bloggers, and more will benefit from attending the show. Connecting with people from different niches is the way to get ahead. You never know who you'll bump into at the Bronner Brother Beauty Show. I think everyone should attend this show, at least once in their life, and I bet you'll come back year after year. It's a show like no other. Mark your calendars and clear your schedule for the summer show happening August 8-10, 2020 in Atlanta, GA! Tickets and more information for the 2020 summer beauty show will be available on April 1st. See you there! For details click here !

Give Onto Others

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 20:15:58 GMT

Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Christmas Eve was my families second year giving back to the Metro Detroit area. My nana came up with this idea to pass out coats, hats, gloves and blankets to the homeless in Downtown Detroit. We started asking for donations a few months ago and so many people participated. First, let me say thank you to everybody who donated items and even donated money, it was greatly appreciated. A special thank you to my family and friends who showed up and donated their time. Sometimes, you have to check yourself! The days leading up to the give back day, I was not in the mood. I was so wrapped up in everything I had going on. I was so self absorbed in my own issues, that I didn't think about people who have it worse than me. Truth is, that is one my greatest challenges. Caring for others is something I do a lot, but also struggle with doing. I really want to work on being more caring, because the world doesn't revolve around me.

Anywho, in the beginning I was super excited for it, but, the days leading up I just fell out of it. I didn't want to do the work my family needed from me because I was too busy "kicking it." That's unacceptable, because in the blink of an eye, things can switch and I can be in their shoes. Thankfully, my nana and mommy stepped up and picked up my slack. The morning of, I pulled my head out of my own bubble and snapped out of it. We all met, back to back, and set up shop in the back of my dads truck. My friend Bree and I walked up and down the street mobliy passing things out, while my family was stationed at the truck. Everybody was able to help, even the kids were passing out stuff. Giving back is something my family takes very seriously and it's something I love to do.

While we were out there, people looked different ways. You couldn't tell who was homeless and who wasn't. It got me thinking, you can't judge people based upon looks because you never know. Anything can happen and shift your life. You want to make sure you're giving back not just because it's the right thing to do. Do it because God asks us to. God blesses me so much that I want to be like him and give unto his people. You don't have to give back like I do, find ways to give back in your own way. Look for ways to help your community. There's a special feeling that you get when you give back. That's something I want to do more of in this new decade.

Here's a short video of how our annual give back went.

Stop Holding Yourself Back

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 18:46:03 GMT

The holiday season is over, but yet I still struggled to get back to it!

Am I the only one who struggles with getting back to work after a long period off? I don't know why, but getting back to my normal schedule after Christmas and NYE is the hardest for me. I'm staying up late, waking up even later, going through each day with no sense of schedule or direction. Before Christmas, I was waking up before 7am, working out, reading, and going to Starbucks to write posts daily. I allowed myself to go out, stay up late, and not do any website work for the sake of holidays, but geez. I had to ask myself, how long is this holiday hiatus going to last?

After three weeks of doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING productive, I decided to get back to it. I've been in the gym consistently for about a week and it feels amazing. I work out to tone up and because I love how I feel after a workout. I'm most productive on days I go to the gym. I'm also back waking up earlier, not quite where I want to be yet, but progress has been made. For the last THREE weeks, I was sleep until 10/11am, now I'm waking up aro und 8/9am. Hopefully by next week, my body will be back waking up even earlier. I found a new Starbucks, that I've been obsessed with going to. Since going to my new Starbucks, I've gotten so much work done.

Over my three week break, I missed a couple of campaigns because I was lazy and struggling to find my motivation. It's crazy because I wrote a post previously about what to do when motivation fades. ( click here to read ) After reading that post, I remembered that motivation means NOTHING. I had to create new habits to get me back on track. I came up with three new habits and requirements to get me to actually do the habits. Habit one: Waking up early, would require me to go to sleep earlier. Habit two: Getting back to writing blog posts, would require me spending time in places that I work best (i.e Starbucks.) Habit Three: saving money, would require me to stop going out every night wasting money. Once I did this, I started to actually implement the habits into my daily routines slowly but surely. Before you knew it, I was back into the swing of things. Moral of the story, do it when you want to and DO IT WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO. Having daily habits will help you stay productive even when motivation fades.

I say all this to say, get out your own way. That is one of my focuses for 2020. I had to learn that that MY procrastination, MY ego, the knowledge I neglect, the negative behavior I nurture, and the unhealthy foods I consume are what's holding me back. OVER ALL, I'm the only person in the way of making my dreams a reality. Accepting the fact that I'm the biggest downfall when it comes to my success is a hard pill to swallow. But the beauty in it is, it can all be changed. Once you realize it, make the changes to get out your own way. Stop holding yourself back from becoming the person you want to be. It's a new decade, don't let anyone hold you back from greatness, not even yourself! Have a great week!

Nine Biggest Turn Ons

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 18:45:46 GMT

What does the girl behind the blog really like?

During my hiatus, I was reviewing all of my 2019 content and analytics. One post that did surprisingly well was my, "Nine Biggest Turn Offs" (click here - to read.) As a lot of you know, I am very picky when it comes to dating. After reading about all that I don't like, I think it's time for me to tell you what I actually do like. Planning out this post was so hard, because it's really hard to "impress" me. My turn ons have evolved as I've gotten older. What I used to want and accepted before, I refuse to accept now. Like I said before, I‘m not looking to just date just to date, I’m interested in building longevity with someone. So let's jump into my nine biggest turn ons. They aren't in any particular order.

One: I love a family oriented person. I love seeing how a man interacts with his loved ones. You can tell a lot about a person just by how they deal with their family. I understand everybody isn't fortunate to have a lot of family around them. I also understand people have deep family problems that result in estranged relatives. But this one is for men who have their family in their lives but don't prioritize them. I am very close with my family, so whoever I date will have to take interest in my family. A turn on for me is seeing a man embrace my family, without me having to ask. If a man is disrespectful and doesn't care about his own family, how can I expect him to care about mine. Family is everything to me! I love a family oriented man. NOT A MAMAS BOY, there is a BIG DIFFERENCE!

Two: If you didn't know, I'm very goofy and I love to laugh. I love a man with a great sense of humor. Somebody who can make me laugh will always be a turn on for me. (Think about it: If you were trapped in a car with only your significant other, would you be bored or entertained?) When dating, I love being able to have inside jokes with my boo. Being able to sing songs and be silly is such a turn on.

Three: Like I said before, I take support VERY SERIOUSLY. It is a big turn on when the guy I'm dating takes interests in whatever I have going on. Read/promote my blog, suggest topics and video ideas to me, boost me up when I'm shooting content, when I get off track tell me get back focused, I LOVE ALL THAT! I really enjoy natural support that I don't have to ask for because it's genuine. My significant other needs to be my cheerleader because I will definitely be that for him. I'm going to push him to follow any goals he wants to reach.

Four: I love a God Fearing man. A man that is so focused on God will forever be a turn on. Only a man who loves and fears God will be able to love me the way I should be loved. Anything else is flesh inspired and that can easily change based on circumstances. I love a man who can feed me spiritually. It's something about a man who prays for you; that's a different feeling.

Five: I'm from New York, I'm a natural born hustler. I love a man who knows how to grind and stack. "Match my hustle, better yet beat my hustle and inspire me to elevate mine." I'm all for people following their dreams and working everyday to make them a reality. A man who has a dream and is actively chasing that dream is a big turn on to me. Anything you really want you can have as long as you're willing to grind and do the work for it. I need to know if we lose everything today, will you be able to go get it back. A man who is goal oriented and passionate about his future turns me on. A man who has 5 year goals, and 10 years goals is everything. I love a man who knows what kind of man he want to be, and who's working everyday to become that. Those are things I love to see in a man

Six: Dress it up and make it real for me. A man who can dress is such a true on. I'm not saying you have to be dressed every time you see me, but can we do a date night where we both get dressed up and go out. I love seeing a man piece different outfits together, not basic trends. Don't get me wrong, I love me a nike jogging suit too, that's why I like to see my man switch it up. I need to know, if I take you to a event, that you can come correct. I love a dude who can match my fly.

Seven: I don't know why, but I have the attention span of a child. It's easy for people to grasp my attention for a second but can you maintain it. Simply put, are you interesting? So many people aren't authentically themselves and are always trying to be somebody else. A man who is interesting and who can keep me engaged is a huge turn on. For example; can you communicate, hold a conversation, can you intrigue me mentally? It's not really about impressing me, it's more important to interest me. It's really a turn on when a guy can get the wheels in my head turning. Keep me on my toes, be spontaneous!

Eight: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect is everything. A man who shows me respect will turn me on. Respect is what sets the bases of a relationship. I love a man who respects and love himself first. People talk so much about woman knowing their worth, but men need to know their worth too. Someone who respects me, will treat me right. Respect my opinion, my voice, my feelings, my boundaries, my business, and my space. Dating a man who respects me will help me open up and be comfortable with him. According to Inspiring Tips, "Respect breeds the kind of love thats way beyond romance. It creates love that understands and accepts, love that is willing to hold on and willing to let go, love that lasts and overcomes all the qualms and conflicts that you and your partner have had. You two may be stripped off the romance and adventure, and while all that’s left is a boring future, if you have bred respect for each other that results to the willingness to continue with life together, then that’s true love." That's a turn on because that's exactly the kind of love I want.

Nine: I love a man who expresses his feelings. A man who compliments me and builds up my ego. I love myself whole heartedly, but it's something about when the guy I'm dating boosts me up. It's a feeling that's hard to describe. Let me know when you think I look good because it shows that you pay attention to me. If I change my hair tell me how you like or don't like it. I love seeing a guy who pays attention to the details with me, because it shows that you are interested to get to know me. Hype me up like the guys who try to holla at me at the gas station do.

These are just nine things that are my non-negotiables with a man. I have many more turn ons but these are just my top ones. These things continue to change as I age. My wan ts at eighteen were different to now and they'll have evolved when I turn 30. I'm not perfect at all these things. It's important t hat I have somebody who makes me level up. I'm looking for somebody who will grow and evolve with me. Not just fit the 22 year old me, the guy for me needs to fit the 30/40 year old me. TD Jakes said, "I need somebody that as I come to the fullness of my intellectual capacity that you have the fluidity of thought and nimbleness of mind to flow with me." That is so true!!!!! This is why, whoever is in my life I pray about because God see's the future and I can't. I don't want to be with somebody who's good for where I'm at right now. Can you fit where I'm heading. Dating isn't a game, be careful and precise with who you chose to share energy with.