So, I'm back!

Though, I've been back for a week, I've just been a lazy blogger!

Hitting the Road!!

Or should I say the skies!!

Heading down to St. Maarten/St. Martin tomorrow! I'm so excited and ready to go! I'm fully packed and all I need to do now is just get on the plane!



Talk to you I get back!

Throwback Thursday

Heard this earlier and just couldn't let it go!

Sing with me now...



I so thought I could sing whenever I heard this!

Tell It All Tuesday

So.... I have a question.
It has to do with the noot, noot area.

Yeah, I'm getting ready to tell it all! Well, sort of...


In the past few days, I've seen in two separate places that women are not to shave there, as it keeps infections away.

Yeah, so... um, really?

A Quick Getaway

Hunny Bunny and I are heading to St. Martin/St. Maarten in about a week and half. Yay us! So you need a passport to go there. So low and behold, having waited to the last minute to secure a passport, here I sit in a coffee shop in New Orleans, waiting for the federal government to process my paperwork.

Why New Orleans?

Because if you wait until the last minute to get a passport, there are a select few offices in the U.S. to go to get your passport. Nearest one to Atlanta? The one in New Orleans. Oh, yeah.

So hunny bunny and I decided to turn this into a quiet, relaxing mid-week getaway. We spent the night at the cutest, artsy bed N breakfast.



We like it so much, we may come back for his birthday or for our anniversary. We stayed in the Lulu bordelo. Gaudy, but it worked!

The coffee shop where we are now, is located in the Garden District. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!



We are due to pick up our passports in about a half hour and then it's back to the ATL!

Motivation

My summer vaca's bring out my best and worst parts. I catch up on things I've let go during the other parts of the year. I get organized (well, somewhat). But my issue now is getting off the couch. I should be exercising, getting my body together. My dream is to go into the next school year looking fab. To lose these last 20 pounds I've been trying to let go of for the past 6 months. Frustrating, I tell you. Maybe I should start by getting off the couch and off of the computer. Hmm...

He's back

That sexy speciman of a man who inspired the title for my blog is back! Thank you, Jesus for allowing him to share his wonderfulness with me. Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!

................... Dream on, sister!

A little while ago, I was challenged to dream big. I was also asked to identify my distractions Our dreams can become achievable goals if we have a plan in place. So here goes..

My goal...
To apply, be accepted, work on, and attain my doctorate degree without paying for a single class.

The Plan
I've got to start gathering all of my application materials pronto, retake the GRE (my previous scores are over 5 years old). I've got to start researching scholarships and more importantly assistantships to pay for and bring in funds while I complete my studies.

My distractions
Being discouraged by the success and/or achievement of those around me. The whole "when is it going to be my turn" feeling.

But I know if I stay focused on my goal, I will achieve it.

Don't sleep on the Twist N' Curl

Hey honey!

The twist N' Curl style popularized by CurliNikki is saving my relationship with my hair. You know I'd spent much of 2008 and the first 3 months of 2009 in my wigs. I still love those! When I meet someone that is considering going natural, transitioning, or newly natural, my first bit of advice to them is to play with your hair. Try all the fun styles you come accross and find a signature one. Time I started taking my own advice, you think?

So when I came across the Twist N' Curl style, the old me that love to experiment was screaming to come out. So I tried it. In the last month and some change, I've worn my hair 'out' every day. Even to work! I know! I've styled my hair this way the majority of the time. So, I've been able to tweak the process and find what works best for me.

Don't worry, I'll share it with you! And I've recently found this style can last 3-4 days.

1. I wash my hair
2. Two strand twist it up using Q'hemet's heavy cream and setting lotion/water.
3. Set each twist on a flexirod (with IC sparklites gel) (I use blue ones in the back, and orange everywhere
else.
4. Sit under my hooded dryer at least an hour. Most times I'll go to bed after this with the rods in
5. In the morning, Take out the rollers, untwist and go!

I don't sepearate the curls too much until day 2. And then it's only a few. I'll separate a few more each day. So by day 4, I have super big hair, which I love!

Check out the progression of the style below...

Day 1 (well end of day 1)


Day 2 ( of a new twist and curl 'do)

How could I forget?

I pressed my hair about a month ago. I forgot to share pics! Here you go!



So far, no heat damage that I can see! Whew!! But I won't be doing it again until Christmas!

I decided to live!

So, over the weekend, I threw my inhibitions to the wind, went out and got a nose piercing! I know, who would have thought 31 year old ME would be sporting a nose ring?

I'm not going to tell you that it didn't hurt, because it did. Well, for like 5 seconds. Once it was over, I was like a little kid with a new toy (Well, a toy that I'm not supposed to touch!)! I couldn't believe it! I loved it instantly!

I've been wanting this piercing for a bit now, but have been holding out for various reasons :

** I'm to old
** It's going to hurt

But, as the saying goes, you're only as old as you feel, and I feel great. So after deciding to do it, next came decidong on the day. That was the hard part. I decided it was time this past Saturday. What was I waiting for?

It's an amazing feeling. It's kinda freeing in a way. I love it! It's me! And my hubby says it looks as if it were always there.

I'm not going to let life just pass me by. I'm going to live it, and live it boldly! Oh yeah, and on purpose!

When is it going to be my turn?

Have you ever asked yourself that question?

Don't pretend that you haven't swallowed an entire glass of haterade!! It gets to the best of us. I had a moment earlier this week when I asked myself that question "When is it going to be my turn?" I've never been really patient... maybe I get it from my daddy. It just seemed like great things are happening for people while I just have been feeling stuck. But then, an old friend reminded me, that I have a plan that's just for me. And I thank him for his words.

Here's one of my favorite pick-me-up songs in hard times...



What God has for me, it is for me... I hope you know it too!

What are you doing with your hair this summer?

I saw this post on a hair board I frequent. So I'd thought I'd share here!

Summer is my time to experiment with my hair. I've got a few things I want to perfect and a few things I want to try!

To perfect:
1. Flexirod sets
2. Twist N Curls


To try:
1. Band N Flex
2. Side buns


What hair moves will you make?

So, let me explain...

Yikes!! It's been a minute! Life has gotten to me! I'm sorry! (Insert Jay-Z clip!)

Spring Break happened. Two road trips to Florida in two weeks happened. I'll be so happy to get back to my regular schedule! But then again, in 3 weeks, I'm on the road again! Summer break, where are you? I love my summer breaks because I get to relax, relate and release for two whole months! It does my body and my spirit good! So until then, I'm going to have to find ways to replenish my spirit and keep it together!

The next 5 weeks are going to be fairly busy, but fun! Let's see, there's yoga Saturday, the Inman Park Festival, camping, a Naptural picnic, a veggie brunch, a wedding... Ay, ay, ay!

As week speak, I'm in Cocoa, FL for a wedding.

I'll see you back in Atlanta, honey!

What brings you joy??

Hey honey!

Really, what brings you joy? Have you ever really thought about it? No, not what you like doing... What brings you that all encompassing feeling?

A few years ago, I was asked to lead a retreat for my sorority sisters. At first, I had no idea what I would say to these woman who were 20, 30, 40+ years older than me (I was the youngest by at least 20 years.) So finally I settled on a theme of renewal and joy. I began by asking them to sit for awhile and think about what brings them joy. I even took the time to create my own list (of which I cannot find by the way!) These women, my sisters, my sorors kinda fidgeted around in their seats for a minute. I knew they were wondering 'what the heck were we thinking asking this girl to come in here and lead our retreat?' But they eventually got into it and shared really insightful tidbits of life and joy.

So in lieu of my lost list (hey, it was like 8 years ago!), I'm going to recreate one! Here goes:

1. Doing absolutely nothing.
2. Hanging out with my mom in her bed.
3. Sleeping in.
4. Picnics in the spring.
5. The feeling of sand between my toes on the beach at sunset.
6. Laying in my husband's arms.
7. Setting goals and achieving them.
8. Bubble baths with a glass of wine!
9. Relaxing and laughing with good friends.
10. Getting hugs from my niece.

What brings YOU joy?

My rollerset!

OMG! I went to a salon! I can't tell you the last time I went to a salon! It has been forever! Maybe since I've been natural! Let me tell you about this experience though....

So I arrive at this place, @ 4pm, sandwiched between a antique store and an insurance place.

• I walk in, very friendly receptionist (PLUS!!). I sign in, indicating I want a rollerset. I'm given a slip of paper with my name on it and told to go sit in the waiting room.


• After about 30 minutes (MINUS!!), my number.. yes my NUMBER is called. I'm shown to the sink. I inform the washer girl that I want a rollerset, and under my wig I'm wearing cornrows. "Oh, we charge extra to take down your hair" (MINUS!!) So, I tell her that's ok, I'll take out my own cornrows.


• Then she shampoos my LOOSE hair.. (PLINES!!)Yes, PLINUS... Plus because it's been forever since my scalped has been scratched that good. Minus for washing my hair loose. I normally wash my hair after I've detangled and put in Celie plaits. Washing loose is a disaster!! Tangle city!


• After washing, she places a baggie on my head and ushers me back to the waiting room to.... wait. During this time, my hair is drying.. I could just feel it! (MINUS)


• Almost 40 minutes later (Minus!!) a stylist comes to get me. When she takes off the plastic bag she goes.."0000"... Not "OH" mind you, but "ooo" similar to "eww" (Double MINUS)


• She then proceeds to start combing from the root with a small toothed comb. "I grab her hand and say "Could you use a wide toothed comb, please?" (SUPER MINUS!)


• She eventually realizes that my hair needs moisture and adds mousse and rolls my hair.


• I'm under the dryer, maybe an hour ( I secretly think she just wanted to go home).

But all in all, I'm ok with the results! Hey you can't beat sitting back and letting someone else do your hair for $10.00. And guess what?

I'm going back next Monday.

Living deliberately

Hey honey!


A few months ago, a very good friend of mine stated in her facebook status that she wanted to live deliberately. I liked that statement so much, that I incorporated it into my New Year's Resolutions for '09. Funny things was, I couldn't put into words what it meant at the time, but it resonated with me. But, I think I'm ready now to tackle it's meaning. What exactly does it mean to live deliberately?

It’s an anthem for conscious choice about the life I want live each day. How do I want to live? I want to be present, authentic, courageous, creative and experience joy, love,and pure happiness. I want my values to be reflected in the way I spend my time and in the interactions I have with others.



To live deliberately, (to me), means to get off of the sidelines of your life, refusing to just let things happen. Being proactive! Being authentic (I love that word!)


I want to pursue what brings joy in my life. I want this feeling of freedom, bliss. I want to be true to myslf, loving and honoring me. I want to live deliberately!

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I wanted to live deep and suck all the marrow of life…” –Henry David Thoreau–



Live your life!

I'm fine, and you?

Come now, you know what time it is!!! Time to pull a song out of my bag!



I work in a very tough environment. If you aren't prepared for it, or don't deal very well with stress, it will break you down. And ther's literally no support from up top. I can't tell you how many co-workers are dealing with unexplainable health issues... symptoms that seem to pop up as soon as we walk in the building. I'm constantly asked, "Why are you always smiling?" or, "What are you doing smiling this early in the morning?" Most of the time, I just say, "I don't know!" and keep it moving. Sometimes, honestly, I don't know. But if I stop to think about it, I do know I guess.


I spent sometime very unhappy with my career. So unhappy that I quit! It didn't put us in a very good situation and so I spent even more time unhappy... with just life period. When I decided to go back to work, this location was the only one that gave me a chance when others said they'd be glad to have me, but at the beginning of the next school year. I needed a job then! So I took it. I was and still am, very grateful to have a job, because the alternative just wasn't working. So I will smile and keep it moving through all of that stress, because I know, it's not my forever place. And, I'm just fine with it.

No time for moping around, are you kidding?

And no time for negative vibes, cause I’m winning...

Feels so good, when you’re doing all the things that you want to do

Get the best out of life, treat yourself to something new

Keep your head up high

In yourself, believe in you, believe in me

Having a really good time, I’m not complaining

And I’m a still wear a smile if it raining

I got to enjoy myself regardless

I appreciate life,

I’m so glad I got mine

So I like what I see when I’m looking at me

When I’m walking past the mirror

Aint worried about you and what you gonna do

I’m a lady so I must stay classy

Got to keep it hot,

keep it togetherIf I want to get better

You see I wouldn’t change my life,

my life’s just…..Fine

Things I'm obsessed with right now

1. Rollersetting my hair
2. Finding the perfect nail color so I can paint my toes!..Spring is coming!
3. Waiting on my Chalean Extreme DVD's to come in
4. Transferring schools
5. Finishing the VegLife Atlanta website
6. Losing 25 pounds..ok, let's start with 15.
7. Getting threaded on a regular basis
8. My new lace front wig

Rainy day Atlanta

So it rained practically all day yesterday. Knowing that it was going to rain all week, I was stuck with the question, what do you do in Atlanta when it rains? And even as it came upon Saturday, I still had no clue. I've had a day to think about it, so here's what I've come up with so far...

1. The High Museum Current hot exhibit..Terracotta Army


2. Perimeter Mall Or any decent mall... Just go there and observe... ok, talk about the people there... While you're there, stop in @ Cheesecake Factory and take in the folks that make it their mission to turn the place into Club Cheeskecake...oh the outfits!!


3. The Aquarium nuff said


4. World of Coke cheesey, i know, nuff said


5. Fork and Spoon or any random movie theater,


6. DVD's and drinks rent your favorite movies, grab your friends and your favorite drinks and call it a day!


7. The nap to end all naps do i need to elaborate?


8. Catch up with folks via phone, Facebook, Twitter, etc

That's all I have for now. Any to add?

If you're curious...

My threading place:

Hair Images (Druid Hills)
71622 Woodcliff Dr
Atlanta, GA 303294..248-0446

Best bet is to make an appointment!

Still loving my brows!

Keep it Right, Keep it Tight...Part 1

If you are married, then you know that marraige is work. And it takes two willing partners to do the work. I love seeing my husband happy and will do what it takes to keep him happy.

But, a happy me... means a happy he. :)

I promised myself at the beginning of this year to wear more lingerie. Sometimes life happens and you end up going to bed in a t-shirt or a tank top and pants/shorts. Which don't get me wrong, I can make anything sexy... but I like the look and feel of purty PJ's. The ultimate goal... to wear a different one each night! I'll let you in on a little secret... I'm off to a great start!!

Silver moment

Ok, so just wanted to share a great eye move from a few weeks ago. I liked it so much, I blinked extra hard that night so those around me could bask in the glow of my eyes!!! This was created using a Loreal Hip Duo. Next time I'll try not to get so much on my cheeks!!

I'm gonna do it!

Do what? I'm going to voluntarily submit myself to pain! That's right!

Ok.. ok.. I digress. For awhile now I've been wanted to get threaded. I really want to see how it compares to waxing. But, oh the pain!! With Valentines day coming up, I want to be right! So, I have a few days to get my nerves together and get it done!

Wish me luck!

What's your platform?

In case you missed it, a new Miss America was crowned over the weekend. One new thing they tried this year was talking to the contestants.... right after they were eliminated... in the Elimination Lounge. In any case, after she was eliminated, through her tears, yet always with a smile, each contestant would describe her platform (her cause).

So I began thinking... what is my platform, my cause? Sure I have things that I am passionate about, but what is that truly gets at me? I'll start here : children. I love the kids! But it eats me up to see them mistreated and/or harmed in anyway. You know those Feed the Children infomercials they show late at night? I just want to adopt all of them!! I'm the same way with my students. You'd be amazed at the conditions some of our young people live in. I just want to take them all home with me!

Now where do I go from here?

Maybe I'll start here. It has a funny name, but it will do a world of good for these kids!

But, on the inverse, I want to help stop childhood obesity. My next step is to find out how.

What is your platform?

Are you living your truth?... There's hope!

Every time I turn on the T.V.

Somebody's acting crazy

If you let it, it will drive you crazy

but I'm takin' back my power today

Gas prices they just keep on rising

The government they keep on lying

but we gotta keep on surviving

Keep living our truth and do the best we can do

Stand up for your rights

Keep shining your light

And show the world your smile

There's hope

It doesn't cost a thing to smile

You don't have to pay to laugh

You better thank God for that!

Do you even know how to go about determining what's true for you? Spend some time alone. Find out what makes you happy. In college, I went through a rough time where I had to spend some time alone... not by choice. But it was during that time, that I learned a lot about myself. I began to do things for me, and me alone. I began to learn about the type of person I had been, by simply looking at the choices I'd been making. I decided it was time to put me first and honor who I was.

Are you living your truth?

Keeping it Sexy... at all times

My goal for 2008 was to "Bring Sexy Back". I lost 40 pounds (about 25 more to go!) and began to pay more attention to my outer appearance (makeup, hair etc.), in addition to my inner appearance (Thoughts have power!!). So, I think I accomplished a lot in that aspect. I'm looking and feeling all right these days!

But here comes the hard part... keeping it sexy. And for my husband's sake, at all times. He mentioned to me the other day, "I'd like to see you (at home) as the world sees you." At first, of course, I got a tiny bit mad. What the hell did he mean? Am I ugly at home? Then I really thought about it. He may be on to something here. Ok, during the work week, I wear wigs. I love my fabulous wigs. Instant fabu!! My face is done (to the best of my ability). As soon as I get home, the wig goes off. Under the wig my hair is either in braids or twists pulled back in a ponytail. Then I slap a satin cap on or wrap my hair up in a satin scarf. And the makeup eventually gets wiped off. I then change into my sweats, for I work out in the afternoons/evenings. I'd gotten a bit lazy with my hair as of late, and soon began wearing the wigs on the weekends, even though I told myself I'd have my hair out on the weekends.

So, he may have a point. I want my hair protected, so I braid and/or twist it up. I also wrap it up in a scarf, which I'm sure is oh so sexy. I want to keep up with my fitness efforts. But I'm at a loss. How do I keep it sexy?

Apple Tree

My bestie and I love music. I know, who doesn't? She has this incredible skill of taking random statements you make in conversation, thinks of a song that has that exact statement and singing that song on a moment's notice. Sometimes it is the most annoying thing in the world. Then there are times where it's simply hilarious. I love listening to music that has lyrics I can live by, that illustrate my personal truths. I'll give you an example:

Apple Tree by Erycah Badu
See I picks my friends like I pick my fruit
& Ganny told me that when I was only a youth
I don't go 'round trying to be what I'm not
I don't waste my time trying ta get what you got
I work at pleasin' me cause I can't please you
and that's why I do what I do...

And if you don't want to be down with me
Then you don't want to pick from my appletree
And if you don't want to be down with me
You just don't want to be down

Powerful words right? That's how I live. Remember my New Year's resolution " I resolve to please myself"? That's where it comes from. Folks (ok, women) waste too much time and energy trying to keep up with the Jones' and not enough time pursuing their true desires. If you can just follow these words, you can cut out a lot of unnecessary stress in your life. I'm not saying it's easy, but the more you practice it, the easier it becomes.

Just a warning, I'll do this from time to time... I'll pick lyrics that are on my *heart* on a particular day to share. Hey, it's how I keep it sane!

Review: Organix Coconut Milk

In keeping with my resolution to wash and deep condition my hair regularly, I tried two new products this week. Organix Coconut Milk shampoo and conditioner.



From the website:


Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner

Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner is an exclusive blend of organic coconut milk to nourish your hair, while ultra whipped egg white proteins add strength and elasticity, along with weightless coconut oils to add hydration and balance. The luxuriously creamy, foaming, hydrating formula leaves your hair feeling clean, glowing, softly scented and super soft.



So, first things first, the shampoo...

I like it! It doesn't have sodium laurel sulfate in it, so it immediately caught my eye. It is definitely creamy, has a great scent and creates a great lather. What's even better is that my hair felt really clean.. even clarified afterwards. It's a keeper!

Now the conditioner...
This is creamy goodness! Goes on like a dream and of course smells great! I may even get wild and crazy and add honey to it next time. I love soft hair. I'll stick with these two for awhile.

I'm resolved

What are your resolutions for ’09? Do you even make resolutions? I know there’s a school of thought out there that resolutions are for crap. I think it’s fun to make them. Who cares if you don’t follow through on all of them completely? It’s the attempt to accomplish the goals you’ve set out for yourself that’s the fun part. You know, I try to stay away from the traditional lose weight resolutions, because with a healthier lifestyle, the ideal weight will come. Believe me! I’m living proof! So for fun, here are my resolutions:

I resolve to…

• live deliberately


• become clear
  o strive for clarity in my thoughts and actions
  o know and practice my personal truths


• please myself, not anyone else


• take care of my outward appearance
  o get pedicures regularly
  o wash and deep condition my hair once a week
  o get the facial hair in check (eyebrows, upper lip, chin) [yes, I went there!]
  o get other body hair in check [do I even need to say where?]
  o perfect my makeup looks, and stretch beyond my natural eyeshadow quads


• focus on my health
  o explore even healthier vegetarian options
  o engage in some type of exercise at least 6 days a week


• get in tune with my inner sexy
  o sleep in negligees as often as I can, [it helps, believe me!]
  o begin yoga

What do you resolve?

Giving Birth

I've finally given birth! To a new blog! Exciting times! You get to peek inside my world of hair, beauty and life! Somedays I'll be so deep, I'll shock myself. Others... not so much. I promise to laugh a LOT! So welcome!