I wanted to start this new year with fresh words to live by and be consistent with not just podcasting and make looks but in every area of my life.
Every year we go into the year with hope, renewed mindset, motivation and rejuvenate spirit but how can we when the last 2 years have really be a whirlwind of chaos. I myself had to overcome this sickness but I did not experience like I am witnessing all around me. We can only continue to pray and hope that change will come and God will relieve us from this madness. So for 2022 I decided to carry three words with me. To help push me and help me through the next year around the sun.
MANIFEST. CONFIDENCE. PURPOSE.
To manifest for me is to make things clear as to what I desire and what I know I deserve. I strongly believe in speaking things into existence. I refuse to continue to look at things in a negative mindset and to focus on the now and future.
Confidence was always an issue I had in the past but moving forward I choose to carry this word with my head held high and a boost of feeling sure of myself. Confidence doesn’t come easily to most, but learning to put your best foot forward and ignoring those negative thoughts that come across in your head will do the trick.
So my purpose in life was a bit vague at first and the crazy part was I asked God to show me one day and with the next hour I received confirmation. I was in awe and utterly shaken by this gift he has blessed me with. So from here on out I will live in my purpose and with confidence. You see how I did that LOL.
Overview
Will you join me in your three words for the year? What are three words that speaks to you in your growth, your next level or just what you want to live by in 2022… Share below and talk with you soon.
“I can’t think of any better representation of beauty than someone who is unafraid to be herself.” -Emma Stone
Keeping yourself motivated, inspired and confident on a daily basis may sound easy but for women it’s s a very challenging task. Society throughout history has always perpetuated the that men are the strong ones. But let’s be honest, women have overcome many obstacles that not a single man could even comprehend the depths of doing. With that being said women have to move with confidence and a strong mind set to get things done. I look at how strong women have become over the years and I am proud to be amongst that percentage of growth.
Over a long period of time I did not know who I was, what my goal was and how to achieve confidence. Childhood trauma is real and it can damage a person either for the long haul or until you realize it’s time to have some control of your own life. I use to let the words of others determine my mood and my self esteem. My weakness was trying to be like everyone else, comparing material things while seeking approval from those I thought mattered. In my mind the confident ones, were the loud out spoken girls, who criticized others just for self humor. The girls who walked with so much confidence because they then had curves you wouldn’t see until adulthood. Learning later on that this was not the case, and most of those girls were just as lost as I when it came to knowing who they really were. As I matured life came with more challenges and there was this one saying “you need a few mango seasons” that continued to put a damper on my confidence as a young black woman. I had already endured emotionally and verbally distraught from family wrongdoing so I definitely didn’t want that coming into my adult life.
I was a young mother of a baby boy who counted on me when I still was counting on others. I then had to learn who I truly was and accept everything about this new woman that reflected in my mirror. I could not change the past nor predict the future but I was determined to become this new confident woman. Comparing to others was no longer acceptable, I began to compliment the women I admired. Owning my flaws and mistakes as genuinely as possible, my mindset began to change slowly.
Affirmations became my best friend! I established speaking positive words into my atmosphere. Giving me a boost I never seen before. Knowing you are beautiful and saying you are beautiful are two different things but when I spoke both into my life, my entire confidence changed. By learning who I am, my authentic self – that became the ultimate goal. So with that being said speak life into your life, ignore those thoughts that say you can’t or you won’t. Put God first in everything you do for he already has the master plan. Learn everything about yourself and accept it with grace. Turn away those negative people who don’t support your growth, in the confidence you begin to walk in.
Soul searching is very important in my opinion. To know what is missing within yourself will only help you move forward in retrieving the best you. Learn what you love or dislike about yourself, your strengths and weakness that determine what imperfections you can work on. Trust yourself to create the kind of person that you will be happy to live with. A woman who walks in her purpose doesn’t have to chase people or opportunities.
Philippians 4:13– “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
2 Timothy 1:7– “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
There will be days when you are just not motivated or confident in anything you do or say but when you learn who you are and what your goal is then this is only a small set back for a big comeback. You better go wash that face get you something to eat and throw on some trap music if that’s a must but you can do it. I believe in you so now it’s your turn to believe in yourself. Let go of all things negative and just focus on a more positive future. Try to see the world as your new stepping stone into something great. Despite your problems, you are a unique and special person. You deserve to feel good about yourself. Do things that you enjoy and try spoiling yourself a little.
Confident, now what?
Let’s go get that confidence beautiful, it’s all yours!
I am not consistent I know but try to understand life can get complicated and very busy at times. By the time I am settled and relaxed enough to write I find myself very tired and ready to go to bed. School is also back in session so my roles have become doubled. I wanted to spill my own beans and let you all get to know me a little better so here goes.
How would you describe your style? I would say my style is glam but comfy. A pair of ripped jeans with a tank top or a simple dress with a button-up shirt over it tied in a knot. I took a quiz and I will post it down below but it shows 90% grunge influenced and 22% glamorous rock and roll. I like simple vintage looks they bring out a little old throwback vibe. The 70s and 90s style is super cute looks. When I want to throw in some color I would definitely go for a color block style. Comfy shoes are my go-to but who doesn’t want to put on a sexy heel every once in a while. Accessories are a must-have and I would take a cross bag or mini bookbag any day!
Favorite ice cream?Definitely would have to pick a rocky road flavor other than that I am a very simple person so I would also eat vanilla with M&Ms from McDonald’s. (Judge not okay lol)
What is your favorite animated character? Let’s start with Disney princesses okay because Princess Jasmine, Cinderella, and Pocahontas help raise me! Then came along Moana and Tiana and I become a kid at heart.
What is your favorite movie? I have a few favorite movies so I will only name a couple. Most of Denzel Washington movies like Training Day, Remember the Titans, Equalizer (the only prequel he did) John Q, and lots more. The Notebook, Black Panther, Alita, Avengers End Game, John Wick (all), Wonder Woman, and so many more. I could go on and on about movies; I love to get comfy with snacks and enjoy a good movie.
RIP to Chadwick Boseman; picture via google images
How do you like to relax? A good book (sometimes audio) in a nice comfy place near a window is calming. Also, a nice RnB vibe with a bubble bath is my favorite; oh and don’t forget the wine! I find myself dancing in the middle of my living room to loud music whether it’s RnB, Gospel, Hip Hop, or Reggae.
What are some of your favorite foods? Let’s just start off by saying food is so amazing! Lol, okay so if I had to pick a favorite first I would say soul food. Mac n cheese, collard greens, cornbread, fried chicken, ribs, catfish, black-eyed peas, peach cobbler I mean I can keep going if you want to. Outside of that, I would say pasta, pizza, and Jamaican dishes.
What habit are you proudest of breaking? Please don’t judge me but I had a horrible habit of biting my nails. No, like a seriously very bad habit! Okay, it was so bad I bite the cuticles around the nails and made them bleed. Now tell me that isn’t a bad habit to get rid of. It took me until adulthood to stop biting my nails and realizing how unsanitary it was. Thank goodness that habit is in my past now.
So I went on a mini spree a few weeks ago because the thought of a few new items would help get me out my funk I was in. Not working, becoming an unlicensed teacher and dealing with this pandemic has me shopping online more now than ever and my husband it starting to notice. (Lol oh well)
These stores know what they are doing to us women! Amazon is my top shopping place but just about every store I look up online has items in cart or saved to favorites and I want to just keep splurging! Do you remember that movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic! I do not want to end up like her so I have to put myself on a timeout for a bit lol but here are a few items I purchased on Shein @shein.com
What is this new normal they speak of? I am not comfortable in the mask we have to fashionably wear outside and around others but if it is a must to keep the people safe than no problem. In my opinion I don’t think we will be back to normal for a very long time. And at this point do we consider this the new normal?
Photo credit via Google Images
Have we all realized we have taken the fresh air for granted and now is more than eager to step out and be around others by any means necessary? No one likes being told what to do remember; we all couldn’t wait to be a grown up. The grown up thing to do is follow the new regulations and wait until it is safe to go out and return to the old normal we had before this pandemic. Feeling very awkward with the new form of home schooling; online education isn’t necessarily new it’s been around for home schoolers and those who take courses online but it is very new to us parents who also have to log into work from the very table we normally would eat dinner. This is totally out of my comfort zone.
The new normal of waking up early to stand in a grocery store line outside 6 feet apart waiting to buy supplies for your household. What about the zoom meeting with teachers at 9am while trying to respond to an email your manager just sent with urgency. This is a time we must appreciate the teachers for their hard work and dedication because they take the time to handle multiple children while teaching them the things they need to learn to become better little humans. I found myself indulging into drinks multiple times during the week after what felt like a long day. I don’t know but I’m still trying to navigate my way through these hard times without losing my mind.
Photo credit via google images
I have so many mixed feelings about what is really going on in the world. I am currently emotionally drained and a little mentally exhausted. I have to prayer even harder for my husband safety as he still goes out into the world. I pray for this world everyday. The people who have lost their lives due to the current illness, I pray for their families. Let’s not even talking about the Black Lives Matter Movement and protesting that’s going on. That will have to be a later post but for now please stay safe and remember to stay 6 feet part. I pray for you all.
How are you handling this epidemic? Are you also feeling drained? Let’s talk about it!
I have been trying my smoothies again lately and because I took a long dramatic break from them I’m not sure where to start. Made purely of fruits, vegetables and if desired protein and dairy are all wonderful nutrients and for great health. I can’t be sure if i was going for weight loss completely; I just wanted to change my eating habits the right way. Thus far I have tried a few that I enjoy and thought I could share just in case you needed a few ideas yourself.
Image from Pinterest
First smoothie I have been enjoying is my Green Smoothie which includes:
Spinach
Greek Yogurt
Mixed Berries (I used blueberry, cranberry, strawberry, raspberry)
Banana
Almond Vanilla Milk
Chunks of Pineapples
Chia seeds
Love this smoothie the most and not just because of the spinach but its a very light introduction to a green smoothie but added with the sweetness of the berries.
Next favorite smoothie is Triple berry Smoothie which includes:
Frozen Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry
Almond milk
Banana
Greek Yogurt (sometimes)
Chia seeds
This is my berry go to! Love the natural sweet flavor and it doesn’t hurt that its a great start to your morning routine.
I’ll finish my smoothie rant with a detox Green smoothie ingredients includes:
Cucumber
Spinach
Carrots
Green apple
Mint
Chia seeds
Pineapple chunks
Ginger
I know for sure you will enjoy the journey of this detox as it cleans out your system and clears your skin I love this one for sure.
There you have it! Smoothies are a great way to get nutritional ingredients blended into one drink. The energy you get from all the fruits and veggies will benefit you in the future.
Image from Pinterest
Please comment and let me know if you try any of my smoothies and give your honest opinions.
See you guys later. Xoxo
Ps: please stay safe and don’t forget to wash your hands and practice safe distancing!
Every new year you see post on social media about workout goals, eating healthy and weight loss but by March/April either some or majority of the goals they’ve implemented aren’t being fulfilled. But I completely understand because life can take over, speaking for myself I am a mother, wife, nurse, chef, teacher, housekeeper… you get the point lol. No one gets better with excuses only lazy!
I did not want that to be me so I focused more on taking my time so I can allow myself to eventually make this a lifestyle change. I have been one of those individuals who set up unrealistic goals and never finished them due to the disconnect I felt after some time had passed. I think we desire to reach the goal in a quick way and never really considered the benefits of making it a lifestyle and how it will be a healthier change.
A few of my workouts I use now are: (some in intervals)
Jumping Jacks
Squats
Lunges
Planks
Running in place
YouTube videos
Meditating
My workout times vary between 35 minutes to 1 hour because some days I barely have enough time so I squeeze something in. And other days I’m being very honest with myself and I really don’t want to do anything but something is better than nothing at all. I love when my son works out with me, it’s a sense of humor with a sprinkle of comfort. He makes me laugh because he is so focused on imitating me he also helps take my attention off of the thought of working out itself. My little motivator pushes me to become a healthier me. Although he has his moments as to where I am working out and he is just sitting there on his iPad ignoring me completely.
My workout partner Jacob
So as far as my YouTube videos I browse between:
FittnessBlender
Chloe Tings
The Fitness Marshall
PopSugar Fitness
Please don’t hurt yourself trying to fit into this image of what social media tells you. I say focus on health and find something that makes it easy and fun at the same time. Add your favorite hits together and makes a great cardio playlist and dance around the living while we are social distancing ourselves. Just a 30 minute cardio can help push start your health journey.
Join me in this simple yet healthy new journey and we can motivate each other. Share with me your home workout plan and I could possibly give it a try. Hope this information was helpful please be safe and remember to wash your hands.
Do you suffer from dry or dull under eye? Well I do as well as sensitive skin so when I tend to use concealers and foundation I have to moistures really good. It can also be a problem when I over moisturize and get very oily by end of the day. Under eye pads have been a thing lately but I never knew which was best or what brands too use.
It was a beautiful day in Ross (one of my favorite stores) and there were so many different under eye creams and pads. I decided to pick a random one to try out. First thing I noticed was dehydration and thought: this is definitely what I need! It comes with 5 pairs and I used it every other day for a week. I recently used my last pair and wanted to review the product.
To say the least my under eye feels moisturized and hydrated. The product goes on very well not oily or sticky but very wet. No left over residue in a bad way but there is product under the eye to keep it hydrated. You leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes; which I did the whole 15 minutes. After removal I lightly rubbed in the product on eye and that was it.
If i had to rate product on a scale from 1-10 and 10 is fantastic…
My rate is a solid 7… wonder if i will find the product again.
Until next time- stay beautiful be blessed and buy makeup!
Beauty Slayher 