Throwback Thursday Presents...

                                           

I am addicted to Nina Simone's music! She has so much soul and grace that it really goes without saying. Her songs are so amazing that I just get lost in her voice. This piece speaks to me because I've harbored thoughts like these many times. The last day of Women's History Month is dedicated to the incomparable Nina Simone. Hope you enjoy!

Live Out Loud

In the past, I have been guilty of taking myself way too seriously. Then I met the love of my life and all that soon changed. My beloved is known to roast any and everything in his sight (including myself) so he keeps me laughing. We are all uniquely made and it is my belief that EVERYONE has different levels of beauty. For example, I know I have a big forehead. Yes. My brother teased me my entire childhood and I used to get so mad with him. For one, his jug isn't much smaller than mine and I felt like he was being mean just because he had nothing else better to do. Nonetheless, I woke up one morning and pulled my hair back in a ponytail and thought, I'm still cute in a Tyra Banks kinda way. Lol. And I love my forehead more than ever because it's apart of who I am and God makes no mistakes. Embracing your flaws is essential to self love. So if you're embarrassed by your imperfections, I encourage you not to be. Instead, try enhancing your best assets letting your inner beauty overshadow your insecurities and pray for those that question how awesome you are.

First love yourself, then you can truly learn to love others.

Throwback Thursday Presents...

One random summer morning, I turned on the tube to find MTV's wake up video show on. I was barely awake and scrambling to find an outfit for work. Hearing this unfamilar beautiful voice, I made it to the TV just in time to see the name of the song and artist. Since I'd only heard like 50 seconds of the song, I was so eager to get online and hear the full version. When I heard the melody again I fell hard for Chrisette Michele and I've been a huge fan every since. This song is beautiful, it's relatable and it happens everyday. Check out Chrisette Michele early in her career. Hope you enjoy! Happy Thursday to all.

Peace & Love

Adjustment Bureau

There's no such thing as a perfect relationship. Each and every one of us are bound to experience ups and downs with our mate at some point. Sometimes the two of you can agree to disagree, but most likely this won't happen all the time. Emotions run high, feelings get hurt and disappointment stands at the door and knocks. So what do we do when the roads get rough? Men typically visit the gym, tune into a sports network or hang with their guys as a form of release. When women are going through, you'll find them cleaning, shopping, eating, or leaning on the shoulder of a friend. Retail therapy and treats are some of my favorite things to do any day. Cleaning is always a healthy and productive thing, but spilling the beans is not always the smartest move to make depending on who you confide in.

Question. How many times has someone casually offered their suggestions about what you should, need or better do in your situation? Instead of being an encouraging shoulder to lean on, they become blatantly judgemental & hypercritical. Then there are those that will send you off on blank missions just to sit back and watch you dance. All friends aren't guilty of this crime but there are a great percentage out there that are. Rather than becoming emotionally involved while taking inventory of each and every tit or tat exchanged in your friend's relationship, try being supportive and positively encourage them along the way. Building up an emotional wall with someone you have no direct intimacy ties to is merely a waste of time. Make your friend smile when they cry, keep them calm when they panic, be their strength when they're weak and sometimes just lend your ear when they need to purge emotionally. Sure you can try preaching until you're blue in the face, but it'll get you nowhere and may even cause strain on your friendship. Or maybe you can speak positive affirmations instead and add years to someones life. The true definition of a friend is measured by one who has your best interest at heart and will stand by your side allowing you to grow.

I Heart Nail Paint



Without a doubt, nail polish is my guilty pleasure. Right now, I'm into Katy Perry's OPI lacquer teenage dream. Very cute hue for the spring. With so many colors to choose from, and yes I've pretty much tried nearly every shade, I think my nails will briefly go nude this spring. Not literally, but I'm thinking bamboo or maybe pastel pinks here and there. The setback with using nude colors is that when the polish chips, it looks like sheer crap. I'm as annoyed with nail polish chips as Mommy Dearest is about wire hangers! Lol. It's just not okay. As hard as it is to keep your polish in tact when you cook, clean and work your gig, here are a few tips that may help your manicure stay just as fresh as your pedicure.


1. Top coat - Apply a second layer of a strengthening top coat to your nail concentrating on the free edge. The free edge of the nail is nail extending beyond both the nail bed and nail plate. I recommend Sally Hansen, China Glaze or OPI.

2. Cuticle Oil - Applying a small amount of cuticle oil around your cuticle and nail helps seal the nail polish when it's semi dry. Think of your hair being damp when you apply oil to it. The oil locks in moisture in hair the same way oil can lock the paint in place.

3. Cold Water - Cold water contracts everything it touches, so try letting the cold water bounce off your nails for about 10-15 seconds. Shake the excess water off and your touch up is as good as new!

Nail polish is a great accessory for any look you plan to rock. Make it work for you!

Throwback Thursdays

Hey yall and Happy Thursday! Every week on this day I'll hit you with one of my absolute fav throwback jams. The first throw back that came to mind was Jade's "Don't Walk Away", but the video had poor resolution so I decided to go with Brownstone. Where in the hell is Brownstone? Other than a cameo appearance on Martin, I haven't seen these ladies since the 90's. So if this post reaches you somehow, please comeback to us! I know I'm not alone when I say I love, love, love me some Brownstone. We also know how tricky it is for girl groups to stay together. Whatever the case may be, this song is an R&B classic! Please enjoy the kickoff to your weekend!

There is Beauty in the World...

How can you pretend that beauty isn't staring you dead in the face? How can a culture be ignored when their presence beams like sunlight dancing on mirrors? Who taught you to hate the very image you spend countless dollars to emulate? Could it be that ignorance was force fed during adolescence? Or perhaps, these views started with your first breath? Make no mistake, I am far more than just misunderstood. You know my history more than you'd like to admit. Yet you continue to resent me every chance you get. The good book says the last shall be first and the first shall be last. It wouldn't kill you to show me some respect when I walk pass.

- a day in the life of shopping in the Goldcoast