I wish my jeans could travel, or something like that.

Yeah, something like that...kind of like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Honestly, I never saw the movie or read the books (although I plan too), but the name and the concept speaks for itself and I think its kind of cool.

Unfortunately, my jeans and I do not belong to the Traveling Pants group. The exact reason why I am sad and saying Rest In Peace to them. In case you did not know by now, these are not JUST a pair of jeans. No, these are my FAVORITE pair of jeans. These jeans have seen me through thick and thin, literally. They are the only jeans I could wear through my yo-yo weight and still look good on me. They just adjusted to every curve I gained and each inch I lost. These jeans loved me and were loyal to me no matter what!

Over the years after much washing they began to get those tears and rips. I didn't care, it just made me and my jeans look "cooler", "hip" and "funkier". We had rips in the front and rips in the back and we were okay with it. That is until recently.....I tried them on and came to the conclusion that old faithful has gone as far as she could go. I have pushed her to her limit and it seems that she cannot adjust herself to accept my "newest set of curves." We no longer look cool , hip and funky. We just look like...well, you get the point.

So I have to say goodbye, I wish I could pack her up and send her off to the next woman in some other town, some other country, some other city. I just cannot stand to throw her away. Maybe I could donate her to the goodwill! *side eyes* Then one day I will be walking down the street minding my own business with my NEW JEANS and look over to see Her with someone else. Looking cool, hip and funky. My mind would quickly shift back to all the fun times we had back in 'da day. Remembering how she used to fit me like that too. **sigh** I know, I know, I need to just let go ...

Do you think all good jeans go to HEAVEN?

Stamp of approval

The other day, while on my day off I was working like a busy worker bee. Just buzzing around from one chore to the other, remembering to take appropriate breaks for reading, eating or something else that I enjoyed. As each child came home rom school, I kissed them as a mother should and asked them about their day. Dinner was served in a timely fashion and as I cleaned up our dinner mess I had a thought :

"I've done a lot today"

I had to ponder on that thought for a little bit. Reflect on the pattern of the day. I have to admit I felt proud of it. When I sat down on my sofa in my very clean living room, looking into my very clean kitchen sighing with appreciation at the thought of my laundry being done and my bathroom was clean, I was HAPPY. I felt happy because I got things done according to MY standards, in a way that made me feel satisfied. I realized that it has been a while since I felt THAT good and confident about what I did with my day. Actually I realized that all too often I, as well as other women like myself do not give enough credit to ourselves. With self induced pressure I find myself focusing on all that I DID NOT do rather than all that I HAVE DONE. What a waste of energy! It is so much better on the Psyche to focus on the positive aspects of life, the small goals that we have accomplished. Why beat ourselves up over the the things that cannot be done, or for that matter what we don't feel like doing?

I am Not super woman (most of the time), nor am I a robot. I have been learning acceptance and looking toward myself for approval. Which means that I understand if I DON'T do everything perfect, because I recognize that I don't NEED to and I'm okay with that. I am becoming my own best supporter as opposed to my own worst enemy. I am really liking this person I am becoming, the more I get to know her the more I love her. (I know I'm speaking in 3rd person right now...it's okay) Kudos to her for having a great day of getting things done, enjoy it because as in true fashion it will be a different story tomorrow!

I really, REALLY don't want to...

Yeah so, I've been having a couple of bad hair days...okay, weeks....Alright ! Months! I'm just gonna put it out there, I hate to do my own hair. Ever since I was about 17 I have always went to the salon on consistent basis. I was the faithful client, never missing an appointment and doing whatever I needed to (legally) pay for the service. Come Hook or Crook, I got my hair "did."

Well these days I cry a different story. I still go to the salon...just not as often as before. The bad part is that I am so accustomed to getting it done, that it has made me lazy. I will go as lonnnnng as I can before I break down and commit to doing my loc maintenance ( tightening or twisting of the new growth from my dread locks). To make matters worse, I am not the best at preventive care for my hair. I know, shame on me. I do know better, I mean how hard can it be to put on a little Castor oil or Shea butter and put a silk scarf on my head before bedtime? Obviously for me it is on the high end of the difficulty scale.

Fast forward to my current visit for my daughter to our salon of choice Honeecomb natural hair . While my daughter is getting her hair washed, conditioned and interlocked I can feel the disapproving eyes of my stylist. Although we are chit-chatting away, picking up where we left off from the previous visit...Yeah, she's checking it all out with the sharp eye of a professional who is serious about her *stuff*. Just when I thought I was gonna walk away unscathed, she let me have it! Ever so gently... As she gave me my goodbye hug, she felt my locks. DRY, BREAKING, & IN GROWTH LIMBO. Oh what shame. *smh* I tried to go home and ignore the nagging thoughts of what she said, but it wouldn't go away.

Aaaarrrrggghhhh! I wanna scream, shout, even kick something. I. don't. wanna. do. THIS.

The nagging thoughts won. The bad thing about nagging thoughts though, is that you never know when you may have to give in to them. My time happened to be the very inconvenient time of 4 a.m. . I couldn't take it any more. I did what I had to do, washed, conditioned and maintained.

After all of that emotional turmoil, I have to admit....I do look kinda cute. ;)

New things added everyday...

Can someone please turn it off?!! ;)

A positive step for media: I Love My Hair!

Currently, the Internet is viral with the Sesame Street video "I Love My Hair". When I finally got the chance to see it, my heart was elated. I felt elated because it showed growth on the part of the show. I've always loved Sesame Street, still do. In fact I may occasionally sit down and watch it even now. Of course The show has always had a broad range of people on the show represented, but this hair video just takes it a step further.

I wish when I was growing up that there was more positive media being put out regarding the image of black women. I feel had I seen more of it, I may not have struggled as much as I did with self image growing up. Oh well, it's all water under the bridge now. The most important thing to focus on is that the times have changed and the media is moving forward positively. I was so happy to be able to share this video with my daughter. She has been wearing her natural hair in dreadlocs for 3 years now and how she views herself although being different from her classmates and neighbors is important to me.

I know she nor I are defined by our hair, however the truth of the matter is that when you feel good about what you have on your head your whole self image is improved. Regardless of the hair type, it should be embraced and loved. All girls (and boys) of all races have issues with this at some time or the other in life. Often times though, our little brown ones struggle with it a little more than others. So Kudos to Sesame Street for giving me something else to aid my little girl in loving her natural self.

If you've not seen the video, check it out:

Out of my 5 mile radious

Today I decided that I was gonna get out of my nest. As some of my friends know, I have been working daily for a few weeks now, trying to get ready for my move. Each day I pack up some things, clean out some things, throw away some things *shhh! don't tell the hubby*. In between all of that I am still taking care of the family and working outside the home with clients and networking as often as I can.

But today was an awakening! Literally! I woke up and decided that I was going to get out of my house and do something just for ME. I decided I was gonna go outside of my normal 5 mile radius and go to the MALL!

Insert music for dramatic effect--- *Dun, dun, dunnnnnnn!*

Do you have any idea how long it has been since I been to a mall? So long that I dare to tell my daughter that I came here without her. In any case I came and I am here sitting in Starbucks sipping on my iced coffee curled up in a cozy leather chair, listening to easy going music, inspired to blog. It feels good too. I came out because I wanted to shop for new furniture, (not really buy anything but to window shop) I wanted to get some great ideas on the furniture that will go great in my new place. I had no disturbances, no kids to tell me where THEY wanted to go and no husband tapping his toe and checking his watch as I took my time strolling.

*SIGH*

I'm so glad that I took the time out to even do something for myself. I shook up my scene and it feels fabulous! Now I can go back home and finish my work with a smile on my face.

Every now and then a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do so she can be the best gal that she can be....Say THAT five times fast!

p.s while I was in Starbucks I got some great inspiration for a new hair color! whoo-hoo!

What is beautiful to you? What is YOUR PRICE OF BEAUTY?

Just like so many women I have spent the better part of my adult life trying to determine for myself what is beautiful. What makes me look and feel beautiful, not only on the outside but also what is beautiful on the inside. Trying to develop the woman that I am deep inside is far more important to me than what I look like outside...but don't get me wrong, a sistah still likes to look good! And when I need to, I can work it *two snaps in a z formation*

....Ahem! back to my point.

With all of the media around us trying to dictate what is beautiful it is hard to feel comfortable with yourself sometimes. It often takes a lot of inner strength and confidence to be able to love yourself for who you are and what God has blessed you with. However the earlier we learn to do this the better off we are, the more time and money we save ourselves from therapy and anti-depressants.

In light of the latter I want to encourage everyone to watch the new t.v show with Jessica Simpson; The Price of Beauty. Being a woman who have had her share of ill comments about her body (and brains) she has had to try hard to look within herself and try to love herself despite the constant talk in the tabloids and gossip shows. One way that she is doing this is by traveling the world to view how others determine what is beautiful. She and her two best friends travel to many countries with the cameras in tow, experiencing first hand the lives of other women. I am proud of her for taking this bold step, she has taken the negativity that has been thrown her way and turned it into a big positive. Kudos to her! Here is a brief clip of what to expect of the show.

How do we get ourselves into these situations?...

Last week my #1homegirl and I took on a little road trip. We both love road trips, and in our minds we can drive anywhere because... "it's fun!" For months I have been discussing very enthusiastically about attending the Blogalicious DC meet up. It was all about "creating our own conversations" Lots of tips on using the various aspects of social media, great opportunities to meet new people and make great professional connections. I knew it was in DC, 10 hours away from Atlanta but who cares? It's just 10 hours away...rrriiiight? If only it was so simple.

I thought about trying to come up with clever verbiage to draw my readers in. Imagining that I would make you chuckle and laugh all the way through to the last letter. But there was so much to happen in those two short days that I just don't think I could do it any real justice.

So as they always say: A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

*They was on our tail, but never caught us*...hahaha, "Sack Suckas!"


*We really should be more careful, never know who we might need for help*



*It would have been REALLY good if we had 1 0r 2 of these when we got into the city*

*If we had a GPS perhaps it would've made it easier to find THIS place, or at least better than what we wound up with* smh*rolling my eyes*


*Everything was ending up lovely UNTIL THIS. We acted like we was being filmed on "PUNK'D"...hindsight it really was hilarious! Sorta.


So what do you think, Will you join us for our next road trip?
We promise it will be a road trip to remember!

Girls Day Out with a Magical Beauty experience

Imagine my surprise and delight when my daughter and I were heading out the door for our day at the salon to find a package on our front step. I took a few minutes to open the box and was happy I did. Inside was some goodies from Carol's Daughter Magical Beauty Collection that we could take with us.

I immediately put the bottles into my purse and off we went to get beautified! When we arrived at Honeecomb our stylist Shaina was happy to use what we brought in to clean and condition our hair. Her immediate response to the shampoo was a big "LIKE". She said she loved the thick lather and the clean scent. As she washed she said that the shampoo had a nice conditioning effect as well. After rinsing and applying the conditioner however, she was not as impressed but nevertheless considered the conditioner a good product as well. It simply did what it's intended to do, soften and condition our hair.

As I sat in the salon, I began to look over the labeling of the bottles. The one thing that stood out as noteworthy to me was not the pictures of the cute characters from the Princess and the Frog movie, but the affirmations. Just as the movie held certain principals and encouraged noteworthy attributes for young girls, so did the wording on the labels. The phrases read; "The Beauty Within" "Inner Shine" and "Sharing Means Caring."....I love that! As a mother of a young, beautiful brown girl these are the characteristics that I try to instill in her. These are products with a great message to uplift and empower girls everywhere.

After our day at the salon we left even prettier than we arrived. We finished off our day by eating delicious cupcakes at CAMICAKES in the Atlanta Buckhead area. A great way for a queen and her princess to end their day.

Tonight, I think I'll let the princess use her new Princess and the Frog bubble bath...pampering is right up her alley. She's such a DIVA.

*I was not given financial compensation to do this review, although I did receive the products to use for free. My honest opinion was expressed about the products*

The

Orange is the Color for January, Pt 3: A reflective interview

In my effort to encourage awareness and education for Cervical Cancer and HPV I have taken on the responsibility of researching and educating myself more on it. The things I have learned have really enlightened me.

Even more enlightening was my interview that I had with an endearing, bright and cheerful, young woman who I am so thankful for sharing her story of HPV with me openly, so that I may share it with you. Over a cup of Caramel Macchiatto and coffee cake in a local Starbucks here is our discussion:

girl talk...keeping it real

Q: What motivated you go to the Doctor to be checked out? Did you have symptoms?

A: I did not have any symptoms health wise. However, during intercourse it was brought to my attention that I had a few "razor bumps" on my genitals. My partner and I weren't sure what to think of it initially, so I did not do anything right away. However after a couple of weeks, I knew that I needed to have it checked and so I did.

Q: Once you had your exam, how long did it take to get your results back?

A: It took about a week for the results of the cervical biopsy to come back and to have my diagnosis of low risk HPV, the genital wart type.

Q: What were your initial thoughts upon learning the test results?

A: I cried many tears and had many thoughts; " are they going to go away?" "how will I explain this?" "will I have to give up sex?" (that bothered me) I wondered who I got it from, because I went through a reckless period in my life that resulted in several sex partners.

Q:Prior to diagnosis, did you know what HPV was? Or the dangers of it?

A: Well, yes and no. I knew of a friend that had contracted it, but did not know the depths of how serious it can be. Like I did not know people died from it because of the cervical cancer it causes.

Q: How old were you?

A: 20 years old

Q:How did you try to deal with the diagnosis? Did you seek counseling or a support group?

A: No, I did not seek any counseling. I just tried to come to terms with it on my own. I had to think about and come to terms with the decisions I've made and the consequences that go along with them. I had to deal with the emotional frustrations that come with accepting that I got this and that it is classified as an STD. It was not easy, but I was able to accept and move forward.

Q: Did you discuss this with future partners? When did you inform?

A: Once it was decided that my partner and I were going to be in a serious monogamous relationship, touching on the subject of sex without condoms. We were both getting tested to know our HIV status I thought it a good time to tell him then.

Q: What was his reaction?

A: Initially he was very upset. He was concerned about the future of our relationship. He wants to have a family and had feared that my having HPV would hinder those plans. He did his own research online and spoke to his Doctor about it. Having children and quality of life was not going to be affected by the type of HPV that I have, so he was relieved and became my supporter. It is no longer an issue in our relationship, he understands fully.

Q: How do you feel about counseling and organizations like Tamika and Friends? Would you recommend it?

A: If someone feels that they need someone to talk to in order to deal with their diagnosis and their future, then yes they should seek counseling. They should do the research and join organizations. The organizations provide wonderful outlets and support, they provide a voice and help to ease the anxiety, helping to see that you are not alone in your struggle.

Q: Did you get the HPV vaccination? And would you recommend it to other women?

A: Yes I did get vaccinated it is a series of three shots. One every three months, for six months. And ooooh! they hurt too! Those that are not diagnosed should do the research and make a personal choice based on what they have learned.

Q:Are you dealing with wart outbreaks?

A:I found a Natural healing Oils company online to treat the warts and I have not had a break out since. The company is amoils.com.

Q:Advice for other women, young girls?

A: Be smart. Be aware. Protect yourself and make good choices.

Wow, the time had come to end our lively conversation. Reluctantly, I departed from this chatty young lady, who obviously has matured in her own ways through life experience. She certainly is a tough cookie with a tender heart.

I enjoyed conducting this interview and I hope you were enlightened as you read it. Learn from this story and those of the many other women who have been diagnosed with this illness. Fortunately for this woman her diagnosis did not result in the removal of her reproductive organs, but not every woman with the disease can say the same. Every hour a woman is told that she has cervical cancer and every 2.5 hours a woman dies from it. Share this information with your sisters, mothers, aunts, cousins and friends. Get your exam and take the pledge http://www.pearlofwisdom.us/pledge

*Although information was shared from this interview on a product to use to remove genital warts, I do not endorse it. It has worked for this young woman but each person must check with their own physician before using anything. Removal of the warts does not mean that the illness is cured. There is no cure, only prevention. Go to http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-treatment-is-there-hpv-cure for more information*

Wordless Wednesday: Sunkissed dreadlocks

I love my new highlights!


I kissed the sun and I like it! lol!



my golden backside

So whaddya think?

Orange is the color for January part 2-Say something!

As you may know by now, January is national Cervical Cancer Awareness month. Why is this of importance to you? Well, because cervical cancer used to be the leading cause for cancer deaths in the united states. However due to increased awareness and yearly Pap tests, women are able to find cervical precancer before it actually develops into full blown cancer. Which results in fewer deaths. Regardless of your age, race, health or relationship (monogamous or not) you are still at risk. If you are a female, you need to be in the KNOW.

The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus, better known as HPV. It is passed on through sexual contact. This virus is very common, in fact according to the CDC most sexually active women at some point in their lives will have contracted the virus, the majority of which will not develop into cervical cancer. Although not all who contract HPV will develop cancer do not be fooled into thinking that cancer is the ONLY thing to worry about. Did you know that there are over 100 types of the virus? Of which there are various types of warts. There is low risk HPV and high risk HPV (30 of which are the cancerous type)

Here are some additional facts for you to consider:

• During the the development of HPV you may not have symptoms.


• Using condoms is not a sure protection against the virus.


• HPV can be contracted by skin on skin contact and even anal sex.


• Even if you have been married for years or only have one partner it is possible to have been infected. (that was a shocker for me)


• HPV can be contracted in the mouth, tongue, throat and tonsils

Education is your best form of protection against HPV and cervical cancer. Share what you have learned with others. Say Something! Click this link to get your say something kit to help teach your friends and family about cervical cancer.

Orange is the color for January- Part 1

Last year, my cousin /business partner /best friend and I came up with the idea to merge our two passions; massage and reflexology to create one business. Our services are for everyone, but with a concentration on women. Helping women to create a healthy place within their own mind and body, remembering that beauty begins within. (more on that later, I promise.) Anyhow, as we were forming this venture I realized that I wanted to be more than just another "spa service", that I wanted to be one that was an advocate and supporter regarding health issues related to women. Not any random issue, but one that was of importance to me personally. One that has affected myself or those that I love. The first health issue I thought of was HPV and cervical cancer. Although I do not personally have either of these illnesses, I am related to women that do, and I would like to understand more about it so that I can be more of a support.

As I was pondering these thoughts, it occurred to me that I met some lovely ladies at Blogalicious who were representing Tamika and Friends. A wonderful organization dedicated to spreading the word about prevention , treatment and support for HPV and cervical cancer. I pulled out their brochure, and contacted them. Their website www.tamikaandfriends.org is full of advice and soul stirring personal stories of women, including Tamika Felder herself. They have great programs to fit every one's needs and an opportunity for all to get involved from a small to a large level.

I signed up to be a friend and I am so excited! My first chance to report for supporter duty will be on January 27Th for National Wear Orange Day. In a few days I will post more information about what this small event will entail and lead up to a larger event in the weeks to come. HPV and cervical cancer is PREVENTABLE AND TREATABLE . January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Take the first step and get educated on the subject. It could save your life or that of someone you love.

Until next time....

*HUGS*

Somewhere along the way, I lost it.

I don't remember when I lost it. I'm thinking that it may have occurred somewhere within the last 10 years. It just slipped away from me.

I'm talking about my game- my shoe game to be more specific. By my own admission (and by a couple of snickering remarks from my homegirls) my
shoe game is wic wic wack!

I want to blame it on something, but I don't know what. Could it be bcause I've begun to choose comfort over fashion? Or is it my limited clothing budget? Or could it be... That I just don't have good shoe style? GASP!

I am so perplexed by this.

My "summertime" shoes are not as shameful as my closed toe "wintertime" shoes , but regardless....It's time for a makeover. So in 2010 I'm planning on stepping up my shoe game. I'm going to get my shoe mojoe back. I am stepping out of the box and putting my best fashion foot forward, literally.

I just hope that I don't break the bank doing it. The husband will not be pleased with that.

So this is my fashion resolution for 2010. I resolve to improve my shoe fashion, and unleash the DIVA that I am within. Do you have a fashion resolution? Or do you have a shoe fashion tip? Please share...help a sistah out.

*for your chuckling pleasure here are my worst pairs of shoes*

The green bombers

The white wedges

The infamous Rocketdogs

The red pointed toe

My open toe metal strip, Sunday go to meeting shoes

My square toe, square heel sunday go to meeting shoes

Divalicious!

I feel pretty! I feel pretty! Yeah, it's amazing what a simple change can do for a girl. I recently added some glam to my life and added extra lashes on my eyes. I know a few ladies that use them and I've always admired them.

What a difference they make...I asked my cousin to "install" the individual ones for me and I must say, "I have found my new obsession."

Like seriously, I don't think I'm gonna be able to do with out them for a while. I feel like I am always made up even when I don't have on any eye make up. I feel like at any moment I may break out into Beyonce's;

I'ma a DI - Vah, I'ma I'ma a DI -Vah!

I'm just giving you fair warning, if you see me walk past you and suddenly break out into my Tyra Banks strut don't be alarmed. Just know that I am feeling "FIERCE....really FIERCE"