DAY 11 of 21: DANIEL FAST

AFTER ONLY 11 days

SO in my efforts to lose weight I started a Daniel Fast with my church on Sunday 04/10/11. At that time my weight was to me uncontrolled.... Im 27, 5'2 and weighed 155lbs....11 days of NO meat, dairy, sweetners, FATS and processed foods and I am feeling and i might say so LOOKING GOOD!

This is taking my EAT CLEAN to a whole new level! after the initial 21 days I am gonna continue and maybe slowly introduce so dairy like eggs and milk but all in all Im not hungry and Im not missing the JUNK like i thought i Would!
DAY 7

DAY !

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Detox WEEK 03/21-03/26..

My diet consisted of the SAME thing for 6 days straight.. WATER... Oatmeal for Breakfast, Kale salad for lunch , orange , banana for snacks and Shake for dinner!
And I lost 3.5 inches int he waist.....Paired with 3 day workout outs n small HiiT activities throughout the week!

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Bohemian Chic

There's a new store in TOWN and on FACEBOOK! Its a cute lil boutique qith very reasonable prices!
The 18th Block is a cute Daughter and MOM store that has great fashions you can find jewelry, scents, candles, shoes, and other accesories!

FOR COLORED GIRLS

FOR COLORED GIRLS…..



When I first heard of the movie "For Colored Girls" I got so excited. I had the idea of getting as many women together that I could think of to go see this movie. I had visions of group discussions and moments shared with one another that would lead to healing and growth; I guess I kind of imagined a Women’s Empowerment Conference type of setting.

Well after I shared my idea with a few women, reality set in and I realized that so many of us wouldn't be willing to participate for various reasons: You don't like me, you don't care for somebody I might invite, you only hang out with certain people, you don't understand the big deal about Tyler Perry making yet another movie about black people and our issues for all the world to see, you don't like crowds, so n so is too ghetto, such and such is too uppity etc... It has ALWAYS amazed me that we as black women are each others biggest critics. We are the quickest to bring each other down, find each others faults and nit pick at a sister until she has nothing left, nothing left to give and then we step over her and call her worthless. We take the prettiest women and tear them down for thinking "they are cute" but turn around and dog the average sista because "she know she should take better care of herself than that - can't believe she got a man!" We call strong women female dogs and accuse weaker women of riding somebody else's coat tails. We tell a big sista to put down her burger and turn around and criticize a skinny woman for not picking one up. We ride the loud mouth woman for "talking to darn much" and likewise torment the quiet woman for "Being too quiet and needing to take up for herself" Sad part is we don't discriminate, we talk about everybody!!!

I've watched women dog out everybody from Oprah for catering to white people and Halle Berry for not being able to keep a man to young Willow Smith for acting to darn grown in her recent video. All of these females are successful and there is something about each one of them to be proud of but a lot of us can't seem to see that. I have to wonder since we all share a common thread (whether we want to admit it or not) is there something about ourselves that we don't like, what has happened to us that we cannot seem to get along. Why is that we fight amongst ourselves, backstab & steal each others men (only to find out we should have left him where we found him). We cannot seem to be unified to support and stick up for one another. Everybody seems to be out for themselves while other groups unite against us but nobody else has to bring us down because we trample on the spirits of each other daily.

Even if you live in a mini mansion, drive a luxury car, have good credit, rich handsome husband etc, this does not mean that should look down your nose at the woman with 4 kids, no husband, living in income based housing struggling to keep her lights on. We ALWAYS think the grass is greener on the other side, I had a woman who's child father is MIA tell me that I should never complain because I receive a decent amount of child support and I laughed and let her know that I would gladly give every dime back if he would come relieve some of this overwhelming pressure of feeling inadequate as a parent. If I could get just one full night of sleep or not always be on the verge of losing my job because I’m the one that has to call off or leave work for one reason or another to accommodate my child - yeah he could DEFINITELY have his money if I could have some peace! Money alone doesn't make you happy (not true happiness), good credit doesn't keep you satisfied, beauty doesn't make you any less insecure, fame doesn't make you less vulnerable or cause you to be a good judge of character and being stuck up and mean doesn't keep you warm at night or prevent you from being lonely.

You don't know how the sista sitting right next to could have carefully put on her make up this morning to hide the beating from last night. The teacher you handed your child over to this morning could have sent her children off to school from a dark house with empty bellies. The teller you just got rude with at the bank could know that today is her last day on her job and have no idea how she is going to survive past next weekend. The sista at the office that appears so busy could be typing her goodbyes to all the people that she loves because she plans to blow her brains out tonight after she tucks her babies into bed. The woman you pass in the hallway could be on her way to have an abortion because she fears what others might think or how the woman that sent you this e-mail may drink an over abundance of alcohol every night to mask the nightmares of an abusive childhood.

Ladies we HAVE TO DO BETTER!!! I'm not suggesting that we all like each other and be phony, but I am asking that we all try to respect each other. You HAVE NO IDEA what the next woman is going through, you don't know what past or current hurt and pains have shaped her into who she is today. We spend so much time trying to be as strong and hard as we are expected to be that we end up cracking from the inside out piece by piece. If we would spend 1/3 of the time we spend tearing each other down to build someone up, encourage someone, show someone some love, we could truly make a difference and save someone's life. PLEASE don't be the straw that breaks another woman's back. Believe me when I tell you that there is a woman out there that needs your smile, your hug, your support, your prayer.

1st PUFF

So in order to wear my hair out I had to figure out a way to stretch it out? PLAITS..(Shrinkiage is a B*t$h)
So here are some before's and after

<3

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HAPPY 1 yr NAPPYVERSARY!!!!!

HELLO LADIES it is officail 365 days of me being TOTALLY NATURAL! YEAH ME
for those that know me you know that my hair changes witht he wind...there were times were i really considered going back to the cREAMY crack but to no AVAIL!..I'm loving and learning my self from HEAD to TOE!
Back in August/Sept 2009

August 31, 2010...NOW I have about 4 inches of very kinky healthy HAIR!

<3

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Things I've learned:
1. SLOW and STEADY wins the race
2. Not all products are created EQUAL... just bc its expensive doestn mean it works
3. STOP buying everything just bc it worked for others
4. LISTEN to your hair
5. USe protective styles...

Goals for the NEW year:
1. Find a NEW Regime
2. Find a STYLIST/SALON
3. Less is always more
$. Find my signauter style!

WORKOUTS

So I have been trying to hit the Gym at least 5 days a week for at least an hour and 30 mins everyday...Lately the routine has been the Morning: 4:15 wake up to the gym...30 mins cardio and then about 45mins of circuit style sets....Womens' Health has a 20 min routine for the abbs thats hurts like crazy...lol but as you can see its paying off!!!!

So I finally got a good copy of P90X...will be hopping on that routinely and shortly..will show those results laters.....

Working out pays off

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RAHEEM DEVAUGHN...LOVE HIM

Lightweight I was about to SLEEP on this new album...I mean the last 2 albums i liked but didnt FALL in love with himas an artist. Maybe its where I am in my life or the experiences that i have been through BUT this ALbum SPEAKS SPEAKS to me...Thanks Britt for tellign me to listen!

Any folks if you liked any of his other SONGS check out thie new album

The LOVE and WAR Masterpiece

2010...Goals

For 2010 My Goals:

My hair Goals:
Reach Ear Length(EL)by 2011
Wear more protective styles
Minimize the amount of manipulation to hair

Business Goals:
Complete Office
Upload Website
Design,Design, Desgin MORE!

Money:
Save at least 3500 for New car
Save 600 for Family Vacay in August
Save 500 for AKA celebration in Oct/Nov.

Children:
use more Spanish around the girls
Pick up Rosetta Stone to Teach girls spanish
have more educational Time at home with the girls

Health:
Gym EVERY week day
spend at least 1.5 in the gym serious workout
Limit soda/coffee
DRINK MORE WATER

Things to DO 2

So since I am trying new things with my hair..I vow to expand this "newness" into every aspect of my life....You're supposed to bold all of the things on the list you've done. To be only 25, I don't think I've done that bad. Definitely a few more I'd like to try. And a handful I'll do just about anything to avoid.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain. Does Mt Bauldy count?
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (Oh so fresh and oh so clean)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I tried !!)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (overdraft on debit cards count?)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
l71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit (Class action suites count?)
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Ride in a hot air balloon
101. Victoria Falls (between Zambia and Zimbabwe)
102. Iguazu Falls (between Brazil and Argentina)
103. The Great Barrier Reef
104. The Galapagos Archipelago
105. The Northern Lights (the Aurora Borealis)
106. Mardi Gras in New Orleans
107. Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
108. Times Square on New Year's Day
109. Oktober Fest in Germany
110. See the Cherry Blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC in full bloom
111. Visit All 50 States: Been to Texas, LA, California, Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, New Mexico, OK, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, MS, New York, Michigan, IL, Indiana, Ohio, CO.

NEW Year's RESOLUTIONS and GOALS

FOR 2010:
I am setting myself up to be a Better person, MOM, and Student in all things....
Goals:
1. Complete my business plan and get up and running!
2. SAVE more money! For the year I was able to save just over $2,500. For my responsibilites and Debts Thats really great!
3. KEEP the Gym workouts going! I'm so glad my co worker and friend Motivates me...it helps get my day started and helps me stay healthy.

Resolution:
1. Pay more attention to my Health..More vitamins...more WATER..WATER..WATER
2. Have my business up and running by June 1, 2010!
3. BE MORE ACTIVE in my community and Organization besides Work and United WAY!

MY Favorites

A Small run down on what is ESSENTIAL in my WORLD!!!!
My favorite Movie

Starring Larenz Tate and the beautiful Nia Long, Love Jones is the quintessential black romance movie. Darius Lovehall (Tate), a young poet, falls in love with talented photographer Nina Moseley (Long) and the rest of the show is aptly described by the film’s tagline: “Get together. Fall apart. Start over.”
It’s simple-there is nothing to dislike about this classic. If you and your lady have already had dinner, this movie can certainly be the dessert. (Or can put you in the mood for some).

TOPAZ: My birthstone and favorite jewel


My Favorite Tv show..FYI it will be back on BET hopefully in the SPRING!


Gotta HAVE my HAIR INSPIRATIONS:


Classic Hair BOWS:


BANGLES:

Remembering 9/11

My parents shared not only an improbable love, they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation. They would give me an African name, Barack, or blessed, believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success.
Barack Obama




I am a firm believer that our past influences and marks our futures. So on this day I Promise to reflect on my past and not relive it but keep it in mind when I'm preparing for the present and OUR future. With this I Pray for forgiveness, patience and LOVE for everyone...

Peace

Remember This.....

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change the we seek"
President Barack Obama

RANT: So in other news is it just me but I am really getting tired of hearing how BAD of a job President Obama is doing. Hello people, why are we {Americans} expecting that he will turn the world, economy, or social standards around in so little time..Please BACK UP and let the President Obama do his job!!!!! And for pete's sake RESPECT him by addressing him by his EARNED and GIVEN TITLE....HE IS PRESIDENT OBAMA not Mr. or Barack .....

Things to DO

So since I am trying new things with my hair..I vow to expand this "newness" into every aspect of my life....You're supposed to bold all of the things on the list you've done. To be only 25, I don't think I've done that bad. Definitely a few more I'd like to try. And a handful I'll do just about anything to avoid.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain. Does Mt Bauldy count?
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke (Oh so fresh and oh so clean)
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (I tried !!)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check (overdraft on debit cards count?)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
l71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit (Class action suites count?)
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Please add to this list!!!!