Jan 7, 2014

Lesson 5: It's okay to save money

Mexico 2012
It can seem overwhelming when you're paying bills, everyday expenses, etc... but have you ever truly looked at what you're spending your money on each month? And not your bills... but the random spending you can do on a daily basis. It's almost like if things are under $20, we can throw the money away... but it all adds up.

In the past my goal was to always save for vacations, and while I still believe investing in experiences trumps "stuff" any day of the week, I'm setting my sights on something bigger in 2014. This year I'll have my most aggressive savings goal to date, and my hope is that I can not only take some dope vacations, but more importantly keep a certain amount in my account... overall, proving to myself that I really am capable of having the discipline needed to aggressively save. It's so easy to fool yourself into think you don't make enough money to save. Hell, people say they don't make enough money to eat healthier foods... but when is the last time you put real effort into saving money?

I know we all have different circumstances and financial challenges, however, I believe that gainfully employed adults should be capable of saving money. My cousin recently shared a "52 Week Money Challenge" and I wanted to share with everyone. It doesn't require more than $52 to ever be contributed in a week and is a great way to get your feet wet with savings. Consider this Saving Money 101. The chart is self-explanatory, but if followed throughout the year, you'd have saved $1,378! For anyone that's never saved, the idea of having 1378 at the end of the year is very exciting. You could easily treat yourself to a nice vacation (my first option... invest in experiences) or use the money to invest in your own business, etc... the options are endless! If you're feeling a bit more aggressive you can take this model and double the deposit amount up each week.



Jan 6, 2014

Stay Warm Folks...


Living in Seattle it's not often that I get to gloat, but when temps start heading below 30, I'm like Chicago? What Chicago? While my friends back home were freezing their butts off this weekend, I was soaking up the sunshine trying to figure out if I should buy another pair of Ray Ban aviators lol... My weekend uniform consisted of these awesome 'Jack Purcell' Converse sneakers I scored from Nordstrom Rack (couldn't pass up on the black leather), and a sweater dress from F21.

Playfulness aside, temps are hitting record lows, so I'm sending some prayers out for everyone to stay bundled up, avoid the outside, and be safe! Especially the homeless and pets.

Jan 5, 2014

Lesson 4: God Loves a Cheerful Giver

People love church. They love getting right on Sunday morning, hearing the word, feeding their soul.. but many start fidgeting when offering time comes around. They say that God loves a cheerful giver, and Brother Franklin takes the cake. When is the last time you were this excited to give your offering at church?

Lesson 4: God Loves a Cheerful Giver... so don't be afraid to tithe that 10%



Although we moved to Seattle last year, we continue to stream City Church Chicago on Sunday mornings. While I was in Chicago I was good about tithes and offering, but since the move I've admittedly fallen off. This year I want to get back into consistent tithing and exude some of the excitement Brother Franklin has!

It's easy to look at him and make a silly comment, but sometimes you have no clue what God has brought someone through. Dance on Brother Franklin, dance on...

Jan 4, 2014

New Hashtag for 2014 #TeamEitherWay (via @MissDrini)

So when I posted my before and after pic yesterday, I had no idea it would start something 😜 I’m sure many wonder why makeup artists post before and after pics of their work……it’s b/c it not only shows the skill level of the artist but also how future clientele can potentially look, made up. With contouring and highlighting alone, you can conceal problematic areas that are often time the brunt of many women’s insecurities. But it’s also important to feel comfortable in your natural state because beauty isn’t makeup.

Sooooo…..makeup artists or makeup enthusiasts, if you want to post your before and after pic, use hashtag #teameitherway

S/o to these ladies for posting your before and after pic…..you all are GORG, major group hug!!
@moshoodat @tokenbrowngirl @royal_blue_mua @ericaglam_iam @beautyofallfaces_artistry @faceoverbye @cheverlyhillz
Source
Unlike life on many reality shows, most regular people don't go to sleep with a full face of makeup on each night (i.e The Kardashians, Real Housewives, etc...). One of my favorite makeup artists, Miss Drini, started a new hashtag called #TeamEitherWay showcasing her flawless execution as a makeup artist, along with her natural, makeup free beauty at the end of the day.

Why is this so awesome? Well, because it's easy to see all of the faces on Instagram beat to perfection and forget that while beautiful, it's really a transformation with the art of makeup. This isn't a rant about how makeup is bad, and no... I'm not about to go off about folks that use #NoFilter #NoMakeup while having a filter AND makeup lol... but just celebrating the fun we girls (and some guys) can have with beauty products, but give balance and perspective that no, I didn't wake up like this (Sorry Beyonce).

This also comes on the heels of an insightful post and YouTube video from blogger Shannon T. Boodram on the effects Instagram is having on self-esteem. Definitely check it out and share your thoughts using the hashtag #HowToLookLikeMe.



Jan 3, 2014

Lesson 3: Agree to Disagree

I'm opinionated. I'm a motormouth. I'm also someone that missed their calling as a litigator because y'all I'm always up for a good debate or fun-spirited argument! I love playing devil's advocate (probably a bit too much) and I'm sure I've annoyed all of my friends at one time or another.


So, Lesson 3: Agree to Disagree.

Seriously, it's so easy to get caught up in a debate/argument/etc and feel the need to prove your point. However, there are some topics and many instances when things are better left unsaid and it's perfectly fine to agree to disagree. Now, know that it usually kills my soul to bite my tongue and walk away from stating my opinion... because there's nothing I love more than letting someone know how I feel! I'm super emo and I think it's healthy for me to get my emotions out... consider it emotional blue balls if I have to bite my tongue lol. However, I do know that it's a healthy practice to smile, agree to disagree, and avoid the irritation that could come from a meaningless debate with someone on a topic that neither of us is willing to budge on.

Jan 2, 2014

Lesson 2: Don't Pick Your Blemishes

Growing up my mom always told me to not pick at my face. She also was horrified when I'd run around the house and bruise up my legs or be on my elbows or knees. God forbid her daughter have "dark" knees/elbows lol. Anyone else have a Southern mother? Anyways, despite hearing this stuff to the point of exhaustion growing up, I tend to find it oddly relaxing to clean my pores, over tweeze my brows, just stare at myself in the mirror and diagnose what's going on with my situation... which brings me to my next lesson - -

Lesson 2: Don't Pick Your Blemishes

An idle mind isn't the devil's playground in my world... but instead if I'm bored I have to give myself pep talks to stay out of the mirror and not bother my skin. It seems so simple, but it's like man... if I could JUST clean this pore out a tad bit more, then I'd be fine. Next thing you know I have a freaking blemish which is not the business. On top of that, I had a mini outbreak mid 2013 due to some birth control glitches, so my face was more colorful that usual. My plan is to stay out of the mirror and find some other business in 2014. I also plan on referencing the below Family Guy clip if I ever stray lol.




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