Weekly Inspiration

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.


--Colossians 3:2

Ask the Expert

Staying On Track During Vacation

Q: I've been really good about my workouts and eating right, but I'm about to go on vacation with my family. I want to have fun and not be too strict, but I don't want to fall off the wagon completely! What do you suggest?

A: Here's what I suggest — EXERCISE! Even if you overindulge a little, you will stave off weight gain by exercising daily. Second, I would say that you should eat the foods you want, but in moderation. Have a bite of the cheesecake, but don’t eat the whole slice. Be smart about your indulgences: Don’t waste your calories. For example, instead of having a margarita by the pool, opt for a white wine spritzer or a light beer. Frozen margaritas have a whopping 700 calories. Think of your calories as an allowance. Save on calories where you can, and spend them on things that are really worth it, like chocolate!

H&M Haul

Last month I stopped at H&M while in Atlanta. Unfortunately, H&M does not have a location in Texas but hopefully soon. Check out my great buys!!

As you can see I took these pictures in the hotel room. I was so excited! My shopping was limited due to lack of space in my suit case.

The yellowish green dress I wore in the "My New Hair" post. I received so many compliments that day on my hair and style.

I could not resist this cute cropped jacket for the fall. Plus it was on sale which made it a must have.

Is there such a thing?

…pain free shoes. Yes, here is an article giving tips on how to pick pain free shoes. Spring is here and the Summer is near and these are the seasons we pull out the best of the best in our arsenal. Ladies we do not have to sacrifice comfort for style; we just need to know how to make the best choice. Happy shoe shopping!!

Weekly Inspiration

No great man ever complains of want of opportunities.


Ralph Waldo Emerson

My new hair!

After searching high and low, browsing many you tube channels, and scouring the net for ideas I finally got my summer do. This new style is inspired by AFRICANEXPORT (AE). A couple of months ago I ran across her channel and fell in love. She sported crochet braids as a protective style for her natural tresses. Also, she was so nice to answer my questions I had about the braids. This sister keeps it real so check her out.

For this style I used Freetress Bulk Water Wave and Presto Curl. The hair was so pretty from first glance while in the package. The pictures do no justice and I knew this hair was perfect for this style. As mentioned before, I’m not hair style savvy so I paid $50 for the braids. I love my braid stylist because she does a wonderful job. She has never complained to me when I’ve asked her to take down and re-braid when I felt too much tension. Yes, I politely ask her to take down a braid and re-do it because it’s my hair and I want my edges. I’m lucky to know her and she’s the only person I trust to braid my hair.

Now, my first reaction when I looked in the mirror was “Whoa that’s a lot of hair!” Immediately, I told my stylist to take a lot of the bulk out. When I see sistas sporting the “big hair” it is so beautiful but to see big hair on me was very different. Of course, I complained to Jeremy and I was contemplating taking the hair out. He listened to me complain about my hair for at least 20 minutes. Honestly, I was worried about what others will think and the attention my hair will attract. At times, I am shy and very, very reserved but those who know me may disagree. When he seen me he said “you are beautiful” and instantly my self doubts started to melt away. He loved the fullness, the volume, and my curls. He is so great!!

Still a little apprehensive about my new style I went to you tube and check out AE’s video on cutting the braids. Off to the bathroom for styling I went and praying for a miracle. The next morning…I fell in love with my hair. Having big hair is totally different and definitely falls outside of “normal” for me. Despite earlier doubts, I felt fierce at work. Co-workers and my boss all love the curly look on me.

The main reason for this style is to get a preview of what’s to come once I’m fully natural. Choosing the crochet braids as a protective style was a good decision and I have no regrets.

Tell me what you think and check out AE and subscribe. Till next time…

Windblown hair

Ask the expert

From LOSING IT!
With Jillian Michaels


Setting Goals

You can't achieve success if you're not moving toward something. Think about your ultimate long-term goal, and then break it down into less overwhelming mini-goals. Then find some incentives to help you stay the course. What kinds of goals am I talking about? The ambitious and attainable ones.

First: Think long and hard about what you want. Make sure your goals are actually things you want to achieve, not what society dictates or what your family or friends want for you. Ultimately your life is yours and you must live it for yourself. I know you might be thinking that's selfish, but so what? Sometimes being a little selfish is a good thing, especially if it enables you to take care of yourself.

Second: Remember, goals are not inflexible roadblocks meant to make you feel badly about yourself. If you don't accomplish a goal exactly on schedule, so what? You can't predict what life is going to throw your way — but you CAN choose the way you react to situations that come up. That is where your power lies. If you fall off the wagon, just get back on — no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Third: We all have to be realistic when we set our goals. I'm 5 feet 2 inches, and I have a stocky build. I am never going to be a petite little waif, no matter how hard I work. I also want to make a difference in the world, but something tells me I probably don't stand a good chance of running for president. Instead, I set goals that are realistic and productive. I am 5 feet 2 and stocky, but I am going to be the most fit 5-feet-2 muscle chick I can. I might not be president, but I can teach people how to be healthier and happier through fitness.

Make sense? The bottom line is that goals provide direction. They help bring a focus to our lives so that we can live our dreams — no matter how big or how small they may be.