What Would You Do?

With 500 Million dollars? The NC Jackpot is 500 Million dollars and everyone and their momma's are betting on that money. So with that being said, if you won that money, what would be the top five things you'd do with it?????

Update: On Life

So I have been neglecting my blog so bad. I went from having a post every day to writing like, once a week! No bueno. It is my fault I won't lie, however, life has been happening so fast!!! So allow me to catch up, if I can. I hope everyone has had an amazing month of March. It has surely been an interesting one for me. My Sweetie was diagnosed with M.S but he is doing great. During the week we found out, he had midterms and took them with just one eye in function. Today he found out that he made the highest grade on one of the midterms! He is such a smartie. I am sure that helps him move forward with this new information. We've talked about it often and over time, he has began to deal with it a little better. Thank you Lord.

Remember in a post I was talking about Click Here to read it with my job? Well, after two weeks of investigations, I was transferred to another school. Which was good for me because I couldn't fathom being around people who call themselves Christian but lie in a situation they find convenient for them. So, the transfer was good. However, it was a whole new ball game of learning the people I was surrounded by. I will write a post about this soon but the energy of my new co-workers had me about to quit my job and not think twice. I pulled it together and found the source of the bad energy so now I am able to have my guard up with these new people...It is not easy!

So, what else is new??? My real estate class is going well. I am getting excited for the end of it but nervous about what is next...I had two classmates whose mom owns a real estate firm and has been very excited to chat with me but...I can never catch her! It is alright though. I have been trying to wrap my mind around these changes at my jobs so it is important that I deal with these things before going forward...I speaking of my jobs, I am so ready to move on to the next thing. Both of them are not doing it for me and well, it is about time to get something new...I will in God's time!

In other news, have you ladies heard Usher's new song "Climax?" Oh My Gee!!!! I am such an Usher fan and for the record, he can never have a bad song. But this one, this right here, yea he is going to cause some trouble with this song. I promise I will catch him at his next concert...That falsetto he had going on...whew, Lord...Ok that is all. I will not lust over Usher

One last thing and then I am gone...My friend just received news that the doctors have done all they can for her grandmother. Please join me in prayer for peace and comfort as they go forward.

That is all for now! I hope all of you enjoy your week and please, stay encouraged no matter what the situation may be. In all things, put God first and you will experience an unbreakable joy and inner peace over life!

I Take On the World!

I am a woman, in case you didn't know...And as a woman I possess some characteristics that will either make me crazy or extremely successful. These things are super awesome assets to have but can be excessive and overwhelming at times. For instance, I have my list of 30 by 30 things to do. And as you can see, I attempt to see and take on all of the world's problems, including my own. As attainable as that list is, it requires that everyday I am making moves towards something great, and that is where the strangeness comes in. There are some things on that list that without a doubt I will accomplish. There are some things on my mental list that I want to add but I am afraid that I won't have the heart to pursue. Funny thing is, I am a fearless 23 year old with a lot of life ahead of her. The other funny thing, all of that life ahead of me leaves me feeling like I have to constantly plan for everything! And well, I am a terrible planner! I have to have short term goals because if I have too much time to think about all of the possibilities, I began to put a lot of pressure on myself to perform which creates doubt about my abilities, which results in me freaking out and backing out of a long term plan...

So the point of all of this is to say, I have always wanted to run for a state beauty pageant do this thing...I was so close to it and for the last 7 years, I've considered it, called, did the interview, got this out of the world confidence, and then backed out at the last minute...It freaks me out to be on stage in front of thousands of people. Showing off my body, being judged for my beauty is nerve wrecking. I've always been a pretty girl but every year it was, 1) my hair wasn't pretty enough, 2) I didn't have enough support, 3) I didn't have the money, 4) I didn't have the body...on and on and on with the excuses.

So I made a move last year. I participated in a college level pageant, did so well, didn't win but gain a great deal of confidence in my ability to be in front of people and perform under pressure. I wanted to do the state level pageant but there was honestly too much going on at the time to participate. So I didn't. The director keeps in touch with me because she adores me and truly was in my corner, I'm pretty sure the thought of all of the money they'd raise didn't hurt, but that is another story. So anywayz, I got an email tonight saying that the Miss USA pageant would be in Vegas this year...Tears. I would so love to be there with all of my might! So I told my sweetie that I wanted to go for it this year. I mean, I age out in two years so it is now or never. As supportive as he is, he advised me to take on one project as a time. (Again, this is the overwhelming thing I do to myself pretty often). He told me instead of taking on the world, I should just take on one country at a time...Good one right?! As true as that is, it still sits with me that this is a dream I have had since I was a teenager! That is a long time to hold on to a dream. So I am sure it is something that is meant to happen...In God's time!

This is me in the pageant!

With that being said, take it easy Phenomenal Ladies and have a fabulous and blessed week!

No Limits Update: Number 1; Crossed off #3

Soooo I am 1 for 30 in my No Limits goals. Today, we went to Home Depot and got our gardening tools so that we could grow a garden...right on the balcony! We got tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, and strawberries!

It feels great to begin working toward gaining a new skill. Here is a pic of my strawberry patch!!!

I'm so geeks! Do any of you Phenomenal Ladies garden? If so, what do you have in your pots? If not, what do you wish you could grow???
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I hope everyone had a great weekend! I did! I was treated with a new pair of shoes-that I thought I already had-however discovered that I didn't! My friend sent me a picture of her fab new shoes and I fell in love (thinking they were in my collection already). I was sadly mistaken and my sweetie went and got them for me!

Check them out!

That's all I've got for today! Have a great week!

Product Praise!!!! : Apple Cider Vinegar

I am not sure how many of you have heard this on YouTube but apple cider vinegar is the bomb...I watch YouTube enough to be aware of it but I never had the idea to try it until I got it in a goody bag. Even then, it sat under the bathroom counter until this past week. My lovely curly friend mentioned to me in passing that she had tried it as her last rinse and it made her hair feel great and her twist outs weren't frizzy when she used it. So the next day, I decided to try it for myself.

-Let me just say, I'm not one to jump on any product band wagon. I am an equal opportunity product junkie-

So on Tuesday, I co-washed my hair using only my Herbal Essence Totally Twisted (I will do a product review about this later!) After I rinsed my hair, finger detangled a bit, I put some conditioner in my hair and I finger detangled some more...I did my shower ritual and rinsed my hair. Following this, I sprayed the apple cider vinegar all over my hair and focused on the ends. It felt pretty good when I sprayed it, I felt my hair just separate and define...I let it sit for about two minutes and rinsed it out with cold water-you have to know one thing about me, I am not a cold water rinser-luke warm is as cold as it gets. I tried it though. I could a difference immediately. My curls were defined and that frizz I always fuss about, well there was none. No frizz. None at all...So serious!

So the word on the street is that apple cider vinegar closes the cuticle. This helps define your curls and gives your hair a more defined look over all. My hair looks shinier as well.

I promise I will post pictures. I've been having some darn phone issues and the one I have right now doesn't have a great picture quality! But I don't plan to give this stuff up anytime soon!

Have you used it before? What are your thoughts about apple cider vinegar?

Write It Down, Make It Happen Campaign

This is a really quick post about something big that is going on this year. One of my favorite Youtubers, BronzeGoddess, is starting a campaign called "Write it Down, Make it Happen" for 2012. It originated from the actual book titled "Write it Down, Make it Happen." I have not read the book yet but I plan to this year. I just wanted to spread the word and say, if you are a believer, join the movement. I believe that God will grant us the desires of our heart. If you are expecting a blessing this year, ask God, for those who ask shall receive. Now don't get crazy and make this Santa Claus Christmas wishlist but you know what God has granted you so far and if you know Him, you know He will give you all that you ask for, more abundantly, according to the power that works in you...So if you expect greatness out of this year, make you vision plain by meditating on God's word, letting Him guide you, and writing it down and making it happen. Watch This Video for more information about the Campaign. I am expecting greatness from this year. I am about to make my list right now. I will share it but for now I have to actually go and pray and meditate on somethings.

This goes along with the messages from my posts earlier this year Be About Your Business and Make 2012 Your Year. Check them out as you starting thinking about your expectations about the year.

If you feel compelled, share some of your expectations for the year! Keep this in mind as you go into this campaign: "Faith Without Works is Dead." Are you holding up your end of the deal???

-Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight

Something You Should Know...

I was awarded the Versatile Style Blog Award! Yea, I'm slow. I didn't know I was supposed to do something until I read Miss Enigma's Journal and saw that I was supposed to share 7 random things about myself! Thanks Ms. Destiny. Ok so I will get to getting...

- I am afraid to stay in the house by myself. While my sweetie is in the hospital for the next 3-5 days, I will be staying with his parents, 30 minutes away from my jobs...I really can't sleep if I am alone!
- I love dresses. Formal dresses especially. I jump at any occasion where I can get dolled up with a formal dress, some heels and some makeup! I don't wear makeup that often. I might wear it to formal occasions but that is it. I might be the only girl in my 20s in America that doesn't wear makeup on a daily, or even weekly-monthly basis! It's not that I don't like it, I just don't feel the need to add that into my dress routine in the morning. Oh well, Maybe in my 30s.
- I love babies but I love to send them back! I could be the next super nanny if I had that much time but I am too busy doing other things that don't make me as happy, like working sucky jobs...Maybe I need to quit them and become a fulltime nanny for a few years before having my own! I'm sure nannying would postpone me having any at all! Just saying
- I love to read. Books, not electronic books but the real hand held books, from the public library. I have a library card and I love to check out books. I especially like old classics as well as black authors. I started becoming obsessed with black literature after I realized that I didn't know that much about my own race...I'm making up for it
- I love to visit big cities however, I could never live in one. I always wanted to move to Maryland/DC/Virginia area until I started visiting on a regular basis. I am too autonomous to have to depend on public transportation and way to sociable to walk the busy streets without smiling or saying hello to strangers. I love southern hospitality and wouldn't trade it for anything!
- I can't swim. I've tried to learn however, I am lazy. I love the beach and pools but I just haven't caught on to this basic survival skill. I will make it my business to learn it this year (I think)
- I love blogging and reading people's blogs. I have a degree in psychology and the more I probe blogs and get into people's lives, the more I realize I chose the right major. I love studying people. I like to ask questions and get to know people's backgrounds. No one person ever perceives a situation the same so we all come out with different outcomes. I also love the fact that blogging is a way to connect with more people in the world...

Those are my seven things...I guess I better get to nominating!

Upside Down, Inside Out...All Things You Don't Think About!

This post is going to be extremely vague but extremely heart-filled. Two weeks ago, my Sweetie was getting fitted for his glasses. He began having eye problems last week. Two days ago, he had a follow-up visit with an ophthalmologist. 8 hours ago we received some life changing news...

My sweetie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. When the doctor told us of the speculation on Monday, we went on about our day as if it was impossible he could have this. I mean, the faces on the websites and commercials don't show young black males. The statistics are 1 in 10,000 so why would this healthy, sweet, smart guy be one in the number? So we just brushed it off, prayed about it and didn't really stress. Today when the doctor told us, it came as a complete shock. I can't say that I am not upset but what worsens the situation is that he has had it for years and this is the first time that a doctor has taken the time to test him. I trust in God though and I know that there is a reason for this. My sweetie is a strong young man with a lot of life ahead of him. This is not a death sentence and as far as we know, he will live a normal life and life expectancy, he'll just be taking drugs. We can deal. God didn't bring us to this situation to leave us and I know that He will be watching and caring for my sweetie, His child, for as long as his life prevails.

Point of all of this...Don't let doctors short you on your health care. Keep up with your health and stay on top of what is going on with your body. Things could be going on and you would never know. Take care of yourselves and pay attention to your body. This is definitely a wake up call for me. God has His hands over this situation so I am not worried. He will provide and keep my sweetie protected. This is something I can be sure of...

So I may not be blogging for a couple of weeks. He has a hospital stay of about 5 days and I will be working, staying with his parents (I hate being alone) and tending to him. In the meantime, if you are a prayer warrior and have a network of prayer warriors, keep us in your prayers.

Until next time...

Product Review: Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise

I have had ORS products since before I went natural but I don't think I ever used them. Two years ago I started shampooing with the ORS Uplifting Shampoo but that was it. Well three weeks ago, I used the ORS Hair Mayonnaise on my hair and it gave me so much body. I mean, my curls, which are normally stiff, came alive and I was in love! Before I sat under the dryer, I was bouncing around because my hair was bouncing. So what does it do?

- moisturizes and strengthens damaged hair (Although my hair is not damaged)
- provides incredible body and shine (that is does!)

It is made with egg protein, olive oil, and a blend of botanical extracts and herbs.

It doesn't smell that good but I can deal with it.

How to use it?
It says to apply, cover with a plastic cap and sit under a warm dryer for 15 minutes.

I did as directed and like I said, got awesome results. I have been using it as a weekly deep conditioner for a month now. I notice my hair is stronger and it seems to have a good balance of moisture and protein, since this product is pretty loaded!

Price:
The first jar I got was almost 10 dollars. However, I found it at Target and it was 5 dollars plus it had 60 percent more product than the normal size. And it came with an Anti Breakage Cream. I have yet to use that but I will let you know how that goes!

This is one of my staples in the regimen that I just recently got down packed!

Have you used any ORS products before? What is your take on them?

Potential Hauls for You!

Target has Herbal Essence products on sale 2 for 5! Of course I got some but I got two that I haven't used before. I got the Totally Twisted and the other purple bottle...Tousle Me Softly.

I figured since I like the Hello Hydration and Body Envy, these two probably won't disappoint. I will definitely give you ladies some feedback!

I also got some other goodies however I plan to do my first giveaway soon. The only thing is, I need some give away ideas...


So in the comment box below, please give me some ideas!!!

In the meantime, go to Target and rack up on some goodies. They have a store-wide sale going on until Saturday!
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Edited to add, Elf MakeUp and Cosmetics has a promotion going on...3 Eye Beauty Book Eyeshadows for 10 dollars...If you love makeup, visit This Site to claim your 10 dollar make up!