Transformation

Transformation can be a beautiful thing; depending on how hard we fight against or for it. Although its often accompanied by fear, doubt and/or resentment, the outcome is well worth it. The excitement and feelings of accomplishment that one feels after realizing a bad habit is gone, is sometimes overwhelming (in a good way). At times transformation will sneak up and before you know it, the weight that you thought you couldn't lose or the feelings for a man you thought you couldn't get over, is practically gone! What a great feeling! For me, the most eye opening experience of transformation is realizing the power of my thoughts and how they affect the events in my life. For most of my life, I've imagined and expected the worst. In hindsight I believe that by expecting the worst, if the inevitable happened, I would'nt be so hurt at the time. Thinking like this lead to negative thoughts of myself (insecurity), of other people (envy and perhaps jealousy) and the world around me (pessimistic). I was just plain ole negative. What a way to live life! No more! I repeat....no more! I have and am still working to expect nothing but the best for my life and the lives of the people I love. Its our birth rights to enjoy and live the best lives. Why would anyone in the world adopt negative thinking as a way of life? Transformation is taking place right now in my life and I LOVE it! Getting this far has not been extremely challenging, neither has it been a piece of cake. Here are some actions I've taken that may help you:

• Participated in a 31-day reset challenge faciliated at http:///www.happyblackwoman.com
• Attended a webinar on life manifestion facilitated by Stephanie Alva. Checkout http://www.mylifekeys.com/
•  Let go of the negative and adopting more positive views
• Cleaned up my facebook friends list to include only people that add value to my life. I still have some cleaning up to do.
• Study the bible (definitely need to work harder here)
• Don't get involved with negative conversations of other people (still working on this)
• Realize that I was born to greatness and therefore, I expect great things.
• Opened to meet new people that are on the same page as me
• Reading books about positive thinking (several on the law of attraction)
• Minimize T.V., radio and the internet (allowing my brain to rest).
• Working out at the gym at least 4 days a week

Transformation is a continous work of art so, these things may not work well for you. For me, taking these small steps have allowed so much clarity in my life and I feel great. I still have a ways to go.  You should do whatever makes you feel good and bring you joy. I'm loving my life right now. I really am living FEARLESSLY FANCY (my new motto for 2011)! :)

Blessings to all,
from a FAB MOM!

Please share how you are transforming. What was your breaking point?

Happy 25th MLK Day!

Happy 25th MLK Day!

Today I pay tribute to the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr!. I am grateful for the sacrifices that he and others  made for ALL people and for the opportunities that we have been afforded. Im sitting here reading through pages of an old book titled "EBONY pictorial History of Black America". It's a book about the Civil Rights Movement and the events that occured back in the 50's and 60's. Very powerful, educational and empowering. Knowing what our ancestors experienced (black and white alike) and seeing these images, certainly makes me want to be a better person and to live a life full of LOVE and PEACE. Hatred, Violence, and Ignorance will not have a place in my heart nor home. I hope that everyone will take a moment to reflect on the purpose of this day, the events of the past and be grateful for everything and everyone in your life.

Here are some MLK quotes that I like:

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." 

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation were they will not be judge by the color of their skin but by the content of their character ."
 
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend."

Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."

"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.



Fearless and Fancy

2011 is the year of "Fearless and Fancy" for me! This year I am commiting to casting aways my fears and living life in a fancy way! That doesn't mean that I'm going on a grand shopping spree and living beyond my means. It means that I will NOT allow fear to control my life and stunt my growth. By living "Fancy"; I mean that I'm giving 1000 percent to everything I do. No more half stepping. No more doing things half way. I will contribute my best! Every project will be done "Fancy and Fearlessly". What's your motto or theme for 2011?

Happy New Year!!

Wishing Everyone The Best Year Ever! I pray that all of your dreams and wishes are fulfilled!!

My Love Letter to 2010

Dear 2010,

Thank you for a year of challenges, accomplishments and most importantly; growth! I met some amazing people this year. I opened myself to dating more, which was an experience in itself. Although, I have not found true love, I’ve met some great life-long friends. The biggest milestone was forgiving a family member who I thought I would never speak to again in life. That experience was definitely life changing! I see now that it was for MY benefit.


My professional arena has been the most challenging, but with these challenges, I’ve found a new sense of confidence in knowing that I am capable of doing and achieving so much more. These challenges have restored a burning flame in me to strive for better. I am forever grateful!

I’ve had so many great experiences such as my first trip to the Bahamas with family and friends, graduating from college, becoming a new seller on Ebay and shopping trips to Atlanta with my best friend!

The best thing that you have given me this year is wisdom, confidence and insight on becoming the person that I have always wanted to be; ME, with no apologies! Thank you for preparing me for great success in the year ahead. 2011, here I come!!

100 Things That Make Me Happy!

1. Seeing my children happy
2. Every month when I'm able to pay my mortgage
3. The start of each new day because I'm alive
4. Memories of my mother
5. Nice Perfume (when I smell good)
6. When I feel beautiful
7. Sea Food
8. Looking back and posts on my blog
9. When I can make someone smile
10. Having a job
11. Having a car
12. Having enough to provide for my kids
13. Spending time with family
14. Laughing on the phone with a good friend
15. Knowing that I've helped someone help themselves
16. Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha Latte with Toffee Nut syrup
17. Thoughts of achieving my goals
18. Thoughts of my desired life
19. Thoughts of my future husband
20. Thoughts of God's love for me
21. Thoughts of being in love again
22. Thoughts of being financially stable
23. Old School Music
24. Hanging out with my friends
25. Flipping through the pages of Instyle Magazine
26. Dressing up
27. Shopping for clothes and shoes
28. Marie Claire Magazine
29. Reading Essence Magazine
30. Flipping through the pages of Lucky Magazine
31. Shopping on Ebay
32. Accomplishing goals
33. Being able to fit into my jeans like I want to
34. When my kids make good grades
35. When I receive compliments
36. Silly things that my kids say
37. Being able to have a good relationship with my kids' father
38. When I can refrain from cursing somebody out at work
39. When my kids make good grades
40. Acne free skin
41. Doing nice things for others
42. Singing loudly in my car
43. Butter Pecan Icecream
44. Checks in the mail
45. Memories of my childhood
46. When I think about getting out of an abusive relationship
47. African American Love
48. Let me be honest......Money
49. Decorating my home
50. Attending Music Concerts
51. Attending Comedy Shows
52. Attending Church
53. When I master a new skill
54. Learning
55. Knowing someone else is thinking about me
56. Feeling appreciated
57. Receiving a nice email from a coworker or friend
58. When I get a good parking spot
59. When my bills are paid on time
60. Overcoming a fear
61. Christmas Time
62. Enjoying "me" time
63. Reflecting on the past and how I've grown
64. Seeing old pictures of me and the kids
65. When I'm able to resist temptation
66. When I can fit into my jeans comfortably
67. Finding good deals at consignment/resale shops
68. Vintage clothes and accessories
69. Thinking about the boutique that I'm going to open
70. Watching Oprah
71. Receiving gifts
72. Seeing other women accomplish their goals
73. Getting good results at the doctor
74. Tax money
75. When my nails look nice
76. Nice glass of wine
77. A really good book
78. Self Improvement articles, websites and books
79. Fashion
80. A nice relaxing lounge
81. Dancing with my family
82. Live music
83. Pappadeux's in Atltanta
84. Traveling outside of North Carolina
85. The calm feeling of landing safely in an airplane
86. Boy short (panties)
87. Tea and Lemonade mixed together
88. A really good salad
89. My trip to the Bahamas
90. My trip to New Orleans
91. Flowerbomb Perfume
92. Guilty Perfume (By Gucci)
93. Making it through an intense workout
94. Coconut Pecan cookies from Harris Teeter
95. Makeup
96. A man with nice shoes and great cologne (my weakness)
97. Nice shapeup on a man
98. Eye opening conversations with my children
99. Millionaire match maker
100. Family gatherings

Investment

My tip of the day surrounds the word "investment". To invest means to contribute to or to partake in something of interest. An investment is not always related to money. As women, we should be more willing to invest in ourselves. And I don't mean invest in a hot pair of shoes or a newer car. Those things are nice (and I can certainly appreciate both), but they both involve a monetary investment. Whatever it is that we are seeking to improve or become, we should focus on that and involve ourselves with people or activities that can help us get to where or who we want to become. So....how are you investing in yourself?

For me, I'm investing in self improvement by participating in Happy Black woman's "31 days of resetting your life". It doesn't cause me a dime. Check it out here http://www.happyblackwoman.com

Vision Board Party

Friday night, I gathered with a few friends and family members for a party with a purpose! We had a vision board party! It was a lot of fun. We ate appetizers, drank a lil wine, created our vision boards and........learned a new line dance! I shared my vision board with the attendees and some quick information about the law of attraction and helped them create their own.

The beauty of the night is that we talked as women about some of our insecurities and challenges and encouraged each other to strive for success. Some of us arrived at the party with visions in mind, and one particular woman, left with a new found vision that she did not have prior to the party!

At the end of the party, I shared instructions on creating a life map that I pulled from http://www.happyblackwoman.com/ (The Life Mapping Workbook). By the way, if you're interested in improving your life and finding your life's purpose, you definitely want to check out The Happy Black Woman's website. There's lots of personal development information there.


 I am excited about the things that we will accomplish in the very near future. It's great to encourage women to step out of their box and lay their fears to rest. We definitely had some great ideas and creativity going on that night!

Here are a couple of the boards that were created! Some of them are incomplete. The purpose was to at least get started. Enjoy!

“Health Challenges: Not a Death Sentence (Health Challenges in People of Color)

Hello,

I wanted to let you all know about an upcoming event that I may be attending at a new museum in right here in our area. I didn't know anything about this museum until two days ago and it's within a 10 minute drive from my house! I'm definitely taking a tour soon. Anyway, check out the info below. The information below was actually obtained from a press release for the LATIBAH Collard Green Museum. I enourage all who can attend to attend. I'm sure it will be quite informative!

Charlotte's newest history museum, LATIBAH Collard Green Museum, is proud to partner with local agencies to present a health-related, discussion symposium on some of these major health challenges of people of color. This event is presented not only as an urgent ‘need-to-know’ matter, but also in tribute to National Diabetes Awareness Month.

Panelist from: Community Health Intervention & Sickle Cell Agency, Carolinas CARE Partnership, C. W. Williams Community Health Center, and Mecklenburg County Health Department will discuss the critical health needs concerning ‘the daily practices of what we eat and how we live that impact the prevention and cure of major health concerns’ specifically sickle cell disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Other local health agencies have been invited to be on-hand to share materials and vital information on this important issue that will assist us all to be healthier.

This program is FREE to the public and will be presented during the “LATIBAH Talk” Black issues lecture-discussion series entitled “Health Challenges: Not a Death Sentence” on Friday, December 3 @ 7-8pm at the ArtHouse Center for Creative Expression  in the NoDa area. .


 About LATIBAH:

LATIBAH is the acronym for "L.ife A.nd T.imes I.n B.lack A.merican H.istory". The  LATIBAH Collard Green Museum is a history museum comprised of a collection of installations, exhibits and artifacts of fine art and cultural history. The museum covers key historical eras from the enslavement of Africans through the American systems of slavery, reconstruction, and integration to the 44th President of the U.S.A.

The LATIBAH Museum is the anchor tenant in the ArtHouse Center for Creative Expression - NoDa located at 3103 Cullman Ave. - off 36th St. [‘cross the RR tracks] between North Davidson St and North Tryon St. To gain a more complete sense of the museum’s year-and-a-half growth and development, please visit the website. http://www.latibahmuseum.org/

Tip of the Day-Diversify

Surrounding yourself around people that are different than you helps you to become a well rounded person. Finding someone who has different beliefs than you and honestly trying to understand their view points helps you to be more sympathetic and understanding. Getting to know people of different backgrounds not only makes you wiser, but it also build relationships and partnerships. The word "diversity" means variety. I truly believe that in order to succeed in this world and to grow as a person, we must have a variety of resources and a variety of people in our lives. We should all seek to meet and interact with people that are different than us.

Save $$ Using Coupons

My new favorite hobby is saving money!!! How am I saving money? By doing something SMART women have been doing for YEARS; using coupons! Yes, coupons! Sounds frugile? Like something old women do? Well say what you want....I've saved over $100 in less than a week (yes I said ONE week) simply by clipping coupons and using them only when an item is on sale. I've saved money on groceries, cosmetics, household items; even dog food! Thanks to Jenny over at http://www.southernsavers.com/, for keeping me updated with what's on sale and the best places to use coupons. She can even tell you how to get FREE stuff. And what fabulous mom doesn't like FREE!

Times are hard for most of us in this economy. If you're like me and looking for ways to save money, using coupons it it! Take a moment to check out http://www.southernsavers.com/. I promise you, it's worth it!!

Gloves For Guys Donation Drive! Please Support!

Gloves for Guys

Keeping Homeless Men Warm This Winter!

Please help keep homeless men warm this winter by donating the following items:

Socks

T-Shirts

Hats

Gloves

Underwear

Thermal Tops and Bottoms

For convenience, donations can be dropped off on Saturday, October 23rd AND Saturday, October 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the K-Mart parking lot on Freedom Drive. ****Look for the beige tent!!

All items will be donated to the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte

For additional information, please call 704-968-4877 or 704-200-1896. You can also email 2browngirlsinc@gmail.com



Strengthening the bond of sisterhood while creating an environment of EMPOWERMENT, MOTIVATION and EDUCATION



Feeling On My Boobies!

It's not what ya think!! Well, yes it is. I really am feeling on my boobies and you should too!!!

It's the 4th Annual Feel Your Boobies Week. Feel Your Boobies And Remind A Friend.

http://www.feelyourboobies.com/

How To Save Money Using Coupons

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to share a website that you can access to learn how to save lots of money using coupons. We know that all we have to do is print the coupon, take it to the store and SAVE! However, this site (run by a genious stay at home mom) shares tips on when/where the sales are and how to SAVE BIG! You can also find out where to get samples as well as FREE products. I just saved money today; simply by pulling coupons from my Sunday's paper and comparing where to get the best deal for the coupon. Don't believe me? Check out the site at http://www.southernsavers.com. As much as I hate to buy groceries, I can't believe I've waited this long to start couponing. It's SIMPLE...SMART...SHOPPING! Enjoy!!!

Wow, I have been slacking for too long. Haven't been on the site in a minute. Almost forgot my log on, it's been so long. I've been extremely busy with the kids, work, AVON and vacation. Enjoyed my time off, but I really need to write more to release some things on my mind. Don't have much to say tonight. Guess I need to get some topics together and get back on point. I just picked up the latest Essence magazine. Gonna read the topic on "What Black Men Want". That should be interesting. Maybe I'll post a few pointers. Good night for now.

A Few SCD Facts

As I mentioned in a previous post, September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. In honor of sickle cell education, I plan to post a few tid-bits of information regarding the disease, research and statistics throughout the month. So....here goes....

Although Sickle Cell Anemia is NOT a "black" disease, 400 to 600 Black American babies are born with Sickle Cell Disease each year.

If two people with sickle cell TRAIT (not disease) have children, there is a 1 in 4 chance with EACH PREGNANCY) that a baby will be born with sickle cell disease

Sickle Cell mostly occurs in people of Afrian descent. It also occurs in people who has ancestors from around the Caribbean Sea (Puerto Rico, Haiti, Jamaica) as well as ancestors around the Mediterranean Sea (Italy, Sicily, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria and South India).
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America


Celebrities born with Sickle Cell Disease
Miles Davis
T-Boz (from the group TLC)
Paul Williams (The Temptations)
Prodigy (From the rap group Mobb Deep)

Celebs that Support Sickle Cell Awareness
Tiki Barber
Loren Tate and his brothers Larron and Lamard
Dr. Ian Smith

Randoms

So it's 2 a.m. and for some reason, I just won't lie down. So.....I'll just ramble about a few things I finding on the internet.

First off, I finally got a chance to check out Ulta Consmetics. I know right, where have I been? This store is a make up junkie's heaven. Sooooo much stuff to look at. Anyway, the new fall Issue of Instyle Magazine (With Jennifer Hudson on the front) has a ton of cosmetic sample ads for Ulta. Go pick up the magazine, so you'll know which samples to ask for at the store! Hurry because the samples are only while supplies last!

Also, congrats to Jennifer Hudson for winning Instyle's Makeover Of the Year!


Looking for a site that provides opinions or feedback on different cosmetics? Check out http://www.makeupalley.com/ This is one of my favorite's sites. Anytime I'm looking to get views on certain products prior to purchase, I can always go to this site to see how others feel certain products. Another good thing is that you can create a diary of the products that you've purchased. I love this because I can always go back and check to see which foundation colors or lip glosses that I've purchased. Check it out and let me know what you think. You can also see what other people are buying and what's popular right now in the beauty world!!

So, I'm at a bridal party today and a young lady compliments me on my skin. "Tissa, your skin is so pretty". My reply: "Oh, thank you, but that's Bare Minerals"! Yep, Bare Minerals is my new love! Their foundation is extremely light and natural looking! So far I'm loving it and recommend it to others looking for a natural glow with very little coverage. Bare Minerals yall!! Try it.

Okay, getting sleepy. Good night. Take care until next time.

Trust In GOD

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

One of the challenges that I face in life, is trying to figure out how things will work in the future, and doubting my successes based on what I see is possible. Reading this scripture put things in perspective for me. I know that in order to prosper and to achieve my goals, I have to start trusting that GOD can make a way out of no way. Even if I can’t see the possibilities, they are there! It’s not my duty to figure things out. It’s my job to know that with work and faith, GOD will bring me to the path that HE has set for me.

National Sickle Cell Disease Month!!

Septemeber is observed nationally as Sickle Cell Disease Month. Many of you may or may not know that my 14 year old son was born with Sickle Cell anemia; a blood disorder inherited at birth. Throughout the month of September, I will share tid bits of information related to Sickle Cell Anemia.

I first wanted to recognize all of the brave individuals who live with this painful disease each and every day. For many, it is not easy. As a parent, it certainly is not easy watching my child live in pain. I thank GOD that he is otherwise healthy and live a normal and productive life.

The first tid bit of information that I want to share is information about the Kermit B. Nash Academic scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to reward the academic achievement of individuals with sickle cell disease and to promote their pursuit of educational goals. This is awesome because as you may know, students with sickle cell face many challenges academically due to excessive absenteeism. For more information about this scholarship and other sickle cell related topics, access the website for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America or click the link above.

Yiasou Greek Festival 2010-Get Your Eat On!!

Hi Everyone!!! Time to get our GREEK eat on!!!

Yiasou Greek Festival

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

600 East Boulevard

Don't miss this year's festival. This will make a great outing to enjoy with the family!

11 am to 9 pm Thursday, Sept. 9th
11 am to 10 pm Friday, Sept. 10th
11 am to 10 pm Saturday, Sept. 11th
12 noon to 8 pm on Sunday, Sept. 12th

Admission is $2.00 as normal. Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

School groups and senior citizens groups can make arrangements for free admission by contacting Helen Karras at the church office at 704-334-4771 by Thursday, August 27th.