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.

Family Nights at Noodles & Company in August!

Hello!! This is for readers in the Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC (Cameron Village) Areas!!

Looking for a FUN family activity? Noodles & Company is offering a speacial treat for the entire month of August!

Noodles & Company is hosting family nights EVERY Tuesday in August at the Cary and Cameron Village restaurants From 5-9 p.m!

Each Tuesday night  in August, kids 12 and under eat for FREE! Key word here is FREE!!

Each child will enjoy a small bowl of noodles and a drink.

It doesn't end there! Also during family nights, customers can sample cookies, Rice Krispy treats and other fun activities!

Be Sure To Take Advantage of This Wonderful Offer! 

Got To Give It Up

Thank GOD for video cameras. I'm browsing through some old pictures tonight and came across a video of my 80 year-old grandmother dancing at a family function. "Got To Give It Up" by Marvin Gaye was one of my grandmother's favorite jams. How ironic is it that I find a video of her dancing to this song? Warning! My family is quite silly, but we sure know how to have fun. Rest In Peace to my loving grandmother (known to all as "Ma E.") Give It Up!!Enjoy!

Verve Beauty Anniversary Celebration Week

Join Verve' Beauty Spa and Salon for their Anniversary Celebration Week!

July 27th through July 31st

Enjoy refreshments and giveaways the entire week!

For more information check out http://www.vervebeauty.com/

or call 704-332-3717

Criminal Justice Degrees

Looking for a career in Criminal Justice? Check out this website for information on the most common degrees in the Criminal Justice field. You will also find an up to date and complete listing of different states and Universities that offer Criminal Justice related degrees and courses.

http://www.criminaljusticedegree.com/

What Drowning Looks Like-Parents: You Must Read This

I found an interesting article on yahoo.com about a few misconceptions of what "drowning looks like". We usually imagine a drowning victim as one who waves and screams for help in water while gasping for air (at least that's how it is depicted in movies). Unfortunately, I've just learned that a drowning victim does just the opposite. Click the Link for the full story. Parents: you definitely want to check this out.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/drowning-looks-different-than-you-think-2010225/

Life's Simple Treasures

picture from http://www.artbywicks.com

There are so many beautiful, yet simple things in life that we overlook on a daily basis. For example; the sound of crickets singing, the wind blowing, a child's laughter, a beautiful butterfly, a corny joke that makes you laugh until tears form in your eyes, running into a childhood friend at the grocery store, the sound of giggly girls playing patty cake, a song that remains relevant 20 years after it was made (hint: What's going on by Marvin Gaye), uninterrupted sleep, stress free days and nights, back in the day conversations with family and friends, or a soft kiss from a spouse. I could go on and on and on, but my days are so busy and my nights are so short that I forget to notice all the simple things that bring me joy...........until I'm FORCED to sit down and take notice. Note to busy parents: Life goes by so fast. We are busier today than we've ever been. Take a minute to slow down, reflect and enjoy life's simple treasures. It's the most simplest of things that can calm our spirits and renew peace. Enjoy them!

Happy 3rd Anniversary Verve' Beauty Spa and Salon

Hi Fabbies,

In need of relaxation and pampering at a nice, upscale salon and spa? Well you can find that at Verve' Beauty Spa and Salon! Be sure to join them this month as they celebrate their Third Anniversary.

Find out more about their upcoming Anniversary Celebration Week and more by going to http://www.vervebeauty.com/promos.htm

Cute Avon Shoes

So, I'm roaming the July issue of Lucky magazine and came across a familiar looking shoe. I'm thinking to myself "I've seen these shoes somewhere before." So, I look closer at the designer's name written in small print and sure enough.....they're by Avon! How cool is that!!!! Lucky mag is marketing shoes by Avon! Check them out here. Super cute and super cheap for only $30.

Check out my online Avon site for these shoes and other super cheap Avon items. http://www.youravon.com/omarble. Need help finding at item? Leave a comment and I'll gladly respond with a solution!

Cara B Naturally

CARA B Naturally™, a Natural skin and hair care line is created specifically for ethnically diverse babies and children. For more information on this new line, please visit http://www.mycarab.com

Be Sickle Smart!

The Be Sickle Smart Empowerment Tour is coming to a city near you!

Be Sickle Smart is a program that campaigns around the country raising the awareness of Sickle Cell Disease and it effects from iron overload. Dr. Ian Smith (many know him as the Dr. on Celebrity Fit Club) has now joined forces as the Guest Speaker on the Be Sickle Smart Empowerment Tour.

Attendees at the events will:

•Gain insight into how others live with SCD

•Learn about iron overload
•Get a free screening to see if you are at risk of iron overload (this is for people with SSD)
•Be creative and have fun
•Your painting or drawing could win a spot and be featured in the 2011 SCD calendar
•Share your poetry and rhymes about living with SCD
•Participate in an SCD Wii challenge for all age groups
•Take home a free Be Sickle Smart tool kit and meet Dr. Ian Smith

To find out more information about the Be Sickle Smart Empowerment tour and when it may be in or close to your city, text BSS plus your zip code to 74139 or click the link below to be routed to Dr. Ian's 50 million pound challenge website.
http://50millionpoundchallenge.com/the_challenge/be_sickle_smart/empowerment_tour.aspx?site=PU001571&source=01030&irmasrc=EXJWB0222

The tour will be in Raleigh, NC on July 31st and yours truly will be in attendance!

If you know anyone suffering with Sickle Cell Disease or has a child with Sickle Cell Disease, please share this information with them.

My Recent Consignment Store Find!

Not sure if I mentioned this before, but I absolutely lovely dovely LOVE thrift and consignment stores. Gonna open my open one day! Any hoot, just wanted to share pics of my most recent pic-Super Duper cute Gucci Peep Toe Pumps!

I've never been into White Shoes (other than sneakers), but I could not think about leaving these in my newly found favorite consignment shop.

What do you guys think? I think they're adorable. :0) Don't hate on consignment shops!

I'm An Avon Representative

As a child, I clearly remember seeing Avon books lying around my grandmother's house. She ordered Avon products religiously. Skin So Soft was always a staple in our family, as well as the creamy perfumes that came in that small round jar. My perception of Avon has always been that it was for "older ladies". That was until one of my close friends recently re-introduced me to recent Avon books. Avon has definitely stepped up their game. Looking through the books, I've found a really sexy one shoulder dress that I plan to wear on my cruise to the Bahamas this September. Check it out!!

I've also found another convertible dress that can be worn in 7 different styles!! (see them blelow.

There are also some really cute accessories that I have my eye on. Okay Avon, we see you!!With that said, I've decided to take a stab at working as a representative for Avon. Door to Door marketing has never been my thing, so I have to be creative in how I get my name out. Definitely won't see me knocking on doors though. We will see how this goes!

Any hoot, I highly recommend you to check out the new products Avon has to offer from the new Skin So Soft products, accessories, and dresses to the lovely cosmetics products. You will be surprised at the great finds. You can access my online store where you can make easy purchases and have your items mailed directly to you. http://www.youravon.com/omarble.  Be sure to share with your friends. You can also purchase MARK products at this site!

What I LOVE Being A Black Woman

When asked what I love about being a black woman, I graciously replied by saying:

I represent the most beautiful species on the face of the earth. Being part of a group that represents strength, courage, power and beauty makes me proud. I know that no matter what challenges come my way, I know that I can overcome them because I am a black woman and we are resilient against all things. I love the different shades of black women. I love our curves. I love the textures of our hair. We are the most desired women in the world. People pay to make their lips look like ours. They pay for tans to mirror our skin tones. They love the fullness of our hips. We are beautiful inside and out. THIS is why I love being a black woman!

Never Give Up On A Dream!

If you have a vision or a goal, do not get discouraged if you can't see HOW things will pan themselves out. Take small actions that move you closer to achiving that goal. Be proud of those small accomplishments and remember that they will lead to a greater accomplishment. We all know that Rome wasn't conquered in a day. Many people allow their visions to die because they can not envision HOW they will make those impossible things possible. Take this advice:as long as you have the vision and the passion, don't give up!! Keep pushing towards that goal. If you don't have the resources or the capacity to make things possible, do some research on how you can obtain the resources. Seek assistance from others, network and build meaniful partnerships that will help you. Don't give up!!!

I had a great extended weekend spent with family. Saturday, my sister and I went yard saling and stopped by a few consignment shops. You guys know I love consignment shops and yard sales! I relaxed most of the day on Sunday and spent the evening eating dinner with my dad and his wife. Sunday night, my sister and I took the kids to see the fireworks. Actually, my sister and I went to see the fireworks (the kids didn't seem to pay them any attention.) Although the fireworks can use a boost (they seem to be the same ones every year), I was quite relaxed while watching them. Something about that experience reminded me of my childhood and how we could sit on the picnic table in my grandmother's backyard and enjoy the entire show. Watermelon, kids running all over the place and old school music! Yeah, the memories were more exciting than the actual fireworks! Back to my weekend. Yesterday, I met with a good friend to discuss plans on a project that we're working on. The meeting was super productive. We've got a lot of great plans in store. I can't wait to share more information about it. Stay tuned is all I can say! Oh well, there went my weekend. It was great. Now, back to work.


Hope you all enjoyed your weekend! What did you do?