Love

I love writing and cooking making people smile and have a good time. Find what you love and create a safe place and space to do. Always encourage not discourage and maintain a balance. From my heart to yours.

MAKEUP TRENDS - AUTUMN WINTER 2011

This is the season for hats. There are sales everywhere on these fabulous accessories. There is a hat for everyone's personal style. Happy Hat Hunting.

Greetings Facebook,

If you have not noticed in your news feed the video I have posted about locks/dreads I am here to inform you. I am apart of the youtube community and we are celebrating a day created by one of our fellow youtubers qochemist entitled "Loc Appreciation Day" This is major. In celebration of this day June 25th I decided to create this note about Natural Hair. I love my natural hair I embrace it to it's total capacity. I know that natural is not for everybody but i do believe if people had the knowledge they would be willing to at least try it. Now I am not degrading the sista's with the perms, weaves, or wigs in no way but I would like for the men and women to express their opinion on Natural Hair verses Permed Hair. I know women who have natural and processed hair. Most are confident of their choice but a few do it because they do not have the knowledge, they are keeping up with trend, or they are just simple brainwashed. Now what I mean by brainwashed is they do not know any better. On television and in the movies they lead us to believe that we need to look like somebody who we are not. This is not only with hair but it is with fashion, food, entertainment and the list goes on. We are not taught but instead ridiculed about our curly coils. Did you know that the Black Race has amazing natural hair. All you have to do is take care of it, do some research and start to nurture your lovely grade of hair. There is no such thing as good and bad hair that is another term used to trick you from being your natural self. Some of you may think I want to change you or the world for that matter into wearing your natural hair that is not true. I will tell you what I would like for you to get out of this article "Knowledge". I want you to know that you are beautiful no matter how you choose to wear your hair because after all it is an expression as to Who You Are.

I have had my dreads for eleven years before then I had natural long hair. I started my locks because it was always a style I wanted but was to afraid of what people would think. How long can you live life worrying about what people think. Do what makes you feel happy all over. Since I have had my dreads I know of at least ten people who got the courage to go natural themselves because of my confidence. Natural does not mean dreads or locks it simply means NO MORE CHEMICALS. One last point I would like to make before I end this note of knowledge if you choose not to wear your natural hair please think about this. Do not subject your daughters to chemicals allow them to make that choice on their own. My daughter wears her natural hair and it is always cute. She goes to school with all different cultures she does not get teased as a matter of fact the children and parents compliment her on the hairstyles she wears. My baby is only seven but she is confident and proud of her natural hair. Don't believe the hype people. In conclusion if you are not sure if you decide to try being natural you can still blow dry and straighten you hair. Just be careful and do not apply to much heat all the time. We want natural healthy hair. Their will be a conference at a resort in Miami in September called "A Million Queens all about natural hair. If you are interested check out their website. From my heart to yours

You should never be to old or to tired to have some good ole fashioned FUN. Ladies it is very important not to loose yourself after you have a family. I know I know we wear many hats we have to work, cook, clean, business meetings, church, PTA, charity events and fundraisers, take the kids to school as well as cheer, football, dance, soccer, piano lessons and if you are not to tired at the end of the day have a Candy Coated Moment with your man. Needless to say you must stop and repeat after me "Self it is time to spend a moment alone or with friends if you choose to. Go hang with your girls have a spa day at Glen Ivy, or Brunch at Spaghettini's, a bon fire at the beach, a pajama party and rent a nice suite with room service and all, go clubbing if that is your thing, if you want to do it big plan a trip to Miami or Jamaica, or you can have a quiet evening alone just you a candle lit bubble bath a glass of Cabernet with some sweet jazz playing in the background. Regardless what you choose let loose and have some fun. Do not forget to keep yourself sexy as well. When I say sexy I mean your definition of sexy not television or magazine sexy that is not real. Sexy is a feeling an emotion. For example a new nail color, or hairstyle or some jeans that fit just right on your body. No more complaining about your physical appearance Just be who the Most High Created you to be we are all handcrafted and wonderfully made. Now call your sister friends and get to planning. What are you waiting for put the computer down and go; )

Save some money

Just a few tips on how easy it is to save money and use it for more important endeavors.The reason I have dreads is because I got sick and tired of the beauty salon and spending all my money. At the time I was going to Thomas St. Jacques in Beverly Hill getting my hair hooked up. He was a partner with Celebrity Hairstylist Eldon Campbell. After a while we became good friends and I went to his house to get my hair done. Nevertheless it was expensive. I have had dreads for eleven years and I am estimating I have save about eighteen thousand dollars. Yes that is a lot of money. I am not telling you to grow dreads just learn how to do your own hair or go to a beauty college every now and then. Now if you got it like that then blessings to you. I have recently learned how to arch and thread my own eyebrows this saves me about one hundred and seventy five dollars a year. I also do my own manicure and sometimes pedicure. This is a luxury that I love but I can do it myself it need be. Right now we are in a recession gas prices are rising and they are not going to get any lower. Here is how you can save. If you drive to work everyday see if you can carpool or take public transportation. I know what you are thinking but this will save a ton of money. I will not take away you going out to restaurants but I will say if you have take out every single night I will give you one or two options either learn how to cook, if you already know how then turn on your oven. You will feel better and have more money to spend or in your savings. Last but not least if you have cable and Internet cancel your cable. You can watch almost anything on the Internet these days. Now I can go on and on about this subject but I do not want to bore you taking about doing things for yourself. Actually I have put this plan in action for myself and I am so happy that I did. If you would like more tips leave a comment I will be happy to share. Here on the side is a picture of my eyebrows I did them myself. From my heart to yours

Peace Love and lots of Blessings

Face Book Drama

Greetings Lovely Ones Have you or anyone you know ever had Facebook Drama. OMG it seems as though this social network has become the new tool to bully people. I mean seriously banging on facebook. You have baby mama drama, trust issues, people gossiping about others on wall post thinking that no one is going to see it just plain foolishness. First of all if you saw the movie Social Network you would know that Facebook was originally created for people who were in college or graduates of a college so that they could keep in contact with each other. I remember when everybody was on myspace and could not stand facebook now everybody and they grandmother and I do mean this has a profile on this social network.

I personally use facebook as a networking tool, to keep in contact with my family who live in other states, business purposes, and of course to stay well connected with my fellow Generals and my College Buddies. Can I offer a piece of advice want to hear it here it go. People please do not scroll through your significant others friends and call them up asking "Where you know my wife/husband from come on that is so childish ask your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend or whoever that question. Secondly do not threaten people or slander them on facebook because this could lead to some jail time for you. Evidence people don't you know the FBI, CIA, Police DEA and all the other people who are looking for criminals read FACEBOOK looking for people like you. Here is a very important tip Stop Posting What you Smoking. Keep it to yourself because once again you are incriminating yourself. This is the world wide web nothing is private. You think you're getting away with it no. I do not want to hear " I dont understand how I got caught no one ever told me about the way these social networks operate. In conclusion if you have something to say to someone or about someone call them on the phone or write them a letter or even send a personal message don't post it on your wall or their wall that is not fair. If the shoe was on the other foot you would not like it. One more tip I almost forgot please stop with the naked photos of you and especially your children. Did you know that there are petafile networks as well. I know what you're thinking "My facebook is private and no one can download my pictures" well think again they sure can. Have you heard of hacking yes that is what they do. I hope this article was interesting and have fun on Facebook.

From my heart to yours,

Blessings.

The Gift of Time

Greetings Lovely Ones,

Parenting is not an easy task. When you have a child or children it does not come with an instruction manual. Yes of course there are people that you can get advice from but no one has the real answers they only can offer you choices and give you their morals and values. I have three children. It was me and him my son that is for a long time before I decided to have more. I must admit I went back to work when he was only four months old because I did not want to get caught up in the county system like I seen so many others do. I wanted to be able to provide things and offer a hobby to my son. Now that I have two more children and work from home I see a difference in the way the children grew up. This may seem strange but I have more control and I mean this in a good way. My oldest son stayed with my mother. She stopped work for the first five years to help take care of him. Even though he went to pre-school as well as kindergarten I noticed a difference in his behavior and learning pattern verses the younger two that I was afforded the luxury to work from home. I am thankful that I noticed the situation and took action. My oldest did well in school but I see a difference in all three of my children. It just gets better with time. They all have special talents, very intellectual, and I see my son giving the younger two the same advice his dad and I gave him.

By me being a stay at home mom with a career I had more authority and control as far as what my children ate, watched on television, the curriculum they learned, and more interaction. This is important. My goal as a parent is to supply my children with as much knowledge, respect, morality, and value structure as I can. Things are petty. They will not remember the huge birthday party they had at the age of two, the light bright they got at Christmas when they were five, or the Nintendo Wii but you bet your last dollar they will remember the time I spend with them. Walking the dogs, picnics, reading to them a bedtime story, helping with homework, playing jump rope, laying in the bed watching movies on a Sunday morning, or even the lectures and punishments that is what they will remember and hopefully give to their own children someday. This is what I remember most from my childhood. I know in the way this economy is people cannot afford to stay home both parents have to work so if you have a career of a job remember to give your son or daughter a little bit of you.

I did not grow up with both of my parents in the household at the age of five my mom and dad separated but we did have a relationship with my father. I remember playing tennis, boardgames and cards with my mom and taking walks, playing in the park and having long intense talks with my father. I will never forget it. My parents did the best they could with what they had. Embrace all the opportunities you get to spend time with your own children and be thankful. There is no amount of money that can buy back time. Just know if you ever become afraid that you cannot financially provide for your child that new pair of shoes he think he needs, or the new IPad she think she wants you can always give the gift of TIME.

From my Heart to yours

Peace love and lots of blessings

Nikki Minaj Pink Friday CD/Mac Lipstick

I have to admit I did not understand the hype female hip hop artist Nikki Minaj until I saw a live interview she did on the Wendy Williams show yesterday November 17th. She is amazing, articulate and very creative. I had no clue she went the theatrical school as a matter of fact the exact theatrical school that Madonna's daughter attended. Now I understand why she is so animated and over the top. I never try to judge anyone just because I do not like some of the music that is playing on MTV and the radio does not mean I cannot accept the person. I love to witness an extraordinary artist as they bloom like a beautiful orchid and spread their beautiful fragrance amongst the universe. The album is entitled Pink Friday which was suppose to drop tomorrow but was postponed until Monday November 22, 2010. Also the artist has signed on with Mac Cosmetics to launch a beautiful pink lipstick almost the shade as the Lady GaGa that will be available to order online only tomorrow November 19th. This is exclusive and will be available online Fridays only for four weeks. This is why the color is called Pink Friday 4. I believe the lipstick and album were suppose to be released together but you know how record labels are always have to procrastinate and tamper with the flow of things. All in all I must say this young female rapper is not as corny and uneducated as people perceive her to be. My son who is eighteen by the way explained this scenario to me when she first hit the airwaves on youtube. I feel she is adorable, has a great attitude about where she is going in her career. She has a bright future planned for her as long as she continues to stay focused, educated, and a team player. One more quality that I appreciate about this artist is she always pays homage to the female rappers who paved the way for her to enter into an industry that is predominantly male. For those of you who do not know she is the First Lady of Lil Wayne's Label (Young Money) Nikki Minaj the person seems to have a good heart Nikki Minaj the artist is clever and knows how to brand herself which is very imperative in the music business. Blessings to this Pink Power House.

From my heart to yours,

Peace and Blessings

Industry Truther Lauryn Hill's Christian Bass-Player Assassinated 1-12-1...

Nothing is more important than YOU

I have been out of the loop for a few weeks now. I have surely missed writing. A few weeks ago I was running doing my normal exercise routine and began to experience chest pain. Three days prior to this I had a root canal and was under pain medication as well as an antibiotic. Physically I felt fine but obviously I was not. This situation was scary. I will not go into full detail but Later that day I went to the hospital had to stay five days and go through a series of test which were all negative.

I was so terrified my entire life flashed before my eyes. I promised God if he allowed me to make it through I would do more, live each day to the fullest, and not sweat the small stuff. I did not realize there is so much more I want to do, places I want to go and people I would love to meet and help. Immediately while laying in that hospital bed I had to say to myself " Self you are here on an assignment there is someone for you to meet, help or maybe hear what the Most High has to whisper to you because you are so busy".

The hospital is no place to rest it is a place to get treated. If you are not spiritually connected and in sound body and mind you could literally take your last breath at that place. They just want to give you lots of medication instead of finding what the real problem is. Everyone please take care of yourself. What I learned is I come first. Without me how will my children and husband receive proper care. I love my family but for the first time in my life I must listen to my own advice. I am recovering now with a new perspective about what life is. I know we live and we die but I have a lot to do here on earth. Remember this we are all created for his purpose some of us are fortunate enough to actually do what we absolutely love and some of us perform other responsibilities. Just be excited to breath everyday. Each time the sun rises is a new day for you to start over again.

From my heart to yours

Peace and Blessings

Fall is finally here. I love this season because of the fashion (hats, boots, and coats) the holidays Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite because family and friends feast and give thanks in unity and of course nature ( you see the cycle of life in action). Fall and Spring are my favorite seasons due to in the fall all the leaves fall from the trees and they bloom again in spring. The Birds fly south and come back in the Spring most of the beautiful flowers die in the fall and are reborn in the spring. These two seasons really give me great reason to truly understand and know the Most High exist. This would not be possible without his power. Now that I am wiser I understand the circle of life it is happening all around us. In the fall things die and are reborn again in the spring. My challenge to my readers is if you have anything that you want to accomplish or a certain aspect of your life you want to change begin to work on it because it is a process. When Spring comes you will see a major difference if you continue to be diligent and persistent.

From my heart to yours,

Peace love and lots of blessings

Marc Jacobs - Fall Winter 2010/2011 Full Fashion Show

Feeling Good

You feel good when you look good. Whatever that may be to you. You may get a new hair do, get a mani and a pedi, buy a new handbag or pair of shoes, a massage, facial, or a make-over whatever floats your boat. It is important to take care of your temple from the inside out as well. Exercise, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy are key to feeling good. Sometimes we try to cover up how we feel with things which is a temporary high. If you want to be on cloud nine then take care of yourself. Here are a some tips. Get plenty of rest at least eight hours of rest. Research shows sleep is very important. If you are not sleeping well at night you probably need to consider new bedding, a pillow or mattress. Make sure you have a tidy bedroom with few distractions. Get yourself a sleep mask if your room is not dark enough. Keep all TV and music off when you are resting.Improper rest causes stress, pain and other issues. Secondly drink plenty of water especially if you live in a hot environment your body can dehydrate. Our bodies are about seventy percent water therefore we need for our muscles, skin, and organs. Eating healthy plays an important role as well. You need certain fruits and vegetables to maintain a good liver, great skin, working arteries, excellent vision I can go on and on. There is a book that talks about certain foods for certain blood types. Example I am A positive it tells me to stay away from certain meats fruits and vegetables and I find it to be true. I stopped eating meat not because it was cool to be vegetarian but this is a better way of life for me and my body.This is an important subject most diseases come from the way we do not take care of our bodies. Lastly exercise I know I know you hate it. Just think of it this way if you exercise you will live longer. Exercise to be healthy not to lose weight you will have more fun. If you own a dog walk it, If you have children jump rope or play tag with them, park your car far away from the store and walk instead of pulling right in front. Listen to your body get in touch with yourself know the do's and dont's. These are just a few tips I will share more later. Have fun and start your journey to a healthier you.
From my heart to yours
Peace blessings and lots of love.

Green Butter-dr.Oop feat. Rogue Venom

I love real hip hop

Urban Decay Naked Tutorial

Choose Love over Hate

Choose to eat to live over living to eat

Choose Faith over Fear

Choose wealth over riches

Choose wisdom over power cause knowledge is power

Choose to read a bedtime story to your children

Choose to be free in mind body and soul instead of bondage of the mind

Choose imported wine and delicious food over cheap beer and potato chips

Choose to smile at least once a day instead of a frown

Choose Spirituality over Religion

Choose celabacy anytime over just plain sex

Choose to speak the truth

Choose to put you first

Choose to spend time on your kids instead of money

Choose to be a blessing instead of a burden

Choose to love yourself like no one ever has

Choose to be spontaneous instead of being predictable

Choose to keep it real instead of being fake

Choose to empower Choose to share Choose to Care Choose to teach instead of preach

Choose to stay in the positive over gossip and slandering others

Choose furniture for your house that expresses your personality instead of following trend

Choose to check your own dirty laundry before you expose someone else

Choose to live your life the way you see it to hell with the way others think you should be

None of us are perfect the Most High God created us all with imperfections but he gave us all a special gift the RIGHT TO CHOOSE.

From my heart to yours

Peace and Blessings

Listen to 108locss Playlist

Dreads

As you can see I have dreads. My history with them is amazing ten years and counting. My dreads are apart of me. Where I go they go when the wind blows they follow how I feel is represented by every single strand and lock on my head. I decided to dread my hair because I always felt people with this way of life were conscious, free, open minded, intellectual, creative, brilliant, and innovative. This is me I walk to the beat (boom boom boom clack boom clack boom boom Tupac shed so many tears track) of my OWN drum. I get a lot of inquiries about my hair. The most craziest question is how do you wash your hair my response: With Shampoo just like you.

There is a profound history about the dread lock. We all know it dates back to Africa but some are confused as to how far back. In my research I have found that evidence of dreadlocks are found in Kemet known today as Egypt. Some associate the dread lock to the rastafarian religion which includes smoking ganga ( marijuana cush chronic weed) and listening to reggae music but being a true rasta is not based on those principles. It is based on being one with God (Jah) fighting the struggle of Babylon, eating healthy and keeping the body free from caffiene, drugs, meat, alcohol, and anything else that contaminates your temple.

In Kemet dreadlocks were only to be worn by the Kemetic Spriritual Master and Dogon Priest for a period of seven to thirteen years. It was a very sacred hairstyle. These spiritual figures healed the body and was responsible for procreation. The belief system for hair was it has emmiters and receptors which control the flow of energy. God gave Moses the ten commandments but the Priest in Kemet had seventy seven commandments.

King Tut had dreads and so did the Pharoahs. You see this is why some people get highly offended with people who are just wearing this as a hairstyle and ignorant to the lifestyle. It is different from a weave, blonde streaks, and hair extentions. Braids are even symbolic in the African Culture and apparently we have lost sight. My hypothesis is the reason why we do all these different styles with our hair and most take so much pride is due to the spiritual connection we once lost but remains present in our heart. When I made the decision to dread my hair I was on a spiritual journey, pregnant with my second son, discovering who I was all over again, re-building my relationship, disconnecting with all negativity and reconnecting with the love of my life meaning Myself. As I sat in that chair it was the most wonderful experience I shared in a salon filled with abundant prayer and good conversation. Every lock on my head was created in Agape Love. Lastly some not all wonder why I continue to use the term dreads instead of locks. What does dread mean the dictionary definition is extreme fear, fearful expectation or anticipation, be afraid of or frightend. Well I do not use it loosely this is what they say and this is how I interpret it "Yes beware and have extreme fear of my intellect" I did go through a point in my life where I said my hair is not dreadful but I realized that words mean different things to different cultures. I will not let the original term be translated into something so negative and dark. The term is embraced by many due to the struggle, rebellion, and sacrafices that were made and until I find the original word that was used in Kemet I will continue to refer to my lifestyle as a Dread Head. Dreadlocks are symbolic and can be a controversial subject. I prayer is people will read this article and become more cautious and sensative to this decision. Leave your biased opinions to yourself. Hope this key of information is the missing piece to the dreadlock puzzle.

From my heart to yours

Peace, love, and lots of blessings

Friendship

Greetings Lovely Ones,

Do you have a friendship that is dear to your heart. If so make sure you cherish that friendship forever. I have a best friend that I have known for thirty four years. We met in kindergarten and have maintained a friendship since. We were tight all through elementary Jr. High and our first year of High School. You probably say well what happen. Did you have a fight or some huge argument that caused you to go your separate ways. The answer is absolutely not. We just needed to experience other friendships and create new experiences. We both enjoyed each others company whenever we would hang out but at the same time we were mature enough to understand ones needs, hobbies, and interest. You see a friend is not someone who is jealous hearted meaning feeling resentment toward someone because of their success or advantages. A friend is not a backstabber meaning they talk about you when you are not present and smile in your face or repeat to another friend a secret/ conversation you shared with one another. A friend does not by no means talk to, date, or sleep with your boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife or Ex for that matter. A friend does not compete meaning be in a state of rivalry. What has kept our friendship strong is not becoming caught up in all the drama of what I just mentioned. A friend is patient, kind, supportive, giving, trustworthy, and noble. There were important events in my best friends life and mine that we missed out on but we did not hold each other accountable. These last few years we have talked more than ever before and I am totally excited. The bond has always been present and we are inseparable meaning incapable of being separated. We use the word friendship so loosely everyone is not your friend. My mother told me that when I was a child. People are in your life for a reason, a season, or a Lifetime. This blog is dedicated to Latasha Porter-Bourne thank you so much for being the most fantabulous friend in the whole universe you are the best.

From my heart to yours,

Peace love and lots of blessings