The Great Resolve

Ever wonder why year after year we make the same resolutions (or different ones) then at the end of year find out we didn't stick to them or realize after the first month we've lost our way? You know, the resolutions that go "I'm going to lose weight," "I'm going to eat better," "I'm going to stop procrastinating." Yeah those! Well wonder no more. I'm going to tell you why they don't work and then explain how you can resolve to do something great and actually stick to it!

One reason why, often times, we fail at keeping our resolutions is because we set ones that are unattainable. The second reason is that we stop there. We set a goal but don't set a plan on how we are going to reach that goal. Third, and probably the biggest reason, is that we don't follow through - mainly because  we get distracted. 

Here is the biggest, most common example I can think of… Resolution: "I'm going to lose 30lbs by February." Let's be real! While not impossible, for most of us, it is unattainable - especially if you want to do it in a way that is still healthy. Then we drop the ball. How do you plan of losing all of this weight? Are you going to the gym, walk during lunch hour, change the what you eat? HOW? Finally, we're distracted. Instead of going to the gym after work, we get talked into Happy Hour with our pals, or we have tons of other stuff to do. Thus, we fail. Resolution UNRESOLVED! It doesn't have to be this way! 

Here are a few suggestions that may help you in all that you are trying to accomplish in the New Year! First, set a big goal. What are you ultimately trying to achieve? And make sure that it is realistic for you. Then set little goals - maybe a monthly goal, followed by weekly ones. Next you MUST COMMIT! Sacrifices will have to be made. Some things will require scheduling. To-do lists are always helpful. Remember there are always going to be distractions, peer pressure and other events of life. While it is ok to be flexible, you should still remain focused on achieving your goals. Another way to help you stay on task is to involve family and friends when possible. Don't be afraid to ask for help or encouragement. For me, personally, when I really want to get something done, I post it on Twitter and Facebook. Even if no one cares, I still feel a certain sense of accountably for doing what I said I would. Finally, believe in you! Other people may doubt you. Don't let them get you down, use that as motivation.

Setting goals  is one thing, but achieving them is another. And how rewarding is it once you've reached the mountain top! Remember, you can do anything that you set your mind to. Believe in yourself. I believe in you! Say a prayer and off you go! Happy Goal Setting!

JC

Tis The Season

Right now our power is out due to the storm last night. In my house it is cold and it is dark. My baby's hands are cold, the food in the refrigerator is spoiling and I can't turn on the stove to make a hot meal. This is only a glimpse of what some people out there are going through everyday. The electricians will come, fix the power line and my lights will be on in a few hours but what about those who aren't so fortunate?

We've all heard he phrase, "It is much better to give than receive."But I'm sure we all love to receive things too! Thats one of the fun parts about the holiday season - the hustle of shopping, the anticipation of Christmas day, and finally knowing that a someone else has thought of you when you open that present. Again, what about those who aren't so fortunate? 

For me, it always warms my heart when I can give something that puts a smile on another person's face. And sometimes, that feeling is even better than when I receive something myself. This Christmas I'm asking for others to, if they are able, help make someone else's Christmas a little brighter.

If you aren't quite sure how or where to get started, here are a few ideas:

Your local mall may be hosting and Angel Tree where you can pick a name of a child or a family and purchase gifts for them.You can try seeing if your bank provides stockings that you can fill and bring back. Similar to the Angel Tree, your church or the Salvation Army may have persons that need help during this time. And finally, one of my personal favorites, the United Way website. There you can find lots of opportunities for community service, providing meals for the homeless and even sponsoring families. The great thing about United Way is that they provide this information year-round. 

The holidays are a time to be with family, friends and loved ones. It is also a great time to help those you may not even know. I'm sure it will put a smile on there face and warmth in your hearts. Let's lend a hand this holiday and every season thereafter. 

And guess what... Upon finishing up this entry, my lights came back on! BEAUTIFUL!

JC

Thankful

As you all know Thanksgiving has just passed. Now everyone is busy with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas Shopping, meeting deadlines, preparing for family and wrapping up 2010. We're thinking about all the things we want  for Christmas and contemplating what may be our New Years Resolutions. In the midst of it all, I have had some time to reflect and you know what… I'm still truly thankful!

I have been blessed with a lot of things. I get to wake up every morning and start all over. I have my health. I have my family. I have been given an assignment from God that He obviously trusts me to handle (being a wife and a mom). I get to communicate with the world. AND I can make a difference in it!

The thing that gets me is that people (and I'm guilty of this too) use that one day, Thanksgiving, to really analyze what they are thankful for. Then the day is done and back to our normal routines and leftovers. I'm not saying that we're not thankful any other day. I am saying, however, that maybe we should take the time everyday to count our blessings. 

Everyone has a different situation, but we should all keep in mind that someone out there in the world is always going to have it worse and someone is going to always have it better. The blessing in that is that we can help those who have it worse and we can strive for what is better. 

Someone once told me that a thankful heart keeps depression at bay!  How awesome is that! So I want you to do me a favor. Think about all the things you complained about from the time you woke up this morning, stumped your toe and walked into that wall… Now… Count your blessings. Name them one by one, you can even write them down… Now smile!

I'm thankful for a ton of things and then some! And Im thankful for you! 

JC

Beautiful Change

Change is good! I know if some of my friends were reading, they would go "whoa whoa whoa who is saying this?!" Yes, I said it. Change is good. But I will also be the first to admit that I didn't always feel this way. Any time there was going to be anything different, I would be the first to scream "Ughhhh I hate change!" Looking back I can now say how silly of me!

The problem is that we get comfortable. We are creatures of habit. We get accustomed to things going a certain way almost all the time. I know this is what was happening to me. Everyday, get up, go to work, come home, exercise, cook, eat, shower, go to bed, do it all over again the next day. Then my world took a sudden turn… Before I knew it, I was engaged, moved across the country, married and had a baby all in less than a year! TALK ABOUT CHANGE! Whew! It all happened so fast (and to the girl who hated change)! I had to learn to be a wife, a mom and find my way around a new place! It was definitely overwhelming at times but the cool thing about it is with change comes growth.

When change happens it, in a way, forces you to grow up, look at things differently, challenge yourself and one another. Change allows you to look back and see where you may have fallen and lost your way, but it can also allow you to see how totally awesome you are and how good you have it. Sometimes change can be painful. Maybe you move away or lose a loved one or worse. Even in that there is good knowing that you have the strength to overcome and make it through.

I use to not like change because I was afraid. Afraid of the 'what ifs.' At least all the wrong what ifs… What if something goes wrong? What if I mess up? What if this messes me up? What if this take longer? What if I can't handle it? Ughhhh! What if?! I don't ever remember thinking what if everything goes right? What if I do great and get promoted? What if I have an opportunity to impact someone else's life? What if this is opening up new doors? Hmmm, what if the possibilities are endless? WHAT IF? 

The way I see it you have two options… Change happens, so you can either allow the world to leave its mark on you OR you can leave your mark on the world. Your choice. I say embrace it. Change is BEAUTIFUL.

JC

Beautiful Confessions

Ever carried something inside for so long that it just became a burden to you? It doesn't even have to be anything bad like a major sin. Maybe you're being mishandled and don't know how to express what you're feeling. Maybe you're keeping a secret from a friend. Or maybe its that you are deeply in love but too chicken to say - even though its killing you on the inside. Its not a good feeling when you think you have to keep things bottled up on the inside. Sometimes we have to just face the music.

Just recently I learned how to communicate by using something called the Awareness Wheel. This technique allowed me to do a few things. It allowed me to address an issue, uncover what I was sensing, say what I thought, tell how it made me feel, reveal what I wanted to happen, and chose a plan of action. Once you get that down, you do a practice run. I had to address an issue that, all before, I had been skirting around and boy did it feel great to get that off my chest! It was heavy and once release, I could cry tears of pain, then joy, and finally tears of release! It was out! Ladies and Gentlemen,  Elvis has left the building! I felt as though a great weight lifted off my shoulders!

Sounds good right? However, giving a confession or telling someone a secret can be scary for a number of reasons. Maybe it could backfire, maybe you'll be betrayed, maybe someone's opinion may change of you, or maybe you don't get the outcome you were hoping for. But for all those reasons confessions are scary, there's an opposite reason for them not to be. Maybe it goes your way, maybe you'll be forgiven,  maybe they love you back, or maybe, just maybe it goes a bajillion times better than you ever imagined it would turn out! 

Confessions are good for the soul, so get that thing off your chest! When your heart and mind are clear, it allows others to see your true inner beauty and your outward glow! That in itself is BEAUTIFUL!

JC

Beautiful Tears

Have you ever cried? Of course you have, you're only human! If you're like me, you cry all the time. It doesn't matter the reason, happy, sad, afraid, angry,or overjoyed, you cry. But if you're like me you also don't like for others to see you cry. In some ways crying can be viewed as undignified. Some see it as a sign of weakness (unless of course there is a tragedy). Some even believe that crying is just for babies and children. It can seem socially unacceptable for people to shed tears. I struggled with this until very recently I felt as if I were set free! 

I was at a Bible study where I was filled with emotion. I couldn't help but cry and even though I was already crying, I still tried to fight my tears. I hate, I mean HATE for people to see me cry. It doesn't matter what the reason is for my tears, I would really not like for others to view me as a "punk." In the midst of my battle with my tears, a woman name Linda released me. She told me something that I had never heard before. She told me that my tears were beautiful, that they show my ability to feel,  no matter what the feelings were. Linda said that we were not meant to be chameleons. God put our tear ducts in our eyes and not under our arms so that we and our feelings would be transparent to others. She also challenged me to think back to see why I felt so strongly about not allowing others to see me cry. And you know what? I can't really think of any reason, at least a good reason, why I should be ashamed of my tears. The ability to feel is a wonderful thing. What is more amazing is the ability to express those feelings. 

Now don't get me wrong… There is a difference between having tears due to emotion and throwing yourself a pity party. Going on and on about your "woe is me" isn't serving anyone and it sure isn't helping you if you aren't taking any action. However, to communicate with someone and be open in sharing your feelings can be a great thing. 

Colin Raye said "I laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, So we're really not that different, me and you." Don't be afraid of your tears. When you allow others to see your true emotions, it frees them to open up and be themselves too. It also gives them the opportunity to see you. And let's face it, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! 

JC

Naturally Beautiful

The Freedom Hair Movement has been going on for quite a while now but just recently I have taken a good look around… I must say, I'm loving what I see! Short afros, big afros, tiny curly locks and huge ones too… the best part, its ALL NATURAL!

For those of you who have ditched the relaxers, ditched the perms, quit with the curl reformations… GOOD FOR YOU! By having natural hair, you are actually able to be more versatile in your look. You can expose those crazy, kinky, curly locks or you can where it straight, or even somewhere in between. If you're looking for a few ways to change it up every now and again, check these out...

If you want to go for the in-between look (you know, not straight but not super curly), you should try the two strand twist. After you shampoo your hair, section it. For each section, grab two strands (not single strands literally) of hair and twist from base to end. You can either do single twist or twist them back cornrow style. Use some type of setting foam or lotion when you do this for the best end result. After your twist are complete, you want to sit under the dryer. Or if you're like me (sometimes lazy), do it before bedtime and let it dry overnight. Once your hair is completely dry take out your twist and check out your new ringlets! For a fuller look, gently separate your curls. GENTLY - this helps you avoid frizzies! This also works well if you choose to braid instead of twist.

Tired of your fro? Need a change from the curly curls? Thinking about going straight? Well look no further than the (da da daaaaa) BLOWOUT! Yes, the blowout. Not the flat iron. Flat irons are great but, keep in mind, too much exposure to direct heat can and will damage your hair. It is for this reason, I recommend the blowout. In my world, there are three types of blowouts - the Standard, the Dominican, and the Brazilian.

The Standard  Blowout is simply and round brush and a blow dryer with a concentrator attachment. I love the standard because of fast, easy and leaves my hair feeling super soft and full or movement.

The Dominican Blowout is awesome! However, this does take a little longer to complete. During this process, you will actually get a roller set before the round brushing and blow drying. Once your roller set is complete and your hair is fully dry, your stylist will use the round brush to hold your hair rather than pull (as with the standard) while he/she continues down your hair shaft with a concentrated blow dryer. This leaves your hair straight but full of volume and plenty of whip action!

Finally the Brazilian Blowout… This blowout is much like a standard blowout but is unique because it uses a keratin formula and last a lot longer. During this treatment, your hair will be shampooed, the solutions will be applied, your hair is dried then flat ironed to seal the formula. After this, your hair is rinsed, conditioner is applied and then blown out. The Brazilian blowout leaves your hair shiny, frizz free and can last up to 12 weeks.

Let me say again I love to see all this natural hair everywhere. No more running back every 6-8weeks for the creamy crack. Just pure, unadulterated hair! These are all great ways to change your look with out changing the integrity of your beautiful natural locks. Just remember curly, wavy, kinky, or straight YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

JC

Apologies/ New Direction

This week I've been so tied up in taking care of my home that I was unable to create a blog that was worthy of publishing! For that, i apologize. But I will say to you that I am changing the direction of this blog. 

Originally I wanted to have a beauty blog- you know hair, makeup, hair mostly. However, as I continue, I'm realizing that I have been more inspired by beautiful things in general. So while there will still be posts with tips on hair and makeup, etc, there will be more in just exploring the beauty of/in life and all it has to offer. 

I hope that you continue to read and support me. The feedback that I have received so far has been amazing and greatly appreciated. If you enjoy it, follow my blog and tell your friends! Oh! I am also open to suggestions for topics! I would love to hear from you.

Thank you and remember YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

JC

Beautiful Words

I want you to think about your favorite songs or poems. Think about how they make you feel. Sometimes they have the power to evoke emotions from things past, make you run faster and exercise harder. They can even motivate you and make you feel as though you can take on the world. Well guess what? You have that same kind of power too! You and your words have the ability to influence, make a difference and even change the world!

Look at these words: you, go, for, I, can, love, it, can't, do, hate, ugly, beautiful, believe, in.

Alone, they are just words but together they can move mountains.

I love you

I hate you

You're ugly

You're beautiful

You can do it

You can't do it

I believe in you

Go for it

Its probably safe to say that at some time or another someone has said something awful to you - something that made you angry, frightened or even made you cry. You may not even remember exactly what it was, but you remember exactly how it made you feel. Is that the kind of person you want to be? One that criticizes, tears down, angers or frightens. I think not! Do you want to make others feel how that someone made you feel? I think not again. Do you want to be that person who never has anything good to say? Always negative? Definitely not! Those are the kinds of things that can turn the most beautiful people into very ugly ducklings.

 Listen to this short story…

I remember like it was yesterday. I was in middle school and I had an awful day. It must have shown on my face too! I was walking home when I ran into the postman. He wasn't our everyday postman, Mr. Roper, but a random stand-in and perfect stranger. He saw me and he said "Smile, Jesus loves you." It put the hugest smile on my face and when I turned around he was gone. I'm still convinced to this day that it was an angel sent with those simple words that changed my entire mood. Every now and again I still think about the postman with wings and I still smile.

The point of that story is that you have the ability to make a difference and you can do that by the things you say. You never know what a person is going through, even if you see them everyday. You can change their entire outlook, make them smile or even save their life! And you never want the last words you say to someone be awful. So the next time you're with family and friends, give them a hug, tell them you love them. If you have a child or know someone struggling with a task,  take the time to say something encouraging. See a stranger? Tell them to have a great day! Tell a knock knock joke. Make someone smile. 

They say "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Well whoever "they" are, "they" were wrong! So use nice words! :)

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, let your words reflect that! Please and Thank you.

JC

Eye Like Your Smile

Ladies, ladies, ladies! How many times have you heard this dialogue:

Person: "What was the first thing that made you notice her?"

Guy: "She had the most enchanting eyes! They were piercing, absolutely beautiful!"

Or maybe the answer went a little something like this:

Guy: "Her smile. She has a smile that could light up an entire room."

Whether real life scenarios or ones portrayed on television, I believe its safe to say we've all heard this before! Which brings me to this week's topic: small things that help enhance your biggest "1st notice" features - eyes and smile.

Eye Candy

Ok, so I know it can seem that blue and green eyes get all the love. Its no doubt that they are beautiful but I'm hear to tell you, my hazel-eyed, brown-eyed one green/one blue-eyed sisters, that your eyes are beautiful too. And I'll also tell you which color eye shadows will best work to enhance your eyes so the rest of the world can see how beautiful they are too!

Blue-eyed Belindas: If you're a warm blue, you should check out the sea green shades. A cool blue, you can try anywhere from grayish blues to navy. For an eye-popping experience no matter what shade of blue, warm or cool, try your natural brick-brown tones.

Green-eyed Gretchens: If you're eyes are warm, check out the green shadows that are more on a lime to olive scale. A cool green, you'd look fabulous with olive to forrest green, and throw in some brown every now and again. All green eyes look great with light pink or lavender shadow for ultimate enhancement!

Hazel-eyed Harriets: If you're a true hazel, check out the neutrals with yellow or gold undertones. Olive also works well. If you're more of a golden hazel, golds and browns are the shadows to look for. If you want to spice it up with a little more color, all hazel eyes are complimented very well with purples.

Brown-eyes Bettys: For your warm eyes, I suggest neutrals and brown with blush (pinkish) undertones. My cool brown ladies look gorgeous in browns that have  purple undertones. And for all brown eyes to reach their full potential of fabulosity, dark turquoise greens, navies and smoke will definitely do the trick!

This is not to say that other fun and funky colors are all wrong… By all means experiment with those too. These are just eye color enhancers!

Say Cheese

There is something about a healthy smile that, when you say cheese and those big pearly whites peek through your lips, creates a natural glow on your face. It speaks to me and it says "Ahhhhh (harp music in the background) Here I am, there you are. HELLO!" However (record scratches), if you are concerned that your pearly whites aren't so pearly, or so white for that matter, here are a few changes you can make daily to improve your gorgeous smile:

1) Brush your teeth after every meal - this keeps food from sticking and staining your teeth.

2) Use old school baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Not necessarily the tastiest combination but the baking soda is slightly abrasive to loosen tops stains and the peroxide will lighten the shade. 

3) Drink through a straw- This will help keep your drinks that stain, such as coffee, tea and soda, from touching your teeth. It will also so the same for acidic drinks that eat away at your enamel.

See, just that simple. Sure you can try at home whiteners or even head to your local dentist. Should you decide that this is the route you prefer, these tips will also help you maintain that new sparkly smile!

In a face-to-face meeting, your eyes and your smile are two of the first features that others will notice about you. Why not make a lasting impression? But whether you are brown-eyed, blue-eyed, hazel-eyed or green-eyed; wearing makeup or going nude, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! 

Oh and don't forget to SMILE. It looks good on you!

JC

Beautiful You

For a long time now a friend of mine (Charity) has been trying to get me to blog. And for a long time I struggled to get started, wondering where to begin and what to blog about. I knew I wanted it to be a beauty blog, simply because its what I love. But I still wasn't sure what angle to take. Finally, after so long and many questions, here I am. 

This morning, after logging on to twitter I suddenly became super inspired. Rev Run tweeted : "Sum girls get fly for a bunch of guys, sum ladies do it 4 one guy, but the WISE woman does it 4 herself #feelgood"

I felt inspired by this because so often when we get ready to go out, whether for work or play, and we consider what kind of reaction we will get from others. How many times have you said to yourself "Oh! My hair is a hot mess," or "does this make me look frumpy" or "I can't go out looking like this!" I know I've done it, better yet, catch myself doing it all the time. Question is, who are we asking these questions for? Is it because you wonder yourself or because you wonder what others might think? Once you figure that out the transformation can begin.

We've all heard "beauty comes from within." Well, its the truth! Its more than just physical - that stuff is just the icing on the cake. How you perceive yourself, how you feel about your perception and what you choose to radiate… thats the real beauty. YOU, no one else, just you, are the only one that can validate you. Truth is, until you are ready to see yourself as the beautiful being that God created - beautifully, wonderfully and uniquely made, those other opinions still won't matter because they won't be good enough. If you want to "make" yourself beautiful (more than you already are) -hair, makeup, clothes, body- do it for you. Numero Uno!

You were created with different hair, eyes, skin, shape, talent, gifts and personality. You are uniquely you. Embrace it. Love it. Don't be afraid to Esteem Yourself. After all, it is called Self-Esteem. There was no mistake in making you. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.

JC