Weight loss for summer

The holidays and breaks are such a perfect time to relax and recollect thoughts and for me and most others the perfect time to rack up some pounds. All those extra weight gain through out the holiday is now coming to bite back, summer's here, and it's honestly a bit late to attempt weight loss for pool time fun, but I'll surely try. 

Master the art of self reflecting

Self-reflection entails learning about yourself in other to achieve self-awareness.

Being Natural

Many times I get questions about my natural hair such as:

• How long have you been natural?
• Why natural/ nappy?
• How long is your hair?
• What do you do to take care of your hair? 
• Is that your hair? Lol .... the list goes on...

How long have you been natural?

Thoughts

This is one of those arbitrary post, the kind of post that doesn't really apply to anything but just a random thought.

Motivational Monday

Never look down on yourself. No matter the odds believe that you are going to make it. Our mindset plays a significant role in our success and failures if you believe you are going to make it, you will.

Sometimes we spend so much time trying to be successful according to other's standard. We look at people who we believe to have it all, we compare ourselves and our lives to theirs, we strive to be like them, and in that process, we gain misguided potentials.
But I challenge you to take time and look at your own self, your own life, the gift you have been given, focus on what you possess. Work on building yourself not to another's standard but your very own best. Work to be the best you possibly can, and you might just find that your best is even better than the best.

So challenge yourself to be the best you can be and work toward bettering yourself for your own benefit and not for others.

Wynwood Art district, Miami

If you're ever in Miami and looking for something to do, check out the Wynwood art district. Whether you're a lover of art or not, you will appreciate the beauty on the walls of Wynwood. Wynwood is a neighborhood with walls of art that trail for miles. The neighborhood, though not residential is filled with tourist and natives that come to admire the works of many talented individuals big and small. The streets accommodate chains of restaurants, bars and outside sell marketers.

The Wynwood area is filled with life!! And you have inspirational quotes and remarks on the pathways to feed your mind as you explore the arts. It's honestly worth your time, great music, restaurants, bars, inspirational words and exquisite art.

 *check it out if you get a chance.

 

walk path quotes

FYI. Miami, Florida

If you're planning on visiting Miami there are a few things you need to know:

•  Pack a jacket or two. 
• Despite the fact that Miami is meant to be a warm city, it gets very windy and quite chilly. 
• Stay outside Miami. 
• Depending on how long you're staying and how much you're willing to spend, it might be a good idea to consider staying outside Miami.
•  Miami is a very expensive place to live, parking alone is 25 dollars anywhere near the beach. Apart from the cost, it is very noisy. Apartments near Ocean drive ( ocean drive is right off south beach) might seem luxurious but honestly living anywhere near ocean drive is a permanent headache sentence. Unless you're into 24/7 loud noise, loud music, loud yelling and everything else college students bring with them on vacation. 
• If you want to enjoy the full perks of south beach and living in Miami but don't want to live with the noises, move somewhere far from ocean drive. 
• If you want a cheaper alternative and you're willing to make a 25 to 30 minutes drive move outside Miami, somewhere like Miami gardens or Hialeah.
• Bring Money.
•  No matter how cheap you are, you are going to spend money in Miami. If your budget is low, you are going to break your bank. If your bank account isn't situated, choose a different destination.
• Restaurants: 
• You don't TIP by choice in Miami, you TIP by force. Gratuities are taken before you even decide to pay, even the biggest excuse of a restaurant still takes gratuities and then leave a space for additional tip. 
• I ordered a meal that came up about 70 dollars, it came time to pay, and my bill was 93 dollars and some change. I was shocked by the amount but didn't realize exactly what had happened. In my head, I was thinking "it might be the sea food, steak can't be that expensive." It wasn't the food, it was tip for services, services I barely received, and on top of that, I even added an additional tip for the guy not knowing I gave him almost 30 dollars. Moral of the story: Bring money or make your own meals.
• The worst wings I've ever had was from Miami at a bar/club/food place called Mangos. I got 8 wings for 14.85, it was just a waste, and I wanted to take it back.
• Clubs 
• The clubs in Miami are definitely better than clubs in Minnesota or Chicago but the lines are ridiculous and 60 dollars to get in a club is just not right.
• Club Story: club story seems to be popping when famous musician feature but 80 dollars to get in? That's like two pairs of shoes.
• Club Dream: Hip Hop Nights (Thursdays)  are the best to go to dream, and it's 40-60 dollars to get in.
• LIV: You pay for the chance to see someone famous. 75-120 dollars
• Club Icon: Same as dream, if not hip hop you get techno and I'm just not down for that. It's about 20-60 dollars.
• JASSID: My favorite club in Miami, JASSIS is a reggae club, that plays hip hop, RnB, Jazz music, anything but Techno and it runs from 10-60 dollars. I love this club, their VIP section is kinda small, but their bottle service is pretty legit. AND they play AFRO BEATS!! Doesn't get better than that. 

Miami Florida trip (day 1)

This spring break (spring 2016)  I decided to take a trip with my friends because the last time I got the impression that everyone had a good time, so why not do it again. The destination was not my first choice of places to visit but I went along with it because I can always take another trip sometime later. It was a majority ruling that the vacation site for this should be Miami Florida.  So far I don't regret the ruling or taking the trip, the first day has been a great start to what I hope will be a wonderful vacation.
 Before I talk about the first day in Miami, let me first express the unsatisfactory journey to Florida. we were all in agreement that the spirit airline was the cheapest airline to Florida, we can also agree that the flight was terrible. Out of all the airlines I've been on I can say that spirit is the noisiest airline of them all, it makes such awful noises when taking off and mind you this is after waiting for about 30 minutes for maintenance to repair the plane AFTER we all boarded.
Let me explain this better!!
Our flight was set to take off at 12:15 am, we arrived at the airport around 10:30, checked in, boarded the plane at 11:45 and then proceeded to wait for takeoff. The pilot now announced that they were having technical difficulties and the flight will take a few minutes before taking off. A few minutes turned into 30 minutes accompanied with uncomfortable annoying yelling and crying of kids. 30 minutes later, we finally took off.
 This was my first time taking the spirit airline and I can say this will be my last, on top of the delay, the ride was not a smooth one, the chairs were uncomfortable, it was so difficult to sleep, it was just horrible.
We landed at Fort Lauderdale, picked up the car rental and drove down into Miami Gardens where we rented a house for a week. So far today, we went food shopping (grocery shopping), and went out to eat. The food has been the highlight of the whole day and for a very good reason. The restaurant is called Sheri Restaurant. This restaurant is an African joint located right off of NW 27th ave in Miami Gardens. The food reminded me of the Mama Put joints in Nigeria, it was on point. I personally ordered Bitter leaf soup and pounded yam but the table was lined up with different styles of Egusi soup, pepper soup, fried plantains and most importantly Suya....... and all this for breakfast at 9:55 am.
It was a deadly Morning!!

Smile, God is in control

I’ve found that through all things my trust in God has been pushing me through, even when I don’t feel like getting up. For about a week now I’ve been so nonchalant about everything including schoolwork and other responsibilities. I just go to work, come back home and go straight to bed. I’ve been feeling a bit weighted down, and I’m always tired. Today, I woke up ready to finish the to do list I’ve been making since two weeks ago. Didn’t get through everything but it was a start, way more than I’ve been able in a while. If you’re going through a rough patch or just stressed out, take a moment to yourself, meditate and pray. God can pull you out of any slump and place a smile on your face.

So do not fear, for I am with you; for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Uli (henna)

I was going through my Instagram when saw a post of a henna art on Indian women for a wedding occasion. Scrolling down the comments, someone was explaining the meaning behind the henna and why it's used in the Indian culture. The person also stated that that henna art originated in India. I don't doubt that henna has a symbolic meaning for the Indian people, but henna is something widespread in the majority of the east African tribes. And just a by the way Africa is not a country. Some comments were stating that henna art is prevalent in places like Somalia, Ethiopia, and Egypt. 

The henna art can be traced back to Egypt all the way to B.C. While there were a few comments recognizing henna in eastern Africa, I did not see anything or anyone mention West Africa. In Nigeria, a country in West Africa, Henna holds great meaning in the three top tribes, the Hausa tribe and the Igbo tribe and the Yoruba tribe. Henna is standard in two of the cultures, Igbo and Hausa. The Yoruba people use henna for special events like weddings or cultural dances.

Though In the Igbo tribe it is not called henna but rather Uli. Back to Nigeria was colonized till date the Uli (henna) has been used to differentiate clans and status. Women used their skin as portable canvases where different designs were painted that defined a woman’s body as well as her social standing within society. Though the designs differed from village to village, it was still regarded with high importance. Before the colonization, the Uli art was used as a form of writing and communication. The symbols used by Igbo women artists represented things of real importance and were intended to beautify the female body as beauty was equated with morality in Igbo culture.

The primary source for the liquid dye in uli is from the Rothmania hispida (uli okorobian) or Rothmania whitfieldi (uli oba or uli nkpo). Pods were collected from these trees, and then women would grind them on a stone Slav or hard surface. This would then reveal a fleshy pulp containing crushed seeds. The uli usually last 4 to 8 days on the body and requires retouching. The uli art is something that has existed in the Igbo culture since the Igbo tribe existed

Clear mind and surroundings

Take care of yourself inside and outside. 25 ways to clear your mind and environment.

 Declutter: room, life and environment as a whole.
Have a place for everything.
Keep your phone far away when you sleep.
Write down 5-10 things you’re grateful for every day.
Make a list of 20 things you like to do and do at least one a day.
Choose a book and each day read a bit of it.
Learn at least one new thing a day.
For the next 100 days, don’t complain. 
Feed your mind with thoughts on how to achieve what you want in life.
Create a spending plan for 100 days.
Don’t buy things you don’t need.
Set an hour a day for devotion, can be divided however you wish.
Take a notebook or journal and write down daily thoughts.
Identify one low priority activity and cut it down for 100 days.
At the end of the week answer the following questions
·       What did you accomplish?
·       What went wrong?
·       What went right? 
Eat 5 servings of vegies and 3 of fruits per day.
Eat from a smaller plate.
Find 10 healthy, easy breakfast.
Don’t pass judgement until you hear both sides of the party.
Do at least one kind thing per day.
Stay in your life, don’t compare it to others life.
Assume positive intentions.
Remember that everyone is doing what they can.
Hit the gym, clear your mind.
Relinquish what you can’t control.

It’s never too late to start over. If you weren’t happy yesterday, try something different today. Don’t stay stuck, do better.

POSITIVE VIBES

You know the vibe is real when they do the little things right without having to be told and before you think to ask.

When someone vibes with you, they can tell what you need and when you need it. No one is a mind reader but vibes are easily sensed and positive vibes makes a solid relationship. Obviously there's more to a relationship than vibes but for now let's talk vibes.

First of all Vibe is an emotional aura you send out, can't be seen but intuitively sensed. Vibes can either be good or bad. Without knowing a person we're usually able to sense whether the person has a good or bad vibe. Good vibe = positive, happy......all that good stuff. Bad vibe= negative.

Some ways to keep the positive vibes:

1. Smile

Smiling is a quick and easy way to show someone you care and it even makes you feel good as well.

2. Praise the other person

Don't highlight their wrongs as much, praise what they're doing right.

3. Show gratitude

Be grateful, it's not just nice manners but it let the the recipient know that they're doing something good, which means they'll likely do it again.

4. Communicate

Things aren't always perfect and it may seem better to not discuss issues as they come up but it's quite the opposite, a problem discussed in this case is a problem half solved. Let them know what they did  wrong.

5. Don't hold grudges

LET IT GO!! Once discussed and an agreement is made, there's no reason for the situation to come up on a later date.

6.  Let go

If you can't save it then maybe it's time to let go.

POSITIVE MIND, POSITIVE VIBES, POSITIVE LIFE!!!

'90s Comeback

HOW DO YOU WEAR '90s FASHION?

It's so interesting how fashion changes over time. The styles thought to be outdated and "not cool" are now considered on-point. The ‘90s, seen by some as the last great decade were a tremendous time for pop culture and music. When we think of the '90s we remember those things that had challenged our minds and changed our outlook of the world around us. From disco music to youthful rebellion to the outbreak of tattoos and of course the famous O.J. Simpson case. The '90s definitely set the path to our current lifestyle and one of the major ways it did so was through fashion. The '90s fashion is certainly one major comeback, so clearly obvious, even the celebrities of our time currently imitate it. 

The matching sets

And Of course the famous choker

 The '90s were well known for the bright, eye popping colors and very big hair. Along with that is the matching set, though not famous then, the up and down matching set has now become a very trendy style.

The choker, also a big 90's contribution to today's modern day fashion was well known among kids. What was then a kid's must have necklace has now become a big fashion statement that resembles being grown.

Last but not least, the crop top. The crop top alone has been the biggest comeback of the 90s. From celebrities to teenagers, to young adult and even moms, most females own at the very least one crop top. Crop tops has become the go-to for teen fashion.
The '90s has supplied us with great fashion do's and a lot of don't from snapbacks to ripped jeans to combat boots to high waisted jeans. the '90s had it all and now so do we.

HOW DO YOU WEAR YOUR '90s FASHION?

Crop tops

Struggle Boat

If you're a college student reading this you've most likely survived the first day back to school and in that case..... Good for you!! 

And for some of us that haven't had our first day back to school yet, we'll all get our turn.

Hopefully last semester was good for everyone and if not we all have this semester to improve.

Here are 5 tips to help make the busy semester go smoothly:

1. If you're not a morning person (like me), plan your day out the night before and leave room for accidental pop ups.
                 * Make a to do list 
                 
                 * Pick out your outfit ahead of time ( it saves you so much time in the morning)
      
                 * Plan out breakfast and lunch (more so breakfast, don't forget to grab snacks)

                 * If possible get all due assignments done the night or day before and be sure to pack your school bag (avoid forgetting materials needed)

2. Set an alarm ( set a couple of alarms) and try to keep your phone or any device you use as alarm far from reach.

3. Give yourself time to shower, be it morning or night.

4. Have a fixed night and morning routine (keeps things moving).

5. Most importantly get enough rest to avoid crashing during the day.

* Don't forget to put in your best effort this semester.....Hard work pays off.