Love and Marriage BUT He's Cheating On YOU...

I must admit, I watched bits and pieces of Basketball Wives (Please don't judge me LOL). I was hesitant to watch last night's episode of Basketball Wives due to the unnecessary fussing and fighting. The last couple of seasons of this show were just over the top for me. I honestly do not enjoy watching women tear each other down every chance they get. Needless to say, I did tune in for a little while (like many others) and in that short frame of  time I realized... the views on love and marriage seem sort of distorted. 

 

When is it ever acceptable to marry a man who happens to sleep around with other women from time to time?

 

WHY get married?

 

If you are dealing with that sort of guy... this simply means he is not ready to commit to you (I can hear the round of applause now). Now don't get me wrong, I do realize Basketball Wives is a TV show and the drama makes for "good entertainment" (or so they say). The realization that many women in our everyday livese actually find themselves in this similar situation.

Marrying a man who is not faithful to you has to be one of the craziest things a person could do... unless it's an "open marriage" (I personally don't get that situation also BUT that's another blog post. #IJS)
 I find it heartbreaking to know women will accept "knowing" about the other woman before anyone else knows. I understand things happen BUT if you know your guy is cheating on you BEFORE you walk down the aisle and say "I do", THEN WHY GET MARRIED!? Situations like the one I just described, reminds me of "self torture". No one wants a broken-heart. REMEMBER to always protect your heart ladies, you only get one. 

AND not to bring another reality show into this, BUT during an episode of R&B Divas LA, Diva - Chante Moore had the other Divas re-commit to themselves. Each lady walked down the aisle, dressed in their gowns and recited their vows to themselves in front of each other. This was a very emotional moment for these women. I instantly thought of myself. What would I say? What do I vow to myself? You should do the same.

What do you vow to yourself?

 

As for me I vowed to do the following:

I vow to forgive myself for my short comings. 

I vow to accept my random craziness. 

I vow to embrace my big smile. 

I vow to unconditionally love myself. 

It is my hope and prayer that if anyone is in a relationship, it's a healthy relationship. A relationship that brings you true joy. If you're not in a relationship, learn to be your own best friend (a phrase my mother uses quite often). Treat yourself right. Be good to yourself. Vow to love yourself because you are worthy. 

NOW TIME FOR THE BOUQUET TOSS (smile)

images courtesy of TVOne

Abercrombie & Fitch's CEO Mike Jefferies views on The Plus Size Community

HELLO WORLD!! I am sure you've heard about Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jefferies statements regarding Abercrombie & Fitch views on LARGE PEOPLE right? If not, this is what Mr. Jefferies said,

“He doesn't want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people," 

"He doesn't want his core customers to see people who aren't as hot as them wearing his clothing. People who wear his clothing should feel like they're one of the 'cool kids."

“In every school there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids,”

“Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely."

NOW THE MESSAGE I WANT TO GET OUT TO ALL TEENAGERS!! Please do not fall apart because Mr. Jefferies has a certain view on how Abercrombie & Fitch's customers should look. After-all what does he know? Mr. Jefferies doesn't seem to be happy within his own skin (hence the Botox stare presented in the picture above). 

My message to our blooming young adults is to Love Yourself! You are beautifully and wonderfully made!! Realize that you are an original. Whether you’re a slim size 2 or a curvy size 16; realize true BEAUTY and ATTRACTIVENESS starts from within. It's important to have a great attitude and a kind heart. These 2 traits will cause your outer appearance to shine! Thus... making you stunning!!

Be beautiful inside out! Remember CLOTHING is simply worn to keep you from being a naked BEAUTY. 

I would like ALL TEENS to STAY HEALTHY, SMILE OFTEN AND SHOP AT OTHER STORES! (Don’t support brands that do not support you)

 Audrey Hepburn said it best.

"I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls"

Kudos to those stores that carry over a size 10, like,  H&M, Old Navy, American Eagle, GAP and host of others.

pics courtesy of H&M, Old Navy, American Eagle, GAP 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARVIN GAYE!

Happy Birthday Marvin Gaye!

As many of you know I am a music addict and music would not be the same without Marvin Gaye!! Celebrating his memory today. Today is Marvin's birthday and I want to take this time out to say although he is gone Marvin Gaye will never be forgotten. His music lives on!
I love you Marvin Gaye and thank you!

HELLO WORLD - GOOD BYE MARCH! HELLO APRIL!

APRIL 1ST! A DAY FULL OF FARCENESS... (YEAH I MADE THAT WORD UP LOL)
APRIL 1ST = APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!
BEWARE OF THE PRANKS THAT MAY COME YOUR WAY LOL (I hate pranks LOL)

PER Wikepedia - "April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day is a holiday celebrated in various countries on April 1. The day is marked by the commission of hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, enemies, and neighbors, or sending them on a fool's errand, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible. Traditionally, in some countries, such as the UK, Australia, and South Africa the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool".[1] Elsewhere, such as in France, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Russia, The Netherlands, Brazil, Canada, and the U.S., the jokes last all day"

Here are some lovely pranks (Did I mention I hate the pranks LOL)

Glue eggs to the carton and beg for eggs in the morning. When the victim gets them the eggs break!

Find a box about the size of a cake. Then cover it with frosting, making it look like a cake. Then put it out in the office kitchen, or wherever people leave free food. Sit back as one of your co-workers tries to cut a slice.

If your milk comes in a cardboard container, add a few drops of food coloring. It’s harmless April Fool’s joke but the results are pretty colorful.

Get up really early and sneak into your victims bathroom and fill their hair-dryer with baby powder. And when they turn it on, their head will be pure white just like an old person!

If you have a sink with a sprayer, put a rubber band around the handle when nobody’s looking. This automatically keeps the nozzle in spray-mode. Make sure the nozzle is pointing up and outward. The next person to use the sink will get a splash!

Take an empty coffee mix can and replace it with a can with coffee mix in it. Make sure coffee cans are the same brand, or it will not work. At the bottom of the can put a piece of paper that says April Fools. Make sure you help the person with making their coffee to see their reaction.

Get a small alarm clock and set it for 3:00 a.m. Sneak under the victim’s bed. Once it goes off, he/she won’t be able to find it will drive them nuts

OK now onto Gabby!! Yes Gabby S!!Gabby is looking good wearing the Anais Jeweled Neck Dress dress from IGIGI. I'm excited for Gabby she has a lot going on right now and I'm rooting her on!! Excited to see the Bay Area represented so well. Please check out http://www.igigi.com/
IGIGI (founded by Yuliya Raquel) designs and manufactures everything is San Francisco, California. (I heart SF) When you put on an IGIGI garment you will feel sooooo good! I've seen it happen! I had a chance to meet Yuliya thru Marie Denee (http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/ who also has her own clothing line please check her out!! http://www.mariedenee.com/) and I had a ball! Her staff is fabulous!

http://www.facebook.com/IGIGISTYLE

Check out the Plus Size Academy Bay Area aspiring plus models now have the platform to build and develope and enhance their modeling skills with the launch of The Plus Academy Bay Area. Executive Director, Gwen DeVoe has carefully chosen her staff and has appointed plus size fashion blogger, journalist and boutique owner, Marie Denee, as the Regional Director for the Bay Area. On April 10th, 2010, the Plus Academy Bay Area will host its first open house in partnership with plus size fashion designer, Igigi. Potential attendees of the Plus Academt Bay Area will have the opportunity to meet with Executive Director, Gwen Devoe and Regional Director Marie Denee. Instructors for the Plus Academy Bay Area will also be in attendance.
Please visit the website for more information http://plusacademybayarea.com/

Although it's officially April Fools Day... I just want to remind all women! everywhere! that YOU ARE BEAUTIFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!!
LOVE YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT.
WALK WITH YOUR HEAD UP AND SMILE ON YOUR FACE!!

Happy LOOOOOOOVE Day

Hello World and Happy Valentines Day!! LOVE IS IN THE AIR!!

NO, I'm not giving any TIPS OR TRICKS FOR COUPLES!! BECAUSE YA'LL KNOW WHAT TO DO!!

Tips Tricks Ideas (Children)

Once again this day is celebrating and recognizing love
Parents don't just stop at giving your partner a Valentines Gift!!

Make sure you involve your child; in this day and age we need to emphasize the bond called love with our children especially
When you plant the seed of love and cultivate it will grow and spread
It's never to early to express love to your child!
We as parents should always show our children how to love, have compassion and respect throughout the year that way they understand LOVE is more than just Valentines Day... It's away of life.

Here are some ideas:
Cards
Parents you can buy OR even make your child a card
Show them the love!! let your children/child know that you love them
Get them that lil box of heart shaped candies
Healthier snack Make a fruit bowl full of love and eat it together
Communicate to your child how much you love them!!
It works!
You'll be surprised, kids today are craving for that love and attention!
Give them a memory about the times they spent with you on valentines day AND maybe they will carry this tradition on.
Valentines day cups... Valentines day cider Raise your cups to LOVE!! make sure you say cheers!! I guarantee you... your child will put a smile on their face
Buy a Valentines Day Cookie for yo babies!
Valentine's Day Coupons for kids (You can make these easily Moms and Dads)
Valentines Day Scavenger Hunt
Have the kiddies look for the Cards/Candies
Make a list called Things I love about you (this can be used for anyone)
This is really easy and effective. Sit your child down and tell them the things you love about them and give them a written copy of all the things you love about them!! This is good reinforcement. It doesn't have to cost money to show your love for your loved one
AND of course... Dinner and Movie always works!
Love your babies parents!! Let them know you love them!! I promise you will put a smile on their face


Tips Tricks Ideas (For yourself)

LOVE is in the air!! and if your single! Love yo self!!
You deserve it
You've been taking care of business!
Time to show yo self some love
Thats right!! Dinner!! A good dinner!!
Movie!! a good movie!!
Spa Day, Shopping, Ice Cream, Get yourself a special dessert
Bottle of Wine, OR just relax!! Get that new CD! Get the Sees Candy Box for yourself. Get dressed up for yourself if you want too! When you look good, you feel good and why not feel good about yourself! Make yourself happy!! This is now time to celebrate you and loving yourself! Get some flowers for yo self!! put them in a vase... smell the sweetness WHY!! because you deserve it! Unconditional love for yo self is healthy! Turn this day into... It's all about me and I have somethings I'd like to do for me. Buy some new underwear!! anything!! New PJs LOL! It's all about you!! and you love you!! Now sho yourself some love

Don't just say its another day. It's another day to express love to someone... OR yourself... AND IT DOESNT HAVE TO BREAK YO WALLET!! Get creative folks!!

We must all remember it's important to show LOVE all the time!! NOT JUST ON THE 14TH of February

You Never Have To Wear A Bra Again? Breform Surgical Bra

Hello World, as usual I was doing my late night reading online and I ran across this article. THe title read, Breform Means You Never Have To Wear A Bra Again?
AND then I see this thing AND I'm baffled. I had so many thoughts going thru my mind. My first thought was how is this gonna stop women from wearing bras? what size does it come in? where are the straps? does it have tape? does it stick to you?
Then I read... " Now there’s the internal bra"

A internal bra?? WHAT THA... so of course I continued to read and it said, it "goes one step further by putting a reinforcing structure in place, so that you don’t actually have to wear a bra."

The wording REINFORCING STRUCTURE sounded so harsh! SO then I read on, "The product used is called Breform—a firm mesh cup that’s implanted under a layer of breast skin, effectively providing a support to lift and hold them."

HOLY MOLY!! Did they say a FIRM MESH CUP IMPLANTED UNDER A LAYER OF SKIN!!!
I was baffled, I suddenly started to think what are we as a human race doing to ourselves! Is it really this serious?? MESH CUPS IMPLANTED in our chest. I thought about the images we we're sending our daughters and young ladies. I felt sad. What ever happened to loving yourself. Whatever happened to knowing that you are beautifully and wonderfully made. NOW don't get me wrong I'd like to get somethings tucked due to childbirth BUT does it really matter in the long run?

I continued reading and the article went on to say, "While this kind of sounds like a miracle procedure, some of the details are not so pleasant."

Miracle and Not So Pleasant don't go together!!

A plastic surgeon who performs the technique explains, “Over time, the mesh gets incorporated into the breast as the body produces a fibrous tissue that holds the structure in place—like a permanent bra under the skin.”

I went on to read that, "The procedure is relatively new, but so far, none of the 600 women to participate have had any complications."

India Arie has a song called I Am Not My Hair (AND I LOOOOOOVE THAT SONG... it speaks to me everytime I hear it)

I AM NOT MY BREAST!! or are WE?? This really made me wonder... I guess a push up bra isn't enough LOL!! Check out the link. Read it. Let me know what you think.

Breform Surgical Bra The Frisky

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King!

January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. was born.

He grew to become one of the greatest Social Activists the world has ever known. at 35, he became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace prize.

He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 while making a speech from the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis, Tennessee.

His Birthday became a National Holiday by an act of Congress in 1983.

Dr. King I thank you for being such a great example for the world.
When I think of Dr. King I think of Love, Peace, Unity, Freedom... and OBAMA!! I'm so grateful for the life he lived and the path he created.

I can't imagine what life could've been like if Dr. Martin Luther King was never born

Address at March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (Aug 1963)
"Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.
This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning "My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!"
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every tenement and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last."