#HealthyWealthyAndWise Edition

Like countless others, I'm working on my financial situation and I'm sure you've thought about it as well. 

Please join me in sharing healthy, wealthy, and wise tips to others by commenting below or Tweet me @qianaqiana. 

I came across this friendly reminder...
Thank you Kendra - The Things I Love Most

I started with #2 - Have a budget and stick with it!

I started myself off with something small. I started off with my weekly allowance; It's important to have attainable goals.

I committed to making my own coffee at least 3 times a week (I saved $5.00) AND committed to taking my lunch to work at least 2 times week (I saved $20.00). 

This commitment allowed me to stick to my $20.00 per week budget and would you believe, I had a little money leftover - #Kaching!💲💲💲

Now don't get me wrong, I struggled to break the SPEND MONEY habit! This process was tough BUT my determination to be more disciplined was a priority. Which principle will you try? 

STRONG ENOUGH TO BEAR THE CHILDREN... AND GET BACK TO BUSINESS

#Motherhood 

Like most women I wear many hats throughout my life. I am a daughter, wife, coworker, poet, art lover, manager/supervisor, business owner, red lipstick addict, nail polish addict, maid, short order cook for a lunch time menu only AND A MOTHER! 

I have a daughter and a son I love dearly. My daughter is growing up so fast... I literally can't believe it! I look at her and still see that little baby I held, the baby with 2 ponytails and 2 bottom teeth, the baby who sat in her car seat singing with me as we commuted to and fro (Bitter Sweet). 

Now she's ready to fly the coup. 

Being a mother is hard work. Some areas we excel and in other areas we can do a little better. The balancing act of #motherhood and life is one that can never be described as easy. You do the best you can and remember to smile along the way. 

My daughter and I tend to lose our minds when Beyonce's song WHO RUNS THE WORLD... GIRLS comes on. 

She laughs every time I scream out the part where Bey sings STRONG ENOUGH TO BEAR THE CHILDREN AND GET BACK TO BUSINESS! 
#MyLife  

 Hug her while you can.

Remember to be supportive. 

Share your fashion sense with your little girl.

 Look at her when she's talking.

Remember to smile.

Photos info

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

Did Beyonce copy Ciara?

Does Beyonce seems to be rocking everyone's hair style these days or what? 

This picture courtesy of wblk.com says exactly what I thought when I saw Beyonce's pixie hair cut pics... I thought to myself is 
Beyonce is rocking a blonde Rih Rih hair-do!?!

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the change Bey is going for. GO HEAD BEY! Do yo thang! No shade thrown here. 
(yes spelled and said just that way)

After a couple of days of the pixie cut, I suddenly saw BEY rocking a blond bob. Of course I screamed out loud... BEY!!! BEY ARE YOU REALLY ROCKING A CIARA HAIR-DO!! 

I wonder which celebrity hair style will be next?

 

I would love to see Bey ROCK a curly hair-do.

Often times it seems that she is forced to wear her hair blond and straight. 

HEALTHY SMILES AND J. COLE (SMILE WITH ME)

MY SMILE!! Many of you may or may not know that this BUT the Choqolate Chiq doesn't have a perfect smile. However, I smile anyway (I have a BIG SMILE). In the past I would often cover up my smile. As I mature and get older, I tend not to care so much about covering my smile. One morning I woke up and heard J. Cole's latest song, Crooked Smile. This song had me rocking and smiling!! I LOVED IT for so many reasons!!

Smiling is good for the mind, body, heart and soul! It's really not about a crooked smile or perfect smile BUT it's all about a genuine, true, authentic SMILE!  

It is a known fact that there are many types of smiles. I tend to say we have the fake smile (I am guilty of this one in pictures) and we have the genuine smile (I am good for this one too LOL). The healthy smile is actually the true smile better known as the Duchenne smile.

French neurologist Dr. Guillaume Duchenne, investigated/studied the difference between True Smile and the False Smile.

How to recognize a genuine smile:
The genuine smile causes the Zygomatic muscles of the cheek to raise the corners of the mouth and the Orbicularis Oculi muscles of the eye (raising the cheeks and forming crow's feet around the eye). ALL of these signs indicate that the smile is genuine and that the person smiling is truly happy.           

Why do you want a genuine smile?
The true and genuine SMILE stimulates happy places in your body which cause "good" chemicals to be released, thus relieving you of stress and depression!! (I am sure when you think about it... you will agree)

I recently read an article on smiling and this description actually sums up why smiling is healthy! "On a biochemical level, smiling releases endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins are natural painkillers. The more endorphins your brain releases, the more your body can fight off symptoms of illness."

Isn't that wonderful (smile)!!

"Similarly, serotonin is a brain chemical that acts as a natural anti-depressant. Reshaping our mouth from a frown to a smile literally sparks serotonins dramatically shifting our sense of well-being from negative to positive."

PRESS PLAY AND SMILE WITH ME !!

(make sure it's a real smile)

Check out the link below for more information on smiling.
To purchase this song go onto Google Play

Thank you Underground Health Reporter for sharing & Celeste Yarnall, PhD
Read more: http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/duchenne-smile-benefits#ixzz2Xd0kzgSL
Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-health-benefits-of-smiling.html#ixzz2Xd02zrJT

Eat A Mango

I love mangoes. Mangoes have so many benefits. They are filled with antioxidants and vitamins suchas, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and are a great source of Vitamin C. This fruit aids in the prevention of certain cancers due the antioxidants found in this fruit. (That's right mangoes are known to have high amounts of antioxidants.) Mangoes contain a lot of beta-carotene. The beta carotene found in the mango is converted into Vitamin A. Why do we need Vitamin A? Vitamin A is not only good for your immune health but it also assist with repairing skin tissue (Some times we over  expose our skin to the sun's rays and this can really damage our skin). WHO KNEW... Skin health and mangoes really go hand in hand. Another vitamin that is found in mangoes is Vitamin E. Vitamin E is often called an antioxidant. This antioxidant does not only help fight free radicals in your body but it also aids in reducing the appearance of age spots, freckles and wrinkles. This is another reason why you will find skin products with high levels of Vitamin E. The same goes for the Vitamin C. Normally, we take Vitamin C for our basic immune health. Additionally, Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen in your skin. This process will assist with giving you resilient and supple skin. Of course we cannot forget about the delicious flavor of a ripe, sweet-smelling mango. Mangoes are not only a tasty sweet treat but they are great for our bodies due to the high vitamin content and antioxidants. Mangoes are defiantly this Choqolate Chiq's favorite summer time treat.

Burberry's Rosewood Lip-gloss! I LOVE YOU!!

Hello World, recently I attended the Beauty Blush Hour at Nordstrom's in my home town of San Francisco (I love my city) with Beauty Blogger extradionaire Blinging Beauty - Tracey Brown (She is the best! Check out her review of the event at the link listed below). 
The Beauty Blush Hour at Nordstrom is what I call BIG BEAUTY FUN in an intimate setting. (Blog post regarding that event is coming soon!)
 
While attending this event I received a Burberry Beauty Box.  YES!! A BURBERRY BEAUTY BOX!!! When given this box I looked at it as if it was eatable. Honestly, I could not wait to open it! For crying out loud it's BURBERRY!! I felt like it was Christmas all over again. After the event I rushed home to open this box of sheer delight. I removed the beautiful black ribbon and began to carefully open the box. 

Once the box was opened, my face lit up! Why you may ask? How do I say this nicely... I saw fabuluos-ness!! YES BURBERRY beauty products were at my finger tips! (I did the happy dance). I promise to review each item I received later on so stay tuned. 

First I'll start off with Burberry's Rosewood No. 1 Lip-gloss. This is a must have item for every woman. If you know anything about ME then you know this Choqolate Chiq is a red lipstick addict. I'm a  proud member of #TeamRedLipstick BUT like every SASSY girl... I need variety (nod your head yes with me)! and Burberry's Rosewood No. 1 Lip Gloss was truly a necessity. 

The texture of this gloss PERFECTO. Very smooth. This lip gloss was easy to glide on. It has a creamy feel to it. Not only did my full lips looked simply divine BUT they also felt nourished (not greasy... I hate that feeling). Long wear! YES at least 6 hours ladies! The soft color of this lip gloss against my brown skin was infallible! This gloss is a *Choqolate Chiqs MUST HAVE ITEM! 

If you're going for that a bold or dramatic eye, BURBERRY'S ROSEWOOD LIP-GLOSS would be great to wear. 

OR let's just say, you want to look lively and elegant BURBERRY'S ROSEWOOD LIP GLOSS is your answer. 

If you are looking for that refreshed natural look!! GUESS WHAT?! Burberry Rosewood Lip Gloss gives you that and more!

Long story short! You'll love this gloss!!! 

Details about Burberry's Lip Gloss listed below:Formula: A creamy touch and perfectly adherent texture. Light oils and spherical powders give fluidity and comfort. 

• Benefits: Reflects light to create illusion of plumper, fuller lips. Leaves lips supple, glowing with natural highlights and subtle iconic tones. Protection: Ceramide complex recreates the intercellular cement. Hydrating formula keeps the lips replenished. Fine lines are filled from within, lips are naturally plumped. Shades featured in the Siren Red collection are No. 22 Coral, No. 21 Fondant Pink, No. 20 Pink Sweet Pea and No. 19 Mallow Pink.

To purchase this lip-gloss feel free to visit Nordstrom or go online to Burberry. The cost is  ONLY $27.00 (it's worth it)

Beauty Blush Hour article by Blinging Beauty listed below:
http://blingingbeauty.com/blinging-beauty-event-recap-beauty-blush-hour-at-nordstrom-san-francisco-city-centre/


*Choqolate Chiq - pronounced Chocolate Chick is a brown skin female whose complexion mimics the color of chocolate, milk chocolate and/or dark chocolate. 

MY DEAD LASHES CAME BACK TO LIFE FOR $ 2.99

 

I'll cut right to the chase. As usual, I was running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. While sitting at the stop light I looked at myself in my rear view mirror and realized I forgot my mascara!! ARGH!! My lifeless lashes were in need of serious rejuvenation. Time for a  beauty mission.

Mission #1 LOCATE WALGREENS AND PURCHASE MASCARA

As I drove through the uber busy streets of San Francisco I found the nearest Walgreens.  I jumped out of the car and shuffled quickly to the cosmetics section. DANG IT!! I forgot my debit card at home. I reached into my pocket and pulled out $25 in cash. Immediately, I began reasoning with myself silently on which mascara to purchase (beauty on a budget). In the end I realized there was no need to spend tons of money on mascara. After all my little lashes just needed a little pick me up for today.

I slowly walked to the Wet N Wild section. I quickly scanned the area where all of the Wet N Wild mascaras reside. Suddenly, a bright, canary yellow mascara tube jumped out at me. It read, Wet N Wild MegaVolume Mascara. I looked at the price and realized this mascara was only $ 2.99 (perfect for my budget). This mascara is inexpensive, provides natural-looking thicker lashes and no clumping. I grabbed the mascara and rushed over to the register to purchase it. I paid for my item and dashed out of the store.

Mission #2 REVIVE MY DEAD LASHES  

I ran to my car, pulled the visor down, flipped the mirror cover up and began to apply this mascara.  The Wet N Wild MegaVolume mascara was easy to apply. I normally do 3-4 coats onto my lashes BUT this time I thought because this mascara was cheaper... I would need at least 10 coats. Well guess what? I was wrong. 3 coats of the MegaVolume mascara and I was a happy chiq (chick). My lashes looked naturally fuller and I had no clumps.

This product delivered its claim: Volume-building formula, natural-looking, thicker lashes, clump-free AND it only cost $ 2.99. This is a perfect beauty on a budgett mascara. Thank you Wet N Wild MegaVolume Mascara.

Click this link to purchase or at your nearest drug store. http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/wet-n-wild-megavolume-mascara/ID=prod6162774-product#descriptionNamedTab

S/O (Shout Out) to The Militant Baker

I can’t help but SMILE!!  and send a SUPER S/O to Jes The Militant Baker!!  

  

This picture of The Militant Baker is "THE BOMB DOT COM"

We all know the old saying, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. I personally agree with that saying BUT I also believe... True BEAUTY starts from within and it manifest itself onto the outward appearance which causes ONE TO SHINE!!

Basically I am all about #TeamInsideOutBeauty    

The comments Mr. Jefferies made troubled me because it had to do with our young people. The idea of “cool kids” and the “not cool kids” can be very damaging to a young person's self-esteem. 

 

“Coolness” does not always come in a size 4 nor does it always come in a size 22. 

Thank you Jes The Militant Baker for sharing. 

Check out the letter from The Militant Baker to Mike Jefferies by clicking the link below. http://www.themilitantbaker.com/2013/05/to-mike-jeffries-co-abercrombie-fitch.html

Photo Credit: The Militant Baker website

The Great Gatsby Soundtrack

HELLO WORLD!!
I am sure I am not the only person patiently waiting for The Great Gatsby!!
Baz Luhrmann directed this film which is based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The setting itself is enough to make me smile! After all it is the roaring 20s in New York!! (Starting my flapper chick dance now) Get ready for victory and misfortune.  

The Great Gatsby Soundtrack is available to preview for FREE ladies and gentlemen courtesy of NPR.org! Based on this soundtrack it looks like this movie may have a beautiful modern twist. The Great Gatsby Soundtrack includes artist like, Jay Z, Beyonce, Will.I.Am, Fergie, Lana Del Rey, Coco O. Nero, Sia and many more!! I cannot wait to download my copy. If I had to sum it up... This soundtrack has youthful, modern, alluring sound and I LOVE IT! The release date is set for May 7, 2013 on Interscope Records.

The sound track is hot! THE FREE LISTEN IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE :(  LISTEN NOW BY CLICKING THE WORDS THE GREAT GASBY SOUNDTRACK ABOVE 

 Purchase the album on Amazon or iTunes The Great Gasby Novel can be purchased on Amazon (for your Kindle also)



Happy 96th birthday ‘Queen’ Ella Fitzgerald!

Happy 96th birthday Ella Fitzgerald


Hello World,
Although music changes as the years progress, I can never forget the sound of JAZZ. Jazz gives me a vision of life. The jazz sounds of the guitars/string instruments, drums, pianos and horns/wind instruments are so dynamic either together or on their own.

Jazz music paints a picture that either brings a smile to my face or it allows my abstract thoughts to run and be free. Jazz soothes and massages my stress away while at the same time JAZZ allows my creative juices to simmer and produce ART! SO!! I SAY ALL OF THAT TO SAY THIS!!


Happy 96th birthday ‘Queen’ Ella Fitzgerald!
Ella’s infectious smile and her jazzy voice are truly captivating. She represents a special era. A era of class.

The classic duets she did with artist like Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and many others are priceless. Ella's influence is still strong... I hear artist like, (MY GIRL) Chrisette Michele and I even remember the first time I listened to Queen Latifah's jazz cd... I smiled and thought of Ella.

Ella although you are gone, you are never forgotten. 

PRESS PLAY and enjoy the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald!

 

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book – Lush Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0bUP-RyCqk



Queen Latifah – Lush Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mub-gyuPFlw

Esperanza Spalding – Lush Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xABT7teB114

If interested in purchasing music/downloading music by Ella check out the link below:

First Lady Of Song on Google Play!
Art of Ella Fitzgerald Courtesy of Fine Art America (check out their art)

Ella’s official website

Spring Fling Music! Alicia Keys & Maxwell - Fire We Make

HELLO WORLD!
Maxwell + the song title Fire We Make = I HAD TO CHECK IT OUT!! AND I AM PLEASED!!! Waving my church fan... Maxwell!! Maxwell!! Maxwell!!! #NUFFSAID
And don't get me wrong... Alicia Keys is on FIRE... oh yes I said it, "that girl is on fire..." BUT the IT factor for me was Maxwell... He is that added spice that gives you that much needed kick! He is saucy! This is a great video shot by Chris Robinson (excellent job as always)

PRESS PLAY!! AND get your church fan ready!

HELLO WORLD... CHECK IT OUT!!

Hello World I feel like I need to share my interesting internet finds. I've been wanting to blog about the fun things I find online BUT I've been MIA due to work and what not BUT I'm back (Hello World)and I found some very COOL finds online. For my Pho Fans! I found the perfect definition of Pho. "What is Pho? Pho is food. Pho is: “Phở (fuh) n.Traditional Vietnamese beef noodle soup."
I love Pho!! It's mmmm mmmm good. Pho Keeps me warm and comfy on the inside.
While checking one of my favorite sites yankodesign.com
(check out yankdodesign.com... lots of cool things on this site)
I saw this and thought! I need share this! This is really cool!
(I love all in one items)

you can find the article and pic on the site mentioned below (check out the site!! one of my favs)
http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/07/28/what-the-pho/


Amongst my finds we have this fashionable piece AND its a cell phone... can you imagine that!

if you don't believe me check out this link http://gzbreath.com/

Check this one out!! I want one!! LOL!!
"It’s the “Sound Lounge” Actually a concept from none other than designer Sharifah Nasser, the sound blaster! This is a coffee table that is also a sound system."
I thought to myself... coffee table that's a sound system... I love all in one items!!
Check out the link http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/03/29/sit-on-sound/

reminds me of the good ol' days! Remember these... some of you do... maybe some of you don't
this is actually for sale on ebay (60S RETRO AWA RECORD PLAYER RADIO COFFEE TABLE)

AND... IS CHOCOLATE SEXY!! of course ChoQolate is Sexy!!
CHECK THIS OUT!! if youre into design YANKO is the spot to check out. They have the latest and the greatest and last but not least EVEN YANKO DESIGNS knows that CHOCOLATE is SEXY!
ChoQolate is Sexy folks LOL!!http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/03/29/chocolate-is-sexy/

I'M BACK

Hello World... I'm back
I've been super busy!! working on a Sassy Girl Tees photo shoot!! This has been quite the experience. We (Me and Marna) were so busy trying to pull this thing together. It was our first of many photo shoots. I'm excited and I can't wait to see how it all turns out. SO many things to do... such little time. We need an intern LOL!! I'm running around like a naked chicken. When I run around like a lil featherless chicken I surround myself with tons of music.
MUSIC is my calm in the midst of the storm.



Like the rest of the world I am saturating with myself with Sade! Yes she is so Sassy!! I love the new Sade CD!!







I'm a huge Corinne Bailey Rae fan!!
Check out her new one THE SEA
Love this cd! I love Corinne... I've submerged myself into the sea... without drowning LOL!!

AND lately you can find Mz Badu's new single floating around online of course I'm talking about Mz Erykah Badu! I love Erykah Badu she is sooooo Bad-uuuu LOL
Waiting patiently for her new cd New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)

Check out her single by clicking the link below
http://stupiddope.com/2010/02/07/window-seat-by-erykah-badu-ft-uestlove/



















I've joined a gym and had a training session that kicked my butt BUT I know if I stick to what the instructor said I'll be ready for the summer. YEP I'll be all Sassy-Li-Cious!

I've been slacking on the water thing (thumbs down for myself) I fell off the wagon aaaaagain.
Why is it so hard to do the right thing? Why can't I just drink water all day?? every day???
Pray for me please LOL because I am struggling in this area. I'm still a faithful lil walker every Saturday getting my 2 miles in weekly. Thank you again to all the walkers in my group (I love you guys)

So were done with February 2010!! Black History Month, Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger... NOT TIGER WOODS!! I don't wanna hear his name for at least another 8 months LOL)

February always seems to go so fast. Once again I want to thank all of the people who paved the way for me as a young black woman. I cannot express enough how much I appreciate your heart and soul. I hope to make all of those before me PROUD.

NOW were in March... Marzo!! March is my birthday month!!
What shall I do?? anyone have any ideas for me?? I'm taking suggestions.

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

FEBRUARY 2010

HEY EVERYONE!! so I know I haven't blogged in a while. I've been pretty busy these days.
It's February 2010!

Let me first say... Happy Black History Month!! I can't let this month go by and not think of my past! I actually get pretty emotional about it because I know I could not do anything that I'm doing now without someone breaking some sort of barrier for me.

Many people have endored sooooo much pain and torment just so that I and many other people like myself could read, vote, drink out of a fountain, swim in a pool, sit in the front of the bus... so many things!! I'm so thankful for them. Now don't get me wrong... I'm thankful for my ancestors everyday BUT I'm thankful for this month of extra celebration LOL!

One of my favorite songs written by James W. Johnson, Lift Every Voice and Sing
Lift ev'ry voice and sing, Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list'ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/72



OK so now... I've been a naughty water drinker... meaning... I fell off the wagon! UGH! I'm starting all over again with drinking at least 64oz of water every day!! I need water! You need water! We need Water!!











I'm still doing my walking every saturday with our walking group and we are the best! Although it's been rainy out here in the Bay Area were still walking YEP! were in the malls walking the whole mall!! and let me tell you to walk a mall for an hour!! is work!! I love my walking group! they keep me motivated and they keep my smiling!! Thank you ladies!

I'm promoting good health! I'm all for healthy living!! Get that excercise in! Drink you water!! Take care of yourself and ladies... always remember to keep it sassy AND FELLAS!! make sure you show LOVE!! to all your Sassy Girls!!