A Simple Gift

I hate impulse buying.  One of my shopping rules is to look at something and walk away.  If it is still calling to me after leaving the store I may then go back and purchase.

This past weekend, while attending the Woman's Prayer Breakfast put on by the Women of Faith at Revelation Christian Fellowship in San Leandro California, I had a very similar experience.  I spotted these beautiful flowered earrings at Danielle's vendor table (A Twist of Color Jewelry & Accessories).  They were gorgeous.  During each break I would return to admire these earrings knowing I could not afford to purchase at that time, instead I asked Danielle for her business card.  Then I stood towards the end of the table and watched longingly as other people purchased some of her creations.  My heart sank when I saw her put the pair of earrings I wanted into a bag.

I went back to my seat, my friend's chair was empty as she had not yet returned from the ladies room, or so I thought.  She returned to her seat, placing a cute little gift bag into my hands.  At first, I thought she wanted me to place it in the empty seat next to me.  She laughed and said, "no, those are for you."  I knew right away what was in the bag but I was still filled with shock and disbelief. She is so slick!  How did she pull this one off?  It really does take a lot to surprise me, and she got me good! 


I don't think my friend knew she made me cry that day.  I was just having one of those weeks where nothing seemed to be going my way.  She really has no idea how much this gift means to me.  They are so much more than the beautiful earrings she gave.  I took it as a message from my heavenly father, saying, "I see you and hear you my beautiful daughter, hear is something to make you smile."

Her kind gesture is making me smile from the inside out.  You never know when your friend is in need of a kind gesture, gift or simple prayer.  When you feel the need to do something special for someone.  Don't hesitate just do it!

I Want the White Doll

Growing up, I loved Barbie.  I can even remember a time when my mother, trying to get me to see my own beauty, thought she would surprise me with a black doll while shopping one day;  to her surprise and embarrassment, she pulled the black doll off the shelf, causing a complete meltdown of screaming in the middle of the floor, "Mommy I want the white doll, I want the white doll."  My mother was truly embarrassed and proceeded to pick me up and march me right out of that store.  You can only imagine what happened next as it was a different time back then and mothers did not believe in their children throwing fits in the middle of the floor in a store of all places.

My mother still recalls this incident even into my adulthood.  She says she is still hurt by the fact that her daughter rejected the black doll and in turn rejected her own beauty. I still remember preferring the white dolls over the black dolls as a child.  I just thought they were more beautiful and I even remember wishing and praying for long straight hair.  When I learned Mattel released a new line of African American, So In Style dolls, I was very excited!

I also discovered African American mom, Stacey McBride-Irby, who also wanted her daughter to grow up seeing beautiful images of black people reflected in her toys, was the designer of the So In Style Line.

While I celebrate the accomplishment of McBride-Irby and think her creations are beautiful, I am a little saddened by the fact that all of these dolls have silky straight hair unless you curl it or twist it with one of the doll's styling tools.  I am thankful to see these dolls appear in a variety of skin tones as we all know black beauty comes in many different packages and shades.  I would also like to see our varying types of beauty reflected in their hair and sincerely hope Mattel and MicBride-Irby will consider developing dolls with naturally textured hair for future lines.

Mom and Me

I just wanted to share this photo of my mom and I sporting our Sisterlocks.  It is always good to spend time with my mom and now we have more time to spend because we don't have to spend hours on our hair.  We just do a finger comb and go.  Mom is 3 months Sisterlocked and I am almost 5. 

I Won Something!

Have you ever been to a dinner, event, conference, meeting, etc. where you get a raffle ticket as you enter.  I always seem to get these tickets but I never seem to win.  Well I am happy to report my luck has changed and last month I went to an event, picked up my raffle ticket and really did not pay much attention to it after sitting in my seat until they announced the door giveaway.  The prize: Eat This Not That by Author David Zinczenko.  "Are you kidding me," I thought, I have had my eye on this book for a few weeks and it was on my list to purchase.  I immediately started my positive thinking and next thing I know, the announcer calls out my number as the winning ticket.

I promise I never win these things but for a first timer, I received one of the best prizes and something I carry with me wherever I go.

Eat This Not That has completely changed the way I look at food in the grocery store or in a restaurant.  I am now getting to the point where I can pick out healthier options and avoid common food traps.  

 I love this book because it suggests tasty alternatives for some of our favorite foods.  I do well when I am on my own and cooking for myself but I now feel empowered with knowledge when going to a restaurant with friends. 

In addition to this book, I have learned that several restaurants have nutrition menus.  Sometimes you have to ask for them but I have found discovering how many calories are in one restaurant meal makes me think twice about what I order and how much I eat. 

Healthy Habits

I have a blog called Sis Nufit which stands for Sisters Inspiring Sisters to reach our nutrition and fitness goals.  I am joining my blogs together because I have learned many of my natural sisters are also interested in taking care of their entire temple.

I have read many stories about our hair and how for some it can be a sticking point and the reason it is more difficult to work out.  I must admit when I was younger I quit the swim team because of my hair.  If only I knew then what I know now.

I understand now that our CROWN is our covering and can represent our entire well being.  I am creating this space within CROWN so we can have a complete conversation about our health and all of our triumphs and successes in between.

Comparison Photos

This is a quick post to show side-by-side photos of my progress.  I am pleased with the progress I have made in 4 months and glad I took these pictures to document my success.  

 

 

Month 4

I celebrated my 4 month Sisterlock Anniversary on July 28th.  I have uploaded some photos to show my progress.  I think I can finally see a real difference between now and when I first had them installed back in march.

What do you think?

I also started experimenting with curling my hair.  I love the way it looks but have only done it once since I don't like putting heat on my hair.  I am going to invest in some rollers so I can accomplish the look without the heat. 

These last two picks were taken right after a workout.  I would say this is not a bad look for just completing 8 miles.  I absolutely love Sisterlocks because they give me the flexibility to workout and look good before, during and after.  I am going to write another post about how my Sisterlocks have helped me to shed 20lbs.  I love my wash and wear hair.

You will find comparison shots below.  I can see a difference!  

 One week Sisterlocked. 

Two weeks

A Reason to Celebrate

I start this post off with an apology for being away so long. 

I will be the first to admit this summer has not been an easy one and I primarily stayed away so long because of my own shame.  Bottom line is that I currently have not met the goals I set for myself and for that I am truly embarrassed.  

I have a list of excuses about a mile long for why I did not reach my goals but I refuse to allow myself to continue the pity party any further.  I thank God for support partners who can see more than what I see and can look at situations with an objective eye.

Losing weight and taking a journey towards a healthier lifestyle can be challenging and you will be met with highs and lows along the way.  Suggestion:  find that person (someone you trust) you can confide in about your goals and plans.  This person should serve as someone with whom you can be accountable.  This person should be able to balance constructive criticism with encouragement and know exactly when to apply each. 

Last week I needed my friend to be encouraging and because of their optimistic words I am able to write this post today.  My friend sat me down and went through the things I did accomplish this summer.  After our discussion I was able to see more clearly and discover that even though I am not where I want to be, I am no longer where I used to be and for this I am very thankful.

This is why I cannot continue with my pity party; I have every reason to celebrate!  I only lost five pounds when I wanted to lose 12 but I did not gain weight like I did last summer.  Even though I am heavier than I was when I used to put on a pair of my favorite jeans they are looser now because I have less body fat. 

I encourage you all to find a friend and find reasons to celebrate even the smallest accomplishments throughout your journey for these are the things that will keep you running when your tank is low.