My Plate is Full and I’m Hungry for More!

I have a lot on my plate. Not a literal plate of food, but the imaginary plate we use to describe how busy our lives are.

Between my full time job, teaching part time, blogging (even in its current limited form), family life, and a host of other things I’m working on…I’ve got a lot to do these days.  I’m not complaining, just acknowledging that fact.

Driving home the other day, I went down my “to-do” list and it seems to be growing by the minute. Everything is such a balancing act for me right now. It’s a bit overwhelming. But as I think about everything on my to-do list, I realize this is par for the course on the path to greatness.

I put so much on my plate because I have an appetite for success and I’m going to tackle each portion of my life’s meal one by one, until I reach my goals. I feel so hungry!

I’m hungry for more out of life!

I’m hungry for a new lifestyle – the one of abundance that I’ve always dreamed of having.

I’m hungry to be a better me.

I’m hungry for God.

I’m just…hungry! Ready! Willing!

The first half of 2012 is coming to a close. What are you doing to help you achieve your goals?

What are you hungry for?

 

5 Reasons Why I’m Inspired by Beyonce’s Photo Diary

If you’re a Beyonce fan, today is a special day for you. We’ve arrived the moment that we’ve all been waiting for; and it’s not a new album, a new concert, or DVD from Bey. Through a photo diary, or Tumblr page, Beyonce has finally given us the chance to get to know her better – in a way that her music never could.

I just finished clicking through what seems like at least 100 photos and I’m feeling unexpectedly inspired.

Here are five things I’ve learned from just my first view of Beyonce’s photo diary.

Experience  life: I may never have the funds to travel to the Amalfi coast or any of the other exotic locations we see her frolicking in throughout the photos; but that doesn’t mean I can’t travel within the confines of my own budget and see the world. That vacation with my husband I’ve been putting off because we’re too “busy”? Yeah…that’s getting booked soon. I read a quote recently that said that it’s better to spend money on experiences than on things. I’m all about that concept!

Keep family close: The pictures of Beyonce and her sister Solange are so pure and sincere. Sure they’re megastars, but at the end of the day, they’re sisters and people forget that. It was heart warming to see Beyonce surrounded by her husband, sister, nephew, and other close friends and family. Quite honestly, no matter your level of fame – family is everything. Keep those you love the most around you. I’m sure that’s been her secret to staying grounded all of these years.

Be beautiful: By this I don’t mean just physical beauty. Her inner beauty is apparent, both with makeup and without. You can tell she’s happy. Inner beauty can’t be hidden!  I try to do all I can to take care of myself and keep my mind and body at peace. That’s not always easy, but today I was reminded of how important that is.

Rep for your man! Many times we see Bey throwin’ up the dynasty sign, saluting her husband Jay-Z. They’ve been together longer than both of Kim K’s marriages and they’re still going strong! I’ve always respected the way they have kept their relationship private – as it should be! So to see them holding hands, celebrating special occasions, vacationing, and working together was refreshing. They’re as powerful and as successful as they are because they’re a TEAM. There’s your lesson on marriage for the day.

 

Work hard & Be in control: We’ve all watched Beyonce’s ascent into stardom from her earlydays as the standout in Destiny’s Child. For those in my age class, we’ve grown up along with her. Her work ethic is unmatched and she grinds harder than a bag of coffee beans at Starbucks! The result of that is: when you work hard, you can play hard. Moreover, the fact that she released these pictures on her own accord, in her own time, and in her own way (just like she did with the debut of Baby Blue) speaks volumes to how in control she is of her life and her career. She’s an artist, a wife, a mother, sister, friend, daughter, and entrepreneur. She does it all with style and grace. She knows what she wants and goes after it. Just like me. Just like you.

 

*All pictures were sourced from http://beyonce.tumblr.com/

The Business of Being Natural: Why Kim Love (Kimmaytube) is a Friend in My Head

Have you ever singled out a person or public figure that you don’t know personally, but would like to? You truly enjoy or even admire their work (be it music, writing, or business) and in your head you and that person are like, complete besties??!!!

Well, I have a few of those and I want to share them with you. Ever so often I’ll write a post to introduce you to some folks that I’ve been watching and following online via Youtube, Twitter, or Facebook. If you’re a long time reader, this is another version of my “Blog Obsessions” that will span beyond some of my fav0rite blogs.

So let’s get to it!

The first friend in my head is a woman named Kim Love. If you’re natural, you know her as Kimmaytube.

I found out about Kim when I first enrolled in the Youtube School of Beauty, and was starting out with my natural hair research (about a year ago). You can’t ignore her videos as they pop up in almost any natural hair search on YT.

I was hooked at first view because it was obvious that she put a great deal of effort into — not just her hair, but the quality of her work. That impressed me and I soon found myself watching countless video after video (at present there’s 113 of them!), soaking up lots of valuable information.

To say that her channel is popular doesn’t really seem sufficient. She has over 10 million views to date and she just reached 100,000 subscribers. Yes, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND people have clicked that precious subscribe button to learn more from Kim about how to grow long and well preserved natural hair. Through focus and discipline, she has grown her hair down to her waist! Her results are proven and well documented.

If you’re natural or thinking about taking the plunge, I strongly encourage you to check her out!

Once she joined Twitter, I immediately followed her there. Like me, she was reluctant to join Twitter at first, but I’m so glad she did! She tweets on a buffet of topics that expand beyond natural hair – ranging from politics, socio-economics, finances, relationships, to pop culture! No subject is off limits.

She has a lot to say and hers is a voice that is refreshing and exciting.

What I appreciate most about Kim is that she seems to genuinely want to use her experiences to help others. For those like me that are watching closely, it’s evident that she is an ASTUTE businesswoman that is meticulously building a brand behind the name Kimmaytube (no, seriously – she trademarked the name!). I remember her saying in one of her videos that she wanted to be the global leader/voice for natural hair care, and I believe she will achieve that goal.

She’s not interested in becoming a natural hair celebrity – it’s all about business with her and I respect that! Her online store, Luv Naturals is booming and she will be releasing a product line and an original hair device/tool in the near future. Kim is one to watch in the world of business and I think those of us that follow her recognize that we’re watching greatness unfold.

I know that I’m gushing a bit here, but she’s like the virtual big-sister-mentor we all want to have: educated, highly successful, cultured, and ambitious. She’s also married and a first time mommy-to-be!

What I’m learning from her, above all else, is that you must chase your dreams with focus, determination, and a deliberate plan. You do not have to make apologies for having (or pursuing) the life and success you want to have.

And that my friends, is why she’s a total friend in my head!

 

Here’s one of her most viewed videos on Youtube. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will Fame Destroy Bobbi Kristina Brown?

As the daughter of two entertainers, Bobbi Kristina Brown has been getting shine in the media spotlight since she was in her mother’s womb. Now, with the passing of her mother just a mere 4 weeks ago, that spotlight has doubled, even tripled in size.

Just coming off her family’s interview with Oprah regarding the death of Whitney Houston, Bobbi Kris has also been featured on gossip blogs TWICE already this week. This makes me nervous, and here’s why.

I fear that the biggest thing her mother wanted to avoid will indeed happen now that she’s not here to protect her. The media will eat this poor child alive, chew her up and spit her out. The story that’s making headlines this week is about Bobbi Kris and Nick Gordon, a young man that Whitney took in when he was an adolescent.

There are pictures and videos floating around the ‘Net of the two of them hugging, kissing, and holding hands together. And now there are reports that her grandmother Cissy is upset about what’s going on and is threatening to have him evicted from Whitney’s home (where Bobbi Kris also lives).

Last year there were pictures released of Bobbi Kris snorting cocaine and now this? This is just the type of fodder that gossip blogs and rumor mills love, need, and crave.

With the level of celebrity of mother held (and still holds) people will be watching this young woman’s every move. Even though she’s legally an adult at 19, she’s still so very young. My prayer for her is that she avoids the pitfalls of fame and the trouble that it brings. I will say that Bobby Brown, R&B’s legendary “bad boy” is her dad, so I’m sure there’s a rebellious streak in her. But I don’t want to see her become another Britney Spears (who can forget that shaved head situation?) or Lindsay Lohan.

Fame in itself is a drug that will leave you strung out and chasing it forever.

Please, Bobbi Kris, don’t let that be you! Stay low-key for awhile. Give yourself time to breathe and grieve the loss of your mother. Don’t get caught up in the trap that’s set up, polished, and waiting for you. Although you are your own person that will chose your own life path, your mother’s legacy is in your hands. Please be careful with it.