Marica Mitchell

Little GIRLS should be CLASSY and CUTE. Whether you are going to school, church or heading to a wedding, this simple T W I S T updo is versatile and most importantly, easy to do. It is an everyday wearable style that your little girl will love. You will need the following: Regular comb, rat tail comb, ponytail holders, smoothing gel (SOFT), bobby pins, barrettes, brush and holding spray (if necessary) Hair Products used for this look courtesy of: Curly Kids Hair Care Curly Chic Your Mane Moisturizer Curly Kids Gel Moisturizer Step 1 – Sectioning the Hair Use a rat tail comb to create your parts.  You will first create  the vertical part (center of forehead) and stop and the top of the head.  Next, create a horizontal part (slanted or straight from ear to ear) and secure the back section in a ponytail. Secure all sections with a ponytail. Bring the rear ponytail to the center of the head to create a sleek updo. Step 2 – Twisting and Securing the Front Add Curly Kids Hair Care Curly Kids Gel Moisturizer to the edges, brush and twist the first side wrapping it around the the rear ponytail and securing with a pin. Then twist the next side, crossing it over and securing it with more pins. Make sure twists are tight and wrapped around the rear ponytail and secured with pins. Step 3 – Creating the Twisted BUN Moisturize the hair if necessary and twist the ponytail and follow the STEPS carefully to create a SMOOTH TWISTED BUN. Step A: TWIST the rear ponytail to the end of the hair. Step B: Place INDEX finger in the center and hold the ponytail twist securely.       Step C: Wrap the TWISTED ponytail loosely around your finger to create a                    unique finish.       Step D: PIN TWISTED BUN in place to secure. Step 4 – The FINISHED Look Finish with a soft gel (Curly Kids Gel Moisturizer) to smooth fly-aways and add a flower or hair bow for a girly look. This cute three twists  and a bun is so easy to do. You can add that chic and sophisticated look by just adding a headband to the front or a flower around the BUN. This is a great look for a little sassy girl. VIDEO 2: BE SURE TO check out a similar do with PLAITS posted on Naturally Curly website.  This look was done a year ago. Don’t forget to leave your comments, questions or feedback below.  Thanks for STOPPING BY!!!!  Go check out the great PRODUCTS available for this do at Curly Kids Hair Care. #Beauty #CurlyKidsHairCare #HealthampBeauty #bun #twist

What are you THANKFUL for this HOLIDAY season?  “When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” ~ Tecumseh   I am THANKFUL for: 1. LIFE – God has kept me so far in 2015 and I am happy to be alive. Every morning before I start my day the first thing that I do is meditate and pray in a quiet area in my home giving thanks for LIFE. 2. TRIALS – My trials have proven how strong I am. Sometimes I wonder where does the strength comes from but only God knows. 3. ADVERSITIES – I will continue to fight my way through life no matter what detours I may encounter along the way in 2016. 4. CHILDREN – My pillar of strength and my rock. They keep me grounded and keep that smile on my face. They are more than my company, sidekick or children. They have taught me so much over the last 8 years. 5. FAMILY – Even though I may not be the perfect daughter, sister, aunt or niece, I have to say my family has taught me to stay strong no matter what storm I face. My family carried me through and helped me along the way after losing my best friend and dad. 6. FAITH – I hold on to my faith as when the times get tough, I can only cry out to my Heavenly Father. When sometimes I can only see my footprints in the sand, I know that my Heavenly Father is carrying me along the way. 7. FRIENDS – I have rekindled some great friendship along the way and I am proud to say my true friends have always been there for me. They have lifted me up during tough times even when it’s only a text, email or call. 8. MY JOB – God knows that I am eternally grateful for having a JOB. I don’t complain much anymore, I don’t even fuss when things don’t always go my way. With open hearts I teach my daily and I will continue to uplift and inspire each person I reach along the way. 9. A HOME – This is something I do not take for granted as I see so many homeless folks daily. I may not be living in a mansion but I am happy to have a clean bed to sleep in and a roof over my head. 10. PEACE – It can be hard when you are not at peace with yourself. Thank you Heavenly Father for perfect PEACE. It cannot be bought or sold, but when you do find it from within, the feeling is amazing. In closing… “It isn’t what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart.” ~ Author Unknown

Have your child ever made a statement that had you thinking for days?  Have you ever questioned yourself about being a good parent or mother?  Well, unfortunately, I have answered “YES” to both questions.  I have been blessed with 2 amazing children who have unique personalities and who bring nothing but SUNSHINE in my life.  My first born and son, a SPECIAL child has taught me some of the best life lessons.  Aiden is a tough child to understand but he can analyze and reason like a GROWN man.  My son is an active child who participates in church activities and karate.  This past weekend, his Saturday boys church group  had a father son activity  that he wanted to attend.  Again, unfortunately, he realized last minute that his father should have joined but didn’t know how to ask.  He now waited 20 minutes before to tell me to call a friend or my nephew to take him.  I told him “NO” as I have been upset that his dad isn’t playing an active role.  HE CRIED his heart out while listening to some of  my negative harsh comments that I can’t always be a father.  Its take a MAN to teach a BOY to be a MAN and there is so much a single mother can do. I expressed that somethings we have to learn to accept. My son said to me said “mommy, I still LOVE you no matter what and I will still love my father.”  I will not call him and be rude when I am mad but I will pray that he will be a better dad.  I was in AWWWWW!!! I had a moment and I had to reflect back on the harsh words I had just repeated about his father. I felt so bad for my son but moreover, I was ashamed of my actions towards him because of his father.  My son internalizes everything and I regret talking negative about his father.  I know however no matter what, he will always pray for his father and I should have known better to leave it at the foot of the cross.  I know my son would find some way to encourage his dad to be a better man and I should have entrusted him. As I share this with tears in my eyes, my son decided that he would cancel meeting his father this weekend as he would NOT miss CHURCH. I was amazed when my son asked permission today to call his father to let him know that since he is on the choir and will be singing this Sunday,  he will have to reschedule.  He nicely asked his dad to come to church and hear him sing instead. I know that I have a special child but God uses little children to draw us adults closer to Him.  I am a witness as my son will drag me out the house to ensure that we go to church on Sundays.  My son starts our morning rides to work and school with a prayer and share his favorite bible verses in the car.  I play his songs for choir daily for the first 40 minutes of our ride.  He shares how AWESOME God is and share some of his favorite bible stories when he know that I am having a bad day. My son will NOT miss his Wednesday night church group even if his homework is NOT done.  Additionally,  my son has be my rock and my shoulder to cry on and always will share that WORD when things are just not going right. I am so happy that this year my son has only missed church once and is on a mission to serve Christ. He is shielding himself and growing in the WORD and staying on track.  How many 9 year old will NOT miss his choir practice on a Sunday afternoon ?  How many 9 year old will NOT miss church activities on a Wednesday?  How many 9 year old will invite others to Christ?  I know I have a SPECIAL child and I am eternally grateful. This past Saturday was one of the BEST teachable moments and as a parent, we have to accept and look beyond each others fault.  Thank you Aiden for a GREAT lesson!! In closing…. “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19 vs. 14 #HealthampBeauty

Perfect FLAT TWIST anyone? Flat twists are a NEAT way to protect your hair while adding a little JAZZ.  They are similar to cornrows except you are using only 2 strands versus 3.  To create the perfect twist, the art is the grip, the amount of hair and the hand technique.  Follow the steps below and you will have the PERFECT TWIST to GO. Items used: Curly Kids Hair Care Curly Chic Products (Moisture in a Minute, Mane Moisturizer, Coconut Oil for Curls) Brush: Smoothing and Detangling, Comb: Rat tail or regular comb and rubber bands Step 1: Section hair based on desired style or look using a rat tail or regular comb.  For this LOOK, hair was parted in two with a slant look. Step 2:   From the section of the hair you parted, grab a small section of the hair dividing it into two equal parts. Start by twisting the 2 section ensuring that the hair is gripped properly.  See video  TUTORIAL below. Step 3: Try to grip about the same amount of hair each time to PERFECT the twist. It is important to hold the twist and not pull the hair by putting too much tension. As you twist the hair, gently grip and incorporate more hair from the section into the twist as you work towards the back. Secure at the end of the twist either braiding or with a small black rubber band. Don’t forget to add your Curly Chic Moisture in a minute and brush the hair for each section that you twist. Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you are complete. As you become more comfortable with your technique, you can section hair to create different versatile looks. Complete the look or style by adding a flower or bow depending on the look that you plan to achieve. Thanks for stopping by and HOPE the video tutorial HELPS!!!  Don’t forget to check out the Curly Chic Product line used to accomplish this look at: Curlykids Hair Care Website. #HealthampBeauty

Life is like a camera.  Just focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t turn out – take another shot. How amazing and perfect is that quote. Wednesday after running into my photographer, I was so excited to take up his offer of giving me the overdue photography lesson I so longed for.  I wanted to learn more about my camera, its setting, natural light and how to focus on certain objects.  The lesson was so worth it and I plan on taking any course that he offers. Even though I do NOT have any intentions of leaving my day job and to quit my other hobbies, I want to be able to capture all the good times and special moments in my life.  My subject, my daughter is always so willing. My son Aiden does NOT want to be posted on SOCIAL MEDIA or the internet, however I was able to bribe him and I did get a few shots. Hope you enjoyed  some of the great photos I captured.  Thank you so much Michael (website here) for sharing your knowledge and allowing me to capture these moments. #Fashion

If at first you don’t succeed, TRY, try again. “William Hickson” I am on a mission this year and I promise myself to cut from more patterns.  I have been sewing skirts for over a year and a half and really don’t need a formal pattern to create one.  I have made all styles all variations and I have been running away from patterns.  I did cut my second pattern for my daughter when I tested the Mingo and Grace Blake dress pattern for tween size 6-14 seen here. I have been shopping for fabric and patterns to create spring pieces for Arielle and came across this beautiful African print. I knew exactly what I wanted to create and was on a mission to create the Mingo and Grace Crop top set pattern. 2715. I opted to create a sleeveless version instead VIEW B.  I was pretty happy with the results except a few minor hiccups with the button hole.  Check out  my first version VIEW A here that I created last year and was proud. I wanted to correct my mistake and cut the armpit area PERFECT as my very first attempt of making it was snugged. The GREAT news is that my daughter loves it and I can’t be happier with the results.  I completed another SLEEVELESS version from a different fabric VIEW C sleeveless and that finish was amazing as well.  I am still contemplating if I should make a shorts or a maxi skirt. I can’t wait to get started on another pattern cutting venture. Hope you enjoyed all the pictures.  We can’t wait to wear it when we go on our NEXT vacation to Jamaica.  Thanks for stopping by and I promise I will get back to regular blogging programming. #DIY #Fashion

“BAD hair day, ain’t nobody got time for that.” Imagine an article from the Beyond Beauty series written by stylist and blogger Natalia Oh published in Jamaica Gleaner had me in awwwww with this young lady.  Yes, I read her story and I was literally in tears!!!! I immediately shared the story with a few of my closest friends. Following her published story in Jamaica Gleaner, I saw her again showcasing her talent on SMILE Jamaica.  What caught my attention was her flawless skin and her beautiful hair.  After seeing another article of hers about her product line, I knew then that I had to give it a try on my daughter’s hair. I had gotten in touch with Christal Ann and asked my friend to purchase 6 sets.  YES, I had confidence in her product and wasn’t sure if I would return to Jamaica anytime soon.  After trying the product the first week on my damaged perm hair at the time, I was HOOKED. Soon after, I was using the castor oil  and tonic or my daughter’s hair and noticed a HUGE difference.  Arielle’s hair wasn’t shedding and was thicker and healthier.  The scalp issue was pretty much gone after a month of using the hair tonic consistently.  For the past year, during my transition, I have used the hair tonic consistently on my scalp while my hair was still in braids.  I have minimal shedding when I removed my braids and I was surprised by the growth.  Last summer, I decided to do the BIG chop and wasn’t confident or bold to wear my fro.  6 months later after braids, I am in awww by the growth and thickness. How I use the Honey Vera products? I am a big fan of trial and error.  I actually received a set of the entire line last summer and currently only uses it  when my braids are out.  I wash with the shampoo, then deep condition with the oil for the entire day and  spray the tonic on my hair.  As for my daughter’s hair, we have to use the tonic every other day as it helps with her severe scalp issue.  In addition we use the oil 2-3 times a week and braid overnight to lock in the shine. When styling my hair, I spray the hair with the tonic and use the gel throughout the hair then add the oil after.  It seems to work better that way as the tight curls stay moisturized throughout the day. WE are truly in love with Honey Vera!!!!.  She spends hours perfecting her craft and product line, traveling to different events and most importantly listening to feedback and suggestions. Christal Ann is one phenomenal woman who is truly an artist at heart.  Not only does she cooks, paints among other talents, she is a LADY of high esteem and character.  I will always support her in all her endeavors as a black woman of talent and strength. DON’T forget to go check her out on Facebook at Honey Vera JA or on Instagram.  Feel free to email her to order your products at honeyveraja@gmail.com Thanks for reading and please feel free to share your comments below if you have tried her products. #HealthampBeauty

“Off all the gifts that life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest of them all.” Over the last year, I have developed a true passion for sewing.  I decided to take this new hobby to help heal the pain and hurt from the troubles of life.  I didn’t have a clue where this journey would go but I knew I didn’t want to stop.  My very first completed skirt was for my beautiful daughter Arielle. I started with the intent to sew for me after being inspired by Mimi G and Beaute’ J’adore.  My close friend and I decided to take sewing lessons with an instructor for 2 sessions.  To our dismay, the skirt was incomplete after the second session and I was truly disappointed and frustrated.  That same night, I decided to make an elastic skirt using a video tutorial for Arielle. Even though it wasn’t perfect, my daughter loved it and modeled the skirt so well that I was even more inspired. Everywhere she goes with a skirt I make, I receive compliments.  My daughter is so confident in the skin she is in and over the last year, we both have gravitated to wearing skirt.  I have been asked many times if I would sew but I am truly inspired to do a limited edition skirts for special occasions when time permits JUST FOR LITTLE GIRLS!!!  Starting this FALL, Arielle and I will be working on a few DIY Projects in addition to working on an awesome sewing Studio.  We will be working with a designer from South America in our sewing club at school and plan to learn as much as we can as part of our Mommy and Me “projects”. I am not sure where this journey may go but I am in for an awesome ride. Hope you enjoyed  a few of the AWESOME photos taken at a Morikami Japanese Garden and Museum showcasing her Holiday African print skirt.  Enjoy and thanks for stopping BY!!!! Remember…. “Life is so much brighter when we focus on what truly matters.” #DIY #Fashion #sewing

THE AMAZING skin care line – JENCARE ROCKS!!! I have been a health freak over the past few years but the last year or so, I have been quite a slacker.  It is time to get back in shape and start taking care of me. During the period of moving and closing on the new home, I neglected myself.  I ate junk, did not properly cleanse my face and fell off track.  A month ago after a huge breakout, I decided I had to go back to my daily regime. CHECK OUT MY DAILY SKIN CARE ROUTINE. 1. Leaf Soap – use to wash my face twice daily.  During summer months, I try to do it at least 3 times. 2. Toner – use daily after face is washed thoroughly with the leave soap.  My face feels amazing after and so refreshed.  My pores are squeaky clean and the tingling feeling lets me know that the skin is ready for the collagen. 3. Fresh Expressions – So fresh so clean.  This collagen is the BEST product that I have used on my face.  The collagen tightens my skin and gives it an amazing finish.  I don’t need any make-up when I use the collagen in the morning.  It definitely enhances the GLOW of my skin and I am SO in love.  The price is so worth it as it last for about 3-4 months if used once a day. The best product line that I have used the last 5-6 years has been Jen Care Skin Farm.  I stumbled across Jencare returning home from my trip to Jamaica.  The sales representative SOLD me as her flawless skin caught my eyes.  I was a bit hesistant and decided to try the leave soap and the #13.  To my amazement, I noticed a huge difference after a month and was hooked.  There is absolutely NO turning back and JENCARE SKIN FARM, YOU ROCK!!! I have always wanted to use the desired complexion and recently added it to my daily routine.  NO NEED FOR MAKE-UP after using it. Its like a foundation and cream in one. See photo below Go check out their website to see if there is a SPA near you.  If not, the Jencare Spa website is a click away (here) to order the amazing products that will work for your skin.  Dr. Samuda (REST IN PEACE)  was the only person I have trusted to do a facial and her recommendations are ALWAYS on point. Thanks for stopping by and I hope this review was helpful.  Feel free to leave a comment or question below. Go follow their pages on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see the amazing services the SPA offers!! #Beauty #HealthampBeauty

Arielle’s HAIR ROUTINE THE product line that we use is Curly Kids Hair Care. We have been using it over a year and a half now and we love the results. Here is a simple outline of the DIFFERENT PRODUCTS USED based on the desired looks.  To have your LITTLE DIVA’S HAIR looking SHINY and BEAUTIFUL, combine the PRODUCTS pictured. SLEEK BUNS and PROTECTIVE STYLES (Daily routine): Moisturizer Gel, Cream Conditioner and Coconut Oil for Curls ( when needed) The cream conditioner and coconut oil for curls are used throughout the hair including the ends. Depending on the desired BUN (Twist, braided or regular) or PROTECTIVE STYLES  a small amount of the moisturizer gel is used on the edges or the hair. If you are twisting the hair before creating the BUN, secure the bun then add a dime size amount of gel and conditioner to the hair and twist. WET TWIST OUT, FLEXI RODS AND WET BRAID OUTS: Creme conditioner, Moisturizer, Coconut oil for curls and Moisture in a Minute On damp hair, add the moisturizer, Creme conditioner and coconut oil for curls throughout the hair. For each TWIST, add a small amount of the moisture in a minute and twist. Lock the ends with either the moisturizer gel or moisture in a minute.  These products combined LEAVES AN AMAZING SHINE!!!! WASH AND GO,  CURLY FRO, DRY TWIST OUT : Curly Chic LOC products (Moisture in a Minute, Coconut Oil for Curls, Your Mane Moisturizer) Curl Defining Lotion Depending on the look, all the right products mixed together will give you an awesome finish. For wash and go, follow the LOC METHOD with the Curly Chic products. Add the moisturizer, coconut oil for curls and moisture in a minute. Curly FRO may take different products depending on your hair texture and curl pattern. In my opinion, this method is based on trial and error with the right products. We find that the curl defining lotion, coconut oil for curls and moisture in a minute works for a BEAUTIFUL FULL curly fro. Add a small dime size of the coconut oil for curls that SMELLS SO GOOD for the AMAZING shine. You may need a little water to create a damp look before products are added depending on your desired CURLY FRO. Follow the same routine for DRY TWIST OUT. Use products on damp hair and then TWIST hair and then use all the products from the LOC Method.  Wash and De-tangle Last by NOT LEAST, ENSURE that the hair is shampooed properly and deep conditioned at least 2 times a month using the Curly Kids Deep Conditioner.  We truly love the results of all the products listed and the LOOK and FEEL is absolutely amazing. Don’t forget to check out Curly Kids Hair Care for a store locations near you.  You can also order from the online store as WELL.  Please feel free to post any questions, comments that you may have. Have a HAPPY CURLY DAY!!

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” — Andre Gide We all have our day, days, weeks and even months. Life challenges sometimes allow you to step back, reflect and make changes. At the end of the day, YOU matters and one may not understand YOU because of the shoes YOU walk in daily. My daddy has taught me so much and now that he is no longer here physically, I have found the truth in some aspects of my life. People sometimes misunderstand the misunderstood. I made a personal commitment to focus on 3 things; God – my relationship with Him, ME – embracing my flaws and being the BEST me,  and FINALLY raising my 2 beautiful kids while living life to the fullest. I have created a QUIET space in my new home where I will reflect, meditate and do the things that I truly enjoy. I have been sick the last two weeks so I haven’t been my personal best. I WILL use this space to connect with God and meditate on His words, document life’s journey and heal through therapy – SEWING, DIY, STUDYING and FITNESS.  This place I will use to push myself to be a better person and educator. I will CONTINUE to strive to ensure that each student that I teach, my words of encouragement will make a difference. My inspiration WALL is a daily reminder  that I have a purpose to live. I promise to be a better each day, week, month and year. I commit to live every moment to my fullest potential.  My QUIET corner is still a work in progress but I am loving the outcome so far.  2016, I AM READY to kick ASS fight :-). I am not letting go and I plan to be the best VERSION ME. Have you created your Vision for 2016? Hope your NEW Year started out on the right track. What changes do you plan to make to be a BETTER YOU in 2016?   Here is a great quote to help you get through any tough times you may be facing. “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”– Marilyn Monroe Please feel free to share or comment below.

Oh how I LOVE my dress!!!  – Arielle For the last few months, I have been yearning to step out of my comfort zone and create amazing other items except skirts. Over the last year, I have made over 40 skirts and have mastered every style. When I was given the opportunity to create a dress using the Mingo and Grace Blake pattern, I jumped at it. I was a little scared and wanted to read as many feedback from other more experience sewist in the pattern test group, as I have not mastered cutting from patterns. At first, I thought about asking a friend who is a designer to guide me, but how will “I” learn? I decided Friday to start the process and it was history. I made a few errors but these errors are great learning experiences. I am super excited as I plan to use the pattern again to create a CHRISTMAS dress and for the upcoming SPRING FASHION show. I have so many ideas brewing and I can’t wait to create and share. Below are some shots of the dress. ENJOY. Front has 3 pleats!!!  Opted to cut a larger size in the event of errors. Side view – pockets which I love so much!!! Back VIEW!! Thanks for stopping BY!!!! Have a GREAT DAY!!!