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

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!!!

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous”    – Coco Chanel Making skirts is my all time favorite especially for my daughter Arielle.  She truly loves when I sew for her and every time she sees something that she likes, her first words are “Mommy can you make this?”  It’s amazing how 1 year of sewing already got my daughter hooked on me creating her OWN unique styles and looks. So my daughter wanted to be Minnie for Halloween and picked out her OWN fabric from JoAnn Fabric and Craft Store.  I first wanted to create a RED tulle skirt but when she came across this perfect fabric, she said this is the one mommy.    Amazingly enough, I had a 60% off coupon and I think it cost under $10 for all the fabric and elastic.  I also visited a local trimmings store in Downtown Miami to obtain ribbons for the bows. We used the pattern from Mingo and Grace ( MG2715) Crop Top Skirt Set. I decided after to create a detachable belt using the smaller PULKA dot fabrics.   Hope to create an entire look soon with the actual crop top very soon.  I made an attempt to create the sleeveless version and did a minor mistake with the arm area. Cant wait to create the BLAKE dress from Mingo and Grace for her BIRTHDAY LOOK!!!!  Go check her out and her amazing photos. Thanks for stopping by and HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!! #DIY #Halloween #MickeyMouse

“Let Tomorrow be your second chance to prove that you are better than today and yesterday.” — Ritu Ghatourey Have you ever missed an event, bus or train and was so upset. Then a few hours later, you heard of a tragedy that occurred at the event, on the bus or train. Isn’t that enough to say, Thank You God for a second chance. Well, I think I have been given so many second chances but most importantly a second chance to live. I have had my scary moments in life. I remember having health issues and felt like Heaven wasn’t ready for me yet so I will fight to live. My life has had its ups and downs but the most touching second chance I believe is giving birth to my son. I took the option that was presented to risk my life while carrying a life. Hospitalized 18 times, while being morphined up throughout the pregnancy was enough to know that my HEALTHY son Aiden is my miracle, my angel on earth and I knew I got pregnant for a reason. I have a purpose on earth and giving birth to 2 beautiful children is my purpose to live again..my SECOND chance. My love life has never been an easy road. After getting 2 divorces (yes) to the same person I  married, I didn’t know if I would ever open my heart up to give love a SECOND chance. I became so engraved in my career and kids that when love came my way, I would never give anyone a chance. I was a rock, a hard shell and refuse to give into all the charming words even if it was from the heart. I played hard to get even though at times I merely wanted to crumble and cry. I didn’t want to get hurt again and vowed to remain single and focus on raising my kids.  It was that special conversation that I decided to open my heart and give love a SECOND chance.  Even though I will still proceed with caution, I am ready to love again and to share my life with someone special. God has been working on me and I have really grown in a positive way and have been able to learn to trust. My children often times share their desires for me to find love as they too deserve to see me happy. Most importantly, I have to put God first in every thing that I do because he has given me so many SECOND chances. 2016 I am ready for you with arms wide open.  I plan to LIVE my dreams and enjoy every single moment. I plan to capture and develop the good times and learn and grow from the bad. I PLEDGE to live and enjoy every single day like it is my very last. I plan to be the best me in so many ways and PUSH on daily. Thanking God in advance for another GREAT CHANCE to live and be ME.

What is Love? Is it the number of likes on a picture? Is Love the words that you utter? Is it the material things you have? Is it a connection that you feel? It is amazing what different people may say about LOVE. Each person may have their own perception, but is there a true definition of LOVE.  One may link LOVE towards feeling, material things, a moment, but how can we truly define the experience of LOVE.  I am a sucker for LOVE stories, romantic endings, fairy tales, you name it. I am so much intertwined with finding what really LOVE is and for me, it is the butterfly feelings that I get in my stomach.  It’s that moment of feeling special and and I just don’t want to stop smiling. I have been thinking about the WORD LOVE the last couple of days. I have been really yearning for that tingling FEELING, reminiscing on the moment when I really felt LOVE. I have been wanting to get that butterfly feelings so bad when I think about that SPECIAL person that I LOVE.  Surprisingly it was a moment I reflected about our last SPECIAL NIGHT one afternoon while driving when I heard my favorite Babyface song playing and romantic memories crossing my mind.  I was smiling with tears of joy and saying to myself that I don’t want this feeling to go away.  Can it, will it last forever? Is it LOVE? We may not know when that LOVE spell hits us but I am glad to say when it does you really feel that tingling sensation in your mind, body and soul. When that special one calls, sends a message or simply SAY “I LOVE YOU”, it is that  FEELING you cannot explain. At that moment, we are intertwined with butterflies and special memories. So today, take the time to reflect on what true LOVE is and means to you. Hope you find everlasting LOVE. Be sure to leave a comment on your definition of what L O V E is to you.

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.” Tori Amos Losing a love one is challenging to accept, especially a parent or a child. My father was my best friend and when he passed away June 25, 2011, a piece of me died inside. His death took a toll on me emotionally and accepting and dealing with him not being around was even worse.  I was a daddy’s girl and my dad and I spoke daily. My faith was all I had and it was through my sewing outlet a year ago that helped. I decided to venture into sewing with a close friend after not sewing for over 25 plus years. We both took a sewing class and were disappointed as we did not complete the garment in 2 days.  I decided that night I was going to create a finish product and I sewed a simple elastic waist skirt for daughter. From that learning experience, I then made several elastic waist skirts until one day I decided to learn how to insert a zipper. My first zipper skirt was wearable and there was NO turning back.  Thus far, I have created clutches, skirts, pillow covers, hair bows, remixed tops and even attempted a top for both myself and my daughter.  I truly enjoy making skirts and have found my niche. I have no intentions to become a designer, but I hope to encourage others to find ways to heal. From this journey, I will start my own Fashion Club at school and plan to launch the school’s first Spring 2016 Runway show.  I am truly excited about this phase of my life and plan to encourage girls to be strong and confident in their skin. Thank you for reading my journey and hope that you find an outlet to heal from the struggles in life that you may be facing. #sewing #Fashion #therapy #ankaraprint #DIY #healing

“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.

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!!

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

“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

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