Marica Mitchell

“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

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

“Beauty is the eyes of the beholder.” Some of the MOST amazing UPDOs on Arielle’s hair literally takes 5 minutes.  A few weeks ago, I was too lazy to re-part her hair so I decided to re secure and brush and roll the hair and pin.  I didn’t want to create the same braided look like the day before and decided to try something brand new.  To my amazement, it came out absolutely perfect. Today, I tried the ROLL and twist after removing her signature part (2) and flat twist that she wore the day before.  He hair was still shiny so I did not add any oil base products. The look was just as easy as my very first try so I decided to VIDEO and share.  Follow these QUICK simple steps and your cutie will have an amazing do. 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 Moisture in a Minute Curly Kids Gel Moisturizer (Optional) Step 1: Section hair into two by parting vertically. Add the Curly Chic Moisture in a Minute or gel to the edges, brush and secure the hair tight with a barrett to create a sleek finish as close to the ear as possible. Step 2: Smooth hair hanging from the barrett (ponytail) either using an oil base product, moisturizer or soft gel. Use a fine teeth comb to make sure hair is free of tangles.  Roll hair and secure first roll around the ponytail on the opposite side.  Pin to hold hair that is rolled in place. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW TO SEE HOW TO ROLL THE HAIR AND SECURE!!! Step 3: Repeat step 2 and and secure the second roll on the opposite side. Cross roll over to create a BOW look and pin in place. Its that simple!!! Add smoothing gel and brush if need be. If you added the smoothing gel  or moisture in a minute in Step 1, there is no need to repeat.  Add your favorite hair accessory and then you will be off to a HOLIDAY PARTY, SPECIAL OCCASION OR EVEN SCHOOL.  Be sure to leave a message below and tag us on Instagram when you recreate this do. THANKS FOR STOPPING BY AND HAVE FUN ROLLING AND TWISTING!!!!! #Beauty #CurlyKidsHairCare #HealthampBeauty

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

“I tell all of you with certainty, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20 It is so hard being a working mother, worse a SINGLE working mother. It takes faith, patience, strength, determination and guidance to carry SINGLE MOTHERS through our rough days. Many times I felt like giving up, throwing in the towels, but I am reminded of God’s grace, His mercy, His faithfulness and how awesome He is. I am reminded that my bad days is to test my FAITH. With a reflection of the bible verse, Matthew 17 verse 20, I realized how important it is to stay grounded in my FAITH.  I woke up on October 11, at 5:38am crying before my morning meditation and prayer. These tears were tears of joy because I know joy comes in the morning when I am awake. This is a reminder of a NEW DAY, NEW BEGINNINGS, NEW BLESSINGS. I felt so bad going to bed the night before after being a bit over bearing and showing tough love to my son on a Saturday night. I am so determined that my son will not be a statistics as I have seen before my eyes so many single mothers fighting to keep their sons off the streets and out of trouble. I am BLESSED to have children yet a son after being told the chances of having children was 10% due to medical issues. My miracles, my children is a daily reminder of how AWESOME MY GOD is. I almost lost my life carrying him, loosing 50 pounds, unable to walk or eat throughout my pregnancy. My AWESOME God allowed me through and I carried my miracle for 37 weeks and delivered him in 5 minutes. I suffered no complications during delivery after a dreadful pregnancy. My doctor had her team ready as she feared the worse but our FAITH carried us both through the 9 months. My son was delivered a healthy boy within 5 minutes and our FAITH was all WE had. Life has a way of teaching us valuable lessons. We may not know what lesson we are being taught during our time of adversities and troubles. We may not even see any light at the end of the tunnel. We have been taught to have FAITH. How many of us question God? How many of us loose FAITH? I do sometimes and it is during my daily talk with God and reflection of my life I am reminded of HIS faithfulness. So what ever you may be going through today, remember the word FAITH. Cruise on, hold on, because God is faithful and just. He will not leave you nor forsake you. So if you feel like giving up, say a little prayer, press on and hold on to your FAITH. Thanks for reading and feel free to drop a few words of encouragement today for someone who may have lost their FAITH. #Faith #Strength