“The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself-the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us-that’s where it’s at.” – Jesse Owens I have been fearing the unknown for the last few months. Why??? I am so scared to raise my one son. I see the news with so many young men being killed and I find myself crying out. Why am I crying or why does it bother me? I am raising a BLACK SON. I am a single mother and it is hard for us to raise a boy to be a man. It takes a man to teach a boy to be a man. I  try to surround my son with positive male role models and to keep him as active as I can. I give my son my all so that at the end of the day, I do not live with any guilt or shame. I am involved in his academics, I am always talking, preaching, guiding him. I am always crying, hugging and kissing him. What bothers me the most, is that I keep fearing the unknown. On my way to church today, I was crying out to the Lord when I heard the song ” NO WEAPON FORM AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER.”  These last few weeks have been an internal fight as I am dealing with so many challenges in my life. I refuse to let the devil win and give up. I plan to fight these battles with God by my side. So today, the affirmation in church settled my spirit and me living in fear. It is 9/11,  the 15 year anniversary of so many lives lost by the Terrorist attack. It is the message I needed to hear about David and Goliath at today’s service. And finally, the song “I am no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God” reminds me God is in control and I should fear not. My son will do just fine with God on his side. So Aiden, God has your back and just need to stay prayed up.  As long as mommy is alive and well, she will do the best she can. Thanks for stopping by and remember to put God first and everything else will fall right into place.

“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

“Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” Donovan Bailey I am celebrating today!  I have completed my 21 Day Challenge and I am on my final lap for my summer program.  I am even more energized, motivated and I really needed this challenge to put my dreams into action and to follow my passion. This 21 day challenge lifestyle challenge wasn’t only about losing weight, it was a challenge to change my mindset on life.  I knew the month of July would be one of the toughest month of the year.  I knew I needed a support system to balance working 13 hour days, 4 days a week and still maintain a healthy lifestyle in preparation for my birthday.  I yearned to learn how to balance family, fitness, work and remain healthy and stay strong.  It was a MAJOR sacrifice I was willing to make and I wanted to learn how to prepare healthy meals for my children and still burn the midnight oil.  Moreover, I have been battling ovarian cyst and uterine fibroids and my doctor told me last year to change my mindset when it comes to eating.  I wanted to complete this challenge before my annual visit after my birthday and to show her I could do this! LET’S REWIND to JUNE 2016   <<<<<— So my summer program was successful.  I had 26 students enrolled and 4 groups.  My morning group started at 8:30am and ended around 12:30pm and my afternoon group started at 1:00pm to  5:00pm.  Mind you, I even added 3 additional groups of Algebra Readiness (Monday/ Wednesday  3:00pm to 5:00pm, 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Tuesday/Thursday 6:00pm to 8:00pm) that started on July 5th.  Just for the month of July, I was offering this Algebra readiness 4 evenings just for students who will be taking Algebra in the 8th grade. Call me crazy but my phone was ringing off the hook the end of June and I had to even turn away a few parents.  My results were off the chain and YES, with hard work, our school had beat out many of the top schools in the surrounding area and is NOW AN “A”.   I truly worked my butt off during the year and I wanted my students to continue on the path of success.   Most of my students who brought me to tears were first year students in the US and they truly loved me as a teacher.  These students worked hard to learn English, the American curriculum and was very successful on the FSA.  Their parents cried, shared kind words and how much of an impact I had on their lives. So ENOUGH about my program!!!!  Let’s get to the point.  MEAL PREPPING was on the top of my list.  My alarm clock was set to 4am most mornings and I had to prepare LUNCH and DINNER FOR 3.  YES!  My kids were in on the challenge too as I refused to cook separate meals.  It was tiring and sometimes I even fell asleep while the food was on the stove. By 7am, LUNCH and DINNER was packed and ready to go. In between cooking, I was doing my exercise routine. YES, I had to learn how to balance it all. I decided to MEAL PREP SUNDAYS and WEDNESDAYS and PREPARED 2 meats on those days.  The other days were simple and easy meals since I was home on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  I left home Mondays through Thursdays at 7:40am and came back around 8:40pm.  My kids had to join in and they knew mommy wasn’t gonna pay for them to go play at a CAMP! My children struggled the first week knowing that PIZZA and JUNK was off the menu.  They complained but by the 2nd week, they got use to it.  My son was very upset knowing that mommy wasn’t planning on eating out at all.  HE also decided to change his mindset and was so happy the first week when he lost 2 pounds.  We were exercising together at nights, doing jumping jacks challenges and walking every chance we got.  ELEVATORS were banned and we parked as far as we could from buildings. THIS has been one amazing journey and I am happy to report that my children have embraced HEALTHY eating, enjoying FITNESS while making it FUN.  My son struggles with junk food and I am in shock that my apple juice from last week hasn’t been touched.  Water is mandatory and we go through a case of 24 every 2 days.  Thanks Patrice for changing our lives.  THIS challenge has given me a different perspective on FOOD and I now I can be a better MOM!! GO CHECK her out and join the NEXT challenge on August 1st.  I am doing another round as I am 10 pounds down and 10 inches have been GONE!! YES GONE! I am and 8 to 10 pounds AWAY from my GOAL WEIGHT and I am ready to hit the ground running again on August 1!!!! #HealthampBeauty

“Dreams are like stars…you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.” I am here crying watching “Chasing Destiny” after “11:27pm knowing darn well I should be fast asleep. I have gym in the morning but I am so enjoying the show. Is it for the music or is it the meaning behind the music. Life has a way of coming together and I am ready to chase “MY DESTINY”. I feel I keep putting my dreams and aspirations aside because of my fear of failing. I am living in this shell just like a snail and scared to show the world my true potential. I am just NOT DOING ME like God has ordained. I have a passion for Education; especially Mathematics. My heart is on fire when I see the passion for mathematics in my kids’ eyes. Yes, the kids’ I teach. I have passed on this passion to a son who can sit quietly in his room and knock out 50 problems in one shot with no complain. I have seen the light in his eyes when he challenges me on my answer choice and he defends himself. I have already seen the flame burning. I am so chasing my KIDS’ dreams instead of mine. I guess the fear of my kids failing allow me to focus more on them rather than me. I am here planning their future, hoping they stay strong and make me proud. I know it’s ME alone on this journey but I will fight to the end to ensure that they reach for the stars and chase their dreams.My son has a passion for Engineering so I channel his energy into the things he enjoys. I saw that passion during Spring break when he sat quietly and peacefully reading the teacher’s guide for the Vex robotics. I was amazed on how intrigued with the book and the robotics pieces.  My daughter, the strong fighter has shown me that life is all about pushing yourself beyond your limits. My first grader is tracker her reading level and striving to read at a fourth grade level by the end of her first grade year. She knows her exact level and begs her teacher to complete her AR test even when there are NO library days. She even reads her brother’s AR BOOK so that she can challenge herself. This child is no Einstein but she is one black talented girl who rocks. She strives for greatness and I know she is special. She is a reader, writer, dancer, lover of art and all things beautiful. She has so much potential and I know she will make me proud. So my beautiful gift from God my children is my rock. They remind me that I have to strive for greatness too and follow my destiny. They allow me to reflect on where I am and where I want to go. After receiving 3 different confirmations including 2 that knows little about me, I am READY. When a dear friend says “GIRL YOU THE BOMB with this math!”, it means something. When you bring you AP to tears because she hears that you put in a transfer, it’s an awesome feeling that you know you are appreciated. When 99% of YOUR students share how awesome you are because you connect Math to their lives, it’s a feeling you just can’t explain. Hearing that alone lights up my heart. Why worry about failing? Why worry about what people say? Why worry when you can pray? I am ready today, now to chase my destiny. I am Marica and I rock!!!!!! #Faith

“Children learn more from what you are than what you teach!” Author Unknown Finding your true self is finding what you love to do. Almost 3 years ago, I started a new journey….SEWING (Healing Through Sewing). Little did I know that this journey would be an outlet for down days. When I can’t sleep at night, I quickly put some music on and create pieces. I honestly enjoy every moment of it and my daughter Arielle has been truly my inspiration.  She has not worn a store bought skirt since this journey begun. I created my long denim skirt back in July and decided to use the remaining fabric early Sunday morning to create one for Arielle. She hates when we don’t do the mommy and me look on Sundays for church.  Today, we were stopped so many times and that truly put a smile on Arielle’s face.  Even with a little flaw (wider waistband 3 inches instead of 2), the skirt still looks amazing on. So mommies, if you want to create your own unique pieces, for you and your cutie go for it. YouTube, Instagram and Bloggers are great places to start. If you do not want to venture like I did, then get custom made pieces. There are tons of great seamstress and I truly admire Feesewcrafty.  Go check her out as well on Instagram. Thanks for stopping by and I can’t wait to share more mommy and me looks and inspiration pieces. I am starting to think of the Halloween!! Stay tune on our MOMMY and ME creations!! #Fashion

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

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