Marica Mitchell

“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

“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

“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

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