5 Things I Regret NOT doing in College

Hey WORLD !!

I know that people say that it's best to live your life to the fullest with no regrets and that's what I do. I don't ever regret something that I did, just things that I didn't do. This post will be about "Things I regret NOT doing in college."

Now that I have one more year left I began reflect on the last four years of my life. Unfortunately, I can honestly say that there are some things that I wish I did. 

ONE.

I should have been MORE involved.

It's not enough to go to programs and activities on campus. Be apart of them, help create and organize them. Create a group or organization and make a difference on your campus. Don't be shy! Side Note: Everyone's talented, some are passionate .. but with both? You're the perfect catch, utilize it.

How to combat: Are you interested in dance? Join the dance team! Your school doesn't have one, find a group of people who want to dance as well and create one!

TWO.

 I should have asked questions.

You're not expected to know everything but the number one way to gain knowledge is by asking questions. There are a lot of guidelines that I needed to follow for my particular major. Some things I was told and none of them were explained because I did not ask for an explanation. (Taking responsibility for your actions will help you improve who you are) I wish that I had asked questions so that I would have been aware of the circumstances I would have to deal with. I ended up learning the hard way, You don't have to.

  

THREE.

I should have made a scrap book.

Everyone is so wrapped up in technology but the truth is, if that information is lost there may not be a way to get it back. To me, physical pictures are tangible and have much more meaning. Freshman year I started collecting things that I would add into my scrapbook but never got around to creating one. I can start now but I felt like it would've been more meaningful to start from the very beginning, and by the time I graduated I would have a personal "yearbook" with precious moments.

FOUR. 

 

          I should have done my work on time.

Honestly, there were times I was capable of getting either an A or B in a class and I didn't because I procrastinated so bad and handed in work late. Procrastination is of the devil y'all, lemme tell you. I know it is easier said than done, when you're just TIRED of school altogether. 

How to combat: set a goal and be self-motivated to keep pushing to reach the goal. Whether it's a short term one like "If I finish this paper by Wednesday, I'll reward myself by going out." or a long term one like "I want dean's list" Take the necessary steps to reach it and come out of your struggle victorious. 

FIVE.

I should have saved.

I wish I would have continuously saved money from my freshman year of college so that when I graduate I could begin life on my own, go on a vacation, buy a car, etc. I will start NOW because I have one more year left. As the saying goes, "better late than never." Praying that the statement applies here :) 

How to combat: Resist the urge to spend money unnecessarily. Don't go buy fast food if there is already food in the house to eat. Instead of buying fast food buy food that will last for more than one night. Only buy clothing items when you NEED something or to treat yourself... once in a while. Not every chance you get, like me.

Hope this post was insightful to some and relatable to others. Please share if you enjoyed reading!

Spring 2015 Haul

HEY WORLD!

There are a few reasons why I sometimes I find myself "temporarily financially unstable" ... one of the reasons should be very obvious by now. That's right! You guessed it! SHOPPING!

These blog will include items that I have bought in the past 2 months to add to my spring wardrobe .. Please enjoy!

 
Item: Tribal Print Cardigan
Store: Vinted Co.
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price: Unknown
I Paid: 6.75
Like it? Similar Item

Item: Printed Chiffon Top
Store: Vinted Co.
Brand: Shrinking Violet
Original Price: Unkown
I Paid: 6.75
Like it? Similar Item

 
Item: Printed Tank Top
Store: Charlotte Russe
Brand: Charlotte Russe
Original Price: 12.99
I Paid: 12.99
Like it? Similar Item

Item: Floral Crop Top
Store: Vinted Co.
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price: 12.80
I paid: 0.50
Like it? Get it now !

Item: Orange and Black Party Dress
Store: Vinted
Brand: Papaya
Original Price: 16.99
I paid: 6.25
Like it? Similar Item

Item: Abstract Stripe Bodycon Dress
Store: Forever 21
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price: 10.90
I paid: 10.90
Like it? Get it now!

Item: Striped Racer-back Maxi Dress
Store: Forever 21
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price:15.90
I paid: 15.90
Like it? Get it now!

Item: Coral Midi Skirt
Store: Forever 21
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price: 6.90
I paid: 6.90
Like it? Get it now!

Item: Emerald Green Midi Skirt
Store: Forever 21
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price: 6.90
I paid: 6.90
Like it? Similar Item

Item: Lace Mini Skirt
Store: Forever 21
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price: 7.80
I paid: 7.80
Like it? Get it now!

Item: Ribbed Mini Skirt
Store: Vinted Co
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price: 5.80
I paid: 3.50
Like it? Similar Item

Item: Black Jogger Pants
Store: Forever 21
Brand: Forever 21
Original Price:12.90
I paid: 12.90
Like it? Similar Item

 Item: Navy Converse Sneakers
Store: Poshmark
Brand: Converse
Original Price: 50.00
I paid: 23.00
Like them? Get it now!

Item: Tan Sandals
Store: Rainbow
Brand: Rouge
Original Price: 14.99
I paid: 10.00
Like them? Get it Now!

Item: Floral Sneakers
Store: Rainbow
Brand: Twisted
Orignial Price: 19.99
I paid: 10.00
Like them?  Similar Item

 Item: White and Gold Strappy Chunky Heel
Store: Vinted Co.
Brand: Mark and Maddux
Original Price: 40.00
I paid: 12.00
Like them? Similar Item

Item: Black Sandal
Store: Rainbow
Brand: Rouge
Original Price: 12.99
I paid: 12.99
Like it?  Get it now!

Item: "A Thousand Wishes" Body Spray
Store: Bath & Body Works
Brand: Bath & Body Works
Original Price: 14.00
I Paid: 7.61
Interested? Check it out!

Item: "Sexy Tease" Body Spray
Store: Mall Kios
Brand: CJLasso
Original Price: 14.00
I paid: 5.00
Interested? Check it out! 












If you like what you saw I inserted links that should help you find a new cute item to add to your closet! Please notice how the items I got from Vinted Co. were way cheaper than the retail price. Not to mention that they're all fabulous :). Sign up today at www.vinted.com or download "Vinted" on your mobile device. Once upon a time I was able to give out a link for others to sign up and get a $5 credit but now the link no longer works.  BUT if when you sign up and they ask you for one you can use (3202017).  Interested in checking out Poshmark? Sign up online or download the app on your mobile device using promo code (BMMIX) to earn a $5 credit toward your first purchase.

Happy Shopping! Happy Spring!

NEW LOOK, NEW FEEL !

Now that I am NEARLY done with the semester I have free time to blog away! Get ready to enjoy the new posts I have for you in the near future. If you read often you know that I talk about EVERYTHING! If you're new click on a post with a topic that most interest you and read away. Don't forget to comment and share if it was insightful, inspiring, or just a good read. If you benefited from it, chances are someone else will too :D

Also,  I decided to change the look of my blog to something fun and exciting!! Something summery :) So please enjoy !

Fruit Stickers: Did you know THAT?

 Welcome To My World!

March 20th, Yesterday, was the first day of Spring. But since it decided to snow, Today I just wanted to officially say ...

Everyone knows that every piece of fruit comes with those pesky little stickers. But did you know that those stickers tell us something VERY important?

I saw the picture below on Facebook and thought it was fake, I wasn't entirely sure so I decided to check it out.

 Every time I go to ShopRite I like to buy Granny Smith Apples, They're my favorite! So I went to the general fruit section and picked up three apples put them in a bag and continued shopping. When I reached the other side of that section I saw more apples and thought "hmm whats the difference between the two?" and the picture above popped up in my mind. I quickly went into my phone and looked at it again. I looked in the bag and all the apples I picked up sticker numbers started with a 4! And the apples I was standing in front of started with a 9. Sure enough, the photo was true. I immediately put the "Conventionally Grown" Apples back and picked up these "Organic" apples you see below.

For years I have been eating conventionally grown fruit and didn't even know it! Pretty Scary.

FYI Section:

*If you refer to the chart above it explains that any fruit sticker with a 5 digit number starting with 9 is Organic.

Organic means: That when the fruit was grown and processed no synthetic pesticides or fertilized were used.

*Fruit stickers with a 5 digit code starting with 8 is Genetically Modified aka GMO or Genetically Engineered aka GE.

 This is the worst one of all, if the number starts with an 8 run away, FAST!  

Genetically Engineered: Scientists transfer genes from fruit to fruit which can not sexually reproduce on its own. Meaning that those apples do not grow on trees but rather from chemicals. An example maybe: "Seedless Grapes or Watermelon" (unless stated as organic).

Genetically Modified:Scientists manipulate the fruit's genes, which affect their specific characteristics or traits to improve performance, quality, or productivity. An example would be, Oversized Strawberries or Watermelon.

*Fruit Stickers with any 4 digit code is conventionally grown. Most fruit that you see in the supermarket will have this sticker.

Conventionally Grown means that pesticides to protect their crops from molds, insects and diseases.

Now that you know the meaning behind those pesky fruit stickers, decide to make a healthier decision today!

Turn Your Old Rags Into Cold Cash !

Welcome to My World !

Does this picture describe you?
Do you have a closet full of clothes and still feel like you have nothing to wear?
Are you just in want/need of new styles for the upcoming season?
Do you have pieces that you haven't worn in weeks, months, maybe even years?

If you answered Yes to any of those questions, then Vinted is for you!
 

Vinted is a way for you to sell your unused/unwanted clothes, shoes, and accessories to make some extra $$$.
Vinted can be accessed online or straight from your mobile device through their app.

To get started, *On your Mobile Device*:
Click Here To Sign Up

[Be sure to use your Mobile Device] If all goes well, you should be eligible to receive a $5 voucher toward any purchase of your choice.

FYI Tips:
*You will need to dedicate time to building a rep on the app
*Buying wholesale shipping supplies will come in handy (Refer to Amazon or eBay)
*Fast communication is key
*Buyer pays shipping but be mindful of the weight so you don't end up paying extra
*Follow as many people as possible, Offer deals, discounts, giveaways, etc

If you're willing to dedicate a generous amount of time to making extra money don't hesistate to sign up TODAY!

Have any questions? Feel free to ask :)

Have fun Selling and Buying on Vinted, I've already made $75 From selling my Old Rags into Cold Cash!

I'm Ready!

Publishing My Children's Book: UPDATE

GREETINGS

For many of you who read or keep up with my social media or are close to me in real life you know that I have been working on getting my Children's book published. For a little background story, I started a Go Fund Me account with a goal of $1,000. I raised $1,110 in 4 months with a combination of online and physical monetary donations, word of mouth, mass messages, and social media sharing. The love and support I received from my loved ones and even those that I do not know very well was real.

The money that was raised was used to pay for the publishing. Because I am doing a Children's book illustrations are required. The illustrations are separate and will cost me exactly $720. I have increased my original Go Fund Me campaign to 1,900 in hopes of raising the rest of funds so that I can finally get my book published. I am currently 6 months in and My goal is to have the entire project completed by or before the summer of 2015. 

My book was originally titled "Little Brother Squash". The story is based on a true story of my life back to the age of 5, when I wanted a brother so bad. With an innocent perception of conceiving a child and the big "disappointment" of getting a sister, this book teaches children the art of patience, love, and friendship.

The initial reason for me writing this book was for a class project. After people heard and read my story, they told me they enjoyed it. Some of them mentioned that I should have it published, and here I am. Shout out to Bonnie Pipkin! (My Professor)

Dear Parents: This would be a great book to read to your children to teach them the art of patience and handling disappointment. It also surrounded around and briefly discusses the infamous topic "Where do babies come from?". If your little one has become curious or you're ready to introduce the topic of Sex, this book is for you! Thank you!

Dear Teachers: My book uses simple language which means it can be read to a 5 year old, who will be able to comprehend and relate to the content ... some even the story line. By 7 years of age they should be able to read it alone, use critical thinking skills and answer questions about it's content. Thank You!

If you are interested in donating please visit my Go Fund Me Campaign at:

 http://www.gofundme.com/d2s238

If you are unable to give a monetary donation please share my story:

on Google using Google plus

on your Facebook, Twitter, etc.

YOUR SUPPORT (OF ALL KIND) IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

16 Months Post BC: My Natural Hair Staple Products (Updated)

I have been natural for over a year. In the beginning I was a major product junkie that bought ever natural hair product I saw on social media. But now that I'm 16 months post Big Chop  I have some  products that I use for my hair daily. Check them out!

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo, Conditioner, and Curl Enhancing Smoothie

I originally bought these products in the small travel size kit for $20 just to try them out. Then right after I ended up buying the Shea Moisture Yucca and Baobab Line travel kit. (at that time I was a real product junkie) Long story short, I hadn't given my self enough time to thoroughly review the Coconut & Hibiscus Line and assumed that I didn't like it when in reality, I was blinded by how good the Yucca & Baobab line smelled. The truth of the matter was that my hair really didn't like the Yucca and Baobab Oil Line. So this past weekend Walgreen's was having a BOGO Free sale and on that Sunday I went to pick up these products. After one use my hair felt sooo soft and moisturized. Since Shea Moisture's Shampoos are Sulfate-Free I use these products in between Deep Cleansing periods.

Eco Styler with Olive Oil

I LOVE LOVE this gel ... I can use it with just about any product and it will not flake. It brings out my true curl pattern when I do a wash-n-go and it lays my edges when necessary. I have no complaints about this gel. I know that Eco Styler has many other types of gel but this is the second one I bought, tried, loved and actually finished. I am currently waiting to restock.

Click HERE to see the results from a washNgo with the Original Eco Stlyer Gel

Organix Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner

An old friend gave me this Shampoo because she did not like it for her hair type. She has very curly hair, maybe about 3c. Although this is a sulfate shampoo I do not feel like my strands are being stripped of it's moisture when I use it. But as a sidebar if my hair is really dry I will do a pre-poo before washing with sulfate shampoo to avoid drying out my hair. During my Walgreens escapade I decided to pick up the matching conditioner since I liked the shampoo so much. I use this when I want to do a full cleanse for my scalp and hair after my hair gets a lot of build-up from constant product use.

Creme of Nature with Argan Oil From Morocco Edge Control

 

I have tried the Olive Oil brand edge control and it leaves this yucky white paste on my edges and it doesn't last all day! My mom is fairly newly natural and suggested that I try this Creme of Nature edge control because it worked great for her. We have the same type of hair, so I was hoping we'd get the same results and sure enough my edges stayed slick all day with no white icky patches. It was just as good as the Eco Styler gel, if not a temporary replacement for it. (Since I am still waiting to restock) I don't always do styles where having sleek edges are necessary but it's good to have a product that works when I need it.

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Cream

This product was in my first Staple Product Post (which you can find >HERE<), and still is now months later! I used to use this as a pre-poo and I still do when I feel I need a moisture and protein boost.

Organics by Africa's Best Hair Mayonnaise

This product was in my first Staple Product Post as well. I mix this with the Cantu Shea Butter when I'm doing a protein treatment on my hair. My hair is color-treated and therefore needs protein more often than normal non color treated hair. I love mixing the products two together.

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque

This product I love to use as a deep conditioner. I will admit that the product feels weird laying on my hair but once it's rinsed out my hair feels soft and does bring out my curls.

100% All Natural Honey

 

Honey is a humectant. A humectant attracts moisture (with the help of heat) Adding honey to my deep conditioner(s); whether for protein or moisture honey helps my hair to gain moisture. I wash this out with warm water then shock my hair cuticles with cool water to lock in the moisture.