Wake up...

I haven't blogged in more than a year and boy has my life evolved in this time!!!  I still have consistently held on to the 15lbs I have gained since losing 50lbs a couple years ago but I'm getting back on track. I haven't sewn much, but I'll be getting back to that as well because I have now graduated and earned a Masters of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy degree!!!!!!!  So, along with getting back to creating I will also continue growing as a competent therapist.  Additionally, not only do I still feel more at peace with my relationships but more importantly, I feel more at peace with myself!!!!!  I feel like I have evolved to a level of acceptance where I have a sense of inner peace and joy that I have learned to better guard when hearing about or experiencing difficult situations; even in times like this when the world seems so fear-driven.  I understand now that we are all definitely in this together.  If there has ever been a time where oneness and balance are needed,  it is now.   We all must do our part.  Intentionally. 

I've come to this evolution due to a continued effort on my part to have important conversations that were needed with my loved ones.  Boundaries were placed and crossed and they will continue to be, and I have grown a readiness that puts a smile on my face.  I'm aware that I still have fears but I have also grown an awareness that I can't let fear stop me.  The other day I was reminded of the Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes song by Teddy Pendergrass called Wakeup Everybody. (I've posted a clip of it.  Listen to the message.)  The words are so fitting for what's going on right now.  There should be no sleeping in bed (other than our usual beauty rest :-), of course). The world has changed.  The teachers have had to teach a new way. The world won't get better if we just let things be.  Being reminded of this song definitely woke something in me because I admit being in this house day after day, reprimanding my kids on the same things over and over, and being annoyed by my Husband who's been on vacation this week, helped me realize something.  I again have fallen into the pattern of putting everybody else and everyone before me.  I have to get back to my purpose.  My purpose involves me helping others, but in order for me to fulfill that I have to help myself first.  I can't pour from an empty cup.  I have to do things that replenish me, feeds my soul, and after receiving this reminder I realized that within the act of feeding my soul I can also empower others; which I believe is my purpose. I feel updating my website is the platform that will allow me to do that.  I can't wait to share with you all the plans I have for Enchante. I am definitely stepping outside of my comfort zone and I hope I can count on your support along this journey.  We are all in this together... Be well, wash your hands, and live in love and light...

Living my Best life

Perhaps its the fact that I cleansed my house and my family with Sage and Palo Santo for the 1st time or maybe its the fact that I have been taking CBD oil for the last 3 weeks, but I am loving the creative, zen, and peace that I now feel.   I have sewn so much for myself in the last 2 weeks; more than I have in the last 2 years.  I also give zero fucks about what anyone thinks or feels about what I am saying now and about to say next.  Yes, I sewed for myself and I can do that!  It's my body, my equipment, my fabric, and my time.  Just because I do it for myself does not mean that I have to make  that time to do it for someone else .  I digress, but seriously it is totally different sewing for myself than it is making something for somebody else.  I know my body.  I can make a dress for myself in an hour.  I can't do that for somebody else.  Sewing for me is an act of self-care and I vow to take care of myself each and everyday.

Moving on, I feel more at peace with my relationships because of a more elevated awareness of time and peace of mind.  I have had several hard much needed conversations with people that I love and I feel those relationships are definitely headed down the right path or I have accepted them as they are.  I have written more blogs this year (and its only March) then I have in the last couple of years.  After loosing almost 50lbs I have officially gained 15lbs of it back just in the last 9 months all because I unconsciously decided to put everything and everybody before me. So now I'm back at my workouts, and I'm about to do something wild and crazy next week for my birthday.  I have an idea of what I would like to do but if I actually get the opportunity, we will see (Hint: It involves heights).  I'm on my way to my 3rd interview in the last few weeks and I'm happy to say that I don't feel that anxious about it.  I got God all around me, Jesus walking beside me, CBD and a few crystals in my pocket, peace of mind, and love in my heart.  I hope you're living your best life.

Mindfulness

Since starting graduate school I haven't really taken a break. In-between classes we have the option of taking a break and that break can be one week to three weeks or we can choose to not take a break at all. Due to me wanting to complete my degree and start working as soon as possible I have opted not to take any breaks. However, due to my overwhelming responsibilities and the process of starting my clinical work I have decided to take a 3-week break. I'm currently on my second week and I feel that although I have been taking steps to better myself more intensely the last couple of years;  it is in this experience that I just had an epiphany moment. I have a better understanding of why those steps were so extremely vital to my journey right now. I have been feeling extremely anxious and unsure about many of the decisions I have made in the last few months; years in fact!  Even though I have grown secure with my decisions.  However, at this very moment I have just realized that those decisions, those steps were necessary not only for my health, sanity, love and respect for myself, my peace, but also for my well-being of being present in my body and this time and space.

I have learned that therapist also need their own therapist. We all have our own set of problems and experiences that we have to deal with that impact the people we are; and that impact can be a negative or a positive one. So on my journey I have had the honor of experiencing several therapist and a few have suggested mindfulness practices to me. I admit, I did not truly understand what mindfulness was until today. Thanks to a podcast app that I just downloaded I have chosen to subscribe to many therapist topics to utilize as resources for myself that may also be beneficial to share with my clients and through my research I have learned that mindfulness means different things to many people.  Therefore, I have gained a bit of compassion for myself for putting so much pressure on self to understand something the way another therapist understands mindfulness to be. I now understand that my confusion on what mindfulness is was because it was something different to me. It's not just shutting my brain down to not think any thoughts.  It's about welcoming those thoughts and being aware that they are there but placing a bit of a boundary on those thoughts and telling them I see you, but this is my focus right now. Its not just sitting still posing like a Buddha.  I have now realized that I have been practicing mindfulness a lot in my relationships, when I cook, when I go for a walk, when I'm shutting off the TV and playing games with my kids, when I'm listening to the birds, when we're trying to have family dinner, when I'm gardening, when I'm drinking a cup of tea. Mindfulness is a awareness and it's a focus on one thing, but also a developed compassion that we're human beings and our minds roam.  That's what they are supposed to do.  I'm now seeing ways that I would like to practice mindfulness with more of an intention; for example it's a habit for me to tell my kids I love you everyday.  However, it has become more of a habit; there's no real intention on it. When I'm saying it, I am making their lunch or I am pushing them in the doorways of their school building or I am turning a direction to head to work or something. Now I see that I have to be mindful in my intent to actually help my children really see that this is a moment of expressed love and not just words.  Furthermore, not with just my kids but also with my husband, my mother, my father, myself. I am so looking forward to the focus that I am sure being intentionally mindful will bring to my life.  Maybe you will be on the same thing I'm on...

Keep trusting...

As I sit here on public transportation with the sun warming my face, and appreciating the 50 degree breeze that welcomes me everytime the doors open it is putting me in a reflective, proud but melancholy mood. So I decided what better moment to get my feelings out right now where there is no one around grasping for my attention. Yesterday, I had a pretty eventful day. I went and saw my cousin play basketball for Drake, against Loyola, and it was ravishing seeing these young men out there putting up a good fight, and trying to make their dreams come true.  It was truly inspirational, and it made me pray for them, especially my cousin. It made me pray that God shows him how much he is loved. How awesome he is, and that he can do anything he put his mind to, but put his mind to something good, and rewarding on multiple levels. To don't give up and trust in him.

Yesterday I also got a biopsy. I still have to wait for the results, but in getting this biopsy I was given information that confirmed suspicions I already had.  I've shared this information with my husband but now I'm forced to make a decision that will/ or may affect our lives and I'm struggling to be open, and positive about it, but I'm trying.

I'm trying to focus more on being thankful that God has given me the gift make things beautiful. Thankful that my family is in good health and that I'm able to live this life with my wonderful grandmother still here and in her right mind and able to help me with creating our family tree. That I am on this journey of starting a new career as a therapist and I am doing very well in my classes still maintaining a 4.0. Thankful that my mom has opened her heart to go through the journey of falling in love. Thankful that God keeps showing me ways to build on my relationship with my dad, and work on my marriage, and be a good Mom.

There's so many things that I can be thankful for and yesterday having the opportunity to pray for my cousin now has shown me that I need to pray that same prayer for myself. God is showing me how awesome and loved I am.  He is showing me that I can do anything and all I have to keep doing is have faith and keep trusting  in him. Everything is going to be alright.

Smoothie Recipes

2016 has been self-proclaimed as the year of me getting my mojo back. One of the things on the list was for me to become healthy and buildup my energy, and lose weight. March 18th I started my journey and as of right now I'm 24 pounds down. I have my good days and I have my not-so-good days but one thing that I have learned to do better is eat. I'm one of those people that doesn't eat much and because of that metabolism sucked. So I have learned to not leave the house without eating.  A big helper has been making smoothies. Below are some of the smoothies that I've been deliciously devouring lately.  Enjoy!!!!

Monkey Flip Recovery Smoothie

           

12 ounces of pure, unsweetened coconut water
1 banana
1 tablespoon Peanut/Almond butter
2 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt
Ice, to preference

Low-Calorie Chocolate Almond Smoothie

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 scoop chocolate protein powder (I used Vega Performance Protein)
8 raw almonds
3 ice cubes

Cinnamon Apple Smoothie

8 ounces coconut water
4 raw almonds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped apple (about 1 medium Granny Smith apple)
1/2 scoop unsweetened protein powder
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed)

Cinnamon Bun Smoothie

1 frozen banana, cut into four pieces
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup

Morning Workout Protein Smoothie

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 banana
Dash of cinnamon
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (I used one packet of Tone It Up's vegan vanilla protein powder Perfect Fit)
Ice

Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie

1/2 cup pure coconut water
1 1/6 cup local, organic strawberries
1/4 medium-large local, organic lemon
1 handful of organic spinach
2 to 3 small pitted, local Deglet Noor dates (optional and can be used to sweeten according to taste)
2 scoops ice

 The lemon helps the body naturally cleanse, while the strawberries provide well over the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which has been shown to help burn fat. And not only that, the added spinach helps regulate your digestive system.

PB&J Smoothie

2 cups fresh strawberries
1 frozen banana, chopped
2 teaspoons peanut butter
4 ounces fat-free plain Greek yogurt or fat-free milk
1/2 cup ice cubes

I'M A STUDENT!!!!

A couple of months ago I blogged about troubles, because I had received word that I once again was not accepted into a school that I applied for.  This was the 5th School!  I was really upset and I was sort of discouraged, but still determined to see if I can actually make my dream of becoming a therapist come true. Northwestern University was the closest school that I got to actually making it.  I made it to the final round. Out of 200 something applicants I was a part of the 70 something people that actually got an interview and I was proud of that. I was thinking,  what if this actually happens?  When it didn't happen my world was kind of turned upside down. I was thinking why would God put being a therapist on my heart for the last 10 years for it to not happen?  What is the lesson in this? That question was not settling with me so that's why I was determined to just keep going and see what happened. So I did my research and I found one more school that had my program.  I saw that it was an online program and I talked to God.  I said, "is this what you're telling me?  Are you telling me that I need to go to school online because my life is crazy right now?  I mean how would I actually be able to handle going to class in this life and studying?  Is this what you want me to do?  You want me to go to school online?  I imagined him saying,  "Go for it!" (Or maybe I heard him for real ;-)

So that's what I did and now I am happy to announce that I am now a graduate student of North Central University in the Master of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I was so excited to get that acceptance letter all I could do was get down on my knees and praise God literally. So far I'm in my first week of class and I've done three assignments and everything is smooth sailing (besides a hiccup with fingerprinting).  Financial aid has been all taken care of.  I've spoken to my advisor several times.  Communication is great, and I will meet my instructor via Skype tomorrow morning Everything is great!

You might say what is happening with an Enchanté?  I would say that's a great question.  Enchanté is not going anywhere.  The fact that I am becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist will only add to the success of on Enchanté. Enchanté is all about empowering women to believe in themselves, know their worth, carry themselves with dignity and integrity, and demand for the world to worship them and be encouraged to take care of themselves within.  Being an MFT will help aid me with the work that I can do in the community that Enchanté will be affiliated with. I have so many ideas for on Enchanté and I am so excited to see it on unfold.

(Day 1) Getting Unstuck

In an effort to hold myself accountable for what is happening in my life I have decided to step out of my comfort zone and record my journey in doing the 21 day Oprah & Deepak Meditation experience.  Everyday I plan on taking these moments for myself, and I'm sharing them with you.  I hope that you go on the journey with me.  Let me know your thoughts about what I've talked about, and if you are going on the journey as well be as transparent as me and feel free to share in the comments. Namaste.

The Reminder

In this life you can allow a lot of things to discourage you from working on things that are important to you and I must say I myself, can easily get caught up in everyday life and get overwhelmed and deter myself from my plans.

 This past weekend I participated in an overnight ladies night inn at The Hyatt Lodge McDonald Campus with my Just 4 Wives  (Real Wives of Chicago aka RWOC) group and it was very enlightening. I was reminded by my sister friend, Alice, that my story is not unique. That there are a lot of women out there just like me that would love to hear my story; that would love to hear how hard it was for me to wake up in the morning, go through it but still persevere;that it will make women feel like they are not alone.  At that moment I made a mental promise to myself that I would try harder to not get discouraged and shut down, that I will not worry about what others think and let my fears win, but at the same time I will do what I can, and show the love that I have for myself and require that love and respect back. We're in this together Goddesses, and I can assure u that we got this! Here's to the bad and good days! Love yourself!

The Count Down

I am so anxious right now. Last week I had my admissions interview with Northwestern University. I was one of the 72 applicants picked to be interviewed out of 260 something applicants. I was not really scared going into the interview in fact I was really confident but I admit that my nerves were high, but I feel that I did well. I've been visualizing how going down this new road would look for my life and I must say that it looks great!

For a few years now, I have had a dream, premonition, daydream; I don't know really what it is, but I have had this vision of myself with salt & pepper locks sitting high on my head in a neat bun, with a lavender tailored business suit, getting out of my car. Now, I feel like I'm going to work at a boutique in this vision but I always felt like, even though I know I can rock this suit, but I always felt like I was a little over dressed to be going to work in my boutique, but going to work in my boutique and also being a therapist I feel that this suit would be perfect! Maybe this is a premonition of what is to come. I so cannot wait to rock my lavender suit!

So I am counting down the days when I get to announce that I am now a student earning a Master of Science degree in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Northwestern University. Doesn't that sound absolutely wonderful!

Music Monday (Flawless)

Good morning Gods & Goddesses!

I'm already feeling good about August!  I just saw this Fruit of the Loom commercial and I wanted to share it with you all cause its such a positive message, "Flawless."

Flawless Commercial

Music Monday (Janelle Monae)

I love when artist use their beauty and send a message at the same time!  This young lady is truly a beautiful Goddess showing her brain, and her good fashion sense!  Click on the link! Don't forget to listen to the words!

Janelle Monae - Many Moons

Music Monday: Do my ladies run this!

Keep it going ladies, I'm still trying to empower the ladies!  Had a really productive, busy weekend, and trying to keep the momentum going.  You keep it too ladies!

MUSIC MONDAY: LOVE THAT GIRL

I WOKE UP FEELING FABULOUS!  Which is good, cause yesterday I felt TERRIBLE!  So taking a que from Rupaul, "If you don't love yourself, how the hell you gon' love somebody else!"  I'll be MIA from blogging this week, cause I'll be preparing for the Northern Illinois Art Show this coming weekend.  I'll also be posting new items this weekend, so for being my special blogging family enter NEW at Google checkout on the my website and get 10% off!!!!!

LOVE THAT GIRL!  HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!

Wordless Wednesday (Women's Month of March)

Maya Angelou

MOMMA NEEDS A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!! (Pull it Together Tuesday)

So, I just finished doing Pilates with my son, and I have this terrible headache, so to calm down I decided to cruise the blogs again, and came across this one, Homegrown Mom, and as I was reading it I couldn't stop lauging, and wanted to share it with you all this Pull It Together Tuesday.  Enjoy!


10 Signs That You May Need a Break



You know you need a break…

1. When your husband asks what you did today and you think he means you did nothing all day. Then you growl.

2. When someone asks you how old your kids are and you pause for a second because you honestly can’t remember.

3. When you find yourself sighing and rolling your eyes more than three times an hour.

4. When you’re in a Target parking lot and it takes too long to find your keys at the bottom of the black hole you call your purse, so you burst into tears.

5. When you’re taking notes in church and you start writing your to-do list in the margin.

6. When you put some kindergarten math worksheets in your first grader’s workbox so you can have two minutes of quiet while she does them on her own.

7. When your husband comes home at five and you’re still in your pajamas and he’s too scared to ask what you did today.

8. When you’re so exhausted that you fall asleep while giving a spelling test, but you still stay up until 2am watching Lost and 24 with your husband because you finally feel like you can rest and you want to enjoy that feeling.

9. When you start putting protein bars in the microwave so you can feel like you’re eating chocolate while still sticking to your diet.

10. When you write a blog post called 10 Signs That You May Need a Break.

Share yours, and pull it together!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Like stated before 2011 will be my best year yet!

Spending more time with family.
Showing more love.
Growing The Isis Collections and most importantly (for my health that is)

No worrying about things I have no control over!!!!!

This year with a smile on my face, I'll be showing the Goddess inside as much as possible!

Thankful Thursday (WAHM in 5 hours!)

Happy Thankful Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This has been a very busy week for me. In less than 5 hours I will officially be a Work from Home Mom! With the holiday Shuffle, booking new show for next year, planning my sons Waterpark Extravaganza for his Birthday, and my job loading the work on me this week I have not had the time to post a blog, which I’m so sorry for, I missed my Gods & Goddesses, but I am so Thankful for the opportunity to do this. So many have told me I’m blessed and that it is rear for a Woman to do this for 2 reasons.

1. A lot of women don’t want to spend that much time with their kids, lol and
2. That I’m able to do this in this economy.

Well let me remind you all, I’m a Goddess. I am rare, and quite often I don’t do things that the norm will do, lol. I know that I am incredibly blessed, but I’m also a problem solver, I know how to make things happen!

Also, I’m all about happiness, and my happiness does not involve me being depressed and sick, because I making myself go to a job every day, that I’m not happy with. I WANT MY OWN, and that’s exactly what I have, and I’m going to make the best of it! SO 2011 MAKE WAY FOR THE ISIS COLLECTIONS SUCCESS!

Pull It Together Tuesday! (Dreams)

Pull it together Tuesday…

It’s 4 days until Christmas, 6 more work days left to work until I officially become a Work At Home Mom, and 11 more days until 2011, so much to Pull Together, so much to just put in the hands of God.

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to have my own, maybe it was because I was raised primarily as an only child, or maybe it’s because at the age of 6, I admired that my Grandfather had his own store. I used to watch him come home at night and balance his books, and count all that cash, and I think from that moment, I knew that I wanted my own business. I did not want to work for anyone! At the age of 13 I got my 1st job, and that confirmed for me that this wasn’t going to last long. So now, an almost 17 years later, I’m making the steps to make my dreams come true.

How do you explain your dreams to an uncreative person? How do you explain your limits to someone who doesn’t listen? How do you deal when the main person you thought would be there for you is unsupportive?

So far, I think I’ll just DO ME! As you all know, I am strong, I’m Goddess for goodness sake! However, throughout all of her mystery and powers, Isis still had the support of her husband, her sisters, her son, and all that adored her.

Now that the holiday shopping is done, and orders are being processed and my son’s birthday plans are being finalized, I feel that it’s time to pull my dreams together.

How about yours?

It's Music Monday

Good Morning Gods & Goddesses!  Right now I'm in a joyful, celebrating mood, thinking about what I have in store for me this coming new Year.  I will officially be a WAHM is 13 days, and I'm very excited about that.  I have some very supportive people in my life, that I so appreciate and love, and I have some not so supportive people in my life, and this one is for you!

Have a great week!

It's Music Monday! (Breast Cancer Walk Celebration!)

Hey Gods & Goddessess!

It’s Monday Music Morning, and the Devil is working overtime! (What my Grandmother used to say.) Nobodies stealing my joy, cause I’mmma Diva! Had a wonderful time with my RWOC Sisters Walking for a Purpose, the American Cancer Socity Makinig Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, very Empowering!  Can't wait to do it again!  Have a good weekend ladies & Gents.