Kanye West's Mother Dies

The mother of Hip Hop Artist, Kanye West died this weekend.
This blog has been dedicated to Kanye.
No details have been given, but according to Publicist, Dr. Donda West died from complications following a cosmetic procedure. This has not yet been confirmed.

West helped managed her son's business and music career. She also co-authored a book titled Raising Kanye: Life Lessons From the Mother of a Hip Hop Superstar. Reports state that she died on Saturday at Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center in Los Angeles.

According to People, Rapper, Jay-Z paid tribute to Kanye and mom at a concert, by asking the crowd for a moment of silence: " Let's get serious for a minute. This show is dedicated to Kanye West who had a death in the family. We got you, Kanye. Stay strong."

Kanye, shared a close relationship with his mother. She has accompanied him to various award shows and industry parties.

I would like to suggest to the readers of this blog, that if you or someone that you know are planning to have any type of cosmetic procedure or surgery - please check the credentials of the Surgeon. Make sure that they are (1) Board Certified {American Board of Plastic Surgery}, (2) Licensed and Experienced{American Society of Plastic Surgeons}, and (3) Very Reputable. Check with your state medical board, which allows the physicians in your state to hold licenses. The state medical board will also have information about the physician's background, training, malpractice claims, and tell you if their license is in good standing. You may also ask questions from friends, doctors, nurses and local hospitals about the phsycian. Check with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and/or The American Medical Association (AMA) for a list of board certified plastic surgeons. Be sure to ask the plastic surgeon for a list of their previous patients who have also had the same services. Look at their portfolio for before and after pictures. Check with atleast 10 different physicians before making a decision. Ask alot of questions when calling around - like expectations, alternatives, pre and post operative instructions, their professional qualifications, experience, costs, and payment policies. Let the process be a great learning experience for you.

Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with Kanye and his family!! Feel free to leave your comments and thoughts.

Much Love & God Bless!!!!

Lights.......Camera.......Action!!!!!

Ladies.............why not finish your year with a BANG!! Let the Holidays and the New Year be the perfect excuse for glowing and putting yourself in the spotlight!! Let your light shine wherever you go. Make up your mind to be the Beautiful and Unique Goddess that you were created to be. So often, we spend time focusing so much on our responsibilities, like - the children, the spouse/significant other, the home, the job, the bills, the meals, ......and so much more - that we simply forget about #1 (OURSELVES). So, I'd like to encourage those of you (myself included) who fall into this category to take the last 2 months of this 2007 year to focus on you! Give yourself permission to love yourself. This means, giving attention to the total you - both inside and out.

First, I would suggest that you begin by focusing on the inner you. Do a quick analysis. Ask yourself - how do I feel? Are you pleased with your health? Whether you are or are not - why not start with the basics? Everyone knows that exercising, good nutrition, drinking more water, and getting adequate rest will improve your overall health. The simple things really can make a difference!! Oh, and don't forget to do a quick check of your thoughts (your mind). It is also a part of the inner you. Your thoughts often time dictates how you feel. We've all heard of the saying, "Garbage in - Garbage out!" Choose to rise above the trash. Soar to new heights. Launch out into the deep!! The perfect book for this is "Become a Better You", by Joel Olsteen. You truly can become all that you desire and are destined to become - if you just believe.

Second, after you have worked on your inner self - you should take a look at your outer self. Do you like what you see? Why not enhance your look? We could all use a little make-over, every once in awhile. Could you imagine waking up to the same day - over and over again? Think about it, "If seasons change - then why shouldn't we?" Why not approach each part of the day as if it were a different season. For instance, think of morning as Spring, that's when the flowers are fresh and blooming. Ladies, that's exactly what we should be (Fresh and Blooming)!! Tip: Wake up early, before your spouse or significant other and freshen-up by brushing & flossing, showering, moisturizing (face, body, and hands), then finish with a nice fragrance. Once you're done - climb back in bed. Let your spouse/mate enjoy waking up to a beautiful flower next to them. Next, think of the rest of the day as Summer, sizzling hot!! Truly focus on looking and feeling your very best. Regardless of your career (Executive, Self-employed, Stay at home mom, or whatever) - Dress for success!! Tip: Look at fashion magazines, websites, blogs, tv shows, etc. for the latest styles and trends. Add a little color to your face (lipstick, eyeshadow, mascara, and/or blush). Accessorize with a little jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet, anklet, and/or rings). Look and feel great!! Then, as evening approaches - think Fall. This is when the leaves are changing. It's time to settle down. Make subtle changes to your look. Tip: Pull your hair back or simply let it down, remove your jewelry, switch from lip color to just a lip gloss, put on more relaxed clothing, freshen-up your fragrance. Play soft music and/or read a book. At last, it's bedtime. This is like Winter. Time to hibernate. Think of sleeping beauty. Remember, how calm, soft and beautiful she looked? Trust me when I say this.........."Men truly do look at us while we are sleeping." So, before you go and grab that outdated robe, or the oversized T-shirt................think again!! Tip: Wear something soft, sexy, and sensual when you sleep. Again, moisturize your skin (especially, your hands and feet). Keep fresh mints, water, lip and hand moisturizer by the bed, and use them each time that you get up during the night. Don't forget your fragrance. Just remember - what you did to get them (your spouse/mate), is what you're going to have to do to keep them! Think of yourself as a beautiful rose petal, gently closing in on yourself for the day.

Finally, get out your camera and take some updated photos of the new and refreshed you. Post them around the house, at your work station, and/or carry them in your purse. Let them serve as a reminder that - YOU are important, YOU are beautiful, YOU are special, YOU are unique, ..........and that YOU are it!! There is no other YOU, and there will never be another YOU!!!!

In closing, Ladies - take care of YOU!!! It's showtime. So, go and let your light shine...............Lights..........Camera................Action!!