Give and It Shall Be Given Unto You!!

I recently found myself needing help.................but it wasn't until I set out to look for help, and received it from a complete stranger - that I remembered one of my life's golden rules "Give, and it shall be given unto you". It was then that I posted an ad online asking and testing others - to see if anyone else wanted to begin giving back to others who were also in need. I wanted to share with them my experience and the sheer joy of what it meant to "pay it forward" To my surprise - this started a movement of LOVE in my local community. In a few short months, a newreporter showed up at my doorstep, neighbors, friends and family all joined me in making a real difference in the lives of needy individuals/families. We begin helping to feed the hungry, giving people rides to work, providing moving boxes to those in need, helping single mothers with school supplies, encouraging others to give back, praying for the sick, and many other kind acts.

I've always known the power of giving. But, it wasn't until it became very personal for me - that I had a real "eye-opener". I started a non-profit faithbased organization called People4thePeople (feel free to visit our website at http://www.people4thepeople.org/). It is a blessing for me to wake up each day, knowing that I have finally discovered my purpose and the real meaning to life!!! People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care - and GIVING seems to be the perfect vehicle to carry LOVE to others. I want to inspire a movement of love across America and throughout the rest of the world. This way others can also discover their purpose - which I believe is: To love your neighbors as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). This takes your attention off of your own circumstances and allows you to focus on someone else - and ultimately gets God's attention so that He can now begin to focus on you~

Many Blessings to you all!!!!!!!!!!!

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!!

Your Image!!!

We've all heard the phrase, "You never get a second chance, to make a first impression!" Unfortunately, however unfair this phrase may seem, it is often so very true. We are living in an age that teaches us that beauty is no longer skin deep! One might ask................."where does that leave me?"..............Hopefully, back to the basics. First, we must learn to acknowledge and accept what God has given each one of us (our very own unique identity). Whether you are tall or short, thin or heavy, black, white or brown - you must confront this truth (There is no other you - You are YOU) After you have accepted this truth, you must then look at how you present yourself to the world. In other words, you must "WORK IT!!" When you look in the mirror - what do you see? You must honestly ask yourself this question. I will use myself (as a woman) for this example. For instance.........every morning when I arise - I look in the mirror and I see: beauty, elegance, royalty, perfection, fashion, professionalism, laughter, joy, honesty, integrity, peace, tranquility, serenity, purity, intelligence, flowers, sunshine, and so much more!! This is what I see, and this is what I convey. I don't see my name. I see all of the afore mentioned elements and many others. So therefore, guess what others see...........................they see these very same qualities.

Image is everything. For example, if you were walking down the sidewalk approaching someone - chances are that they see you long before they even hear you speak. This is not to underplay the importance of how you speak. Because, it (your speech) also plays a vital part of your image. Your image consists of your walk, your talk, how you carry yourself (your poise), your stance, your eye contact, the tone and pitch of your voice, and a few other elements. Here are a few tips that I would like to share: 1) Speak clearly and maintain eye contact when you are talking to someone - it communicates confidence to the other party. 2) Stand tall (with a good posture) with your head held high when walking and/or seated - to convey assurance. 3) If you are a woman, speak softly, gently, and slowly or at an even steady pace to show grace (especially to the opposite sex or an authority figure) 4) ....and last, but certainly not least - try to keep a subtle smile on your face to share warmth and openness.

I would like to conclude by touching on the importance of Personal Hygiene. It is so very vital! No one will even get close to you without good personal hygiene. For you ladies - keep your hair, skin, and nails radiant. Visit my blog again for some basics that you will not want to miss. For you guys - keep your hair, skin, and nails, clean - for starters!! No offense, it just seems that women are held to a higher standard - and rightfully so. After all, we are the pure manifestation of beauty. But guys, please don't ignore the "openings" - the EARS, the NOSE, the EYES and the MOUTH!! If you neglect these areas, I'm afraid that you will not only NOT make it to 3rd base, but you will miss the invite to the ballgame all together..............and in some cases, not even get the consideration for a job in the real world.

Basically, what this blog all boils down to, is the importance of loving oneself!! People will only love you as much as you love yourself. But, most importantly, please remember that "No one will love you more than you love yourself!"

Image Consultant