Why Not: Sow Good Seeds....+ 1

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6

 

 

Hello Gorgeous,

 

It feels so good to write again. I have been working so hard for the last couple of months; focused on school,  a new job, and figuring out life in a new city. I finally feel like life is calming down and I can share some wisdom  that I have picked up along the way.

 

A few months ago one of my very close friends shared with me a lesson he was learning in his life about planting seeds...

 

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

proverbs 11:24-25

 

Most of my life I have thought of reaping what I sow only when I give off negativity. If you give negativity you will get negativity. As I got older I began to see the concept in a new light. If I give positivity I should receive the same thing. This concept of  reaping what I sow was  taken further for me with a little wisdom from my friend I'll call him Dr. Wisdom. He gave me this thought:

 

" Be careful where you plant your seeds, plant them where they will grow"

 

After months of rolling this thought in my mind I finally have been able to receive what he was telling me. I should be intentional about my actions, they should lead to my goals. Not only should I plant good seeds I need to plant good seeds in fertile ground. I need to plant seed that will grow and reap an abundant harvest. I have begun to investigate my life and  have realized that my actions or my seeds are invested in ..sleeping, working, and watching television. Now what does that reap ladies....a mediocre life. My goal is to have an extraordinary life therefore I need to plant extraordinary seeds.

 

 

Here's the plan!

 

1. Spend focused time working on my goals

2. Become the master of my time.

3. Let go of the things that are time wasters.

What types of seeds are you planting? Let's work together to plant the seeds that will grow your dreams.

 

 

 

 

What do you think about joining a book club?

I want to start a book club that will bring women together to discuss titles that inspire, empower, and encourage life long learning. What do you think? Would you join? What are good titles to start with?



 

 

 

Ciao Bella,

 

Shameka

 



 



 

Inspired: A Couple of Forevers

 

 

 

I stopped writing, I was not sure if posting on SheMogul was something that was leading me to my purpose. I also did not know if I really enjoyed it anymore. While searching the web looking for some style inspiration for a new hair cut I ran across an article Curly Nikki wrote about Chrisette Michelle's recent weight loss, new hair cut, and why she became a vegan. After reading that article I stocked Chrisette Michelle on Google reading anything and everything about her life change and new upcoming album. I was inspired. She made me want something different. I wanted to strive for something better for myself. It inspired me to write again, to share again, and it reminded me of the reason I started SheMogul. My goal is to inspire you all to dream bigger and take the steps to make those dreams a reality.

 

I am excited to be writing and creating pieces that inspire and inform you. I am also excited to challenge myself into creating a better experience for you here on SheMogul.

 

 

If you have not already, check out Chrisette Michelle's A Couple of Forever's!. I am in love with this song. It makes me believe in love again.

 

 

Tell me what you think of A Couple of Forever's new track?

Natural Hair: Whats more important length or style?

 

 

 

I have been natural for two years, like many others in the natural community I have been focused on growing healthy tresses that when straightened reach down to my butt. Lol. I know! Well two years in and I am drowning in hair. The longer my hair gets the more I hate it. Why you ask. First, it takes for ever to do . To wash, condition, and twist takes at least 3 hours. I really do not have the time for that. This translates into me not washing my hair as often as I should because I do not want to deal with it. It also translates into me throwing it in a high puff most days to keep it somewhat tamed. Finally, I'm really tired of twist outs, braid outs, puffs, and the like. I don't feel fierce with a head full of hair, I feel like a little girl with a hiding behind her hair. Am I sacrificing style for length? What do you think ladies; is length more important than style?

 

  

Leave a comment and let me know what you think about continuing to rock a TWA opposite to the big curly fro...... Those of you who have make the second big chop weigh in!

 

*photos from Pinterest

 

Shameka



Why Not Reinvent Yourself....?

Hi Gorgeous,

Spring is fast approaching. Time for new and fresh things to emerge, and old things to die away.  Those old things that are holding you down or back should be laid to rest so the new and improved you can emerge.

Spring is a time of plans and projects

Leo Tolstoy

 

 

 

It is the perfect time to take those things that you can not stand about yourself and turn them into things you love. REINVENT yourself woman. I give you permission to become the GORGEOUS, SEXY, BOLD,CHIC, SMART woman that your desire to be. It starts with recognizing that their is something that you want to change, and simply taking the steps to make it happen. Don't spend another day secretly being jealous of the diva in the cubicle next to yours because she has great style,  and a killer hair cut. Or have a girl crush on the woman who owns the coffee shop that you frequent in the mornings because she had the confidence  to leave the corporate world and do something she loves. Do the work and I promise you, you will be the girl with the fly boutique on the corner with the amazing style and confidence to boot.

 

Here are some ways to get started:

 

 

1. Take note of the things that you would like to change this spring. Make a list. After you make the list write down one or two action steps that could lead to change.

 

Ex. I hate my hair!!!!!

 

1. Look up some styles online that I would like to have

 

2. Go to a salon and get a consultation on what would work best for my face shape and my life style.

 

 

2. Change your attitude. To make this change you need confidence. You need to make up in your mind that no matter what happens you are going to stay on the journey to make you a better you no matter what or who stands in your way. Remember people start acting funny when you start to change.

 

3. Gather a support team. Pick people that love you and want the best for you. Gather your ride or die homies and go for it. These will be the people who give you that extra little bit of something to ask your cute next door neighbor out for drinks, or tag along with you at a speed dating event, or even stand next to you as your give your life to Christ.

 

4. Research. You know what you want to change, you have made up your mind and you have your support team. Now what? Research. Talk to the lady who owns the coffee shop or the girl in the next cubicle, find out more about them. Connect. Ask them how they developed the style or the confidence. I'm sure they can give you all the tips and tricks to get you started. And if that doesn't work their  is always Google and one of my favorites YouTube ( you can find a tutorial on almost anything.)

 

5. Take Action. You have everything lined up, now its time to get to work. Not tomorrow now. Take that flying leap and don't turn back. When I went natural I knew that I would have to make a drastic change to stick to it, so I chopped my hair off to maybe and inch and a half. I'm not going to lie I was a little terrified, but I knew that to make the change I wanted I need to just do it. And I did. And I don't regret it.

 

 

*Photos taken from Pinterest

 

What changes are you making this spring? Share!

 

Good Luck On The Journey To A Fiercer You,

 

Shameka





Feburary Favorites

Hi Gorgeous;

I can't believe February is almost over. It seems like the month has just started. It has been a world wind month for me. I started a new job so I have been trying to get my schedule together. I have yet to master the right schedule that allows me to get the most out of my day and  week, but I'm still at it. With that being said my favorite things this month help me wind down after a long day of work, get me ready for a restful night of sleep or help me recharge.


I love Vanilla Cream candles. I burn them at night just before bed. They always make me feel comforted and at home. I usually pick up my favorite one at Walmart for around $5. They also last a while. I have been burning my candle each night while I get ready for bed. It sets the mood for sleep.



I found this body wash at Bath and Body Works during the after Christmas Sale. The were on sale for $5, so I decided to try a bottle. I originally went in to get their Vanilla and Lavendar Sleep bath foam, guys that stuff is amazing. Since the detox was on sale a picked up a bottle and fell in love. When I shower with this I feel warm, clean, and like my body is ready for sleep. So after I used up my first bottle I went back to the store and got a couple more bottles. I believe this was a limited edition product. After I run out I will definitely be going back to my beloved Vanilla and Lavendar bath foam. I recommend this product for those of you who have a hard time fall asleep at night. It really helps you leave the dirt of the day in the show.


This Dr. Teal's I picked up from Walmart for around $5 bucks. This product is a life saver on those days when I feel like I just do not have it in me to go anymore, those days when I am stressed, my body is achy and sore, and I just need to escape. I soak in this for about 20 minutes and am ready for bed, homework or just relaxing. Its a product every girl should have around for those tuff days.

 

 



How do you recharge after a long day? Share your tips and tricks!

 

Shameka

5 Things to Think About Before Going Natural

 

 

Hi Gorgeous,  

 

With my two year natural-versary  coming up I have been thinking about what's next for my natural hair. I have been toying with the idea of chopping of my curls to rock a fierce TWA for the warm months;  yet I love my curls, coils and kinks and want to continue to let my fro do what it wants.

 

 

 

So as I sail toward my two years and have embraced all the joys and challenges of natural hair I have a few words of wisdom for those of you who are thinking about making the big chop or are embracing their new kinky texture.

 

1. Before you make that chop sit down and figure out why you want to go natural. If you do it because everyone else is doing it than your not going to last for long. Getting to know your new hair is a challenge that has to be embraced before the first snip of the scissors.

 

2. Have definite goals for your hair. After you figure out why you want go on this journey identify a goal for your hair. Some goals that loads of naturals have is for their hair to be healthy, some women want to grow their hair to a certain length. Click the link to check out an article about successfully setting goals for your natural hair.
 

 http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/09/how-to-set-successful-hair-goals.html
 

3. Understand that people are not going to understand your choice, and be okay with that. When I first went natural people thought I was crazy. I had some really harsh things said to me especially from my family. If I was not confident in my choice I would have went back to my relaxed tresses.

 

" What are you trying to bring black back?" -said to me by my brother

 

4. Find some resources, a natural hair guru will help you learn how to take care of your coils. When I first went natural I went to youtube to find out what products to use and styles to do on my hair.

 

Here is one of my favorite natural hair you-tubers CharJay. Check out her Channel.

 

 

For those of you who do not like watching videos then check out a natural hair blog like curlynikki.com

 

5. Accept that your hair and your journey will not be like anyone else's, so be prepared to search for tricks, and tips that work for you, your hair, and your schedule.

 

Being Natural Ain't Easy, But It's Worth It!

 

 

All you naturals, why did you go natural? Share your journey....

 

Shameka

 

 







Beyonce's Life Is But A Dream + My Thoughts

Hi Gorgeous!

There is a lot of buzz going on about Beyoncé's Life Is But  A Dream Documentary. I have read reviews where women said they were so inspired, and saw Beyoncé in a different light. Others felt as if Baddiebey was still hiding something. Me, I was indifferent. So I watched unbiased two days after the infamous documentary aired on HBO.

What I learned from the documentary are things that I had already known. Her work ethic is beyond amazing, and she is a great entertainer. I think everyone knows that. I was interested to know more about how she dealt with her miscarriage besides writing a song, how does she manage a tough schedule, does she cook? Is she a real woman?

What I learned is that Beyoncé will never show the world who she really is. Why? I do not know. So all of you Beyoncé fans who are waiting for the crack in her armor keep waiting Lady Bey will always be perfect to the world.

 The fact that millions of women are inspired by smoke and mirrors says a lot about the lack of real role models in the media, women who have made it to the top and still hold down their families. Who can run a business from 8 to 5 in six inch stilettos and dash to the little league game wearing chucks.  Beyoncé's platform is about inspiring and encouraging women yet the majority of her music is sexually charged and all about sexual power. Now I'm not saying anything is wrong with being sexy, and all that jazz I'm just saying there is more to a woman. I believe that people are still waiting to see those other sides of Beyoncé. We have seen her sing and dance; we have seen her hold Blue Ivey and smile at Jay. What's new? It's time for Baddiebey to really be a woman who inspires and encourages women by not being perfect by being Beyoncé. I'm just saying.

 

What did you think of Life Is But A Dream?

Shameka

Happy Valentines Day + Give Away

Hi Gorgeous,

I must admit that Valentines Day snuck up on me this year. In past years I have dreaded the day. Thinking about all the things I would be missing out on. Not this year. My focus has not really been centered on the down side of being single. Recently my focused has been on becoming a better woman.With that being said I have some plans for self love.

I will be starting the morning off with a great workout. Followed by a pedicure. Then off to work I go. After work I plan to take a very relaxing bath, followed by a Netflix date( finishing up the 5th season of Gossip Girl) while munching on some chocolate covered strawberries. Yum!

What are your plans for the day of LOVE, single or not?

GIVE AWAY!!!!!!

Soft Kissable Lips created using Maybelline's Baby Lips in Pink Punch

If you have a hot date, don't forget to make sure your lips are kissably soft. The recent wave of tinted lip balms that have hit the selves have caught my eye, and I just had to try one, or maybe three.

So I'm going to show you some love. I'm giving away 2 Maybelline Baby Lips Tinted lip balms. I have been layering this smooth balm under my lipstick or lipgloss. I also wear it alone. It gives me sheer color and moisturized kissable lips. You will love it! I promise. Follow the instructions to win.

1. Leave a comment on the blog about you will be showing love on Valentines day.
2.Follow SheMogul on Instagram
3.Like the  SheMogul facebook page

Two blessed winners will be announced 2/22 on the SheMogul blog. Remember to check back and see if you have won. Have a fabulous day!

XoXo,
Shameka

 

Busy Girl Must Haves + 4 Real Girls Weigh In...

Hi Gorgeous,

I have been extremely busy the last three weeks. School and work gave me a run for my money. I  am happy to say that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. There have been a couple of things that have kept me sane...

1. Morning Prayer

2. Vanilla Lattes

3. My planner

4. Lip Balm

 

On those days when I just could not imagine how I would get it all done, I spent time in prayer and seeking guidance and strength for the day. Vanilla Lattes, are and were the little miracle worker that gave me that extra oomph to push thru after a grueling 8 hour work shift straight thru  3 hours of homework. I can not, will not, be able to make it without my planner. It helps juggle everything by allowing me to schedule in everything that I want to fit into my week which includes work, school work, blogging, free time, workouts, church, research...just to name a few things. And the last thing that I just do not leave the house without is lip balm. A girl has GOT to have it!

 

I have been wondering what other girls must have to power through their day....so I asked! 4 real  girls weigh in on their busy day must haves.

 

 

Candice

 23
Charlotte NC
Psychiatric Tech, Graduate Student, Fashion Lover, Traveler, Mother of  Holly ( 1 year old Yorkie Terrier)

"I can't make it through a busy day without a large designer tote, my phone, my ipad, concealer for a fresh face without foundation, lip gloss, cell phone and phone charger, notebook, pen, and at least one of my school..."

Stephanie
25
Guayanilla PR
Graduate Student, Jet Setter, and Fitness Enthusiast

"School work and working out keeps me busy, head phones help me focus rather I am getting in my last mile at the gym or finishing up a paper. Eye make up pulls it all together when the work out is done..."

 

 Heather

27

Atlanta Georgia

Senior Program Director, Graduate Student, Sweet Treat Baker

 

I get up at 5:30 to be at my internship by 7, at 10:30 I roll into my full time job as a Senior Director of After School Program where I work on program management and grant issues, meet with donors and partners until 7. I then go home and do school work, office work, cook, workout, sleep, and do it all over again!

I can't make it through my day without a smile and mascara. A smile is something that I have with me that does not cost me anything, but makes my day so much better. Smiling is such a natural thing for me. I have mascara in my car, purse, on my desk, and three at home so I won't forget to put it on...."

 

 

Janice

25

Florence SC

Salon Owner & Stylist,  Mother of 2, Aspiring Model, Hustler at Heart

 

" I can't make it through the day without my cellphone. I use it to contact clients, schedule appointments, and take payments. I also need it to keep in contact with my boys. As a working mom I need to make sure I am able to schedule school and daycare pick, sitters, and just be available at the drop of a dime.  Weave and lip gloss are a must have everyday. As a stylist my appearance is very important..."

 

 

I want to know what keeps you gorgeous and sane on your busiest day. Leave a comment or instagram a pic of your busy day must haves with hash tag #busygirlmusthaves. Also don't forget to mention @shemogul in your post.

 

Have a Fabulous day....

Shameka











Love List: 3 Ways to Make a Gorgeous Change!

Gor-geous

Beautiful; Very Attractive

Pleasant

 

 

Lately I have been looking for something different. I have been wanting to shake things up a little bit and be gorgeous while I'm at it. I am not going to lie the older I get the more difficult it seems to just go with the flow, to be confident in my choices, or to forget about what others think. Not anymore...

 

 

I'm ready to make a change and be gorgeous while I'm at it.  Here is the plan:

 

Smile: Along the way I lost my smile. I buried in order to survive ( at least I thought at the time, that's a whole other story, for another time). Well it's time to bring it back! I'm looking forward to seeing how it can brighten up my day....update to come!

 

 

Be Me with No Apologies: Sometimes I don't feel like talking, sometimes I don't have anything to say, sometimes I'm stubborn to a fault, often I get scared, I procrastinate, I give to much, I love to hard or not at all, I am a romantic heart, vanilla lattes are my kryptonite, I feel fierce and feminine when my hair is short and tapered, my favorite color is red on Monday and Saturday it's fuchsia, I wish I was as fierce as Olive Pope...and the list goes on!

 

Stand in my own beauty: Chinky eyes, pouty lips, full hips, kinks, coils, and curls, were all things that I once did not like about myself for one reason or another, but they all make me Gorgeous!

 

Pursue my Purpose + Passion: There is nothing like a girl living the life she was born to live. She's a bit more confident, assured, and happy.

How are you making a Gorgeous change? I want to hear from you!

Shameka

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Ways to Stay Commited!

Hi Gorgeous!

I have been wondering how long each of us will be motivated to achieve those goals that we all  wrote down. As life gets back in full swing, the children are back in school, work is becoming more hectic and our plates are quickly filling  up with things to do what keeps us from throwing in the towel? The question is how do we stay focused on what we want to achieve this year?

 Here Are 4 Things To Try!



WEIGHT LOSS JARS

 

For those of you who are serious the weight loss jars are perfect for you. All you need are two nice glass jars that you can see through. Label one pounds to loose, and the other pounds lost. Fill with the number of marbles of the pounds that you want to loose. As you loose the weight transfer the marbles over to the other jar until their are no more marbles. This is a great way to see your hard work paying off.

STICKY NOTES

 Do not underestimate the power of a sticky note. Try these for the small goals that you want to fit in each day such as drinking more water, taking multivitamin, or working on your business plan for 30 minutes. You can even write motivational quotes on them to get you moving. Place them in places that you often go such as your bathroom mirror, or your car dashboard.

ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDIES

Accountability buddies are awesome. I can attest to the power of telling someone your goals and them being there to motivate you on those days when you have nothing left to give. For some reason just knowing someone understands how you feel, yet they also know where you are trying to go it just gives you that burst of energy to finish. Grab a friend, inform them of  your goal and what you need from them as an accountability buddy. Maybe you need them go give you some encouraging words when you are down, or may a kick in the butt when you are being stubborn. Make sure you choose people that you trust and who you love and respect.

PICTURES

 

 

Find a picture that accurately represents your goal and place it on the fridge on your desk or any other place that will help you keep your goal at the for front of your mind.

 

These are just a few simple things I thought you would appreciate, now share!

 

How are you staying motivated? Share your motivation tips with me. Instagram or tweet a pic of how you stay motivated or using the tips above. Don't forget to mention @shemogul in your post with hash tag #shemogullifestyle

 

Shameka

 



It's 2013: How Are You Committed To Doing The Work?

Wow, I have been so excited for the new year to begin. I am ready for a fresh start. Ready to do the work required to reach my goals big and small. I know all of you have made resolutions, made vision boards, written goals for the year etc. and have spent the first week of the new year shedding off all the of the things you want to leave behind in 2012. Well I am here to tell you resolutions, goals, and vision boards are all nice but as the good book say's faith with out works is dead. To get the life you want, to make the changes that you would like to see in the new year; you have to put in some sort of effort. Let me put it to you this way, the weight is not going to come off unless you make the effort to eat right and exercise. The book is not going to be written if you do not commit to sacrificing some of your Saturday mornings to working on it. I mean we can all look at our goal lists all we want but it takes actions to see results.

Here are three of of my biggest goals for the year!

1. Loose 102 lbs.

2. Make a comfortable life for myself in Houston

3. Get closer to God

Of course I have many more. I have not left one stone un-turned. I plan to live this blessing called life to the fullest, and to do that I must seek the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. That is my prayer for
2013.

 

So here is how I am taking action:

1. I am starting the Pink Method, a weight-loss program designed specifically for women, tomorrow. Look out for my YouTube video on the Pink Method, later this week.

2. I have a book list that will help me learn techniques and tips to make the changes that I seek to make. Right now I am finishing up Re-position Yourself: Living Your Life Without Limits, by T.D. Jakes. 

Here are some other books on my list for the year:

Success Principles by Jack Canfield

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-free Productivity by David Allen

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Financial Destiny! by Anthony Robbins

3. I will be joining @theluke-humble, where I will be connecting with God each Sunday and Wednesday nights, while also participating in the churches read the bible in a year campaign.

So with all of that being said, how are you doing the work? Tweet or instagram a picture of your doing the work to @shemogul with #shemoguldoingthework! I am excited to see what you are doing to make 2013 better than 2012 could ever be.

Ciao,

Shameka