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