Dear Ladies

Image courtesy of sscreations /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ladies I need your opinion, so early 2012 I met a guy. We had great conversation and could talk to each other for hours. We once went to lunch together but other than that no dates, phone conversations, kisses, hugs, nothing romantic. I had a crush on him and I sensed he had a crush on me but it kinda faded once I learned his extremist ideology on certain controversial subjects. However, we stayed in contact, HE WOULD always check in on me periodically via text. Last month he even said "we needed to talk and catch up". He would accuse me of being "Hollywood" and not contacting him, respond to his text etc. lol 

Fast forward to Tuesday, he texts me and does the usual how are you, where have you been, jokes about rappers and entertainers. So on Thurs I was curious to know if my new friend knew Mr. Periodically Check In Guy since they went to the same college. I checked my new friend's Facebook friends list and up came Mr Periodically Check In Guy's profile. His profile pic had him sitting next to a girl in a wedding dress and I immediately debated in my head whether this girl was his wife or sister. After going through his FB profile and hers lol. I can state without a shadow of a doubt that is his new beautiful wife as of June 2013. Looking back we ALWAYS had innocent conversation, like I said nothing romantic happened between us but you would think he would mention he was married or engaged during the mini check ins, how are yous, and what have you been up tos, etc. My question to you is am I justified in being shocked and appalled in finding out he is a newlywed?!? 

Sincerely Shocked,

Eligible Bachelorette

Mercy

The other day my Pastor gave a lesson on sin. He had 3 men stand on the altar, each holding a ball. One had a 16 pound bowling ball; one had a volleyball that weighed about 10 ounces; and the other a pool ball that weighed around 6 ounces. He assigned each ball a sin, the bowling ball represented murder, the volley ball represented theft, and the pool ball represented a little white lie.  The men dropped the balls they were holding at the same time. Even though each ball weighed a different amount they all hit the floor at the same time. My Pastor used this to demonstrate to us that SIN IS SIN. God looks at all sin the same…murder is not a bigger sin than a little white lie.

If we start to view all sin the same maybe we’ll show more mercy to others. I have never killed anyone but I have told a little white lie. The good thing about this is according to Romans 5:20 “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Hope this encourages you to show mercy to others. XOXO –Angelle 

Water Challenge Update

I was really admiring my skin yesterday and then it hit me, it must be the water or a combination of things including the water. So I decided to share my skin regiment and some helpful water challenge tips. Click Here for previous Water Challenge post

 

 Image courtesy of Naypong/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

My Current Skin Regiment: 

• I drink between 96 ounces to a gallon of water a day. 
• I drink hot peach tea with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey 2-3 times a week. 
• I take a whole foods, food based multivitamin daily
• I take flax seed oil supplement 2-3 times daily with meal.
• I wash my face twice a day with Vitamin E Body Shop face cleanser for 2mins using my Mia 2 Clarisonic.
• I use my homemade half ACV, half water solution toner 
• Then I moisturize with Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream and body shop Vitamin E moisturizer with SPF in the morning or Vitamin E intense moisture cream at night sometimes  I substitute the intense moisture cream for Burt bees sensitive skin moisturizer.

Disclaimer: I'm not recommending my skin care regiment nor products I'm just stating it for full disclosure purposes. I am only recommending you drink more water. 

 

Some Thing's I Found Helpful :

• Buy a 32 ounce container and fill it up 4 times throughout the day, that should result in you drinking 128 ounces of water also known as a gallon. 

• Time is another great tip. You aren't suppose to drink water too fast just so you can get your gallon in lol. Instead have a time target or estimate time for completion. For example  sip on 32 ounces every three hours.  I start drinking my first 32 ounces at 7am and I'm completed by 10:30 am. My second set of 32 ounces usually last me from 10:30am - 1pm. My third set of 32 lasts me from 1 - 3pm. Then I drink my last 32 while I am home usually between 5-9pm at night. 

• Buy a Brita water pitcher or dispenser. Drinking 8 water bottles a day can be expensive and wasteful! Not to mention how strenuous it is for a single female living in an apartment complex trying to carry and unload a pack of water bottles from her car to her front door lol. Either you can constantly carry a ton of water bottles or you can have an unlimited supply of water and replace your filter every two months for $8 its totally up to you lol

Nothing is impossible -Joyce Meyer

Dear Mr/Ms Hopeless,

I love you and I want to share my daily devotion from Monday with you. It starts with a scripture then a word from Joyce Meyers.

Image courtesy of Evgeni Dinev /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37 NIV)

Nothing Is Impossible 

People who think positively can see potential in even the most discouraging situations, while those who think negatively are quick to point out problems and limitations. 

This goes beyond the proverbial idea of simply seeing a glass "half full" or "half empty" and extends to actually making decisions and taking actions based on either positive or negative thinking. 

Have you ever noticed how negative thinking blows things out of proportion? Problems start to seem larger and much more difficult than they really are. 

Sometimes, a problem may actually be impossible...in the natural. And a negative mindset forgets that nothing is impossible to God. 

Meditating on God's Word will rid you of negativity and help you refocus on who God is. A positive mindset based on God's Word knows that nothing is beyond God. He is always present. 

I've trained my brain to believe God and His Word, and I've experienced the power available to me through God when I've trusted Him more than my circumstances. We need to always remember that nothing is impossible with God. 

Prayer Starter: Lord, it's clear to me that I have nothing to gain from a 'glass-half-empty' mindset. Even in impossible situations, I know that You are there. I choose to see the positive side of things as I live in Your Word.

Love,

Christina

Movie Review: Pompeii

When I got tickets to see the advanced screening of ‘Pompeii’ I was so excited. I learned about the ‘city on fire’ from an archaeology course I took in college.  Imagine my surprise when the movie attendant handed me 3D glasses…who doesn't love movies in 3D?!  

‘Pompeii’ is the story of star crossed lovers trying to outrun an erupting volcano. Overall I give this movie 2.5 (out of 5) stars. My problem with this movie is that everything happened too fast. Relationships were formed too fast, but I did enjoy the eye candy. The main character Milo, played by Kit Harington offered plenty of eye candy.  

Pompeii hits theaters this Friday, February 21, 2014. Will you go see it? XOXO -Angelle 

Gift Ideas for Every Occasion

Recently a coworker of mine asked me if he should bring a gift to an engagement party, that question led to an entire discussion on gift etiquette. Below are some gift ideas for different occasions:

Baby’s Christening- I recommend a religious gift (exp. baby first bible or cross jewelry)

New Baby- Get something for the baby, I recommend to get it monogrammed with the Baby’s initials. (exp. Blanket, outfit, bibs)

Engagement Party- Buy something that the couple can use. Must be unisex (exp. His and hers glassware, his and hers towel set, wedding planning book)

Anniversary Party- Since the couple already lives together you should not buy anything for the house, instead get something that will get the couple out the house (exp. Gift card to the movies or their favorite restaurant) 

Graduation Party- I know when I graduated High School and College there was only one thing I wanted…MONEY lol. Make sure to put money in the graduate’s card but you can still give them a thoughtful gift (exp. Planners, monogrammed pens, notebooks and labels)

House Warming- Something for the house (exp. Tool box, a plant, doormat, monogram door wreath, coasters, photo frame)

Dance Recital- Flowers of course lol.

What are some neat gift ideas you have? Do Share. XOXO -Angelle

The Fitness Chronicles: Glutes

I would love to have a more sculpted derriere so I'm going to try this workout I found. I plan to do it twice a week starting Tuesday. I will be sure to measure my results and report back to y'all lol.  

Image courtesy of photostock /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If anyone wants to join in on the fun I have included the workout I found online, at http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/express/20-minute/glute-sculpting-treadmill-workout/

Minutes	Speed (mph)	Incline (%)	RPE*
0:00-5:00	4	3-3.5	5
5:00-7:00	4	8-10	7
7:00-8:00	4	4-6	6
8:00-10:00	4	10	8
10:00-11:00	4	5-7	7
11:00-13:00	4	12	9
13:00-14:00	4	10	8
14:00-15:00	4	12	9
15:00-20:00	4	2-4	5

Tip: Beginners should start with a speed of 3.5 mph; advanced exercisers can go up to 5. *RPE, rate of perceived exertion, is a measure of your exercise intensity based on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most effort. Adjust speed and incline to reach desired RPE above.

“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily.” - Zig Ziglar

Whatever you feed grows and whatever you starve dies. If you feed your faith the bigger your faith grows,  That's why Apostle Paul says faith comes by hearing.

If we hear a good word on Sunday or get motivated by an inspiring story on Tuesday but watch garbage tv, listen to trashy songs, have everyday problems, hear people complain about life, hear disturbing news, watch celebrities make money, and be consumed with celebrity gossip all the other days of the week we aren't focusing our thoughts and energies into creating our best life. I do all of the above lol however, I'm a strong advocate for balance. Without watching celebrities we wouldn't know the wealth possibilities that we can start to envision for our life. I also don't mind watching reality shows where the rich get richer because they are inspiring me to do the same and watching them encourages me. I just schedule the amount of time I devote to that. In addition, I schedule an amount of time to feed my spirit. I try to meditate, read scripture, read other value adding books, practice visualization, and speak affirmations daily to help keep me focus, in good spirits, and attracting all of my wants and desires.

Love,
Christina

She's Got Next!

I just can't get enough of my new woman crush Lupita Nyong'o 

"When you play it safe, you’re not expressing the utmost of your human experience.” - @LupitaNyongo"

When I came across that tweet today I just had to favorite it and share it along with these fab photos of Lupita enjoying fashion week with Designer Calvin Klein, fashion genius Anna Wintour, and actress Naomi Watts! 

Photos courtesy of Lupita Nyong'o twitter account. 

Love, 

Christina

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is often referred to as the Miracle Oil. I've been using it for different reasons for over a year now and thought others would be interested in learning about its many benefits.  There’s no way I can cover all the benefits of coconut oil in one post, so I decided to do a series on this miracle oil. The series will cover the following topics:

·         Coconut oil for skincare

·         Coconut oil  makeup remover

·         Coconut oil for hair

·         Coconut oil for cooking

·         Coconut oil for overall health

I look forward to sharing what I know about this miracle oil. -Angelle

Ain't No Feeling like Being Free!

I'm really enjoying my Valentine's Day! I hope you all are as well.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Great Destiny Child once said,  

"Ain't no feeling like being free

When your mind's made up

And your hearts in the right place, yeah

Ain't no feeling like being free

When you've done all you could

But what's misunderstood

(It's all good, it's all good)

Ain't no feeling like being free

I'm like an eagle set free

And finally I'm looking out for me

Ain't no feeling like being free

Cause my mind's made up

And my heart is in the right place, yeah"

And went on to say, 

"I catered to my man now I cater to me... Take me out sometime! 

P.S Agape Love > Eros Love, No matter what your relationship status is. 

Love,

Christina 

Single Girl's Guide to Valentine’s Day

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day!!! While some are in anticipation of the day, others absolutely dread it. When I was a child I loved Valentine’s Day, I got candy and cards from my classmates. In college I became one of the people who dreaded the day of love. I only didn’t like it because I was single. I remember junior year in college Christina and myself hiding in my car because we didn't want to be seen dateless on Valentine's day ha ha.

                                            

Now, I love Valentine’s Day! Yes, I’m single but that’s no reason not to enjoy myself. You see Vday is a day dedicated to love and there are plenty of people I love (family and friends). So I decided to write this guide for single girls who don’t know what to do on Valentine’s Day:

1.       Hangout with your other single friends- You are not the only single person alive, so why not do something fun with your single gals.

2.       Throw a party/Go to a Party- Who doesn’t like a good party?! If none of your friends are throwing a party, you should throw a party…singles only of course.

3.       Watch Romantic Movies – call your best single gal pal over and park on the couch. I recommend ‘Something’s Gotta Give’, great romantic comedy, not your typical sappy love story.

4.       Go on a blind date- Have someone you trust to play matchmaker, who knows you might have a good time.

5.       Treat yourself- I don’t know about you all but I LIKE MYSELF…and I like spending time with myself. Why not treat yourself to that new restaurant you’ve wanted to try or a nice relaxing spa day. You deserve it!

6.       Be thankful! - Be thankful that you are alive with a host of family and friends who love you! Most importantly be thankful that you don’t have to share the remote and can go to sleep in the middle of the bed lol

Remember that Valentine’s Day is all about love…so make sure you tell your loved ones what they mean to you.  What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Do share. XOXO -Angelle

Love

The greatest feeling in this world is to know that you are loved and God loves us so much more than we can comprehend. There is a peace above all understanding once you embrace that love from God. There is also a super natural power that can be activated once we truly embrace Gods love.

"It is the combination of thought and love which forms the irresistible force of the law of attraction"

-Charles Haanel

"There is no greater power in the Universe than the power of love... In fact, some of the great thinkers of the past referred to the law of attraction as the law of love... The greater the love you feel and emit, the greater the power you are harnessing" 

excerpts from The Secret, The Secret Made Simple chapter pg 38

Activate the power of love and watch how your life starts to transform! God is the creator of love and we were made in his image so he wants us to experience love and have divine power to create a life of abundance filled with love or at least that's what I think at this stage in life lol (but I'm serious). Its not always easy to walk in love and feel God's love but if you make the conscious decision to read about love daily and look for examples of love you will attract more love and power into your life. 

Love, 

Christina

Red Nails

I love getting my nails done. I’m always experimenting with new colors but nothing makes me feel more womanly than red nails. This is my favorite red nail color OPI’s ‘Big Apple Red’; it’s the perfect shade of red.  In the words of Ms. Shania Twain “I feel like a woman”! -Angelle

Faith: The Sky is The Limit

"If you want more you got to be willing to walk away from less" is what my cousin told me the other day in relation to her situation. She probably has no clue how that struck a chord with me and those words became imprinted on my heart.

Salvatore Vuono http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

That quote made me ask myself, am I settling? What dead end relationship, job, situation, fill in the blank do I or you refuse to let go of because we're afraid of change or failure? A year or two ago I felt as if I was going through a quarter life crisis. I really didn't know where I wanted to go in life from where I was. I wanted to change careers, change the city I lived in, I just wanted a change. I never made that change and still to this day I have this whispering, nagging feeling I want more out of life. I want to thrive and not merely exist!  Our current thinking can be preventing us from having so much more out of life, thoughts filled with fear such as what ifs, maybes, I cant, etc. I've decided that I'm going to chose faith and let go of fear! I know I'm not the only one, so we need to step out on faith and walk away from those things that aren't adding value to us and trust something bigger and better is out there just waiting on us to be ready to receive it whether it's a career, certification, relationship, or life experience. HOWEVER, don't be stupid about it, pray and use discernment.

So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (Galatians 3:9 NIV)

Love,

 Christina 

Comparing Yourself To Others

Yesterday a friend shared some issues she was going through with us; one of those issues being comparing herself to others.  I believe that this is something that EVERYONE (including myself) goes through at some point in their life. My words of advice to her were “You really don’t know what others are going through behind the scene…they could be miserable. Remember, people only put their good pictures on Instagram.” So whenever you find yourself comparing your life to others just remember, people control what they want you to see. Hope this encourages you! -Angelle

Thrifting!

 I went thrifting  for the first time and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was able to find an Ann Taylor cardigan and a black belt for a grand total of $8. I was amazed at the book collection as well as the assortment of electronic accessories so I will definitely be back. I just love the thrill of finding a good sale or a great bargain. 

Love,
Christina

‘Toned Up’ Season Finale

I’m sad to say that today is the season finale for one of my favorite reality shows, ‘Toned Up’. ‘Toned Up’ is about two best friends, Karena and Katrina whose passion for a healthy lifestyle lead to a million dollar business. They are co-owners of a fast growing lifestyle empire which includes: workout DVDs, meal plans, healthy recipes, a blog and much more.

One of the reasons I love this show so much is because Karena and Katrina remind me of myself and Christina. Two girls trying to make it in today’s world! They even have their own secret language “MEOW”. As one of them said “Good girlfriends are hard to fine”, so you should cherish the ones you have.  Tune in tonight for the season finale of ‘Toned Up’ on Bravo 10/9c. Until next season MEOW!

  –Angelle 

The Water Challange

One of my goals for this year was to drink more water and pursue natural remedies for everything.  I try to drink between 3 liters and a gallon of water a day. I can say since starting the water challenge faithfully about three weeks ago, I have noticed my skin, hair, and scalp feels less dry and itchy. I would love it if others joined me *hint hint* so that we can encourage each other to stick with it.

I have included some water challenge inspiration and testimonies below.

This lady says drinking three liters of water a day took ten years off her face. Read the rest of her story here. 

Gabrielle Union shared her beauty secrets with Essence Mag back in 2012. 

 

ESSENCE.com: Your skin is amazing! Describe your skin care routine for us.
Union: It’s funny because I have all of my cleansers in my shower but it really depends on what I feel like using that day. If I want an extra boost, I use the Neutrogena Oil Free Pink Grapefruit Scrub because it’s so pungent. If I wake up with a huge blemish on my face, I’ve got to attack it so I might use an acne-specific cleanser. When I take off my makeup I love the Pink Grapefruit cleanser because when I’m working, they really pack on the makeup so I have to use a deep cleanser. I always use the Clear Poer Toner after I cleanse just to make sure I’ve removed all the makeup.

ESSENCE.com: Do you have any beauty secrets that keep your skin glowing?
Union: I try to drink a gallon of water a day and it’s made a huge difference in my hair, skin and nails.  I generally don’t have major skin flare-ups because I’m so hydrated.  Substitute soda, juice, and any sort of sugary drink out of your diet.  That’s been the best and easiest secret.

Chilli sat down to share some beauty secrets with Hype Hair awhile back. Link

Hype Hair: Now, what about your skin-care routine? How do you care for your skin?

Chilli: It's funny, because people always ask me that question, and on my Twitter page, everything I talk about relates to health and taking care of your skin and all of that kind of stuff. The number-one thing that I suggest that helps with the skin is water. You can never drink enough water, and I have to say I exfoliate my skin a lot. I think that's very important because you're always getting rid of that dead layer.

Hype Hair: How often do you exfoliate?

Chilli: Three times a week, but you have to find a scrub that is not too abrasive, because then you're going to damage your skin.

Hype Hair: Let's talk makeup. Do you have any favorite brands?

Chilli: When I don't have to be in front of the camera, I just love lip gloss, and I might put on a little teeny, tiny bit of eyeliner. When I'm really dressing up, but don't have to be in front of the camera, I'll just put on some blush.

Hype Hair: So you just keep it to the bare minimum?

Chilli: Yep. I'm telling you, if you drink that water and cut out certain things — when the skin is clear and smooth, you don't need makeup.

Hype Hair: That's true. That water will clear your skin up so well.

Chilli: Yes, ma'am. You might have to go to the bathroom a little more often, but let's weigh the options. I'd rather go to the bathroom about three more times a day than have to deal with pimples all over my face, so y'all can talk about me and say, "Chilli needs to use Proactiv." (Laughs)

Hype Hair: So your most tried-and-true beauty tip is just drinking that water for your skin?

Chilli: Yes. Water and exfoliating, and find a good vitamin C serum for your skin because vitamin C is very good for your skin.

Love, 

Christina

Czar Ice Bar Review

I had the privilege of attending Czar Ice Bar on Tuesday where its ladies night and $2 sushi. Ladies get two free drink tickets and a chance to mingle in a cozy, decorated room full of ambiance and inspiring decor. Czar is known for their extensive vodka selection as well as their iced bar top, I'm pretty sure the Ice bar would have had greater appeal prior to the Atlanta Snow Jam 2014. I think I speak for all of Atlanta when I say we are so over ice lol. Moving along, the drinks were really tasty and worth every cent, in fact I would've gladly payed for it. lol I had the strawberry shortcake and the pineapple upside down cake drinks, they were made perfectly! The $2 sushi was not worth it, I ordered the shrimp and the other girls ordered salmon and some other kind but they weren't impressed either. I will gladly go back and try their mango sushi which wasn't on the $2 menu and I'll write a review about that. The service was not that great but with all things considered I will not complain, my bill was only $2 before tip and taxes lol.

Will Smith on The Secret To His Success

Love how he says the Universe is like water and it moves out of your way!

Love,
Christina

Recipe: Spinach Balls

I decided to start cooking more in 2014, so I made these spinach balls. They came out great!!! They are a good appetizer or game day snack. Below is the recipe

Ingredients:

2 (10 ounce) boxes frozen spinach, drained well
3/4 cup melted butter
1/2  cup of  finely chopped onion and green pepper
4 eggs
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups seasoned bread crumbs

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients.
2. Roll into 1 inch balls.
3. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes.

Let cool for about 5 minutes then BON APPETIT!!! -Angelle

Happy Productive Day!

You have 24hrs in a day, make it great! So often we sit around and mindlessly let the day pass away without purpose or passion. I plan to plan each and everyday so that my seconds, minutes, and hours are meaningful. A year from now I don't want to say 2014 was a waste but rather say,  Wow, I'm so proud of myself and I have so much to show for it!

Love, 

Christina

Happy Sunday!

Have a great week,here are some notes from the word I received today.

Berean Christian Church

Kerwin B. Lee, Senior Pastor

February 1 & 2, 2014

Today’s Text Daniel 3:14-17

Today’s Title

“Relationships That Position You for a

Major Turnaround”

1. Relationships with people who have obedience

to God can position you for a major turnaround.

 Verses 16, 17

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said

to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give

you an answer to this question. 17) If we are thrown into

the fire, our God Whom we serve is able to save us from

it. And He will save us from your hand, O king.” (NLV)

Its great to have great friends that positively influence each other to stay true to themselves and to God. 

2. Relationships with people who have confidence

in God can position you for a major turnaround.

Verse 18

“But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king,

that we will not serve your gods or worship the object of

gold that you have set up.”(NLV)

3. Relationships with people who have experience 

with God can position you for a major turnaround.

Verses 24-26

“Then King Nebuchadnezzar was very surprised and

stood up in a hurry. He said to his leaders, “Did we not

throw three men who were tied up into the fire?” They

 answered, “That is true, O king.” 25) He said, “Look! I

see four men loose and walking about in the fire without

being hurt! And the fourth one looks like a son of the

gods (or the Son of God)!” 26) Then Nebuchadnezzar

came near the door where the fire was burning, and said,

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, servants of the

Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach,

Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the fire.” (NLV)

I know my friends and I learn from each others' experiences with trials and obstacles and I can really say its so much easier going through a trial when you have witnessed your friends go through it with so much faith and trust in God to handle their situation.

Love, 

Christina