Reading Is A Mind Stimulation

I don't believe a lot of people realize how significant it means to read. It is something that I grew to realize. If younger people realized it, there would be less violence in the streets, and more profitable knowledge obtained in the youths' heads.

I find it easier to read books on genres that you like. I can never enjoy a book if it is not an interesting genre. Urban Fiction is popular amongst younger people because it usually involves sexual activity. Older people also enjoy books involving sexual activity but with more romance involved rather than just plain old sex. All of us are different. There are a wide range of books available for all types of people.When I was younger, I only wanted to read Zane books. The first book that I read that caused me to fall in love with reading was "The Coldest Winter Ever" by Sister Souljah. There is not one young African-American girl who has not read this book, it's like part of life. If you haven't, you need to get/rent it. It is the reason why I continue to read today. Yes, it changed my life. After getting into Boston Latin for high school, I was required to read more books that have to do with English literature, all of which included authors like: Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Maya Angelou, Zora Neale Hurston, Mark Twain, Lorraine Hainesberry, Langston Hughes, plus many more. I then began to fall in love with books from these authors, in addition to Urban Fiction, something new in my life. My love for reading only increased.

Reading keeps the mind stimulated. You learn things from reading. It exercises your brain. It keeps you occupied with something productive to do. It enhances your knowledge. These are all just a few reasons of its importance.
 
                                                              

Because of my love for reading, I'm reading more and more everyday. I have to say one of my favorite authors is Oscar Wilde. His work is entertaining, and even though he's not a modern author, there are certain things in his writing that exhibits modern day doings. History repeats itself. His work is very funny to me. You have to read thoroughly to understand what he's saying. I've read a lot of books by Teri Woods, Zane, Omar Tyree, Noire, Karrine Steffans, Sapphire, and Sister Souljah. Since I've started to read all these books from my younger days, I decided to make it a mission to finish all of these artists' collection eventually. We're talking about/over 100 books here, but I'm ready and willing. I finished the Sister Souljah and Karrinne Steffans collections so that already motivates me more. Make a goal, stick to it.

My all-time favorite is Rochelle Alers. I've read over 25 books of hers. Here's an email I wrote to her.

Good Evening Ms. Rochelle Alers,

I've waited for the day to communicate the love I have for your written work, and that day came when I came across your email in "The Blackstone Promise" work of art. I'm not quite sure what held me back from seeking out your email via internet, but I'm sure it has something to do with all of my time being dedicated to school, work, and reading your books.

I came across a book of yours for the first time as a very young high school student. The book was Island Bliss. I fell in love with it because it gave off a realistic aura of love. Because I was still in my teenage years, I reversed back to reading books by Zane since it was the "it" thing.

Years later, I wanted to evolve into a better woman, and with that including my lifestyles, day-to-day activities, and doing more healthier things for my mind and body. Reading more mature and realistic books were one of them. I then decided to Google names that were similar to "Island Bliss" because it had been so long that I couldn't remember the name, much less your name. Miraculously I put in the right words and recognized the cover. I know you aren't the only author, but your work was my favorite. I then went to the Boston Public Library and checked out all of the books they had for you there.

I cannot explain how important reading your books are for me in my life. I read your books to achieve serenity. For a young woman that has had a not-so-good history with relationships, and can't seem to find the right guy, your books provide such an invigorating hope that I cannot explain. Upon other things, I read your books to release stress. That has never happened by any other author's work I've read. I will literally be on a beach, at work, in my room, or on a train just reading until I can't stop. I've finished more than 1 book of yours in a day. It has never taken me longer than a week to read one of your books (and that's only because I'm so caught up with work to do), as a more stronger, independent, and mature 21-year old woman.

It has been over 3 years that I've been reading your books. As I get older, I get faster at reading them. They become more and more enjoyable. I have read over 20 of your books so far and have about more than 50 more to read. Although, I'd like you to stop so I can catch up, I don't know what I'd ever do after a finished your last published book! What would I do?

Your work is a complete inspiration. I can never get enough. I can always relate through some aspect, and like I said, it gives a young woman like me hope for love. I believe I'm doing everything right for my mind and body, but I have yet to have what I've always been yearning for so I can settle down with one man: unconditional love, care, and attention.

Please take a look at my website. I did a post called "Alers vs. Zane" when I was quite young (late high-school or early college) and compared the experience I had with the work of 2 authors I read mostly through my "reading" career. The post is under "books" with the aforementioned label.

www.mynameisbiancastar.com

Please continue to give you're adored fans more. All the best. May God continue to give you that everlasting power he has been giving in order for you to keep giving us such beautiful work. No one's romance is as realistic and heart-warming as yours.


Wit Love & With God,

Bianca Rose

Getting a library card is very cheap. If I was to buy all of the books I've read (I'm talking hundreds of dollars here) then I would be broke. I do buy books but renting is a lot cheaper and convenient. Go to your library, sign up for a library card, and start renting out those books! It is worth it. I find it easier to read when I'm commuting on the bus/train/anywhere but home (where I can easily be allured to my comfortable bed and fall asleep) but we are all different. Find a comfortable place to read, whether it's in a lounge, the library itself, Starbucks, a park, anywhere, and make yourself at home. Read. Pretty soon you'll find yourself becoming addicted to the library, always wanting to check out books. I recently found out you're allowed to check out 75 books out of Boston Public Libraries, I went crazy. With this said, I hope you, reader, find the time to go even check out one book. Maybe after reading the first book, you'll get the hang of it, or better yet, enjoy it. I hope you do.


Books I enjoyed and recommend:
True To The Game 1, True To The Game 2, True To The Game 3, No Disrespect, After Hours, Afterburn, The Sisters of Apf, G-Spot, Thong on Fire, Hood, Hittin' the Bricks, Alibi, Sex Chronicles 2, Sex Chronicles, Rosie's Curl and Weave, Addicted, Nervous, Deadly Reigns 3, Deadly Reigns 2, Deadly Reigns, Reckless Surrender, Careless Whispers, What They Want, Flyy Girl, Midnight: A Gangster Love Story, The Vixen Manual, The Vixen Diaries, Salome, Island Bliss, The Lost Boy, Things Fall Apart, Number the Stars, The Coldest Winter Ever, Not Without Laughter, The Odyssey, Black Boy, A Raisin in the Sun, Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, Push, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Great Expectations, Jane Eyre, Freak the Mighty, The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God's Wife, A Child Called "It", Huckleberry Fin, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The Great Gatsby, Skyscraper, The Color Purple, A Girl Named Disaster, Lord of the Flies, The Trumpet of the Swan, Macbeth, An Ideal Husband, Beowulf, A Woman of No Importance, Maus, Maus 2, Gulliver's Travels, The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windermere's Fan, A Passage to India, Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Confessions of a Video Vixen, Pride and Prejudice, The Kite Runner, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, The Namesake, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Invisible Man, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, King Lear, Song of Solomon, Coraline, American Dreams, Dear G-Spot, Black Wings & Blind Angels, Honey Flava, Head Bangers, The Heat Seekers, Dutch 2, Dutch, Single Mom, Shame On It All, Long Time Coming, Strength In What Remains, A Do Right Man, Diary Of A Groupie, Breaking The Cycle, The Good Life, Bittersweet Love, Another Time Another Place, Renegade, Hideaway, Butterfly, Taken By Storm, Heaven Sent, Vows, SatisFaction, Harvest Moon, Sweet Persuasions, Twice The Temptation, Midnight and the Meaning of Love, El coronel no tiene quien le escriba, Sweet Southern Nights, Sweet Dreams, Breakaway, Man of Fantasy, Here I Am, A Younger Man, Beyond Business, The Bluest Eye, Memoirs of a Geisha, Private Passions, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed, Act Like a Lady - Think Like a Man, Lessons of a Low Country Summer, A Very Private Duty, Tar Baby, Sula, The Book of Mean People, The Big Box, Remember, Peeny Butter Fudge, Jazz, Home, Little Cloud and Lady Wind, Who's Got Game? Poppy or the Snake?, Who's Got Game? The Ant or the Grasshopper?, The Dancing Mind, Love, A Time to Keep, A Mercy, Happily Ever After, A Deeper Love Inside: The Porsche Santiaga Story, Paradise, Desdemona, The Alchemist, Rich Dad Poor Dad, I Declare, The Secret, Seat of the Soul, Good to Great, Conversations with God, Girlboss, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Rose That Grew From Concrete, Ishmael, The Mastery of Love, Peace is in Every Breath

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Tips On Taking Better Care Of Yourself

Everyday I witness women battling their health. Obesity is a subject becoming popular day after day, due to the problem becoming bigger, day after day. Our skin isn't as soft and smooth as it was when we were preteens. We suffer from acne, blemishes, and other things that you just don't want on your face anymore! Taking care of yourself is extremely important. Not only is it good for your health, but it contributes to your self confidence. I also think it's important for me to take care of myself. I'm not obese but it's good to stay in shape. I, like many of us after becoming teenagers, lost the beautiful skin I once had. I then made it a mission to keep myself in shape, exercise, and take care of my overall body more. Thanks to my ambition, I'm feeling great today, and looking better than I ever did before due to my dedication.  I want to offer my readers some tips and advice on how to take better care of yourselves.


Facial Area
Now for those of you who have acne, or even something as simple as blemishes, I should warn you that it is NOT curable, but it is treatable. Doing these simple steps daily will eventually accumulate into you having that beautiful skin you once had.  It worked for me. 


1) Wash your face TWICE a day (not including when you shower/bathe). Washing your face is extremely important because we come into contact with germs everyday. You don't need to scrub it really hard, that can cause damage to your face. Massaging it with soap for about a minute is a better method. 

2) Avoid touching your face at all cost! We touch things everyday that people have also touched, and those people are probably not taking care of themselves, carrying unwanted germs. Yuck! It's disgusting to even think about it. I don't even want to know where those hands have been!

3) Carry hand-sanitizer everywhere. Make hand-sanitizer a priority product in your purse. Just like you carry your wallet and keys everywhere, you should take your sanitizer also. There are sanitizers that come in pocket sizes. They sell them at stores like CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade, etc. This is the 3rd time I'm going to mention germs if you couldn't tell already. GERMS GERMS GERMS contribute greatly to the breakouts in your face! 
 
4) Take AT LEAST 2 showers a day, with HOT water. Keeping yourself clean is extremely important, common sense. Sometimes I would take up to 4 showers a day because of my love/obsessiveness for hot water and cleanliness, but you don't have to take it that far. Just make sure when showering/bathing, you really scrub yourself to get all the dirt you accumulated throughout the day off of you.  

5) When washing your face/taking a shower, use medicated soap, or soap that is good for your skin. You can easily research this on Google. We all have different skin so the soap that I use may not work for you. My mom orders this special soap off the internet called PURE CASTILE SOAP. Click the name to be directed to the website, if you're interested in buying. 

6) DO NOT SQUEEZE YOUR PIMPLES/BLACKHEADS. No matter how tempting it is, do not do it. It only worsens matters. It can add more germs to your blemishes when you use your fingers. It can also make more blemishes come up!

7) Want to get those scars off of your face? Use Idole Cream (click the link to order). At first when my mom introduced this to me, I thought it was bleaching cream. I said "hellllllll no!" But then I learned differently. It actually removes the scars from your face if you use it with a daily dedication. I use it every time I wash my face/bathe, that could be up to 4-5 times a day. It is NOT an overnight thing. Give it about 1-2 months to start seeing changes. 

8) Try not to use too much hair products. Hair products are also a big contribution to breakouts. The chemicals used in the products just simply aren't good for your skin. When you use them in your hair, the chemicals sneak their way to your face also. I don't know how, but I'm 100% that it DOES. Avoid this! There are other websites to back me up on this too!


#9 #10, & #11 also have to do with keeping fit. 


9) Avoid sugary foods! I'm not saying you shouldn't eat foods with sugar, is that even possible? But, an excess of sugar is TOO MUCH. Hence, excess. Too much sugar isn't good for your health, your face, or anything else for that matter! Too much sugar is the reason why so many people have diabetes today. When doing simple things, like making tea, use only a spoonful of sugar with a regular sized tea cup. That's all you need. 

10) DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Enough said. Come on guys, this is common sense. Water is purity. Drinking water is not only good for your health, but it also clears your face. Most of us know this already. 

11) Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite, use the steam room! Using the steam room isn't the most important, but it's my favorite. I am addicted to the steam room. If you are a millionaire, you probably have one in your house. If not, sign up for a membership at the YMCA or a local gym/fitness center. I've come to the realization that steam rooms are limited, there are not a lot around, so call and ask first. Usually you find saunas instead, or sometimes both (in my case, both). Saunas don't do as much justice as steam rooms do. Steam rooms are way more intense. You are supposed to stay in the steam room for no longer than 5 minutes, more than that can kill you as you will be informed if you sign up to join a center. I like to stay in there for 30 minutes straight, and after that I take breaks and continue to go in there for 15 minutes every time I take a break. Be advised, you are not me! I am crazy, as my mom would say. My body is equipped to it. If you want to challenge yourself and take yourself as far as I do, you HAVE to be healthy, in shape, and immune to the steam room. Do not say I didn't warn you. Also, to make it easier for myself to stay in the steam room, I always read in there (the other women will call you crazy), but it takes my mind off the fact that there is crazy steam blowing all over my body. For those of you who love to read, this helps a lot, trust me. The steam releases the toxins out of your body, killing the germs. It is LOVELY! The best thing about the steam room is that it requires no physical work besides sitting down. Just make sure you drink LOTS of water, it is critical. I usually drink almost a gallon of water every time I'm in the steam room. It's okay to bring water in there 

Follow these few steps with dedication and I ensure you that you will find some type of change in your skin.  Being as beautiful as you were before you turned a teenager!

Staying in Shape
Being small-boned or big-boned, we all want to be/stay in shape. That doesn't mean that you have to get down to 120 lbs, but it also doesn't mean you should be 300lbs+ either. Some of us are naturally bigger than others, in breasts, buttocks, etc, so we cannot help ourselves having all that ass, and the rest of that jazz! Staying in shape keeps you healthy. It is CRITICAL to your health, and also your self-confidence. Knowing that your healthy and in shape is a wonderful feeling. Here are few tips based on how I run things with myself. 

1) - For those of you who are willing, enroll yourself into a fitness center.
              1) After, do 100 ab workouts on any ab machine. Use the 50lbs weights (at least). I recommend
                  working your abs first because you will be too tired to do it after running the treadmill.
              2) Then, dedicate an hour to running on the treadmill.
              3) After your workout, go to the steam room, sit in there, and relax. Make sure to take breaks
                  and drink LOTS of water.

       - For those of you who cannot enroll yourself into a fitness center, exercise outside of one.
              1) Whether it's in your room, living room, or wherever, get down on the floor and conduct this 
                   ab work out. Watch the videos down below! 
              2) Jog for a half-hour around your neighborhood. I say a half-hour because jogging outside is more effective than the treadmill, so an hour isn't needed, but feel free to do that. Eventually you'll find a route that takes up a
                   half-hour.

       - For those of you who are willing, enroll yourself into a fitness center & exercise outside  
          of one also! This is my favorite. I've been in the first 2 situations before, and ended up in this current
         situation I'm about to speak of. I find this method more effective then any workout, you probably will
         too.
              1) Whether it's in your room, living room, or wherever, get down on the floor and conduct this 
                   ab work out. Watch the videos down below! 
              2) Jog for a half-hour around your neighborhood. I say a half-hour because jogging outside is more effective than the treadmill, so an hour isn't needed, but feel free to do that. Eventually you'll find a route that takes up a
                   half-hour.
              3) After jogging, make a pit-stop at your house, grab your water(s), grab your steam room gear,
                   and head to the gym. No treadmill or ab workout is needed. Instead, head straight to the 
                  steam room.






2)  Eat the right foods! Vegetables & fruits are always good for you, even the sweet ones. It helps if you actually like the foods. I love salad, so I have no problem eating it, same thing for mangoes, apples, oranges, etc. Green foods are always good for you. 

3) Burn calories, burn that fat off! Google what foods help you burn, in addition to working out. I found two articles online that I put to use. If you do not like the ones I use, you are more than welcomed to use your own. Take those articles and print them. Tape them to your wall somewhere in your room so you can always be reminded. 
         - http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/fat-burning-foods.html
         -http://www.flat-stomach-exercises.com/healthy-snacks.html

4) Drink "Ballerina Tea" but be wise when consuming. This drink can make you lose instant weight but with certain circumstances. It is not healthy for your body. Losing rapid weight is never good for your body. My mother introduced me to this and she always warned me with precautions. You MUST use this drink while you are exercising. It balances out. Now I don't mean EXACTLY at the same time, but if you are going to use this drink to help you lose weight, then you should use it during a period in your life where you are constantly exercising. Not only is it healthier this way, but it always works better. I think consuming this drink once a day is fine. It causes you to use the bathroom at least once. The trick is, it doesn't kick in for a few hours so you will need to record how long it takes for yourself. Worst case scenario is you being somewhere in the public and you have no restrooms around you. With this drink, when you need to go, YOU NEED TO GO! Click this to be directed to a site where you can purchase this, they usually sell it in supermarkets though.

16 Things you should keep in mind:

1) You do not always have to eat healthy, but eat healthy more than you eat non-healthy. I come from a Jamaican culture, all I've eaten in my life is Jamaican food. There are other cultures like mine where plenty of the food is actually good for you, but some are not. Eat the food you want to eat. But be aware of what is too much and what isn't too much!

2) When jogging, use your iPod or MP3 player. This always keeps me going, and I usually forget about the time, which gets me through jogging faster. 

3) Never bring electronics in the steam room. It WILL be damaged. If you want to keep track of time, wear a watch. The steam room is INTENSE. You have been forewarned! 

4) Starving yourself, no. Limiting to yourself to 3-5 small meals a day, fine. Red meat is good for you, don't avoid it!

5) Too much oil in fried foods or any other type of food, not good.

6) We are all different in shape, body, and etc. The aforementioned has worked for me, but MAY not work for you. Some of these tips are common sense, so I'm more on the positive side of them being some aid to you. 

7) Sticking to everything I said DAILY is important. This is what I've been doing and it worked. If you cannot, try your best to. 

8) After you have seen progress, and you're where you want to be, don't stop! Keep the routines habitual. The methods I offered are programmed to not being too much over or under. So, you should always be at the place you want to be with out going overboard.

9) Always drink water! For staying healthy, staying in shape, and taking care of your face, water is good for all of these and then some! 

10) If you're going into a local steam room (like those at the fitness centers), you will encounter naked women. You need to be mature. Sometimes I go in naked, sometimes I don't. Usually there are separate bathrooms for girls and for women. Women bathrooms are 18+. I have been going in steam rooms since age 17, but it wasn't noticed by the older women because of my maturity. Girls' bathrooms do not have saunas and steam rooms. If you are uncomfortable, go in with just an underwear and a bra. The less clothes, the better -- it is more effective that way.

11) For those of you who are already fit and in shape (aka you look GREAT) but just want to stay in shape, you're probably going to come in contact with older, bigger women who are always pestering you about why you're in the steam room. Simply tell them what it is, or, laugh and ignore them. It is not common to find young adults like me in places like these, because people my age don't usually think about these things. My mind set is far beyond age 19. It doesn't matter how old you are, everyone needs to take care of themselves, so do what you need to do. 

12) Also when in the steam room, I like to stretch. I believe the heat in the steam room makes your body more relaxed,which makes it easier for you to stretch. Take advantage of the heat and stretch those bones out. Stretching is always good for the body. 

13) Have all healthy foods in your kitchen so when that midnight urge comes for snacks, you only have healthy options, no other choices. Keep the sweets VERY limited.

14) When doing the abs workout, push yourself. I usually do 20 of everything instead of the amount the instructor in the video gives us, which is only between 8-10.

15) Try not to surpass 1500 calories per day. Keep track of how many calories you consume each day by always keeping a pen and some form of notebook/sticky pads on you, and add them up as you consume. You are free to save the notes or discard them, if you'd like. Count how many calories you are consuming before you consume them! The following is a really great site for how many calories YOU PERSONALLY should focus on. http://nutrition.about.com/od/changeyourdiet/a/calguide.htm

16) You know you have drank a lot of water when your urine is so light, it's close to white, still showing a hint of yellow. Be attentive.

17) The Salt Water Flush and the Master Cleanse are two ways to lose weight, also cleaning out your system of waste (waste that could have been building up inside of you for decades).

16) I offered methods of staying healthy/keeping fit that cost a significant amount of money and also that DOESN'T cost much money. I hope in some way, shape, or form, my advice can be catered to you. Good luck! 

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The Independent Woman

Independence makes a woman beautiful. They do not need to exhibit perfect beauty, if there's such a thing, on the outside to be a beautiful, independent woman.

There's one thing every wise woman knows and that's with age comes experience, which is an adage made into a beautiful word called wisdom. You constantly get better at skills that you have already honed, whether it is writing, dancing, singing, exercising, a sport, cooking, cleaning, anything--including being independent. Wisdom interplays in a female's life in more than one way: whether it's your kids, relationships, your career--whatever they are, you continue to learn from them, therefore learning how to avoid or handle any troubles one of them may bring. An independent woman uses wisdom and her hard work ethic to easily bypass troubles and move on much easier than the average woman would (when I say "uses wisdom" I mean ACTUALLY utilizing it--learning from past mistakes).

There are qualities of an independent woman that make her stand out from all of the rest. An independent woman stands out anywhere she is. You can feel the air as she walks pass you. Her aroma can be smelt. Her approach on things are acute. Her voice is heard. All eyes are ON HER. An independent woman senses bullshit from afar, and knows how to push bullshit easily aside. She KNOWS what she wants and she's going after it. She prioritizes her life, making day to day schedules on things that need to be done, that all is ultimately leading up to an important goal she has set for herself. Her toes are pedicured, her hands are manicured, her hair is presentable, and if on some days these aren't as so, she has been too busy but SURELY puts it on her "to-do" list by the end of the week. She keeps herself in shape, she makes sure she is healthy. She is always on the go, and even if it's just in a pair of sweats and a beater, you still know who she is and she looks just as good as if she was wearing a Balenciaga stunner dress. She is ABOUT things, she yearns to make moves. Sometimes, she does most things in privacy in fear of people just being extra baggage, lagging behind her, keeping her from going where she wants to go or slowing her down, while she is trying to make moves (you get my flow?), whether that's: running errands, going to the hair dresser, visiting the nail salon, shopping, even going to the club or out to eat by herself every now and then to treat herself.

How do I know these things you ask? I believe I possess these same qualities. I learned from the model figures around me. If I didn't, then I wouldn't be able to tell you any of these because I don't watch people enough to be speaking like this. I am not speaking from anyone's experiences except mines, I wouldn't have a right to do so. I am only 19 years old but with incredible (not necessarily meaning on the positive side) experiences from early ages in life, I have become independent. Not every young woman, as I, become independent this early in life, but it does happen in specific cases. I have acquired a strong sense of self, which was forced to enhance my common sense. In simpler words, I have been through things that the average teenager doesn't go through. Of course, these experiences only add to the wonderful teachings my parents have instilled in me from a youth, like respect. Respect was always something that I had to show and demanded to be shown to me. The one quality and God-giving gift that every independent woman has and wants is respect.

Respect is a serious thing for ladies, especially when you look at where we ladies come from. Look at the whole era of feminism. For CENTURIES, women have been fighting to become equal amongst men. We have fought emotionally and physically (physically being displayed in the famous bra-burning movement, and I'm particularly talking about the 60s when fashion was beginning to change). We have been fighting to be looked at and possess the capabilities just as men do, because we felt we deserved it (which we do). We have come a long way and we are finally here! But don't be fooled, nowadays a lady still has to fight for respect, she doesn't automatically get it. An independent woman just doesn't turn into one overnight. There is a good chance she had to fight for the respect she has as an independent woman. She went through experiences, negative and positive to earn her respect from both women and men. An independent woman is undoubtedly respected and she will have nothing short of respect. She doesn't even have to say anything, just watch her movements, and you know she demands it. She demands it for a reason, every independent woman has worked hard, whether it's getting that degree from college, starting her own business, or working diligently to own her first property. She has worked hard and deserves respect for a reason.

An independent woman should not be looked on as a mean woman. She donates to charities, does good things for people, even if it's dropping a coin in a bum's Dunkin Donuts cup every now and then. You usually only see the "rougher" side of an independent woman when she is trying to get down to business, or when she is demanding respect. I know I'm a nice person, aside from business.

An independent woman should not be looked on one who is afraid to love, or who doesn't have a man of her own. She just wants to makes sure that along with having a man to call her own, she always has something else to call her own (whether that be a Bachelor's degree, an -in-the-making goal, or even the possession of her own house and car). Why do I say this? Because when (or if) that man is no more or decides to get out of his place and attempt to call her out on how HE'S always doing the work or decides to leave, she always has something to look forward to (like her goals) and to call her own, to keep him in check and let him know what it is (you feeling me ladies?)! She doesn't take things like this too seriously because there are ALWAYS other things to worry about. An independent woman displays that she doesn't need a man, he's just there for personal pleasure. Everyone knows that love is a wonderful thing, and no one should be opted out of enjoying and sharing the feeling.

To end this, I recommend my readers reading two books. One that I have read a few years ago and one I have just finished reading today. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou and The Vixen Manual by Karrine Steffans. Both women have different lives and were reared with different upbringings. Both are noteworthy figures today in the media for what I would rather say different reasons, two completely different people. But! Both books are what you can say are autobiographies that teaches lessons. Both women, because of wisdom, have turned into a bigger and better person person than they were before. Both have transformed into the independent woman.

I will be updating this entry or adding new entries related to this post as I grow older and achieve my own wisdom. My writing will be enhanced as the days go by, and I will bring new things to my readers that I progressively accumulate and learn throughout the time here on Earth God blesses me with. Do look forward.

                                      Destiny's Child - Independent Women Pt.1
                       

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The Tight & Short Dress...With Pumps!

What the hell is sexier than you driving home after a long, agonizing, excruciating day at work around 10pm, AND seeing a girl (with the rest of her girls) coming out of her car (doesn't matter what the make is) with a tight, short, form-fitting dress, some sexy pumps, a cute clutch, and a banging weave done RIGHT, walking to the club? Especially when the girl is fit and looks good! This, I find sexy! There's nothing that can beat this when going to the club, nothing. It's a simple look, but very very cute. Don't underestimate it. It can be cheap or it can can be expensive. It can be complimented with accessories, like the aforementioned clutch, necklaces, bangles, rings, fedora, tights, but just the dress and pumps can be just right! It can be so many things that you would just want to rock too!

This dress is also called the "freakum" dress thanks to my girl Beyonce. Of course there are other ways to dress when you go to the club, we all have our own style, but this is a classic that will never get old in my opinion. The thing is, it's not for everybody. Not everybody can present the look how it's supposed to be, but when it IS done right it is the sexiest thing. The store where I personally get my freakum dresses (and it never fails me) is American Apparel! There are countless other places where I have gotten freakum dresses but this is high on my radar. American Apparel can be cheap to some, or expensive to another bunch. For me, it's just WORTH IT! A freakum dress always compliments your body, it's form-fitting, that is...if your body was made for a freakum dress. SOMETIMES these types of dresses can be worn as cocktail dresses but NOT all the time, it depends on how appropriate the dress is for the occasion. Ladies, get that body together! Pull in that stomach, shave those legs & armpits, re-curl that weave, and adjust that bra. Pumps are simple. Any kind of pumps with any kind of freakum dress is fine. They are only two articles of clothing, so it shouldn't be that hard to put together. You can never go wrong with a freakum dress. Visit www.americanapparel.net, go to the "dress" section and hopefully you will find the dress that fits you and the description I've just put fourth to you. And if you are a real lady, I know you know where to find pumps, every lady knows this! Get-to-the-go girl!

 

Beyoncé - Freakum Dress

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Bacchanal Jamaica 2010!

This particular vacation to Jamaica was special for 2 reasons. 1) It was my first time going to carnival in Jamaica, and 2) It was my fist time ever playing mas (wearing a costume)! One of the best experiences of my life, even when it rained.

For those who don't know, carnival is a big event in South America, the Caribbean, and even in the states. I'm not sure about how certain countries conduct their carnival, but I know for Jamaica, Trinidad, and America, there are different groups that jump (dance) and in different costumes. Usually the fee is around US$100 but it is well worth it. My cousin, and my friend from NY who came with me, all jumped for a section called Bacchanal Babes. It was the only section that you had to apply for in order to get accepted or declined, and it was also the only section strictly for girls. Many of my people didn't get in, but luckily us 3 did. The costumes were GORGEOUS. I loved every minute being a Babe and the treatment we received. I also loved another group called "Frenchmen" costumes.

     

There were many advantages of being a Babe, when it came time for the hour break (to rest, eat, and drink), we had our own section separated from all other sections. It was like barbie town, all you seen was pink. Bacchanal is an all-inclusive event for all who are participating (all who are wearing costumes), so the food and drinks (including alcohol) were free. I should also note that the alcohol was in abundance. There were even trucks designated on the road to provide the Socaphiles with drinks. I loved this, seeing that this could NEVER happen in America. People easily get irresponsible. In in the Caribbean, it is a way of life.

From left to right: Shalisa Rose, Ashli Rose, Bianca Rose (my cousins). <3

With friends...

We were rained on, but it was all good because Jamaica was facing a drought! Glad to have water come on the day of Bacchanal, it only showed the importance of the event more! :)

More photos...

  

And lastly to end off this blog, here's a picture of Shalisa, Nancy, and I in Jamaica's newspaper, the Gleaner. We were front page! The only thing that was going through our head was, why us out of all people? Lol nonetheless we were ecstatic. Unfortunately Nancy and I already were on our way to NY, but the non-stop texts & Facebook messages were enough for us to understand what was going on. Indeed, the Easter break was a great one. I would do it all over again, same friends, same costume, same rain, same everything.

                                                                                          
                                                                                 
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