Food For Thought- He Listens

Love is when he listens during an argument and never walks away until you are no longer upset. Its a one in a million trait, that most people don't possess. Do you know anyone that cares enough to hear your thoughts and concerns despite it all?

Get Ready to Read- My 2nd Passion

School is slowly coming to an end. I offically have 3 months left as of today. I can not wait, so much so that I have planned to take a trip, learn to swim, take belly dancing lesson, spend more time with my daughter and finally get back to my second passion, reading. Yes, I love to read. To be a good writer, you have constantly be open to the writing style of others. So not only do I read for pleasure, I read for improvements, suggestions, motivation, and inspirtation.

Well first things to get myself is a Kindle. I really want one. I can see myself taking it to the park in the summer while my daughter plays on the swing, or sitting by the lake at work during my lunch hour. Oh the sweet joy of no more classes.

Anyway, first on my list of reads is Janet Jackson's book True You a Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself. If you haven't taken a look inside, here is an abstract:

Janet Jackson emerged from the shadows of an already famous family to become one of the most beloved, recognizable, and influential performers in the world. But at what cost?

From the age of ten, when she made her acting debut on Good Times, Janet was told by Hollywood that she needed to slim down. Her well-meaning brothers, especially fun-loving Michael, teased her relentlessly until she began to believe that who she was wasn’t good enough. It was an idea that no amount of critical acclaim in television and film or, later, international platinum success in music could change.

Janet turned to food for comfort and escape. She developed a self-destructive pattern familiar to so many of us: fear and uncertainty led to bad feelings about herself and ultimately depression. The depression led to overeating. And her yo-yoing weight was painfully obvious in the bright lights of the entertainment world.

It has taken Janet most of her adult life to come to terms with who she is. But she has finally broken free of the attitudes that brought her down and has embraced realistic goals that help her eat better, exercise better, feel better, and ultimately be better.

This book is about meeting those challenges that face all of us. With candor and courage, Janet shares her painful journey to loving herself. She addresses the crazy rumors that have swirled around her for most of her life, shines an intimate light on her family, and pulls us behind the velvet rope into her unforgettable career. She also shares lessons she has learned through contact with friends and fans and reveals the fitness secrets she has learned from her trainer. Finally, her nutritionist, David Allen, unveils the wholesome, delicious recipes and lifestyle-changing tips that helped Janet get in shape—mind and spirit, heart and soul.

True You is a call to tune in to your own fundamental wisdom, to let go of the ugly comparisons, and to understand that who you are, the true you, is more than enough.

***

“I’m loved, I’m valued, and I’m capable of achieving balance in my life. I can learn to eat well. I can exercise. I can express gratitude for the simple act of being able to breathe in and breathe out. I can move away from darkness and depression to light and hope. I can be happy with who I am, not what I should be, or what I might have been, or what someone tells me I must be.

I am me, the true me; you are you, the true you—and that’s good. That’s beautiful. That’s enough.”

I can relate so well to the teasing and feeling less than perfect. I think I will enjoy this one a lot.

Also on my list of reads will be, The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice, Because Bitterness Isn't Sexy by Shirley Strawberry. Abstract as follows: 

As a single parent and a woman willing to let Mr. Right find her, Shirley’s been there and done that—and she’s got hard-won lessons to share. In this call to action to help women look at their lives with a candid eye, she tackles the issues her fans want to hear about:

• Love and Relationships: the highs and lows of dating, marriage, and breakups
• Family: the challenges of being a great mom
• Sisterhood: ways to get (and give) the support you need to stay sane
• Self: tips for overcoming low self-esteem and depression, and finding balance, faith, and acceptance

Full of motivating “Strawberry Tips,” personal stories that provide welcome advice on the run, and helpful suggestions for drama-stuck girlfriends, this book offers a simple message of strength: a challenge to love yourself and your life! 

This one won't be released until April 5, 2011, but that's probably around the time I'll get to read it. I can not tell you guys how happy I will be to read a book that is not a textbook, LOL. Please comment below and let me know if you are interested in reading along with me. We can share our reviews and opinions.

On Your Mind Creative Spotlight- Interview with Creations by Jay

Today's "On Your Mind" is special because it is Valentine's Day.

Janelle: Welcome, first I would like to thank you for the beautiful pieces you made for the Valentine’s Day  Giveaway. I want everyone to enter for their chance to win a gift card and a special piece designed for the winner.

Jacqueline L. Smith

Janelle: Introduce yourself, what is your name?

Jacqueline: Jacqueline Smith and you’re very welcome.

Janelle: How old are you?

Jacqueline: I am 31 years old.

Janelle: What is the name of your business?

Jacqueline: Creations by Jay

Janelle: How long have you been creating jewelry?

Jacqueline: I have been creating jewelry for almost a year now.

Janelle: “Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty” has followers from everywhere, where in the U.S. are you?

Jacqueline: I reside in Chicago, IL

Janelle: What’s your business’ URL?

Jacqueline: www.etsy.com/shop/Jay1979

Janelle: Do you have a Social Networking site for your business that you would like to share?

Jacqueline: Yes I do. You can find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/CreationsbyJay and also on Twitter www.twitter.com/CreationsbyJay.

Janelle: Tell us a little about your business.

Jacqueline: I started Creations by Jay in May 2010. I have always had a love for jewelry since I was a little girl. I decided to take that passion and turn into something creative where I could express myself. I really enjoy creating things by hand because it has a more personal touch to it. My designs are geared to women and men of all ages. I also design pieces for young girls and boys as well.

Janelle: Tell us a little about yourself and what makes designing special to you?

Jacqueline: I am a mother of 3 and I am also a full-time student working towards my B.A. in Psychology. Designing is special to me because it allows me to express myself creatively. In my personal opinion when you design something by hand you are putting your heart & soul into it. Each piece created gives a little insight into you as a person.

Janelle: How did you come up with the idea to start a jewelry design business?

Jacqueline: To be honest it was a spur of the moment kind of thing. I was actually out shopping for jewelry and couldn’t find anything that appealed to me so I decided to try and create something myself just for a specific occasion. Little did I know it would turn into a small business!

Janelle: What inspired your design for the pieces you designed for the "I Love 2 Love Giveaway"?

Jacqueline: I was inspired by my love for the color red and romance and what better way to express that creatively than on one of the most romantic days of the year, Valentine’s Day.

Janelle: What are your future plans for your business?

Jacqueline: My future plan is to open my own boutique and continue to expand.

Janelle: Your own boutique will be awesome. Just keep pushing for it. What advice would you offer to an aspiring entrepreneur interested in jewelry design?

Jacqueline: I would say, follow your dreams. It’s not easy but with hard work and determination anything is possible.

Janelle: One more thought tell us one thing that makes your business unique?

Jacqueline: My business is unique because each piece is an original is never duplicated.
Janelle: Here on Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty we like to encourage and uplift, can you tell us one time when you wanted to give up, but didn’t?

Jacqueline: Towards the end of last 2010 and the beginning of 2011 I was ready to give up on my jewelry business because it had hit a standstill, but with the encouragement and support of a really good friend I held on and now things are looking very promising.

Janelle: Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your business?

Jacqueline: With this being Black History Month I am proud to have a black owned and operated business.
Janelle: How do perspective clients contact you?

Jacqueline: I can be reached by phone at 773-708-1080 or by email CreationsbyJay@live.com

Janelle: Thank you Jacqueline for sharing your creativity with us. It was a pleasure working with you and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your passion. I look forward to working with you in the future.



****If you would like to be featured as a creative spotlight, please email me at brownmindbeauty@gmail.com for more information with Creative Spotlight in the subject.

Food for Thought- "Being Heard"

Self reflection...

Have you ever screamed (figuratively speaking) to the top of the mountains about something that hurts deep down, but it seems like the main person you want to hear, only wants you to lower your voice?

Maybe it's time to silence your cry because it could be possible you're already being heard.

I Love 2 Love Giveaway, Gift Set and Gift Card

It's February! In honor of "Love" and all things special, I am having a giveaway. This giveaway is a little special. This giveaway is being sponsored by "Creations By Jay" . The jewelry in the picture was created specifically for this giveaway. I love to spotlight new businesses. You will win the bracelet and earring gift set below and a $10 Target gift card.

The rules are simple. Each entry should be left as a comment underneath this blog post describing how you entered, so that I can keep a tally of how many times you entered. There are several ways to increase your chances of winning.

1. You must be a follower of Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty (Mandatory Entry) and comment below "Enter Me"
2. Subscribe via email and confirm your email address (3 entries)
3. Like "Creations By Jay" Facebook page (2 entries)
4. Share this blog post giveaway with someone on Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, email, etc.(Please leave your link to the blog re-post under the comment section, 2 entries)
5. Like my Facebook page "Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty" (3 entries)
6. Follow me on Twitter @brownmindbeauty

Enter as many times as you like to increase your odds. A winner will be selected at random using random.org I will post a screen shot of the winner.

The contest will begin on 02/9/11 at 12 a.m CST and will end on 2/22/11 at 10 p.m. CST. The winner will be randomly selected through a computerized process and will be announced on 2/24/11. Please visit the blog at that time for the name of the winner. The winner will be given instructions on how to claim their prize, a valid email address is required. If the prize is not claimed within 7 days a new winner will be selected and so forth until the prize is claimed. All products are the sole responsibility of the winner. Directions for product use should be followed accordingly.

Good luck and much LOVE to all! 

The 2nd Month of the Year

I claimed this year would be great, but despite my claim to happiness, this year has been a roller coaster. We are only in the second month of the year, and I think I have experienced most emotions known to mankind. I know Life never gives us more than we can bear, but I am convinced that I must have unlimited bearable miles stamped on my heart. I also know some things are meant to make us stronger (so they say), while others are meant to teach us a lesson. Well I must be the strongest, smartest,  life learner yet, because I keep getting a new chapter of life to study. It's harder for me to watch the people I care for struggle or hurt, than it is for me to suffer. I have a "fix it" attitude about everything, and unfortunately all things can not be fixed, nor are they in my control. So for now I lay back in the cut and wait for life to throw me another curve ball. I won't let this bumpy start get me in a funk, instead I'll say, "see you at the end of the month Life, and we can recap our 28 days".