Trying Something New

April 21, 2021 lifestyle

I am a woman who’s willing to try something at least once. I mean, if you don’t like the end result you can just move on to the next. That’s my perspective anyway. I truly don’t believe in restrictions of any kind. As soon as I feel like I’m being boxed in or my creativity is being minimized I instantly pivot. I’ve been this way all my life and not having an idea as to why I struggled so much with being consistent. It was because it was my time to pivot.

Honestly, doing the same thing day in and day out seems so boring. I need to live an abstract, colorful life. Each day should be filled with new challenges and ways to push past your potential. This is why I live the “Girl Yes” lifestyle each day. I’m always looking for ways to level up my life and become greater.

Being ambitious requires a level of willingness. You have to be moldable and teachable. Wanting something you never had before will require you to do things you’ve never done before. Are you ready for a new life?

Being willing to challenge your skills and perspective are ideal to saying ‘Yes” to the life you want to lead.

Challenge Accepted

I challenge you. Yes you!

I want you to write 3 things you want to accomplish over the next 30 days. This can be anything from starting a daily journal(I can help with this), drinking more water, or even start working on that business plan you’ve had sitting on. The next 30 days are about to change your life!

It’s not going to be enough for you just to write out the three objectives. We now need to create a game plan.

HOW WILL YOU EXECUTE?

This is where being “bold” in your methods will come into play. You will have to get serious at this point.

If you really want to change your life you have to cut out the distractions and eliminate anything that will take your focus away from your top 3 goals.

This is the secret!!!

Being able to silence the noise around you to key. I have become a master of this. Once I set my mind to something there is nothing that stands in my way. I truly mean nothing. But it took years to train my mind to do so. I’ve identified the three attributes needed to change your lifestyle in 30 days and now i’m sharing it with you.

No Excuse

Where there is a will there’s a way. This statement remains true because if you want something bad enough you will stop at nothing to get it. So why don’t we apply this level of thinking to our personal goals? We do it at work, with the kids, with our relationships, and other areas of our lives. But once it comes to our personal development we become stagnant.

No more. It’s time to say “Girl Yes”.

Take Action

I’ve made it easy to outline your next 30 days. It’s a simple way to take daily action towards working on your daily goals as well as affirming that you are capable of greatness. Just follow the guide.

Grab your copy.

By following the guidelines outlined in this book you will be well on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.

Try something new today. Your future self with thank you for it.

Things You Should Know When Before Competing at Mrs. America

April 20, 2021 lifestyle

It has been exactly one week since I’ve been back from Las Vegas competing at Mrs. America. I’ve needed the entire week to get back on track and for my body to fully recuperate. To say this past weekend has been a world wind would be a complete understatement. As much as I tried to prepare for the week ahead, the 10 days that I spent in Las Vegas we’re completely overwhelming but in a good way. I’m going to share with you a few tips that will help you if you are on your way to compete for the prestigious title of Mrs America. Not only will these tips help you stay on track in maintaining your level of focus they will also help you not experience burnout and keep you level-headed. Remember we are competing for the crown and we have work to do.

Here are a few important topics I want to share to prepare you before traveling to compete for Mrs America.

Invest In Comfortable Heels

I’m sure by now you realize that you will be on your feet for the entire duration of your stay. Not only will you be on your feet all day you will also be expected to be at the top of your game. You will be stopped in the hotel to talk to guests and to take pictures with hotel staff and guests. Also expect to be moving from one end of the hotel to another for rehearsals, lunch breaks and makeup and hair touch-ups throughout the day.

Investing in a pair of comfortable shoes is my number one tip to get you through Mrs America week. Trust me when I tell you comfort is going to take president over style. By day three of wearing those pageant heels your feet will be barking at you.

There is nothing sexy about feet that are red, blistered, and painful to the touch.

As soon as I got off of the plane Mrs America week was in full swing. I dropped my bags off at the concierge desk and I was whisked away to my first photo shoot at the pool still wearing 6 inch heels. I then had to travel to the opposite side of the hotel to check in, collect my things, and then travel to the opposite side of the hotel for my first orientation. By 6 p.m. my feet hurt so bad I already had two blisters. You do not want this to be you on day one. I highly suggest that you always keep a pair of comfortable flats in your travel bag each day while walking around the hotel property.

Another Tip: If you are arriving on pageant day be sure your attire is picture worthy. You will be taking tons of photos.

Everyday Is a Photo Op: Dress To Kill

While we are on the subject of style I also want to emphasize the importance of showing up each day as Mrs. America. With all things, you always want to dress the part and Mrs. America week is the perfect opportunity to dress to Kill. My rule of thumb is always make sure that you are comfortable yet stylish. You will definitely have your nights where you will have to wear full evening gowns and over the top dresses. But your day to today wear should not only be comfortable it should be stylish.

Keep in mind that not only are you vying for your opportunity to be Mrs America you are also making tons of memories. This includes taking tons and tons of photographs not only with your new sash sisters but with guests who are attending the pageant and other pageant enthusiasts.

You don’t want to get caught in those sweatpants you wear around the house.

Take this opportunity to make sure you are presenting your best self. Yes your days will be filled with tons of rehearsals and events so you don’t want to wear a suit each and every day however, you definitely want to make a statement with each outfit that you wear. Make sure that it not only shows your personality but it also sets you apart from your fellow competitors.

Show Yourself Friendly

This next tip is critical because as a fellow competitor myself I know both sides of this coin. I know you may be a bit shy or even feel intimidated at times but please be friendly to your fellow competitors. I really want to emphasize this point because your first impression is typically your lasting impression. Keep in mind that you will be meeting at minimum 49 other women from across the country who will be sharing this journey with you. They are also very nervous, excited, and experiencing the same emotions as you are. A simple hello or a friendly smile can really break the ice.

As I mentioned previously you are competing to become Mrs America. You are going to have to get into the habit of becoming friendly and cultivating an environment where people feel comfortable walking up to you and starting up a conversation.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to do the following:

Connect with people from various backgrounds as well as networking with women and men.
Creating lasting friendships and relationships.
Getting a snapshot of what Mrs. America is really all about.

So being friendly also means speaking to guests and staff in the hotels and places you visit. I can tell you from first experience, queens who don’t speak are remembered.

I was standing in line getting coffee and striked up a conversation with a hotel guest. She told me about a fellow contestant who she waved at and the queen did not greet her. I apologized on her behalf and she told me that there were also three other competitors who did not speak back as they traveled throughout the hotel and she remembered what states they represented. This was very disheartening to hear as we are state representatives and ambassadors to our respective organizations. We want to be remembered as being kind and courteous. Remember your first impression is your lasting impression .

Make Memories

Oh the memories you will make. As I sit back and think of the countless times I laughed with my fellow sash sisters during the week it really makes my heart smile. Not only did we create tons and tons of memories but the friendships that we created will be lifelong friendships. I know this is going to be easier said than done but try to take a few moments each day to really reflect on the journey. What you are experiencing right now will be stories you share with your grandchildren for years to come. Really take in the time that you spent at Mrs America because as long as 10 days may seem it is going to be over in a blink of an eye. Savor the moment and enjoy the journey.

Remember Your Why

Your “why” should be at the top of your list when preparing to leave for Mrs America week. I mean this in all sincerity. While you’re packing your bags remember why you’re doing all of this. All the time, all the preparation, all the sacrifice. Remember this as you arrive at Mrs America week and keep it at the forefront of your mind when making any and all decisions.

Why do you want to be Mrs. America?

Why do you want this National platform?

What is your goal at Mrs America?

These are all of the things that you need to consider before stepping foot on that competition stage. Your “why” is going to be the driving force behind your performance at Mrs America.

You do not want to come home with any regrets about your personal interviews or the opportunities that passed you by. You want to remain steadfast in your reasoning for competing as well as maintaining a level head while going through this journey. It can be quite easy to get wrapped up and all of the gossip and drama that may or may not go on around you. I’m happy to say I did not experience any of this during my time at Mrs America however sometimes emotions have a way of changing the dynamic of competition. Don’t sweat the small stuff and allow other people’s personal emotions or problems to invade your mind. With any journey it’s never how you start it’s always how you finish your “why” I will keep you on track.

I hope this tips and suggestions have helped you as you prepare to compete at Mrs. America or any pageant for that matter. This journey is so rewarding in so many ways and my hope for you is that you enjoy every second of it.

LovelyWholeSale Try On Fashion Haul

April 6, 2021 fashion

Online shopping can be very difficult. Considering you have no idea if the items will fit properly or even if they will come at all. In the past I have ordered clothing items that were advertised to be high quality only to be taken for my money and left with clothes that were used as wash clothes.

True story.

I’m sure you know what I mean. Cruising on Facebook and coming across an advertised site featuring the latest trends for an affordable price. But you’re scared to order. Sounds like you? This was me, my first time ordering from Lovelywholesale.

I thought to myself these prices are too good to be true. So I picked up a few items to try on for you guys and give you my honest 100% opinion.

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Pageant Checklist: Everything You Need To Win

March 15, 2021 beauty, lifestyle

Let’s kick off this week with some pageant talk. I have the pleasure of representing the state of New Jersey in this year‘s Mrs. America pageant. In a little over a week I will be traveling to Las Vegas Nevada to compete. So it hit me, I should not only share my experiences and this journey with you all I also wanted to share the many ways I prepare for this pageant. Today I am going to list my complete and detailed pageant checklist. This will include everything a pageant queen will need while competing or traveling to compete in your next pageant. I also have a FREE downloadable for you to use as well. VIEW POST

3 Reasons Why Protective Hairstyles Don’t Grow Your Hair

February 24, 2021 beauty

Protective styling on natural hair is crucial for maintaining the moisture, length, and longevity of a hairstyle. When done correctly, protective styles have been known to show massive improvements on the hair and scalp. As well as maintaining and defining curl patterns. Many women also see massive improvements in the growth and thickness of the hair. On the other hand, when done incorrectly protective styles can cause extreme hair loss. The reason protective styles don’t grow your hair is that they are often too tight, require too much manipulation to the hair, and promote lazy hair care practices.

Tight

Tight hairstyles cause a slew of issues on natural hair. The first being that they are extremely uncomfortable. For many years women were under the impression that if the hairstyle was tight it was right. Have you ever heard the impression “If it ain’t tight it ain’t right”? I sure you have, and I myself have even heard my fellow hairstylist say it as well. Insert cringe face. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable trying to look cute. Again, I’ve been there. Secondly, tight hairstyles cause scalp irritation and hair loss.

Traction Alopecia is hair loss attributed to pulling and tugging of the hair. This includes styles like ponytails, braids, extensions, and more. This is the number one reason I have requested consultations for hair loss at my salon. The consent pulling and tugging on the hair causes the hair to break at the roots. In many cases, traction alopecia can be permanent due to the damage of the hair follicle. Be mindful of this when selecting your next protective hairstyle.

Over Styling

As a stylist I love to change up my look quite often to experiment and express myself creatively. There is something therapeutic about changing your hair to fit your mood or even your outfit of the day. So I completely understand the need to switch it up. Just make sure you don’t switch it up too much or you will also snatch it up also. Your edges that is. When protective styling one must be cautious to avoid over styling. Too much manipulation can cause excess tension and breakage on the hair.

This is due to the hair becoming dry and the scalp becoming sore. Also, the excessive combing and brushing of the hair leaves your strands prone to breakage as the hair dries out from all the styling products. For natural hair protective styles I recommend you style once a week. This includes finger detangling, retwisting, co washing, and applying moisturizer to the hair. If you are someone who prefers to wash and style every two weeks then I would recommend you restyle and hydrate your hair 2-3 times within a two week period.

Don’t Be Lazy

Natural hair has a tendency to make you become a bit lazy when it comes to hair and scalp health. It’s very easy to forget to moisturize your hair when in a protective style or even neglect your hair all together. Think about how often you wash your hair with braids or two strand twists. Do you wash and moisturize your hair each week? When I ask my clients this question in most cases the answer is no. Because these styles are low maintenance you become very lax in the treatment of your hair and scalp. This is a huge no no.

Let’s not get lazy with our protective styling. The goal is always to grow healthy hair as well as sustain the growth we already have. In order to do this we must become regimented in our haircare. This means creating a schedule of when you’re going to washm condition, and moisturize your protective style. I have even gone as far as to set alarms on my phone to help remind myself to apply scalp treats and conditioners to my hair while protective styling. It has helped me stay on track with my hair care. You will be surprised what you neglect when busy, stressed, or tired. It’s usually your own self care. Now is not the time to get lazy.

This also takes me to my next point. Do not leave your hairstyles in for extended periods of time. Not only is it unsanitary. It can cause so many scalp issues from overgrowth of bacteria to hair loss. SEE HERE. You may also see an excessive amount of hair loss due to breakage while detangling. Matting of natural hair is real and if I can give you just one tip in this post it would be. Detangle your hair completely before shampooing. TRUST ME. Natural hair can matte up quickly and I have seen women who leave their hairstyles in for too long and try to remove them and boom. Matting and breakage have occurred. You spent months trying to grow your hair and in a matter of minutes, it starts to break off.

Another great practice when removing your protective style is to rehydrate the hair. I wouldn’t suggest water for this step. I recommend hair oil or butter. It works great to provide the hair with enough slip to unravel the hair as well as provide a protective coating to the hair while detangling. In many cases, the breakage is experienced when removing a protective style id due to the hair being overly dry and brittle. Hair oils and butters rehydrate your strands for safe style removal.

The key takeaway is protective styling is not a miracle to hair growth. You must still have a hair regime in place to help nourish your hair and scalp. As well as maintaining balance while styling your hair. Protective hairstyles that are too tight, done too often, and left in too long will short-change your hair growth results.