DANCE WITH ME

As I continue my countdown to the BIG 30, my quest for new and exciting things continues. What's more exciting than dancing? That's right, dancing has always been a way to creatively let go, while burning calories at the same time.  I have to admit, I'm not the best dancer, but this sure beat going to the gym and working out alone.

Yesterday, SheThoro teamed up with renowned choreographer Cedric Armstrong for a private dance session.  This class was beyond amazing!  We learned a dance routine for Rhianna hit single, " $#X With Me."  This routine was not the easiest to learn; only having an hour to learn it. Each move was choreographed to perfection.  We all wished our moves were as distinct as Cedric's; nonetheless we had fun and did our very best.  

The feedback was far better than I could ever expect.  Some of the girls were ready to schedule a session for next week. Everyone was so focus and involved. We laughed, missed steps, and laughed again.  The beauty of it was that it didn't feel like a workout, but it was.  When we finished, we were drenched in sweat and dying of thirst. After class, water and fruits was provided as light refreshments.  What an amazing time!

I'm always looking for new and exciting things to bring to my followers. It's so easy to get trapped in routine. One of the girls at the session use to dance and sing professionally. She put her dreams on hold to raise her two sons.  For her, the class put her back in her element and made her want to get back out there to pursue her passion. How cool is that! 

Each and every day should be a new adventure.  That's what LIFE is made for (Living In Full Excitement). This class did just that! It was a way to bring a group of women together, from all walks of life, working to master a common goal; dance.  Will you dance with me?

FOCUSED

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Instagram: @cnypes
Facebook: Cedric Armstrong

LYLAS HAIR

Hey guys! I had to take just a brief moment to highlight my Lylas Hair. It didn't dawn on me how long I've been wearing this hair. I was on the phone with my stylist last night and we were laughing about how good my hair looked.  I purchased my bundles December 2015, for my daughters second birthday party; and it has been with me ever since.

Let me tell you, I've had my share of pouring hundreds of dollars on extensions.  However, I have never had hair that last quite like this.  Everyone who sells hair seems to think they have "good hair." It's the nature of the business.  I waited some time now to do this review, because I like to be truthful and honest with my reviews.  That is what separates me from other bloggers because I will NEVER publish anything if I don't swear by it.  Shan, owner and operator of LYLAS HAIR SALON has been doing my hair for well over five years.  One thing that makes her salon unique is the personal attention she gives it and every client; moreover the love and passion she spills into her work daily.  I highlighted her last year on the blog (see previous post) and suggest that you refer back to it to read up on her and the love for her business.  But today, I really needed to share how the same hair that I purchased in December, has been through two fitness boot-camps, dyed three times, washed (well, to many to count), curled, flat ironed, stored, washed again, and so on. When my stylist and I were discussing the hair last night, she informed me that she has been rocking her same extensions (on and off) since 2014.  How amazing is that!  

I felt like this post was truly important because I've seen too many people burned by hair reps.  I myself am guilty of taking the cheap way out and purchasing hair that's less expensive for the sake of saving money (or at least I thought I was saving). I relate to those who may not be able to spend a lot of money on extensions.  But, I will also tell you that purchasing LYLAS HAIR has save me over $1000 this year alone.  Back when I purchased pack hair for my longer looks, I would spend approximately $150 for two packs of hair.  I would rock the look for about two months and throw the hair away.  I could never reuse the hair because it was damaged. Talk about wasteful!  Since having my LYLAS HAIR, when I get tired of the look, I simply store and save it. My stylist has colored it to give the illusion of new hair, and restored it back to my signature color, JET BLACK multiple times. 

Let me tell you guys that this hair has saved my life and pockets.  The prices are affordable depending on the length you want and reliable. Remember, people will sale you anything, but this hair sells itself. Off course, the amount of time it last is dependent on how well you take care of it. To be honest, the maintenance required for this hair is minimal. I can write all day about how this hair is the best and last forever, but if you are anything like me, you need to see for yourself. Check out my social media pages and check the time stamps of my pictures.  It will show how long, the different looks, etc.  IT'S THE SAME HAIR! So, you be the judge.

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

THE BLUES II

I have "The Blues." No, really I do!  Not 'The Blues" you may be thinking of, but the new meaning of blue.  As I discussed in my last post, the color blue have a way of bringing a calming effect on me. It's a color that somehow eases me when I’m not feeling my best. More specifically then the color, fashion has that effect on me as well.  Often times when we are feeling "blue," we have a tendency to dress that way.  We have no desire to get dress or look the part.  But why is that?  

I surveyed six of my friends; both male and females who felt the exact same way.  Chances of them getting dressed up after a breakup or an argument with a close friend were very slim.  The energy that we should of been putting into ourselves, we lost by putting it into someone else. We're all guilty of it.  I've experienced a few break ups in the past, and each one brought out different emotions.  One thing I've learned from them was to never look how you feel.  So what if someone doesn't like you anymore or a friend is mad at you.  Why should you result to looking vulnerable?  When we "feel blue," instead of looking "blue," it only brings more discomfort.  So, I have an idea!

The next time you find yourself sad or going through some troubling waters; get dressed up!  As hard as that may seem; as draining as that may be, you will feel so much better.  The thought of losing someone you loved or that regrettable reaction we feel when a friend is mad at us, only worsen when you look that way.  Instead, throw only the perfect little "blue" dress with some simple heels. You will be surprise by the newness that it will bring and the void that it will fill.

"If you are sad, if you are heartbroken, make yourself up, dress up, add more lipstick and ATTACK!" ~CoCo Chanel

Dress: Forever 21 | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Omar

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR

THE BLUES

Yesterday as I was driving to my photoshoot, I noticed how blue the sky was.  I was in ahh by how perfect it looked and how the sky seemed to open.  This inspired me to create a theme for the week called "The Blues." Traditionally, "The Blues" was used to define an act or feeling of oppression.  Much like Blues music, which is a genre of music composed in the South that told narratives of harsh realities in the African American culture; a loss of love or police brutality against African Americans. While "The Blues" still exist and we are living in a time of war and rage; people are angry and upset about the prevailing killings that has been happening.  We as people are angry and showing no empathy towards each other because of what seem to be a never ending horror story.  Today I post, not to tell people how to feel; but to give a different meaning of the word blue.  

Blue is not only the color of the sky and sea, but often represents confidence and stability. Blue, much like the sea; creates a calming effect.  It somehow grants serenity and peace.  The same peace and calmness you feel when on a beach vacationing.  It's the same peace I saw when looked up at the clouds driving to my photoshoot yesterday. The feeling of knowing that the pain and hurt that we’ve been feeling these past few weeks too shall pass; or will it?

It’s important that we stand together in unity in our “Blue” and give it a different meaning. There’s many shades of all of us; much like the color.  Some will be good, and some will be bad.  But the true meaning of the color never changes.  Instead of singing “The Blues” or feeling “The Blues,” the complexity of issues that seem to be never changing starts with us.  We have the power to convey its meaning and have it evolve into different cultures. Besides, imagine if the color was removed from the world; specifically, the sky and sea.  What color will fill its void?

Wrap Dresses Are Perfect For All Sizes

Dress: Forever 21 | Shoes: UrbanOG

Photography By: Omar

Lashes By: Vivian Henson

Hair By: LYLAS HAIR