Day 7: Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge, COMPLETE!

We are closing out the weekend and I am ending my Seven Days of Happiness Challenge. But it does not end here today because this is only the beginning. Each month I will start the challenge again for seven days and I hope that more people will join me. Not only to empower ourselves but to inspire others as well. 

Tough times do come but they do not last, but Tough People do. We can't wait for happiness in our obstacles or when circumstances arise, WE HAVE TO CREATE HAPPINESS EACH DAY! Clear your mind of clutter, sweep out all of those negative thoughts and speak only of happiness. 

Happiness will be achieved! 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Day 6: Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge

What's up, What's up? It's Day 6 party people and it's the freaking weekend. While typing this post I feel a sense of joy!  I can't believe I've been this consistent in my Seven days of Happiness Challenge. By consistent I mean posting to my social network sites and creating happiness with every ounce of my even through tough times and challenges. I'm proud of myself. Today is dedicated to ME! I create my Happiness, I can't depend on anyone else to do that for me or I will constantly be let down. 

I woke up and put positive words and thoughts in the universe and I will continue to speak them into existence constantly. 

Enjoy your weekend loves! 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Day 5: Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge

Today was a better day, let's just say Thank God For Friday's. I'm going to be short and sweet with my happiness post. 

My happiness is dedicated to my parents. I am blessed to still have an active mother and father in my life, and to still have healthy living parents. They have been the mold of my being. My parents have instilled so much in me. My childhood was amazing, filled with such worthy values and morals. I love these people because they made me who I am today. 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo, Erica 

Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge: Day 4

I'm here laying on my couch thinking to myself that I'm a tad bit late getting this post up. Today has been very busy but nonetheless, better late than never. 

It's Day 4 and I dedicate my happiness to LOVE! I dedicate it to my other half. My relationship has been one of the best things that has happened to me and I'm appreciative of the love we both have. It's not easy at all times, but nothing worth having comes easy and I'm all for the fight of unconditional love. My other half pushes me to my limits, he genuinely cares and he is always there to count on. He has made me into a better person. 

It's weird that most people contribute the woman to making the guy a better man but what's amazing is I met the better man who has helped me to become a better woman. I'm getting all mushy here now. 

What did you dedicate your day 4 too? 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Lipstick and Love Happiness Challenge: Day 3

It's Day 3 and I could not be more honest with you all. My spirit is flustered right now due to my career role, and other minor factors. I'm pushing through Happiness. They say when it rains it pours and I feel like thunderstorms are pouring on my parade. Please direct me to the sunshine!! 

I dedicate Day 3 of my Happiness to me because even when I feel in such a rut I know that happiness can be achieved and I promise you I won't stop until I feel pure bliss! 

At times we pretend that we are happy, everything looks amazing on the outside but on the inside we are crying aloud. But if we only know that these times are momentarily it gives us pleasure to look towards happiness greater than ourselves. 

Let me know how your day is going so far.... 

Lipstick & Love,

Xoxo Erica 

Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge: Day 2

So Day 2 has arrived and all I want is Happiness not only for myself but for everyone else as well. With that being said, I THINK ITS TIME TO BE HAPPY AGAIN!! 

Today I am most happy for my struggles. They've made me stronger. I'm happy for my change, it has made me wiser. I think back to the old me and and say WOW! I love the new me. I'm far more settled and    Structured than before. My relationship has made a tremendous impact on my lifestyle. I have someone who pushes me sometimes more than I would like to be pushed. Having a child at a young age 

has also changed me for the better. I no longer care only for myself but my family as well. I'm still overcoming obstacles day by day, just as I write this I have challenges standing in my way but I'm only navigating towards happiness. How is Day 2 for you?

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Lipstick & Love Happiness Challenge: Day 1

Well Hello to Day 1 of my #LipstickandLove HAPPINESS Challenge. I created this challenge not even knowing and still not knowing if anyone will even participate or care but it's one that I believe will not only be very beneficial to myself but I want to inspire others as well. 

Happiness is a state of being, it is what we need to practice each and every day so that eventually it can come natural in our life even in discouragement and frustration. Happiness is a fulfilled connection with ourselves and our relationships with others. 

I want to experience true Happiness. At times I'm so overwhelmed with life that I have so many feelings balled up inside and it results in unhappiness. 

Day 1 is dedicated to my son. A talented, amazing, mannerable kid. He's so bright and full of imagination. My child shows unconditional love to me at all times. When I'm down he always lifts me up. He is such a happy camper and I love him. I'm getting happy just thinking about this amazing gift from God. I'm glad to be his parent. 

What are you happy for today? Join me I'm the challenge :) 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Emptiness into Happiness: 7 Day Challenge

    

                   Image:Google 

This is my Sunday thoughts from the bed. Currently I'm trying to catch up on some rest or let's just say relaxation because I've been on the go lately. 

Friday night I attended a birthday dinner and afterwards we went over to a coworkers house for drinks and fun. We were all talking about many different subjects. The one that stuck out the most was about how we as individuals can feel so empty, so powerless, and questionable of ourselves even when we have support of others. 

They talked about how our childhood really affects and shapes us in our Adulthood. You know there are situations that we dwell on and never forget? Isn't it crazy how someone can compliment us and we still never believe it? Why are we so critical of ourselves? 

 

We don't realize that as much effort as it take to feel emptiness we can change it all into happiness. It begans with us and our thoughts. I challenge you all and I challenge myself that this week each day we will find one or many things that make us happy and write it down or share it with a loved one!! READY.... SET.... GO.... Day 1 starts tmrw!! So plan ahead and start smiling now :) 

 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxoxo Erica 

Confidence Boost: Healthy Hair

Can we say Whoop! Whoop! to a good wash, trimmed ends and a style I love on my natural hair. I've been having a hard time battling with my hair and styles for many months now. To be honest it has affected my confidence tremendously. 

Where it all began is when I shaved my head thinking I was Cassie. *don't side eye me* lol. But I must say I really loved the style. Until it was time to grow my shaved side out and I was lost on what to do with my hair. I have been wearing installs for a long time but in reality I had dealing with the proceeds if sew ins and everything that comes with it. 

I struggle with thin edges and I have such fine hair but one product I have to really mention in this post is SIMPLICITY OIL. It has really helped me out so much. It's a product created by a lady name Lisa and I came across it on Instagram. The product is made with oils such as Jojoba, Tea Tree and Coconut. The regimen I use on myself is to place about 10-15 drops around my edges and massage for a few minutes. I also use it just to moisturize my natural hair before applying heat or whenever needed. It does my weigh my hair down at all. 

I haven't had my natural hair pressed out since I've been transitioning and I must say I'm in love with this style. It boosted my confidence once I looked in the mirror at the salon and I couldn't thank the stylist enough. I must say that I won't be wearing weave for some time. 

What boosts your confidence when it comes to your hair and what kills it at times? Do you have any style or healthy hair tips? 

The Return of H.E.R.

The Return of I, H.E.R. 

Last time I posted I told you all of my new career move and I'm one week into my new job. My mind has been super full and filled with lots of new information pertaining to my position. It's crazy how we can be so happy for change but then doubt our moves. This was me at first but then I realized I have to pat myself on the back and be happy for my progression. So with that being said I'm excited for a new venture and much abundance. 

We have to keep reminding ourselves that we have the power to always be in a happy space. Sometimes we give other people or other things power over our position. We critique ourselves and sometimes it causes hindrance, because what we don't realize is that we fear self because we know but don't always understand that we are capable of greatness. 

Remember that you don't have to change for anyone unless it's for betterment. Accept positive feedback, be receptive to valuable information and do what's best to better you and others around you. 

A leader serves. She isn't of ego but of humility. 

Lipstick & Love, xoxo 

Saturday Soul

Cheers to the freaking weekend, although I have only one more day and it's back to my 9-5. *sighs* I'm trying to really work on my thoughts, my habits, and my inner self. You realize that your thoughts really creates your day, it really determines everything about you. 

I'm hard on myself, always trying to figure out where I went wrong, what I need to do to be better, and what's my next step in life. You see life isn't about me only, it's about the people that surrounds me meaning my family, my friends, and just people I interact with. Staying positive and helping others helps you as a person. 

Isn't it crazy how we can have so many talents, so many ideas and dreams that at times our visions become blurred and our direction becomes detered. Trying to find your purpose takes lots of clarity, prayer, and time to self. 

We have to work hard even when we don't want to. You don't work, you don't eat. Push yourself everyday even when you don't want too, but don't burn yourself out. Little steps began to produce bigger results. Stay consistent :) 

On another note, check out this protective bun style I've been rocking! I am loving it! It's super quick and easy to achieve and I don't have to wake up everyday and do much. 

Find your happiness, let no one become superior of you! 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

This the Ish that I live for: There's some things I need to work on but I know you see me working (Checking In)

It has been awhile since I have posted but trust me when I say that I have not put the site to the side. I've been taking the time to plan for what's to come for Thee Lipstick Canvas and just know that I am excited. I have so many great ideas and posts in store but it all takes time for great things! 

I've also been working on ME. I'm back to being the bookworm I once was.  Finding that space that we all need to become the person we know we can be. Having a clear mind creates room for excellence to approach. 

I hope that all has been well. What have you been working on since the new year began? Feel free to leave your comments below and don't forget to follow the blog :) 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO 

Photo Credit: Mwah! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your day with Family & Friends. Here is just a little wisdom I fed myself today via TD Jakes app :) 

Lipstick & Love xoxo