Lipstick Chat | Real Talk

Ever felt like you were ALIVE but you weren't TRULY LIVING? Like you were going through life DAY TO DAY but on the INSIDE you WERE at a STANDSTILL? This life that we live can take us through so many obstacles, hurdles, amazing moments, happy moments and heartaches. Day to Day we take life by what it hands us and what we put out into the Universe.

Its how so many of us feel at times, but we are too afraid to speak out and tell someone. Why? Because one, everyone will not understand. Two, they won't care, and Three, they are going to judge you anyway. 

I'm going to be as transparent as it gets with you all. I'm removing my mask and being in honesty at this moment. The worst thing we can do is have a vision with no direction, a passion with a question of purpose. Taking away this is where I should be at this age, letting that go at this moment. There are many days where I breakdown, where I cry because I have Vision but fear, doubt, anxiety, other's opinions push me down where I question everything. 

I feel like I'm ALIVE but I'm not authentically LIVING. Especially in my career. I've transitioned to being a Medical Instructor, which I honestly can say is not fulfilling to me. I want to work on my passions, my love for beauty, skincare, fashion etc. full-time. I know that isn't how it work. We all START SOMEWHERE. Maybe I'm there because I chose it, and because it's teaching me a valuable lesson on patience, dealing with others, and being of front stage everyday. Maybe GOD is preparing me for a bigger audience that I will speak to in my future and he is saying SHOW ME that you can handle this first. 

Also, being a single parent throws me curve-balls each and everyday. It's amazing to watch my son grow, to see him become his own little self with so much personality is truly a blessing. But raising a son isn't easy. I just hope that I make him proud and teach him the right ways. 

Another thing is that when you are in a relationship. You two become one, or something like that. You change, He Change. It's all suppose to be for the better. It's so great when you can learn from someone else, you can have a partner that has your back no matter what, and someone where you both can genuinely love one another. But the road there isn't easy, because sometimes we can lose sight of who we are. 

One thing I search for everyday is True Bliss and Authentic Happiness and I will not stop until I reach it. I know that everyday will not be Sunshine and Rainbows, but when we learn to dance in the Storm we Get Through....

Lipstick Canvas: Lifestyle Inspiration

I absolutely loved this quote as soon as I seen it. Isn't it crazy how when you are struggling or not in the realm of where you should be, you see how others don't believe in you. They may downplay your motives, kill your dreams or belittle you. You can tell them of your dreams or the actions of your life plans and you see how they brush it off like she will never do it. 

But, as soon as you surpass to a new unexpected level you have people questioning how did you achieve this and that, now they are intimidated by your ambition and hard work. They question your achievements and accomplishments. You know why, because they didn't believe in you in the first place. 

Make sure to surround yourself by people who truly care about you and your life. Many don't want you to succeed and are only there to hear of your downfalls. 

I asked myself the same question after reading this quote. Erica, why are you stuck in the same position and feeling how you are when you the sky isn't even the limit, you can go above and beyond. It's time to change and transition my life. 

This quote speaks directly. Just reflect on it for one moment. It screams my name all over it. 

Photos: IG 

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 

Beautiful Soul

Dear Beautiful Soul,

You feel they don't recognize your beauty and efforts deep beyond the surface of the beautiful face you display each and everyday. You have waited time and time again for the okay of others, letting them validate your life, the check mark that states okay  you can move forward with what you want to do. Where does your own confidence lie? One day you're up the next day you're down. Mind on overload, heart overblown. Telling yourself each day that it's okay, just brighten up don't let them see your weakness although you know you have become weaker than before, in reality you may not realize how STRONG you really are.

That luggage of worries that is weighing you down up underneath that no one sees, start letting it drown and drift into the ocean. If it no longer means you any good, if it's not adding to you it is subtracting LET IT GO... They tell you that you're beautiful but most times you don't believe it because all you can see is your flaws. You are so hard on yourself young thing, it's okay you are doing your best STOP IT. Just keep going after what you want. There is ENOUGH in the world for you, so don't think that it will pass you away.

That faith of a mustard seed, are you using it to move those mountains?? Know that sometimes the hardest battles are given to the toughest soldiers. Lace up those boots, throw on your camos and denim and apply your red lipstick... YOU ARE BUILT FOR THIS!!!

There is so much more in store for you, JUST WATCH WHAT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN NEXT!!!

P.S. This is for the woman who is going through anything right now! Just believe in yourself, command whatever you don't want in your life to leave, it can no longer live in you, and go out and conquer all that you have inside of you!!

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Let's Talk: School & Reality

Education/ Real Life/ Careers/ Dreams

*Does Shimmy down the hallway at work* It's Friday everyone, the weekend has arrived. So this week I have been extra hard on myself and it has weighed me down so much. I have over thought and evaluated every aspect of my life and it has made me feel powerless at times. Remember I'm human, no sugar coating on here. Everyone has a purpose in life, we are here to fulfill that destiny and I think sometimes people don't realize in the end it's not about you and anyone else but the person who placed you here.

So let's talk about Education and Reality. Everyone knows that no one can ever take your knowledge away from you which is a very powerful thing to have these days. Taking time to learn everything that you can whether it is in a school setting or not equips you for everyday living whether good or bad. You remember the excitement you had when you were about to graduate high school and go on to your on my own college days. Swimming suit shopping and gearing up for beach week and just so happy that you wouldn't have to grace those doors of your high school any longer. But what you didn't expect was that this is where real life really kicked in, this was the beginning of your mold to what ever was in store for you in the upcoming years.

Think about many forms that you fill out it and it always asks you what were your parents highest education level. Have you ever wondered why did they want to know about your parent's education when now it was about your education and what was in front of you. Did you think that they were basing you off of how far your parents went? But in reality whether your parents or you completed a bachelors or doctorates, never finished elementary or even seen the cafeteria of a high school you both could still be very intellectual and very successful in life.

You know one thing I wish I could have really taken grasp on in my younger years? It is to take advantage of the free education that is given to you because college is in no way inexpensive and you would be in total debt unless you are riding on a full scholarship. See I've tried college online and community college etc., but I have placed myself in debt and have yet to finish my degree. I know in my heart that I want to be a psychiatrist and I can't see myself doing anything else unless I mean I can get a gig in fashion or beauty. But Psychiatry sparks my attention, it is the ying to my yang. I can see my name on that door Dr. *****. Helping others become the best that they can be in life, it has always intrigued me in understanding what makes a person go crazy, what triggers their mental into such states and mental health really get's swept under the rug more times than often.

So with that being said, since my loans have literally kicked my ass and I've made an agreement with Sallie Mae just not too long ago, I can't figure out what to do about school. But I've figured out that this blog is a way of uplifting and inspiring others, helping women like me, showing the unmasked side, and just giving and accepting advice can be my career and goal without the paper and signed initials for now. Being in the humanitarian field and philanthropy is something I crave and I hope to one day achieve.

We see individuals everyday without degrees who are on Forbes, who are running successful businesses on social networks, and who are making a difference in lives all over the world.

So my question is do you think one should always obtain that paper to really work in their dream job? Leave your comments below and let us know.

Who inspires you? I enjoy reading Rob Hill Sr quotes and he inspires me. Kenny Burns is another well rounded man whom inspires and encourages. Myleik of Curlbox is such the business and empowerment god mother. And many others I'm inspired by whom I don't even have to mention it's obvious such as my mother and father who have grounded me and made me into the woman that I am, my loves and my son, my friends and others whom I just see go after what they want in life.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

images via Google

Think Serve Not Lead: Highly Effective Leadership

Leadership/ Serve/ Empower 

Hey Yall, Guess what day it is? Guess, Guess, Guess! It's Hump day, we are halfway through our week so despite of how it may have started or how yesterday was we are happy that we have a new day to start all over again. 

Remember when you were a child and you always wanted to be the leader in everything? Well if not let's just say that was me, I had to be the leader in line at school, the leader when playing with my friends, and whatever the task may have been. As I grown into my adult years I have learned that leadership is not about yourself, but it is about empowering others to be the best that they can be. 

Simple Truths is an email that I usually receive on a daily basis with such great inspirational excerpts and books to read. The latest one was on highly effective leadership. It stated that John Maxwell had three keys to becoming a great servant leader. 1. Let go of your Ego: Knowing that it is not about your personal gain but serving others. 2. Become a good follower first 3. Give your power away: Share whatever power you have instead of saving it for yourself. 

We see all the time how individuals think that they are leaders just by a position that they hold but they don't know how to treat others around them, they are more Bossy than anything and sometimes let the titles get to their heads. We see how some don't want to help others, they are afraid of them climbing the ladder past them so they hold all the power to themselves and never share their knowledge. 

The ten rules are:

Rule #1..............Think Serve...Not Lead
Rule #2..............Companies Don't Succeed...People Do
Rule #3..............Simplify Your Vision for Success
Rule #4..............Remember "Old Warwick"
Rule #5..............Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Rule #6..............Set the Stage for Innovation
Rule #7..............Commit to Excellence
Rule #8..............Take Full Responsibility
Rule #9..............Measure Results
Rule #10............Your Example is Most Important

Going that extra mile for someone other than yourself makes a huge difference:

At 211 degrees...water is hot.
At 212 degrees...it boils.
And with boiling water, comes steam.
And steam can power a locomotive.
And, it's that ONE extra degree that...
Makes all the difference.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Images/Rules/Quote via Simple Truths

Real Talk: Parenting

Parenting/ Real Talk/ Inspiration

Let's have a little real talk conversation today :) This site isn't for the woman who lives a fairy tale life, I myself don't have that, not the American dream with the white picket fence and two dogs. I live a realistic life with ups and downs, a road that I want to often travel straight but it sometimes winds me up and causes a detour as well. All of it is worth it, it makes me who I am and strengthens me each new day.

So let's talk Parenting, which is a wonderful blessing to bring in a bundle of joy into the world and enter into Parenthood.

We have the two parent homes, the single parent homes, and also the children whom may be raised by someone else other than their parents. Parenting is such a joy, it is amazing to watch our child/ren take their first walk, say their first words, see what they like and don't like, their unique personalities and developing talents. I think it is so vital that both parents be involved in a child's life whether together or not. I believe that a mother is the nurturer, she kisses the boo-boo's. A father is the strength whom teaches the child how to handle the tough situations. Both parents have the birds and bees talk with either their daughter or son. A father teaches his daughters how a woman should be treated, he is the example of the man she want to have in her life. A mother teaches grace, class, the level of respect that should be given and so on.

It is hard when you are a full time parent, and the other is just PRN. This isn't a part time thing, it takes so much responsibility and patience. We are a jack/ jill of all trades. We become a teacher, a superhero, a doctor, a chef, a custodian. We are so much in our kids lives. They watch our every move and copy what we do. We have to lead the way and build the road to their future lives. Train a Child in the way that he or she go and as they are older they will never depart from it. I teach my son that he can be whatever he wants to be in life, I breathe life in his direction each and every day, I remind him that I love him and I am always there no matter what. It isn't easy at times, I become frustrated and impatient, but I am thankful for his unconditional life, his smile when we are together, and so much more.

We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.

Henry Ward Beecher

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.

Charles R. Swindoll

Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk.

Carl Jung

Share your parenting moments with us, we would love to hear them.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Images via Google, Quotes via BrainyQuote

Lipstick Thoughts: Assets & Liabilities

Inspiration/ Thoughts/ Self Growth

Hello to you all. Back off the weekend, and halfway through our Monday at work eh? Hope that your weekend went well. My thoughts are on overflow usually while driving to work in the morning, scratch that my thoughts are always overflowing.. So I was thinking about assets and liabilities. Not the terms used when thinking of your home, or bank values. But Being an Asset or Liability in your own life, in your relationships, friendships and so on.

So first assets is what you have, liabilities are what you owe. In everything that you are connected to on a daily basis you are either adding to it or subtracting from it. You are either making a deposit or making a withdrawal. Now don't start beating yourself up if you feel like you aren't doing the first, just be conscious and aware of your situation-ships and began to filter and figure out how you can mainly be an asset.

You know the saying You have to bring something to the table? That's what it is in a nutshell, you want to put out more than you take in. Now at times we can't bring much to the table for we are still building a foundation for ourselves but our everyday effort brings something. It is about self growth, being aware of our lifestyle and decisions, and trying to be better each day.

Are you an asset or liability? Take time this week to stay in self awareness.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

via Google Images

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 

Inspiration 101: Yourself

Dear Self,

You've been great, you've made mistakes. Stumbled across obstacles and hardships, and jumped over hurdles and made accomplishments. Throughout everything you have endured, let your passion still burn inside of you. Add fuel to the fire each day to be a better you. I know that you have doubts, and fears but remember those things get you nowhere and only hold you stagnant to the negative thoughts that you penetrate. Everything you need is inside of you, you were equipped and packaged with the full line of favor so when you ever feel like you can't do it, just take a step back, take a deep breath and speak I CAN DO ALL THINGS through CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME... Only time that you began to look back at your past is to see how far you have come. Aren't your proud? Maybe you aren't where you want to be in life, but just wait you can be catapulted far beyond anything you have ever expected. Are you still working on your lifestyle, those dreams and talents you possess. Push yourself, there is no limits. Even if you feel alone know that someone out there is rooting for you. You are beautiful, driven, and I can't wait to see what the world has in store for you. Your friends think you are crazy but amazing, your family knows you too well, and your lover challenges you to be the best because they are your other half to make the whole. So as you go through today, SMILE BEAUTIFUL SOUL... The world awaits you! 

Sincerely,

Yourself.

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Images via Google 

Under Construction

It does not feel like a Thursday today, being that New Years landed dead smack in the middle of the week. As I spoke on in my last post, my visions and goals are being set to become a better me. Planning is very necessary to achieve my personal and career goals. I am taking some days off to plan so that I can become very effective in the criteria I post on my website. I want to bring you everything that is dear to me, well thought out information, and things that you and I both would love to read and engage in.

Although my blog has not created a platform for a bulk load of followers (and that is okay with me as I am building the foundation) I want to thank you all who are reading and will support me throughout my journey. This is my relaunch of Thee Lipstick Canvas from 2010, it is not a hustle or a get known quick scheme but merely one of my passions and purpose. I promise that I will not just bring you the everyday norm that you are seeing with bloggers nowadays. The mess and drama of others and just the daily posting of outfits but things that will Inspire, Empower, and help us all to be better whether it is mentally, physically, with our style, our beauty and aesthetics and so much more.

Stay Tuned, there is So much in Store!

Lipstick & Love, XOXO

Photo Credit: Google Images

Food for Thought: Soulful Sunday

         Photo Credit: Google Images

Our weekend is winding down, and I hope that you all enjoyed your Sunday. It's a day for us to gather and recollect our thoughts, prepare for our upcoming week and get our house in order but make sure to relax as well. 

Food for thought today: You can be better or bitter, Powerful or Pitiful. But you can't be both! 

Wishing you all a prosperous week! 

Lipstick & Love, XOXO. 

Let's Talk: Empowerment

It's been awhile, the holidays had me very busy and now we are winding down 2013 to began our New Year. 

I was thinking about our career, dreams, the roles we play in our life and others and thought what if no one have us credit or acknowledged our achievements and positives? Would you stop doing those things that you loved, that helped someone or whatever it may be because you were overlooked? 

Often times people only remember the bad, they pick out our weaknesses and cover up on our strengths because of fear of the unknown, intimidation, and their own lack of vision. You put in your all to be the best person, to grow in all areas of your life, and to change who you were to who you want to become. Maybe you feel as if no one notices how much you are working on oneself, your career or the things that you want out of life but know that it's someone rooting for you, they see your full potential and the ones that can't, don't let that get you down. Embrace who is there for you! Even if it feels like no one gives you credit for pushing towards your goals give yourself credit, it all starts with YOU! 

Lipstick & Love XOXO 

Spotlight: YK Owner Yonikka Kae'

Photo Credit: ykbeads.myshopify.com

It's Monday Loves, and I hope your weekend went well. I had a very busy weekend Christmas shopping and spending time with my family that I did not blog much. But, today I am back and I wanted to start off the week with a SPOTLIGHT feature. To me SPOTLIGHT is showcasing a hardworking, business oriented and humble individual, those are just some great assets to the person.  

Yonikka Kae' is a woman who I followed on Twitter and Instagram and she was the inspiration behind me starting my own jewelry line called JW Collection which has been put on hiatus. She is the owner of YK beads which is a line of unique handmade beaded pieces that all represents meaning and healing. She also has other items such as earrings and necklaces. I first learned of YK beads through BrookandtheCity and I adored it at first sight. Not personally knowing Yonikka but I admire her ambition. She seems to have a humble spirit, working hard in her YK Warehouses, taking care of her adorable son, and pushing herself towards her greatest potential. She recently offered to share her advice and tips for others who wants to start a business through a series of sessions and you could email her and the price was very reasonable. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for the world! Go check out YK Beads and shop for great jewelry! 

Lipstick & Love XOXO 

Inspiration: Big Person, Small Heart.

Hello rainy Sunday! As we are wrapping up our weekend and preparing for a new week ahead I wanted to give us all some inspiration. 

Can you remember the last time you did something for someone out of the kindness of your heart? Sometimes we become so wrapped up in ourselves and think that if it doesn't benefit us that we will not take part in it. When we have those thoughts it is pure selfishness. Sometimes we don't help others, don't smile or invite them in, or we judge them on what or who we think that they are. 

Status plays a huge role in today's society and although it always has their are social networks that give everyone the opportunity to gain some sort of status. Have you noticed how people with 10K followers usually like and converse with people that are similar to their own group. A person with 100 followers may be an individual with a lot going for themselves but are overlooked by companies, people of status, and more just because it LOOKS like they don't have what it takes. 

All in a nutshell, you can not be a BIG person with a small heart. Give everyone a chance, smile at everyone you meet or pass by, and do not down or overlook them because they may not act, speak or dress like you. You never know who God will use to bless you or help you. 

Lipstick & Love xoxo 

Monday Motivation, Our Credit: Becoming Secure and Stable

Happy Monday Lipstick Lovers! It is the start of our December and the ending of our year of 2013. Yesterday I woke up and said it is December 1st, and I need new goals and new challenges to make myself better for this month. I keep a journal of my thoughts, my bills, goals and much more. I try to reflect on what I need to improve or what was accomplished within myself even if it is small or a task rather big.

One thing I will be honest about is that I have not always been great with saving, investing or my finances. And still I am no where near where I could or should be but I have improved myself. I find that writing everything down is very helpful such as when a bill is due and the amount, then going back to mark it off as paid or whatever the case may be. When you organize yourself you can understand what is going on with your finances.

I have been holding on to my credit report for some time, and today I decided to print off a brand spanking new one. Credit is so detrimental to our lifestyle and it affects us tremendously when applying for homes, cars and even minor retail credit cards. The first step to fixing our credit is becoming educated with what everything means and admitting that we can work on it unless you already have that 800 credit score. *Closes eyes and wishes* lol! I have been educating myself on the terms of credit and taking notes for improvement.  Free Credit Report is a helpful site in printing and viewing your score and report. Another helpful tool is going to your bank and speaking with a Financial Adviser which can be beneficial in understanding where to begin and what you are looking at when reading your report.

Isn't it amazing what numbers can do to your life? I want to be able to buy my dream home and dream car, I want to be able to relax after retirement, and send my kids to college, I just would like to be debt free. So my motivation to you & I is that WE HAVE TO BEGIN SOMEWHERE AND LET'S BEGIN by BECOMING STABLE AND SECURE so THAT WE CAN DO WHAT WE ALWAYS WANTED TOO!

Lipstick & Love xoxo

Photo Credit: Google, entertainmentpic.blogspot.com

Sunday Spotlight: Tiarra Monet

Sunday Spotlight is dedicated to the talented, beautiful, and ambitious woman Tiarra Monet. 

She is a hairstylist based in NYC and also a beauty, fashion and hair guru on the popular YouTube (YT: TiarraMonet). Did I mention she can cook? Lol ... 

Tiarra is the example of a hard working young lady that has branded and created a name for herself. She is a spotlight to watch out for! I admire her driven and outgoing personality on her channel and IG page. 

Be sure to check her out! #CrownedbyMonet 

Lipstick & Love xoxo 

Photo Credit: Tiarra Monet Instagram  

Masked: When we are a Beautiful Nightmare!

Photo Credit: Ambelav.blogspot.com via google

I decided to display such a beautiful masked picture to tie hand in hand with the post for today. My thoughts for today are that we can be perceived as such a  beautiful person in this world to others but we can be a beautiful nightmare to ourselves. To me it means that we hide ourselves behind a mask, we may look so beautiful on the outside but on the inside we are experiencing a nightmare. 

Think about this. Sometimes you are having the worst day or in the worst situation and it seems like nothing can go right, and instead of a little bit of rain on your parade, it's a pour. But you still have to go about your day as if you are not crying or experiencing turmoil on the inside. Someone asks, "How are you" and the reply is I'm great, or I'm okay but really you just want to begin bawling and spilling your heart out to gain some relief and vent. 

We have learned to mask ourselves, because at times we are afraid to tell someone that my life is not as amazing as you think it is. I'm going through a lot right now and I wish I had someone to just talk too, or to get a hug from and tell me that everything is okay. But out of fear that they may not understand your situation, or they probably won't even care, we mask our emotions, hold everything in and like a shaken soda bottle we don't even realize that eventually we are going to explode. 

The question is when do we realize that we can take off our mask, that we don't have to keep hiding behind our beauty that only one can see from the outside. Sometimes there is someone who is staring at you thinking the same thing, will they listen? I wish they knew what I was going through. 

Today if you are feeling like a Beautiful Nightmare, just as you wipe the makeup off of your face at night before bed. Begin to clean your mask, each layer, each piece at a time. Don't rush yourself, know that the nightmare can only become Beautiful when you allow it to be. We are a masterpiece, and no matter what we feel on the inside we have the opportunity to speak nothing unless it is Positive and Beauty into our life. IT CAN BE DONE!! No matter what YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! 

Lipstick and Love xoxo

Monday Motivation : Thankful

Happy Monday! Today I am THANKFUL. It is a new week, a new day and new beginnings to what your heart desire. Not just this week but everyday we should give Thanks. Since Thanksgiving is approaching, I just wanted to ask you all WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?? It is a time that we get to celebrate with our family, and friends and come together. We have our family in the kitchen, and we are wondering what is on the menu, and will our aunt bring over her special pies? Some of us aren't as happy during these holidays due to not having a close knit family, or missing a loved one that you wish was here with you to celebrate this time. I, myself lost my grandfather one year ago around this time so I have been thinking about it, and my family is not one that always gather around the table and come together, so at times I get down around the holiday season. BUTTTTTTT...... I've took it upon myself to change my mindset this year, and guess what NO MATTER WHAT the circumstance is or what my situation looks like, I'M GOING TO BE THANKFUL.

We all have a lot to be thankful about, just think of the little things in life, We woke up in a warm home, we are able to do the things some are not, and  we have the opportunity to create how we want our day to go, we can smile, and we can turn anything into being positive. Just think of it this way, there is someone out there who wishes for what we may have, who wishes to even get a meal or too see family.It is heartbreaking, and although we may be going through something, we can be in a worst situation.

We create our atmosphere and our attitude. We can create an amazing day by simply waking up and saying to ourselves "Today will be great."  So with this week, take an approach to be thankful for everything. Greet others with a smile, and be nice to anyone who crosses your path because you never know what they may be going through. Extend a good deed!

Lipstick and Love xoxo

Photo Credit: Google

Soulful Sunday: Your Isolation may be your Preparation

Happy Sunday Loves! Today I woke up and said I needed to go to church via web. I logged on to The Potters House website and watched Sarah Jakes Wednesday night message. It was her first time speaking at her father's church and I must say I was blown away. 

So, let's just get into my Soulful Sunday. At times we all feel like we are a mess, in a mess and don't know how to get out of the mess. We try to take control of our situations and think we are super hero enough to fix it on our own. At times we become isolated and feel as if it is our punishment because of the mess we caused. Guess what? Our isolation may just be preparation for us. It is preparing us to become better, preparing us for something bigger than ourselves, bigger than anything we have ever imagined. Stop viewing your isolation as a bad thing. As Sarah stated we soil our minds in this time when we think it is punishment, saying to ourselves " I caused this", and blaming yourself. Know that sometimes we are grounded to focus on our homework. It is a time to focus on you! Believe that whatever you may be going through is only preparing you! Let God Be in Control! It all will work out! Today we are going to Smile, Be Happy, and focus on our Preparation. 

Lipstick & Love xoxo

Photo Credit: sarahjakes.com