Oh Sandy!

Hurricane Sandy just blew her way through the East Coast last night.  The DMV area didn't get too much damage, but NY and NJ were hit really bad. The city is underwater and most lost power. Thankfully I did not lose power during this storm, but me and my roomie are tired of being cooped up in the house because most places are still closed today. I've done all the cleaning I can do, homework, and started a new book. We've been watching movies and shows on demand, and drinking wine to pass the time away. I have been quite productive so I guess I'll do some online shopping. Please keep those affected by this terrible storm in your prayers!  






Be selfish

I received some good words of wisdom yesterday. As a nurturer, I give and give so much of myself, and I enjoy helping and being there for others. While sometimes compromising more than I would like, I give with nothing expected in return, and I never really understood selfish people. But I think we all get to a point when we hope to get some reciprocity, even if it's no more than a kind "thank you". But I was told, "Be true to your own spirit," even if it requires being selfish, because at the end of the day nobody else is going to take care of you but you. So be selfish and get what you want. 







Female, Anxious, and Black

Anxiety is love's greatest killer. -Anais Nin


My first anxiety attack happened in August of this year. I had shortness of breath, heart palpitations, tingling in my legs and head, and I just knew I was having a massive heart attack, stroke, or something of that nature. The first vision that came to my mind was watching my grandfather lying dead on the floor because his heart stopped. I just knew the same thing was happening to me. I demanded to be taken to the nearest hospital. My heart raced faster and I couldn't think straight. It was cloudy and rainy. Was this the end? After hundreds of tests, it was only a panic attack and I wasn't dying. I'm perfectly healthy.  Even after the ER's diagnosis, I still felt the need to visit my primary care doctor the next day. She told me everything was fine. Naturally I've always been the over reactor at every little ache or twitch of pain, diagnosing myself, and taking different  medications to cure my "ailments", and eventually becoming obsessed with personal safety and health. Living next to the fire department and up the street from the hospital brought some calmness to my life, but not enough. Everyday I go through my routine of checking the locks, making sure every appliance is turned off or unplugged. Crazy, right?


What was happening to me? I'm a successful, educated, beautiful, black woman, but slowly I felt my world falling apart as my friends began telling me I was worrying about things too much. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is "persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things."  African-American women have the highest incidence of anxiety and some of us are still thinking you can pray it away and wait for God to heal you. We have been trained to stay strong and suffer in silence. Speaking about these issues has been stigmatized in the Black community, and viewed as a weakness. But what happens after you've waited and nothing has changed? And STILL worrying? Faith without work is dead.  I decided to take a proactive approach by trying holistic solutions such as meditation. Talking to someone can make a huge difference. If you are feeling anxiety symptoms, talk to a professional that can provide the best solution for you. Speak your truth and let the healing begin, you will soon find peace! 


Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder:

  • Frequent worry 
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle aches, tingling
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Irritability
  • Jaw pain from clenching your teeth
  • Fatigue



Wild, Wild West

Last week I took a mini vacation out west to Vegas to continue my birthday celebration. I also visited a few landmarks in between such as the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. It was amazing to see the sunrise over the canyon. It was great getting away from the East Coast for a few days to soak up some warm weather. This was my first time in Vegas, and I had so much fun! The food was amazing and the crazy people were out everywhere! I definitely have to visit again. 






10.15

This past weekend I celebrated my 25th birthday and I'm so blessed to see another year! I hosted my first dinner party at my place and we all got trashed had a great time! My theme was country fall chic so me and my friends cooked my favorite southern comfort food items such as homemade chili and pumpkin bread. We decorated with leaves and pumpkins and we drank spiced apple cider from mason jars. The party was just like a reunion, I caught up with friends from college and high school, and introduced them to new friends from the area. We danced the night away and it was truly a birthday I will NEVER forget. I have the greatest friends and it is such an incredible feeling to know that no matter the distance or how often you talk, those bonds will never break.





Ryan Leslie Concert


Tuesday night I went to see Ryan Leslie in concert with my bff Janna. She came all the way to DC from NY just for one night. She loves me! We started listening to Ryan's Leslie's music in college, and we've been fans ever since. We met up with two more girlfriends and had a blast! I love listening to live music at intimate venues. FYI the newly renovated Howard Theatre is very nice! We were able to get seating on the second floor balcony near the stage, and we were served dinner and drinks before the show. I'll definitely try to attend another show at the venue. It was a great girls night out!


Janna, Corrine, and Malika

Ryan Leslie on the keyboard

My date!

you are beautiful.

"I believe our bodies are sacred and wise and beautiful." -Tracee Ellis Ross


After reading this inspirational beauty post, by the beautiful, funny, and talented Tracee Ellis Ross, I just had to share it with you guys. Our culture has become so obsessed with shallow standards of beauty, that everything is fake now from head to toe. I love every inch of my natural body. I used to want to get bigger boobs because I was always the small-chested girl out of all of my friends. But I've matured, and I still don't have big boobs, but I love my body even more! If someone doesn't like you because of your bra size then they clearly don't need to be in your life anyway. I know that some professions such as modeling require women to look a certain way, but I now see models in all shapes, sizes, and colors. So don't feel pressured to be a certain body type. If you choose to alter your body's appearance, you have every right to do so. Do whatever makes you feel confident. But without those alterations you are still beautiful. I encourage all women to embrace and love themselves the way God created them and quit worrying about what others think if something is hanging the wrong way or not full enough. Show a nipple or two. Live freely. 

 Lastly, instead of worrying so much about the size of your breast, make sure you examine them for lumps. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Remain educated on this disease and take charge of your own breast health. 


hello fear.

This past weekend was all about celebrating life and overcoming fear!

We started out celebrating my roommate's birthday on Wednesday and the celebration lasted until Sunday. My bff came down to visit from NY as well which added a special touch. :) We started out with a birthday happy hour and hookah session. The next night we invited close friends over to fellowship and cooked a Mexican cuisine dinner of shrimp and fish tacos with a bean dip and lots of tequila drinks. Friday, we went to an Asian fusion restaurant called SEI, and the food was delish! I got to wear my new skirt from Carnelian Boutique, and I loved how my look turned out.

Sunday, we overcame our fear of heights by completing a treetop adventure that included different obstacle courses such as zip-lining and Tarzan swinging. I have never been more scared in my entire life! But after completing the five courses I felt so accomplished and empowered! I definitely couldn't have completed the journey without someone pushing me along the way (and the fact there was no way to escape except zip-lining across lol). I'm very grateful for the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and live adventurously! I ended the weekend curled up watching movies with my beau. Perfect.




Me at SEI Restaurant

Me walking across an obstacle at Go Ape