Life Reset Challenge-Day 12: Create A Vision Board

This was one of my favorite challenges to date because it allowed me to simply dream about the future (I referenced my bucket list a lot in order  to complete this assignment) and find images that illustrated my goals, dreams, and aspirations. I opted to use the O Dream Board from Oprah.com because I did not have a lot of supplies on hand to create a physical one. Although the site has limited images I did find many that spoke to me and my vision of the future. I would recommend Oprah's website as a good place to start however I think completing the vision board hands on adds more depth to the assignment. I think I will try to get  a few magazines, a cork board, and some markers and create another more detailed vision board in the near future. In the mean time here is what I created:

We Want Some Amnesty...

"What's going on. Things upside down. Like TNT turn a gun town." ~Benjai

This morning, as I was conducting my routine Facebook, BBM and Twitter checks, I kept noticing people referring to a curfew in Trinidad, pictures of police roaming the streets fully armed, and someone babbling about moving out of Trinidad. Not wanting to sound totally out of the loop I went directly to my greatest resource Google and found this brief article on CNN.com.

Authorities impose curfews on Trinidad and Tobago

By the CNN Wire Staff

August 22, 2011 12:30 p.m. EDT

Port Of Spain, Trinidad (CNN) -- A partial state of emergency was imposed Monday on crime hotspots across Trinidad and Tobago, and the government said it will enforce curfews in certain areas to curb the spiraling rate of drug-related murders in the Caribbean islands.

This weekend alone, 11 people were fatally shot, bringing the total for the year so far to 264, authorities said.

Speaking to the media, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, who took office 16 months ago said her national security advisers believe the discovery and seizure of large amounts of cocaine this past week may be responsible for the untenable situation.

She said, "We will search them out and bring them to swift justice," noting that her government will not allow a handful of thugs to hold ransom the majority of law abiding citizens of Trinidad and Tobago which celebrates its 49th year of independence on August 31.

I'm actually shocked by this turn of events although maybe I shouldn't be. My thoughts are with everyone in Trinidad including my family and close friends who live in the designated "hotspots" that currently have the 9pm-5am curfew. I'm sure curfew parties will be in full effect this weekend. ;0)

Click here for the official press statement on the limited state of emergency currently taking place in Trinidad. 

Fall Shoe Lust...

Today's torrential downpour weather has me thinking about one thing, fall shopping. I found these  "vegan leather" (aka faux leather) wedge booties on lulus.com. What do you all think, hot or not?

Interested, click here.  They have them in black too. ;0)

Life Reset Challenge Day 11: Eliminate a Limiting Belief

"I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH"  ~Nelly

Have you ever thought that? Maybe not in those exact words but have you ever stopped yourself from going the extra mile because you didn't think YOU COULD do it? Today's challenge had a simple premise, pick a limiting belief (such as the one I wrote) and ELIMINATE it! I picked the belief I wrote above this. This belief (although not always on the forefront of my mind) prohibits me from being as successful as I can be at work, with  this blog, and in my personal life.  Although the task of eliminating a belief does seem simple to complete  when you look past the surface you realize that if it was so simple to eradicate a limiting belief you would have done so years ago.  Rosetta Thurman did suggest that participants watch a video created by Morty Lefkoe to assist in eliminating the belief. I'll be completely honest and admit that for the first two sections (about 5 minutes each) I gave the video my undivided attention. However the third section was much longer and I began to get a little restless. It's a video that I will watch again though because despite its length and repetitiveness I think it has some useful strategies. If you are interested in watcing the video, click here.

Remember:

Until next time...
Nellz

Crop Over 2011 Review: Bliss Summer Edition

The first thing I heard when I started my research and planning for  my trip to Barbados for Crop Over 2011 was that Bliss: The  Summer Edition was a must do event. Ultra all-inclusive: premium drinks, a wide array of food, beautiful people, and an all around classy event. Unfortunately I also heard that the tickets were next to impossible to get a hold of (the previous year the tickets sold out in minutes). This year they sold out in seconds!!! I want to say thanks to all the people that helped me beat the odds and get tickets including the folks in the Islandmix chat room (for providing me with all the information I needed to know as to how to acquired a ticket). The gentlemen of Esquire Entertainment, for sending a detailed response to my numerous questions, and Trple FDesigns for answering all of my inquiries as well and urging me to send my ticket request as early as possible.


THE EVENT:


Since this was my first event for the Cropover season I wanted to make the most of it so I decided I would get there as early as possible. However when my taxi dropped me to the shuttle bus location I was surprised to only see about three or four cars  parked there. Needless to say I was a little early. The gentleman who worked with the shuttle bus driver made sure I was well entertained as we waited for other guest to arrive and in a matter of about 10 minutes we had a full bus and were on our way to the venue.
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Striking a pose on the bus...

 The pleasantries that I read about while I was at home about  the Bliss experience were all there. I was greeted and received my band (to legitimize my entry) by the hostess  as well as  given  a carnation and  paper fan of my choice. As I walked further in the venue I was invited to have either a champagne spritzer (champagne and Hypnotic) or a specialty mixed drink. Although I sampled and enjoyed both (greed..lol) the champagne and Hypnotic mix quickly became my favorite.
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Waiting to hand over my ticket...

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That look, that look is called EXCITEMENT :0)

The venue was beautiful with various lounge areas outfitted with couches and ottomans, plenty of bars stocked with premium drinks, and theme specific bars including  a wine bar and  a Remy Martin bar. The day of  Bliss Esquire Entertainment sent an email advising the ladies who were attending to lave the heels at home. I  obliged and opted to wear my platforms sandals  but quickly found out why they suggested to leave the heels at home. Have you ever tried to strut in your heels through grass? No matter what you do you end up looking a mess. No, a HOT mess!
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Me...posing in the platforms.

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This tent was a life saver from the HOT SUN!

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My go to tent...

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The dance floor

In addition to this there were various food stations including a Thai, Caribbean, and a Dessert section. I sampled  a few of the selections of food (including some Sushi Rolls) however I was not impressed by anything that I ate. The food was edible but it wasn't the same caliber of the food that I had at Brian Lara's All-Inclusive.

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The crowd was pretty diverse...

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As the sun began to set the dance floor became the only place to be. At first I was disappointed that there was no artist performing but  as soon as my feet touched the floor the DJ had me singing "My Daddy Bajan" (my remix to Rupee's "I am a Bajan"),  bending over and not looking back, jonesing while I wukked up, and whistling and wining. I had a time! Bliss was definitely worth the $200 BDS  the I payed for each ticket, it's a Cropover must do! Wish I could got to Barbados this Christmas for their Old Years Night event.

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A glimpse of the dance floor...

OUTTAKES:

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Me on the dance floor...

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I LOVED her dress...the food, not so much. Check out the scrunched eyebrows.

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Loved her dress as well.

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Trying to show off my bedazzled nail.

I love their natural hair styles and outfits...

Draw your own conclusions...lol

Another Solange look that I adore...

It's official, I am in love with Solange (you may have already figured that out). Ever since she started rocking her natural locs I have been paying more and more attention to her looks. Case in point, my waist length Senegalese Twists are mainly due to my admiration of her rocking a similar look. Her style is eclectic and I am a total fan. Recently I found a picture of her wearing  her "Janet Jackson Poetic Justic-esque" braids in a funky high bun. Needless to say I have been trying to replicate the 'do on my own head (I can achieve a high bun but it is anything BUT neat) with very little luck. 

The 'do

The look.

Although the bun is still on my to do list I did find a way to replicate her outfit on lulus.com

The front... 

The back... 

I love the back of this romper because it is such an  unexpected  contrast to the preppy look of the front, and the price of $40 isn't too bad either. Go to  lulus.com  to view some more pictures or purchase. It's already in my shopping cart. :0)

Life Reset Challenge Day 10: Creating a Bucket List

The Bucket List, this was the first image that my mind drifted to as I read the instructions for today's Life Reset Challenge. Yes, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, two older men choosing the END of their days to truly LIVE life. Although I am a firm believer in living life to the fullest (to a fault sometimes I suppose) I haven't recently written a list of the things I want to do/experience/accomplish in the future (before I kick the bucket). Sure I have ideas in my mind but writing them down and checking them off as I achieve them adds a whole other dimension to my becket list. In a way it holds me responsible for taking these random dreams, making them a reality. and checking them off my list.

So here it is, my bucket list (so far), in no particular order:

• Learn Spanish
• Live Abroad   ( at least 2 months)
• Start a business
• Participate in ever Caribbean Carnival Worldwide
• Ride in a helicopter
• Road trip from NYC to Miami
• Camp in the Grand Canyon
• Jump off of the top of a waterfall
• Take swimming lessons again (and actually retain what I learn)
• Go on vacation solo
• Visit Tahiti
• Visit Europe (England, Italy, Spain, Germany)
• Visit Brazil (Salvador de Bahia specifically)
• Visit Belize
• Visit South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria
• Start a non profit organization with the purpose of cultivating a high self esteem in girls of color
• Host a monthly game night
• Buy a house
• Buy a NEW luxury car
• Learn to make accessories (earrings, rings, etc.)
• Have a YouTube channel
• Go on a week long cruise
• Ride a Motorcycle
• Become a part time event planner
• Start an accessory line
• Have a child
• Get married
• To be continued....

Hair Style of the Month : )

I owe you all a long overdue hair update so here it is. Sengalese twists! Yes...I got my Solange inspired Sengalese Twists. I went to my local hair braiding salon and for $140 dollars I got waist length, medium sized, twists. I loved them! Here are a few looks....

Twists in a bun...

I was in the middle of "FUN"... twists in a twist : )

Length Shot....

Life Reset Day 9: Do One Thing

Today’s challenge was simple enough and made logical sense to me, as a result it was easy for me to complete. The challenge? Do one thing that will help you achieve one of your goals or one of the areas of your life you have decided to work on as a result of joining the Life Reset Challenge. I decided that I would work on developing better relationships with my family and friends today. I will admit this was also important to me because I have been out of the country for two weeks and missed simply having the opportunity to speak and communicate with the people that are close to me. I must also admit it felt good to have a decent talk with my father and connect with friends today. I also know and realize in the future (once I return to work) I will not have the luxury of time to have these conversations. To combat that I know I have to plan the time to speak with them as much as I plan the time to do other things in my life that I deem important. I look forward to day 10.

Until then.... ciao!

I'm back...

Hey Folks! I am back! I feel like it has been forever since I posted on my blog but it's for a good reason. I have been out of the county in Barbados and Grenada enjoying all things carnival, the beaches, and the people. I had a great time and I cannot wait to share the pictures, reviews, and overall experiences with you all and of course resume my Life Reset Challenge and blogging about all things natural hair. I am going to start uploading pics now. See you all in a few!