New Year, New You or Same Old You?

2016 is upon us and plenty of resolutions are being made or goals being hashed but are you one of the people making new plans or are you steady on the path that you have already forged in 2015? There is something to be said for starting fresh but there are plenty of people who are on track and working towards accomplishing and building on the goals from 2015. If you are on track, there are methods that can be used to accomplish bigger and better goals. It is the time to make some plans that scare you. They say if your dreams don’t scare you then they aren’t big enough.

If you find that you are stuck and not on track then these are some ways that you can release your inner “Go Getter“:

Have No Fear. Fear is the top reason why we don’t pursuit the things that we want to do whether it be business or pleasure. Be freaking fearless. I know, easier said than done. The truth is you are going to fail and you are going to succeed but many times we will experience more failure than success. Failing is perfectly fine. The key to failing is learning from our failures. Failure can teach us our greatest lessons.
Belong to a Tribe. You have to belong to a group of people who are like minded and are also aspiring to similar goals. A support system is nice but the system may not know how to advise you or help you get to next steps. Your tribe, or people who are pursuing similar goals will also be in the process. Some people will be behind you (you can mentor them) and some will me miles ahead of you (they will mentor you).
Educate Yourself. This really is the information age and you can find several ways in order to educate yourself. There are free podcasts, websites and several inspirational folks to follow on social media. You can splurge on webinars and seminars where you get more individualized attention and might have specific concerns and questions answered by industry leaders. Whatever field you are in requires you staying on top of your game and that only comes through staying abreast of the information required for you to win.
Nourish Your Body. Stay healthy with a proper diet and exercise. You cannot accomplish very much if you are not at your optimal best and this is both mental and physical. Every successful person devotes time to bettering their well being and so should you. Your income does not have to determine your health.

So, where are you in the process? Are you starting fresh or forging ahead on the accomplishments from 2015?

January 5, 2016 0

Summer Flashback. I Can Pretend That It’s Still Summer, Right?

Palm trees and blue skies. Some people get to see it everyday but I don't. I would like for it to be my daily view one day. — Palm trees and blue skies. Some people get to see it everyday but I don’t. I would like for it to be my daily view one day.

Our first leg of Summer vacation began in Orlando. We rewarded Angelique with a trip to Universal Studios (Harry Potter World) because she put some major work in over the Summer academically. She deserved a great trip. The second leg was Miami. Yeah, that's mama's reward. We took our first cruise on the Norwegian Sky. — Our first leg of Summer vacation began in Orlando. We rewarded Angelique with a trip to Universal Studios (Harry Potter World) because she put some major work in over the Summer academically. She deserved a great trip. The second leg was Miami. Yeah, that’s mama’s reward. We took our first cruise on the Norwegian Sky.

It was freestyle cruising, which means there was never a need to really dress formally for any events. I really appreciated that.

The hubby woke up early every morning to catch sunsets and an early breakfast. Angelique and I thought it best to sleep in.

Our first stop was Nassau, Bahamas. We soaked up some sun on the beach and visited a local African museum. I like finding out about the history of the people of the places that I visit. You find that we are more similar than we are different.

Angelique always thinks it's a good idea to get covered in sand. — Angelique always thinks it’s a good idea to get covered in sand.

L1006965 — I was convinced to pose like this for the shot but then I had sand stuck in my hair for about 4 days despite numerous shampoos.

It was time to say goodbye to the ship and head back to Miami. Miami is my local happy place.

It was hard being cut off for civilization for days upon days while on the ship so docking in MIA and getting back online was a treat for us all.

I love the art deco vibe that surrounds you on South Beach.

L1007371 — We’ve taken this path to the beach many times but it never gets old.

There is fantastic green foliage separating the beach from the park where people play volleyball, bike or jog along Collins Ave.

Angelique thought it would be a great idea for us to do an impromptu photo shoot in Vans with her dad's Leica. — Angelique thought it would be a great idea for us to do an impromptu photo shoot in Vans with her dad’s Leica.

This tan is fantastic and should last till about November !

Photos: @Johnricard

Taken with @Leica_Camera

@CruiseNorwegian

October 12, 2015 0

The Short and Long of It. Do you Prefer shoulder Length or Long Hair?

The shoulder length!!! Got some great layers and can wear it parted in the middle or side.

2014-09-19 18.03.48 — Shoulder length cut after it is blow dried and curled.

Hair at bra strap length. I found that my hair tangled more frequently and I often opted for the bun instead of wearing my hair "out". — Hair at bra strap length. I found that my hair tangled more frequently and I often opted for the bun instead of wearing my hair “out”.

After wearing my hair both ways for some time now, I still cannot definitively say I like one style over the other. They both have benefits. I cut my hair to a shoulder length at least once a year. I’m not sure why. It’s almost a ritual at this point. When my hair is shorter , it is more difficult to scoop up in a bun so I end up styling it more. I prefer to run my fingers through my hair when it’s shorter. This is a more difficult task with long hair. My fingers are always caught up in my hair midway and my hands exit unsuccessfully after trying to get through numerous tangles.

It’s about that time of year again where I chop my hair to shoulder length but I don’t know if I’m quite ready. I have been religiously scooping my hair up in a bun so I haven’t really enjoyed it long. To be honest, a great wig or weave is calling my name right about now. I’ll keep you posted….

October 6, 2015 0

Jermaine’s Closet: Thrift Store/Vintage Finds.

What are the items that make up your closet? My cousin Jermaine has some of the coolest pieces and the thing that makes the pieces so cool is that everyone doesn’t have them. Why? Because her statement pieces are all thrifted and vintage finds from some of her favorite thrift stores. Jermaine is able to find designer bags, kimonos, dashikis, tunics, cool tee shirts and classic blazers. This post is dedicated to her style and an introduction to some of those pieces that makes her style so unique.

This white tunic is Middle Eastern inspired and an essential for hot summer days. The white tunic paired with solid colors, like the red bag and green sandals makes the tunic updated and classic.

The modern dashiki! The basic khaki color gets a kick when paired with red geometric lines. Pair the top with grey jeans and a red or nude pump.

The classic, Ralph Lauren shirt gets the dress appeal. why not wear a shirt as a dress? The familiar white and blue lines takes us straight to the Hamptons or the shore. Red is a great color to compliment this shirt but you may also choose an orange for additional summertime punch.

Janelle Monae brought the derby hat back and this look is a homage. A vintage tee shirt paired with a blazer and the derby brings this outfit from day to night.

Take off the blazer and the derby hat and you have your daytime look.

Sometimes your heels hurt and you have to take them off. Lol.

The Boho infused with dashiki vibes.

We like florals and these kimono style robes fit the bill.

A great thrift find that is underrated and not utilized enough is the silk robe. This Chinese inspired style is fierce and June Ambrose agrees. Check her Instagram because she made these robes style approved. The robes are a staple for Jermaine and you can find plenty of them in her closet.

The End.

What do you think of Jermaine’s closet? What are some of your favorite pieces from her wardrobe?

Instagram:

Jermaine: Jermine35

Makeup: Nkem_Naija

Photos: TamaraNYC

August 2, 2015 0

Last Stop on the Q Train.

When the temperature starts to rise in Brooklyn or most places in NYC for that matter, where do the locals head? A little closer to the Atlantic Ocean. When you are looking for cool breeze and some fun then you go to the beach at Coney Island, ride a few rides at Luna Park, grab a bite of your favorite festival treat and take some Instagram pictures while you’re at it at a cool Art Wall.

This really cool mermaid mural is done by an artist named Lady Aiko, The murals are in the midst of a Smorgasburg (a cool mix of food trucks and vendors serving cultural favorites).

This black and white piece was a popular one with the picture taking crowd.

We were caught up with the art walls during on of our 2 day (consecutive) visits but this is how we get to Coney Island. First, we ditch the car. Driving to Coney Island on a weekend is a “no-go”. We park at our local train stop and hop on the “Q-Train”. It gets us there quickly plus the ride is outdoors and the view as you pull into the Coney Island stop (used to be Stillwell Ave.) is awesome and cannot be beat.

Take a peek in the purse and try to find treats for the train ride.

The beach was crowed with New Yorkers looking to beat the heat but despite the crowd it was a festive vibe. No one seemed to care that the water was frigid.

It is really simple to get here. Last stop on the Q Train.

Photos: John Ricard shot on his Leica

www.Coneyisland.com

www.lunaparknyc.com

July 13, 2015 0

Summertime and the Living is Easy.

As much as I love going away for vacation, there is nothing I love more than sitting at home on my front porch. There is a constant display of toys (for children of differing ages just in case we get little visitors), comfy fold up chairs and family/friends. It is not the norm to have a big porch in Brooklyn and we probably sit on it as much as we do. There is a backyard that we seldom use, maybe it’s because there is no street view in the back? We know the neighbors and the neighbors know us. We children play (outside) together. They ride their bikes and scooters up and down the block. It feels like comfort. It feels like Summer.

IBJJF 2015 NY Spring Open, April 11, 2015 photographed by John Ricard. — Summertime….and the livin’ is easy.

Photos: JohnRicard using his Leica

July 13, 2015 0

Hudson Valley on the 4th: Tarrytown

We spent the afternoon of the 4th of July at a town along the Hudson River called Tarrytown. It is a stones throw from the Bronx but a mile away in comparison to the hustle and bustle of the big city and concrete jungle. The is a vast amount of land and green spaces everywhere. We came along some great historic moments while we were there and got a chance to visit the homes of some of the men who made American History and New York City what it is today. We toured “Sunnyside”, the home of Washington Irving. The author who wrote “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. We learned on the tour that he also coined the terms, “Gotham” and “Knickerbockers” to refer to New York and New Yorkers. The grounds are well kept to this day and the museum homes are pristine. We then took a short drive, less than 5 minutes, to the Lyndhurst Castle. It was built by Jay Gould, a Wall Street magnate. The castle is used for weddings and events today. There is a beautiful Rose Garden and Conservatory that is the complement to any great photos or backdrop for unforgettable events. I recommend the short, 1 1/2 hours from Brooklyn, or hop on the Metro North from New York City.

L1008037 — The little flag on the right is a 4th of July bonus. There were little facts posted about America’s past as you walked along the grounds.

L1008048 — Listening to the brook on the grounds at Sunnyside.

L1008097 — Angelique decided to marry us in the Rose Garden at Lyndhurst Castle since I mentioned I would love to get married there.

If time permits, you can also visit the home of the Rockefeller family while in Tarrytown. Kykuit is the Rockefeller Estate and you can also tour the home and estate. It is in Sleepy Hollow, which is a 10 to 15 minute drive from Sunnyside. These are just a few of the historic sites that the Hudson Valley has to offer. If you are looking for a quick getaway or a day trip then this is a “must do”.

www.hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites

www.iloveny.com

Photos: John Ricard

July 5, 2015 0

Chanel Inspired Bag via Forever 21

Every girl needs a stylish, yet small shoulder bag that can take them from day into night. Normally I like to spend a few dollars in order to get a durable leather bag that will last me for a couple of years but every now and then I score a non leather find at the right price that has the right style. I recently found this chic little Chanel inspired, black, quilted shoulder bag at Forever 21. The bag is just big enough to hold a small purse, phone and car keys. It is stylish and looks a lot procure than the twenty dollars that I paid for it. I can take it to the gym, brunch and for a night out. It goes with everything, including gym clothes (which the NY girls seem to be obsessed with right now).

The black quilted bag from Forever 21 along with my favorite Foster Grant sunglasses, the Vintage style.

Yoga pants and top from The Gap. Sneakers from Nike.

Instagram: @Forever21 @Foster_Grant_Sunglasses

June 30, 2015 0

Sunglasses, Loafers and Bangles.

Summer is approaching and I am delighted by the warmer weather and longer days. Finally time for me to break out the loafers and sandals, white tees, sunglasses and pretty accessories. There are some staples that I believe in when it comes to the Summer wardrobe. Anything white and light denim livens up any Summer outfit. It spells cool and breezy. I am a tried and true New Yorker and my uniform is all black and grey in the Winter but I keep the Black to a minimum when it comes to the Summer dressing. Here is a look at some of the things I love and keep in constant rotation for the Summer.

The brown, tortoise shell shades from the GAP.

My leopard print flat loafers. Got these from Tar-jay many years ago. They are a bit beaten but still going strong.

Pretty, gold tone, bracelets. One from CWonder and the other, I'm not sure. — Pretty, gold tone, bracelets. One from CWonder and the other, I’m not sure.

IG: @Foster_grant_sunglasses

@Gap

@Target

June 16, 2015 0

It’s a Henna Kind of Summer.

I’ve been friends with or following Jhaszmyn on Instagram for some time now. She is a creative and it was a great thing when I saw that she was doing henna tattoos ad not just doing the tats but also making house calls. It was too good to be true. I’ve been wanting to get henna-ed for some time now and I’m not sure why it took me this long. I suppose the time was never right and the right situation never happened till now. Jhaszmyn arrived at our noon appointment time and she was ready to get right to making art. She is super sweet and very creative. She was more than happy to give me the design on my choice and made sure I was happy with my choices.

After getting the henna, I now needed my photog extraordinaire hubby, John, to hook me up with some awesome photos. We worked together and got some awesome shots. He was kind enough to capture some beautiful images for me. It only took him a short period of time to do it but he created some stunners here.

What a great way to spend a Saturday!

Jhaszmyn, the henna artist, hard at work.

No real meaning or occasion for the henna. Just an outlet for some creativity that I was feeling.

Love the way these rosebushes matched the feel of the henna and the deep wine color of the nails is perfect in the midst of it all.

Feeling a little like bad Gal Rih Rih with these digits tatted.

The curls aren't fully dried but I used "Creme of Nature's" Butterliciuous Curl Cream on the curls today. — The curls aren’t fully dried but I used “Creme of Nature’s” Butterliciuous Curl Cream on the curls today.

Instagram:

Photos: Johnricard

Henna Art: Jhasmynpratt

Hair: CremeofNature

June 6, 2015 2