Saturday, June 27, 2009

AT&T USBConnect Card


I know that this is a random. I recently purchased an AT&T USBConnect Mercury Card. I absolutely love it! I like the design, it's portable and the The USB also doubles as an external drive for memory. I purchased a 16gb card from Best Buy and stored all of my pictures and a few files without using space on my hard drive! (I love multi-functionality!)

I know that Broadband Internet can be costly compared to DSL or cable. But having the convenience of being able to have Internet access any and everywhere I go makes the premium worth it for me. I move too much to be restricted to a residence (I'm moving soon).

I will say this if you get one make sure that 3g is available in your area. If it's not, it's almost worth waiting for. 2g is not THAT slow, but still (I started to take it back). I'm paying for convenience AT&T provides wi-fi where I need it most HJ Atlanta Int Airport & Starbucks. So, I have 3g or wi-fi when I need it. It's a package deal even if they say it's free (to connect wi-fi hotspots), you are paying for it (monthly charges), so you may as well use it. That's my positive testimony of AT&T.


Yes, I'm at Starbucks right now. I have a Soy Chai Iced beverage. It's REALLY good & vegan ;)

Friday, June 26, 2009

Being Vegan 1st Month



This month has been wonderful for me! Look at all the wonderful fruits of the Earth I am able to consume! I'm going to tell you why I am so happy. I know that I am feeding my body the vitamins and nutrients it needs for me to be truly healthy. I love supporting local farmers. I went to a farmer's market and literally thanked the farmers for the labor and care involved of making sure that I am fed. I went to the market and picked up my meals for a few days and the farmer was nice enough to GIVE me a basket to carry my goodies in. Say what you want, but I am going to go to a fabric store and glue or staple me a cute interior for my basket (Save the plastic bags). I love farmers! Now, if I can get someone to send me one of those beautiful green stickers that says "Eat local food" um, you know who you are! Please send me one, you know where to get it from. I'm not one to express myself by damaging my car paint plastering stickers all over my car, but I will safely Scotch tape it to the back windshield somewhere. Not staining my glass either.


My experience being completely vegan is great. I know that it is a lifestyle change and I look forward to eating! Really. I never feel guilt about eating. But I do feel quite uncomfortable going out to dine. I'd rather have my vegetables! I have found that I am VERY particular about where I will dine and the ingredients in my food that I would just rather eat at home. It's economical and there's no uncertainty. If you decide to change your diet you will be able to relate to what I am talking about. Before becoming vegan there were a lot of things (reading product labels, etc) that I didn't do. With that said, it emphasizes the importance of education. I READ. EVERY ingredient. If I cannot pronounce it, I'm (very likely) not eating it. I just do not like uncertainty.

I tend to keep a lot to myself and I don't talk too much about my diet changes to others. Diet could be debated just like anything else and I would rather avoid the disagreement. I don't judge anyone for their food choices. Same for hair. My political opinion about either of these topics doesn't matter because if it isn't directly affecting myself (selfish but true) s, I'm not concerned with choices that affect others. On the other hand, if you are asking questions and need resources because you are at a point in your life where you are taking steps to make changes in your personal life and my testimony would be of help, then ask away! I will be of support.
I'm and avid (loose) tea drinker. Loose teas are of quality and taste really good! I love teas from Teavana. I try to drink a few cups throughout the day. Do your own research. Teavana has a great tea blog on their website you can check out! Brewing tea is an art. I never knew there was so much to tea until I experienced Teavana for myself. Amazing! So if you ever meet me around town, introduce yourself. I'll probably invite you to tea! Really. :) Other than teas, please pass my Fiji. Thank you. :)


Once you stop caring what others think of you and your decisions, think free will. Took me a while to learn it, but once you begin living those words...I cannot even explain it. :)


~LR

Today :)



Hey, Hey, Hey!! It's almost the beginning of a new month! Yay! I am not going to lie the events that have taken place over the course of the month couldn't have come at a better time!! Really! I'm going to try and make this as short and sweet without going into too many details.


Let's start with my hair. I told you all that I was going to keep it twisted for the month of June and I have for the most part. Of the month I've worn my hair out 4 days (up to date). I just had to make a collage of the most recent style. I purchased some beads from a local bss and retwisted a few strands to put the shells in and this was the result! I adore my hair.
This is my review of Oyinhandmade's Honeywash. I'm going to be honest. It lathers well and is ok, I just wasn't too impressed with it. I used it several times. It kind of made my hair feel straw like and dry. I use it to wash my (oily) face. Other than that, NEXT. I have an idea of a shampoo bar from another company that I am going to try next month and I will review it next month. I am going to keep the Juices & Berries.
I'm going to recognize a few people here. This is where I give congratulation caps to a few naturals. My sister and nephews (both babies, not to be dismissed) are all natural. My sister is about 6 months natural and her fro is fabulous!! If our schedules allow, I will be twisting her hair and adding shells. I would love to get a picture of all of us together and post in on here (soon). To all of my friends that are transitioning: Abony, Shauntay, and Kelia. Welcome to the natural family ladies!! :)


Also, I want to give a special thanks to those of you that have complimented me on my hair and are following me on the journey that I am sharing with you all.


Next, my weight, I stepped on the scale a few days ago and I'm down to 144lbs. Not too bad. I need to make it a point to workout even harder. I'm going to have to. I want to be comfortable and I am almost there. 10 pounds to go. I can do this. I'm running my own race & I will get to the finish line.


My bookshelf. I haven't read as much as I would've like to this month. I have been busy. That's all.


Thank you to all the people that I have met this month and to those of you I haven't met yet, I would like to Thank you. For being a part of my life. I have friends in my life that are complete strangers. :) I say that, but what I really mean is that they are angels. I believe God allows people in your life for a reason. It may not be disclosed to you and any blessing that comes my way shouldn't be questioned.. There is no explanation. No need for one either. I would go into detail but there's really no need to. I'm working everyday to establish my relationship with God. No worries. I'm good. Trust me. :)

Thank you Kelia

I've also updated my fotki page. Thank you ladies for the wonderful comments!








Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Random


It's been a week since my last post & wanted to update you on what's going on with me. First off, I cheated. Yes, I cheated, but let me explain why. My birthday was yesterday (I'm 26) and I wanted to be too cute for the weekend, even though I didn't do anything because....anyway, I've wore my hair out for the past few days. My twistout was sooo pretty!

Since I've moved back, my hair is getting some positive attention. *gasp* I know right? I find it quite flattering, especially when you partake in conversation with those alike. I love answering questions and talking about natural hair! So if you see me, don't be a stranger!

Recently I have spent a lot of time reading other blogs. Very interesting knowledge that people are communicating across the world. There isn't a day that fails to disappoint me with new knowledge.

I really want a Macbook. I've keep eyeing it and I believe July would be a great month to sacrifice that expense. My computer has lived long enough, plus my iPhone wants a compatible companion! :)

Update: Oyinhandmade's Honeywash-Neutral smell, lathers well, but not a keeper. It's just ok. I don't do well with ok, similar to settling, so I am going to try some of Inky's products (vegan) and come back in a few weeks with another review.

My pictures reflect the twists that I completed today. I've had a really bad day today, but my hair made up for it! Too cute and I really like the beads! It won't be long and I will be sporting a big bad a-fro! *smiles*
I'm still contributing to my bookshelf. I'll talk about it in a few days. I'm about to call it an early night. Sweet Dreams.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Fast Conclusion


I'm back! I cannot share everything that I have experienced during my fast, but I can say that it well worth it. I'm grateful for everything I learned throughout my 7 day journey. My attitude about food and being healthy are forever changed.

To be honest, I needed this fast. At the beginning, I couldn't give any concrete reasons as to why I was fasting. I continued after 3 days because it was a lot that I was learning! I spent my time thinking, meditating, planning, and surrounding myself around people of positive spirits. I am my own motivator. I know at the end of each day, I have to take care of myself. Your health should be your priority. It's ok to be uncertain of things in life. Fasting characterizes patience. Our bodies are truly amazing! Take good care of it!
One week prior to every new season, I'm going to fast 7 days. Totalling 28 days a year. I love my body and am no longer going to intentionally damage my body. There are enough environmental factors, UV rays, etc, that we are exposed to but the body thrives off nutrients that are provided by the natural fruits and grains of the Earth.
As of midnight tonight, I'm officially vegan. (After 8 months of being vegetarian). I thought that in celebration of my transition I purchased my absolute favorite dish-seaweed salad!! I also, purchased some Sesame Honey Cashews! I'm going to wait a few days before I consume the cashews (Thanks Denise!), but I am going to have a few bites of my seaweed salad & plenty of Fiji water!

For my 26th birthday, I will be purchasing a brand new bicycle! I'm so excited! I couldn't just get the bike, so I bought a brand new pair of custom Nike's to ride in style! That would be those in the picture! Aren't they smokin HOT!!! I'm ecstatic!! I'll be pedaling myself to great health this summer. I'm researching bike trails in the area, but don't be surprised if you see me out and about on my bike! Don't be a stranger, say hello!


Sunday, June 7, 2009

June Bookshelf

I'm on Amazon.com placing an order. I'm no cook, but I would like some ideas on some good recipes. This book seems to be a favorite for those that have similar diets to mine so, I'm picking up "Everyday Raw" by Matthew Kenney http://good.ly/auk3hr Note This book is paperback. It's fine because it is going to be in the kitchen.
Next, I'm ordering "Dying For Revenge" by Eric J. Dickey http://good.ly/auii63 . This book is part 3 of a trilogy. So if you haven't read the first 2 books "Sleeping with Strangers" and "Waking with Enemies", start with those! Both books are page turners and will not leave you disappointed! I was able to get both books with free shipping for $29.94. I should have both books in a few days!

I'm still reading "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Happy Friday!!


I'm still counting down!! 10 days til the big day!! To be honest, I'm going to be celebrating my birthday the entire month of June! I'm getting another massage on my birthday. My plan is to continue working out & getting monthly massages (I've gotten a membership-Health expense, not bill). I saw this nice kini that's going to be mine at the end of the summer! I've already got my trip planned at the end of July for Tampa. Should be exciting!

Next, I'm on Day 4 of my fast. I'm going to continue it, No set date for conclusion. I really feel great! Once my fast is completed, I'm officially vegan. Officially.

For the months of June and July, I'm keeping my hair twisted. Knot going to be a problem. Seriously.

I got my goodies today! The HoneyWash was surprisingly great! The HW has a very neutral/non-existent smell. It lathered well as a shampoo! That was a concern because I read reviews that complained about the consistency. I didn't have a problem with it at all. I used it as a facial wash and body wash, it was wonderful. My skin didn't feel dry afterwards. I'm going to continue to use this bottle and if I have no problems, it's going to be a keeper. So, if you have $9 get you a bottle to try!

Next, the Juices & Berries, lol. Every time I hear J&B, I think of the scene in "Coming to America". Hysterical! But this smells delicious! It's a summer treat for your hair! I'm going to use it everyday as a "refresher" for my hair! When I get down to one bottle, I'm going to order more. I actually prefer the scent of J&B over GJ, but both are equally divine!!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

June Challenges

I'm on Day 2 of my fast. I feel marvelous!! I researched some places around town for a massage, I felt that would be a deserving treat for my birthday and I ended up booking a massage today!! I'm totally relaxed. I may continue my fast for a few extra days. Just make sure you drink plenty of water. Everyone has their reasons for fasting. I just felt that this was something that I needed to do for myself.

Also, Friday, I am expecting some more goodies for my hair! I'm going to try the HoneyWash as a shampoo, as well as trying the J&B refresher. I've only used Greg Juice, so I will give you my experience with these products. Another challenge I have for myself is to keep my hair twisted the entire month of June & July. I'm so tired of knots, I could scream. I'm doing it for protection. So I'll shampoo once a week and retwist. I'll be sure to take a picture Friday and then a comparison shot at the end of the summer! I hope you have a great night! I'll be back Friday.

Finished "Maneater"

I finished the book last night. "Maneater" I must say is a book that will have you on edge of your seat, sofa, or couch the entire time! You will not want to put it down! You can definitely tell that the writing styles of the authors are completely different! Her style was straight street. Both authors relayed their points in their stories while leaving many unanswered questions. That's why I enjoy reading books. I'm not going to spoil it for you but Noire's half of the book was CRAZY!! You are going to read it and have a few giggles. I know I did! Only because you KNOW that something is about to go down. The ending is a trip though. Her story will make you think about how you treat your true friends. "You reap what you sow" just remember that when you are reading her half of the book. Crazy! Plus, it gives you some insight of the things that go on within guys relationships with their friends. The conversations that these guys had in this book, I could really hear going on somewhere on this Earth. I cannot say too much without ruining the suspense and drama so you have to make judgement to get the book or not, but it will make great discussion!! Where are my readers at?! What are your thoughts of the book?

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Happy June :)


New month! For starters, I'm going to update you on my fast. It's almost 5:30pm est, and I feel fine. My reason for fasting? I just want to start over. I try to take as best care of my body. By not focusing on food, I am able to meditate my thoughts on other things that are going on in my life. I'm utilizing this time to do a little planning. I try not to revolve my life too much on plans because as always, things don't often go as planned. But no one ever accomplished anything without a plan, so having the time to do this is going to be relaxing for me.

In the meanwhile, I added another book to my library (I'm past a collection) yesterday (Monday). I ended up purchasing "Maneater" by Mary Morrison & Noire. This is a co-authored book and its 2 books in 1. 1/2 is written by each author and I have read Morrison's half titled "Character of a Man". I will admit after you read a few of her books that there is something that you will learn or will be left thinking after reading. As you turn the pages awaiting the plot, you will be left wondering and thinking about what happened. I'm just glad none of this fictionalized drama occurs in my life. But I can only imagine the events in this book that are actually written of someones actual life. Definitely a great read. Morrison's half is not a disappointment at all. I'm not going to spoil anything for you, but if you have read any of her work you already know....

This is just a side note that I noticed in Morrison's half. She referenced a list of books and a few of the books she mentioned were of her work and by others. I had to laugh because as I looked at the list, I HAVE read all the books listed except 2. She also quoted "The Audacity of Hope". That was nice, since I'm picking that book back up after I complete this one. This is an easy read. I will also say that it opens your eyes to the importance of friendships in your life. Everyone needs someone sometime. It's true.
It also shed light on the internal struggles that have been publicized about in the past few years. Once you have the education and money, it sheds light on other problems that occur in one's life. Makes you wonder is it worth it? Everyone wants to be successful. Nothing wrong with that, but with more money comes more problems. That is not fiction. Just try not to get caught up in the materialistic lifestyle that each of the characters' possess. They deserve the their purchases. You have to slow down at some point and time to find out what our purpose is on this Earth and realize that a lot of money and career marriage isn't it. Or you will end up alone and unhappy.

I'm beginning to read Noire's half titled "Sugar-Honey-Ice-Tee". This will be a first for me because I have not read any of her work. I will post a review of that half later tonight or tomorrow. I thought about going back to review some of the other books in my "library" that I've read, but I feel it would be better to review books that I'm currently reading and am going to read. If there is a book that you'd like to know if I've read, let me know and I will tell you if I have and my thoughts!
Is anyone else reading this book? Let me know, What are your thoughts?