tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88006862842478924772024-03-05T21:48:19.667-06:00Lil Miss Honey BLil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-1919244894710880922020-04-29T14:43:00.005-05:002021-09-10T17:10:37.087-05:00What Can I Say?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Waiting for someone to reply to you can sometimes feel like an eternity. Coming up with the perfect reply can sometimes be torturous. For a long while I've felt like I've had so much to share but didn't know quite how to articulate it. In a span of about 2 years, I'd gone under an enormous mental and spiritual transformation. Suddenly, my job wasn't my job and many of my friends weren't my friends anymore. What originally felt like a nightmare quickly became the catalyst that brought my creative juices back to the forefront of my life; a rebirth if you will. Through it all I learned a very valuable lesson: choose yourself first.<br />
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Whether it's a relationship, a job or a member of your family, toxicity can be debilitating. It can squelch your dreams, kill your confidence and make you feel like you're on autopilot. Sometimes it's painfully obvious that you have found yourself in a toxic situation. Other times it can be a little harder to pinpoint.<br />
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I would encourage you to take inventory of the places, people and activities that you surround yourself with the most. How do you feel after spending time in these environments? If you can honestly say that you feel energized, then that's wonderful. But if you find yourself feeling drained, upset or ill then it's time to make some changes.<br />
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I realize that it's not always practical to immediately cut off the source of toxicity in your life, but you can definitely make modifications to how you react in them. For me, making modifications amid toxicity became a learned behavior and something that I had to practice.<br />
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Ridding yourself of toxic people, environments and habits can be extremely liberating. For me, it has opened up a path to be able to do some of the things that I've always wanted to do. I've rediscovered my love for DIY endeavors and have completed several projects within my home.<br />
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I've spent loads of time in solitude (pre-COVID-19), ghosted some of my social media platforms (shouldn't be a surprise <a href="http://www.lilmisshoneyb.com/2015/05/why-i-left-facebook.html" target="_blank">there</a>), did some traveling and treated myself like a queen (I deserved). I challenge you to identify the toxic areas in your life and then do your best to exterminate them. Thank me later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-78081604893891970342018-02-28T17:23:00.002-06:002021-09-10T17:12:34.266-05:00Stop Complaning<b style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofBpYtq3MAOvFIJfa75oYLHh5fvD51Gf4d-U6dPh88MBt13OqxAwA6jJsSafHMjldVJshxvd9yRfib_khcpKtJyCk9z64pZEUALr-bDuRQTV0DEkVcch2ZOeY12gVKEgVA8WgxAiExXU/s1600/bethany-legg-14229-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofBpYtq3MAOvFIJfa75oYLHh5fvD51Gf4d-U6dPh88MBt13OqxAwA6jJsSafHMjldVJshxvd9yRfib_khcpKtJyCk9z64pZEUALr-bDuRQTV0DEkVcch2ZOeY12gVKEgVA8WgxAiExXU/s400/bethany-legg-14229-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Bethany Legg</td></tr>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I always feel slightly attacked when someone says ‘stop complaining’. I’m compelled to respond with, “But you don’t know what I’ve been through, you don’t know my life!” And while my assertion is correct, someone who urges me not to complain is also correct. As positive as a person as I strive to be, I know that I can always find something to complain about. Complaining is contagious--one person starts up and then a whole domino effect takes place. I’m convinced that some friendships were founded upon the mutual desire to complain to one another. While there is a need to vent from time to time, I’ve noticed that complaining often does nothing to solve my problems. In fact, complaining can make existing problems linger.</span></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-819d1720-d3a9-056c-fde3-80e3c521daf3" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a name='more'></a><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I go through life I often ask myself “how can I do this better?” If I can recognize something that helps make my life easier or more efficient, I definitely try to implement it. It’s not always easy for me to do this. Often, I fail many times before I’ve mastered anything. It’s a struggle for me to keep calm, remain humble and try not to think about giving up. I’ve learned that it’s important to surround yourself with people who believe in your success. People who don’t have your best interests at heart will always try to talk you out of becoming your best self. You need a support system that is brimming with positivity--anything less will just impede your progress.</span>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I embark on my journey to stop complaining, here are a few things that I try to keep in mind:</span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Take baby steps.</span>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have to keep reminding myself that nothing changes overnight. I might start with something like,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I will not complain about anything this morning</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. While this might sound like a simple command, I often find it difficult to do. No complaining means no complaining--even when there are unexpected delays, even when the weather isn’t favorable, even if I spill coffee everywhere. I just find that the more I practice this, the easier it becomes.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be grateful for all the good things in your life.</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve noticed that people (myself included) tend to take it for granted that anything good in their lives is expected to be the norm, while any negative circumstance just happens to be a grave inconvenience. We forget to consistently be thankful for all the positive things that we have going on and can be so quick to jump on the opportunity to highlight anything negative. Focusing on the negative aspects of your life too often creates toxic energy that makes it difficult to move forward. I find that if I start my day with <a href="http://www.lilmisshoneyb.com/2015/09/an-attitude-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">gratitude</a>, I am better able to put any negative situations into perspective. </span>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Know that everything is not meant to go your way.</span></b><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I think this is a lesson that we learn as toddlers, but for some reason, I forget this one often in my adulthood. Living in a society that’s never been more technologically advanced, instant gratification is the name of game. We’ve come to expect everything in our lives to work immediately and error-free whether it’s our vehicles, our smartphones or even people around us. The reality is, no matter how good something or someone is, nothing is perfect. The more readily that I accept this truth, the easier it is for me to refrain from complaining when something goes wrong.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look back at how far you’ve come.</span></b></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I recognize all that I have accomplished throughout my life, sometimes I forget to actually give myself credit for my accomplishments. We get so caught up in what we want to accomplish next that we fail to realize that at one time, we hoped and prayed to be able to do the things that we’re able to do with ease right now. Looking back doesn’t discount the fact that I am continuing to strive to do more within my life, but it does put into perspective how much I have already done. I find it hard to complain when I am thinking like this.</span>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know if I will ever eliminate complaining from my life completely. But I do know complaining less has had a positive impact on my life. Do I have days when I forget everything and revert back? Absolutely, but the key is that I never stop trying. Stop complaining for a minute, an hour, a whole day and see if impacts your life for the better.</span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-10579189163086006232018-01-01T05:17:00.003-06:002021-09-10T17:22:39.365-05:00My Year in ReviewI can remember it like it was yesterday: A little more than a year ago, I found myself in a very difficult <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1VBRQw-IxBZ7DeOPkQrDmDbjiVIBHztUpZBHn6s1NH2mxgB38TipPOUmtdjmdLm3Nx2eve_W8Yy8u3U3XGZoQi-BL1zHt66Y_BIDIZCd9OuN3ldfvdRGRgaX32PM7UaGp-M473FSlMQ/s1600/cropped-2018.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1250" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1VBRQw-IxBZ7DeOPkQrDmDbjiVIBHztUpZBHn6s1NH2mxgB38TipPOUmtdjmdLm3Nx2eve_W8Yy8u3U3XGZoQi-BL1zHt66Y_BIDIZCd9OuN3ldfvdRGRgaX32PM7UaGp-M473FSlMQ/s320/cropped-2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
space. I was discontented, exhausted and at the end of my rope. In my frustration, I declared, "In six months I won't be in this position." That statement, uttered out of desperate defiance, was the catalyst for one of the most amazing transformations I experienced in 2017. Despite the barrage of dismal news stories that dominated the media, 2017 was by and large a great year for me. I overcame some of my biggest fears, met new people and did a lot of traveling. Here are some my biggest moments of 2017:<br />
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1. My mom returning from an African mission<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB7vLS2gnZhNxYxYKT0lxfMYNE7aPZw3Em9SCkYbPUgokzGwE9zfR4CiIUv4H2QR9J1FJ689_v0cjrGiuhWyVcDIsL7sTgEugf8-BKeu-M8RxveDp7-hMcWaKT_gKlJ0R7rVDNwA4hLs/s1600/20180101_004903.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1349" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB7vLS2gnZhNxYxYKT0lxfMYNE7aPZw3Em9SCkYbPUgokzGwE9zfR4CiIUv4H2QR9J1FJ689_v0cjrGiuhWyVcDIsL7sTgEugf8-BKeu-M8RxveDp7-hMcWaKT_gKlJ0R7rVDNwA4hLs/s200/20180101_004903.jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
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My mom is a registered nurse practitioner specializing in Ob/Gyn. For the last 2 months of 2016 and most of January of 2017, she went to Tanzania to perform midwife mission work. While her experience was deeply rewarding, her presence was sorely missed back home, especially during the holidays. When she made it back to the states late in January, I couldn't have been happier. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXEC38FG5B5qn1OMXOUjU0NHbbNu8t0DXiSy1uCDh92B6HnVH7ZIOVKUvd_CWY3NCCVE9kEIeomD9YQUuTC9ctoODQVzeOsFMRZdBxo30LttYjFExQ2cZq5SwquT8tZinsr29bUi4oAo/s1600/20171231_232931.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="755" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXEC38FG5B5qn1OMXOUjU0NHbbNu8t0DXiSy1uCDh92B6HnVH7ZIOVKUvd_CWY3NCCVE9kEIeomD9YQUuTC9ctoODQVzeOsFMRZdBxo30LttYjFExQ2cZq5SwquT8tZinsr29bUi4oAo/s200/20171231_232931.jpg" width="141" /></a>2. Visiting Panama City Beach<br />
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Even though I live close to the water, I live for a tropical getaway. No two beaches are alike, and Panama City Beach did not disappoint with their white sands and amazingly blue ocean as far as the eye can see. This destination easily possessed a Caribbean-like quality that only enhanced its charm. I definitely plan on going back.<br /><br />
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3. Cruise to Mexico<br />
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Our family's 5 day cruise to Cozumel and Progreso Yucatan couldn't have come at a better time. With the first half of 2017 being an especially busy year for our entire family, we readily embraced everything that our trip had to offer. Whether we were catching shows on our cruise ship or soaking up the sun in Cozumel or climbing pyramids in Uxmal, our adventures won't soon be forgotten.<br />
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4. The time my words manifested into something wonderful<div><br />Going back to the time when I said 'In six months, I won't be in this position,' I now realize how powerful the words that we speak over ourselves are. Upon my return from my cruise, I received some awesome news. I wasn't sure of how everything was going to work, but I knew that my quality of life would dramatically improve. Going forward, I am consistently working on conquering my fears while remembering to always stand up for what is right.<br />
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5. Hurricane Harvey slammed into South Texas<br />
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Residents of Rockport, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi Texas and surrounding areas braced themselves in August when Hurricane Harvey barreled its way through the coastline of South Texas. While Corpus Christi wasn't badly affected by the storm, structures in Rockport and Port Aransas Texas were obliterated by Harvey. I was blessed that I was able to evacuate and that our property sustained minimal damage. For all the communities that are slowly rebuilding, humanity can be found in the way that people have used their resources to help one another. #TexasStrong<br />
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6. The time bae took the most epic beach pic<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93tzAHV8fjNQNIq59C5H1DQrrRmcwBE9JaiBgt_QeZU-19KcogbTNr5sBv7yRkYj8oajDCXKL5jOkag4ReZT6kl_zR41VUlNtaksgVddxz_eqy8b3lebwyW9IHFyRP46bgCWZX4C1n5E/s1600/20170905_210315.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1111" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93tzAHV8fjNQNIq59C5H1DQrrRmcwBE9JaiBgt_QeZU-19KcogbTNr5sBv7yRkYj8oajDCXKL5jOkag4ReZT6kl_zR41VUlNtaksgVddxz_eqy8b3lebwyW9IHFyRP46bgCWZX4C1n5E/s200/20170905_210315.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="146" /></a><br />
When I captioned this pic 'Forever Mood' on my Instagram, I wasn't playing! In my mind, this is what an endless Summer vacation looks like: plenty of sunshine, sparkling water and my favorite pair of shades. Bonus points if you're wearing your favorite Ashley Graham swimsuit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXJLY-AFcHIZGSshyfSxrwP7fnddmjqGfM5Wtg6-eM6P7qK2RZ6wz6NJhewjKM8RyJTto2PLKOLWDvBW7Lhg6LvB0tSw3rR82d7-85gqgrDQB9bS0_y6lVhoqQlsFBciQVCDsA_6zN8Y/s1600/thumbnail_20171001_120530.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXJLY-AFcHIZGSshyfSxrwP7fnddmjqGfM5Wtg6-eM6P7qK2RZ6wz6NJhewjKM8RyJTto2PLKOLWDvBW7Lhg6LvB0tSw3rR82d7-85gqgrDQB9bS0_y6lVhoqQlsFBciQVCDsA_6zN8Y/s1600/thumbnail_20171001_120530.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> 7. The Las Vegas Massacre<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXJLY-AFcHIZGSshyfSxrwP7fnddmjqGfM5Wtg6-eM6P7qK2RZ6wz6NJhewjKM8RyJTto2PLKOLWDvBW7Lhg6LvB0tSw3rR82d7-85gqgrDQB9bS0_y6lVhoqQlsFBciQVCDsA_6zN8Y/s1600/thumbnail_20171001_120530.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="772" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXJLY-AFcHIZGSshyfSxrwP7fnddmjqGfM5Wtg6-eM6P7qK2RZ6wz6NJhewjKM8RyJTto2PLKOLWDvBW7Lhg6LvB0tSw3rR82d7-85gqgrDQB9bS0_y6lVhoqQlsFBciQVCDsA_6zN8Y/s200/thumbnail_20171001_120530.jpg" width="143" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXJLY-AFcHIZGSshyfSxrwP7fnddmjqGfM5Wtg6-eM6P7qK2RZ6wz6NJhewjKM8RyJTto2PLKOLWDvBW7Lhg6LvB0tSw3rR82d7-85gqgrDQB9bS0_y6lVhoqQlsFBciQVCDsA_6zN8Y/s1600/thumbnail_20171001_120530.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>When I traveled to <a href="http://www.lilmisshoneyb.com/2017/10/24-hours-in-vegas-my-story.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas</a> on the morning of October 1, 2017, I had no idea that I'd be witnessing<br />
some of the fallout from the largest massacre in modern American history. What was meant to be a celebration of independence, strength and happiness quickly turned into enigmatic real-life nightmare. As much as I enjoyed myself in Vegas, I've found this shocking tragedy impossible to forget. I feel for the families of those who lost their lives, and of how the victims deserved so much better.<br /><br /><br />
8. Seeing Janet Jackson in concert<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnUklXJA5mbpQ2W32GU_fwRKZzUSQapdb9bVsWYhBBZvpC-FyqZUC1kt9bV0AuzrmnKI-OXUs_jkLMHHfrbTCuvPYVc0LIs6x4kEKnv72zWWj7Ys8MTH7L9Qcwz-w8z_GecEKlSzvwrc/s1600/20180101_025844.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="601" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnUklXJA5mbpQ2W32GU_fwRKZzUSQapdb9bVsWYhBBZvpC-FyqZUC1kt9bV0AuzrmnKI-OXUs_jkLMHHfrbTCuvPYVc0LIs6x4kEKnv72zWWj7Ys8MTH7L9Qcwz-w8z_GecEKlSzvwrc/s200/20180101_025844.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
When I tell you that she still has it, Janet Jackson has still<i> got it</i>. She is as beautiful, graceful, fierce and humble as she appears to be on television. At 51 years sold, she easily dances better than women half her age. One thing that I noticed was how much of her brother Michael shines through while she performs. Janet is a timeless, classy entertainer whose talent transcends time.<br />
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9. It snowed for the first time in 13 years<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhItVIoy-SfOMoQHSpwrpMz9T8h0nNC91GcLcBLt-6Zunbjcqf9wcF64HJQ69SORDOsuasizhMU7vgM_SpGSY0negAqVdBZDpGjjlrBnUHSb5hmSWESnzdwju3KpxvOM3-0XI4BSvkEM/s1600/Resized_20171208_071550.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhItVIoy-SfOMoQHSpwrpMz9T8h0nNC91GcLcBLt-6Zunbjcqf9wcF64HJQ69SORDOsuasizhMU7vgM_SpGSY0negAqVdBZDpGjjlrBnUHSb5hmSWESnzdwju3KpxvOM3-0XI4BSvkEM/s200/Resized_20171208_071550.jpeg" width="150" /></a>Living in a tropical climate, snowfall almost never happens. The last time before 2017 was in 2004 <br />
to be exact, and that was the first time that I had seen snow in my entire life. While I realize that heavy snow can be problematic and often dangerous, there's just something about freshly fallen snow that is magical; especially in an environment where it's unexpected.<br /><br />
10. Spending Christmas at my mom's house<br />
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Our family is a tig<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nVmmMli_RJWjzLPU2s7gHOjQY8KmjTN1ZtjIam2EakikHptTF3L7TLg6B7Ea9MihFqzMj6xvTERt_1jpIjf8VtpfB8VmMBREPeQZoLnvNUBozjhEyvliThlsx2D1KZiqi7AFj-LFqPU/s1600/Screenshot_20171225-003319_1514205497790001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="961" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nVmmMli_RJWjzLPU2s7gHOjQY8KmjTN1ZtjIam2EakikHptTF3L7TLg6B7Ea9MihFqzMj6xvTERt_1jpIjf8VtpfB8VmMBREPeQZoLnvNUBozjhEyvliThlsx2D1KZiqi7AFj-LFqPU/s200/Screenshot_20171225-003319_1514205497790001.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="178" /></a>htly knit one, so when the holidays roll around, spending then together as a family<br />
is very important to us. My mom's absence last year made it clear that we prefer to have her around during the holidays. We had beautiful decorations, wonderful gifts and delicious food, but the best part of this holiday season was enjoying one another's company. This Christmas has allowed me to really appreciate my loved ones, and to avoid taking anything for granted.<br />
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<br /><div><br /></div><div>2017 wasn't without its challenges, but overall, 2017 was very good to me. As I step into 2018, I look forward to more love, light, goal-slaying and happiness. Here's to 2018! I'm ready.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/w640-h308/Blog+closing+-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nVmmMli_RJWjzLPU2s7gHOjQY8KmjTN1ZtjIam2EakikHptTF3L7TLg6B7Ea9MihFqzMj6xvTERt_1jpIjf8VtpfB8VmMBREPeQZoLnvNUBozjhEyvliThlsx2D1KZiqi7AFj-LFqPU/s1600/Screenshot_20171225-003319_1514205497790001.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<br /></div></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-1521086674835418502017-11-29T17:48:00.004-06:002021-09-10T17:29:45.504-05:00Birthday Vibin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's my birthday and I couldn't be more excited! This post is dedicated to the celebration of life and all its possibilities. It's a reminder that I've been given another chance learn, grow and change. For me, It definitely represents a <a href="http://www.lilmisshoneyb.com/2017/11/its-november-thing.html" target="_blank">new beginning.</a> <br />
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I took these birthday photos in beautiful Seguin, Texas. Outfit details are listed at the end of this post.<br />
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Plaid Top: Forever 21 <a href="https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/Product/PLUS/branded-shop/2000240484" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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Plaid Skirt: Forever 21 <a href="https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/Product/F21/branded-shop/2000260476" target="_blank">here</a> Similar <a href="https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/Catalog/Product/plus/plus_size-bottom-skirts/2000239875" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/Catalog/Product/F21/bottoms/2000248605" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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Waterfall Duster: boohoo <a href="http://us.boohoo.com/zoe-waterfall-duster/DZZ53318.html?color=197" target="_blank">here</a> Similar <a href="http://us.boohoo.com/jenna-ponte-waterfall-belted-duster/DZZ52041.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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Blue Heels: Charlotte Russe <a href="https://www.charlotterusse.com/qupid-bauble-two-piece-sandals/302448874.html?dwvar_302448874_color=410&cgid=#q=blue%2Bheels&lang=default&start=1" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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Beret: Search on <a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank">amazon.com</a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>
Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-26949793160216938192017-11-05T10:47:00.003-06:002021-09-10T17:34:52.833-05:00It's a November Thing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12fC02I91PqWng7SRE4MS49ypDJi8U2G8oVleizdUqD1drjuPWOxBZK60tOLoP5MXa4sB7PBO1GvX71ilgCqK6Wp0OuswQotbRFxSqtNHce7JcRQDs_dYOxpMn94VAvAPnUUEftJU9Hc/s1600/PicsArt_11-05-10.51.12.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12fC02I91PqWng7SRE4MS49ypDJi8U2G8oVleizdUqD1drjuPWOxBZK60tOLoP5MXa4sB7PBO1GvX71ilgCqK6Wp0OuswQotbRFxSqtNHce7JcRQDs_dYOxpMn94VAvAPnUUEftJU9Hc/s320/PicsArt_11-05-10.51.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guadalupe River</td></tr>
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"...the end is often the beginning..." I have heard this expression used to describe the of end of a relationship, a job or some other type of transition experienced in life. For me right now, this expression speaks to me as we enter into the 11th month of the calendar year. It's nearly the "end" of the year, but to me the month of November symbolizes a time of reflection, renewal and happiness. It's also the birth month of my father, my son and myself. As we approach the holiday season and the end of the year, here are some of the reasons why the end often feels like the beginning:<br />
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Every November, I begin to reflect upon the type of year that I've had. I compare myself to what I was doing last year to see if I've experienced any growth. I think about all my victories and all about the lessons that I have learned. I admittedly don't give myself enough credit while in the moment, but looking back on what I've accomplished always allows me to re-affirm to myself that I am indeed doing something right. Any time I've fallen short, I've tried my best to look at it as a learning experience and to apply those lessons that I've learned going forward.<br />
Because November is my birthday month, I view this time of year as one of renewal: Another year of life, another milestone, another opportunity to do great things. My birthday is a wonderful reminder that I am a work in progress. Much like the resolutions that many folks make on New Year's Day, my birthday is the catalyst for me to re-evaluate my goals and my game plan for attaining them. I'm not only turning another year older, but also becoming another year wiser. I cannot think of a better time to apply that wisdom onto the vision that I have for my life.<br />
For me, November also means celebrating Thanksgiving and marks the beginning of the Christmas holiday season. It sounds cliché, but this is indeed my most favorite time of year. My kitchen is usually gets well-used and I get to visit and spend more time with family. Decorating my house, exchanging gifts and time off from work all feel like a wonderful prelude to the fast-approaching New Year.<br />
Whether you agree or not that the month of November feels like the beginning of something wonderful, I hope that the next couple of months bring you more peace, happiness and wisdom than you've experienced all year. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-75912108613959970442017-10-30T17:37:00.003-05:002021-09-10T17:37:39.061-05:00Selena: an Homage to the Queen of Tejano<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgK2sIFxswAzG-5ymZpuXBo6EbiHNT4FYpchyHevRi2EHoposEshPYiPsZVMVpT16367GD3BOZ6J1ZbX-eqD79uwjxGyX18OADSOgthVdrf6pzpfURO88dSiYlbYBLeOYIRU8Ypw0LFE/s1600/PicsArt_10-30-12.19.46.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgK2sIFxswAzG-5ymZpuXBo6EbiHNT4FYpchyHevRi2EHoposEshPYiPsZVMVpT16367GD3BOZ6J1ZbX-eqD79uwjxGyX18OADSOgthVdrf6pzpfURO88dSiYlbYBLeOYIRU8Ypw0LFE/s400/PicsArt_10-30-12.19.46.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See below for costume details</td></tr>
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Unless you've lived under a rock for the past 20 years, there's no denying the influence that Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla has had on today's pop culture. Being a Corpus Christi native and resident of Selena's old neighborhood, it was only right that I represent for my city and hood and transform into Selena for Halloween. <br />
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From the time that I was a young girl into early adulthood, I have several distinct memories of Selena. I remember seeing her tour bus parked outside the Quintanilla residences in the mornings as my mother took me to school. I remembered seeing her perform on the local TV stations and how they compared her to Gloria Estefan. I remembered hearing the news about her death and how devastated our entire community was. I remember when the director of the Selena movie Gregory Nava drew upon local talent to play as extras in some of the film's scenes, giving our community another chance to celebrate and honor the life of Selena.<br />
Even though it's been over 22 years since she left this world, Selena's legacy continues to burn brightly. From festivals, statues, museums and artwork,<strike> the residents of Corpus Christi</strike> fans worldwide continue to honor the talent, beauty and mystery that is <em>Siempre Selena</em>.<br />
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Costume Details:<br />
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Selena hat: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/</a> I just searched for Selena bling cap<br />
Bustier: originally from <a href="http://gslovesme.com/" target="_blank">gslovesme.com</a> Can find similar on <a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank">amazon.com</a> or <a href="http://aliexpress.com/" target="_blank">aliExpress.com</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/</a>. Search for rhinestone bustier.<br />
Belt: <a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank">amazon.com</a> just type in rhinestone belt. I have seen similar belts also at <a href="http://forever21.com/" target="_blank">forever21.com</a>.<br />
Earrings: cheap silvers hoops I found at my local beauty supply shop, can be found almost anywhere.<br />
Makeup: I did an eye shadow-free look that was heavy on the eyeliner. I achieved my red lips with Coloured Raine's Matte Lip Paint in Cherry Blossom. Find it <a href="https://colouredraine.com/collections/matte-lip-paint/products/cherry-blossom" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-54668237107064797972017-10-22T12:40:00.006-05:002021-09-10T19:15:55.890-05:0024 Hours in Vegas, My Story<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfuvYjr616MGLycNr9V_adBWsKsxlf5_JKvF592vU3vhSsXxc3Nen6BXPssHhnEQca0kNE-ZMp2yKykZC0mZ4UuQNneOxKPA2ZXjOnD4B77f6CUMm1MU-xhNt89ObE13OQ11od1gheAE/s1600/thumbnail_20171001_120530.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfuvYjr616MGLycNr9V_adBWsKsxlf5_JKvF592vU3vhSsXxc3Nen6BXPssHhnEQca0kNE-ZMp2yKykZC0mZ4UuQNneOxKPA2ZXjOnD4B77f6CUMm1MU-xhNt89ObE13OQ11od1gheAE/s320/thumbnail_20171001_120530.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;">The morning of October 1, 2017 - Just landed in Vegas</span></td></tr>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">It has been 3 weeks since
the incident but I chillingly remember it like it was yesterday. My trip
to Las Vegas that was scheduled for October 1-2, 2017 had been planned for
months. By design, this was going to be a solo vacation. The trip was
celebratory in nature. I had just experienced what I considered to be a victory
in my professional life and I was feeling myself at the moment. There was no
particular event that dictated the date that I decided on for my travel, the
flight and room rate just happened to be cheapest on Oct 1. I became ecstatic once
I scheduled my flight and booked my room at Caesars Palace. I didn't share my travel plans with many people: I only
told my mom days before I was scheduled to leave. I had specific plans when I
arrived in Vegas: simply to shop, see the sights and catch some sort of
night-time entertainment. I knew the fact that my hotel would be located right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip would afford me easy
access to all of those things.</span></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">When I landed in Las Vegas early on October 1, 2017 I could hardly contain my excitement. Upon stepping out the McCarran International Airport I was greeted by the warm sun with temperatures hovering in the high 70s. The first item on my agenda was to take a very touristy photo in front of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't until I'd arrived back home from my trip that I realized that The Mandalay Bay Hotel was highly visible on the left hand side of my photo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">(Full disclosure: at the time that my photo was taken, I didn't even know that Mandalay Bay was the name of that hotel. I simply regarded it as one of the many, larger-than-life structures that characterize the Las Vegas Strip.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Knowing what I know now, looking at this photo gives me an eerie feeling that chills me to my core. While the Las Vegas visitors smiled and posed for photos that morning, the killer was most likely in his suite on the 32nd floor putting the final touches on his horrific plans to execute a mass shooting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The time that I spent in Las Vegas was absolutely beautiful. I shopped and saw the sights until my heart was content. On Sunday night, I decided to attend Mike Tyson's comedy show, "Undisputed Truth" showing at Brad Garrett's Comedy club at the MGM Grand. Tyson’s routine was funny, as he recounted and poked fun at some of his life's most cringe-worthy moments. As he described the time he was shot at in a club for picking up another man's girlfriend, the DJ played a sound bite of a round of shots being fired. As if on cue, a group of young women burst into the comedy club, screaming loudly. You could hear even more commotion in the hallway. Initially annoyed with this disruption, I watched as security corralled the hysterical women back out into the hallway. I assumed that these ladies were heavily intoxicated and acting out. After all, it was Las Vegas.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r3d8LjE2oapH8OxI6oogrcbAgwPvcuUQ-R5SkvCBgc0c6A6zvOoEzsOwtWTAsSz2NpxJ8H7LcUxk-AJtAuNfuKMOWvFJAXgT7XoEz4D5k_n4Wl2SS5-J4nEzf-1l8ruklwBNCHWf8CU/s1600/thumbnail_20171001_125737.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r3d8LjE2oapH8OxI6oogrcbAgwPvcuUQ-R5SkvCBgc0c6A6zvOoEzsOwtWTAsSz2NpxJ8H7LcUxk-AJtAuNfuKMOWvFJAXgT7XoEz4D5k_n4Wl2SS5-J4nEzf-1l8ruklwBNCHWf8CU/s400/thumbnail_20171001_125737.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my room in Caesars Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Posing at the Fountain of the Gods</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3aPcsvFgWWxQJmTgb4cZZxb59S6FnEW_F1FCoArZAa-b0jZMwSv53N367gy1dr1HJTwm7SynZwOyN5ufGkkHzCej21ySFWwLEoY-ing74VzMaoj90XpVCjrzAH5PETlSSaXIexUw5zo/s1600/thumbnail_20171022_110121.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu3aPcsvFgWWxQJmTgb4cZZxb59S6FnEW_F1FCoArZAa-b0jZMwSv53N367gy1dr1HJTwm7SynZwOyN5ufGkkHzCej21ySFWwLEoY-ing74VzMaoj90XpVCjrzAH5PETlSSaXIexUw5zo/s400/thumbnail_20171022_110121.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fountain of the Gods</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Louis Vuitton store at the Forum Shops</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Statue at the Forum Shops</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Eiffel Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris, Las Vegas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the Eiffel Tower</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">High Roller night view</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Room view at night, right before I went to MGM</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ready for a night on the town - About 9:00 p.m. October 1, 2017</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mandalay Bay & MGM Grand</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Once the show ended, one of the hotel workers announced that we were not allowed to leave the venue because there were at least 2 active shooters in the area. He said that there was one at Mandalay Bay, and that there was another report that shots were fired across the street at New York, New York. We were officially on lockdown. This was at about 11:00 p.m. Immediately, I pulled out my phone and saw a news report that stated that 2 had been killed and at least 20 were injured as a result of the shooting. The fact that this was taking place in close proximity to where I was located was inconceivable to me at the time. All at once I was stunned, scared and uncertain. I had not yet realized the severity of the situation. While we weren't allowed to return to the main level of MGM, I was allowed to go into the adjoining corridor to get food. All of the eateries were conspicuously empty except for one--it was Subway. The teenaged girl behind the counter expressed her fear of the shooting as she prepared my sandwich. I told her that she was probably in one of safest places right now. After returning to the venue, we continued to be detained for what seemed like an eternity. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;">View from front doors at MGM Grand during lockdown</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">When the announcement was made that we were allowed to go to the main level of the MGM, the scene was chaotic. Broken drink glasses littered the floor and a substance appearing to be blood stained the steps. Upon entering the main level, hundreds of people could be seen wandering aimlessly about the entryway and casino area. Many people were sitting on the floor. The barrier around the MGM lion was completed surrounded by restless guests. There were no bartenders or card dealers, but there was security blocking the front door, preventing anyone from exiting. Through the front windows, an empty Las Vegas strip could be witnessed with nothing but police cars. Pedestrians poured into MGM’s front doors, many of them visibly distraught. When a man walked in wearing a t-shirt stained heavily with blood, the situation that I was facing became very real to me. I now understood why those women who burst into Mike Tyson's show were screaming so hysterically. They had most likely been shot at and were running for their lives.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">SWAT Team at Caesars</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">When I finally arrived at Caesars Palace I was greeted by more chaos. Unlike MGM Grand who allowed pedestrians to seek refuge in their casino, the security at Caesars Palace refused to allow anyone into the building (registered guests included) until 3 in the morning. Struggling to stay awake on the cold front steps of Caesars Palace while shivering under the chilly desert night wind was not how I imagined I’d be ending the night of my vacation. There were so many different accounts from those who said that they were at or around the Route 91 Harvest Festival when the shots rang out. As I frantically kept checking my phone (but not too often as the battery was steadily draining), I saw reports that the shooter was “down” and that he acted alone. I kept wondering why Caesars Palace would deny their guests entry into the hotel if the shooter was already dead.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The next morning, I awakened to so many concerned texts, missed phone calls, FB posts and Snapchat messages from those who were concerned for my safety in Las Vegas. As I began to respond to everyone, I felt a sense of relief. Although terribly shaken up, I was alive and unharmed. As my Lyft driver took me back to McCarran International Airport, she pointed out how you could see the darkened spots where the windows had been broken out on the 32nd floor at the Mandalay Bay. As I observed this, a strong chill went down my spine and I experienced a tightness in the pit of my stomach. </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Days after the trip, I saw how the people of Las Vegas turned their iconic welcome sign into a memorial for all those who’d lost their lives that night. I’ve been reminded at how fragile and short life is and that I have so much work to do here on this earth. Despite the beauty and excitement that I experienced on this trip, it will be impossible to forget the tragedy that occurred while I was there. This shooting is not even in the news anymore but I guarantee that anyone who was there was greatly impacted. I continue to pray for the slain, the injured and their families, #VegasStrong</span>.<o:p></o:p> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit @jasonrothlv</span></td></tr>
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</div></div></div></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-27123408325659875382016-12-21T17:22:00.003-06:002021-09-10T17:46:17.161-05:00Winter Solstice <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDZWDL7fvthOJMAJomO8P5jzjMDHHXMTLOXKgxwXtArFoi2K3GjaBdejoNZJPd5lxtD9zBGaXOz2m_3nTs5QJ9-QeVyL5uZK4ElXCxL7Sn38jLhlov8ifrlqFjFtHEZ3YIrjt3xB51xk/s1600/PicsArt_12-20-12.14.58.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDZWDL7fvthOJMAJomO8P5jzjMDHHXMTLOXKgxwXtArFoi2K3GjaBdejoNZJPd5lxtD9zBGaXOz2m_3nTs5QJ9-QeVyL5uZK4ElXCxL7Sn38jLhlov8ifrlqFjFtHEZ3YIrjt3xB51xk/s640/PicsArt_12-20-12.14.58.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes a change in seasons and scenery can do you some good. A checkered black dress and a crimson trench coat can immediately put you into the holiday spirit. Details for my winter-ready look from <a href="http://www.eloquii.com/" target="_blank">Eloquii</a> and <a href="http://www.gslovesme.com/" target="_blank">G Stage love</a> can be found at the bottom of this post.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eloquii.com/checkered-fit-and-flare-dress/1243220.html?dwvar_1243220_colorCode=150" target="_blank">Dress</a>. Similar <a href="http://www.eloquii.com/easy-knit-tee-dress/1233098.html?q=plaid&dwvar_1233098_colorCode=150&start=20&ppid=s20" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.torrid.com/product/plaid-tie-up-front-dress/10657604.html?CM_MMC=CSE-_-GGL-_-Dresses-_-5_9999W1_CSE_GGL_Dresses_10657603&003=29905982&010=10657604&mr:referralID=8cd46eb9-c7a9-11e6-bac4-005056941669&gclid=CjwKEAiA7ejCBRDlp8uF6ezPnjoSJAAPED7Mg19Vm1D4IQemfAcIee7OkcWIKopUVS5Z3w9pBx93QRoCST_w_wcB" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/jessica-howard-cap-sleeve-windowpane-shift-dress/prod.jump?ppId=pp5007990121&country=US&currency=USD&selectedSKUId=22330700059&selectedLotId=2233070&fromBag=true&quantity=1&cm_mmc=ShoppingFeed-_-GooglePLA-_-Shift%20Dresses-_-22330700059&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=shift%20dresses&utm_content=22330700059&cid=cse%7Cgoogle%7C008%20%2d%20womens%20apparel%7Cshift%20dresses_22330700059&gclid=CjwKEAiA7ejCBRDlp8uF6ezPnjoSJAAPED7MOPKBSbTP3DQJLocCt5TpN9aSBasr_dgvGYVcWvES3RoC3x_w_wcB&kwid=productads-adid^45810122978-device^c-plaid^76121678978-sku^22330700059-adType^PLA" target="_blank">here</a> <br />
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Trench coat: Similar <a href="http://us.boohoo.com/plus-orla-belted-shawl-collar-coat/PZZ97362.html?color=293" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Necklace: Similar from <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/jewelry/jewelry-sets/graceful-shell-necklace.html#color=ivory" target="_blank">Charming Charlie</a><br />
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Pumps: Similar <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/06850?article=06850-C" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.zappos.com/nine-west-flax-black-suede-2?ef_id=V-6NzAAAAdRMEuFU:20161221231601:s" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-womens-zitah-pointed-toe-pumps-only-at-macys?ID=1850644&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID=120156340001155453&CAAGID=24768198550&CATCI=pla-152000771830&catargetid=120156340004042475&cadevice=c&cm_mmc=Google_Womens_Shoes_PLA-_-G_WS_PLA+-+Inc+International+Concepts_Inc+International+Concepts-_-88359013630-_-pg102203_c_kclickid_78f6d3e9-b00c-43d5-b18e-1e58d661748d&trackingid=456x102203&gclid=CjwKEAiA7ejCBRDlp8uF6ezPnjoSJAAPED7Ma9_CSBdep_yEJNcP1Cyq4qy8NWZv5jyQd2aam_m0FRoCj-fw_wcB" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-65647030929313510332016-11-10T16:25:00.003-06:002021-09-10T19:14:56.157-05:00The Perfect MatchLast month I had the pleasure of attending an October wedding. Because Fall weather normally doesn't begin in South Texas until late November/early December, I was lucky enough to be able to pull of this lil number from <a href="http://www.eloquii.com/" target="_blank">Eloquii.</a> The dress's weightless texture, bold print and bright colors made it an instant hit. To create an even more streamlined silhouette, I chose to add a stretchy black waist belt. Jewelry from <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/" target="_blank">Charming Charlie</a> brought additional visual interest and color. My black quilted Tory Burch bag pulled my look together and added classic touch to a very feminine and fun look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ4DYcXqsNZhz7J87EKVQ1zKIUkKoz84K46t8YABRzjKM3OJZmN6W-QHcR_dqJfiUTV5-Q_DrV5oieine8q4bwnaQkUMq9HG-cqNAwmiq1-LUFuXFrZEd11V81WG3bFLaQqNe68DKfDQ/s1600/PicsArt_11-07-11.37.52.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ4DYcXqsNZhz7J87EKVQ1zKIUkKoz84K46t8YABRzjKM3OJZmN6W-QHcR_dqJfiUTV5-Q_DrV5oieine8q4bwnaQkUMq9HG-cqNAwmiq1-LUFuXFrZEd11V81WG3bFLaQqNe68DKfDQ/s640/PicsArt_11-07-11.37.52.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress <a href="http://www.eloquii.com/printed-ruffle-front-a-line-dress/1222985.html?cgid=sleeveless-dresses&dwvar_1222985_colorCode=16&start=32&ppid=c32" target="_blank">Eloquii</a><a href="http://www.eloquii.com/" target="_blank">,</a> Bag <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Tory-Burch-Marion-Chain-Strap-Shoulder-Slouch-Bag-Black/prod186320197_cat47760771__/p.prod?icid=&searchType=EndecaDrivenCat&rte=%252Fcategory.service%253FitemId%253Dcat47760771%2526pageSize%253D30%2526No%253D240%2526refinements%253D&eItemId=prod186320197&cmCat=product" target="_blank">Tory Burch at Neiman Marcus</a> Belt <a href="http://www.rainbowshops.com/p/plus-size-lasercut-faux-leather-waist-belt-9005043535.html" target="_blank">similar here</a> and <a href="http://us.asos.com/asos-curve/asos-curve-leather-obi-waist-belt/prd/5949177?iid=5949177&clr=Black&SearchQuery=&cid=6448&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=38&gridsize=3&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=2" target="_blank">here</a> Earrings <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/toast-of-the-teardrop-earrings.html#color=yellow" target="_blank">similar</a> Bracelet <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/matilda-marquise-stretch-bracelet.html#color=yellow" target="_blank">similar</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsTrae6fdNx-BEvLTjGiYt8KGsRYmEFRoE1olVSnqJKmbRPC-MPFSotKaMTZwZ_JcJtSaSkpHU-m5E_UEwJMV5TbRI_8hwLpjkCuWouQFOPemyWY5iqxHHLzCWcUkRhs2q3pgzTHWi0o/s1600/PicsArt_11-07-11.32.36.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsTrae6fdNx-BEvLTjGiYt8KGsRYmEFRoE1olVSnqJKmbRPC-MPFSotKaMTZwZ_JcJtSaSkpHU-m5E_UEwJMV5TbRI_8hwLpjkCuWouQFOPemyWY5iqxHHLzCWcUkRhs2q3pgzTHWi0o/s640/PicsArt_11-07-11.32.36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the bridesmaids and myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK10T3KXmb7IOWKTTQ_Wy_HLrj_RHklru_IqC6VDwUbyoAD596DwUReO7BSpa9sOuhjtmnwZN6ff0nOWT6o33SFk1X2CGEZme-Z1LYPFLdZZ7zU9KHD6ZWuU76updfu8kRz4-r8GnRAww/s1600/PicsArt_11-07-11.37.52.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHXSlCZaaji6_q02wvYdngIAZfrYB9ce5TpWDGMg8ejydlIyFYAwCUf1vLyCtvsnzRMtI6pcqzI3WsMi17w9gA58d8LT990BMoccpMusZILhHnpfkkl2fcB9Yn2rjLEKxe3x7hL8h2lU/s1600/PicsArt_11-07-11.34.07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHXSlCZaaji6_q02wvYdngIAZfrYB9ce5TpWDGMg8ejydlIyFYAwCUf1vLyCtvsnzRMtI6pcqzI3WsMi17w9gA58d8LT990BMoccpMusZILhHnpfkkl2fcB9Yn2rjLEKxe3x7hL8h2lU/s640/PicsArt_11-07-11.34.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-81125783511764719982016-10-13T12:06:00.001-05:002021-09-10T18:30:07.169-05:00I'm Only Human<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwcr_2grWPlGtmeFv2Un2FAUrYUdv2puvtwTp8_0Mo8aW6wUo6Y6e9Ta2fcd9Jzo-ICY41ofDXZtKRQue3RyHfu_MZ0QOLHDQJyYLLq7-S574z-LijaWAONIU9T1gX1vEPaxeBq5YhGk/s1600/909dcec69db2dda470560c7dab4191ea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwcr_2grWPlGtmeFv2Un2FAUrYUdv2puvtwTp8_0Mo8aW6wUo6Y6e9Ta2fcd9Jzo-ICY41ofDXZtKRQue3RyHfu_MZ0QOLHDQJyYLLq7-S574z-LijaWAONIU9T1gX1vEPaxeBq5YhGk/s1600/909dcec69db2dda470560c7dab4191ea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwcr_2grWPlGtmeFv2Un2FAUrYUdv2puvtwTp8_0Mo8aW6wUo6Y6e9Ta2fcd9Jzo-ICY41ofDXZtKRQue3RyHfu_MZ0QOLHDQJyYLLq7-S574z-LijaWAONIU9T1gX1vEPaxeBq5YhGk/s200/909dcec69db2dda470560c7dab4191ea.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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As human
beings, we'd often like to think that we are the most evolved versions of
ourselves--Even when we’re not. Last week, I experienced that feeling. For months now, I have forged a path toward
happiness and healing. I have identified
mistakes that I have made in the past and promised myself that in the future
I’d do better. Everything is easy to say
until of course, life tests you.</div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
love to be able to say that I’m consistently great at communicating my feelings to others,
but that’s not always the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Last week, different circumstances thrown my way </span>had me upset, but I wasn’t sure of the best way to communicate that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was asked what was wrong, I
immediately went into defense mechanism mode and acted like nothing was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth was, I was questioning the validity
of my feelings and felt stupid for even being upset in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My inability to effectively communicate my
feelings conflicted and upset me even more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ultimately I
had to come to the realization that despite how far I’ve come in my journey of healing,
happiness, self-love and communication skills, I still have much further to
go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that I may not be
as emotionally intelligent as I had believed was extremely jarring to my self-esteem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I also have to forgive myself and allow
the time and space to learn and grow from this experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sometimes,
we are our own harshest critics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of
the beauty in self-love is maintaining a balance between challenging ourselves
but remembering to treat ourselves with kindness along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be the first to admit that at times I
sometimes struggle with sustaining that balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My need to be the perfect mother, daughter, employee
and friend often supersedes my need to go easy on myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But alas, r</span>ecognizing an issue is the first step of
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So </span>I’m looking forward to
exercising more balance, kindness and positivity in the near future. The quicker that I realize that I'm only human the better off I'll be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">How do you
find balance in your daily lives?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-79707431115341811342016-01-14T14:14:00.004-06:002021-09-10T19:17:02.037-05:00Happiness Comes from Within<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hhzf3mwzN7bkUKSfwJZfUI_Hxd54FjWUGAwB3RSbIMOrv0tAjeAeW53gOmVi6iCc5ItSh8KHB04eH7Y0XfVePa3ro4PTF8UaYL1bMd0Rj0wSApT0GLP2EucKVyerdoONCLSLXRywu2Q/s1600/love-always-more-powerful-than-gallery-msg-132760924415.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hhzf3mwzN7bkUKSfwJZfUI_Hxd54FjWUGAwB3RSbIMOrv0tAjeAeW53gOmVi6iCc5ItSh8KHB04eH7Y0XfVePa3ro4PTF8UaYL1bMd0Rj0wSApT0GLP2EucKVyerdoONCLSLXRywu2Q/s320/love-always-more-powerful-than-gallery-msg-132760924415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Have you ever wondered why some people, despite their
wealth, power and material possessions are clearly unhappy with their
lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone who went back to school full-time as
single parent I can tell you that the struggle is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always felt that my life would be so much
easier if I just had a little more money so I wouldn’t have to worry about my
car breaking down, repairs that my house<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>needed or how my bills were going to get paid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worrying about money caused me lots of
stress which caused me to assume that folks with more money slept great at
night because they didn’t have to worry about the things that I did. Boy was I wrong.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Now that I’m out of school and am beginning my career (2
very big <a href="http://www.lilmisshoneyb.com/2015/09/be-goal-digger.html" target="_blank">goals</a> that I had set out to accomplish), I have a different
perspective, one that I’ve always known deep down inside:</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> 1. No matter
how accomplished you are, happiness is a full time job.</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While accomplishments, money and relationships can give us
lots of joy, it is often temporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you only rely on the good times in your life to give you constant happiness,
you will often be disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
should consistently be dedicated to creating and sustaining your
happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, it may seem as if
you are putting forth a lot of effort, but before long, it will become second
nature.</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">2. Happiness is an inside job.</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While money, material possessions and accomplishments are a
great thing, none of that matters if your insides are messed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You really have to be the boss of your own
happiness, because it’s not always going to be automatically there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to guard your energy and your
thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to limit the time you
spend around negative people (I like to think this is the “They” that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/djkhaled/" target="_blank">DJ Khaled</a>
often refers to).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You shouldn’t use your
family members, friends or relationships as the only source of your happiness,
you’ve got to learn how to cultivate happiness on your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking positively over your life (both in
your mind and out loud) is a great way to stay positive and happy.</span><br /><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">3. Do something you love.</span><br /><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It is often said that someone who does what they love for a
living never has to work a day in their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While everyone is not blessed to be able to earn a living doing what
they love, there are ways to incorporate that into your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out what is it that you like doing and
simply do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cultivate a talent, take a
class, mentor the youth, plan a trip, read a book, play a sport, organize a
room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The list goes on and on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you find your niche(s), you’ll be
unstoppable.</span><br /><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">4. Make sure you have support.</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There’s nothing like having an excellent support
system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the people who are
going to help lift you up when you are down and help you celebrate your life’s
milestones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Realize that your life has
no room for negative, unsupportive people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes contact with negative people is unavoidable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would say limit your interaction as much as
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are having problems
with co-workers at your job, enlist the help of your supervisor or the Human
Resources department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are having
issues with a family member who lives with you, consider faith-based or
professional counseling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the boss of
your own happiness, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes to maintain
it.</span><br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There’s no two ways about it:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happiness definitely comes from within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s not always easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this is something you are struggling with,
one of quickest ways to stay on track is to shift your focus from others to
yourself and your blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guarantee
that it’s impossible for you to be upset when you are thinking this way.</span></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">What are some of the methods you use to keep yourself happy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png" width="600" /></a></div>
</div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-44656814835148549222015-12-14T16:47:00.001-06:002021-09-10T18:36:07.895-05:00Urge to Purge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH0RwpFi6tzwiYEy_oDC-ts1qjYVsUqBU6CxvUqcA8moZIfYd5I9ETEQ6xkOlP4kGKX1yAf-4rDBWC706_CRhifQRKQXm73-01BKXKsaU2YvpO0zjPBo_dCCaC-JFZD-zB4VUO8iZEvY/s1600/Yoga-For-An-Open-Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH0RwpFi6tzwiYEy_oDC-ts1qjYVsUqBU6CxvUqcA8moZIfYd5I9ETEQ6xkOlP4kGKX1yAf-4rDBWC706_CRhifQRKQXm73-01BKXKsaU2YvpO0zjPBo_dCCaC-JFZD-zB4VUO8iZEvY/s320/Yoga-For-An-Open-Heart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For me, 2015 has proven itself to be a year of new
beginnings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to all of these
changes has come the strong urge to rid myself of the things that I no longer
need in all areas of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
ways that I have elected to accomplish this is to purge my closet of anything
that is no longer needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though it
seems like I do this every couple of years, this time is especially daunting
because I have personally challenged myself to make sure there is a place for
everything—no excuses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This challenge has
only highlighted the fact that I tend to hold onto to things for much longer
than I should. </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">But nonetheless, I’m still strongly compelled to face this
challenge head on because I believe that the end result will provide my life
with more peace and happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
challenge is also symbolic of letting go of anything in my life that no longer
suits me—bad habits, toxic relationships and negative thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel that if I can overcome the challenge
of letting go of some of my previously coveted retails buys, then surely I can
have the courage to let go of other things in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just like that, one clothing piece at a
time, I am one step closer to organization nirvana.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What are some of the best ways for you to become
organized?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>
Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-51866945152567516922015-11-11T09:37:00.002-06:002021-09-10T18:44:51.600-05:00Pause.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KjVpfn5SkCeysv10EW-g5YOtNcm-191tp4PQ0A34hDuuzhdGSi_vmOU2L3Gch58BXSaUaWDmaeg3j2Qy8aOwd0BHKR-bz8GyQghW2-Y_61oVUzuvtZI1idCGKTGmRVyhOci2o1PMwpk/s1600/20141214_173842_Anne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KjVpfn5SkCeysv10EW-g5YOtNcm-191tp4PQ0A34hDuuzhdGSi_vmOU2L3Gch58BXSaUaWDmaeg3j2Qy8aOwd0BHKR-bz8GyQghW2-Y_61oVUzuvtZI1idCGKTGmRVyhOci2o1PMwpk/s320/20141214_173842_Anne.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Change is good, but it can hard. I have
found that quietly observing life around me has been the best way for me
to navigate through this season in my life. I have given up holding on to
old ways of life and have simply let them fall away without missing a
beat. I try not to overthink anything as I realize that good things take
time and I should remain patient. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have always been someone who
cares deeply for others, but I taken this time to be attentive to my needs
and to take care of myself first. So for me, this has been a season of <em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">pause</span></em>. Pause to think about
and identify what my needs are and what my next moves are going to be.
Pause to plan out how I want my life to be and to be strong enough to be able
to execute that plan.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many of my heart's desires are coming true, and
I have to prepare myself in order to be ready to receive that.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So today I encourage you to Pause. It can make all the difference in
the world.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-9586802699658171012015-09-22T14:52:00.003-05:002021-09-10T19:18:07.088-05:00Patience is a Virtue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVVogWleqheZ9mhrG7xIu9Gp-HgHFuydiETOhX0vTsw_BY5Z6DZsIook9vMtrTzSa1gASUpHP39rHU2LL2t64jxkLGjEKrUT6Ezten-oB-3JjQkqIFVvgo3BnafPFKfBlc8z6XhKwhPs/s1600/OhbWdWc_OWEdPmhMexY5BW7SKv47di7qxZQiJK3e5OA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVVogWleqheZ9mhrG7xIu9Gp-HgHFuydiETOhX0vTsw_BY5Z6DZsIook9vMtrTzSa1gASUpHP39rHU2LL2t64jxkLGjEKrUT6Ezten-oB-3JjQkqIFVvgo3BnafPFKfBlc8z6XhKwhPs/s400/OhbWdWc_OWEdPmhMexY5BW7SKv47di7qxZQiJK3e5OA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a
different order than the one you have in mind.” <br />
― </span></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7074175.David_G_Allen"><span color="windowtext" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David G. Allen</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” <br />
― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2192.Aristotle"><span color="windowtext"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aristotle</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Why is patience so important?"<br />
"Because it makes us pay attention.” <br />
― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/566.Paulo_Coelho"><span color="windowtext"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Paulo Coelho</span></span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the
thing that I seem not to have enough of, despite most people describing me as a
“patient person.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think my (usually)
soft-spoken demeanor and quiet strength steers people to believe that I have
loads of patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes this is
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you’ve spent enough time
around me, you have soon learned that I have had moments where my penchant for
patience was severely lacking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like
<a href="http://www.lilmisshoneyb.com/2015/09/an-attitude-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">gratitude</a>, patience is something that we have to sometimes practice at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some scenarios in which we can
exercise our patient practices:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Any time you experience a delay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That happens to us on almost a daily
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you’re stuck in traffic
or on a particularly long wait at the doctor’s office, use this time to
reflect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is, no matter how
carefully we plan, some things are just out of our control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Accept that fact that this is where you are supposed
to be at this moment, and let go of any tension associated with the delay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When someone else does things differently from
us</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all tend to think that our way
of doing things is best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truthfully,
there are many methods of doing things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just because someone likes to drive a different route than you, or cook
a certain dish in a different way, doesn’t make them wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of impatiently trying to make someone
bend to our ways, it would be easier to just extend acceptance and embrace
their differing methods.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When things aren’t happening the way that we
would want them to in our lives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes we are most impatient with
ourselves, but it doesn’t really solve anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we have specific <a href="http://www.lilmisshoneyb.com/2015/09/be-goal-digger.html" target="_blank">goals</a> in mind that we
want to attain, we have to allow enough time for us to reach them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we let go of the pre-conceived notions
of what our life is supposed to look like, then we allow room to embrace all
the awesome things that can (and will) unexpectedly happen to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing about life that you can count
on:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nothing ever stays the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’re patient enough, you’re bound to see
some things in life turn out in your favor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;"><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether it’s our circumstances, loved ones or ourselves, it
pays to have a healthy dose of patience. To quote <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7251967.Kim_Yannayon"><span color="windowtext">Kim Yannayon</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">, </span>“Change is not always easy, but with patience and
perseverance, we can find the good in change.” <br />
<br />
Stay <span style="color: magenta;">B</span>eautifully <span style="color: magenta;">E</span>ncouraged & <span style="color: magenta;">E</span>mpowered <span data-reactid=".a.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1"><span data-reactid=".a.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$text0:0:$text0:0" style="color: magenta;">❤</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></div>
Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-38213547730976766912015-09-09T15:05:00.003-05:002021-09-10T18:46:37.492-05:00Be a Goal Digger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACuYPLmjoiMKgLV3cgzBIZgEjq2MlSNkBYN_ltnMAmdkWGNxi-m99FnRyjPhn8yirJD8qzEMXX07MANwya6uTzEpjxR60fMjleIJpE7BOpkPAgKjjacyiymChtnk8OjsuDZpqMaAw9Y8/s1600/goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACuYPLmjoiMKgLV3cgzBIZgEjq2MlSNkBYN_ltnMAmdkWGNxi-m99FnRyjPhn8yirJD8qzEMXX07MANwya6uTzEpjxR60fMjleIJpE7BOpkPAgKjjacyiymChtnk8OjsuDZpqMaAw9Y8/s400/goals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Goal digger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Driven.
Ambitious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are some of the words that
come to mind when I think of someone who has had success in accomplishing their
goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what if you’re someone who
can’t seem to finish what you've started?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A procrastinator even? Here are some strategies that I have used to help
me get closer to reaching my goals, no matter what they are.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brainstorm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it seems like we are going nowhere because we
don’t yet have a clear idea of where we would like to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking the first step can be scary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brainstorming is the perfect way to figure
what you want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m old-fashioned--I
like to write out all of my ideas on a piece of paper and go from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If pen and paper is too archaic of a method,
you can easily do it on a tablet or computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing is off limits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once you
have everything in front of you, it will become clear what needs to be categorized
as a short-term goal and a long-term goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Map Out a Plan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that you’ve identified your short-term
and long-term goals, you can create a plan of how you want to accomplish
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could mean anything from
simply writing down the steps that you are going to take in order to make it happen,
to employing the use of an app that assists you in the tracking progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically anything that is dedicated to
allowing you to reach your goals is part of the planning process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Planning is a very personal process, there is
no right or wrong way to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Use Smaller Goals to Reach Big Goals<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After mapping out a plan to reach your
goals, you’ve probably noticed that your bigger, long-term goals include a lot
of short-term goals in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Use
these smaller goals a stepping stones toward your big goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, looking at the big picture in
terms of what I wanted to accomplish was very daunting for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I decided to break up my goals
into chunks, everything seemed a whole lot easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of a sudden my big goals became more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">attainable</i>. If you’re someone who tends
to get overwhelmed at big projects, this might be an ideal way for you assess
your goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t Forget to Check Your Progress</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes we get so caught up in
the daily grind of what we’re trying to do, that we often fail to take a moment
to look at far we’ve come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever your
goals may be, don’t forget to regularly take the time to acknowledge and
document your progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times,
seeing your progress will actually motivate you even more than ever to reach
your goals!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a great way to hold
yourself accountable while providing yourself with inspiration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whether your goal is to lose weight, finish school or save
money, these tips can help you place your goals into perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Huge tasks won’t seem so tough when you’re
armed with a plan and a vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do
you plan on reaching your goals?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy GOAL Digging!</span><br />
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-32742103500833617972015-09-01T15:41:00.002-05:002021-09-10T18:48:24.140-05:00An Attitude of Gratitude<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc_veGS6WQ6Gq64iscyYeaD4o4_GkqBefpL-wQnRslIC89MKz0eFajPOZu46bqSjE653qrPbFzjGhh0AsiRBvCwyMlnic4WBLw36JzENnp1ptwGdZssXoe1b3EelaIyZsiQByq0LVg90/s1600/LadyPrayingHands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizc_veGS6WQ6Gq64iscyYeaD4o4_GkqBefpL-wQnRslIC89MKz0eFajPOZu46bqSjE653qrPbFzjGhh0AsiRBvCwyMlnic4WBLw36JzENnp1ptwGdZssXoe1b3EelaIyZsiQByq0LVg90/s320/LadyPrayingHands.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is always so easy to get caught up in what you don’t
have; but have you ever taken the opportunity to reflect on what you <strong>do</strong> have
and how blessed you are?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
experience, gratitude always attracts more things to your life to be grateful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes you have to take a moment to put
things into perspective...</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it’s true
that nothing will ever be 100% perfect, I am willing to bet money that you have
many great things going for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
focus on those positive things and keep building upon that, you are bound to encounter
bigger and better things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Quick story, (you know how I love my stories): a while back,
a friend of mine came to me and told me all of the reasons my life was “enviable”
and that I “had it made”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shocked, I
told her that while I have been blessed in many ways, my life has been a
combination of struggle, hard work and God’s grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went on to list all of the reasons why her
life was enviable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend had never looked at it that
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was so busy looking at other
peoples’ lives that she completely forgot that her own life was overflowing
with blessings.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I too, have been guilty of “the grass is always greener” way
of thinking that prevents us from being grateful for the gifts that are
literally right in front of our faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also stunts our potential to be able to receive more gifts, because
we’re too busy counting everyone else’s blessings but our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oftentimes, complaining comes so naturally
for us (I have been guilty of this) that it takes a conscious effort to reverse
this attitude and behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say the
effort that it takes to change your attitude to one of gratitude is worth
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will never regret being thankful
and happy with what you have right now, regardless of what your situation is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are you grateful for right now?</span><br />
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-46998810299002737492015-08-17T00:03:00.001-05:002021-09-10T18:51:43.064-05:00Artist Spotlight<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7QgPq_QvXfRXnRtVqOKi0KmoFgsnRvZxo0L3olWIn6tREMnrc3Fjj0T523Sybl51kLF4YQrXe5tinJgI2BHXVIXju_P1IWNRD2tie4J3sKpAmCr9cSClzbD4L8kA4j3t8pf3fYk9q34/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-17-28-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7QgPq_QvXfRXnRtVqOKi0KmoFgsnRvZxo0L3olWIn6tREMnrc3Fjj0T523Sybl51kLF4YQrXe5tinJgI2BHXVIXju_P1IWNRD2tie4J3sKpAmCr9cSClzbD4L8kA4j3t8pf3fYk9q34/s320/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-17-28-1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safari Ride</td></tr>
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Today's post is featuring Nottingham UK artist Laura E. Hutton. If you are a fan of ethnic art, chances are you have come across one of her many pieces via social media. The first time I stumbled upon her work, my eyes were immediately tantalized by images that were bursting with vibrant hues that showcased beautiful women of all shades of color. Recurring themes in Hutton's art are love, family, female empowerment, sensuality, sisterhood and body positivity. In addition to the doe eyes and cupid's bow lips the women in Hutton's drawings possessed, I could not help but notice that these women were also very curvaceous! I immediately became a fan of her work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnRzBCLy8bm_zvYF72RHy09pjQLV2osbYihI0bY_LLJsAEv9Xi85Dmzy3-dXANgGrj3oM1qm0Kfz2YyX29a6sC5Qfd-8Y4Pxc3NQhIemJqU77Xe4y8op-BjWoECBzt7iza9ZMUo2At9A/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-26-16-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnRzBCLy8bm_zvYF72RHy09pjQLV2osbYihI0bY_LLJsAEv9Xi85Dmzy3-dXANgGrj3oM1qm0Kfz2YyX29a6sC5Qfd-8Y4Pxc3NQhIemJqU77Xe4y8op-BjWoECBzt7iza9ZMUo2At9A/s200/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-26-16-1.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Diamond</td></tr>
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I recently had the opportunity to interview Laura E. Hutton about her journey on becoming an artist:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF-PJ87-rakR5ejjBqlUSp0E4SZjAOt3HtnwrgzihkOsakh16NrJRJR6fKMpA2Tgo49z8Bhw0ZoDwJ8P9oxV0LpbKHRg3gDfexMbOL28D7d0gdzHTwz0d-8g04xUWzYlnurUZJCaZeTw/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-24-06-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdF-PJ87-rakR5ejjBqlUSp0E4SZjAOt3HtnwrgzihkOsakh16NrJRJR6fKMpA2Tgo49z8Bhw0ZoDwJ8P9oxV0LpbKHRg3gDfexMbOL28D7d0gdzHTwz0d-8g04xUWzYlnurUZJCaZeTw/s320/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-24-06-1.png" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tehya</td></tr>
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Q. How did you start with your art/ How old were you when you began?<br />
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A. My mum bought me my first art set before I could walk. I’ve always loved drawing for as long as I can remember. I would come home from school, neglect my homework and just draw for hours.<br />
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Q. I notice you use colour pencils, do you use any special techniques for creating your art?<br />
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A. I definitely blend a lot, I use a lot of watercolours and brush pens but the crayons are definitely my favourite, even if I paint something, I tend to go over it in crayon after so there's a lot of colour layering' and blending going on.<br />
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Q. What are your inspirations for your artwork?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpEmGuPycgA3Q2AQYtXXv1OdNfgDuHtEHT5-yRLOK6xnq-F0SpRa9J6uBO8aaDVazU3Q2UcolfqHhSTXdi9WBCn83gCEp77YPDh-pFay7D7IZW8l_kI6-FTeslJ255y5KKN0V0dTIzgg/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-23-37-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpEmGuPycgA3Q2AQYtXXv1OdNfgDuHtEHT5-yRLOK6xnq-F0SpRa9J6uBO8aaDVazU3Q2UcolfqHhSTXdi9WBCn83gCEp77YPDh-pFay7D7IZW8l_kI6-FTeslJ255y5KKN0V0dTIzgg/s320/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-23-37-1.png" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curves</td></tr>
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A. It can be anything, music, scenery, poetry, or sometimes an idea just pops into my head and I decide I have to get it on paper- however weird it is. I love drawing curvy women, so I guess they’re my inspiration too! Someone once told me that the art world wasn't ready for 'curvy women', so I just drew more of them.<br />
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Q. What opportunities have opened up for you because of your art?<br />
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A. I joined a site, Red Bubble four years ago- it’s been amazing, I've met so many talented and amazing artists and people from all over the world have purchased my art and I've taken part in several art shows in Nottingham and can't wait to do more. It's been hard because I've had to work a nine to five alongside doing my art but I recently managed to go part-time because I'm making more money doing something I love so hopefully I'll get more opportunities to get my work out there. Eventually, I'd love to do art full time for a living so that's the goal I'm now working towards.<br />
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Other future plans for Ms. Hutton include opening up online stores on Etsy and Society 6. This Christmas, she plans on printing cards featuring her artwork and sending them out directly to buyers herself. She has visited New York and would like to one day like to live there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiqu4v6ixag_wJSXd_qva77w-BNU2CxbtmIGRVvkIF-yHzqwiKRx4ZTjYHtqNrLk_MMEOgByFHWhX5NtV9Nrg4ay6hZO8tIg3wl5zziOQC4JRVfNxe-Zh9HfihTBcgFDPXSHXH23OmU8/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-27-09-1-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiqu4v6ixag_wJSXd_qva77w-BNU2CxbtmIGRVvkIF-yHzqwiKRx4ZTjYHtqNrLk_MMEOgByFHWhX5NtV9Nrg4ay6hZO8tIg3wl5zziOQC4JRVfNxe-Zh9HfihTBcgFDPXSHXH23OmU8/s320/Screenshot_2015-08-16-23-27-09-1-1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church</td></tr>
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Laura's talent may be only be rivaled by her humble spirit as she says, "Firstly, I'd like them (my fans) to know that I appreciate the support so much, every like, every comment, every sale means so much and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to feature on your blog! I guess I'd like them (fans) to know that my art is a representative of who I am, and who they are. It's a little bit of everybody."<br />
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Laura E. Hutton's work can be purchased <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/lauraehutton?ref=artist_title_name" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fyikdm0gNMCO8bZwxUyDVq8qABVClTunZfnmakgvQeg4lm6Z1ZrF8toTtttH9XlqzHduq-feoO411F3f2OPguOHLBAE4gZcOtdvHUcDsh3HiX15VTQzjfO5owV-W_mWIrDbhAHKlATM/s1600/Screenshot_2015-08-16-21-58-01-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Fyikdm0gNMCO8bZwxUyDVq8qABVClTunZfnmakgvQeg4lm6Z1ZrF8toTtttH9XlqzHduq-feoO411F3f2OPguOHLBAE4gZcOtdvHUcDsh3HiX15VTQzjfO5owV-W_mWIrDbhAHKlATM/s200/Screenshot_2015-08-16-21-58-01-1.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagram @laura_e_hutton</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="600" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s600/Blog+closing+-1.png"/></a></div>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-68408269148090278242015-07-30T02:43:00.001-05:002021-09-10T18:53:49.011-05:00Purple Kisses<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2bVThD_mUW32vDSqPbZxCOvHt8HnANLYqiRHBIeAmjJwISxk9eZsCCtCDM2wkOcvaneWjGi020KVGLPj96DB9qDfFr8hrdx6PtzFr3yrDWBM0uIUt5hkZBid4hqhWB12WgvdG1kNDrI/s1600/swatches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2bVThD_mUW32vDSqPbZxCOvHt8HnANLYqiRHBIeAmjJwISxk9eZsCCtCDM2wkOcvaneWjGi020KVGLPj96DB9qDfFr8hrdx6PtzFr3yrDWBM0uIUt5hkZBid4hqhWB12WgvdG1kNDrI/s400/swatches.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left: Violet Volt (Milani), Blue Rose (NYC), Heroine (MAC), Lullabye (Kat Von D), Loud & Clear Lilac (Cover Girl)</td></tr>
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In honor of National Lipstick Day, I decided to do my first beauty post! Lately I have been finding myself attracted to lip colors that contain purple hues. Here are some of the lip colors that I found in my makeup bag, I took a photo showcasing each color:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Gpzj8DGvpFZtP19IwM7tcf7-H3UsS4VTcAIAchyu0O5eJHvbhJ2XNf9xyI7x3R79SmIUy1rMzd1xXuV4uetZR4CxzKEm26d7RK47IWefT1nRgWusBBL46sxtvl4FTlxh9plLYP7ki9U/s1600/Milani2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Gpzj8DGvpFZtP19IwM7tcf7-H3UsS4VTcAIAchyu0O5eJHvbhJ2XNf9xyI7x3R79SmIUy1rMzd1xXuV4uetZR4CxzKEm26d7RK47IWefT1nRgWusBBL46sxtvl4FTlxh9plLYP7ki9U/s400/Milani2.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
Violet Volt by Milani Color Statement Collection<br />
This creamy lipstick definitely packs a punch of color along with a slight pearl finish. The color payoff is good and allows you to build the intensity of the shade.<br />
This lipstick is $6 and can be found <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Milani-Color-Statement-Lipstick-34-Violet-Volt-0.14-oz/28704951" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Blue Rose by NYC<br />
The one word that comes to mind when I think of this lip color is POPPING. This color-intense lipstick is bold, so a little goes a long way.<br />
For only $2, this lipstick is a real steal. You can find it <a href="http://www.newyorkcolor.com/en/makeup/expert-last-lip-color#405-blue-rose" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Heroine Lipglass by MAC<br />
Heroine Lipstick's glossier sister, this color is perfect for fun in the sun as the lipglass formula is butter soft and prevents your lips from drying out.<br />
For $15, it can be <a href="https://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13853/309/Products/Makeup/Lips/Lip-Gloss/Lipglass#/shade/Heroine_" target="_blank">yours</a>.<br />
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Lullabye Studded Kiss Lipstick by Kat Von D<br />
The first thing that I noticed when I first tried this lipstick were the little flecks of glitter that were embedded into the formula. These iridescent pops of color ensure there is no other color quite like it.<br />
This lipstick is $21 and can be found <a href="http://www.sephora.com/studded-kiss-lipstick-P387435?skuId=1621739" target="_blank">here</a>.<span id="goog_713607171"></span><span id="goog_713607172"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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Loud & Clear Lilac by Covergirl<br />
A true lilac ligloss with an intense glittery shine, this color is easily one of my go-tos when I want to look good with minimal effort. Although I have not been able to find it in stores anymore, I have stocked up on this product through ebay and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gloss-Liquid-Effect-Cosmetic-Maybelline/dp/B00UTYJY0E" target="_blank">Amazon</a> for about $6.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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Purple is such a fun color to wear, what are some of your favorite purple shades that you like to rock?</div>
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Top: <a href="http://www.livingdoll.la/cher-crop-skimmer/" target="_blank">Living Doll</a><br />
Curls defined with <a href="http://missjessies.com/Pillow-Soft-Curls_2#.VbnSKbbbKM8" target="_blank">Miss Jessies Pillow Soft Curls</a><br />
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-91372755619149082122015-07-16T16:53:00.002-05:002021-09-10T19:12:21.708-05:00The Friend Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The dreaded “Friend Zone” … the place where romantic
aspirations go to die, or do they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over
the years, I have heard men and women alike complaining about being delegated
to the Friend Zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me share a
story: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had met a young man
who was interested in me and had asked for my number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I was also interested, I
obliged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the first week of
getting to know this guy, it was evident that he was in a hurry to be in a
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I liked this guy,
entering a relationship so quickly didn’t seem like such a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But because I was interested, I used our time to learn as much about him as I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When he realized that I wasn’t ready to be in a relationship with him
(we had only been talking for less than 2 weeks), he became upset and declared that
I was putting him in the “Friend Zone”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told him that if he ever planned on entering into a relationship with
me that I prefer that we get to know each other and become friends first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost immediately, his attitude toward me
changed and he was no longer interested in pursuing a relationship with
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His actions told me that he was more
interested in being in a relationship than actually getting to know me as a
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, if he was willing to
give our friendship a chance to flourish, I’m pretty sure that I would have
become ready to be in a relationship with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, we never got that chance.<o:p></o:p></span>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="text-align: left;">
So is being in the friend zone such a terrible thing? I think
it’s quite the opposite.</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anybody that
takes the time to get to know me first is a winner in my book. Instead of
rushing into a relationship (which can actually cause your relationship to end
prematurely), getting to know someone and befriending them first is one of the
ways couples can help create a solid foundation for their relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are also many other benefits to being
in the friend zone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes We Get into Relationships for all the
Wrong Reasons<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I see more of this these days than anything
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People chose to be in
relationships with each other based on qualifications such as looks, income,
material possessions, status etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
these things are important, people often forget to choose someone based on how
compatible they are with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you have ever tried to be in a romantic relationship with someone that you weren’t
friends with, you will know that it isn’t easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When someone is your friend, they will be willing to communicate with
you, have your back and motivate you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can tell the difference between someone who just desires you for
your superficial qualities versus someone who actually cares about you as a
person and your well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d prefer
the latter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Relationships Built from Friendships Last Longer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The goal should not only be having
a relationship, but having one that lasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like I mentioned earlier, relationships need a strong foundation to be
able to withstand the test of time and a strong friendship is one of the ways that
this can happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever found
yourself in a relationship with someone who seemed great in the beginning, only
to realize later that this person is someone that you don’t even like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chances are that you did not take the time to
get to know that person well enough before entering into a relationship with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about your circle of
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wouldn’t keep anyone in
your circle that you didn’t like would you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The same goes for relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You want to make sure that the person you choose to be in a relationship
with is someone worth keeping around.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love Happens in its own Perfect Timing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You cannot rush love or the perfect
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, something worth
having requires time and dare I say it, patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in an instant gratification oriented
society, but that does not change the fact that there are some things that you
cannot force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quick example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gavin meets Jessica.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gavin is very attracted to Jessica, but because
of circumstances, they were unable to be together at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were however, able to cultivate a
platonic friendship, one that was based on mutual respect and common
interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later on when their
circumstances changed, Gavin and Jessica were able to enter into a loving,
long-lasting relationship because of the wonderful friendship they had already
established beforehand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This made their
love that much more sweeter, because they both knew exactly who they were
getting and were thrilled about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even though I know the term “Friend Zone” has a negative
connotation, I have come to the realization that being friends first with a potential
mate is a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some
situations in which a person may not ever be interested in a relationship for
whatever reason upon which the Friend Zone becomes a permanent situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In instances like this, it is probably best
for the person who has been “Friend-Zoned” to remove their romantic
expectations of the friendship and move on to other possibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t think someone should ever deny
themselves the possibility of genuine friendship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we navigate through the world of dating,
we have to keep in mind that it is best for relationships to have a strong
foundation, to remember to choose a person based on the right qualities and
that getting to know someone often requires lots of time and patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next time someone wants to take the time to
get to know you as a person, happily accept. You never know what the future may
bring.</span></div>
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</div></div></div></span></span></div></span>Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-725075349773004852015-06-22T01:07:00.003-05:002021-09-10T18:56:20.228-05:00Father’s Day: A Different Perspective on Fatherhood<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a single mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My son knows his father, but his father and I have never really raised
our son as a unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember one Father’s
Day about ten years ago when someone I knew greeted me with “Happy Father’s
Day!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I was puzzled, but then I
quickly realized that she was referring to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i>
as my son’s father because single parents are often said to have to be “both mom
and dad”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the time I thought that
being wished a Happy Father’s Day was a fair acknowledgement because let’s face
it—I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was</i> doing the vast majority of
the parenting to our son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I grew
in my journey of motherhood I began to realize that just as a man could never
be a substitute for my role as a parent, I could never be my son’s father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, being a single parent means most of the
time you’re performing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> the duties
that parenting entails on your own. I can raise my son with good morals and
values; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but as a woman I don’t know how to teach my
son how to be a man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Til this day, I still receive happy Father’s Day wishes, and
I know it comes from people who care about me and who know the struggle that single
parenthood can bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I
respectfully appreciate this acknowledgement, I’m wise enough to know that
Father’s Day is not my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No amount of
parenting can convert me into my son’s father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The love that I receive from my son on a daily basis is enough
recognition for the job that I do as a mother that lasts all year long.</span><br />
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-19736396192656248202015-06-14T00:59:00.001-05:002021-09-10T19:13:26.514-05:00Personality Test<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently, someone suggested to me that I take a personality
test in order to gain some insight on why I am the way that I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I headed over to <a href="http://www.16personalities.com/">http://www.16personalities.com/</a> and
answered the questionnaire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The analysis
that this website provided me was so telling that it was scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I discovered that I fall under the personality
type <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">INFP</b>, which stands for<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> I</b>ntroverted, i<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">N</b>tuitive, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">F</b>eeling and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">P</b>erceiving aka “The Mediator”. The
analysis stated that only 4% of the population has this personality type, so
the risk for feeling misunderstood for someone like me is very high. I am very intuitive and tend to make decisions based on that intuition rather than logic. I found all
of this to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One statement that
caught my attention stated “While they (I) may be perceived as calm, reserved or
even shy, INFPs have an inner flame and passion that can truly shine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The analysis goes on to discuss my
weaknesses, strengths, friendships, relationships, career and parenting
style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I discovered that most INFPs are
gifted writers, and that the first career that I probably desired was to be a
book author (so amazingly right)!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really enjoyed reading about my personality because it was
like peering into the mirror of my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For once, I had no desire to change all the little quirks that make me
who I am and was able to sit back in the lovely embrace of
self-acceptance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since taking the test,
I have sought out social media accounts that are dedicated to my personality
and type and its characteristics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
are a healthy reminder that there are people out there who are just like me,
and that I don’t need to change anything about myself in order to “fit in” in
this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have realized that my
uniqueness is my gift to the world and that it’s okay to stand out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is your personality type?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m curious to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the test and comment your results.</span><span face=""Helvetica","sans-serif"" style="color: #606060; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/w640-h308/Blog+closing+-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-37520555381343595582015-05-29T21:39:00.001-05:002021-09-10T17:02:24.834-05:00Why I Left Facebook<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxHXkBso61C_8NYJcVuX3BGIdX68SLMnf2IfavSrn4TAy5cTUh4jgVG_UjddCucKCUeG0f1DSstKhFGiqIzu3XbIPUWM4M1x7TkM1A3-JBidK4cvqsz9_9ccsNloOpffJD3TYR3f2KMs/s1600/facebook-y-alter-ego.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxHXkBso61C_8NYJcVuX3BGIdX68SLMnf2IfavSrn4TAy5cTUh4jgVG_UjddCucKCUeG0f1DSstKhFGiqIzu3XbIPUWM4M1x7TkM1A3-JBidK4cvqsz9_9ccsNloOpffJD3TYR3f2KMs/s320/facebook-y-alter-ego.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I recently took about a 6 week hiatus from Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most of you, I had deactivated my
account before but this time was different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I possessed a very strong urge to pursue my solitude, and Facebook just
didn’t fit into the equation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The months
leading up to my break, Facebook started to feel more like more a chore and
less like a source of entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
social media app that was designed to bring people closer together started to
make me feel strangely alienated from everyone, including my “real life
friends”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed that spending time
on Facebook started to drain my energy and shift my focus onto things that were
not important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to be left with
a very dissatisfied taste in my mouth and it shouldn’t have been that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some of the reasons that I was able
to pinpoint that led to my Facebook “detox”:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Negativity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It started to seem like Facebook had
become an outlet for routinely negative content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From people taking pictures of strangers in
order to publically shame them, to people wanting to put other peoples’
personal business “on blast,” to blatant racism, the negativity that was
displayed had begun to affect me adversely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m a firm believer that happy thoughts lead to a happy life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The less negativity I see, the better I feel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Lies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Faking that your life is much
better than what it really is runs rampant on Facebook. I get it:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people want to post only the positive aspects
of their life and downplay the negatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve done it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there is a fine
line between diplomacy and straight up embellishing the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What many people fail to remember is that
many of the people on their friends list know them in real life and know the real
truth about their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While tweaking
your life for social media may seem like a good look, completely re-writing your
story to change how you’re perceived online isn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Social Media Isn’t a Dating Service</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cannot stress this one
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experience has been that because
I simply have chosen to participate in social media, I am considered a candidate
for unsolicited inbox messages from people (mostly strangers) who want to get
to know me better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While some people
welcome these types of messages and may have even met the person of their
dreams on Facebook, I prefer to use Facebook as a way to keep up with those
people that I know in real life, not as a way to meet new people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I was interested in online dating, there
are plenty of options to explore, but I don’t consider Facebook to be one of
them. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Facebook is a Great Place for Misunderstandings<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t tell you the number of
times beefs between people have begun all because of a Facebook post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People look to others’ behavior on Facebook
as an indicator if they are on good terms or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People have stopped talking because someone
didn’t like their photo, they viewed a quote that they thought was subliminally
meant for them or they viewed pictures of an event that they were not invited
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Facebook has become a replacement
for picking up the phone and actually communicating with one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no need to talk to your friends
because all you have to do is visit their feed to see what they are doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss
the pre-Facebook days because people communicated more with fewer
misunderstandings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes People Overshare<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being able to know everyone’s
thoughts sounds great until it is actually happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes people share the most mundane
details of their lives on Facebook (Did I really need to know that you plan to
jog 3 miles, go to the grocery store and do your laundry today?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the opposite extreme, sometimes people
spill ALL of their tea (personal business) and share the innermost details of
their lives that we wish they wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In either case, you’re subjected to useless information while wasting
your time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d rather not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I learned from my break from
Facebook:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While on break from Facebook, I
had the chance to focus on myself (something I rarely do).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the “noise” from Facebook was eliminated
and it gave me the opportunity to really tap into what I really wanted and
needed in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had the chance to
interact with my friends the old-fashioned way, which felt way more authentic
than any social media interactions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have since returned to using Facebook, but I do so in a much more limited
capacity than I previously did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it’s
that true that the “hide”, “delete” and “block” feature exist on Facebook
(trust me, I’ve used them liberally), sometimes it’s just good to get away from
social media to focus on real life situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m more interested in creating a great life in reality rather than one
that just looks good on the internet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/w640-h308/Blog+closing+-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-10518042155983892642015-05-14T18:22:00.004-05:002021-09-10T17:01:25.910-05:00Know Your Worth<br />
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oftentimes when people don’t choose
you, it has nothing to do with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
truth is, some people don’t even love themselves enough in order to have the ability to
choose themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’ll tell you that
you have too many requirements, that your standards are too high and that you
don’t make it easy for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Re-read the
last part of that last sentence<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t make it easy for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Even if they don’t outright tell you
these things, their actions will almost most certainly show it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last time I checked, anything worth
having was never easily obtained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> D</span>on’t ever think that you’re too difficult or that you require too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem arises when they refuse to meet
your standards and expect you to lower yours in order to be with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nothing about that exemplifies love,
respect or appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing says “I
do not value you” more than someone who refuses to acknowledge your worth by
consistently disregarding your boundaries while pursuing you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing is more insulting than someone who is
capable of seeing your worth, but refuses treat you as a valuable human being.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The reality is, if someone wants you
badly enough, they will not only rise<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
meet, but to exceed your standards because they are willing to deem you worthy and value you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People that don’t value
themselves often don’t get valued by others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All love, growth, change and respect has to start from within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person that is right for you will
recognize your worth and choose you without question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Choosing you will be easy for them because they too will have a healthy
amount of love and respect for themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t ever sell yourself short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Always know your worth.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqGjhopmfWCdQzPsL3-7LtAWwEvPJlZt5eLztYD-fv_oYztpi5czaG0NSj-_rtAnieZWwXcq1484D4VTmDamWrhViY7clfsmhzra9PMAR59brnPuj514wTOoIGD2LohSZEZUUB4xz3rg/w640-h308/Blog+closing+-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-14782898010065403272015-05-09T13:59:00.005-05:002021-09-10T16:44:39.591-05:00Looking Back<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: magenta;">Note</span>: I wrote the following approximately 3 months ago, when I was just beginning a new temporary working assignment. It was my first time in a full time job since before I'd gone back to school, and I had a lot of doubts about my abilities and effectiveness. The job opportunity turned out to be a really awesome experience, and I am excited at how far I have come in such a short period of time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">When I'm at work, </span>I feel purposeful and
happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel powerful and in control of
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so glad that I was able to
receive this amazing opportunity to do better in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see another perspective. To get out of the
funk that I’ve been in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To honor my
greatest self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To earn a decent living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To shed dead weight that is no longer suited
to my lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To move on. To make a
smooth transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To dispel all the
lies that the devil and others who didn’t believe in me told me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To dispel all of the lies that I had told
myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To gain the confidence and the
motivation that I so desperately needed in order to move forward in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To believe in myself and my
capabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To not wallow in
misery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always said
that “I am the head and not the tail.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even when things weren’t going my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even when I was down and out and wanted to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially when I was struggling with
EVERYTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I know that I will not only
be okay, but I will succeed in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will rise to the top, no matter where God leads me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will live out my dreams and they will be
fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when sadness had surrounded me, I had the strength and the courage to
pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote my little prayer, straight
from my heart, and folded it up and took it with me everywhere I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that God believed in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I wasn’t trash or discarded
refuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew what God saw in me was
more precious than rubies, diamonds or pearls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew He would see fit to give me my heart’s desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>B</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">ut I knew that not everything in my life was
suited to come with me to the next step of my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That part was scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Letting go, shutting doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scared of the unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I be happy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I be okay?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would there be love and happiness waiting for
me on the other side?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have so
much left to do in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the good news is that life is not over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because I haven’t done anything in a
long time, doesn’t mean that it’s not possible or that I’m not capable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m capable of anything that I put my mind
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I may have forgotten or been misled
of the truth, but that doesn’t stop it from being any less of the truth. I WILL realize
my dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t allow anything to
stop me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had been a time where I
didn’t feel like I was adequately qualified to become who I was meant to be and
my confidence was low, but I declare that those days are behind me, and I will
live out my life to my fullest potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No matter what happens after the duration of my present assignment, my
life will be forever changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course
of my life will be happy and exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have discounted myself for far too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The best days of my life are definitely ahead of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this with all my heart.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ4dFpC5F5lxePAXx5l_THOx_AsUvrXp6-bC13W2cWnY-s84uTWZm7a2DW0Fcu162IKL7IR10G9YKjiC0siammup9RjXXVX4ioPD_vpAJX69zU8CUMWk9atQgP_vsR4Nh52O-Uo7rvcY/s1350/Blog+closing+-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1350" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZ4dFpC5F5lxePAXx5l_THOx_AsUvrXp6-bC13W2cWnY-s84uTWZm7a2DW0Fcu162IKL7IR10G9YKjiC0siammup9RjXXVX4ioPD_vpAJX69zU8CUMWk9atQgP_vsR4Nh52O-Uo7rvcY/w640-h309/Blog+closing+-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8800686284247892477.post-81168052242431047612015-05-07T11:33:00.000-05:002015-05-15T02:17:47.542-05:00Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been awhile, but I’m back, and happy to be here I might
add.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may know some of you from the
world of blogging, some of you from social media (as far back as MySpace lol), some
of you I may actually know in real life and some of you I may not know at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever the case, I’m happy that you’ve made
your way here to visit my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a name='more'></a> </span>My name
is Jennifer, and I’m and a thirty-something single mother from Texas. I’m a
recent college graduate and writing is one of my passions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a natural encourager, I have found ways to
cope when life gets tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m an
advocate for positivity, self-love and emotional wellness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, beauty, haircare, fashion and
traveling are some of my interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whenever I’ve been faced with a difficult situation, it’s usually only
in retrospect that I realize that the huge amount of strength that was demonstrated
on my part is what got me through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
my hope that everyone has the opportunity to discover and maintain their resilient
nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcome to Lil Miss Honey B,
where everyone is <span style="color: magenta;">B</span>eautifully <span style="color: magenta;">E</span>ncouraged & <span style="color: magenta;">E</span>mpowered. <br />
</span><br />
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Lil Miss Honey Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00939075997396042589noreply@blogger.com0