Day 9- Someone you wish you could meet

Dear MJ ,

I so wish we could have meet before you left this world... I would have told you that you are loved and adored even through all the hell and non- appreciation we gave you while you were alive was so undeserved. We miss u. RIP MJ

DreaM (your biggest fan in my mind)

Day 8 – Letter to My Favorite Internet Friend(s)

Yes this title is multiple because it's more than one of you!!!

 

Dear @CJayConrod
@Nvncyble
@SheHateMe
@YoBoiPat
@AlejandroDaGr8
@ImWa2
@BTiz82
@fullupcious

Hey Twitter Friends!!!! This letter is dedicated to you all. So many days you have so brightened a dark day with a tweet, an email, a Skype call, a blog talk, or a post and I thank you!!! I wish we could talk in real life and some of you I see often and others I can't wait to meet!!! I love you all and who says you can't find great friends in cyberspace!! All of you are so intelligent, so much fun, and great folks just to have a good conversation, debate, tv/movies reviews, endless music, and some of the best reads (blog posts) I have ever come across! Many of you I look for your YouTube vids and always enjoy every single one!!

To my real life cuz and my bestie you two always manage to make me laugh sometime during the day it never fails!!! CJay, Shehateme, and Alejandro you know I love y'all and our great conversations, jokes, and so much music! Mo I never knew I would find such a wonderful real life friend just playing around on twitter and that is exactly what you have become I can't wait to see how are our friendship evolves I know it's going to be a great journey! Pat and Wa2 I can't wait to meet you guys in person you two are a mess and I love you!!

 

Sincerely

DreaM aka @amcnair00

Day 7 – Letter to My Ex….

I've been away for a few days… but I had to take time to think about this letter… and whether I would go the negative route or the positive route… I choose the positive….

 

Dear 1^st Love,

This is for you! I know it's been awhile since we have spoken or even seen each other and that part of my heart that will always be young still misses you…. I miss our night time conversations under the million stars on a clear summer night ….. Our lazy days laying on the couch walking tv or me watching you play video games, lol. Oh how I long for the days when a relationship was so pure… I guess that just goes away as we get older….. I miss our quality time together and all the things we shared… There is no way to tell you in words how much I appreciate you and your family standing behind me while my mother was sick and when she passed you never know how much your love and support got me through. I am still amazed that such a young age you were able to be so mature and caring about all that was going on and so willing to help. My parents adored you (this still shocks me) and always bragged to their friends at how I found such a nice young man to be my boyfriend lol, even though my dad had my brother scare you he really did like you, lol! I miss you honey and I'm still ride or die for you like I always have been all you ever have to do is call and I'm there!!!

 

˜ I Love You!!! –

Drea…

Day 6 – Letter to a Stranger

Dear Stranger….

Well that doesn't seem the right sentiment being that you are my child… I only got to experience you for three months in my womb and oh how I miss you.. The Bible says everything has a reason and I guess you leaving me has one as well but many days I can't see it. I sit and wonder would you have my eyes, would you be chocolate or caramel colored, were you a boy or a girl, what it would feel like to touch your curly hair or hear you coo cooing. I sooo miss you even though we never met, I pray that God will see fit to send you back to me because I love you more than I could ever say or put into words. I long for the day that I can see you and wrap you in an unyielding mother's love. With everything in me if you come back I will do everything in my power to Love you, Protect You and make sure all that you need is there… Hopefully you won't be a stranger one day because 7 yrs without you is too long, I love you my child!!!

 

With undying love,

 

Your Mother……..

Day 5 – Letter to My Dreams

Hi Dream(s)!!!

Yeah I see you off over there on the horizon and this no so smooth crooked road in front of me. Hey a challenge is good thing right, it makes you better… as the sun sets on yet another day on this journey to you I see the colors of purple, gold, and orange descending and the lights coming on in my own Accounting Firm, My Plaza that I own and will build with cash, My home that I purchase without a mortgage, and that new car that leaves the lot without one penny owed on it. Yep I see you and you are within my grasp. All these emotional, physical and financial barriers won't deter me from becoming the Best and Most Sought After African-American Female Business Mogul in the world. All these hard lessons and trials will all be worth it when I get that dream on the horizon and trust when the sun rises again in the morning this journey to you starts anew. So sit there because I'm coming and I'm claiming it all now it is already so and written into the threads of my life. No man can stop me from getting to you but myself and I don't see that happening soon. I know you hear the nay-sayers and all that manufactured hate spewing from the slave factory behind me but it's all good I'm rolling and they won't catch me… So in ending just be waiting when I get there because my entrance into that place, where you my dream lies and is made of, will be all the way live when I step in the place.



Deuces until the sun rises,



DreaM

Day 4 – Letter to My Sibling (or closest relative)

Hey cuzzo!!!!

Yes Ms. @fullupcious you silly butt this letter is dedicated to you ma'am!!! I love you soooo much you are more than my cuz I consider you my sister. Your presence and importance in my life means more to me than I can ever put into words. We may not always agree or see eye to eye on things but it is because of you that I haven't lost all faith in the word family. Your prayers, your advice, and even your good natured kicks to the rear are appreciated. You mean so much to me and I love the time we share…. So cuz this letter is for you I LOVE YA CUZZO!!!! *BIG HUGS* (even though I know you hate the mushy stuff) lol . Now all the mushy stuff is done let's get ready for more laughter, great conversations, more mess, with a ton of your crazy jokes and stories!!!!!!!



Luv your crazy cuzin,

DreaM aka Renee

LOL

This picture is from 

Sisterhood Art PrintLatham, Sarah 
Buy at AllPosters.com  <<< You can purchase this print here! 

Day 3 – Letter to My Parents

Hey Mommy…. Hey Daddy….



There is so much to tell you… it's been over 10 years since we spoken and everyday it seems I miss more than the last…. Since you left to be with God things here on Earth have been very hard for your baby girl… but you raised a very independent and strong little girl and I Thank You for all that you gave me….. As I write this my tears are steadily flowing because it still seems like yesterday when you left, and I'm certain you took sizable chunks of my heart when you went away. As a child I wondered what did I do so wrong to make you leave me so soon, but as an adult I realize you had to go and aren't suffering or having to deal with the pains of this world….. I just want to say again (I don't think I could say it enough) but thank you for loving me, for teaching me, encouraging me to be happy and to love myself as well as those around me. You two were my best examples even though you weren't married you were the best of friends and I loved that because you taught me how to be a good friend, you exposed me to the world of culinary arts and I loved watching you two work especially together it was like a well oiled machine just …flawless I thought you guys were Chef Superheroes. You also were so smart Mommy you were always there to help me with my math and science and I know given the chance you would have been the greatest Mathematician anywhere, plus we shared so much laughter together, and I thought you were the best dancer ever! Daddy you were always so articulate and full of history, I so miss your stories and making me laugh, plus your voice when you sang made everything alright… Well I don't know if my tears will let anything else be written just know I love you and one day I'm going to see you again and feel your arms around me……



I LOVE YOU MOMMY AND DADDY!!!!



Love,

Your Baby Girl AKA Bright Eyes

Day 2 – Letter to My Crush

Hey You! Yeah you over there with your sexy self I'm talking to you……

Right now you have no idea I exist or that I feel this way but let me tell ya really quick. If you asked it becomes so, if you need then it will be met, if you wanted time to stop all you had to do was ask….

Yep that's how I felt then, how I feel now and probably always will…..

I wish you knew that many days I feel like the sun rises and sets when you open or close your eyes, when I get to hear your voice or talk to you it makes whatever I'm going through just disappear if even only for a moment…

Don't get it twisted I'm not on that next lifetime shoulda, coulda, woulda, maybe when or maybe if mental trip…. I know that chance has been missed and long gone for me to show how much I love you and can make you happy…. and most times you are just the soul mate I dream about….

Many days thoughts of you have my daydreams all tied up… conversations, shared experiences, far away trips, marriage, kids, and oh so so sweet love making but again reality hits and I realize all these wishes are out of my grasp….

So to you I say if you ever think that no one loves you…. I wish you could read my heart because I do today, then, and always….

XOXO



DreaM

Day 1 - Letter to My Bestfriend(s)

Hey Family (that's what we call each other),

Where do I start.... This is my first letter and I'm glad it's to you guys....

I love you all so much I really really do! So many times I've felt alone in this world and you all always remind of the biggest blessing God could ever give me TRUE FRIENDS. We have been through good times and bad and always together and stronger because of it. Many times we give each other grief and tease but it's always in love and for the love of each other's laughter.... I thank God everyday for you guys because you really are my family even when my real blood turned their back you were there and I will always love you and do whatever I can for you because of it.... One of my favorite things about us is no matter geographically where we are as long as we are in each other's company we are HOME and being someone who is sometimes not sure where home is that can be such a reassuring fact..... There is so so much I could say but my mind is kinda blank now because I'm a little choked up writing this but know this fact till the day the Lord calls each of us home I am there for you. If you need me call, a shoulder I got two, a hug I have plenty, and my love for you guys is overflowing......

*GROUP HUG*

Love your crazy friend,

DreaM

30 Letters in 30 days.......

Okay one of my dear internet friends posted this challenge on his blog.... thanks @shehateme for this challenge and the encouragement to go through with it.... Warning there are some things that you are going to find out about me that you had no idea were there, or feelings that no one knew I had... and I may regret this but here it goes . The letters will come in the order listed below....  if you want to comment please do....

This is hard for me I'm always the strong one and being this open is scary.....honesty with yourself is so much easier when you don't have to let people peak into that same reflection you see, so I invite you to join me for this journey.... Let's go!!

Letters to:

Day 1 — Your Best Friend

Day 2 — Your Crush

Day 3 — Your parents

Day 4 —Your sibling (or closest relative)

Day 5 — Your dreams

Day 6 — A stranger

Day 7 — Your Ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/love/crush

Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend

Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet

Day 10 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to

Day 11 — A Deceased person you wish you could talk to

Day 12 — The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain

Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you

Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from

Day 15 — The person you miss the most

Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state/country

Day 17 — Someone from your childhood

Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be

Day 19 — Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad

Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest

Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression

Day 22 — Someone you want to give a second chance to

Day 23 — The last person you kissed

Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory

Day 25 — The person you know that is going through the worst of times

Day 26 — The last person you made a pinky promise to

Day 27 — The friendliest person you knew for only one day

Day 28 — Someone that changed your life

Day 29 — The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to

Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror

My Life List..... Things Wisdom Has Taught Me To Live By....

Hey folks I'm back again... lol

Well before I start this list let me say recently my life has been a little haywire lol. I won't say bad because I refuse to complain (even though I do sometimes working on that) because someone else has it worse than I... One of the side effects of life craziness is insomnia...well it is for me any way lol, when I'm up real late and it's all quiet this gives me the perfect opportunity to pray, meditate, and think some things through... When the Lord speaks you need to listen and many of the items on my "Life List" have been constantly on repeat within my conscious and subconscious, something told me this list won't just help me it may help someone else as well... Many times I repeat these same simple words/rules to myself even though on my worst days it's hard... Many of these things are qualities that I want or wanted the Lord to bless me with and many of them he has... Well, with all that said I say this please enjoy the list and by no means am I a life coach or spiritual guru neither can I tell anyone what to do but taking a gander wouldn't hurt nor would a little reflection.....

1. Perseverance
2.  A Tough Skin (don't sweat the small stuff, because it's only small stuff)
3. Keep your mental strong (mental weakness is the deadliest weakness)
4. Concentration, Focus (tunnel vision is a good thing)
5. A Positive Outlook ( you reap what you sow, law of attraction, all that applies here)
6. Building Prayerful Habits (prayer changes things!! seriously it really does!)
7. Philanthropic Practices (in helping others you ultimately help yourself)
8. A Strong "3rd Eye" (Also known as discernment, learn from observation) 
9. LOVE FOR SELF (yeah this is a biggie!! when u love yourself it is easy to love others and for others to love you!)
10. RESPECT FOR OTHERS (being respectful is the simplest act of kindness, and the best evidence of a person having some knowledge)
11. To admit when you are wrong! (no one is perfect, and we all make mistakes they are always easier to fix or be forgiven for when you sincerely admit your mistake)
12. To be able to apologize "I'm Sorry" (this simple phrase has prevented wars!! Done with a sincere heart can prevent years of heartache and anger)
13. Be able to put pride aside and ask for help when you need it...(this is one I'm still working on, it's hard when you are independent minded but sometimes you CAN'T do it all yourself)
14. Know your self-worth (if you know it others will also and will respect you, if you don't expect massive amounts of drama)
15. Treat others how you want to be treated ALWAYS! (Refer back to #10 and #5)
16. Do YOU! ALWAYS! (if it makes you happy do it! especially if you aren't breaking any laws, killing or hurting anybody, strap up your Nikes and JUST DO IT DO YOU!)
17. Get one really good laugh everyday and give someone a really good laugh everyday (trust this works even it's by accident no matter if you were just in tears you would be surprised at how a laugh helps!)
18. Pray for wisdom not wealth!! (Wisdom is a blessing that lasts longer than wealth and can help you attain it!)
19. Know when to be quiet ( you can say the most by just not saying anything at all...)
20. Know when to be still ( take a break stop and just let things go we can't fix/control everything, many things work out best when we just be still and let it roll)
21. Don't give energy to people and things that don't deserve it! (Yep I said it! I mean it! lol If they don't deserve it don't waste your life force on someone who just wants to zap your energy and not replace it)
22. FAMILY IS NOT ALWAYS THOSE WITH WHOM YOU SHARE A BLOODLINE ( I learned this at a very very early age the hard way... and so true You can't pick family but friends are the family you can pick! )

Well that's it. I hope you enjoyed my list, please comment and let me know if you agree or don't. Would you add anything or take anything away? I would love to know, till next time....

Much Love

DreaM

My Current Music High "Everything is Arie!"

Ok so lately I've been feeling a little down you can say many things going on most of which I WON'T discuss on here lol... anywho besides prayer music has always helped me relax and take my mind off things for a little bit and there are a couple of raggae artists I just discovered who do just that!!! One is Tarrus Riley and the other is Queen Ifrica both are Rastafarean and ALL of their songs are about peace, love and correcting wrongs that are going on in the world ( a break from the bling,guns, and whores in mainstream music) warning this is not dancehall!!! It is Bob Marley and the Whalers throwback kinda Raggae. A few videos are below listen and enjoy. Please comment and tell me what you think. Much Love!


DreaM

Book Review "Nice Dreads" by Latrice Brittenum Bonner

Hey folks!! I'm back! You don't have to say I know I know you missed me LOL! Anyway remember my last post the 1 Self Re-Twist well it went off without a hitch and much help from my cousins Natural Love For Life and Nattalicious  (thanks you two and I love you so much *big hugs*) I washed my own hair and did the wonderful ACV rinse man the first time you do that you will shocked and appalled by what shows up as well as the smell I had to do two rinses to make the smell go away lol. After that experience I've done some thinking on the products I use yeah I know I'm a Taliah Waajiid stan but I need to switch up because I'm noticing build-up, yuck! Anywho my cuz used the Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Creme Wax and did a great job on my hair sorry no pics next time I promise lol!

Well on to what the title of this entry states the review of "Nice Dreads" by Latrice Brittenum Bonner. This is the other thing that helped calmed me down and gave me some much needed insight on my journey as well as information to share with others going along this loc journey as well.

The first thing I loved about this book was it's flow... yeah I'm talking about the ease of reading and the ability to transition effortlessly between topics within the book. Even though this book is a manual of sorts and classified as non-fiction it reads like one those really good kinda trashy African-American fiction novels minus the cursing and elicit sex scenes lol. Along with the simplicity of information being shared she didn't use industry terminology that would require a cosmetologist or chemist to decipher, she used La men English which made it easy to relate, retain, and understand all knowledge she was giving.

Secondly about 80% of the information in her book is not just for loc'd heads but loose heads as well. My favorites were her natural coloring rinses chamomile and lemon juice (lightening) also coffee rinse or the sage/tea rinse (darkening). As well as many other recipes and great tips for achieving a health crown of hair.

Last but not least she keeps it REAL, straight from North Memphis REAL lol. She talks about her decision, apprehension and mistakes while starting her journey ( a hilarious tale). Ms. Bonner also gives you the real deal about what to expect no fairy tales or false promises just what I like to call "the Truth of the Matter" or "Keeping It Funky". In this work she outlines a detailed and fairly easy plan or routine for starting and culturing a healthy head of locs from shampooing to covering your hair at night (refer back to the lint bunnies).

It's amazing most times when I read a work of non-fiction its a 50%

 chance I won't remember much of what is read but with this book, it was sooo easy to retain all the information. So for this book it receives 5 BOOKWORMS and two thumbs up and yes I am recommending to all my loc'd, thinking about being loc'd, and curious loose hair friends and family!!!


She also has written two other books from the time she was loose haired!!
Check out :
Good Hair For Colored Girls Who've Considered Weaves When the Chemicals Became Too Much ISBN: 0-517-88151-9


Plaited Glory For Colored Girls Who've Considered Braids,Locks, and Twists ISBN: 0-517-88498-4

















Until next time this is DreaM over and out! *chucks deuces*

About to do my 1st Self Retwist <<<~~~ TERRIFIED!!

Ok, this is something that is going to be very interesting to try and undertake. I'm not sure why I am so nervous but just roll with me for a minute. This week I have an appointment to get my hair done and well I have a Bartending gig that is definitely going to conflict but my hair needs a re-twist like yesterday what are my alternatives..... The only one I can think of is do it myself.




So here is where my dilemma comes in what do you use to twist my hair what products should I use. Should I try something different that's less inexpensive but won't cause buildup or attract lint bunnies.....

Not a Good Look!!                                               

                                                                        

                                                                      



Someone help I'm know this panic filled space in my time is probably unwarranted someone tell me I'm tripping and it will be okay, but when you do please provide suggestions lol thanks.

Sincerely,

DreaM

The Update...The Good The Bad and the Not so Attractive

Hey people I'm back again.... well I guess it's time for an up date lol.


The Good
*Happy Dance Time!!*
I'm so proud of myself and my Nikesque just do it campaign! About a month ago at an Georgia Dept. of Labor workshop I was informed that the YMCA gave financial assistance scholarships. Yeah I was shocked as well but the process was pretty easy I'm still waiting on my letter to tell me what/if I will have to pay anything. *crosses fingers* LOL. Any way it feels great to work out again, walking on that treadmill gives me quiet time to really think about things, which is always a plus.  I have a goal to be able to get in one of those sexy costumes for the ATL Caribbean Carnival next year, I know it may not be a goal someone else would pick but it's something I've always wanted to do and I don't know if I will ever get to Trinidad Tobago to be in theirs lol. Also I just want to be toned and my flexibility to get better (get your mind outta the gutter people) I'm not sure how many people know but I have had to fight with Ole' Aurthur since child hood I even had doctor tell me it might be rheumatoid lol I laughed in his face and we just gonna fight that and the best way is to become more physically fit.

Okay for my other GOOD news lol. I'm in school as many know and hopefully I will be finished with the Associates part of my journey by next summer *crosses fingers and toes* lol. I'm taking Sociobiology and Accounting I (yes I'm bored silly I know all this stuff) right now and should be finished week after next. Then I tackle Humanities (Western Civilization <<~~~ whatever that means), Physical Science, and Accounting II (this I'm looking forward to because it will be new material). I will keep you guys posted on this education process as well, lol plus I may need proofreaders for my papers and such lol.

Lastly and I guess the most important is the time I took with ME. Yep I know, I know, you live with yourself everyday but sometimes life, work, and responsibilities get in the way of taking time with yourself. Guess you can say it was some realizations of sorts.....as it refers to my status as "the crazy cat lady" or "becoming someone's devoted wife". Had to sit back and look at me, I don't complain (I may joke around a bit though) about the man situation here in Atlanta, but it's more than just them I had to figure out me and what was stopping me. You would never guess but it is TERROR FEAR . Why am I fearful? Well my last major relationship I really did think  my judgement on his character was correct *shakes my head* BOY was I wrong! Also I realized that to make a relationship successful why would I "date" someone I wouldn't even want to be friends with that defeats the purpose! See in friendship you have communication, trust, loyalty, and intimacy......see how this correlate to what everyone needs for a successful relationship, my readers are intelligent so you get where I'm going with that. There are men trying to talk to me but I go at the angle yeah your handsome, nice, and all but I don't feel that I want to be friends with you energy then why waste both of our times building a relationship (just dating or serious) without that. Also I'm not trying to have sex with anyone who I haven't taken their last name or we are in a uber-committed relationship the emotional and safety risks are just to great to ignore!

The Bad
Venting 101


Well onto the not so good I'm still unemployed! Yeah I'm not the only one but I'm finding it's hard to get assistance if you don't have a house full of chillin' or disabled, or you just have laziness down to an art form no one wants to help you. Getting something as simple as food stamps is such a headache and I actually need them. Don't worry I found another way to skin a cat there are several food banks in Atlanta that can help as well as good friends who have food stamps that are willing to help so I will be fine there. So why am I still frustrated well it's the first part of June as you know RENT time I got it (well most of it) and we can work it out but with all my expenses (no they aren't that much) I'm still feeling the strain and I hate it!!! You can call it confessions of a forcibly rehabbed workaholic but I WANT TO WORK DANG IT!!!  I've put in applications, resumes, and proposals for contracts, put my business cards all over the place put up Craigs List ads the whole nine!! Nothing, nada, (insert swear words here) , *crickets*....you get the idea. I know it will change but I'm used to working and making my own way and not waiting for a check it makes me feel like I'm cheating myself and the system (I know I'm not the only one believe me I know). This whole thing is just frustrating and terrifying!!!! [Yes I need a hug!]

The Not So Attractive
-aka- The Ugly Ish!!


So now for the madness I had a disturbing Skype conversation the other day with a friend of mine serving in our wonderful United States Armed Forces (note sarcasm) *rolling eyes really hard*. You know I hadn't talked to her in a minute and she tells me causally "Oh yeah I just got out of the mental hospital on Tuesday." I'm like WHAT THE HECK!!! Which would be anyone's reaction to news such as this. Anyway, you know me I started asking questions and lots of them because I wanted to know why would they put her in a place like that! Well she has had some trouble with a neighbor of hers ( I really hope it is he who is a nut case) yelling obscenities and threats through the walls in the apartment she's called the police, talked to commanding offices, chain of command , you know the whole bureaucratic nine yards. What does she get a recommendation to see the base psychiatrist and what does he do recommend she go in for a psych evaluation *shaking my darn head* (yes I want to cuss but it's not that type of blog). So she volunteers to go my guess is to exonerate her name so she does the week they find nothing wrong but still give her medication to treat what they said she went in for *blank stare*! Really! Seriously! I don't understand that logic of giving someone medications (with numerous side-effects I looked it up) for something they don't supposedly have! This burns me up because I've seen this before and it's not fair to that person or their families! BUT A REALLY BIG BUT!! There is a little part of me that wonders is there something really wrong because she's had emotional issues before in many of her stations and I worry is this military really taking the time to evaluate  these service men and women to make sure they have a stable and healthy state of mind. You see so many veterans who went in normal and come out NUTS, something like 1 in 4 homeless persons is a veteran and of the homeless veterans (guessing because it's been a minute since reading the article) it's something like 3 out of 5 have some form of mental illness do you see the pattern here! Something definitely needs to change here ASAP, how can they defend our country when they are mentally unstable at the hands of the country they are trying to serve! I'm going to keep praying for her that she just doesn't nut up and would advise others to do so as well.


Well that's the end of this update... I have more blog posts coming soon especially a review of a product I'm using for cleaning my house I sooooo love this stuff. Until next time.... be easy, *dueces*!

Two-Strand Twists On My Home Girl

Hey folks I'm back .........

So Monday night after I finish dinner I get a call from my home girl Keyontia she's been natural going on three years and has an amazing length to her hair. So when she gets here she's looking like Macy Gray (not in a good way) lol a twist-out plus rain equals a crazy fro LOL. Anyway she was like well Drea you think you can twist my hair and I'm like sure take a seat!

Her hair was already clean so we got to work.

I used a paddle brush and Taliah Waajid Mist Bodifier and de-tangled her hair. (My godson is too cute! And please excuse my office area lol working a project lol) *Waves* Hey, Key Key!!!!

 Okay next I parted her hair into 4 sections using butterfly clips

Then I just started twisting her hair and making sure I smoothed the hair down so her twists wouldn't go every which-a-way lol! Also as I went along I sprayed her hair with a water and TW African Oyl combination to keep the hair moisturized (twists turn out better on damp hair)

This pic is half way done lol.

All done!!! The back/ left side!

The Front!!!

These are the products I used Water Bottle w/ TW African Healing Oyl Mix, African Healing Oyl (on her scalp), TW Protective Mist Bodifier, Jamaican Mango and Lime Locking Creme Wax (yes you can use this on twists! And its not sticky when you melt it in your hands has a hair grease consistency). Also I had butterfly clips, long clips, rat tail comb, de-tangling comb, and paddle brush.

Thanks for reading and please leave comments.


    
                                                  

Escoveitched Fish ------ Remixed ^__^

Okay wonderful people... my disclaimer I am not a professional chef (even though I was raised by professional chefs, lol).

I found a basic recipe online for Escoveitched Fish and remixed it a tad...ok well a great deal because I didn't have some of the ingredients, didn't have as many people to serve, and not all that time. With all this set lets go!!!

What Do I Need??? *scratches head*

• 1lb. of Mahi Mahi Fish or Red Snapper
• 1/2 cup of Lemon Juice
• 2 cloves of garlic (mushed and chopped) <<
• 2 lengths of chive (chopped)
• 1/4 of green, red, and yellow pepper ( I only had green at the time please excuse)
• 1/3 cup of yellow or white onion
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• tbsp of red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp each of onion powder, garlic powder
• crushed red pepper flakes to taste
• 1/2 cup of olive oil for pan searing fish
• 4  tsp each of kosher sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Ok now the fun part....once you get everything together the next question how to put all this ish together to make a good meal?? Keep reading and don't worry for the folks that it takes a minute I have pictures also lol!

1. Wash fish thoroughly in water and lemon juice (preferably fresh lime or lemon juice the acidic properties are great for cleaning meat and seafood)
2. Season with salt and pepper and add some more lemon juice this helps meat/seafood to marinate more quickly!! Let sit for 10 mins.
3. Heat oil in frying pan and sear fish on both sides.
4. Set fish aside in a dish and start cutting up your veggies; onion, chives, peppers.
5. Once completed add a little more oil to your frying pan and drop in veggies while sauté add white vinegar, red wine vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer all this together until liquid is slightly reduced and onions are tender.
7. Now grease a baking pan or dish with olive oil so the fish won't stick while baking.
8. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees....
9. Place fish in baking dish
10. Then pour the veggie mix including juices over the fish
11. Bake this for 20 mins at 350 degrees
12. Once finished take out of oven carefully and serve with your choice of side dish.....

Serves 2... Not sure about all the calories and what not... this is just a quick dinner I normally make lol. Enjoy.

Something New!!!

HELLO!! Good people!

I'm back and a special treat I have two entries coming up lol and they are a little different.....

Since I have some time on my hands I like to undertake "projects" and I just successfully completed two of them lol so the following blog posts will be documenting these activities hope you enjoy and please feel free to comment.

Hey Out There!!!! and "It Had to Be You" Book Review

I know...I know... I have been MIA but I'm back so much to tell but we will reserve that for another blog post in the future lol!!!

Any-who I just read Francis Ray's "It Had to Be You" Book #3 in the Grayson Friends Series, #8 in the Grayson Series, and #14 in the Grayson/Taggert Saga!! Yeah that book falls into all those categories lol!


Okay here we go as with all Mr. Ray's books everything flowed perfectly. You can pick up this novel without having read any of her others and know exactly what's going on [A Major Plus]! The story starts out capturing your attention from the first meeting and as you read along the discovery of how the characters are connected is amazing, loves it! So I would recommend you go out and check out her books ALL OF THEM! lol I have been a fan of this series since the age of 15 and I'm 28 now so you do the math as to how long I've been following her and I so can't wait for the next novels to be released.

This novel really taught the lesson you can't believe everything that you read in tabloids or gossip rags. This man Zachery "Rolling Deep" Albright-Wilder (mega-producer to the hip hop elite and beyond) was the perfect match for this quiet living classical violinist Laurel Rainue. The way the come together is magic and you can feel their chemistry come right up off the pages of this book!!!

You may laugh, but I was over here like a crack fiend when I finished this last book I so didn't want it to end and I really wanted to know who is next.... I think it's Rio's turn at finding love....we shall see soon enough.....

It's Time for MARCH MADNESS!!!!!

Happy St. Patricks Day and Welcome to March Madness

My Bracket

Always Just For Fun Yahoo Tourney Group 
Click the link right above to join my tourney group. Prizes will be given to those who win. I have some things in the works for some really fun prizes! Take Care Enjoy and Let's Play!


Just to lighten things up a little we all love March Madness (well most of us do) lol.

Above the link to my personal bracket but I will try to outline everything here.

2nd Round

•  Kansas vs UNLV
• Michigan vs Maryland
• TN vs Georgetown
• OK State vs OH State
• Syracuse vs Gonzaga
• Butler vs Vanderbilt
• Xavier vs Pittsburgh
• BYU vs Kansas State
• KY vs TX
• Temple vs Winsconsin
• Marquette vs NM
• Clemson vs WV
• Duke vs Perdue
• Baylor vs Villa Nova

Regional Semi Finals  

• Kansas vs Maryland
• Georgetown vs OH State
• Syracuse vs Vanderbilt
• Pittsburgh vs Kansas State
• Kentucky vs Temple
• NM vs WV
• Duke vs Perdue
• Baylor vs Villa Nova

Regional Finals

• Kansas vs Georgetown
• Syracuse vs Kansas State
• Kentucky vs WV
• Duke vs Villa Nova

National Semi Finals

• Kansas vs Kansas State
• Kentucky vs Duke

Championship
Kansas vs Kentucky


Champion
Kentucky

Kentucky Wildcats Jerseys : Nike Kentucky Wildcats #20 Royal Blue Replica Football Jersey

What's Up?

Hey Friends,


I know I know I've been a little MIA..... Trust I will be back shortly don't miss me too much while I'm gone lol. 

A Brief Commericial Break!!!!

A BRIEF COMMERCIAL BREAK

BROUGHT TO YOU

BY

MRA EVENT SERVICES!!

I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO WELL MYSELF

FOR THOSE WHO KNOW ME

MY NAME IS ANDREA MCNAIR

AND I'M ONE OF THE BEST

IN THE PARTY BUSINESS

I'VE BEEN IN RESTAURANT AND HOSPITALITY

FOR OVER 12YRS AND I CAN HELP

TAKE YOUR EVENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL!!

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• BARTENDING
• EVENT SET-UP AND BREAK DOWN
• BEVERAGE SERVICE PLANNING
• OR OWN AN EVEN VENUE AND NEED BARTENDING STAFF

PLEASE CALL ME @

678-636-9802

OR EMAIL ME @

AMCNAIR00@GMAIL.COM

*THANKS THIS MESSAGE WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY MRA EVENT SERVICES.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

*NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING!*

E-mails entangle 2 GOP campaigns - Local / Metro - TheState.com

E-mails entangle 2 GOP campaigns - Local / Metro - TheState.com

Ok this is way too funny. If he is seperated and she is divorced what's wrong with them sending flirtacious emails. No one has used any state funds or done anything illegal its just funny to me. She's of age and so is he smh, SC needs more news than this lol!

One more question what the hell is in the water in SC the Republicans have been off the chain this last year smh.

Snowmaggeden 2010 What Really Happend......

Scene: Old Man Winter and Mother Natures Living Room....

.

Old Man Winter: *Looks in wallet* MA!!! MA!!! GET YOUR AZZ IN THIS DAMN LIVING ROOM NOW!!!!

Mother Nature: *Peeks around Corner* Boo what the hell you yelling for fool!! I'm right here scheduling moon phases and menstrual cycles don't you see I'm busy!

Old Man Winter: I don't care how damn busy you are where my damn money!!!!

Mother Nature: What money?

Old Man Winter: Don't act dumb now, u know the $60 I had in my wallet to hit up the Shark Bar at Club Ocean this weekend Poseidon is saving me a VIP spot!!!!

Mother Nature: WHAT!! YOU DON'T NEED TO BE IN NO DAMN CLUB OCEAN NO WAY!! Ugh! All you want to do is roll up on Venus anyway that hoochie is waaaaay out of your orbit anyway! *rolls eyes extra hard*

Old Man Winter: Whatever you old bitty!!! Stop trying to get off the subject *glances over and notices hair* WAIT THE HECK UP YOU MEAN TO TELL ME YOU WENT AND GOT YOUR HAIR DONE!!!!

Mother Nature: Uhhh yeah it was time for my re-twist fool my locs was looking janky. I'm the Mother Nature the head diva I can't go around looking a mess!

Old Man Winter: You know that's what I had left until the 30th!!! You couldn't use your money or wait until you got paid. Then you didn't ask.

Mother Nature: No you didn't question my motives. Plus when were you telling me you were going to the club how was I suppose to know if you didn't say anything.... I control nature I'm not Pythia of Delphi get your folks straight and start communicating!

Old Man Winter: All I'm hearing right now is Ying Yang!!! I want to know why you took my dough to get your hair done. Wait a second oh so you tryna impress that bright clothes wearing Apollo I hear every chick he mess with he burns don't bring that "heat" home to me we will be rumbling!

Mother Nature: What you mad because he rock it harder than you, maybe you need to take notes!!!

{Meanwhile on Earth}

CNN: THIS JUST IN MAJOR BLIZZARD SET TO HIT THE DMV, VA, NC, TN WITH UP TO 15 INCHES OF SNOW AND ICE ALL PLEASE BE ADVISED TO STAY INDOORS AND DRIVE UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!

Old Man Winter: See broad!! That's what I'm talking about you always starting something and never giving me an answer as to why. So you just going to avoid this huh??

Mother Nature: Avoid nothing you creeping to the club umm hmm it's cool. Just like last time I know you were creeping with ole ugly Lechesis that's how you got those tickets anyway you couldn't pay full price you had to change your whole fate around!!

Old Man Winter: What!! * oh ish! face* Where did you hear that?

Mother Nature: Un huh so you caught now. I saw Hades and his side chick Atropos up at the corner store and she give me the complete run down I thought you were hanging with Cronos and Monos. Cro said he hadn't seen you in a while and Mo was like I just saw him but not sure where he is now. So let's talk about that shall we!!!

{Mean While on Earth}

NATL WEATHER SERVICE: PLEASE BE ADVISED DMV AREA IS EXPECTED TO RECIEVE 3INCHES OF SNOW PER HOUR FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT.

Old Man Winter: Whatever woman! It's this close to Valentine's Day and you want to trip! Where's that little alcholic crack head Midget w/ his arrows when you need him! Damn!

Photo Credits:

Mother Nature avenuemodels.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/moth..

Old Man Winter buckst4.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/old20man2.

Jenny Sanford Says South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford Refused to Be Faithful in Wedding Vows - ABC News

Jenny Sanford Says South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford Refused to Be Faithful in Wedding Vows - ABC News


Well I didn't think I would be writing about this interview but it's needed. Like so many women Jenny Sanford tried to have a positive and supportive outlook on her marriage even though its wasn't the fiery romance novels are made of, it was at first glance solid and healthy. I know there were signs like his refusal to keep the fidelity vow that should have been more closely evaluated but sometimes in love you are blind (I speak from experience) but we learn from our mistakes and luckily so did she I pray other women will follow your example and show that deserve better. To think someone you bore 4 children for worked 4 campaigns and 20 years could be so careless, callous and disrespectful is impossible to believe. To you Ms. Sanford my support.


Dear Ms. Sanford:

First I'd like to say I'm honored to call SC my home and your strength through this ordeal has given all South Carolinian women inspiration that we are not to be treated like we don't matter and for that I applaud you. We know right now you and your children have been through one of the worst emotional scenarios possible and know as it is our states culture we will support you it does not matter our political lines, ethnic and racial boundaries, or economic status we are women of the same soil and we feel your pain. Continue to be strong for your children and we wish you the utmost happiness in the future.



From:

Drea
Sending this from ATL by way of Orangeburg, SC with love!

Book Review: "Push" by Sapphire

Please excuse my tiredness in the video had a long day lol!

As some of you may know I am a self-proclaimed book worm on the average your girl reads about 4-5 books a month if my schedule permits (it usually does because I don't do much lol). So in October when the movie came out my cousin and I both were more than excited to go experience all what "Precious" had to offer. Well! We were definitely surprised to say the least lol some say the movie was mediocre at best my opinion it was flawless I loved it the passion the drama the overcoming obstacles. Let me get back on track this is not the movie review but the review of the book the movie is based off.



The Beginning:

Okay so as the book starts its a little difficult to read because its written in the way the character Precious currently speaks and the scene that is set is one of complete destitution and sadness. It's heartbreaking to here her tale of illiteracy and what she feels is intellectual inadequacy to other students in her public school. Her lack of education is tragic enough but to add to her burdens she's sixteen and pregnant for the second time. The book clearly paints a picture of her feeling of self and lays the ground work to how she will evolve as the story continues.

The Middle:

Things seem to always get worse before they get better in any situation and this tale is no exception you read all the atrocities she experience at the hands of her own mother and feel her pain as the story is gracefully illustrated by Sapphire. By this time in a book you can tell if it will be a great read or not and "Push" does not disappoint even with its difficult subject matter the book flows at a pace that lets you absorb and understand what is going and makes you anticipate the next page (like a horror flick where don't want to look and you look anyway). Even in though this tragedy is playing out on the pages you see a gleam of light once she starts her alternative education and her self realization that it's possible for her to overcome her current circumstances successfully.

The End:

By this time you see clearly the semi-failure/success of the "system" also her mother's mental illness becomes very evident and partially explains not excuses her vile actions towards her child. We also see the added dynamic of being diagnosed with HIV from her own father and how she is able to cope with the cards that she has been dealt. Sapphire so cleverly puts each woman's individual story of self-acceptance and redemption by intertwining them with that of Precious to illustrate the magnitude of how one's situation can improve, with the proper guidance, education and support from caring people can start you on the road to a more improved being.

This book gets a five page turns out of 5!

Flow 4.5 page turns (because of the difficulty of the subject matter)

Story 5 page turns

Character Development and Evolution 5 page turns

I hope you all enjoy this post and please this is a must read.

My Wish List

MY WISH LIST........

Painting by J. Loveless (Divine Order)

Disclaimer: Okay before I get started in no way am I expecting a man to be perfect! I know one man can't posses all that I "ask" for. This is a general list of qualities and attributes that when several are combined I become intrigued......... thanks for reading. 

Alright now that legalities are out of the way lets get this rolling!!!!

The men out there who fit a combination of my following qualifications please comment and I can email you the application and upon review set up a face to face interview and testing. lol I've thought about this a long time (with some trial and error involved) and have come to the following conclusions:

1. A great sense of who God is and who the great I AM is to them. Reason when a man has a relationship with God and understands his words and teachings he automatically has gotten the correct instructions on how to treat himself and mate/girlfriend/partner. For example.... 

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Ephesians 5:28-29 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies, he that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

2. It's always good for a man to know who HE really is and not make apologies to me or anyone else for the characteristics that make him who he is. I appreciate a guy who shows me the real him not some fake version of who he thinks I want him to be!! All perpetrators will be promptly escorted to the door of my life and  banned for all eternity I'm like St. Peter once the decision is made thats it!! 

3. For all those guys who think women don't like nice guys you haven't met me yet have you? Let me introduce myself my name is  Drea or Ms.Babygurl if you nasty lol. Please if you fit the description of all around nice guy, geek, nerd, techie, book worm, eccentric, oddball, or combination of the stated. Trust I will look your way lol I look for glasses, pocket protectors, the whole nine lol (this is a metaphor people). 

4. One of my biggest and refer back to #1 for this one. Be honest its that simple give me the straight up, shoot from the hip whatever way you say it, if it will hurt my feelings use tact.  A man who is honest, will always grab my attention. Because one my mantras that I live by is all you really have in life is your God, your name, your knowledge, and your WORD. 

5. Manners, home training, etiquette trust and believe Chivalry is not dead we just don't practice it on the regular anymore and that's where the main problem is. Sometimes we as women have forgot how to let a man be a man, and we try to be both man and woman. Don't get it twisted a woman should be independent, educated, and deserves to be paid the same as a man for the same work, but we don't have to ALWAYS be on the war path and out for blood about everything damn just be who you really are a woman its okay to be soft sometime! On that note there is no gold digging going on either me personally I see that as laziness and professionally manipulative I'm just saying, I want a man to open doors, be protective, or buy me a gift because he WANTS to not because he feels he HAS to.

6. Being open-minded is a must!!! Come on we have one life to live this is not a dress rehearsal people!! I want a guy who doesn't shy away from some of my crazy whims (those who know me know exactly what I'm talking about), in addition please have a few quirks and whims of your own it will make our season together much more interesting! 

7. For my final wish I need a man to be caring and affectionate not slobber in public affectionate yuck (this is not written in stone if we are out and you look at me and something in you wants to grab me and kiss me go for what you know who am I to stop you, lol) but just someone who understands when you want to be held, and takes the gift my body as SERIOUS as I do.......

See not that bad huh??? Like I said before I'm in no way expecting a man to have the exact things I've wished for but this is just a start lol. Thanks for sharing the ultimate gift you can give, your time to spend this little moment traipsing around my brain lol..... 

PS: Please comment and start a dialog I want to hear what some of your wishes are guys and gals also if you disagree and why..... 

I'm Back!!!!! Did ya miss me?!?!? Of Course You Did!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I'M BACK!!!

Ok people I know a sister has been MIA but I'm back to let you into my craziness I call my mind once more stay tuned because a sister has a ton of catching up to do.

Look out this year for some short stories more hair care tips some guest reviews and more faboulosity lol!