IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Ya’ll I feel incredibly blessed to see twenty-eight, it’s been a wild, unpredictable yet eye-opening year so far. I’ve learned a lot, I’ve grown immensely and I’m finally understanding what true self-love is. I was supposed to be returning home from an epic vacation from Jamaica right now but Ms. Rona said not TODAY! I’m still a little sad my girls and I had to cancel but the show must go on…

What I find the most rewarding is everything that I’ve learned up til this point. Whether it was an easy or hard lesson, I learned from it.

What I’ve learned so far:

As cliche as it sounds, self-love is truly the best love. It’s a journey, once you get a hold of it don’t let go.
Start using retinol oils around 25, your skin will thank you.
Expand your wine pallet. Last year I worked part-time as wine brand ambassador, I learned so much and found some favorite wines. Chateau Michelle Riesling and Meiomi Pinot Noir are frequent buys for me.
Save your damn money. It took me til about 25 to start saving money and not touching it, especially in the times we’re in now. I know everyone has a different situation but if you have a little bit of money leftover after all bills and treating yourself has been handled, put something back for a rainy day. I can’t tell how many times I’ve had to fix my car, but I always had it saved.
Invest in a good perfume, my two favorites are Replica “Beach Walk” & Carolina Herrera’s “Good Girl” Everyday perfume. You just automatically feel wealthy, sexy and vibrant when you wear these scents, well I do.
Date for fun and then date intentionally when you’re ready. I’m still learning this especially after my breakup in March. Right now I just want to date for fun, see what I like and don’t like. Remember you have a choice.
Buy a decent cash car before getting a car note. Your finances will thank you, I’m personally not interested in having a car note right now.
College is great but not necessary. Everything is so niche right now that you can get certified in that field. Don’t get me wrong, college was GREAT, especially the experiences I had, but the price tag of having to pay back loans makes me itch. Look at all your options, I highly suggest going to community college first to save money and to get all of your basics out of the way. I’m back at community college to get certified in Digital Marketing, it’ll cost me less than $2,000.
Buy the shoes, you’ll probably never see them again.
Create boundaries upfront. If you sense some uncomfortable vibes from people, whether they’re from family or friends, let them know now how you’re feeling. Just be straight up, we don’t have time to beat around the bush anymore.
Arugula is better than kale. My favorite recipe is grilled chicken on top of arugula, drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and salt & pepper.
Don’t let these men play you. PAY ATTENTION TO THE RED FLAGS AS SOON AS YOU SEE THEM.
Don’t always share your plans and dreams, people will try to crush them and then take it away.
Positive affirmations work. I don’t say them out loud to myself all the time, but I look for ways to affirm myself. When I wake up, I sit for 10 minutes in bed or on the toilet (LOL) and think about what kind of day I want to have.
Speak up for yourself. I was taught that early on to fight back and speak up for myself but along the way I lost that. When something doesn’t feel right to you, speak up. You don’t have to be rude or aggressive about it, just make sure you’re heard.
Jobs will come and go. It’s OK to be picky and particular about where you work especially since that’s where you’ll spend about 75% of your time.
Cut your hair, it’ll grow back.
Embrace life’s challenges. I’m really good at adapting to whatever life throws at me, learn how to adapt so you’re not stuck in an unpleasant situation for too long.
Take pickle juice with your tequila shots, I just recently learned that I feel much better.
Take BC powder before a light night or weekend of drinking. Your body will thank you the next day.
Believe in yourself at all times.
Recognize and value the people in your life that support and love you.
Always have $20 cash in your purse, pocket or wallet, you never know when you’ll need some “mad money”.
Get a hobby. Do you have a hard time finding things to talk about with other people? Bring up your hobby (whatever it may be) it’s a great conversation starter.
Always wear a statement piece. It can be a necklace, brooch, cool socks, a hat, etc.
Pay your credit card bill on time. Your credit is important for future purchases, especially the big ones.
Read, read, read. I love reading, it helps me find out more things about myself.
Always be YOU. No one is like you, and no one can take that away. Show up and show out honey!