7 of 22 days Vegan

Hey Yall- Just checking in on my 22 day vegan challenge- I’ve proclaimed it to be more of a vegetarian challenge because I didn’t realize even some “meatless” products still contain animal derived ingredients. Even bread! I am happy to say though I have not ate any meat for a week now, and I went out with a BANG! I had a big juicy Bacon cheese burger from Red Robin. (Yummm. Lol) I usually never eat burgers but I had to engage in a last supper type meal before my veganity was taken. Anywho, on my quest to start this challenge I went grocery shopping and my cart was full, but my grocery bill was cheaper than normal- score! I bought tons of fruits and veggies and also some Boca burgers and meatless bacon, which both contain dairy. Fail. The next fail was purchasing regular bread, not even thinking about how it too is obviously made with Dairy. I did cheat a tad and ate Gorgonzola cheese on my salad but beside these small blunders, I have been doing awesome as far as no meat. I have discovered my obsession with vegetables. I really am considering becoming a vegetarian now that I realize how easy it is. There are so many benefits and its been a breeze so far to not eat them. My true test was yesterday when I went out to a restaurant. I only ate chips and salsa! I couldn’t believe myself! It definitely has reduced my appetite and I am happy to report I’ve lost 8 lbs in 4 days! Thumbs up to this challenge, which will now be a lifestyle! If you’re wanting to give it a try, I will later post a grocery list to get you started. Stay Tuned

22 days Vegan

So I've heard a lot of discussions about a new diet that people are doing- eating only plant derived foods for 22 days, The "22 day Vegan" diet, or should I say challenge? It became popular when Jay Z announced for his 44th birthday he was embarking on a "spiritual" cleanse that included the vegan lifestyle, for 22 days- 22 days since he was turning 44 and 2+2=4. Lol, whatev Jay! Of course Beyonce participated too, and I must say she has been looking mighty snatched lately- One of the reasons I'm hopping on the vegan train.

A few of my friends have started the cleanse as well and have been raving about the new tasty recipes they've created, and how easy it's been. So I  have decided with their help, I will be starting the 22 day vegan cleanse. It's proven that it takes 21 days to form a habit so lets see if I can make it, and adopt a new healthier diet. (I don't know if I can go past 22 days but I will certainly give it my all!) I have asked my BFF Elizabeth to help me along the way, and share her journey here on DF. She has been going strong as a vegan for almost a week, so I'd say she's well on her way to being pro. Me on the other hand, I will start Monday, as I need to go grocery shopping for all of my fruits and veggies.

 Join us on this healthy adventure, and stay tuned for lots of info and recipes from Elizabeth and myself as we lose our veganity. HAHA!

Makeup Brush Holder

In the new year, I am focused on keeping my surroundings organized at all times. It's pretty weird that I'm not a super organized  person because my mom has always been OCD when it comes to clutter, organizing and cleaning. She's quick to throw things away or move something because its not in the right spot for her liking.. I would explain the old Joia as living in an organized mess, lol. Now I have a spot for everything.

Here is an inexpensive way to organize your makeup brushes, eye and lip liners, lips glosses etc. These are my go- to items that I like to have quick and easy access to. The other 3/4 of my collection is stored other ways (I will do a full vanity tour soon.)  Very stylish and only $4 for the materials, found at my fave- Dollar Tree.

2- glass vase/ candle holders
2- Bag of rocks, (or you can use marbles)

That's it :-)

10 Ways to be Happier

I hope your first week of 2014 has been fantastic. Mine has been great due to my new thought process of consciously focusing on being happier.  Reaching Felicity is a lot easier if you are happy. Yes, happiness is perceived differently by all people, but I believe these 10 suggestions will put everyone well on their way to destination: Felicity

1.  THINK POSITIVE -Thinking positive will change your whole outlook on life. Always remember, if you believe it, you will achieve it! If you need some motivation on staying positive, please join the Positive Vibes Book Club, HERE. 
2.  Exercise regularly-  Exercising is a stress reliever, it releases endorphins which are proven to make you feel happier, and look better. Studies also show that people who exercise live longer, which gives you more time to reach felicity :-) 
3. Eat fruits and vegetables every day- Its recommended that you eat some with every meal, but for most people this is not really ideal. Try to eat at least 1 serving of each a day. These two power foods help prevent all sorts of diseases and also, help you feel and look better.
4. Stop Comparing Your Self to Others- No one else can do a better job of being you, than you. A great way to stop this detrimental thought process is to compare yourself, to the past you. We have all grown to be better people over time, in more ways than one. So the only comparisons that should be made are within your own self. What have you accomplished this year, compared to last? A big factor in causing some comparisons is social media. Of course it looks like some people are living fabulous lives, but they only  show the good, not the bad and the ugly.  Continue to become a better person, but do not compare yourself to others. Always remember if they can do it, so can you!
5.  Keep Good Company- There is nothing worse than a party pooper, Debbie-Downer, or a Negative Nancy. Surround yourself with people who radiate more positive vibes than negative. Even if you find yourself to be a Pissy-Patty, make it a point to hang out with those people that "always seem so happy."
6.  Leave Work, at Work - Even for people who adore their job, work can still be stressful. Me personally, I love what I do, I just dislike "working." But, I make sure to always leave the emotions of work at work. I don't check my email, or replay situations from my day over in my head. When I walk out of the door, work has ended and my mind is cleared of anything having to do with it.
7. Stop Over-Indulging- Too much of anything, can turn into a bad thing. There is a saying which I constantly argue with myself about in my head; "A girl can never have too many shoes, (clothes, handbags, accessories etc.)" While in the perfect world this is possibly true, in the real world there is a limit. I believe there are only 2 things one can truly never have too much of - love and faith.
8. Do more good deeds- One rotten apple can definitely spoil the bunch, but you will never hear a story of the good apples making other apples bad! (lol was that a good example?) But you feel me right? Being an avid social media peruser, I see tons of stories all day about the bad things going on in the world, and it makes me so sad. But any act of  generosity, courage, or compassion makes me so happy and sometimes even causes tears of joy. It definitely inspires me to want to do the same. Be the example for others and go out and share good deeds.
9. Stop Selling Yourself Short- In all aspects of life, we limit ourselves. Whether it be in relationships, capabilities, or giving yourself credit. If you feel you deserve better in a relationship, YOU DO. If you tell yourself there is no way you can finish a project in a specific time period, YOU CAN'T, but if you tell yourself you can, YOU WILL. Never say you're incapable of doing something because you will believe that. Celebrate your accomplishments. You have been working hard, and saving money, and see a pair of shoes you want- BUY THEM (as long as you aren't spending your last.)The greatest disservice we do to ourselves is failing to appreciate what we offer the world, to appreciate the gifts and talents we are each blessed with, the influences we make in people lives, and all the good things we deserve. Always reward yourself. Never settle, and always go for the gusto.
10.  Get a Good Night's Sleep- A good night's sleep to me is at least 8 hours. I wake up refreshed and ready to conquer almost anything. A good nights sleep is proven to help you learn more effectively, manage stress better, and just been in an all around better mood. I know when I go to sleep late, I always wake up grumpy. Make an effort to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Make it a point to adopt these new ways to be happier, and I promise you will see a change.

Versace Pre-Fall 2014

style.com Pre-Fall 2014

Does this look from Versace Pre-Fall 2014 not give you all sorts of life?! Recently I've been into this whole tom boy, crew-neck and skull cap phase, and THIS RIGHT HERE! BABY! I would spend my last few thousand on this outfit, if I had it. And if you know me personally, you know I love leopard print, so this peek-a-boo effect in place of the infamous Versace Medusa face on the shirt is the cherry on top.  I first seen this look on Lunar Candy and I just had to profess my obsession with it by making a post! Don't you absolutely LOVE IT? EVERY. SINGLE. PIECE. Let us pray: Please someone make a low budget version for us frugalistas! Amen.

Check out more of my favorite looks below- And the full Look Book HERE

Smith's Rosebud Salve

Rosebud Salve- The best lip moisturizer EVER. You can use this pretty much everywhere on your body as well. I like it especially for my lips, and sometimes I even put it on my eyelids and check bones for a glowy look. There's a "Hidden Gem" Salon and Spa in Beverly Hills, MI called Emile  and this is where I first discovered this product probably in 2003. I even recall an Allure Article on Beyonce  and her go to at-home beauty products.Rosebud Salve made the list! Now if Beyonce uses it, We know its legit. Make sure its the one in the Blue Tin, as they have others that have added fragrance, as well as tinted ones. I prefer the original.
Purchase it at Sephora, or HERE.

First Friday of 2014

My favorite person to go on a date with is my mom. Tonight is her treat :-) We ventured to TJ MAXX (my favorite store in the world,) followed by dinner at Applebee's and we will be finishing our night off at the movies! Talk about no boyfriend, no problem lol. She's definitely my favorite girl in the world! What are to u doing the first Friday of the new year?

Problem solving. How do you deal??

Problem solving is an integral part of ensuring a fulfilling life, and reaching felicity. Everyone deals with problems differently, and there is no right or wrong way to do so. What strategy do you use to deal with/ solve your problems?

4 strategies to deal with life's problems

 Absolve- This is the way I deal with problems. When I am faced with an issue in life, most times I just "go with the flow." Should there be a road bump, I just keep it moving. Eventually, any issue in life I see as a "problem" will solve itself over time, I will forget about it, or I will just accept it. I declare myself free of problems immediately after they arise. To be able to do so, you must always remain positive. Look at problems as opportunities. It's so easy to mask the problem, but when it comes to fixing it, it's a process that I believe is controlled only by The Lord. In the meantime, build a bridge and get over it!

Resolve- Making a strategic plan to get over your problem. Most times when a resolution is reached, its more like a deal. This approach to problem solving is a result of experience…Figuring out a way to fix the problem, which comes with trial and error. While this may sound like the best way, it is not getting to the root of the problem, which means eventually it will resurface. I find when using this method of problem solving, one will  generally face there problems again later.

Dissolve- I look at this strategy as dissecting the problem, then "putting it back together" in a way that makes it seem acceptable. If a large amount of your day involves responding to uncomfortable situations, this is probably the method you use. It takes a lot of pausing, reflecting, and asking yourself what you can do about it. In the end an explanation is given, excusing the reason the problem occurred.

Solve- Problem solving is a big task for me- math prblems, relationship problems, car problems.. All of them. Lol. Yes, some problems have an easy solution, others may be tough ones. But when it comes to life problems, there isn't always a definitive answer. When a problem is solved, you know the exact answer as to what caused the problem, the steps to get the solution, and a definitive answer of what the outcome will be.  As well as ways to prevent it from happening again. This is possible in some situations, but not all. 

Every human faces problems. Don’t get so hung up on trying to figure things out or solve them right away. Everything happens for a reason and instead of looking at something as a problem. Look at it as an opportunity and or a lesson. Whichever method you use, as long as it doesn't cause lasting stress, it works. If you find yourself dwelling on issues more than a couple days, try an alternative method.

“Happiness is not the absence of problems, it's the ability to deal with them.” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free