I began this journey back in 2009, when I was spiritually encouraged to begin my natural hair journey and change my eating habits. In 2011, I was given the desire to live the simple life and to start this blog to document it. I did not understand it at the time, but the desire grew stronger.

The seed was also planted to shed light on battling gossip. If I had to choose, I would not have chosen this particular sin to battle, because everyone does it to some degree and it is apart of human nature. When I did The Gift of Gab (gossip) Challenge, it was like being a magnet. People were bringing me so much negative talk that it irritated me. I also noticed that my silence irritated others and made them nervous because they never knew what I was thinking. There are still so many other things I am supposed to do in regards to tackling gossip and bringing it to the forefront. I accepted the challenge and will be speaking more on this at a later date!

Changes in the economy, layoffs, and other life challenges drew me closer to the simple life that was planned for me. I am happier now than I ever was in Corporate America and I can only imagine what lies ahead for me. It is not because of money, but God has placed me in a position for growth physically, mentally, and spiritually.

He has also positioned me to be a positive influence in the life of others, even if only for a moment. I take this opportunity very seriously. I am meeting more people now than I ever have in other positions. I am doing one of the things I love to do, which is serving others. I also have the pleasure of being apart of major changes in the lives of others. I cross paths with people who are attempting to better their lives within a matter of hours and God has given me the honor of delivering the life changing news and celebrating with them.

Looking back, I would have never imagined that I would be where I am today, but I am so grateful because even though I don’t know all of God’s plans for me, I do know that they are great and beyond what I could ever imagine for myself!

I have not posted much over the last two years, but you still supported my blog. Thank you Subscribers! There will be more Body Talk and Free Spirit updates as well as more Supplemental Income posts to come! Have a great week! Be blessed!

Dee Dee Hedgepeth

Q: Can you tell us a little about your company and what you do?

Dee Dee: My company is called Donnzella’s Pen to Pad Productions, an entertainment company that writes, produces, and directs stage plays in the Raleigh/Durham area. I am the CEO of my company and I do all of the writing, directing, and producing. I also wear the hat of Stage Manager as well as take care of the marketing for the business. You could say I am the “head and the tail” of the enterprise, lol.

The cast of “Perception” stage play

Q: When did you write your first play?

Dee Dee: I wrote my first play called, “Perception”, in 2012 and was able to have it hit the stage in 2013.

Q: Was this something you always wanted to do?

Dee Dee: Actually, I never imagined myself being in the entertainment field; even though I have a great imagination and was a writer of poetry for quite a while. I happened to meet an up and coming playwright who challenged me to assist him with his production, and here I am 4 years later!

Q: What obstacles have you faced with your production company? How did you overcome them?

Dee Dee: The obstacles I faced with the company, were not having a team helping me to accomplish all of the different elements involved in running a business. I became a little run down in the process of it all. I have always been head strong and believed that I could  do anything I set my mind to do. It was a bit hard for me to say that I really did need help to make everything a success.

Thankfully, once I realized that I really did need a helping hand, and through lots of prayer, I was blessed to have some magnificent people come into my life. They have been a blessing to me every step of the way.

Also, financing a business is a struggle. Finding people who are willing to invest in your dream can be very hard; especially when you are first starting out. Thankfully, I was blessed again with people who saw something in me and who were willing to take a chance that I would produce what I said I could produce. I also have had to use my own money to meet all of the financial costs required.

Q: How has owning a business changed your life?

Dee Dee: Having my business has really changed my life because now I know there isn’t anything that I can’t do as long as I have my faith to sustain me. Hard work truly does pay off. I have been challenged in a way I could never have imagined, but it has all been worth it.

 Q: What are your future goals for your business?

Dee Dee: My goals are to continue to do plays and take them on the road. I would also like to develop a web series and within the next 3  years, write and direct a movie. Also, publish some fictional books written by me via the company.

Q: How can others, who want to see your plays or tryout in the future for your plays, find more information?

“The Open Door” Cast members

Dee Dee: My website is theopendoor12.com and my email address is theopendoor12@yahoo.com

Q: Is there any advice you want to give to others who may be interested in developing their own production company?

Dee Dee: My advice to anyone who wants to start their own endeavors is to learn as much as you can and be willing to change your ideas and views. Get a mentor, realize that you definitely don’t have all of the answers, and that you can’t do it all alone. Lastly, realize that there are going to be times when you fail at something; however, it just means that you need to adjust and go at it again. 

You set your own limits on your life, not others. Give 100% to whatever it is that you are doing because at the end of the day, it is your name on it.

I had the chance to see “The Open Door” and it was a great play! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We look forward to seeing more of your work and wish you much success in your coming projects.

2014 was a little rough. There were many that said farewell in 2014, both young and old. It just showed that tomorrow is not promised to anyone so be sure you have an active relationship with God. There was violence, especially against children. Overall there was a lot of wickedness revealed in 2014.

2014 had a lot of great moments as well! Some who had been unemployed for a while finally found work. There was healing from cancer, diabetes, and other ailments for others.

The best things that happened to me? CS Luxury Boutique was born and I also became a Health and Skin Care Consultant/Distributor for It Works! Although I had not focused much on the 2nd business, I had time to try some of the products myself and I was EXTREMELY impressed!

My focus right now is losing weight around my core and being healthy overall. The first product I tried was the Ultimate Body Applicator (IT Works wrap) and it was pretty good, but I decided that I didn’t need to use those just yet. So I decided to try FatFighter, ThermoFit, and Greens.

When you are eating a little too much of a good thing, this is good to take to rid your body of some of the extra fat, carbs, and sugar.

I gained over the holidays, but I have lost 4 lbs so far using the products. If I can remember to take these everyday, I am confident I will reach my goal weight before the end of this month (I am trying to lose 15 more lbs).

I love the Greens! They are superior! You start to feel a difference within minutes. I try to remember to drink it everyday. I notice when I don’t because my energy goes down.

I have also tried the facial cleanser and exfoliating peel which smells great! The next product I look forward to trying is the Facial. For those interested in checking out the products and/or need to make extra money, check out www.itsawrapkrys.com

I couldn’t resist talking about the business. My real baby is the boutique though. I am still learning and the website is currently being redesigned. Orders can still be submitted through the site, while the design is being completed. I look forward to growing this business and adding more products.

2015 got off to a great start! I was at church when the New Year arrived and it was truly a blessing. This year we as Christians are “Called To Be Seen” so that others can have an example of how Christians exercise faith and how we model ourselves after Christ during life’s storms.

The goal that I think everyone should have this year is multiple streams of income. The fact is that very few, if any, people get rich working in Corporate America. Job security is not even guaranteed in the federal industry. Therefore, the more streams of income you have coming in, the less likely you will “skip a beat” when facing a layoff/termination.

Do not be afraid to venture out and start your own business. It can be frightening, well at least for me it was….still is… But it is worth the challenges when you think of the flexibility and convenience it can bring along with other rewards.

I am in the process of putting my goals on paper so that when I get discouraged, they will remind me of what I am striving for and to not give up. Have you set your goals for 2015?!

Rolled Pita with Salad

I have been searching for healthy choices when having to grab a bite to eat while running errands. Some of the things I have been trying to avoid when eating out is a lot of bread,  pasta, fried foods, rice, and red meat. That rules out quite a bit of food in terms of fast food.

Char-Grilled Tuna Salad

One day while my sister and I were out, I saw this dandy place called Aladdin’s Eatery and decided to give it a try. Aladdin’s Eatery serves a variety of healthy Mediterranean foods. Their flavors explode in your mouth! My favorite is the Chicken Curry Rolled Pita with a side salad. The prices are very reasonable also.

They have a variety of vegetarian desserts, including baklava, cookies, gourmet cakes, bars, and cheesecakes. Their desserts are delicious!

Gourmet Cake

This brings me to our Holiday Drawing! I have shared one of my favorite restaurants and dishes, now it is your turn. The rules for entering the holiday drawing are the following:

1) Subscribe to www.learn2simplifylife.com or “like” us on Facebook (please use the Facebook icon in the right sidebar, it should lead you to the website’s Facebook page). If you are already a Subscriber, start with Step 2.

2) Share with us on the site or on our Facebook page your favorite dish from your favorite restaurant. Please be sure to include the name of the restaurant. Also, when you share, please make sure your comments reflect under the Favorite Places – Holiday Drawing post.

3) You must be located in the U.S.

Entries for the drawing are accepted from October 23, 2014 – November 2, 2014. The winners will be chosen randomly and each winner will be unique (the same person cannot win more than one Favorite Places – Holiday Drawing prize).

The prizes for the drawing are:

1) $25 Visa card

2) $25 Gas card

The winners will be announced on November 6th. I will be contacting the winners for your information so that the gift cards can be sent out prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. My goal is to have all gift cards sent out by November 14, 2014.

Catch the Spirit of Giving!

     Are you stressed out and finding it hard to organize your life? Are you anxious about your family life and/or finances? Well, I have a Coach that can help get you back on track and “win” the game! This Coach is pretty busy, but she did manage to share a few moments with us. Her name is Kim Verbal and she is a Certified Professional Life Coach.

Q: How did you get started with becoming a Life Coach?

Kim: Wow, where do I begin…I guess I would have to start from when I was a teenager.  I often found myself engaged in conversations with people who didn’t mind sharing one or more of their life situations with me. Nothing that I asked for, but something that was bestowed upon me.  I think it is part of my calling.  In return, I found myself asking probing questions to get to the root of the issue to help guide the person to a solution. In 2009, I came across an article that talked about Life Coaching. It was then, I realized there was a title to what I’ve been doing just about all my life. I then decided to make it official and become a Certified Professional Life Coach.

Q: How long have you been in the business?

Kim: Professionally, four years.

Q: What is the most common issue you see in your consultations? (ex: self-esteem,trust issues, etc).

Kim: My top common issues are dealing with Stress, Relationships, Finance & Business.

Q: Do you have any general advice you’d like to share with our readers?

Kim: Do not allow anyone to steal your dreams, you must first believe in yourself before anyone else will.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish over the next five years with your business?

Kim: I plan to globally expand my business & clientele.  I look to be a Mastery Coach by instructing others on how to be a Certified Professional Life Coach.

Q: Are there any other ventures you would like to share with us?

Kim: Yes, I’m an entrepreneur at heart. God said,” that I can have it all”. I’m a firm believer in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.  

I’m standing on his promise & his word. As long as God gives me the strength & the breath in my body I will continue to bless & be blessed. I say these things to you, because if God can take a shy introverted, low self-esteemed little country girl from nothing to several times business owner, he can do the same thing for you.

The ventures I share with you today are all God given. I must give the honor to him 1st, without him I would not be.   I share part of my story with you today, that it may be an inspiration, motivation or testimony to you in your life.  I share these ventures with you in hopes that you will allow me to sow seed into your life one way or another. Be blessed.  

Real Estate Broker: verbalrealty.com

Jewelry Designer: dezinitboutique.com  

Virtual Assistant Jobs: dezinitllc.com  

Q: How can someone interested in your assistance or more information reach you?

Kim: For more details go to: pomlifecoach.com or E-mail: pomlifecoach@yahoo.com

Q: Do you have any advice for those interested in pursuing their own business?

Kim: “Whatever you do remain persistent, forever moving towards the mark. If you can perceive it in your mind to be real, if you can believe that it is real, then you can achieve it, to make it your reality”.

Thank you so much Kim! I am inspired already by such motivation and I am sure our readers will be as well!

I am finally finished with my site (well at least for the moment)! I thought I would never finish, but there is hope after all. I was only able to feature 12 products which is small in comparison to all of the different products I have in inventory.

I know everyone was hoping I would finish soon so I could get back to the blog! This brings me to my next insert for the Trailblazer series. I would like to introduce Trina Pratt of HOPE Development Services. Trina was gracious enough to share some of her experience in starting a non-profit organization. I hope you enjoy…

Q: When and why did you decide to change directions with your career?

Trina: For years I wanted to do something more than my previous position so I decided to try a career that was rewarding internally yet would help the community. In 2005, I made it official and start working after hours toward my future career choice.

Q: Tell us what your organization is about and what is your mission?

Trina: HOPE Development Services’ mission is to inspire and enable individuals to reach their full potential through meaningful programs and services that will unite and impact a stronger and healthier community.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with your business over the next few years?

Trina: Our goal is to inform and educate our community with resources, services, and to better our community. We do this by assisting with grants, paperwork for start up businesses, educational programs for youth and adults with interviewing, money management, etc.

Q: What obstacles have you faced in starting your organization?

Trina: My obstacles have been in marketing our services to those who are in need of it the most in these tough economical times. Although we have clients who hear about our services, most people do not act on their dreams and goals and put their desires on a shelf and tend to dust them off from time to time.

Q: If someone is interested in the business or your services, how can they contact you?

Trina: They can e-mail me at HOPEdServices@gmail.com or mail us at HOPE Development Services, PO Box 77661, Greensboro, NC 27417.

Q: What advice would you give someone trying to start their own non-profit organization?

Trina: My advice is to do your homework. Research and find out if their is a need for your product or services in the area. Also, reinvest in your company for at least 3 years. Make a strategic and financial plan to stay in business for years.

Thank you so much Trina for sharing with us! We wish you much success with HOPE Development Services. I am sure a lot of people can benefit from your services.

I know it’s kind of late for that, but better late than never. It has been quite a while since I last blogged. I am currently working on my website for my business. Meanwhile, there is a facebook page for it. It is www.facebook.com/csluxuryboutique.

LOL, I won’t be interviewing myself, but I will tell you a little bit about it. CS Luxury Boutique, LLC is all about accessories such as jewelry, scarves, hats, and handbags. You will see quite a few unique pieces that many stores don’t have, but they are quite affordable.

Enough about the business, lets talk about what you can look for in the next few weeks/months here. I have more interviews coming up and I will share with you a little bit of what I have been up to since my last posting.

I didn’t get a chance to do any contests since my first one so I hope to be able to do at least one or two this year as well! Well I hope everyone is keeping it simple and that you are in good health and spirit!

On the way home from rehearsal one night I stopped for a bite to eat. While waiting for my order to be completed, I couldn’t help but notice three young men standing in the parking lot near their vehicle talking. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but as I approached the window to receive my order, something remarkable happened. These three young men joined hands and began to pray.

It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever witnessed. It is not often that I see people, especially men praying with each other in public. Once they finished praying, they spoke their well wishes and departed.

Fellowship and prayer are important steps in simplifying life. It gives us the opportunity to shift our burdens over to our Heavenly Father so that he can keep us in perfect peace. Of course there are other actions that go along with it, but it is a great part of the equation.

There are so many distractions and challenges in our everyday life that every opportunity to fellowship with Godly people and God should be ceased. The more we fellowship with God and seek to put into action what He reveals to us, the more our faith is increased.

It doesn’t mean that we won’t face trials and tribulations, but it does mean that we can still have joy in our hearts knowing that God is with us every step of the way. There is power in knowing that God “has your back” in all aspects of your life if you just open yourself to him.

Yes, it’s a beautiful thing!

I deep conditioned with Olive You Deep Conditioner and combed through while it was wet. I sat under the dryer for about 15 minutes and rinsed the conditioner out and my hair felt GREAT! I moisturized and sealed a small section at a time with my new moisturizing creme (Type 4 Hair Creme) and shea butter. When I got to other sections of my hair I noticed that even though it was dry it was still soft and curly. I decided to continue to twist my hair instead of doing a wash and go. But it was so defined after moisturizing and sealing, I could have done without the twist.

I must admit the price was more than what I wanted to pay for hair care, but after witnessing first hand the benefits, I decided it was well worth it for my hair! I will continue to use this line. You can actually buy the products online at www.myhoneychild.com.

Happy Memorial Day weekend! God bless all of those who protect our freedom and fight to protect all humanity. May God strengthen and keep you until we meet again. Be safe in your travels and always remember you are loved and appreciated!