Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty

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2015-08-10T12:34:00.001-05:00

Friday's Food For Thought: Beyond The Moment

2015-08-08T10:14:00.001-05:00

Taking a Break

2011-11-01T23:20:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I am a little under the weather and I need to take a personal break to get my health in order. I am not sure how long I will be away, but rest assure I will return. I am sorry for the sudden departure, but this was unexpected and without going into details, please know that if I could continue to write I would do so. I have given it much thought and know that for the sake of a speedy recovery it is best that I take a short break from blogging. Thank you for your understanding and if I do not return before the holidays I wish you all a very safe and Happy Holiday season!

Love,
Janelle

Learning from Our Past

2011-10-12T21:20:00.004-05:00

Trying to erase your past doesn't take away the pain or the mistakes. Many times trying to erase the past only leaves holes, scars, and fragments of memories of what put you there in the first place. I started writing this as a Food for Thought during my lunch hour earlier today and then stopped and decided I would come back to it a little later. Well my Pandora was pumping out some jams during the day and "Faded Pictures" by Case and Joe started to play through my computer speakers. The song took me way back. That song was back during a time when I was going through some very difficult times. There is one part in the song that always would get me....

"As she turned through the pages, the tears rolled down her face, I could see her reminiscing, why her life have to be this way, As she stopped and she came to a page where her diary ends To smell the scent of an old rose, from her lover I suppose"

It's funny how during those hard times you think you can't make it through, everything seems devastating and some situations seem like you can't escape. It almost feels like you are being punished for a crime you never committed. During this time of my life I was the most innocent, giving, loving, and caring, person anyone could ever meet and I just couldn't understand how my life seemed to be surrounded by hatred. Despite my smile I was hurting so deeply, but I held it all in.

As time progressed I grew stronger and more resilent. But it was still hard to look at the past, because I knew how painful it was. Despite it all, I never once cut up photographs or cut people out of pictures. Instead I put them away. As recent as last week I was going through pictures and I came across a few that made me smile again. I thought I looked so beautiful, even remembering what I was going through at that time, I still felt so good looking at the old pictures. When I say those were rough times, they were rough times. Looking back on it, I think what made it so bad is that I never shared my pain with anyone. I kept everything inside and managed to deal with my trouble on my own and at my own pace. i don't recomment that to anyone, especially not my younger readers. If you are going through something that you don't feel comfortable talking to your friends about, at the least find a trusted adult to share your troubles. I know that if I would have shared my troubles, someone would have been able to help me.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Looking at my picture the only word and outsider would have thought would have been "happy".

I think as we learn from our past and stop trying to erase what has happened, we grow and its no longer painful, it's just YESTERDAY! So when I heard the song today, the main lyrics that stood out to me were

"Faded pictures in a broken glass, Like a mirror revealing, What the woman is feeling"

As people we all have things we hold on to, but the past is definitely one of those things that can hinder our future if we don't let go of the hurt and anger that may linger with it. Look in your mirror and see what it reveals or is there some broken glass you want gone? If it still hurts reach out. If you don't have anyone to talk to, you are more than welcome to email me brownmindbeauty@gmail.com

Good Old Fashion Huffy Bike

2011-10-11T10:59:00.000-05:00

Small things make children so happy...and Mommies so emotional.

This weekend was gorgeous out. We'd just finished up the photo-shoot for the blog and had a little time to spare before it was off to visit Grandma, so we decided to go to the park.

On this particular day, when the emotions took me over, I was exhausted from the photo-shoot. I told her "We can go out, but mommy can't walk with you." I normally power walk behind her while she rides her bike. I said "This time I am just going to sit on the bench and watch you". She was so excited. She rode all around me, in laps, up and down, back and forth stopping to make new little friends. Probably the most freedom in our gated playground she's ever experienced.

I felt tears in my eyes and a knot in my throat. {Here comes the violins} My daughter kept screaming, "Did you see me?, did you see me mommy?. I can do it, I can do it all by myself! " Then she jumped back on her "big" girl bike and sped off without any help. A tear trickled down my cheek. I remembered just months earlier we'd walked that same path, Dad holding on tightly to the back of the bike and me teasing her to not run me over as she steered recklessly in my direction. We'd all laugh and see how she was getting better each day and a little too big for her bike.

They would spend their summer trying to ride that bike and I loved to see them together. I secretly would remember my Daddy guiding the seat of my brother's old Huffy bike, as he taught me how to ride a two wheeler and before long he let go. It's something about when Dad let's go of the back of that bike.... it's like a part of childhood saying goodbye. Don't get me wrong it's not a bad thing at all. It is such a sense of freedom and accomplishment. As a parent you watch them go from riding a tricycle, to needing your help, to no longer needing your help, to riding all around....it's simply a stage in life. Your baby is growing up. In girls it seems harder to let them go with each step, or may be it's just me?

What ever the reason it is great to see how good she has gotten. For her birthday surprise last month she got her first "big"girl Huffy bike and she is so proud to show how she can do it "all by herself". Believe it or not it is already time to adjust the seat.

They grow up so fast. I know one day she won't jump in my arms when I pick her up from school and she won't wrap her arms around my neck to say "goodnight". I also know learning to ride the bike won't be the first time I cry. I'm sure she and Dad will find more ways to make me smile and get emotional. What I do know is that, the time spent with this child of mine is the best time I've ever spent on this earth. I also know I was tired that day, the simple thought of rising off the couch to go outside was exhausting, but I am so glad I did. We may get a few more warm days this fall and I have to let her put a few more miles on her bike. Next summer won't be the same. She is growing each and every day. I have to make it last. I have to remember what's more important. Someone once told me "this is not a dress rehearsal". It's your life, live it!

Food for Thought: Beyond the Moment

2011-10-10T23:01:00.000-05:00

If we stop living in the "right now" and start living for our future we would see that some relationships that are in the "moment"are not meant to be. If we let go of what's not ours we can receive what we truly deserve.

"I'll close my eyes
Then I won't see
The love you don't feel
When you're holding me
Mornin' will come
And I'll do what's right
Just give me till then
To give up this fight"- I Can't Make You Love Me

Sharing

2011-10-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

I've been teaching my daughter about sharing for as long as she could understand what it meant to not always have her way or what she wants. She is no different from any other child, sometimes she gets the concept and sometimes not so much, but overall I think she is a well rounded kid. I don't want her to grow up to be selfish and so far she is far from it.

She has always seen mommy donate items to the Goodwill or give things to friends. There is a Goodwill we visit often, but lately I have been wanting to do more. I've wished for a child that I could just give the items to directly. In the summer a friend of mines found a woman at her church whose daughters were in need of shoes, I immediately raided my daughter's closet and found more than shoes and created a care package and sent it on it's way to find a new home. The woman was very grateful. I love doing things like that, it brings me joy to know that someone is getting good use out of things. Well I decided instead of just dropping off the bags at the Goodwill, we'd do something different this time. Since we don't know anyone to directly call up and give the items to, I decided to reach out to all of.

Over the next month or so my daughter and I will be giving toys, clothes, shoes and books to a little girl in need this year ages 4-6. If you or anyone you know that lives in the Chicago-land area that would like these gently used items please leave me an email atbrownmindbeauty@gmail.com and leave me your information. If I have more than one girl in need I will divide the items evenly. This is NOT a contest, your request and information will remain confidential.

Let's Last Forever

2011-10-06T21:34:00.000-05:00

The documentary was excellent, it showcased black love and black marriages from a positive prospective. I saw this movie last year at a discussion group and a question was raised. "What comes first, love or marriage?" At the time I was one of about three single people in the room. Most people there were married, so I listened closely. I learned a lot that night and even more with the year to come. Many couples in the room spoke highly to the fact that the marriage came before the love. Couples married for decades and newlyweds all agreed and shared stories of how the marriage had to come first or there was no survival for the relationship because overtime love changes.

I've recently been thinking alot about the changes relationships go through. Withstanding the test of time. financial burdens, infidelities, miscarriages, infertilites, illnesses, deaths, and so many other obstacles. I think that the same way as God has to send your partner for marriage, you have to be prepared to be married.

I am old fashioned when it comes to love, I always have been. I've been told I was made to be a wife, but yet I am not married, reason is because it is not my time yet. I never dreamed about a wedding day or planned it in my head like most little girls, it just wasn't my thing to do. As hard as I love, I've only been in love once and that says a lot, because I think I get misunderstood often.

As the years have passed I've found so many areas within myself that have made me a better woman. A whole woman. When I marry I want to give ALL I am to my husband, be ALL that I am and take it back to the old school days when men and women lasted forever. Back in the day love endured, families stayed entacted. Now a days people get married today and divorced in two years. Even worse people marry for all the wrong reasons. No one seems happy. I don't want that. One of the elderly women in the documentary spoke about being married to husband and then he passed away. I want that type of love. Until death do us part.

My parents lasted forever...I want that kinda love.

Fall Begins, Apple Orchard and More

2011-10-02T22:10:00.002-05:00

We went apple picking this weekend. It was so much fun. I have always wanted to go, but never had a chance. I normally wait until the weather is too rainy and cold and usually get discouraged and back out, but this year I was determined. Apple picking is a great way to experience the outdoors and when you live in a big city like Chicago, it is also a good chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Saturday morning I woke up with a migraine, which has been the norm for the past month. I think it is stress accompanied with my change of activities, so instead of sitting around and feeling bad all day I decided to pack up my daughter and niece and headed to Indiana for a girl's day out.

September begins the apple season and it is important to dress properly for the occasion. The weather was cool but sunny for us, so we choose to dress in layers and shoes that we didn't mind getting dirty because the grounds were still wet from rain the previous days.

The drive out was well over an hour and I knew I hit never..never land when I saw countless roadkill along the way. Still open road beats stressful daily north side traffic and it was taking my mind off the pressure my head was experiencing for the sixth day in a row this week. We went to County Line Orchard in Indiana and general admission was only $1. You pay per pound for the apples you pick, so overall the experience is definitely worth it. Our goal was to get apples and apples only, no pony rides, no train rides, corn mazes, or whatever other activities they had set-up to have my child begging to do. LOL

We made our way around the fields on the tractors. Certain fields were closed because some apples are not ripe until later October. We picked apples for about an hour and half. There were many to choose from. The girls had so much fun. I just washing the apples in a mild soap with lukewarm water and then rinising with water to removing and residue. Our orchard was not organic and I did see a white residue on the apples so personally I am being safe.

After we were done picking apples we headed to Steak N Shake for lunch and later to the mall for a little shopping. I will definitely add apple picking to one of my fall activities. If you decide to go or have gone this season please share your experiences.

Food for Thought- All Men Aren't....

2011-09-29T12:52:00.000-05:00

Food for Thought....

Just wanted to take a moment to recognize that all men aren't jerks, dogs, scum, cheaters, loser, dead beats, etcs. Even when situations don't work out to our liking please acknowledge the good qualities in the males that our in our lives. Maybe he wasn't the best man for you, but he sure makes a great dad. Or maybe he isn't the most romantic, but he is keeps you safe. So for today turn to a male you know that's doing it right and give him a kind word or two, you never know how that may change his day!

What I'm Lovin at the Moment!

2011-09-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

What I’m Lovin at the Moment

Writing again. Since school is done I now have more time to write. I absolutely LOVE to write and this week I realized it brings joy to my life and calms me when I am nervous, anxious, upset, stressed, etc.
Working Out. Again one of those things I have been using to refocus and keep moving on those down days.
Skinny Cow Treats- These are delicious and over excellent portion control. I love em.
My curls- I noticed my textured seems to be curlier. Feels like forever since my hair has been in its curly state and the curls are more defined than ever.
Love Songs- I was a bridesmaid at a beautiful wedding last month and the bride and groom blessed us with a CD of the songs from their wedding. I must admit I am loving it.
T.V. (The idiot box) I promised myself after school I would devote a few months to T.V. and trashing reading. Hey, I need a break from so many serious issues.

Pole Dancing Classes for Toddlers - Parenting.com

2011-09-08T14:50:00.000-05:00

I heard about this on the radio a couple of months ago. Pole dancing for kids. Here is an excerpt from the article.

"Instructor Carly Wilford insists that the lessons for kids have been stripped (pun intended) of sexual aspects. “I am trying to remove the stigma from pole dancing and show that it actually helps children keep fit and learn balance, much like gym classes,” she told theDaily Mail".

You can read the entire article here Pole Dancing Classes for Toddlers - Parenting.com

Just wondering what my readers thoughts are on this. It's bad enough that so many households are missing fathers, now we want to teach the girls the one thing that a father teaches his daughter to never grow up to do. Seriously people, is this what society has come to? How can this not be classified as child pornography? What parent would let their little girl participate in this?

Thoughts and comments welcomed.

Food for Thought: Oh No She Didn't

2011-09-01T19:29:00.000-05:00

I'm diggin in the crate for new ideas. So topic for discussion, what makes a woman knowingly sleep with another woman's husband/boyfriend, or vice versa what makes a man sleep with another man's wife/girlfriend?

I am curious the thought process of the "other" woman/man. I bet some people are shaking their head saying "Oh no she sidn't". "Oh yes I did" (lol). So have at it.

Welcome New Subscribers!

2011-08-31T21:45:00.001-05:00

Hello out there to my new subscribers. You have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for joining me, thanks for liking my facebook page and/or following me on NetworkedBlogs. If you have not had a chance browse through my old posting and get to know me a little more. If there are topics you want to discuss feel free to comment. Again welcome, and enjoy!

Partnership??

2011-08-31T20:52:00.001-05:00

Hi All,

I have been a ridiculously busy person this year. I have to apologize to all my subscribers about a thousand and one times, but things happen. Life changes and honestly some things are certainly out of our control. But you go on and you grow. You adjust to new surroundings and you're grateful for all that you have.

But now back to business.

Lately I've been contemplating what makes you change to be a better mate. Is it the love you have for your significant other? Is the fear of not being good enough? Is it the desire to ultimately want to be a better person?

One perspective is that as we mature, our tastes, desires, priorities, and motivations mature as well. What once found important is no longer as significant. I was speaking to a friend earlier this week about the concept of "marriage". Lately I've seen people my age and younger get married and quickly divorce in less than 3 years. Seriously??? Is that what marriage is about? So a married friend that has been married for over 15 years talked to me about the trials and tribulations of "I DO". Now this friend is 30-something so they married very young. I've watch couples that were married "until death" and others that threw in the towel because the guy wasn't making the right dollars. Now I know some unthinkable things can happen in relationships, but to what extent are (you both) willing to work?

Since I have never been married, I can not speak on the topic of marriage, but I thought it was a great topic to bring discussion. I want to hear your thoughts on the subject. The one thing I can say is that over time I have taken off my "innocent eyes" and learned that to honestly LOVE someone, you have to truly except all imperfections and be willing to compromise, share, encourage and forgive. Back when men were allowed to be a man and women were their supporters family structures remained in tact. I think as women sometimes it can be easily overlooked that men are still gentle creatures and need our attention and pampering as much as we need them. I know that we fall in and out of love with each other and if we don't have that friendship and support to continue on, it will be difficult to fall back in love when the flame burns out. There is nothing wrong with saying you need your partner, isn't the purpose of marriage to share forever with the one person you never want to lose?

Thoughts anyone?

Food For Thought- Where Have You Been?

2011-08-17T22:35:00.002-05:00

"Sometimes its okay to get wrapped up in ourselves"...that's where I've been and I am learning a lot, I will share very soon. We need time to reflect on love, loss, success, failure, and maturity. I have met some inspiring people in the course of this past year. I have more than enough to share with my readers. Stay tuned.

All The Things...

2011-08-07T00:35:00.000-05:00

OMG, I haven't written in months. I'm sorry. This year has been a world wind. I lost a few close people in my life, I graduated grad school, I fell in love all over again, and NOW, I must move to a new place to live. LOL, and that is just a briefing of my life. I have a lot on my mind, but what it comes down to is that I am ready to live life to fulliest. I don't like not being able to sleep because I feel overwhelmed with responsibilty.

So for the rest of the year, I am going to do ALL THE THINGS...that make ME happy! LIVE now!!

Food for Thought- Love Don't Grow on Trees

2011-03-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

"Love just doesn't grow on tree"...

We've all heard the saying "money doesn't grow on trees". That statement is usually said when someone is spending unnecessarily or wanting for things without thinking about the expense. The same is true for love. There is not an endless supply of love, if you are NOT taking care of the love you have. You have to invest in love, relationships, and people if you want to get a return.

Now, I am not saying that you should go invest in things that you know will crash, however I am implying that if you have something you want to see grow, be mindful of how you treat it, or you may just wake up broke.
.

Food For Thought- Changes

2011-03-14T00:31:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted to change for the better?

I've been doing some self reflecting and there are a couple of things I would like to change about myself personally. I am not speaking physically, but more on a personal level. For example, have you wanted to spend more time with a particular friend, listen more, speak more, be more patient, be more attentive, ect. Has anyone successfully made a change in there life that made them feel a little better?

WINNER of the I Love 2 Love Giveaway!

2011-03-08T15:35:00.000-06:00

WINNER of the I Love 2 Love Giveaway!

I apologize for the delay in announcing the winner. Thanks to everyone for entering and for all you support.

I used a random number generator (random.org) to pick the winner. So without further delay the winner is……

Liz

Congratulations!

Winner~ Winner ~ Winner

Liz please contact me at brownmindbeauty@gmail.com with your shipping info.
Again, thank you all and look for another giveaway coming soon.

Food For Thought- He Listens

2011-02-20T20:49:00.000-06:00

Love is when he listens during an argument and never walks away until you are no longer upset. Its a one in a million trait, that most people don't possess. Do you know anyone that cares enough to hear your thoughts and concerns despite it all?

Get Ready to Read- My 2nd Passion

2011-02-15T23:16:00.000-06:00

School is slowly coming to an end. I offically have 3 months left as of today. I can not wait, so much so that I have planned to take a trip, learn to swim, take belly dancing lesson, spend more time with my daughter and finally get back to my second passion, reading. Yes, I love to read. To be a good writer, you have constantly be open to the writing style of others. So not only do I read for pleasure, I read for improvements, suggestions, motivation, and inspirtation.

Well first things to get myself is a Kindle. I really want one. I can see myself taking it to the park in the summer while my daughter plays on the swing, or sitting by the lake at work during my lunch hour. Oh the sweet joy of no more classes.

Anyway, first on my list of reads is Janet Jackson's book True You a Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself. If you haven't taken a look inside, here is an abstract:

Janet Jackson emerged from the shadows of an already famous family to become one of the most beloved, recognizable, and influential performers in the world. But at what cost?

From the age of ten, when she made her acting debut on Good Times, Janet was told by Hollywood that she needed to slim down. Her well-meaning brothers, especially fun-loving Michael, teased her relentlessly until she began to believe that who she was wasn’t good enough. It was an idea that no amount of critical acclaim in television and film or, later, international platinum success in music could change.

Janet turned to food for comfort and escape. She developed a self-destructive pattern familiar to so many of us: fear and uncertainty led to bad feelings about herself and ultimately depression. The depression led to overeating. And her yo-yoing weight was painfully obvious in the bright lights of the entertainment world.

It has taken Janet most of her adult life to come to terms with who she is. But she has finally broken free of the attitudes that brought her down and has embraced realistic goals that help her eat better, exercise better, feel better, and ultimately be better.

This book is about meeting those challenges that face all of us. With candor and courage, Janet shares her painful journey to loving herself. She addresses the crazy rumors that have swirled around her for most of her life, shines an intimate light on her family, and pulls us behind the velvet rope into her unforgettable career. She also shares lessons she has learned through contact with friends and fans and reveals the fitness secrets she has learned from her trainer. Finally, her nutritionist, David Allen, unveils the wholesome, delicious recipes and lifestyle-changing tips that helped Janet get in shape—mind and spirit, heart and soul.

True You is a call to tune in to your own fundamental wisdom, to let go of the ugly comparisons, and to understand that who you are, the true you, is more than enough.

***

“I’m loved, I’m valued, and I’m capable of achieving balance in my life. I can learn to eat well. I can exercise. I can express gratitude for the simple act of being able to breathe in and breathe out. I can move away from darkness and depression to light and hope. I can be happy with who I am, not what I should be, or what I might have been, or what someone tells me I must be.

I am me, the true me; you are you, the true you—and that’s good. That’s beautiful. That’s enough.”

I can relate so well to the teasing and feeling less than perfect. I think I will enjoy this one a lot.

Also on my list of reads will be, The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice, Because Bitterness Isn't Sexy by Shirley Strawberry. Abstract as follows:

As a single parent and a woman willing to let Mr. Right find her, Shirley’s been there and done that—and she’s got hard-won lessons to share. In this call to action to help women look at their lives with a candid eye, she tackles the issues her fans want to hear about:

• Love and Relationships: the highs and lows of dating, marriage, and breakups
• Family: the challenges of being a great mom
• Sisterhood: ways to get (and give) the support you need to stay sane
• Self: tips for overcoming low self-esteem and depression, and finding balance, faith, and acceptance

Full of motivating “Strawberry Tips,” personal stories that provide welcome advice on the run, and helpful suggestions for drama-stuck girlfriends, this book offers a simple message of strength: a challenge to love yourself and your life!

This one won't be released until April 5, 2011, but that's probably around the time I'll get to read it. I can not tell you guys how happy I will be to read a book that is not a textbook, LOL. Please comment below and let me know if you are interested in reading along with me. We can share our reviews and opinions.

On Your Mind Creative Spotlight- Interview with Creations by Jay

2011-02-14T17:28:00.000-06:00

Today's "On Your Mind" is special because it is Valentine's Day.

Janelle: Welcome, first I would like to thank you for the beautiful pieces you made for the Valentine’s Day Giveaway. I want everyone to enter for their chance to win a gift card and a special piece designed for the winner.

Jacqueline L. Smith

Janelle: Introduce yourself, what is your name?

Jacqueline: Jacqueline Smith and you’re very welcome.

Janelle: How old are you?

Jacqueline: I am 31 years old.

Janelle: What is the name of your business?

Jacqueline: Creations by Jay

Janelle: How long have you been creating jewelry?

Jacqueline: I have been creating jewelry for almost a year now.

Janelle: “Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty” has followers from everywhere, where in the U.S. are you?

Jacqueline: I reside in Chicago, IL

Janelle: What’s your business’ URL?

Jacqueline: www.etsy.com/shop/Jay1979

Janelle: Do you have a Social Networking site for your business that you would like to share?

Jacqueline: Yes I do. You can find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/CreationsbyJay and also on Twitter www.twitter.com/CreationsbyJay.

Janelle: Tell us a little about your business.

Jacqueline: I started Creations by Jay in May 2010. I have always had a love for jewelry since I was a little girl. I decided to take that passion and turn into something creative where I could express myself. I really enjoy creating things by hand because it has a more personal touch to it. My designs are geared to women and men of all ages. I also design pieces for young girls and boys as well.

Janelle: Tell us a little about yourself and what makes designing special to you?

Jacqueline: I am a mother of 3 and I am also a full-time student working towards my B.A. in Psychology. Designing is special to me because it allows me to express myself creatively. In my personal opinion when you design something by hand you are putting your heart & soul into it. Each piece created gives a little insight into you as a person.

Janelle: How did you come up with the idea to start a jewelry design business?

Jacqueline: To be honest it was a spur of the moment kind of thing. I was actually out shopping for jewelry and couldn’t find anything that appealed to me so I decided to try and create something myself just for a specific occasion. Little did I know it would turn into a small business!

Janelle: What inspired your design for the pieces you designed for the "I Love 2 Love Giveaway"?

Jacqueline: I was inspired by my love for the color red and romance and what better way to express that creatively than on one of the most romantic days of the year, Valentine’s Day.

Janelle: What are your future plans for your business?

Jacqueline: My future plan is to open my own boutique and continue to expand.

Janelle: Your own boutique will be awesome. Just keep pushing for it. What advice would you offer to an aspiring entrepreneur interested in jewelry design?

Jacqueline: I would say, follow your dreams. It’s not easy but with hard work and determination anything is possible.

Janelle: One more thought tell us one thing that makes your business unique?

Jacqueline: My business is unique because each piece is an original is never duplicated.
Janelle: Here on Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty we like to encourage and uplift, can you tell us one time when you wanted to give up, but didn’t?

Jacqueline: Towards the end of last 2010 and the beginning of 2011 I was ready to give up on my jewelry business because it had hit a standstill, but with the encouragement and support of a really good friend I held on and now things are looking very promising.

Janelle: Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your business?

Jacqueline: With this being Black History Month I am proud to have a black owned and operated business.
Janelle: How do perspective clients contact you?

Jacqueline: I can be reached by phone at 773-708-1080 or by email CreationsbyJay@live.com

Janelle: Thank you Jacqueline for sharing your creativity with us. It was a pleasure working with you and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your passion. I look forward to working with you in the future.

****If you would like to be featured as a creative spotlight, please email me at brownmindbeauty@gmail.com for more information with Creative Spotlight in the subject.

Food for Thought- "Being Heard"

2011-02-10T10:01:00.001-06:00

Self reflection...

Have you ever screamed (figuratively speaking) to the top of the mountains about something that hurts deep down, but it seems like the main person you want to hear, only wants you to lower your voice?

Maybe it's time to silence your cry because it could be possible you're already being heard.

I Love 2 Love Giveaway, Gift Set and Gift Card

2011-02-08T23:19:00.002-06:00

It's February! In honor of "Love" and all things special, I am having a giveaway. This giveaway is a little special. This giveaway is being sponsored by "Creations By Jay" . The jewelry in the picture was created specifically for this giveaway. I love to spotlight new businesses. You will win the bracelet and earring gift set below and a $10 Target gift card.

The rules are simple. Each entry should be left as a comment underneath this blog post describing how you entered, so that I can keep a tally of how many times you entered. There are several ways to increase your chances of winning.

You must be a follower of Mind of a Brown Skin Beauty (Mandatory Entry) and comment below "Enter Me"
Subscribe via email and confirm your email address (3 entries)
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Enter as many times as you like to increase your odds. A winner will be selected at random using random.org I will post a screen shot of the winner.

The contest will begin on 02/9/11 at 12 a.m CST and will end on 2/22/11 at 10 p.m. CST. The winner will be randomly selected through a computerized process and will be announced on 2/24/11. Please visit the blog at that time for the name of the winner. The winner will be given instructions on how to claim their prize, a valid email address is required. If the prize is not claimed within 7 days a new winner will be selected and so forth until the prize is claimed. All products are the sole responsibility of the winner. Directions for product use should be followed accordingly.

Good luck and much LOVE to all!