My Natural Journey

We're Getting Married

2013-06-16T11:44:00.001-07:00

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Rashaad and I are officially engaged and planning a BIG church wedding!!

Its such a blessing to be with the person God created just for you, who not only loves God as much as you do, but loves you the way you deserve to be loved!

Rashaad and I have been together for 2.5 years and its been quite the ride to say the least. I never understood what it truly meant to be in an adult relationship since I haven't had a boyfriend since my freshman year in college, so needless to say I went into this thing with only the information I learned from sermons, books and conversations I've had with a countless number of people.

Did I make a lot of mistakes? Absolutely! Did He? You know it!

But no matter what we kept "choosing" the other and held onto the word of God

and instructions from the holy spirit.

We're excited about this next stage in our lives and look forward to celebrating with you

VERY soon as we join into the 2nd highest covenant on earth!!

PRAISE GOD

Power Word

2013-05-24T17:05:00.002-07:00

Hey Peeps!! My how it has been forever since I have written here on my blog...

but its to be expected when working on a ton of other things. :)

Its Friday evening and I took most of the day off to attend a few meetings and then take some time for myself...before tomorrow.

I was blessed with an opportunity to give a "Power Word" at a church tomorrow afternoon during what I believe will be a youth service. I have never been presented with an opportunity like this before, nor have I ever given a "sermon" before, but I figured since I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me then why now right?!?

I will admit it does feel kinda weird that there is a possibility that someone will introduce me as Minister Keenya and that people are looking to me to hear "something" from God to give them hope, enhance their faith and teach them something they may not be aware of...but if I never start then I'll never do what God has called me to do which is "SPEAK."

I would LOVE it if some of you that have subscribed to my blog would come out tomorrow and show your support or at least saying a small prayer for ya girl!!!

Til next time....

Oh How I Love Jesus....no like for real!

2013-03-14T08:13:00.002-07:00

OH HOW I LOVE THIS!!!

You guys know me...Ya'll know I love me some Jesus..

NO LIKE FOR REAL!!

I pray this blesses you!

Guest Bloggers

2013-02-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

As you guys have noticed, I have truly been slacking on my blog....I've been super duper busy, however, I still want to provide you guys with valuable information.

With this in mind, I would love to chat with you guys that love to write about hair, fashion and makeup, that would be interested in being a guest blogger for www.keenyakelly.com.

If this is you, please email me directly at keenyakelly@gmail.com.

You will need to submit at least 3 of your best writings regarding Natural Hair,

Fashion and/or Makeup.

"Beauty By Lee"

Fresh Faces

2013-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies!!

Return of the Curls is looking for fresh faces to feature on www.returnofthecurls.com under our "Beauty of the Week" section. We are looking for ladies with naturally curly hair, but you can highlight your makeup, outfit, etc as well.

Our model who did the Big Chop last year.

Beauty we found online

ME!!!

If you're interested in being featured email your photos to: info@returnofthecurls.com with all of your Social Media Links.

Thank You

2013-02-19T18:23:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

This morning I woke up with anticipation of seeing all the ZEROS on my blog...and there it was!

It's been quite an amazing journey trying to figure out whats going on with my hair.

I know you all can relate to doing the Big Chop and then pretty much looking like a "Bald Eagle" and still expected to leave the house looking fierce.

My Big Chop

My First Frohawk

Now 3 years later, I have hair longer beyond my shoulders, even though I have chopped off about 10 inches over the past 3 years....and growing.

This past summer

While I am still trying to learn my hair and scalp, I must say that being able to share my journey on a daily/weekly/monthly basis has been one of the most amazing experiences, and to know that you guys were interested in following me on this journey is really priceless.

I'll be honest with you, I had NO DESIRE to write! None, Zero, Zilch, but God told someone to tell me to write, I thought they were talking fluff so it took me a year to even set up the blog to begin writing, but I'm glad that I did.

Thank you again for being willing to come to my blog and also all of your support and encouragement that you guys provide me with via your comments and emails.

I pray that my Keenya Kelly page will expand and be able to assist you with not only your hair, but all aspects of your life. I thank you, I love you and Pray Gods blessings, peace and joy to be upon you.

.....Keenya

Lipstick

2013-02-18T17:55:00.001-08:00

So this is the lipstick I purchased from CVS a few months ago, and i must say I really like it...except it does easily fade....which lipsticks do you wear?

Cooking

2013-02-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks, I have been trying to jump back into the kitchen eating all of my favorite foods without them being overloaded with calories and things that are going to clog my arteries.
One of my favorite things to eat is salsa/pico de gallo, and yummy salads, so this is what I made!!

I'm waiting for my mother to send me this Magic Bullet so that I can begin to puree the pico into a yummy salsa, but until then, I really enjoy eating it pretty much on anything...

the other day I ate it with pretzels. (Its much healthier than me eating Sour Cream and Onion chips with some unhealthy dip.) LOL

Here I made Tilapia in olive oil, seasoned with Garlic, Onion Salt and Obay on a bed of mixed greens with honey roasted sunflower kernels. I eat this meal pretty often and absolutely LOVE IT!!

Tomorrow I think I am going to make Tilapia over a bed of fresh spinach with a vinaigrette dressing, like in the above salad with the sunflower kernels...but I am going to add fresh flax seed so that I get tons of fiber in my body.

Curly Nikki Joins Return of the Curls Tour

2013-02-15T12:31:00.001-08:00

YES YOU ARE READING IT RIGHT!!

Let me tell ya'll all about this story.

So you know I started my company Keenya Kelly LLC on February 7th of last year. We were blessed to have a very successful event in Richmond, Va Return of the Curls, with the theme "Taming the Beast." I was blown away by all of the support that we received not only from our local naturals, but from the international companies. AMAZED. The entire time I was praying day in and day out asking God to guide my feet, teach me everything I needed to know, bring me help and bring in these certain companies. He brought in every one of them that I wrote on my tithes envelope. So with planning my 2013 calendar I began talking to him about taking my company to the next level and wanting to provide my audience with more of what they desired.

I knew that Curly Nikki was not only internationally recognized, but that she has a wealth of knowledge that I and my audience could benefit from...and we all love taking photos with "celebrities" so I thought she would be a nice touch and a true blessing...as well as Gods way of being God and being able to do whatever he wanted. So November of last year while paying my tithes I began to write Curly Nikki's name on my tithes envelop in faith that she would be at one of my shows in 2013. On January 20th of 2013, I received an email from Nikki and then a phone call. Upon receipt of the email, I immediately called my best friend Joi, whom at first when I called shared that she was busy working with her students, but when I told her about Curly Nikki, suddenly she was available. LOL We screamed laughed and acted like Curly Nikki was Michael Jackson, because truth be told in the Natural hair world...SHE IS!!

I then held a telephone conversation w/ Nikki, whom is super humble, sweet, soft spoken and just extremely down to earth....and we officially booked her for our July 13th show in Greensboro, NC.

The purpose of this post isn't to brag by any means...but I am sharing what is happening in my life as a result of believing God and trying him at his word. He said he would pour us out blessings that we wouldn't have room enough to receive...well Curly Nikki is QUITE the blessing...but I am certain that he has so much more to come.

I pray that if you are nearby that you will be able to make it out for the event.

Weight Loss

2013-02-15T12:17:00.002-08:00

I'm so sorry it has taken so long for me to post these videos.

Return of the Curls will be in 3 different states over the next 5 months, so I have been devoting my times to God, Return of the Curls and the gym...I'll get my life together really soon, I promise.

Check me out above in the video.

TedxRva & Me

2013-02-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

January 31st, I received the opportunity to speak at an event here in Richmond called TedxRVA.

I had TWO minutes to talk about my cause, so of course I decided to talk about my prior self-esteem issues and how that helped me birth Return of the Curls. It was quite the amazing opportunity, and I LOVE to talk...so to cut my talk down to TWO minutes was like ummm yea right, but Praise God I only went for 1 minute and 50 seconds.

My thoughts were, it doesn't matter if I win, I just want to be able to share my story and passion with people in Richmond, whom probably have never heard of me. (And they hadn't)

I was not selected to go onto the major event in March that night, but I figured hey, you never know who is in the room that night that may be interested in what I have to offer.

WELL...after the event I have spoken to so many people that really enjoyed my short speech and now I have possible opportunities to go further and share more of my story.

Check out the video above!!

...Keep it Curly

Itchy Scalp Update

2013-02-04T15:19:00.001-08:00

Nothing worse than a hot hair do, and then to have an itchy scalp...right?

I have been battling this itchy scalp problem for about 6 months, and it looks like we may have figured things out. A friend of mine is a doctor here in Richmond, so I decided to take advantage of a FREE consultation. :). After listening to me, she said it sounds like I have an issue with Folliculitis and that I should go buy some $4 Bacitracin from Walgreens, use for a week and then tell her the results.

Folliculitis - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001826/

After using it for one week it went away COMPLETELY, however, after I washed my hair I noticed just a couple bumps have come back to life, but no where near like it was before.

So I have decided to wash my hair this week, use the product and alleviate all products in that area except for maybe a light oil.

Now I know you are probably saying, OMG you gave away all of your products...and yes you are exactly right. But Praises to God, due to Return of the Curls, I am almost fully stocked again!!

FREE STUFF Whoot!!!

So what is the point of this blog, try different things on you and your scalp before paying all that money for different things, but if your situation isn't getting any better consult a physician. I never would've known what was going on had my friend not talked to me a little bit.

I'll update you all again, next week once Ive used the product again, but I am pretty sure we have found the little culprit. smh!

MORE Itchy Scalp Info

2013-01-15T19:00:00.004-08:00

Such a process..but its worth it!!

Lipstick, Louisville, Itchy Scalp

2013-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

January Ipsy Bag

2013-01-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Be prepared....I even broke out in laughter myself.

60 Minutes with Keenya Kelly Recap and What's Up Next??

2013-01-11T11:19:00.002-08:00

I decided to break away from my computer and Return of the Curls planning to do something, fun!!

I think I might just go back into my office and start actually setting it up!! LOL

I'm neglecting my blog

2013-01-08T19:02:00.003-08:00

OMG Ladies!! I have SO been neglecting my blog here lately.

Right now I am working on a NUMBER of shows for Return of the Curls all at the same time, in the gym 4-5 days a week on my quest to get "tight and right," launching 60 Minutes with Keenya Kelly and a host of other stuff!!

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?

Ill tell you where it goes...ON THE PHONE!!!

It's even been a while since I made a splendid meal from scratch..I'm like oh no she didn't.

But, I promise you ladies I am going to do BETTER!!

Oh yeah...SOOO I just realized that my allergy may not be coconut oil, sad because I gave away all of my hair products, but good because I think I know what the problem is.

Maybe, my friend will give me back some of my favorite hair products....(LOL)

Ill keep you all updated on my findings, but I don't wanna say what I think it is until I know for certain. *Me and my diagnosis* SMH Terrible.

Until next time..Keep praying for a sistah...and if you wanna keep up with me

Find me on Instagram and Keenya Kelly!!!!

Oh yeah...don't miss my dream board event coming up next Saturday.

Go to www.facebook.com//returnofthecurls and find the event in the feed for all the details.

(I typed this post in a few minutes. A sistah is worn out from Zumba and ready for B-E-D)

LOVE YALL!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME TO YOU

2012-12-26T11:16:00.004-08:00

On the behalf of Keenya Kelly LLC, we would like to offer you FREE tickets to:

We decided to offer this as a free event to you all, so that we could assist with inspiring and empowering you into 2013. We have just a few tickets remaining for this event, and want to make sure that you have access to them 60minuteswithkeenyakelly.eventbrite.com

At this event you will hear from Sarah McCurry of Winslow & McCurry, PLLC

Sarah Ludlow McCurry received her juris doctorate from Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida. While at Stetson, Sarah was a member of the legal honor society, Phi Delta Phi. Following law school, Sarah accepted a position as an associate in an AV rated St. Petersburg law firm practicing commercial litigation. Sarah has practiced in the Richmond Area since early 2009. She currently is a partner in the Richmond area law firm of Winslow & McCurry, PLLC focusing her practice representing area small businesses and practicing Trust & Estates law.

As well one of our Marketing Specialist and Keenya Kelly regarding how to market yourself and your business, and a ton of other details on launching into 2013!!

Get your tickets now: 60minuteswithkeenyakelly.eventbrite.com

60 Minutes...my thoughts

2012-12-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

I'M SO EXCITED!!

For much of my life, I've known that it was a gift from God to encourage, empower and inspire individuals to become the people God intended for them to be, vs who they currently are, but I was never 100% sold on how that would occur.

As a 21 year old college student, I embarked upon a journey that developed me far beyond my years as I started my business with Prepaid Legal Services. In a matter of eight months, I was blessed to sale my way to the top position of the company as an Executive Director, a few years later be featured in the May 2005 issue of Success From Home Magazine and be celebrated as one of the top 3 trainers in the company.

(Obviously when I had a relaxer LOL)

These years of my life were simply amazing, mind blowing, empowering and "EDUCATIONAL" to say the least. I remember at one point I was studying for finals in college while trying to read 5 books at a time, to better myself as a business owner and leader.

Some of these books included:

The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and I believe one was The Business School. There were so many things I had no idea about, like how to truly function as a leader without being a dictator, how to make people like you without using manipulation, that I was obviously clueless about. As a result of starting and operating my business and leading an organization of right around 5,000 it gave me the confidence and knowledge to start Keenya Kelly LLC in February of this year (2012).

Now that I am almost a year into my company, I feel lead to begin sharing all of the knowledge I was blessed with, in order to help those around me become more and help build their faith to step out and go after their dreams.

So on January 3rd, we will start a new series "60 Minutes with Keenya Kelly" which will be a place where new and future business owners can come to, learn new things to grow and enhance their business and/or themselves, while having a place to network with companies that can assist them as well.

I hope you attend.

60minuteswithkeenyakelly.eventbrite.com

60 Minutes with Keenya Kelly

2012-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Keenya Kelly Speaker Series

Our Vision
We intend to educate new and prospective business owners about starting and managing successful businesses by addressing questions such as;

Where do I begin?
What is a business plan?
How do I manage my brand?
How do I obtain a business license?
Do I need legal counsel?

Our speaker’s series will encourage attendees to develop a strategic plan that will advance their individual career paths and promote successful entrepreneurship.
Through a network of experienced professionals with a proven track record of success, participants will be empowered to discover new business opportunities, begin to take risks, and realize their dreams.

Our Strategy

On January 3rd, 2013 beginning at 6:00pm and ending at 8:00pm, 120 guests will have an opportunity to hear from a panel of experienced small business owners on a range of topics that will cover marketing, web development, business licensing and much more. Attendees will have the opportunity to network as well as purchase items from local vendors.

Our Value Proposition
The Keenya Kelly Speaker’s Series will provide corporate sponsors with the opportunity to invest in community and expand their existing customer base. Sponsorship of this event will allow companies to demonstrate their commitment to a vibrant business community and support the local economy.

Sponsors will receive advertisement on the Keenya Kelly website and all associated marketing material for the Keenya Kelly Speaker’s Series. Through sponsorship, companies will gain increased exposure through the use of the 5,000+ customers served by Keenya Kelly, LLC.

Thursday, January 3rd 2013
Williams Mullen Center
200 South 10th Street
Suite 1600
Richmond, VA 23219

Tickets are $20 and available for purchase via
60minuteswithkeenyakelly.eventbrite.com

About the Founder
Keenya Kelly is the founder of Return of the Curls, a national event established to promote physical health, self-esteem and spirituality. Launched in July 2012, this Richmond event assembled nearly 1,500 attendees and provided widespread exposure for local business owners to converge for the purpose of inspiring and empowering individuals to improve their mental, physical and spiritual health. Among Kelly’s most notable accomplishments, she serves a youth mentor, tutor and community volunteer. She is a visionary, motivator and a leader who desires to fully utilize her talents to help others discover their full potential. Kelly was featured in the 2005 Success From Home magazine and readily shares her talents and experiences with audiences large and small throughout the nation.

Ending 2012, Starting 2013

2012-12-10T06:39:00.001-08:00

Today is December 10th, 2012 and as I think about the other 11 months of this year I would have to admit it brings tears to my eyes. This year has been a remarkable year, and not just due to successes, but failures and all of the hard tears that were shed.

I started off the year on a journey into the unknown. The unknown isn't new to me, as I've done it a million times, however, its never easy to have to start over ALL OF THE TIME!

In years past I left all of my family and friends in Kentucky and moved to Richmond, Va, I had to start a new job, then 2.5 years later left that job for a new one. When I moved here I was familiar with one church, after 2.5 years I was instructed by God to attend another and then 3 years later instructed to leave that church, which brought me to January 1st 2012. So I started this year off at a brand new church which is completely different from everything I was use to, knowing only ONE person at the church and this guy and I had only met once or twice so I didn't really "know" him. LOL

Then one month later starting Keenya Kelly LLC and Return of the Curls and starting a journey to inspire and empower women, while being reminded to inspire myself as well.

I could go on and on telling you all about all of the journeys I have taken in ONE year and how many times, I have cried and begged God to make things easier, but I will just say that looking at December 10th, 2012 I would have to say that I am thankful for all of these unknowns because it was worth it.

When I think about ending this year, I think about the opportunity to truly go out with a bang. Not popping bottles, or dancing, but doing more over the next 21 days than I may have done all year long. I don't particularly believe in New Years Resolutions, but I do believe that when God blesses you with a new year, that you have to decide to leave some things behind to leave room for the newness that a new year has to offer. I'm no fool, I recognize that 2013 will have a few unknowns as well, but I thank 2012 for the preparation.

I want to encourage you ladies to take a look back at 2012 and all the years of your life and ask yourself, "are you headed in the direction that you want to be headed in," "have you become the best version of yourself," "are you truly helping anyone become a better them, even if this doesn't add to your bottom line," and lastly "are you ready to embark upon an unknown?'

One thing I usually do on NYE, is right in my notebook things I am praying to accomplish in the next year, but also the things I am grateful for from the previous year.

Writing this blog brings me to tears just thinking about where I am sitting right now, how life has drastically changed every time I said OK God sure Ill do that...and today this is my prayer for you.

I pray that those of you whom have chosen to read this post will take a moment after reading and pray to God asking him what he wants you to be doing with your life the rest of 2012 and 2013. Ask him, in what ways do you need to grow, habits you need to change, where you should attend church and if its a part of his plan, which business you should start and who to mentor you. God isn't tight-lipped God, he will definitely answer you, you just have to be willing to say yes, no matter what his response is.

Just in case you decide not to pray, let me pray for you:

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I am coming to you right now on the behalf of all of my sisters and brothers in Christ. We are a few days from ending this year and going into a new one and I'm praying God that you will speak to each of them. Some of them are angry with you regarding some different things and don't want to talk to you, but I pray that you will soften their hearts and that they will humble themselves and begin having a conversation with you. Some of them don't really know you and aren't sure of how to pray to you, so I am praying that they will just begin speaking to you, as if they are talking to a person so that they can begin establishing a relationship with you. Some have given up on you, because of prior hurts from Christians or the church or because they feel as though you aren't listening to them or want to hear from them. No matter who they are, in the name of Jesus I pray that you will minister to their spirits. If they choose not to pray to you, I pray that they will receive visitations in their dreams, at work, watching television or in everyday conversation. God I want to pray for those whom have a desire for 2013 to be better than 2012, I pray that they will not be afraid to answer the call, to take more risks and choose to better themselves and become better people that can be used by you and not by the world. Father God I pray that my life will continue to be an example for them, that they will recognize that I am imperfect and constantly seeking you to be better and truly desire to be a blessing to them. We cancel any plans of the enemy in the name of Jesus!! We speak to the enemy and bind up all attacks you are planning on mine or anyone else's life that is reading this post. In the name of Jesus, we confuse you and your counterparts, cast down and shut down everything that is being set up to effect us. God we glorify your holy name and give you all of the Praise and honor in Jesus Name we pray, Amen!!

Be blessed ladies, make a decision today and make the rest of this an example of how amazing 2013 is going to be.

Confessions of a 3 Year Naturalista

2012-12-09T14:29:00.001-08:00

Look at my coils!!!

This was right at 4 months after my big chop, and it was like a day of awakening for me.

Prior to this day, I wasn't really sure I really loved my curly hair. I was wearing curl activator gel, ecostyler and a headband everyday, until I met a young lady at church whom agreed to style my hair for me. PRAISE GOD FOR THAT!

This was when I finally said to myself that I was going to seek help in understanding and growing my hair, and I believe my confidence came through in a major way after this moment.

Now 3 years later, I am very comfortable with my hair journey and pleased with what I have learned so far...what are my confessions?

1. There have been many times where I wished I could wash my hair and wear a Wash & Go without my hair turning into a minifro, although my hair hits my shoulders now.

2. I've also watched YouTubers like MahoganyCurls and wondered "WHY IS HER HAIR SO LONG AND WE'VE BEEN NATURAL THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME?" LOL

But one thing I've learned is that everyone has their own DNA and growth cycle for their hair, and that if I continue comparing my hair journey to everyone else's then I will NEVER learn to love and appreciate my own even after my hair hits the length I am begging for.

3. I've also wished I knew how to do all the funky hair styles that you see popular YouTubers do on their channels, but then I had to ask myself "Who are you trying to be like? Them or You?

Tough question right?

And the list could definitely go on and on, but I have decided that I am going to continue embracing my journey, not be envious of others or compare my hair and techniques to others, because all you can do is all you can do, and all you can do is ENOUGH!!!

Embrace your beauty ladies...you'll thank yourself for it later.

Allergic to Coconut Oil

2012-12-09T14:09:00.001-08:00

I'm ALLERGIC to coconut oil!!

A few months ago I washed my hair, sealed it with coconut oil and placed my leave in conditioner throughout for a nice wash and go, moments later I couldn't stop scratching my scalp.

I initially blamed the Beautiful Textures product since it was the newest product to me, so it has taken a while for me to pinpoint the culprit. I used a few other products recently and again scratched my scalp uncontrollably until I rewashed my hair, until I was starting a product review on a new line I received and the SAME thing happened. I looked at the ingredients and found coconut oil, and realized that my scalp is no longer a fan of coconut oil.

I was sooo GLAD to hear that it wasn't Beautiful Textures, because I really love their products and get the most amazing twist outs with their curling pudding.

I've heard of ladies having difficulties with certain ingredients including shea butter, but never thought I would have any sort of problem, as I have never experienced any sort of allergies in 31 years of living.

How do I feel about this? SAD!!!

I have a HUGE set of products from Eden Body Works that I want to keep trying and make a video for, but my scalp is quite upset, and I don't want to keep scratching while making the video, but my HAIR LOVES their products.

Over the past 3 years being natural, I never really paid attention to ingredients in products, I just used what worked for me...but looks like that is about to change. I am going to more than likely need to get rid of 50% or more of my products as they have coconut oil inside, but the great thing is I still use Jojoba Oil, EVOO and Castor Oil!!!!

***A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR MY COCONUT OIL***

Journey to being debt free and a homeowner

2012-11-28T08:38:00.001-08:00

Does this look familiar to anyone? Well I'm definitely no stranger to debt, but as of right now I am FILLED with so much excitement and joy as I continue to receive opportunities to pay off old debts.

Growing up I was never taught about money, I just knew that you went to work, made money, paid bills and spent whatever you had left over. Through watching, I learned that at the end of the month, as long as everything is paid and that your checking account is not in the negative then you are good to go. I never really understood or was taught about saving money for a rainy day or just in general.

So guess what happened?? When I got to college I ended up with 11 credit cards that I eventually maxed out, and didn't have the money to pay the bills, so my credit score went from whatever to TERRIBLE

I found myself hiding my car on multiple occasions from the Repo man, ignoring phone calls from bill collectors, disguising my voice and not answering the door when people knocked on it. Sounds Familiar?? I'm sure it does...but today I'm 31 years old and I refuse for that to continue being my story or the story of my children. It was a blessing a few years ago, when I pulled my credit report and began calling creditors and setting up arrangements to pay off old bills. They seemed amazed by me actually calling them, but I felt sooo good paying them what I owed. I always promised myself that I wouldn't come into my marriage being a liability but an asset, and with debt hovering over your head you are definitely a liability. I didn't want the reason we couldn't get a home or the reason our rates were so high was because of me, and today I am proud to say that that will not be the case.

The other day I went to the mailbox and received a letter that looked like an old bill, in the past I would have just thrown it away, but I opened it and it was a thank you note letting me know that I had a zero balance and that it would be reported to the credit bureau. I immediately showed it to my boyfriend as I was sooo proud of another old bill being paid off. Then I was in my car yesterday, and for whatever reason I pulled down the passenger visor and another letter fell out. It showed that they had sent it back in October with a settlement offer, I immediately called them, apologized for the delay and paid the offer. Doing that was such a blessing and nothing to be ashamed of.

So I am writing this blog, to encourage you to stop avoiding your debt collectors and call them, all they want to do is hear from you. Whether you have $5 to give them or $500 they will take it and do payment arrangements with you, they did it for me and still are!!

I'm looking forward to pulling my credit report in March or April of 2013 and seeing my new amazing score and to begin my journey towards looking for my future home. I'm not waiting to get married to look for a home, because it doesn't say that you have to in the bible, but if in between now and then we get engaged and married then we will find a home together!! (Just an FYI LOL)

So peeps, pull your report and start calling your collectors.

Romans 13:8 "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."

My FIRST Ipsy Bag

2012-11-26T16:37:00.001-08:00

I'm SO excited about my first Ipsy Bag!

I told you guys I was jumping in the Fashion and Makeup industry, so I subscribed to a couple beauty subscription services. I didn't like Birchbox or Beauty Bar Box,

but boy oh boy do I love my Ipsy Bag.

Every item in the bag made me smile and made we want to try it. I didn't have to do a google search on each product to determine what it was and how to use it. LOVED THAT!

Here is whats in the bag and actual price:

1.Starlet Cosmetics eye pencil- retail value $11.00

2. Bare Minerals Moxie lip gloss- retail value $18.00

3. Meet Matt(e) eyeshadow by The Balm- I couldn’t find the retail value of one but they have a palette of 9 eye shadows that has a price of $34.50

4. Nailtini Nail Lacquer- retail value $13.00

5. Chella eyebrow defining gel – retail value $18.00

Cost of the Subscription Service $10