8 songs to Encourage the hurting soul

As we all know life can really be tough....the hurts.... the disappointments... ..trials and tribulations.  But GOOD music can bring a sense of comfort and uplift our spirit through our most darkest days.

 I chose 8 songs because biblically the number 8 is the number of new birth and new beginnings! So here are just few songs that speak to my soul and I pray it does the same for you! God Bless and enjoy.........He loves you so....

The line up:

Dearly Loved-Jimmy Needham
Most of All-Forever Jones
Our God is Greater- Chris Tomlin
Closest Friend- Men of Standard
The Battle is not Yours- Yolanda Adams
I'll make it-Hezekiah Walker & LFCC ft John P. Kee
Imperfect Hallelu-Ashmont Hill
Freedom-Eddie James


What songs encourage you or get you through hard times?

Skin Care Regimen Update!

So here is an update on my latest skin care regimen. In my last skincare post I was using the Simple Skincare line. It didn't quite work for me because I continued to break out in small areas :-(

So I decided to go back to Philosophy. I broke away from it for a  so I wouldn't become to immune. And it has worked wonders for my skin! So excited! This line is little more on the pricey side but it's so worth. I admit I am a stickler for great skincare! I baby my skin

So here is the breakdown of what I am currently using:

Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes (Original Fresh).I always start off with these. They contain Vitamin E and I can get most of the makeup off so I can really wash my face!

A brief Senegalese twists update

I had my Senegalese Twists done in mid September. It's beginning November and I recently got them touched up. They were getting real loose and I was honestly surprised they stayed in so long due to my natural fine curls.

These pictures are before I had them retwisted. WARNING: not pretty

Twists slipping out

Superhero Makeup look

I was feeling extra creative and artistic.  So I went ahead and pulled out some of my favorite products that I haven't used in a while.  My Ben Nye Palette! Oh how I love thee! Ben Nye cosmetics are so underrated! The color pay off is crazy good! Very easy to use and blends well! I would highly recommend.


Couldn't think of a superhero name for this look. I'll leave that up to you ;-)

Fun makeup look... product overload!

It's been a while since I did a colorful and fun eye look due to my schedule. So I decided to take some time out, dig into my makeup arsenal and really beat my face. And I was definitely eager to get some practice in.

Makeup is so therapeutic to me. I normally don't use as many products as this but I wanted to play around with some of my favs that I haven't used in a while.

The Black Introvert?

As a child I was overall quiet. No...nothing dramatic or tragic happened in my life to be that way. That's just who I was and for the most part who I am today. here was always teasing and my introverted "ness" was always brought to my attention.

I could still hear it now..... comments  from teachers,classmates, and others saying things like "Courtney's too quiet" or asking me "Why are you so quiet?" (Did there really have to be a reason). I had (still do) a sarcastic flare inside me wanting to rebuttal "Why do you talk so much?" But I didn't Even as child I wondered why was being less talkative  was perceived in such a negative light. There was always this pressure to talk just for the sake of talking.

Me age 9. I always been an internal thinker

Society as a whole, introverts just seem to have a bad rap.My theory with being a black girl it was difficult for the masses to accept that I was quiet. Black AND quiet. At times you could sense the frustration in peoples voices when they asked why I was that way. Even up to my adulthood in society it appears to be rather unusual and odd for a black girl to be an introvert. It's like an oxymoron.  But we do exist and are very misunderstood in society.




The term "Introvert" seems to be associated with being arrogant, anti-social, mean ,nervous, disconnected, weak, boring, unintelligent etc. But in all actuality it's very much the total opposite. We just take a different approach to life. I tend to be more of an observer if you will. An internal thinker.And yes we do talk! Not so much small talk, but tend to engage in more meaningful conversations. Selective in who we open up to .Some people jump into things head on...conversations, social situations etc and that's okay. But then others simply like to get a feel for things....AND that's okay too.

Me as a youngin'

Based depiction of black women in the media we are stereotyped to be loud, full of attitude with a larger than life personality and always entertaining whoever we come in breathing contact with. But all of us are not the Monique, Tasha Smith types.This brings about a challenge in working and social situations. Because people don't expect that from the black girl. (In reference to people I mean all races...yes even the fellow brotha and sista don't understand why one sista is....well quiet).

Growing up hearing the teasing..... I was brainwashed into thinking I was suppose be a certain way or there was always this sense of guilt.And it can really bring you down because I was simply being myself.

The older I got the more I realize it's okay to be ME. Regardless of it's unpopularity you have to be comfortable with your personality even when others aren't. It is not always an easy task because I'm still learning. But people who love you or want to get to know you....will take you as you are.




Are you an IWB? (Introverted While Black) Do you consider yourself an introvert? Were you always one?Do you have introverted tendencies?

Senegalese Twists!

I've been natural for about a year and half now. It has definitely been a journey and I'm happy with my decision. I wanted to switch up my hairstyle and also be able to get up in the morning....and go. 

With much research (DO your Research)and YouTube videos I really liked the Senegalese twists. I was leery at first because I questioned would my 3c curls hold the twists. So I decided to call the hair stylist to set up a consultation (which I highly recommend) so she could see and feel my hair.....plus I could ask her any questions or concerns that I had.

When it came time for my appointment...It took about 7 hours to complete....Yes 7 hours!Especially since the twists are long. I wanted them straight on the ends for a more sleek look. (You can have curly ends as well).She Used 7 packs of kanekalon jumbo braid. It comes in a variety of colors. So many choices!!

I really do love my twists. After getting them done,it took me a couple of days to get used to them.....but they are so much fun. I've received so many compliments. Plus I got the nickname Moesha and Lisa Bonet from my husband and brother LOL. Anywho,I look forward to doing various styles with them.

Few words of advice regarding Senegalese Twists:

For your appointment:

You will be there for a while so bring snacks, a lunch etc.

Bring a book or magazine

Ipod/headphones

You may even doze off...I did for little bit

I wanted my twists long. Some people have them longer than this!It's your personal choice

From the side!

Back view of Senegalese Twists

FAIR WARNING: It may hurt a little, especially when braiding/twisting tight.Your twists will have longevity that way. If it hurts too much Speak Up! Let him/her know that you want them looser.

When you first get them I would personally recommend NOT styling them right away...your twists will be stiff and your scalp may be tender.

VERY low maintenance

Oil your scalp from time to time. Spray them with Braid Spray or Sheen occasionally. (Don't over do it)

Tie them up at night and also when you shower

My stylist told me the longest Senegalese Twists can last are 2 and 1/2 months! (When you take care of them and get a touch up).

So what you think....would you rock these?




Disclaimer: These are my opinions and experiences. I'm not claiming to be a professional hair stylist

5 Biblical Reasons you should be yourself

Be yourself. Yup that's what you always hear when you go for a job interview....audition or even a first date. As cliche as it sounds it's true and lets face it, it's less exhausting then putting up a facade.

In a mainstream world, where people tend follow whats trendy, I find it commendable when a person takes a stand and be the best THEM that they can be. Whether it's personality,talents/gifts, interests/hobbies and morals don't be ashamed to just be you.

Here are a few encouraging Bible verses that emphasizes in being unique!

Psalm 139:14-16 ESV    
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Senegalese Twists!

I've been natural for about a year and half now. It has definitely been a journey and I'm happy with my decision. I wanted to switch up my hairstyle and also be able to get up in the morning....and go. 

With much research (DO your Research)and YouTube videos I really liked the Senegalese twists. I was leery at first because I questioned would my 3c curls hold the twists. So I decided to call the hair stylist to set up a consultation (which I highly recommend) so she could see and feel my hair.....plus I could ask her any questions or concerns that I had.

When it came time for my appointment...It took about 7 hours to complete....Yes 7 hours!Especially since the twists are long. I wanted them straight on the ends for a more sleek look. (You can have curly ends as well).She Used 7 packs of kanekalon jumbo braid. It comes in a variety of colors. So many choices!!

I really do love my twists. After getting them done,it took me a couple of days to get used to them.....but they are so much fun. I've received so many compliments. Plus I got the nickname Moesha and Lisa Bonet from my husband and brother LOL. Anywho,I look forward to doing various styles with them.

The Black Introvert?

As a child I was overall quiet. No...nothing dramatic or tragic happened in my life to be that way. That's just who I was and for the most part who I am today. here was always teasing and my introverted "ness" was always brought to my attention.

I could still hear it now..... comments  from teachers,classmates, and others saying things like "Courtney's too quiet" or asking me "Why are you so quiet?" (Did there really have to be a reason). I had (still do) a sarcastic flare inside me wanting to rebuttal "Why do you talk so much?" But I didn't Even as child I wondered why was being less talkative  was perceived in such a negative light. There was always this pressure to talk just for the sake of talking.

Me age 9. I always been an internal thinker

Society as a whole, introverts just seem to have a bad rap.My theory with being a black girl it was difficult for the masses to accept that I was quiet. Black AND quiet. At times you could sense the frustration in peoples voices when they asked why I was that way. Even up to my adulthood in society it appears to be rather unusual and odd for a black girl to be an introvert. It's like an oxymoron.  But we do exist and are very misunderstood in society.

Robots in Disguise

Robots in Disguise

Me and my husband are totally suckers superheros and cartoons from the 80's. Since moving into our apartment I wanted to get some coasters. So I purchased him some Transformer coasters from EBay. They are so cool and not the typical dull coasters....something with a little personality.

Ladies and gents this would make a nice "Just because" gift for the guy or girl in your life ;-)

Simple Skincare

Hey the fall season is finally here! With that comes change in fashion and sometimes even skin care. My skin is extremely sensitive so I decided to try the skincare brand Simple (Sensitive Skin Experts). It was highly recommended by a friend and it's for people with sensitive skin.


Prior to that I was using Clinique's 3 step skincare and as much as I love it...I noticed I was becoming a little immune to it. Crazy break outs and blotching etc. YIKES!!