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On A Personal Note…

I feel like June is trying to sneak by us too fast! Doesn’t it seem like the Summer goes by so fast? You blink and it is over just like that lol. I know so many people wait for Summer because the local beaches are open, they can have their favorite Summer treats (mine is funnel cake), they can finally go on that vacation, break from work on so on. I am hoping to enjoy Summer this year, get out to the beach as much as I can and not let the season get away from me. Also its not officially Summertime for me until I hear the song belonging to the below GIF lol.

I also can’t believe we are in the second half of the year already. I have been seeing a lot of posts floating around on Instagram reminding me of my goals to level up and get myself together. I’ll admit that I’ve slacked a little bit but I’m determined to get back on track and smash these goals. Along the way I had to change some of my personal goals to best meet what was going on in my life. The ones I originally set just didn’t match how I was trying to grow and evolve. It is okay to realize that some goals will not help you achieve what you are looking for and you can change them. I feel so much better about the direction I am headed in and can’t wait to celebrate at the end of the year!

I honestly want to speak on a lot of what has been going on lately but I start to think if it fits my platform or should I even say anything. I know there are some things better left unsaid but why blog if you don’t write about what is on your mind or use your platform to speak out about things? Mostly likely these thoughts of mine will come on the blog sometime soon lol.

Hope you guys are having a great start to your week and see you tomorrow!

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Stop Comparing…You Are Unique For A Reason…

It seems like social media is really driving a lot of things today. You can find out the latest news, gossip, reviews on products and so on. There are so many “influencers” out there and it seems like everyone is trying to be one. You have those that are doing it all for the right reasons and those who just want free products and think the job is easy it. It is not! I use the term “influencer” loosely because there are people out there that are not really influencing others in a positive way. They promote a bunch of products and tell you to love yourself knowing that people will buy whatever they recommend or try to imitate their lifestyle choices.

I honestly had to stop following a lot of those people because they were making me feel like I wasn’t a good enough blogger. I was tired of seeing them with the goals I had in mind and it was driving me crazy that I couldn’t reach them and making me feel like I could never do any of those things. I would be wasting money buying the products they recommended and some of them didn’t even work or were just horrible. They also didn’t practice what they preached to their followers. I shouldn’t feel bad about myself when I see your picture, watch your stories or come to your page. I felt I was being influenced in a bad way and unfollowed them all.

Now I feel so much better with the people I do follow. I’m being influenced in a positive way and feel inspired by them. It is hard trying not to compare yourself to others on social media. We all have the common goal of success but it would be so boring if everyone was doing the same thing or had the same personality. You are unique for a reason and bring something different to the industry. Everyone has different personalities, editing styles, techniques of doing hair or make up and so on. You can learn so much from others.

Transparent Moment: I was so excited when I was chosen to be an ambassador for Bask & Bloom. It was a goal of mine to work with a natural hair company, especially a black owned one. I honestly didn’t think I would be picked but was so grateful for the opportunity. When I saw the other women I was going to be working with and looked into their pages, I was immediately intimidated. There was a point where I felt I didn’t belong in the group because I felt like they were all so much better than me. I saw how much engagement and support they had from others, the editing skills, how many other companies they have worked with, the number of followers and so on. Now this didn’t make me feel negative at all, it inspired me to do better and level up. I had to realize I was chosen for a reason, someone saw potential in me and knew I would be a fit in this group. It took me a little bit to see that and I am grateful.

I had to stop comparing myself to others, look at what I bring to the table and what is unique about me. It can be hard but I encourage all of you to do the same. What is unique about you?

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Mental Health Check In, How Are You Really Doing?

You know when someone asks “How are you?”, the most common answer is “I’m fine” or “I’m okay” but how are you really doing? How is your spirit? How are you doing mentally? Are you more than okay or just fine or is it worse than that?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and last year on my other platform I opened up about my own story. It honestly terrified me but I felt a sigh of relief after the positive and encouraging feedback I received. When you deal with something like that, it is hard to talk to others about it or open up in fear of the reception. Are people going to judge you, look at you differently now, think you really are crazy and just need to get over it? You can read about it here: http://naturalledrea.blogspot.com/2018/05/mental-health-awareness-month.html

I want to check in on you guys. How are you really doing? I want this platform to also be a place to talk and check in with each other. I really love my online community and appreciate all the love and support. I am here if you ever want to talk or vent or anything.

I have doing pretty well lately. The occasional stresses of work (which can be a high stress environment at times) balancing life and just maintaining. I have learned to take a step back when I start to feel too overwhelmed. I have learned to incorporate more quiet time everyday to clear my head and praying every morning to start my day off on a positive note. I am improving one day at a time and love the direction I am headed.

Hope you guys enjoy the holiday weekend and see you Wednesday!

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Melanin HairCare Demo

I have been waiting to use these products lol! If you have been living under a rock, Whitney aka Naptural85 released Melanin HairCare earlier this year! Her YouTube videos helped me when I started on my natural hair journey and I was so excited for her! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on these products lol!

She released a Twist Elongating Style Cream and Multi Use Pure Oil Blend along with other brand merchandise. I knew before I tried these products out that they were going to be amazing but watch the demo to hear my actual thoughts lol!

So that is it on the Melanin HairCare demo. Have you picked up any of the products yet? What were your thoughts? Comment below and let me know! If you are a mom reading this, hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day and see you guys Wednesday!