My Valentine's Self Love Letter

Dear LaToya,

Happy Valentine's Day!! I'm writing to tell you how much I love and admire you. I know you do not hear it as often as you would like (or need too), but you are beautiful. Not only are you beautiful, but you are greatly valued and appreciated.

Recently, you've spent a lot of time and energy wanting to get "your old self back." You know that "perfect girl" image that you have been so desperately desiring. Well let's reflect back on her for just a minute. She was the ideal size (some would say). 5'1 about 130 pounds, wearing a size 4-6 and was able to go into any store, not having to be concerned if something would fit. Her hair and nails were always done. Skin was just flawless. She was in the prime of her career; quickly receiving promotion after promotion, and climbing up the corporate ladder. She was madly in love with her college beau. She lived life spontaneously and freely. She basked in so many accomplishments.

I loved her. I still love her. I will always love her, and as good as she sounds, truth be told she really wasn't that "perfect girl." She had flaws and imperfections just like everyone else.

You often say how much you miss her, but she hasn't really went anywhere. Yes somethings may have changed, but she's still very deep inside of you. Awaiting for your to unleash this "perfect girl" image and bask in your perfectly imperfect life.

That body frame, well it no longer may not fit those dimensions, but it is still beautiful. It helped carry two beautiful children. While there are stretch marks and a "mommy tummy" that you may not have had before, they are reminders of your pride and joy. Your hair and nails, rarely get professionally done anymore, but you're still working it girlfriend!!!! Even with skin blemishes you look at least five years younger than your age. Yes, there's been some roadblocks with your career, but you've recently just started a new one. The man you were madly in love with, still loves you.

So what life didn't' happen exactly as you wanted. Things happened according to God's plan. So lift your head up high. You have way to much going for yourself to be down and out. You are more than just a number on a scale. You are an educated, beautiful, strong, wife, mother and friend.

Somewhere right now, there is someone wishing they could have what you have. So from this day on, I encourage you not to long for wanting to get your "old self back", but love yourself. Be comfortable in the skin that you are in, and love yourself only like only you can. Because if you don't love you, no will love you.

Love always,

LaToya

Wellness Wednesday: Beauty Secrets Revealed

For this week's #gowellness link up, I'm sharing some of my favorite beauty secrets.

 If you ask me, I'm a simple girl with a simple routine when it comes to getting myself together. On the other hand, if you ask my husband he'll say I'm a product junkie, with way too many beauty items. Nonetheless, here are a few of my favorites hair, skin, and nail products.


Water: I know for some drinking water can be a daunting task, but I absolutley love it. In fact, I drink 2-3 liters of water each day. Water is great for numerous things, but as a beauty secret, I think drinking so much water helps for clearer looking skin.

Selfie after hair salon visit

Hair Care: Ladies I don't care if you have short hair, long hair, extensions, natural, or chemically-treated hair it should be healthy. For me that means regular treatments to promote growth, moisturize, and prevent breakage. There are quite a few products I use on my hair, but my go-to secrets for healthy locs are protein treatments. For added protection, I apply (well my stylist does) a protein treatment to my hair once a month. Regardless of your hair texture protein is a definite for healthier, stronger hair.









Hair Removal: I may have a minor hair-phobia, because at the first sign of a hair in the wrong place, I'll be quick to pull out my tweezers, or better yet go for a wax. Hair removal can be a sensitive topic for many women, but hey there is "no shame in my game." My most used products are from the Nair line. My mom introduced me to Nair back in my tweens after a shaving accident, and I've been a faithful consumer ever since. These days my favorites are the Bikini & Upper Lip Cream. Sssh! Don't tell my hubby about my lady-stache.

I'm also a sucker for smooth legs, and cannot stand the sight of stubble. Just this past weekend, I ditched my Schick Quattro for this Venus Swirl. Thus far they are noticeably smoother, and I haven't needed a mid-week touch up.

Skin Care: Every so often I'm out and about, and will get complemented for my smooth and clear skin. I have even had family members ask what brand of foundation I use. My secrets for skin care (aside from water) are the just keeping everything clean and moisturized.

For my face I use the Ambi products, which are specifically designed for people of color. I've been using  the products below since High School, and as of last week just added in the wipes for removing make-up.

Facial Mask

Now for my dry skin, I turn to organic products that contain Shea butter. My go to brand is from Tree Hunt. Known to "reveal your natural beauty" the exfoliating scrub, body wash, and body butter are apart of my daily/ weekly regimen. I love the scents, the natural ingredients, and how radiant my skin always looks and feels.

Nail Care: One of my guilty pleasures is treating myself to a relaxing medi-pedi. Unfortunately, working with my hands all day and cleaning after two preschoolers can really damage my hands. Thus, my nail secrets are frequent moisturizing and these vitamins. I started using them around November, and my nails are stronger and they grow faster.

Salley Hansen "No Chip" Review

I'm not one of those bloggers that reviews products for popularity or to seek freebies from company, but if I stumble across something every once in awhile I do like to share my personal experience.

This past Sunday I went to my local nail salon for a mani & pedi. No frills, no gel, no acrylic overlay...just an old fashion, basic manicure and pedicure combo. Since it's getting cooler I haven't been making as many trips to the nail salon, so I was long overdue. I'm usual skeptical of the basic manicures because they usually never last more than a day or two. Except this time....

Before heading to bed I applied one coat of Salley Hansen's No Chip Top Coat Protectant, and as you can see from the above photo my nails looks beautiful 4 days later.

I've been getting my nails done for about 15 years, and never have I had a mani last this long. Since I've given up on other nail treatments and now will only be rocking my natural nails, this product is a must have. 

For more Salley Hansen products visit www.salleyhansen.com or your local drug/ convenient store.