New Book Project: 28 Days of Love…

What is self-love?

I believe self-love is not a fluffy concept to promote narcissistic or selfish behavior. However, self-love is the medicinal antidote to healing our feelings of low self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem. It allows us to dive into our internal wounds to bring ourselves back to wholeness.

My Journey…

In 2011, my life was at a crossroads. I found myself searching for worthiness, love, and confidence. After enduring multiple hardships and tragedies, I knew something needed to change. And the change that I needed was love. 

As I began this self-love journey, it became a sustaining root to heal my inner traumas and wounds. And now, I am sharing my journey in this 28-day transformative book.

What is the significance of the title?

28 Days of Love: A Self-Love Journey idea began in February 2011 when I celebrated love for the whole month instead of limiting it to one day. Now, this personal tradition is something I do for myself and my daughter every year. 

When will the book be available for purchase?

Available Now: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f956a

Where will I be able to buy it?

You will be able to purchase this book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and everywhere books are sold. You will also be able to purchase a copy on my blog and other personal sites.

Will you have any book signings and where?

At a later date this information will be announced.

A Nerdy Girl’s Summer…

Hot girl summer has been a trendy term since 2019, made famous by the rapper Megan Thee Stallion. However, for us ladies who love bookstores, rom-coms, a bottle of bubbly or wine, and all things nerdy, I decided to make a fun list of essential things for an intellectual girl to have an unforgettable summer.

• Find a beautiful bookstore or library. Try a vintage bookstore or an independently own bookstore; here you will find some classics and treasures.
• Watch Black & White Movies. I love black and white movies like Casablanca, It Happened One Night, Sunset Blvd & many more.
• Shop at a thrift store, vintage consignment shop, or boutique to find unique pieces to put in your wardrobe.
• Read your favorite genre, whether romance, thrillers, or suspense.
• Go out in nature or sit at your local park & connect with God’s creation.
• Create a fun playlist with all of your favorite music.
• Have a dance session in your home.
• Watch a favorite foreign film without subtitles.
• Listen to the rain.
• Do some stargazing.
• Find a receipe & cook a meal.
• Listen to classical music.
• Go watch a sunrise or sunset.
• Spend a day doing nothing, no technology.
• Sit in silence.
  

Hygge for the Holidays…..

Slowing down……such a foreign concept to me for several years until I settled down in the south. As a single mom slowing down is a challenge everyday because there is always something to do on the checklist. However, in the last two years I have been challenged to slow down and really embrace the present moment. The present moment is crystallized by focusing on the now. The “now” moments are the moments we can never gain back. If this is true, then why do we rush through one event to the next?

Lately, I have been intrigued with going a lot slower in my everyday life. It has made a big difference in my mindset. Although, the holidays are here I am truly embracing slow motion. In my pursuit of this new lifestyle I have came across the word hygge (hoo-gah) practiced by the Danish culture. This lifestyle is a Danish concept that has been popping up everywhere I go. I can’t remember exactly where I heard it but I have been researching a little deeper about this concept. For a long time there was no formal definition for this word however, more Americans have become aware of this concept.

The holidays is great time to practice this Danish concept especially since Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner. I don’t believe in putting concepts in a box so you have the power to rearrange it the way it fits your life. For example, hygge to me is drinking hot cocoa, tea or wine during the winter months, watching a movie, reading a book and spending some quality time with my daughter.

No matter what concept, tradition or non-tradition you practice slowing down and enjoying the moment should be apart of your daily regiment.

Here is a book I am currently reading check it out in Stylicia’s Reads.

Beach Therapy

Summer has officially arrived with kids out of school and beaches packed to capacity. As the heat beats and temperatures rise  the greatest place to stay cool and relaxed is at the beach. The beach is my favorite spot to go to when I want to feel the water tingle against my feet and get a clear perspective on my life. It is always soothing to get a good book to read when I am at the beach. 

The beach has a magical vibe especially during the week while everyone is working. The soothing swoosh of the waves have a melodic tune. When I look out into the water I get lost and let my thoughts wander aimlessly. It is great sense of healing and therapy to me when life seems to suffocate me.

Below are three ways you can use the beach as your own personal therapist to help you relax this summer:

1) Go Workout At The Beach. It is so refreshing when you decide to take your workout outdoors. It gives you a chance to connect with nature & start your morning off to a positive start. However, taking your morning jog, run or yoga exercise to the beach can be even more relaxing. It will help you connect with your inner self & create a positive mindset for your workout.

2) Meditate At The Beach. Meditation is one of the most important part of my morning routines. Taking your morning meditations to the beach can enhance your mental awareness, assist in your breathing techniques & help you visualize a beautiful picture as you look out in the sea.

3) Read A Book At The Beach. If you are a book lover like me books are a great form of relaxation. It helps you take your mind off the real world and allow you to bury yourself in a world of imagination. It is even more relaxing to take your favorite book to the beach & get lost in the beauty of the beach.

The summer is a great time to relax, unwind & embrace the joys of beach life, might as well get some beach therapy while the weather is still alluring!

Summer Reading List

The official kick-off of summer starts on June 22nd but the weather has a way of manipulating us to believe summer has started a little early. As school ends for children around the world summer is the best time to pick up a good book to read. If you are a book lover like me picking up a good book is the best thing for mental stimulation and relaxation. Below are a list of books to inspire, empower and uplift you to read during the hot summer months.

2015 Summer Book List

Self-Help Books

• Happy Women Live Better by Valorie Burton
• Fearless & Fabulous by Cara Alwill Leyba
• Thrive by Arianna Huffington
• What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey
• The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra

Travel

• Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach 
• Educating Alice by Alice Steinbach

Inspring

• The Alchemist
• Secrets of A Millionaire Mindset by T. Harv Eeker
•  As A Man Thinketh by James Allen
• #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso

Business

• How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell
• Successful Women Think Differently by Valorie Burton

 Just For Fun

• A Belle In Brooklyn by Demetria Lucas

June Series: Beauty, Books & The Beach

In the month of June The Inspirational Corner theme is “Beauty, Books & The Beach”.  As summer quickly makes an appearance we will discuss the books you should have on your summer reading rotation, we will discuss tips to keep you cool & beautiful during the hot summer months. Lastly, we will give you tips on why the beach can be the best place to relax this summer. 

A Writer’s Christmas List

 

Writing is often a gift that comes with the dancing of words parading through our minds. Instead of enjoying counting reindeers while we sleep words are being count to fill the page for our next writing project. We are consistently determined to make personal and professional deadlines for our next book, novel, article or blog post. As Christmas is making her grand entrance writers like me, are using this time to get away from the family gatherings to find a quiet corner to write down all our thoughts.

When you wonder what really goes on in a writer’s head you will be surprised to know writer’s never sleep. We spend countless hours conceptualizing ideas in our head. We read the same sentence over and over again making sure it expresses our thoughts in the manner we want readers to receive it. If we are working on our next novel then characters start to appear in our minds, talking to us as if they were real. Some may believe we are truly insane but our minds are always creating, correcting and cultivating new material. Nevertheless, words have become the thieves that steal our rest at bedtime.

However, in spite of our sleepless patterns we need a break just like the next person and so we want things for Christmas that will cater to our creativity. Below I have manifested a list of possible Christmas items to give to the writer in your life:

Writer’s Christmas List

1. A pretty journal or inspirational journal. All writers thought form better when there journal design is impeccable.

2. Cool Pens. Every writer needs that certain pen that would set fire to their words.

3. Nice Dictionary/ Thesaurus. Not just any dictionary or thesaurus but all writers need the best dictionary or thesaurus that stops them from using the same word over and over and over and over and over again.

4. Favorite book by their favorite author. All writers or maybe the highest percentage of writers love to read a good book by their favorite author.

5. Sleep. Giving a writer a nice comfortable pillow with a matching blanket would be ideal.

6. Candles. Candles create the right ambiance to inspire the writer’s mood. I suggest lavender for relaxation.

7. Complete Silence. Some writers just want to be able to write in silence. This is a priceless gift for me.

8. Favorite Beverage. Hot Coco, tea or wine are all great beverages to get the writing juices flowing.

9. Soft Music. Classical, jazz or maybe your favorite old school tunes has the capacity to energize your mind.

10. A Great Desk Lap/Light. Those of us who have created our creative sanctuary a desk lap or light would be convenient for a midnight rendezvous with our pen and paper.


Picture Reference:
http://twtrland.com/profile/adamcroft83