Is it Patience?

"You must have a lot of patience!" "I don't have enough patience." Those are the two statements made to me when home-schooling is the subject.

I have an announcement to make: Home-schooling mothers (and fathers) are not the conquerors of patience. There are many days when we need our count to 100 moment. There are days when we need to escape to the bedroom. There are times when a one week break is imperative!

What do all successful home-schooling mothers (and fathers) possess? WILL! Will. Will is what drives us to have patience with ourselves, in order to have patience with our students.

If you are waiting for patience to decide if a home education is right for your child, you are wasting time. If you are waiting on patience to become more aggressive in your child's education, be it home or traditional, you are wasting time. When you are in need of more money, do you wait around for it? No, you make adjustments, you will either work longer hours, market your business more, and/or become more frugal with your spending. So if one can make adjustments for more money, one can do what is needed for their child's education.

To those who feel that they may not have enough patience to teach their child full-time or supplement their traditional education, question. Do you think the majority of teachers in the school system have patience to teach your child? Another question. When do you think the will to educate your child full-time or supplement their traditional education is needed? Do you think the time is now or when they are still living at home, not contributing to the house financially, and having no prospects of a job? Now talk about needing patience!

So, yes my patience has been tested over these 6 years, but because of my WILL, I will to control the impatient side of me for the benefit of my children. It is better that I do, because the world is an IMPATIENT place.

~i.

Hilton Head

While living in Charlotte, you can travel just a few hours to the north, south, east, or west, and find pure relaxation. McVay4 took a Friday-Monday much needed getaway last weekend to Hilton Head, SC. We also stopped my Parris Island (King T's old stompin' grounds. Marines) and Savannah.

Dazzling DIVA Skin

Christine Woolard, is one of my favorite bath and body sisters! Christine creates a vibrant, chunk-o-bar of soap, inscribed with one word, DIVA! You will covet this soap just for its beauty alone, but you will return for more once experiencing its skin loving effects.



neosoul.essentials
Christine@neosoulessentials.com
myspace. com/neosoulessentials

Beverly Campbell to the rescue!

In need of legal advice? Always wanted to say, "You'll hear from my lawyer", and mean it?

Company Name: Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. Independent Associate
Owner: Beverly Campbell
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/beverlycampbell
beverlycampbell@prepaidlegal.com
Business: 407-952-5199
Orlando, Fl

If you enjoy peace of mind and access to legal assistance I can help. A Pre-Paid Legal Membership means unlimited access to the best attorneys in the U.S. for any legal issue. You are covered throughout the U. S. Now you can say 'You will hear from my lawyer" and mean it!

Barbara Andrews-multi talented

Company name: Riland Corp
Owner: Barbara A. Andrews


Andrews
http://www. rilandcorp. com
Contact Info (email address, phone number, fax number):
rilandcorp@yahoo.com
(404) 228-8396 Fax is also (404) 228-8396


Riland Sat Institute deals in test remediation and preparation. We offer intensive test preparation for SAT, ACT, MAT, as well as the Praxis Series for teacher preparation. We have small class sizes 15 max and we come to you. Also because some people are not hands on learners we also offer the week long course online.


She also has her own radio show Mind Body and Soul Tune in, comment, and become a regular listener.

If that isn't enough to interest you....

Barbara (writer name- Nefertari Imani Baraka) is also the source for all your professional writing needs, from Bios to resumes, cover letters, newsletters and flyers. She has ghost written books on House Flipping, Feng Shui, and personalized stories.

Her Books: Ghetto Lullabies, My Soul it Knows his Mercies, Bible Truths,Little Black Book (Bedtime Stories for Lovers),The Nightmare Begins- www.nefertaribooks.com

it's all in the BAG with MYLA

Yet another wonderful Indie designer, wife, and mother to support!

I received my classic style Jenni tote from Michaela Butler the other day. I was so pleased with the craftmanship that I immediately transferred all of my stuff from my other purse to it. I have been carrying the Jenni for two days and then realized that I did not even post about it. LOL. That is how much I am enjoying it!

I am all about details. Inside, this tote offers up three generous size pockets! One pocket holds my phone and Bluetooth, one holds my pack of gum, and one holds my keys with a pepper sprayer attached. Michaela's work is flawless, I looked at every tuck, seam, pleat, and stitch... perfect.

When visiting Myla's Bags to make a purchase, I decided on the Jenni tote. Why? 1) It is a tote, great for the everyday stuff. 2) Dark denim, fashionable, and perfect for spills (just in case, you never know). 3) The pleats gives this bag a feminine flair. 4) Pink lining, what can I say, pink is fun. I liked it online, but when I took the tote out of the pretty tissue paper wrapping, I LOVED it! I am pleasantly please and will return to Myla's Bags!



Check out Michaela Butler's Jennis, clutches, wrislets, and more on Myla's Bags today!

"The World Is Your Oyster"

I am often asked my family members and others about home-schooling. How long will you home-school? Will the girls attend college? Those are the two most asked questions. Family members and others around us, have witnessed the amazing results and growth from my children being home-schooled, so they just want to hear more good stuff. Oh, forgot this question. Why do you home-school? The eye popping, mouth dropping in awe is the same from just about everyone when I reply. "I knew when I was seventeen that I would home-school." Yes, I did. No thought of a husband, no children in sight. When I was seventeen years old, my father's mechanic (his wife) was home-schooling his children. I also heard talk of home-schooling on public radio at that time. I knew. So here I am doing it. So, my reasons are not for religious purposes nor "down with the school system". However, since home-schooling for six years, I have come to appreciate that my children have an opportunity to learn, and that is what I love about this experience.

How long will you home-school?

The plan is through high school. A family member asked yesterday if I will be their teacher throughout. Yes, and no. At this point of home-schooling my children are learning the fundamentals of education through core and life lessons. Although they can work independently some now, once they reach junior high my supervision will become less. Even in the school system, a child at junior high level should not need constant supervision by a teacher when it comes to doing their lessons. Also at that level it will be time for my children to focus on what they want to become in life. Warrior Princess Z. wants to become a pilot, therefore we will research what aviators need to know in order to be successful in that career. Their lessons will focus on career goals. There will be an entrepreneurial point of view no matter what they want to become.

At the high-school level, they can attend community college, do online courses with MIT, the sky is the limit. Interning, and volunteering is also in the plans.

Will they attend college?

Even if my princesses have a business established, or a business endeavor in mind, they will be attending a physical college. They have a requirement of two years. If the career choice calls for more education, then they will need to make that decision to do so.

However, before deciding on a business endeavor or attending college, we would like for them to travel for a year. They need to experience that, either abroad or familiar soil, they need that. All the knowledge that they have gained from the beginning of their education, needs to be put into action. Even at this time, I (and daddy) are raising these girls to leave home. To be strong, smart, beautiful, independent, wise, spiritually strong, compassionate, humorous, and virtuous.


Yesterday, the same family member was so impressed by Warrior Princess Z's standardized test scores. She scored up there with 5th-7th graders, she is in the 3rd grade. Is that to say she should be in those grades. No, it just simply shows that in some areas she can accomplish work at those levels. We simply look at those scores as reference points, move forward, or work more in an area. She was also impressed by the fact that some of the work on the test was not taught to Z. "Well how did she know it?" From the world around her. Listening to other people talk. Making deductions. Analyzing. Reading. That is what intelligence is all about. Not about force feeding facts to be thrown back up again. I explained to her that home-schooled children are not better than children in school. However, the atmosphere (most) in which they are in is better, the student, teacher ratio makes home-schooling a success. I also told her that I do not continuously go over information, once they have it, move on. Once lessons are done I allow my children to work on their interest, they need to know who they are and what they can become.

Side Note: Why is Western education so different than Eastern education?

In China- students learn a subject 3 times a week for a year.

In America- students learn a subject once a week for 3 years.

In Germany- school days are shorter and children can focus on their interest.

In America- well....

In Iraq- when a child is told to read a chapter in a book, they do just that.

In America- read the chapter, discuss the chapter, quiz on the chapter, test on the chapter, homework on the chapter.

Love and Time

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others, including Love. One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all constructed boats and left. Except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment.

When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said,
"Richness, can you take me with you?"
Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. "Vanity, please help me!"
"I can't help you, Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you."
"Oh . . . Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I will take you." It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way. Realizing how much was owed the elder,

Love asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who Helped me?"
"It was Time," Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"
Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love is."


Source: Indian Child

Color Me Milan

Received my mineral makeup from Milan Minerals today! Being a woman who likes being girlie and being a frugal woman, Milan supports my makeup habit. I was so excited when the package arrived today. I had other goodies arrive as well, new supplies, new product for the business, but when I saw the golden envelope with the Alaska return address, I was once again a kid in a candy store.

The colors are gorgeous! Highly pigmented, which is fitting for women of color. Bold color is one reason why I love mineral make up, but the fact that a little goes a long way is the other kicker, saving money. I was never into mineral foundation, but the Milan color Sydrese changed that for me today. It blended so well with my complexion, and my face looked so smooth.

The flash on my camera prevented the true rich color to shine through. From left to right: Kinky Red (a semi-matte red, that is hard to find for deeper skin tones), Sydrese (foundation, much deeper brown), Cabernet (a rich shimmery red), Bottom: Bajan Princess,Blaque Goldilocks, Girlfriend, and Poetic. All very beautiful!

Alison Warfield Warming Your Spirit

'My passion is self-care and wellness and I am an RN by profession. In the last couple of years I have felt a need to re-create myself, as my children leave for college. I stumbled on to Warm Spirit, the perfect blend of health and beauty by using nature-based products.'

www.warmspirit.org/awarfield

Warm Spirit is a self-care and wellness that began with the idea of empowering African-American Women with a business opportunity. Its marketing plan was designed to be like the plan the Madame CJ Walker used to become this nations first female millionaire. In addition to its financial benefit, Warm Spirits deliver a holistic spa experience through its natural, organic body and treatment products. As a Warm Spirit consultant, I believe in doing well by doing good, taking of self and celebrating life and all it offers.

Young Black Rich Enterprise Inc

The goal of YBR © is to uplift, inspire, and transform the lives of women by providing information on a number of topics related to living a successful lifestyle including health, relationships, finances, and education. The website includes- among other things- helpful tips, articles, and success stories on a variety of topics such as motivation, goal setting, entrepreneurship, money management, and success.

YBR social network!

YBR ebook! Only $8! 'This e-book is for the woman who is tired of living a life of mediocrity- the woman who aspires to have a lifestyle that exemplifies strength, power, and prestige. I truly believe that every woman possesses the keys to success within and it is my goal to help you realize this and in turn begin to open the floodgates of the opportunities available for you to achieve your wildest dreams. The goal is to provide you with the ideas and tips needed to change your outlook on success and obtain the life you want- no matter what that may
entail.'

It's Karma Baby!

Karma Kidz is an online boutique dedicated to serving your lil’ Karma Princess, Karma Prince, and Karma Mommies. Specializing in designer Karma Apparel, Gifts, Nursery Room Décor, Stationery, & accessories. Karma Kidz has a bath & body line coming soon!

'You never go through things for yourself. You go through them for someone else.'

Those are words my sister (friend) said to me on the phone this weekend. She had a situation with her body that required her to have a D&C. Something I know too well about.

It was nine years ago when I experienced a molar pregnancy. A molar pregnancy is when your body has the level of hormones as if it were pregnant, but it is only tissue growing inside of the uterus. I had to have a D&C. I had no one to explain to me what I would experience during the healing process. I am so glad that I was here for my sister. To let her know: It is going to be extremely painful to urinate. Not just the first time, but three or four more times. You are going to want to rip the sink out of the wall. She said, "You were so right! Girrrrrl!" The pain killers will help you, but they will thin out your blood. Therefore there is going to be a lot of watery bleeding. You may experience blood just gushing out of and you will not be aware of it. Towards the end of the healing you may experience multiple meaty clots (needed) coming out of you with blood gushing out. She said, "That is exactly what is written on this paper the Doctor gave me." I told her I am telling you this so that you will not panic (as I did). I was just sitting in a friend's car and we stop to eat, when I stood up I was soaked in blood. I am so glad King T was there. I had to use the toilet in a fast food restaurant! I continued. As you are healing you may feel sharp pains in your backside and all through the lower abdomen. I encourage her to start taking red raspberries to tone her female organs, to continue to clean herself out by ingesting blue and black cohosh, to continue to take supplements, do not wear heels nor flats, and to relax and take it easy. Although she may start feeling good, the inside has to heal completely.

She was glad to have me. I was glad to be there for her. I never knew that one day I would need to share that experience with someone close to me.

Friday's Me Time

I had my exhale moment on Friday! Being a wife that loves to take care of her man, a devoted mommy, a home school teacher, a busy business woman, and more, this me time was not spontaneous. I schedule my me times, yes schedule it. Sounds silly? Well it works. Often times I hear wives/moms complain about not having time for themselves because of all they do. I am not a complainer, I take what I need. I know that 30 mins (sometimes more) of me soaking in the tub is not going to put my family in a bind. It is not always neccessary to leave your house for me time. But if you have one of those homes that is never calm, you may need to leave. I hope my me time moment on Friday will inspire you to have yours....SOON.

After processing orders, answering emails, having girl time (manicures and pedicures for the Princesses), watching a movie, and preparing dinner, I was a little over schedule for my me time. It was the perfect time, my children were fed and King T would arrive home shortly.

I ran a tub of semi-hot water and tossed in a Euphoria tea bag to steep. Mmmm. I lit my Black Mango soy candle that I purchased from one of my sisters in the business, Charna Little owner of Majestique. I looked outside my window and was calmed by the semi-dark sky and the sliver of the moon. Propped up my bath pillow and ahhhh...there is something about water. I thought of nothing during that moment, and if thoughts tried to sneak in, I immediately turned my attention to breathing deeply. I soaked for about 20 mins. and heard King T enter the house. He remembered I scheduled my me time, so he just entered, gave me a kiss, and exited. He sent one of the girls back up to turn on some music for me. Audio Visions on XM Radio. I forgot about the music, I was so ready for that soak! That was sweet of him. Moving along with my me time. I exfoliated with Jojoba Mineral Salt Glow. I know I make this, but wow, I just love how it feels! Smooth. I then soak some more to allow the oils to moisturize my skin. This me time was going so well, so why not go ahead and shave my legs. I then lathered up with a bar of Egyptian Musk soap. Heavenly. That was a relaxing 60 mins. After my soak, I still took my time, I did not rush to see if my family needed me, I knew they were fine. I felt anew, relaxed, and ready to spend time with my family.

Bonus! I got to polish my toenails and fingernails in my new OPI color, Keys To My Karma!

Here's to your me time....SOON.

My Mouth is Watering Just Right

You know I love all things that smell good! Right at this moment I am acting like a kid in a candy store! Really. I am giggling and such. I received my aromatic goody (along with lots of extras) from Just Right Candle Co. today! Thank you Amanda! Oh my goodness talk about my mouth watering (my daughters' too)! Just Right Candle is all about scenting your personal space without the wick. Sure you are probably thinking that you can purchase those wickless candles at your local craft or department store. Yeah, maybe. Then again, not at all. Why? Those candles will not even compare to Just Right Candle! I love Amanda's custom scents and her creativity. She gave me an experience and that is what it is all about for me, especially when purchasing from someone online.

I immediately grabbed the camera. I ordered Zucchini Bread for a birthday gift, and yes it smells like sweet bread baking. Now check out the jar on the right. That is Holiday Fruit Cake. She embedded colorful chunks into the wax making it look like fruit. Now those small containers, they are packed with fruit goodness, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries. I immediately put the blueberries in my warmer. YUMMY!

Exhaling

Tomorrow night is set aside as my "me" time. Looking forward to a nice semi-hot soak by candlelight. Just thinking about it makes my eyes close while typing. I have been one busy woman these past several weeks, and things have not really slowed down. Regardless, I always take my time before life steals it away.

So the weekend is upon us, and I hope all of you take your moments to rejuvenate your mind, body, soul, and spirit. Eat well. Laugh a lot. Hug often.

~i.

Supporting Pan-Africans

Do you recall my entry I Just Love Purchasing from Artisans? Well I received my beautiful Maasai glass beaded bracelets from Aseyori Market the other day! Handcrafted in Kenya.

Only $5.00! Aseyori offers FREE shipping as well!


Support!

Warrior Princesses

Will they be entrepreneurs? Daddy and Mommy are planting the seed. We'll see what happens.

Warrior Princess T loves animals and is talking of becoming a nurse. Maybe a Veterinarian?

Warrior Princess Z has stand firm on the choice of becoming a pilot. Maybe another Janet Bragg?

King T and I always encourage them to look at their choices through an entrepreneurial eye. See a need, fill a need.

Right now their entrepreneurial experience comes from helping Mommy with Smell Goods. They are working their way up the ranks. From cleaning packaging, to packing orders, to counting out incense, etc.

Feeling IRIE with Aziza Beauty

Feelin' IRIE with Aziza Beauty!



Received my beautiful Thread earrings from Darshall Banks of Aziza Beauty. I love items designed by Artisans and I love red, gold, black, and green! So these are perfect for me. Even better looking in "person"!

On sale for $5.00!


On sale for $2.50