Celebrating Me: December 6th

It's already December! How did that happen?

This past month has been very eventful. It's been an emotional roller coaster but that's okay. It's important to recognize that you will go through many different feelings an emotions during the course of a day, or week, or month, even from one minute tot he next. I may joke sometimes and say that I'm over emotional like it's a bad thing but I don't really think there's anything wrong with feeling things. What's important is that we don't let any one feeling define us and we don't let ourselves see our emotions and feelings as flaws. Additionally, we can't forget that emotions are not flaws in other people. If someone is expressing anger it is because they are angry about something and that it a human emotion. They are not inherently angry.  The same goes for all other emotions and feelings.

I started reading Robin Roberts' Everybody's Got Something and I've been enjoying it so far. I'm really glad I picked it up!

This time of year is my favorite because I feel that this time of year is about love and spending time with people you care about. It's about showing people how much you care for them and keeping them close. It's a great time of year.

Today, I'm feeling great because it's the weekend, I had a wonderful Friday, and I was very productive. I'm feeling slightly stressed as the end of my first semester of grad school comes to an end but I've been working on being more organized and I know that I can get my stuff done. I'm excited that winter is finally here. It's time for hot chocolate and fuzzy slippers. I'm really excited.



My quote of the day is:

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

-Maya Angelou

Your life matters. You are beautiful. You deserve to be here. You deserve the right to feel and have the space to express those feelings. You are enough. ♥

Celebrating Me: November 6th

Today was a rainy day and I just love rainy days. I feel great that today is Thursday. Thursday means some of my favorite shows are on! Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away With Murder! How to Get Away With Murder and Red Band Society are my favorite shows that have premiered this fall. I always enjoy my shows! Something to look forward to at the end of the day.


Lately I've been reading "Mom and Me and Mom" by Maya Angelou and I love it. Every day I read it, I feel like I've learned so much. I feel like I'm learning not only about Maya Angelou but about my self, love, life, relationships, and so much more. I'm loving every minute of it.


Today, my quote of choice is,

"Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself." -Alice Walker

Overall, today was a good day. I was pleased with the weather. My shows were on. I got to wear my cute scarf and coat. I'm in love with this time of year and I'm so glad to finally be celebrating my first fall in NYC in a long time. I think the proper term is excited. I'm excited about fall! The only thing I would wish for is a full day in bed with movies and good tv--preferably with a rainy setting outside. I feel like that would top off my transition into fall just perfectly but nothing has matched up in my favor. It's okay though because school and work are going quite well so I'm okay with waiting until Thanksgiving.

Thoughts at the moment: I don't want to twist my hair for bed. :(


I hope the weekend is good to you. You are loved.

Celebrating Me: October 6th and 7th.

I'm sitting at work today helping my students with their homework yesterday and I realize that today is the 7th and I did not take my selfie yesterday! I remember telling myself last week to remind myself but apparently, I forgot to remind myself. I took a selfie today and I also have one from the 5th.

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I'm upset I forgot about my selfie. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped but my class went well Monday morning and I went out for drinks after work. My pina colada was very yummy! I also got a lot of sleep which is something I forgot to do all weekend because of a paper that was due Sunday night.

Today was not as great. My students were stressing me out today. I missed the bus by a minute and it threw my whole day off. I'm upset with myself because I still haven't cleaned my room nor have I done my laundry and those tasks were on my to-do list this past weekend. So today, I felt silenced, frustrated, and stressed out. On another note, I'm enjoying this fall weather that is finally here. I'm happy for boots, scarves, and cardigans!

My goals for this month are to stay focused! I need to stay on top of things, not only blogging but my school work and my work as well. Lastly, I need to not let it upset me when people talk over me or try to silence me when they are wrong and strong. I know what's right in my heart and I shouldn't let it get me upset.

Lastly, I'm growing stronger every day. I can only be me. There's only one me and I dedicate my time and my life to being good to myself in any way possible. Love yourself every single day because no matter what anyone else says, you deserve that love.

PS. I'm short, fat, and proud of that.

Celebrating Me: September 6th

I took my selfie yesterday on the 6th but I never got the chance to upload it! I had a great day. I went to a family potluck and really enjoyed myself. There was great company and great food so no complaints.

So yesterday, and this past month has been very interesting. I feel as though now I'm becoming a lot more comfortable with myself. I finally feel like I'm settling after having moved from Florida to New York last December. I'm really getting the hang of things.

I also have been experimenting more with bright colors and accessories that I feel compliment my personality more. So I really wanted to make sure my new favorite lip color made my September selfie!

This month I've been making sure I edit myself less. As I'm growing, a daily process, I realize the importance of being my authentic self and loving my authentic self as much as I can. I think it's really important to be myself. I can't edit myself for anyone. Take me as I am!

I started grad school last week and while I am a bit nervous, I couldn't be more excited to be going back to school and furthering my education. I would say 60% excitement and 40% nervousness. I'm only in my second week though so I believe that will change.

I go back to work tomorrow so that's one major thing I'm looking forward to. I missed my students so I'll be happy to see them again.!

I'm happy to be alive and I'm ready to see what this month brings me.

Goals for the this month:

• Stay focused
• Spread happiness and positivity
• Avoid procrastination

Celebrating Me: August 6th/7th

August Selfie = Birthday Selfie!!

I'm 22 years old! I really tried to post on my birthday but I got in after midnight and went straight to bed. So my selfie post is a day late but who says celebrations have to end?

I did the very stereotypical playing of Taylor Swift's 22 as I got ready for work. I actually only heard it once before on the day before my birthday because I wanted to see if I liked it before I made it the first song I listened to on my birthday. It is a very cute song and I'm glad one of my best friends, Mia, reminded me about it.

I started the self care presents by treating myself to a delicious bodega breakfast sandwich with a cup of coffee. Then I went to work and I made sure that I had on the beautiful skirt that I got for my birthday. I wore it all day even though I had time to change before going out after work but I wanted to feel special and it's my special day to celebrate me so I really tried not to feel guilty about anything."Treat yo self."

I got so many wonderful birthday wishes. Some of the students even sang happy birthday to me. It was great and so cute!! After work, I went out with my momma and two of my aunts to dinner and a movie all of which was wonderful as well. I think I fell asleep in the car on the way home. I was so tired. This was my birthday outfit.

 

Overall, I had a phenomenal birthday. I was a little apprehensive at first about working on my birthday but I'm glad I went to work. All the beautiful faces I got to see at work and the well wishes made my day so much more special. 22 feels different. I can't really explain it. I looked in the mirror after I woke up and I felt that I looked different--older. However, I'm not sure if I trust what my mind is really thinking at 5 in the morning. 

Most importantly, on my birthday I was in love with the skin I'm in. 

I'm happy to be here and to be alive.

21 brought me graduation, my Bachelor's degree and a move to New York.

I'm thankful for another year of life. I'm excited to see what 22 will bring!



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Post birthday(today):

Today was an okay day. I was so tired from the night before and I think my lack of sleep gave me a headache that is only just now going away. Besides the headache and some overwhelming moments at work today, I had a good day. I'm happy that tomorrow is finally Friday. The weekend is near!

I've been  reading Pearl Cleage's latest book and I really can't put it down. I love it so far. There was something she wrote about writing and how creativity and laziness really battle it out all of the time. I strongly identified with that entire page. I'll write more about the book when I finish it. Every page is another piece of her life and that's just so cool to me!

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Leaving you with a special quote. I hope you have an amazing and safe weekend!!

♥

Celebrating Me: July 6th

 

I am so proud of myself today. I was very productive. I cleaned my room. Did laundry.  Moisturized my hair and put my mini twists in flexirods (see scarf). Washed my sister's hair. Got my lunch ready for tomorrow. Refilled my metrocard. It was a good day. I did everything I set out to do this weekend. However, I planned to go to be at 10 and as I type this it is 10:04 so that didn't work out but it's okay. My bed isn't going anywhere and in the morning there will be coffee.

My job has transitioned from afterschool to summer camp so now my work day starts at 8. I secretly love mornings. I like sleeping in too but I really don't mind if I have to get up early. I think mornings are wonderful. A lot of times they're quiet. There's coffee and breakfast food!! It's usually cooler in the morning time. I'm a fan of mornings. To make my morning go smoothly, I do as much as I can the night before. I even instagrammed a little video of me making my salad and iced coffee. See it here.

Today, I'm so thankful for my family and all of the time I get to spend with them.

My selfie day today reminds me that my birthday is one month away! It also reminds me that half of the year has already flown by. I'm not sure about you but it feels like this year is going by so quickly! I'm honestly ready for the cold months to come back.

I'm currently reading The Other Side of Paradise by Staceyann Chin. I really love it. I'm almost finished. Finishing books can be so bittersweet sometimes. I'm really enjoying reading this story. With it being summer time, I've been seeing a lot of summer reading lists and my book wishlist is just getting longer and longer. I'm going to be excited to finish this book and then sad that it's over but then excited to start the next book. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to read next but I have plenty of good titles to choose from.

My productive day has left me tired but feeling accomplished. This heat has me miserable but I'm about to go moisturize with some lavender oil and drink some refreshing ice cold water.

Today, only after a refreshing and exfoliating shower, I felt wonderful and calm in my own skin. I'm happy to be where I am today and I'm excited to see what this month beings. 

Celebrating Me: June 6th

This has been a long week and that ponytail has been working hard! Today was Friday and I was looking forward to it all week! It's the end of a tough week and Orange is the New Black season two came out today! My hair desperately needs to be washed and I'm glad the weekend is here so that I can tend to my hair. I had a pretty good day at work today even though I just wanted to stay at home curled up in my bed.

I'm thankful for all of the people in my life and I'm thankful for my job. In the last month I have had a lot of Dunkin Donuts coffee so I think I should say that I'm thankful for that too.

Last week I bought a bunch of Shea Moisture because it was on sale and I have so many new favorite products. They smell so good and they're good for my hair and skin. Shopping, self care, skin and hair loving all wrapped up in one BOGO event. Love it!

I'm really looking forward to just laying in bed curled up with my laptop. I think I really just need some time to relax so I think I'll spend my Saturday night doing just that. That's the plan, anyway.

I also really want to see the Fault in Our Stars movie. I read the book and absolutely loved it so I can't wait to see it on the big screen. I've spoken with a few people who have seen it already and they all loved it!

Well, it's Friday night and my bed has been calling me since I got out of it this morning! If you're reading this, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Celebrating Me: May 6th

Today I'm finally starting to feel like I'm connected to Spring. I took a long walk today and it actually felt great. Between work and my walk, I spent a lot of time outside today and it was very nice. However my feet hurt from standing up all day.

I'm also so glad that I'm finally feeling better. Up until about three days ago I still couldn't stomach real food. My life was tea, toast, crackers, and bananas. I think I'm back to normal now. I really missed normal foods.

I'm so sleepy today. I stayed up late last night playing the sims knowing that I had to wake up to go in to work early for a staff meeting. It's okay because I can sleep in tomorrow!

I feel so comfortable because I redecorated my room this past weekend. I'm now surrounded in a room full of purples and other pastel spring colors and I love it!

I'm currently, in this moment, excited for the mini Grey's Anatomy Marathon I'm going to have while I play the sims.

Lastly, I'm still slightly crying with happiness and joy for all of my friends who graduated within the past week! The world just welcomed some very beautiful college graduates!


Quote of the day:

 Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

-Maya Angelou

I hope you  enjoy the rest of your week! ♥ 

 

Celebrating Me: April 6th

 I'm sick and I feel sick. I've had a sore throat and a slight stomach ache since last night so today I consumed a lot of ginger ale, hot tea, and hot coffee. I'm probably going to make myself another cup of tea when I'm finished writing this.

I felt like today was a really long day. I spent most of it procrastinating. I did very little of what was on my to-do list today. Hopefully I can finish off my list in the morning. There's nothing that needs to be done tonight so I'll be okay if I don't stay up all night to complete my list. I need my rest! :)

I'm excited about the ton of Shea Moisture products I bought over the weekend. They were bogo at Walgreens so I treated myself. I used some of the skin products today and I loved them! I think my favorite from my little product haul is the Coconut and Hibiscus body wash. It smells amazing!

It's Sunday so I'm thinking about my upcoming week. I hope this sore throat does not turn into anything more. I don't want to be to sick this week, especially with the weather getting warmer. I'm excited for some new smoothie recipes that I'm going to try this week. I even got some fresh and beautiful ingredients today!

I'm currently reading Sister Citizen by Melissa Harris-Perry and I love it! I'm going to write more about it when I finish but I love it so much right now.

I caught up on a lot of my shows today while I was procrastinating! I watched Grey's Anatomy, Parenthood, Bob's Burgers, and Law & Order SVU. I don't regret my moments of lazy TV time today.

Today I love the skin I'm in and I'm glad that it's very moisturized and smells like coconut and hibiscus!!



♥

Celebrating Me: March 6th

Today I am happy that I'm one day closer to the weekend!

I woke up with a song from Sister Act 2 stuck in my head.

 Today is an early day for me. Not super early but earlier than most days.

I'm happy because I used my face mask today so my skin feels smooth and I know it's prepared for the winter air today.

I'm like, "Kiyanna, WTF?" because it took me too long to decide what pants to put on this morning.

I'm obsessing over what to do next in my life. What programs to look at, what schools to apply for, etc.

I don't know what I'm going to eat for lunch today.

I'm glad that I'm finally getting over my cold. 

Love the skin I'm in today and I hope you have a great day! 




Quote of the Day:

"Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how...We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark." 

— Agnes de Mille, dancer

Celebrating Me: February 6th

I took this picture before I left for my first day of work at my first post-graduation job. Today I felt excited. I feel happy to be in the skin I'm in today. I even bought myself a little gift. I spent my morning watching one of my favorite shows, Frasier, while I enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee. After coffee I had a very relaxing facial. I wanted to paint my nails today but I didn't have the time. I had a good first day at my job and I'm excited to see what tomorrow will bring. I enjoyed today and I'm thankful for it.

Quote of the Day:

"I am a true believer in the best about me." -Iyanla Vanzant

Celebrating Me: January 6th

I want to get into the habit of celebrating myself. So I decided to have a photo shoot with myself every month on the 6th. I tried to do this my senior year of high school to see how much I changed over the months but I don't think I was there emotionally to celebrate myself every month. I've changed a lot since then so I want to try it this year.

Every month on the 6th, I'm going to get dolled up, or not, and get comfy with my camera. I pick the 6th so that it will fall on my birthday come August. So I did my photo shoot today and I loved it. I really felt great about it so I'm going to write it off as self care. I think I'm going to keep up with this to the best of my abilities.

I was really exciting about my photo day! I got to play with my make-up and feel glamorous! I loved it. What I thought was interesting was that my favorite photo was myself in my satin cap right before I washed my make-up off.

The photos:

Today I feel at peace. I feel productive. I'm relaxed. I'm happy to be in my own skin today. I enjoyed a great cup of coffee today. I didn't do everything on my to-do list but I'm okay with that. Today was a pretty good day!

My quote of the day is, “The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.”
― Maya Angelou.