Tracee's Got Something for the 3B - 4C Curls

As a fellow member of the natural hair movement I was elated when I received the news that actress Tracee Ellis Ross has thrown her natural hair care hat in the ring and is launching her very own line. Titled Patten, according to Ross this vision has been a 20 year dream and 10 years in the making. Writing her first brand pitch in 2008, Ross took her time and worked with a team of chemists for 2 years to formulate what she finds as the perfect combination of safe ingredients to cater to the 3B - 4C audience. After testing over 74 samples on herself along with her panel of different hair types, Ms Ross finally landed 7 products as an introduction to the Pattern collection.

What is also exciting about this brand is the sizes available for purchase. One of my main issues personally with natural hair products is the small sizes. Usually after two washes I need a whole new bottle of shampoo conditioner. Ross provides the option of large, refillable travel sizes and reasonable pricing to make Pattern affordable and accessible. Now the question is will all melanated hair types love it? We shall find out when Pattern makes it’s debut on September 9th. I for one will be following up with a review and photos of my results.

For more information and to get updates on the launch, visit https://patternbeauty.com

-Love & Light my Rising Roses!

Kenya Moore: Clear Skies After The Storm

Just 4 years ago Kenya Moore was reeling from a breakup that at one point she thought was going into a positive direction. Talks of marriage and babies filled the air as the Real Housewives star was planning her future with her then beau James Freeman. With the devastating discovery that the man she met through Millionaire Matchmaker was already married, Ms Moore pushed through and kept hope alive that she would one day find her soulmate. I was all over that story 4 years ago and applauded Kenya for her positive attitude and optimism (Click HERE to read previous post). Fast forward to present day, the former Miss USA is happily married and looking fabulous on the beach 11 weeks after giving birth to her first child and Celebrating her 48th birthday.

This personal triumph did not happen overnight. The now Mrs Daly went through a couple more frogs before finally meeting her prince. But the point is through heartbreak and failure in previous relationships, she never lost hope, she continued building herself and she allowed her heart to be open  to love when it came. We never know what life will have for us while on our journey, but what is important is that we do not settle or give up on any of our dreams or goals that are important to us. This is a real life example of how staying focused on what you desire for your life can bear fruit. And  from the looks of her blessing, her beared fruit is the sweetest.

Love & Light

Pregnant At 50: The Biological Clock Extended

So it's official, Janet Jackson is pregnant with her first child. Two weeks ago the superstar songstress announced to her fans that she had to cut her world tour short because she was planning a family with her husband. I immediately assumed adoption or surrogacy but low and behold just a few weeks shy of her 50th birthday, Ms. Jackson is pregnant.

This news has automatically sparked  discussion regarding how risky is it for a woman reaching the golden season life to have a child. Due to the singer's age, doctors say there are major risks and complications that could pose themselves during the pregnancy especially during the first trimester. Interestingly enough, doctors say at her age she had a 1% chance of conceiving.

Though the odds are thought to be against them, in today's times, women are starting families much later in age as compared to even a decade ago. According to the CDC, the number of women who are getting pregnant over the age of 50 has increased 165% in the last 15 years. Doctors say as more fertility treatments become available and technology improves, women have more of a choice to delay bringing life into this world.

Usually after 30, women who haven't had a child start to become worrisome that their time will soon run out which leaves them in a hurry to find "Mr. Right" to get busy right away. These new findings bring slight pressure off the woman worried about her biological clock. She can put focus back on herself and reaching her life goals instead of putting babies in the forefront.

Being in that age bracket myself, I surely can relate and breathe a little easier for this time extension. I personally have so much that I want to do and accomplish that a "mini me" is the last thing on my list currently. 35-40 is more realistic and desired at this point.

So kudos to Ms. Jackson and all the other women over 40 pushing the clock out of their way. Not saying having these blessings earlier in life is unwelcome either. Whether you are in your 20s or ready to celebrate your 50th, it's more so about when you are ready instead of being pressured by that nagging clock.

How do you feel about women starting families later in life?

Kenya Moore: A positive lesson from a not so positive experience

Today as I was scrolling through my Facebook timeline I came across a post from the fabulous Kenya Moore. Now everyone who keeps up with the newly "Life Twirls On" star via TV, social media and the pageant circuit knows this woman is usually a burst of positivity, laughter and optimism. 

Before I began to read, I readied my mind to take in some positive vibes from the former Miss USA. A few seconds into reading her post, my brain picks out the words "Unfortunately", "Man", "Was married", "Devastated"... My initial thought was " What a piece of $^%&^*)(&_)*)(&*&%^%$%# man". I was clearly in my feelings as if this were done to my best friend or sister, but then again, I feel a connection to all women so regardless my anger level still would be past a 10.

As I continued reading, my brain focused on the words "However", "Still believe", "Love", "Heart remains open".... Wow, I thought to myself. It got me thinking and reflecting. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a different journey. Looking at Kenya Moore, though I do not know her, she seems to have it all. She's gorgeous, successful, intelligent, financially secure, has a magnetic personality, kind-heart-ed (most times lol), and driven to have the best life she can. Though she has all this, she conveys that she refuses to settle until she accomplishes every goal on her list.

I'm sure life was not always easy for her. I'm sure she had struggles and difficulties. But the point is she doesn't let those trials deter or discourage her from what she desires. She still desires a husband. She still looks forward to a family. She is now in her 40s, never married, no kids and she hasn't stopped hoping or requiring the very best.

I believe this is how it should be for us all in regards to what we want out of this life. We all have a story, a path, a journey to explore. Sometimes we look to our left and see others making leaps and bounds on their journey while we may be stumbling on ours at the time. This tends to be discouraging, bring depression and even envy. But we have to remind ourselves that we are only in a race with ourselves. To keep looking ahead and focus on our own goals and dreams. Just because something that you thought was "it" does not work out, doesn't mean you give up completely.

What's life without hope?

So I applaud you Ms. Moore and my hope is that your King is out there being prepared just for you.

Dream To Reality

  
Yesterday as I was doing a little spring cleaning I decided to catch up on some of the reality TV shows that I've missed (yes I watch as I call it, ratchet reality. It may be mindless but it's so intriguing to me). One of my favorites is Braxton Family Values. This episode was mostly about Tamar receiving her very first Soul Train Music Award for her first single, Love & War. Previous to her name being called, she explained that she sat there not expecting to win. She had a mindset that she already lost. Then they called her name. In total disbelief and filled with emotion Tamar slowly walked to the stage, accepted her award, and gave her speech. One thing she said stood out to me:

  "I never thought in my life that I would be here and the only reason is because I almost gave up on myself. I want to let you guys know, no matter what you want to be, no matter who you want to be, don’t give up on you. It is possible.

  I’m 36 years old and I’m proud of it. And I don’t give a damn if I was 56, she was not finna stop, point blank and the period!”

  There's two things that I learned from that situation. First, when you're at a point of discouragement or feel like you are defeated, know there's a bigger plan and a bigger picture that is awaiting you. You may not see it but it's there. Secondly I'm inspired by Tamar's diligence.

  I remember 13 years back when I first heard Tamar. Back then she sung Gospel or was being marketed as a Gospel artist with her single, Try Me. It was featured off the Kingdom Come soundtrack. I liked the song but that was the last I heard of her until she re-emerged on reality television with her sisters in 2011. I then thought she pretty much gave up on singing. She was already living a pretty posh life being married to successful record producer Vincent Herbert. I'm thinking, "Okay she has it all. What more could she want". Regardless of her apparent success, Tamar was determined to pursue her dreams of being a recording artist. Even her husband tried to discourage her at times but Tamar had her eyes fixed on her dream and she was going to continue with or without support. At 36, she's living the dream she was working towards all those years ago. That is such an inspiration.

  Think about your dream. What you want to be. The goals you have set for your life. How much time have you spent working towards making your dream a reality? Would you keep at it after 13 years have passed? Would you have the same energy towards acheiving your dreams in your 30's as you did in your 20's? Sometimes success isn't immediate. If you are truly passionate about something, giving up shouldn't be an option. For those of you reading, thinking about throwing in the towel, this is your wake up call, your push, your sign to keep going. Make your dreams a reality. Be patient, stay motivated, work towards it. Your dream is just a reality away.