Welcome to Olivia's Daughter....a blog that I created in March 2010 to document my blessed journey of healing. Since I began this blog, my mother has gone home to be with the Lord along with my son, Chris Reshaud Jordan, who was murdered in October 2009. After these two devastating events, I felt forsaken by God. I cried out to the Lord seeking my purpose in life. Throughout this experience, I had to make the choice to surrender to a life of worthlessness or to live my life to the fullest, a life filled with abundance and love.


God has strengthened me. I am seeking Him daily and and working to live in His will which is leading me to my purpose and passion. I think of Chris and Olivia constantly, but I have turned this over to God. I want God to use me as his vessel giving Him the glory.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

VACATION

Lord I am so grateful to You for saving me. I am grateful for all things big and small. Lord You are my protector and provider.

Today is the day before I begin vacation. I am so thrilled that I am going on vacation. I have some things planned. Updates will follow. I probably won’t blog much while on vacation.

Eating healthy. Working out this evening then attending a planning meeting for the wedding. Fun, fun, fun !!! I will take my protein drink to have during the meeting. Lord give me strength to pass up and not be greedy if there are snacks there. This morning I had dropped a few more ounces causes me to lose an appropriate pound. I was very pleased. Other’s are noticing my success and that is always motivational. One young lady asked me to be her trainer. I was shocked, and I offered her some suggestions.

Lord give me strength as I continue on my life’s journey.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Today Today Today

Thank you Lord for waking me up and blessing me with life. I love You because of who You are.
I had thought I wouldn't feel up to blogging today, but I decided to say a few words. Not much ! I got up this morning at 5:45 a.m. and went to Heights High and walked the track for approximately 45 minutes. I completed one mile, it isn't my usual 5 mile walk, but it was something to jump start my day. This evening I have to see Ms. Juanita to have my hair done, so I know I will not walk this evening. I will have to walk tomorrow morning also because I have a meeting which will prevent me from walking.
After my walk I went home and weighed myself. God is so amazing. I had lost a pound from yesterday's weight. Which was quite motivating. Sometimes I weigh in daily other times I skip, since I did lost 2 oz last week, I changed up my food intake a bit so I want to see if it is making a difference. I am not clear on what is causing the lost, but I am GRATEFUL and feel blessed. Saturday's weigh in should be successful. I am shooting for 2 to 3 lbs. Oh yes, I have been having a 110 calorie Protein Shake from Trader Joes, 1 gram of sugar and 21 grams of Protein. It is good. I drink it for my 3 o'clock snack instead of my usual popcorn.
I plan to relax at Ms. Juanita's and be pampered by her personal care. God blesses our time together.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

No Problem ! No Worries !

Lord help me with my words Sometimes I have the ability to watch my mouth and at other times I am coming out with whatever ! I need you right now Lord. Forgive me Lord, I know I have not been the best the last couple of days.

I am feeling good, but the enemy is so busy trying to ruin everything I have worked to build. He is doing a real good job. I will not let the enemy steal my glory. God please help me to get through this hurdle.

Yesterday, my mother-in-law passed away. She was a kind and sweet woman. I pray for her to RIP sand I pray that she had a personal relationship with the Lord. Her religious beliefs were not of serving the Lord, but I pray she was a believer. I hope this makes sense.

Food: I am eating the lunch I had yesterday which consisted of cantaloupe, watermelon, salsa, laughing cow cheese, and Flaxseed chips. For breakfast I had oatmeal with flaxseed but not as big of helping as usual,, there were no eggs at the breakfast bar. I am determined to drink my water today J Yesterday, I did my True Image workout and I did my 5 mile walk. Yesterday’s walk was a struggle for me and my walking buddy. As we walked we continuously asked for God’s help. I pray for my walking buddy that God will continue to motivate her to a better lifestyle. She is trying , I pray I will her the right words of encouragement.

This morning when I weighed in I had dropped 4 oz. Doesn’t seem like a lot but it is so encouraging. I am thanking God the small and the big successes. I realize every oz adds up to a pound leading me to my goal.

Tonight’s plan is to do True Image and to walk my 5 miles at the Creek. Lord’s will I will accomplish this. Continue to pray for me and with me.

I pray you are blessed by my blog.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Weekends I do love them !

God you are so amazing to me. I love you because of who you are, the creator of everything. I want to thank you for your favor, grace and mercy.

This weekend was amazing. I had an opportunity to hang out with friends and we did girly stuff, SHOPPING ! We went to a resale store that I love and we were able to pick up some nice items. I actually have on one of the skirts today, I had a top in my closet that works well. Actually the top is from NY&C and I purchased it with a deep discount 2 months ago, at that time it fit tooooo snuggly, but it is a good fit today. Praise Him !

I walked this weekend, Saturday I did my 5 miles alone, but Sunday I had an opportunity to walk and fellowship with 2 of my sisters in Christ. We had excellent fellowship. The walk is so nice and long, and rewarding.

Well Saturday at my weigh in I lost 2 ounces, YES 2 ounces, but I praising God for that. I maintained and did not gain. Not quite wure why there was no significant weight loss for this week,, but I didn’t sweat it. I pressed on went on my walks and continued to give God his glory. Saturday I went to Smokey Bones with my friends and got ribs, baked beans (sugar) and brocilli, yes the brocilli was like me saying I am watching what I eat, and I was because back in the day I would have eaten French friends. The meal was excellent. Saturday is my day to eat something I want, last Saturday I did Red Lobster. Saturday night I went ballroom dancing. I am getting better J I did not have any mixed drinks, which are high in sugar. I had a diet coke. I danced and danced and danced, it was great fun.

This morning I decided to weigh in to see how I did over the weekend, WELL I was down at least 1.5 lbs. Which was real good. Yesterday I ate only one meal which was a salad, on Sundays I don’t do breakfast, at lunch time I was in church and when I got out I was not hungry, so I didn’t eat until after my evening walk. This may account for the lost of weight. I will see. This morning I had eggs (protein) instead of my usual oatmeal, I didn’t want anything heavy. I will have some fruits or something light for lunch. I have a big bottle of water to drink today J J J

Oh yesterday’s sermon was awesome. God ministered to me as a single. The minister was real in his approach.

I am excited about my upcoming weekend and vacation. Prayfully I will have a blessed week and I will be able to bless someone else.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

God's People are so good !

God you protect me, and show me love in so many ways. You extend your love to me every second of the day. I love you so much ! God I give you the glory in all that I do, because I know that it is you that keeps me.

I truly needed to come before God humbly and give him my praise. It felt good having that one on one with God in the community of other believers. I am so grateful to my church family, we are truly family. We extend so much love for one another. Last night I attended prayer service and I had not attended it in way over a year, probably 2 years. There were people there that I had not seen in awhile and they extended so much love toward me, it was received and greatly appreciated. I receive love because I know it is God’s way of saying I am cared for and loved. I just appreciate my church family so much that they do as they are led by God.

After prayer service, I went to Target picked up some workout gloves. They are pink and sooooooo cute. I put my workout clothes on in Target restroom and went to Euclid Creek and walked my 5 miles. It was the most amazing walk I have ever ever experienced. I listened to “Because of who you are” and I put it on repeat. I began my walk at 8 o’clock which meant I had to push it before it got dark on the trail. So I purposes had to walk faster and I had a wonderful workout. I sweated and sweated and sweated. I used my 3 lb weights in each hand and this added to the intensity and offered some resistance.

I had a wonderful breakfast, fresh fruit, steel cut oatmeal and iced coffee and water. Yes, water. I am purposely drinking 50.7 ounces of water per day. More if I can. I feel so much lighter and hydrated when I do. I am really trying to get my water in, really, really trying. I know I need to include it in my life if I am to be successful.

Note to myself : I need to pick up new USB cord so I can download some new music to my phone.. I also need a new pair of ear plugs so I don’t have to share them in two places, one at home and one working out.

Beauty Tip : Wear Sun Screen – it slows down the aging process. Also begin to wear eye cream in your mid 20s early 30s. It will help to decrease wrinkles. DO IT, you own’t regret it.

I write this blog to keep me focused and to bless others.

Exciting things GOING DOWN ! Tonight there is a planning party for the wedding. Exciting to see the bridal party. Kristi’s birthday party, I think I will go Saturday Night, Sunday I have plans after church. Grove City coming up in a week. I can’t wait. Pray for safe travel. I want to hit New York and Company, Children’s Place, Banana Republic, Nine West and last but most definitely not least the CCO. I love Banana Republic and I am either always too full figured to wear their garments. I will check it out, sometimes their larger cuts are still small, I will see. New York and Company, is my one of my top 3 fav retailers for me. I find nice deals and they have a good fit for me. Nine West is NINE WEST, nothing needs to be said. But I will, style, fit, trend and at the Outlet affordable. I think they will be having a bogo during that time. CCO, makeup, fragrance, all in one store. The deals are awesome, I like venturing in to see what they have and what prices. If I can get genuine MAC discounted, I’m good. By the way, I am waiting on my approval for my MAC Pro card, then I can receive 40% off my products at MAC stores and online. Children’s Place I will be picking up Jayden some nice deals. Oh yeah, Maidenform is there, good under garments are crucial J Seriously, they are, I will say no more. Maybe I will be able to find some good workout shoes at Nike and a cute workout outfit. Vacation, a whole week of time off work, lots of time to focus on some things I need to take care of, relax and go to the steam room and sauna. So much fun. NamiWalk is scheduled for September 2.5 miles, I'm all in. It's for a good cause. I am collecting donations.

So, Worship and Praises to God, planning pary, Grove City Outlet, Vacation, Kristi Party ! I will take pictures and upload my Grove City haul, NamiWalk!

Please have a wonderfully blessed day and smile at someone today.


Breakfast :
Steel Cut Oatmeal /raisin and flaxseed
Ice Coffee – ymmy with Agave Nectar
Fresh Fruit

Lunch:
Salad/Heinen
Fresh Fruit
Ice Coffee – yeah cup #2

Dinner
TBD

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I Trust You !

I am continuing to ask God’s blessings on my life. I know God is able and that He loves me so dearly. I want to be led by God and be about my Father’s business. I love the Lord he is so amazing.

Today I need to address some negativity in my life. I need to move forward. I don’t need to take on other people’s responsibility and stress. This should not be difficult when I have addressed the issued, said what I needed to say. It is frustrating to me. I need the Lord to remove it from my head as it festers in me. I need God to make a change in me, open my heart and allow me to see how I can be helpful without allowing it to stress me out.

Today I learned a valuable lesson that is to be guided and led by God. Because when I am things work out in a positive way. Yesterday during my supervision there were things on my chest that I did not address, I was given more responsibility and I sucked it up. I thought to myself she must think I can handle it, and I took it as a compliment instead of feeling put upon. Today one of the first emails was from her saying she had not realized my workload and said she would do a better job giving out job assignments. I was so excited that I had not got an attitude or started to vent. God allowed me to stay positive. God shows himself in my life in so many different ways. Pray with me as I work to build an even better work relationship. Pray for God’s blessings on the families we serve, let us be honest and work in the child and family’s best interest.

Tonight, I plan to attend Pray Service, YES, I have not been actively participating. God is able to heal, and I do believe this. I Trust you !

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Fresh New Day, Coming my way!

Lord you are an almighty God! You never failed me yet, even when I thought you had, you were holding me with loving arms. I feel your Joy and for this I am grateful! Thank You Lord!

Today I feel wonderfully blessed by God! I am standing on God’s promise!

Today I got up with my regular morning routine, doing what I do! My morning routine keeps me on task and it leaves little room for error. I enjoy my morning time with myself and the Lord. It is quiet, peaceful and time for me to think about what was accomplished yesterday and moving forward into today. Each day is fresh, full of many wonderful blessings. Each day I think about what could be approved upon to make my day more pleasantly blessed. I have begun to smile more; Kirk Franklin’s song inspires me so much. I notice when I smile the world smiles with me. My mom taught me this, but now I see for myself. Thanks Oliva!

Yesterday I did my (TI) True Image workout. I made it to an earlier class so I was happy, I could move forward with my evening. I did not venture out to (EC) Euclid Creek as it looked like rain. But I did walk 45 minutes at Heights High track. Real nice relaxing brisk walk, no inclines so it was very relaxing. Its back to EC this evening Lord willing.

Praise Report: Yesterday my family ordered Pizza for dinner from Theresa's Pizza; it’s one of my favorites. I actually picked the pizza up, paid for it, I mean everything. Guess what? I had one bite, not one slice, but one bite. I needed to taste it and I did. I had a salad while my family arte pizza. This was nothing but the Lord. POWERFUL!

In addition to this, I had purchased a dress 2 weeks ago, and took it back to exchange it for a smaller size and it looks amazing. I brought the bigger size thinking OH well, I can’t fit a medium, when the large is hanging right here. The medium fit so much better. I got to work on my jeans now, WOW, I know very lil about jeans, I never really wear them, and I am a dress/skirt kind of woman. When I wear pants they need to be tailored and most tailored pants come in smaller sizes and cost TONS of money. I need to drop more pounds before I can wear tailored pants. Which is not a big deal for me because I am more comfortable in dresses. I grew up wearing dresses, and did not wear pants until I was 18 years old. My parents were strict Pentecostal, and believed pants were male garments. So I learned to wear dresses and to this day I feel more comfortable in a dress. My mom always said it was lady like. She also enforced wearing them to the knee, but preferably below allowing them to be long enough when you sit. She was serious, but it is true, she said it was classy and respectable.

God blesses us each day with a life of abundance, let’s be grateful and give God the glory and honor He deserves.

Chat with you all later!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Feeling !

Feeling !


Lord I want to thank you for allowing me to connect to my good side. Lord only You know ! I thank you for pulling me along. I worship and give you the glory forever.

Tomorrow would have been my son, Chris Jordan’s 20th birthday ! He passed away so young. His friends refer to it as Forever Young. I praised God that he was with me for as long as he was. I think about him constantly. I see him everytime I see a tall, dark teen. I will always remember his beautiful smile and the way he raised his chin when he said hello. Yesterday, believe it or not I thought about his hands, how his nails looked and how dark and long his hands were. I am so glad I remember all these details about him. Remember how he made me laugh and how he gave me a kiss good bye everytime he got out of the car. I always remember the last time I saw him and our conversation, he told me he was going to get his driver’s licence the next day, and he teasingly asked me if he could drive my car. We laughed and parted company, we were in two separate cars and he was in the passenger’s seat. Our two cars raced, and the car he was in, beat me, he shook his finger at me and laughed ad waved and they drove off. That was it ! !!!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Lord I am giving thanks to you for allowing me to wake up this morning with my mind on you. The creator of all things, Heaven and Earth. You love me so much, I feel wrapped in your arms. My Father !

Today is beautiful, the weather is hot but I love the warmth of the sun. Today I wore a yellowish top because I wanted to glow with the sunshine, although it looks like it might rain. Yesterday the rain was held back, and Stephanie and I got to walk the Creek. I also did my True Image workout, it was a extremely good workout. The team of leaders and members are all doing a really good job. One of the ladies from True Image is planning to join our walk this week, she walks through the woods and said it is an excellent trail. I shared this with Stephanie and she too is excited about the opportunity to venture on and challenge our bodies. I love working out and finding different things to do, it challenges the body and keeps me from getting bored.

Food - I had oatmeal with flaxseed, pecans and raisins for breakfast with watermelon and strawberries. I had a fruit salad for my dinner yesterday, DELICIOUSNESS. It is what my body was craving. I have an apple and 100 pack popcorn for my snack today. Lunch will most likely be a salad.

This morning I weighed in, I try and weigh in a couple times a week to gauge my weight, so I know if I am doing ok. This really helps ME stay on task. Some days the scale is up and times it’s down. The body is a funny thing. I have noticed that I need to do my Monday/Tuesday workout at True Image and not wait until Thursday to begin. I see better results over the course of the whole week.

I am still waiting on my beauty product haul from Cherry Culture. It should arrive today.  I ordered some NYX Matte Lipstick I am excited to try.

WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER WATER I NEED TO DRINK MORE WATER – I NEED TO MAKE THIS A PRIORTITY

Monday, July 11, 2011

Summer Fun !

We have been blessed with summer’s warmth ! God you are so good, the sunshine is wonderful and creates so much fun. I love summer ! God you created so much beauty.

This weekend I had a wonderful time with family and friends. I spent some time with Dominique which is always great. She is such a sweet person. She kept Jayden for a few hours and they were laughing and dancing all over the place. Jayden is really growing up, counting to 10 and doing some really cool stuff.

I had a full day on Saturday, workout, hair appointment, and shopping with friends. A lot was accomplished and this is great. Sunday worship and sermon was amazing as always. God pours into our pastor and he gives us the Word of the Lord.

I was able to walk at Euclid Creek on Sunday and it felt so good. I did not walk Saturday, so my muscles had a chance to recover. I used my two 3 lbs weights. Awesome ! The big hill is less of a struggle but I really have to breath, taking in as much oxygen as I can to keep me going. The Lord gives me the strength I need to get up that incline. I plan to do True Image and Euclid Creek this week. YAY I will do True Image tonight. I like to start the week off with True Image. Part of our requirement is that we attend 3 sessions per week, we can do more but we have to do a minimum of 3. So I like to get Monday under my belt.

My work week is gonna be full this week. I will get through it, and give it my all.

My eating routine is pretty much the same as usual. Oatmeal, salads, water, popcorn.
My appetite has decreased, I don’t get hungry like I use to. I can actually wait on a meal, without feeling like I am out of control. I do know I have to eat breakfast to keep me from starving.

I have a small haul from Cherry Culture, hopefully it will be delivered today :)

Friday, July 8, 2011

Weekend are a Blessing ! Special Text Message !

Giving all my thanks and praises to God ! I am happy this week to have worked at being a good steward at my workplace. God gives me strength to get through my workday. Then He blesses me with the weekend ! You are worthy Lord. I give you praises for everything, no mater how big or how small. You provide for me in so many ways and I am truly grateful.

Yesterday, I felt productive. I am working on my surprise and have part A completed. I consulted with two experts and found a really good deal. Part B of my surprise will happen tomorrow. I will most likely post a photo. I am praying I am pleased with the results.

I walked the Creek with two friends. We had really good conversation which is a nice experience. It also helps the time to pass more quickly. Before you know it we are back to the bottom of the hill. I do notice when I walk by myself I walk faster and use my hand weights more. But I like the companionship. 5 miles this is so nice.

This morning I was pleasantly surprised to receive a email from our Guru of fitness Ms. Kim/Kathy informing me that she had reviewed my chart and that I was doing an “outstanding job”. WOW ! I was truly encouraged. Encouragement is one of True Image’s major components. But to receive a text was really special. She also set a new goal for me to reach Level 3 which is reasonable and fair. I am so excited about my new goal. It is to lose 14 more lbs, of which I have already lost 3 J So really I have 11 pounds to lose to reach Level 3. Then Level 4, Kim/Kathy will then set a goal for me to reach Level 4. This is my 3 attempt at Boot Camp type programs. I always come this close but never reach Level 4. I believe to feel comfortable and gradually go back to old lifestyle of over eating and not exercising. I really want to reach Level 4 it is important for me to reach it and for the program. And in addition to that upon reaching Level 4 status monthly fees are slashed by 50%. Upon reaching Level 3 I will kick in my toning to another level. I work on it individually now, and to be honest I should be kicking it in right now J

Weekend Goals : Worship and Praise, successfully lose 3 to 4 pounds at weekly weigh in, walk Saturday and Sunday at Euclid Creek, My Surprise, manicure, pay car insurance, ballroom and or park with Jayden (fun) and Hobby Lobby.

Small Haul: Yesterday I got a new blonzer and setting powder (beauty store brand) thus far I like the overall appearance. I will check in on setting powder to see it’s effectiveness.

I am planning to set up a Beauty Channel on You Tube, the name of the Channel will be Olivia’s Daughter. I will be giving review, hauls, and some OOTD. If you notice this blog has incorporated some of my beauty tips and hauls. This has been my platform to sort of practice in the writing form. Now taking it to video, well I am praying. I need to gather a photo of my mother to include on my page. I know the photo I want and have to look through tons of photos to get it. I have an area to do the videos. First I need the actual page put together with my vision in mind. I want to be able to incorporate my mother’s flare for life and beauty into this channel, she was a fashion icon of her day. So keep this in pray ! I need the courage to step on out there.

I applied for my Mac Pro Card, pray with me, this would be such a blessing !

Talk with you all soon ! Thanks for follwing and keeping up with your girl.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Euclid Crew WOW

WOW Euclid Creek

God is so very amazing ! He helps us, supports us and has our back. He is my very best friend. I am forever grateful for His goodness. I experience God’s, Favor, Grace and His Mercy all the time. He pours into me, keeping me. God and I are in a close relationship, He loves me and keeps be in Peace. Thank You Lord !

Here I am today feeling real good, the sun is shining and I have lots to be thankful. I have family and friends who love and care about me. God placed people in my life that understand me and love me somewhat unconditionally. J

Lifestyle Update: I am loving this healthy lifestyle. I have a routine in which I am holding myself accountable to. With the exception of 8 glasses of water per day J I usually have 4 to 5, with a very large unsweetened tea that I sweeten with Agave Nectar. Yummy goodness, deliciousness. This is my evening treat after my workouts. Yesterday, I walked Euclid Creek and this was the second time I used my 3 lb weights. The other day I shared my weights and only had them ½ ways through the walk. Well using them the entire time is a STRAIGHT UP WORKOUT ! I sweateddddddddddddd. The weights took the 5 mile walk, yes 5 mile walk to a hold nether level. I used the weights as resistants, strength training, toning and cardio. Those weights are my new FAV. When I got on the scale this morning I had dropped 3.4 lbs since the day before. I know, I know, I know, it sounds unbelievable. I weighted myself 3 times to make sure I was seeing correctly. The scale was like RECOGNIZE I am not broke, you are seeing correctly. Believe it and claim it. Now I plan to walk it again this evening but I probably won’t have the same intensity as I will be walking with a friend and we will be chatting, you know girl talk. I like switching up and/or adding to my workouts, it challenges my body in ways you wouldn’t believe.

The atmosphere at the park is so nice, many of my fellow NCBF members and friends walk there. The air is so nice and clean feeling, yeah in Cleveland, I am feeling like I am breathing clean air. The trees bring shade and coolness, it is the perfect place to walk. There are markers along the way indicating distance. There are 2 to 3 ROCKY moments which I love. In addition to all this it is absolutely FREE. Praise God ! God is amazing, best workout in town and it is free. He provides for us all the time. As you can tell I love this trail. I feel like I am becoming a regular, because the regular people have began to speak to me, there is a sort of respect thing with workout people. We enjoy seeing other’s workout and take care of themselves.

Eating: I have a routine for my eating. I have reliable proteins and fiber and some fat. I have either oatmeal/nuts/raisins and coffee for breakfast or two boiled egg whites. On Saturday I treat myself to breakfast at First Watch. Snack is either a peach/apple or orange or popcorn. I depend on popcorn for my crunch factor. I need the crunch. I chew gum because I need to chew. No other reason LOL I drink bold roast Star Bucks pretty much every morning for the kick start. I take two B12 supplements for my slow metabolism. I also have other supplements. Dinner is either a salad with grilled chicken or two chicken wraps from Mc Donald’s with no cheese. This usually carries me through the day. If I am up late past 11:00 p.m., I get hungry, then I know it is time to take myself to sleep.

Small Haul : Yesterday I picked up a Remington Curling Wand, I can’t wait to see how it performs on me. I got new much needed workout shoes from Kohl’s and I had a 15% off coupon. But then I saw some 4 inch black shoes, that needed me J They were on sale and the 15% applied toward them. They were originally 59 bucks my cost was 19. Yeah !

Big Surprise : Saturday morning, 10:00 a.m. Stay tuned !

Enjoy Life, Love the Lord !

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

"Tell Your Body Yes" (Toya-fitness Guru)

All Praises Be to God ! God you blessed Cleveland with wonderful weather. We needed it after so much rain. I am grateful for everything, the rain, the storms and good weather.

Well, Well, Well ! My holiday weekend was packed with fun. I attended the Black Expo and got some Whipped Shea Butter. It is the Truth ! WOW ! I am gonna find this vendor again, hopefully he will be at the Buckeye Festival and I plan to get a large one, I only got a small one. It is the best, I am a big Fan of coconut oil and shea butter for my skin. Now I can include this Whipped Shea Butter. I also did Larchmere Street Festival, it was awesome, they had drummers outside performing which gave a very nice atmosphere. I found a jewelry designer that was creative and on point with her designs. She took the time to explain the pieces and give me the orgin of the beads. Her prices were VERY fair. I have some orginial pieces to add to my collection. I love jewelry, whether it is costume, custom or made my me. Jewlery frames the face and adds so much character to an outfit. I have on one of her necklace and earring sets today. I am loving it. I like choker length necklaces and this one hits the top of the cleavage. Don’t like that, so I will be shortening it this week. At the Black Expo I brought two pair of earring, a fusha and yellow pair. I am adding color to my wardrobe, YEAH !!! Olivia mother was not much for colorful clothes, but she would accent some color J She didn’t wear much jewelry, but she would add color with her purses and church hats.

Friday evening I went to my favorite resale store. I am totally loving this store. It is my FAV, big Fan ! I got 2 dresses, and one was a Dana Buckman (sp), a skirt and a pair of Capri type pants. The skirt still had the price tag of 55 bucks on it and I got it for 12, it has a Bohemenian (sp) design to it. Perfect for summer. They were having a 20% off sale on items that had a orange sticker. Of course, I didn’t find anything that I liked that was on sale L On the fourth I wore a romper/pant I got from the store previously which was 6 bucks.

Forever 21: I love, love, love Forever 21 accessories. That’s it they are the bomb. I picked up an amazingly beautiful necklace for $8.80. Yes, it is beautiful. I guess I should take some photo so you can see J I will be starting my You Tube channel soon.
I tend to frequent the store as they put out new things every week. Their items are so cheap, I hate to say cheap, but they are cheap in price and made very well. Actually a pair of earring I got from Forever 21 were $5.80 and at Francessa they were 14 bucks. The exact same earrings, not similar but the same. Now I love Francessa, but really !

A new favorite of mine is the White and Black store at Legacy, I only got one pair of hoop earring from there but I love their combinations of white and black and fusha. You know I refer to these as my diva colors, my bedroom and bath are these colors.

Makeup update: I picked up a couple colored liners from Milani. They are waterproof so I can put them on my waterline. They add some color to the eye and brighten the eye. Did I pick up anymore make up, I don’t think so, but I have been using my LeFemme blushes, they are really pretty, really pretty. I have 3 colors, a orange, plum and a fusha. I will be using some Elf blushes this week, I picked up some a few weeks ago and forgot I had them. There is a pink shade I really need to be using before summer is gone. Dominique was gifted some Elf eyeshadow Books the smokey and the neutral pallet. Her comment was I am “coming up”, she is funny. She loves the colors and is doing well applying her colors. I gifted her some Wet & Wild nail polish.

June Fav : Mac eyeshadow Arena (sp) I have been using it as my browbone highlighter, it is givng me what I need LOL it allows crease more definition when using the my dark deep browns. It sandwiches the color, if you know what I mean. The Mac sales lady help me work this THING OUT. Yes she did. She also suggestec I use a different color paint/primer which brighing the lid area. Got to love and respect Mac Professionals. I don['t use all Mac by any means, but I do have some items and alot of their items in my collection are go to pieces. For example their bronzer is the bomb. I love Sephora and drug store items and NYX. But what Mac offers me is hands on and the ability to really sample and have the professional walk me through the steps. I usually go way before they get busy, because when they are busy, all this one on one is not happening. LOL I am interning as a MUA so I have applied for my Mac Pro card, which will enable to me have a deep discount and purchase Pro items that are offered to Pros. Excited about this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah, I ordered some NYX Matte Lip Cremes. NYX has made a Matte lip colors that are getting rave reviews. I ordered a Amsterdam (red) and London (nude) to try out. They are none drying but a dab of shine is encouraged. Also it is encouraged to exfoliate the lips before using Matte lippies :) I will let you know how they look, I think Matte red will be lovely. Now Olivia would say NO to red, she absoultely hated red, no red clothes and definitely no red lipstick on a woman. In her day red lipstick was for hookers ! So when I apply it I hope her little voice in not in my ear saying "TAKE THAT OFF". She also felt red did not compliment dark skin tones. Well Olivia, I'm wearing it LOL

I also gifted Dominique some jewlry from Simply Chic. Really, really nice jewelry. Dominique wore a pair of the earring we got alike from Charming Charlie. She looked adorable in them. She had curly flowing hair and the earring really did her justice.

I walked Euclid Creek with Ariel on Sunday and I walked Garfield Park on the 4th of July. Garfield is two miles compared to 5 miles at Euclid Creek, but my fam wanted to do Garfield so I hung.

Lord willing, I will be doing True Image tonight and walking with Sis Stephanie at Euclid Creek tonight. I am asking the Lord to give me strength.

Eating : My holiday eating was good I had veggies, watermelon, salad. Now in addition to that I had about 4 bones ! I have not had pork or red meat since January 1st 2011. But I had 4 bones over the course of the entire holiday weekend, and some chicken. I had ½ of an ice cream sandwich. So overall this was good, no guilt associated with my eating, now that even better. I worked out every day over the holiday weekend burning burning burning. Saturday Ms. Toya worked us out, she is CRAZY, but that’s why I LOVE that woman. She is the Truth is workout, Guru. She is no joke, she is the business. Her new thing is “Tell your body Yes “. From the time she walks in the door til she leaves the music is pumping and she is all cardio. Everybody knows she means business, she is not mean, but she is serious about working out. When you are giving up and feeling like you can’t she encourages you by saying “Tell your body Yes”. It worked for me, I got about 10 more full jumping jacks in LOL LOVE HER ! For real I love her spirit and what she stands for which is excellence. She pushes you to do your best.

Now here it is: This week I lost a total of 4 pounds. Which is a total of 43 big ones. When I walked out of True Image I gave God His glory. It is unbelieveable, but I know I serve a mighty God that can do anything. He is lifting me out of my hole of depression and giving me what I need to push forward in life. Exercise gives me energy it motivates me. I thank God everyday for blessing me and not forsaking me. I still need to lose some more weight, I had gained so much over the past two years, my weight exceeded more than I had ever weighed in my entire life. Therefore, I have to lose some more to be healthy. My cousin is losing weight and exercising too. I am so grateful to God for her wanting to eat healthy and exercise. God is able!

I know this was a long blog but I had a lot to cover ! A lot to get out. Writing helps me so much, putting it out there is therapeutic for me.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Welcome to Olivia's Daughter

Check it Out ! Olivia's Daughter !

Thank You Lord for today. I believe all that you have promised ! I know you love me and for this I am grateful. You are worthy of the praise.
As you can see my blog has a new face. My blog name has changed to Olivia's Daughter. In loving memory of Olivia. I thank God for having Olivia as my mom. I am was truly blessed by her life.
Grateful that Monday is a holiday and I am OFF work. I need a break, from work, we have been short staffed while coworkers are out on vacation. I did not schedule any time until September. Yeah, September !!! I may have to rethink this vacation thing and request some time off in July.
I am pleased out my exercise regiment. I have included a 5 mile walk, yes 5 mile walk to my workout. This week I walked the walk 2xs in addition to my 3 workout of True Image. Impressed ? Don't be I am one tired lil sister. My abs down to my toes are feeling it. Which is good, I need to work parts that are not being worked. My focus is to slim down my tummy, thighs and calves. On my scale at home I have dropped 2.5 lbs since Monday home weigh in. The true test is tomorrow morning after my workout at True Image. My water intake is average, still not drinking 8 glasses everyday.
I am planning summer fun weekends, I have this evening and Saturday, Sunday mapped out pretty much. Monday will be a laid back, cook out in my yard and off to the park. Not too much drama. I plan to attend the Black Expo Saturday morning after workout. It should be interesting, I love to see the newest things vendors have to offer. I also want to attend Larchmere's Art and Flea market this Saturday. Hopefully I will step out in the evening to listen to music and have a sip or two of wine. One glass limit, wine has too many calories for me.
So see ya, next week. Again, I hope you enjoy my new face on my blog and new name.