Quickie: Head up, Hope high!

   This message has been sitting in my spirit since this morning so I feel the need to share. I know alot of people are trying to improve their situations/lives right now, and it's tough. Be encouraged, stay inspired, uplift yourself, stay driven! Keep your thoughts on the positive side even when you feel low. As you continue to do this you will notice positive changes in your life because you're attracting them. Remember that you are responsible for your own happiness, and a large part of that depends on your mindset. Also, work on surrounding yourself with positive vibes and uplifting personalities. Be inspirational. You never know who's watching you. Do whatever you have to do to stay uplifted. Good luck to you all!

Your Sister in Grind,
Wilena

P.s., Shout out to my future sis-in-law Yasmin! Girl you inspired the words in this post with your relentless positivity. Keep grinding.

So Guess What I Just Noticed?

.......that I never really completed that "30 Day Letter Challenge" thing. Can you say "inconsistant #denamug"? Chiiiile...
Just wanted to share that. Carry on.

A Farewell to "It".

       Today I've spent the majority of it thinking. Thinking and listening. You see, this week I've discovered Stevie Wonder's "Fulfilingness' First Finale" for the first time ever. I was immediately hooked! But then this particular song called "It Ain't No Use" came on. More than the basic pretty breakup song, the lyrics are cold and to the point. But that wasn't what gripped me. What gripped me was the chorus. I cannot describe to you with words the exact feeling I felt (and still feel) when I heard the very tone of Stevie's voice. The grip and deep pull that I feel in my chest from hearing it. It's beautiful. It also made me think. Here's why. I will like to warn you beforehand that this will get quite personal. And long.

       To be blunt, I'm truly tired. My soul is tired. 2011 has not shaped up to be "My Year" like many have proclaimed it would be for themselves when New Years hit. I've been out of work since November. Money hasn't exactly been flowing. My relationship with my mother has suffered greatly. My self esteem went down the crapshoot. My health feels like it's own it's about to follow suit. I've lost track of the heartbreaking moments, screaming matches, silent cries, and sometimes utterly dark days that I've had. Depression, pain and anger set up shop in my spirit. My life has been, basically, crap. For a while I've been living in it and accepting it as it is. But today I thought about a number of things.

        After laying out my life, dreams, and options in front of me, I've made a decision not to change my life, but to start over again. Use my current at-home situation as a springboard into a newer, healthier, better life. My directions and priorities have to change, and the best way to do this is to let go of the old ways. So as a final farewell to the life I once knew and embraced, I find it fitting that I dedicate this song. "It", you will be missed. The many lessons I've learned from you will be held close and cherished. But it's time for you to go. In the famous words of Martin Lawrence's character Martin Payne, "GETS TA STEPPIN'!" Let Stevie sing to you on the way out.

A Verbal Massacre. Brought to you by Kid Fury.

There really isn't much to say about this video besides the fact that Kid Fury is speaking pure, unadulterated truth about the downfall of Kimberly Denise Jones. Lil Kim hasn't been the same since the 90's, and this mixtape fiasco (explained in the video) proves just how desperate she is to get her old glory back, to stay relevant.

This is where Kim lost me:

I love Lil Kim, but she wants folks to pay for a mixtape.
I love Rick Ross, and his "Ashes to Ashes" mixtape was free.
I. Think . You. See. My. Point.

*sigh* Just press play and Let Kid Fury speak this absolute truth. Kim should be listening to this instead of acting like that older chick at work who gets jealous of all the younger, more efficient girls. Pray for her (and Kim).

Lena Mae Lens: What They Won't Serve At Starbucks

Spotted at a local consignment shop right behind the Walmart on Six Mile Cypress. Smh.

Fashion Lust: Julie Large Leather Shoulder Bag by Marc Jacobs

Gold chain straps and hardware paired up with taupe leather and a cute polka-dot twill interior make this sophisticated shoulder bag stand out. The leather looks soft to the touch and the inside looks deep and roomy (which is alway a plus). This goes great with anything that involves clean lines, white linen and strappy sandals. Nothing fussy, and absolutely no jeans allowed. Try to keep the style simple for polished and seemingly effortless look.

Price: $1,250
Available at Net-A-Porter

pic credit: Net-A-Porter

Day 8: Letter to my Favorite Internet Friend(s)

Dear y’all,
I love you all. You know who you are. I just put you under the “y’all” category because there’s quite a few and i don’t want to exclude anybody. So….yeah. Heyyy!!!

Love,
The Lady Wolf.

Tropical Rio Carnival Makeup by MissChievous

This is the second look in MissChievous's "Famous Cities Around The Word" makeup serious. The colors are vibrant and the technique is really simple. I'm really digging the lashes because of the green hue on the top. That green just ties everything together to make the look truly festive. I'm a big fan of this chick's videos and highly suggest that my fellow makeup lovers subscribe to he channel. She's one of my favorite beauty gurus. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

International Jam of the Week: Aaja Nachle

This is the title track from the 2007 Bollywood film "Aaja Nachle" starring Madhuri Dixit. My good friend Kamala_chan, ChiBot 3Staqs and I had an early morning Bollywood jamfest on Facebook when Kamala put us on to this. The music is fun, the colors are dreamy, but the most captivating element is Madhuri. She moves with a enticing mixture of grace, seduction, and control with pinches of playfulness sprinkled all over the place. Control is the keyword here. Every move seems flawless, on point. No over exaggeration whatsoever in her movements or facial expressions. She give you just enough and leaves you wanting more. I forgot to mention how much charisma she has: tons. This scene is gold.

I've watched this video at least five times. I geek out on the 2:28 mark. You may judge me now.

Day 7: Letter to my Ex-love(er, in this case)

Dear You (you know who you are),
    I’m supposed to say something about our time together right? Oh, okay…

*cues dramatic music*

…………..

*drops mic, walks offstage*

Sincerely,
Wilena.

P.S,
No shade, no hate, no “drama” sir. None whatsoever. It is what it is.