Forget New Year's Resolutions.....This Is A New Lifestyle Revolution!!!

One Day I'm Going To Do This Pose

Hey everybody. I know that I have inundated you with reviews from my Influester Vox Box but this post is all me I swear (please don't think that my reviews are phony because they are not, if I hated it I would still blog about it so there). Anyway now that that is out of the way.......

As you know a new year is here and usually this is when I make a bunch of resolutions and stick to it all of 10 minutes and then give up and say see you next year. However, I'm at the age when that is not enough anymore. I really have to start thinking about my future and being around for my kids and my family and it starts with me getting off my cute but dimply ass and working out and eating better than what I am doing. If you follow my blog Same Hair Different Head then you know that I am transitioning to natural hair. Well in doing my transition it hit me that "Hey, I'm giving up the 'creamy crack' and all the chemicals that it entails and yet I have no issue with going to McDonalds and grabbing a #3 with a Dr. Pepper and going to town!" I also thought about a post I saw from either Beautiful Brown Babydoll or Ms. Vee Charles that said essentially the same thing about those of us who are going natural but still intake chemicals via food or other vices (um like me and smoking. I'll quit I swear!!). Well after thinking about that and plus my motivation not to look like Jabba the Hutt in Key West this summer, I have decided that I am not going to make New Years Resolutions for 2013. In fact 2013 is going to be the year of my New Body Revolution and here is what I'm going to do about it...

1. No more cigarettes!!!! I'm done I swear it. What is the point of getting in shape when I am killing myself slowly and surely every time I take a drag of a Newport. What example does that set for my girls (who I don't smoke around but still). I'm sure that smoking is what did my Dad in and I refuse to let it happen to me so soon. So that's it. I'm quitting smoking!
2. No more shoveling fast crap into my mouth. Yes I am calling an embargo on my money going to fast food joints. As I hear the collective gasps around the room, I am serious because fast food not only has more grease than my hair products but the salt and the chemicals that are in that as well. I'm going to miss my fast food joints no doubt about it but it's for the best. I don't count Chipotle because they have fresh ingredients and their burrito bowls will not be denied!
3. Getting off my cute but dimply ass and working out. That's the key to everything. I remember when I was in high school, I was a skinny chick but I ate everything under the sun. Well it struck me that the reason why is that I was active in school. I ran. I played. I marched. I swam. Well I want to get back to some form of my high school days. Of course I'm a bit more curvaceous now (thanks to two babies), but physically I was in top form and I'm ready to do what it takes to get back to that. In fact I created a Pinterest board called Workout Motivation that I am about to really be on.
4. Stop drinking my calories (or if I do, drink them in moderation). Yes I am guilty of drinking my calories. Those hot, creamy, dreamy Starbucks drinks just do something to me. Well I'm about to be part of the skinny brigade. Skinny lattes here I come. (I know I said no fast food and chemicals but dammit I don't go to Starbucks everyday). 

Well that's my game plan for "The Battle To Get Rid of My Fat Ass". No I'm not gonna cutesy it up and say "Phat Ass" because dammit I need to keep it real with myself. I just hope I keep motivated and stick to my war plan because if you have seen my ass, it is a worth opponent.

Until next time...

Kiss Nail Dress

Hey everybody. I'm back with a blog posting about Kiss Nail Dress. I received a pack of Kiss Nail Dress in my 2012 Holiday VoxBox and I was so excited because I always wanted to try these. Here is some information about Kiss Nail Dress.

Introducing Kiss® Nail Dress™, ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes! Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to a week. On in minutes, off in seconds without remover. Nail Dress is available in 21 different styles, many of them featuring 3-dimensional jeweled designs. Check out Peplum, a deep silver with multi-colored gems for a pop of color, or Babydoll, for a golden and glamorous jeweled look. Skip the topcoat, Nail Dress has it built in.

With 28 strips in each package, you can cut up your extras to create designs that can be used on top of polished or artificial nails. Add some pizzazz and use with imPRESS® Press-On Manicure™ by Broadway Nails for the ultimate DIY manicure. Nail Dress doesn’t dry out the way other polish strips can, so you can save them to use on your next mani. A nail design booklet is included in each package, just in case you need a little inspiration.

And don’t forget about your feet! Nail Dress looks awesome on toes, too – just use the square side of the sticker for a perfect fit.

Kiss Nail Dress’ suggested retail is $6.99 and is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens. Visit KissNailDress.com to learn more!

The design that I received was "Baby Doll" which I would describe as a goldish nude color with gold "bubbles" or "dots" on top. The application part was easy and my only issue with applying them is that the file that was included in the pack was a bit rough and so after applying them my tips would snag on things because the filing was not done smoothly enough. Also when fitting the "stickers" on my nails, it was tough because I have wide nail beds and most of the sizes were too small. As for wearing them, well I was in love because even with showering and hand washing and even doing Itty's braids and my own hair, the nails stayed put. I would attribute that to using alcohol swabs to get rid of excess oils that may have been on my nails before applying them. The box guarantees that the Kiss Nail Dress will wear for 10 days but I had to take them off after about 4 days and here's why. I'm a correctional officer and when I was hired I signed an agreement that I would abide by the facility's dress code and when it comes to nails they have to be neutral or bare with no designs. So I was busted but I didn't get in trouble. Of course for the rest of my shift I felt a little self-conscious about it but it's okay. Taking them off was also easy except for one of my nails peeled when I removed the Nail Dress, so be aware of that. I would definitely wear them again and the price was right for these little gems for my nails.

For more information on the Kiss Nail Dress check out their website here. And be sure to look at other reviews from Influensters like myself by clicking here.

This a review for Kiss Nail Dress. I received these for testing purposes complementary from Influenster.

Holiday VoxBox '12

Hey everybody! Here I am again blogging about my Holiday VoxBox that I received from Influenster. If you like you can check out my YouTube video at the bottom of this blog for an unboxing video that I did. Anywho, on to what I received and my first thoughts on each thing.



1. Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal-I received Cherry Pistachio flavored oatmeal and honestly at first a was a little apprehensive because #1-I don't really like oatmeal and #2-I don't really go for pistachio flavored things except for Watergate Salad (but that's a post for another time). However, one late morning before getting ready for work I decided to try it and I have to say that I was impressed. I would say that it is "grown and sexy" oatmeal as opposed to the flavored oatmeal of my youth (coincidentally made by Quaker). There are real whole cherries in the oatmeal as well as pistachios and almonds. I will definitely be giving this another try to see if perhaps my palliate that once turned away oatmeal has changed.

2. NYC New York Color Liquid Lipshine-The color that I got was Nude York City. At first look I was wary because for some reason nude colors have the tendency to make me look like Pookie from New Jack City, but this gloss is the exception to the rule because it is beautiful. It's not at all sticky on me which is a plus because one thing I hate is a sticky gloss because I have to worry with everything I eat sticking to my lips which is not cute. I want to check out other colors as soon as I can.

3. Kiss Nail Dress-I received the Kiss Nail Dress in Babydoll and it was love at first sight. I have always wanted to try stick on nail polish and my wish came true when I saw this in my VoxBox. I haven't been able to take these babies out for a test drive yet because I want to make sure I'm not disturbed when I apply them and I want to make sure I can put my hands through all their paces. Also I'm stoked to see if they go with my work uniform. Who says you can't be fabulous in uniform.

4. EBOOST-I received a pink lemonade flavored packet of EBOOST which was right on time as I have been looking for something to keep my energy and focus levels up since I work night shift and can't bring my old standby Red Bull because cans are not allowed in the facility where I work. I haven't tried it yet but I will soon and I will be sure to come back with a review when I do.

5. Goody QuikStyle Brush-I received the paddle style of this brush and I'm a little apphrensive about trying it. The reason why is because since being on my healthy hair journey, the one thing I have heard, read, and seen is that you don't brush wet hair and since I am transitioning to natural I want to preserve as much length as I can without pulling my hair out. However, in the sake of research and testing, I am going to make a sacrifice because I really want to try this brush out. It has microfiber bristles as well as regular plastic ones plus it promises to remove up to 30% water from hair as it is being styled, so I see a blowout coming and when I do it I will be posting a review and pictures on my hair blog which is Same Hair Different Head.

6. Sole Society-I received a $25 off coupon from Sole Society which sells the latest trends in shoes. I checked out the website and while I liked some of the shoes they had to offer, I couldn't help feeling as if I have seen almost the same styles on ShoeDazzle and JustFab. In fact I would lump Sole Society into the same category. Oh I will still be ordering something because Momma loves her shoes but I don't think it is something that I will do on a regular basis.

So there you have it. Everything that I received in my Holiday VoxBox was given to me complementary from Influenster for testing purposes. I hope you guys find this blog helpful and until next time be sure to check back for updated entries about the items discussed in this posting.

Kisses

Ferrero Rocher Golden Gifting Moment

Hello everyone. I wanted to take some time and talk about one of my favorite holiday treats and that is Ferrero Rocher. As an Influenster, I received a box of Ferrero Rocher and I wish I could capture the look on my face when I opened the box and saw them. If you are one of few who have not had a chance to experience them or have never heard of Ferrero Rocher, here is a brief description...

Ferrero Rocher® is a unique and delicious chocolate experience made by Italian chocolatier Ferrero, since 1982. The chocolates are a tempting combination of smooth chocolaty cream surrounding a whole hazelnut; within a delicate, crisp wafer. . . all enveloped in milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts. The chocolates are individually wrapped in gold foil. Ferrero offers beautiful, premium gift boxes that make any moment truly golden! Ferrero Rocher® chocolates can be purchased at most grocery, drug and mass merchandiser stores.

One golden moment that I can remember is when I was a teenager looking in my stocking for my "stuffers" and finding five golden Ferrero Rochers. The excitement as I took a bite into what was the most delicious and decadent chocolate is a memory that I still hold to this day and that I plan on sharing with my family in their stockings for Christmas. 
These tasty treats are the perfect gift for anyone, though I should caution that if they have nut or dairy allergies, exercise great caution. They are also the perfect treat for any special gathering and it doesn't have to be a holiday to enjoy their goodness. Truth be told I enjoy them year round. 

To learn more about Ferrero Rocher USA feel free to check out their website: http://www.ferrerorocherusa.com/

This package of Ferrero Rocher was received complimentarily (for free) from Influenster for testing and review purposes.
    

That's The Stuff I Don't Like

Nothing Says I Don't Like It Like Steven Colbert With His Head On His Desk

Hey everybody. I decided to do another tag blog for you. If you are a YouTube addict like me then you have seen these video tags over the 'net for a few weeks or so. Since I don't have a decent enough camera or editing equipment to do the video, I decided that I would blog about it instead. So the gist is to just talk about things you don't like or may get on your nerves, so let's do it to it.

1. People who eat or drink something and leave a corner or a drop in the fridge like they are doing you a favor. I hate this. In fact I have family members (no names) who have or still do this. There have been times when I have had my mouth set ready to eat or drink something, only to find the empty or near empty container still in the fridge. Dammit if you are going to eat or drink that much you might as well finish it off. I'll be less pissed if you do.

2. Facebook/Twitter tough guys. What this mean is if you are bad enough to say something on Facebook/Twitter then you should be able to back it up in person. Not sub tweeting or using vague status messages to say what is on your mind. Dammit put it out there if it is serious enough to warrant venting on social media. And while we are at it...

3. People who put all their business on social media and then get mad when someone calls them out for it. I have a social media friend (we know each other in real life as well) who is always posting what she's doing, where she's going, what she's wearing/eating/drinking. However when someone brings up where the money for all this is coming from or here her child is, she's ready to start fighting. The way I see it, don't put all your business in the streets and then you won't have "haters" questioning you. Just sayin'.

4. People who get in my personal space. You want a one way ticket to a butt kicking? Just get in my personal space and don't get out of it. Seriously. Try it.

5. People who are just plain disrespectful to the President of the United States. I mean seriously. Donald Trump, Mitt Romney, hell the entire GOP/Tea Party. Calm your nerves. Because your attitudes are trickling down to some of my Republican friends and they are getting out of pocket and some of their personal issues are issues that could be solved if they would only open their eyes and stop listening to Fox News for five minutes.

6. My check engine light in my car. It know what it is doing and it's getting on my nerves.

7. People who stare at me when Itty is throwing a tantrum. Okay I get it. Her crying is irritating and makes you want to run out the room, store, ect. screaming. However, what to do you want from me. I can either ignore it until I get her somewhere where I can dish out discipline or dish it out in front of you and have you get the law involved and then I have to jump on you. Surely you must have children who drive you nuts as well.

Okay last one because I'm starting to run out of things:

8. People who reach onto my plate. Okay we're eating and you see something on my plate that you like. Please don't just help yourself. Ask me and I will fix you a sample for you to try. Reach on my plate without clearance and you might draw back a nub. Or a fork mark on your hand. Just sayin'.

Well peeps there are the things I don't like. I hope this was fun for you as it was for me. Who knows I may end up recording this as well as a video response or something. We'll see. Until next time loves.

Afton

Just When I Was About To Count Something Out...

Hey everybody out there in the blogosphere! It's me once again writing to you to let you know what has been going on as of late. The most important thing right now is that I GOT A JOB!!!!! Finally and it is not selling perfume and cologne in a parking lot praying that I get enough money to at least pay the coworker who is using their car and their gas. I am back in with the state as a correctional officer. It's funny how things come full circle sometimes. I once said that I would never ever work in corrections again only to realize that it is truly what I was meant to do. It is something that I see myself doing until either I'm too old or dead to do the job any more. That's how much I enjoyed my work when I was a CO four years ago. 

Secondly, now that my job hunt is over, my house hunting can begin. I have resolved that I am done with apartments. I grew up in them and I realized that now that I am a married career woman with two kids, I'm ready for a house. I have been looking at renting a house for now with an option to buy. I kind of want to work out my financials and pay off some of my student loans before I look at becoming a home owner. Also since my job is not in Raleigh, we are considering moving closer to my job but within a reasonable distance for Lovey to continue to go to his job. As soon as I find my new home and get settled, I will definitely be blogging about it.

Thirdly, I created a hair and beauty blog, so that I can reach out to more blog lovers like myself. It is titled "Same Hair Different Head" even though I might end up changing it later. So if you want to know more about my crazy hair journey then be sure to mosey on over to Same Hair Different Head and check it out. I am also working on my YT channel which is 'hotrdumommy'. It's still a little bare bones right now but I am working on it as soon as I can find the time and a better camera.

Finally, I want to say something about the upcoming election. I'm just burned out from everything but maybe it is because I already know who I am voting for and I'm just waiting for everything to be over so everything can get back to some sort of normal. I don't know. I'm starting to think my passion for everything political is starting to wane a little bit.

Well that's all for now. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to check my blog out and tell a friend about me. If you want me to check your blog out, leave a link in the comments section and I will be sure to get back to you on it. Until next time!!

Afton

What's With These Superstar Dads Getting Full Custody of Their Kids

Source

Hello everyone out there in the world (I swear I will come up with a better opening. I promise.) Anyway the reason I am writing this morning (since it is after midnight here in NC) is that I've noticed a small trend lately. If you know me then you know that I am all about gossip blogs. You know like TMZ, Media Takeout, E! Online, ect... Also if you follow those blogs you will have read or heard that Usher recently got full custody of his two young sons that he had with his ex-wife Tameka Foster. When I first saw that they were in court for it, in my mind I said "Oh Usher will probably get more visitation with his kids, but I don't see him getting full physical custody." I didn't understand what Tameka had done to make her unfit to care for her young sons. Also she has children from other relationships and their fathers aren't coming after her to take those kids away either. Well if you followed the trial, then you heard that Tameka put the smack down on Usher for bringing his new girlfriend with him to pick up his sons. Okay first of all I believe there is more to that story because being a woman, the last think you want to see is your man trying to play father of the year and family man with some new chick and YOUR kids!! So if I was in her shoes and PJ was in Usher's, then yeah, PJ may have felt a size 11 going up side his head sorry. Anyhoo there was also speculation that Usher had cheated on Tameka with one of her bridesmaids. Again if that had of been me, the trial I would be involved in would not be a custody trial, it would possibly be either an assault trial or worse. Well from the outside looking in, it seemed like more of a nasty divorce case than a custody hearing. In all I read I failed to see where Tameka would have been considered an unfit parent and that custody of her children should be stripped from her. Well maybe the judge saw something because Tameka doesn't have custody of her sons right now. Oh but not to worry, she has appealed the ruling on the grounds that the judge may be biased because Usher's attorney's contributed to that's judge's election campaigns. Of course the judge dismissed the motion to appeal and now basically Usher is stating through his attorney's that he has won and she needs to get over it. I'm sorry but in what bizarro world would a mother every stop fighting for her kids? Especially one who has not to long ago had to bury one of her kids after a tragic accident. I would fight until there were no other options, but I would not just roll over and accept what has happened and I don't believe that any reasonable person should expect Tameka to do so either. Which leads me to my question: What is with these superstar dads getting full custody without any real evidence that the mother is unfit?

I have been asking this question since Dewayne Wade got custody of his kids after a nasty and bitter divorce from his wife. His marital problems were also tabloid fodder because for a time there was the rumor that he was getting his freak on with girlfriend Gabrielle Union in front of the kids. Also Gabby lost a bit of respect from some people because D-Wade was technically still married when they got together. However, I haven't seen where he ex-wife is unfit to be a parent to their kids full time. From what I gathered she is a bit pissed off about the whole situation and if I was in her shoes, I wouldn't be skipping down the street, but that's just me. Maybe there is something that says that it would not be in the kids best interests to be with her full time, but to me it just seems that because these men are respected in their communities and make a ton of money, they have to be the best option for their kids and their relatively unknown spouses are just left with their cheese in the wind so to speak. Both D-Wade and Usher have said that their reasons for seeking full custody is because they were not getting enough visitation and time with their children and they made vows to be good fathers to their children no matter what. Don't get me wrong, I find that to be outstanding and noble due to the fact that they are trying to break a cycle of no constant male presence growing up. However, what does that do to them to be taken from their mothers who have been their since birth because you can't come to some sort of agreement. Now before people start throwing bricks through my window, the door swings both ways. The mothers can also open the door of communication and make sure that things are comfortable for all parties, but I just feel a little raw about mother's being denied the chance to raise their kids when it is the fathers who left (evidenced by the fact that they are the ones who filed for divorce).

Back to Usher real quick. Sunday night he was interviewed by Oprah and in that interview he admitted to cheating on his wife (even though he tried to say that they were separated (yeah right). Now to me when a husband cheats and there are kids involved, he not only cheats on his wife, but he cheats on his kids as well by showing them the wrong way to end a marriage that they feel is no longer working. That's just my opinion. To sum things up because I am about to fall asleep at the keyboard, I just think that these superstars are getting away with what ever because the legal system is too star struck to look at the evidence and truly do what is right for the kids. I would say to the men out there who want full custody of their kids to ask themselves are they truly doing this for the sake of their kids or are they doing this to get back at the mother for a past wrong? Is there some way to raise the kids and coexist? Well that's all I have to say about that. Until next time everybody....