We’ve moved! Stop by the new website: http://www.regalrealness.com and follow via e-mail there.
Regal Realness.com has Arrived!
A few weeks ago I told you I would be delivering soon, and today is the day!
Say hello to my baby! Visit www.regalrealness.com
Logo Created by: http://gezzitjade.tumblr.com/
Leave a comment, read, submit a guest post, send me some feedback, learn more about me, follow and join the e-mail list. etc. Enjoy yourself!!
My Due Date is Fast Approaching!
Your probably wondering why I haven’t told you that I’m pregnant.
Honestly, I am not in the traditional sense. But, very shortly I will give birth to my baby: http://www.regalrealness.com. I have imagined her since I was a little girl, and she will be delivered not only to me soon, but to the world! It seems like it is taking forever for her to arrive because I am really trying to deliver! I mean deliver the kind of content that makes you keep coming back for more, deliver tips, advice, news, and how-to’s that you can relate to, and deliver the very best I can to help you live more confidently and fabulously!
It has been a long process full of ideas, creation, revisions, brainstorming, and time commitments. But, it is all worth it in the end. When she, my new site, is delivered I will let you know. We are a few days away from the due date. LOL….seriously!
Sneak peak of one of the new banners below (please do not copy or share):
Artist: Jade Pilgrom
Stay tuned,
5 Life Lessons Beyonce’s Documentary Reminded Me Of
I finally caught the replay of Beyonce’s highly anticipated documentary, Life is a But a Dream. It was so powerful I just had to write about it. As I watched I felt moved by Bey’s vulnerability and honesty in regards to her life and experiences. It takes a strong woman to disclose such personal information in a way that is both tasteful and non-intrusive to her life. There were so many aspects of that she shared that connected me instantly.
Whenever I see great women speak I always feel an instant connection of spirits. As I know deep inside that I was meant to be great just as them. After watching I was overcome with emotion because Beyonce reminded me of some of the best life lessons I’ve learned too, and ones that all woman should learn as early as possible. So here they are:
1.Everyone has a purpose and can be great
It is evident that Tina and Matthew Knowles cultivated their baby’s gifts and talents early in life. Hence, the reason why she is a powerhouse to be reckoned with now. Imagine if all parent’s did this. It reminded me of how thankful I am that my mother always did the same for me.
Beyonce’s drive and passion for her work is directly linked to the fact that she has found her purpose in life, and has worked her tail off to be great. To be the best. Now, that is genius right there.
2.You create the life you want to live
Beyonce lives a beautiful life but only because she created it. She envisioned it and then she lived it. She has people around her that also speak to and pray to her ability to be great. Beyonce appeared to be very strategic about living even so much so that she even mentions that she always struggle with figuring out how much she should reveal. Strategic thinkers create the life of their dreams. How are you thinking about your life at the present moment?
If this isn’t the best life lesson I’ve ever learned then I don’t know what is. Not quite sure where I learned this for the first time but it is the most important one in my book.
3. You must take risk even at the cost of losing people, places, or things
Beyonce took a risk when she let her father go to become independent. Letting her father go was painful for her, but she also recognized how valuable being independent was for her. She gained an even greater appreciation for him once she realized how great a job he did preparing her to be a business woman. In the end her risk taking resulted in making a decision that was necessary and needed in order for her to grow into the woman she is today.
4.To whom much is given, much is required
This is a life lesson I also learned early on because this is the story of my life. Beyonce felt the same way. No doubt, she is super blesse,d but as a result so much is expected of her. This is why she is constantly slammed and praised in the media for her every move. Can you imagine living your life in the public eye like her? I know I couldn’t.
5. Telling your own story and truth is very powerful
Instead of hearing the tabloids and he said, she said Beyonce telling her own story on her own terms was a powerful force! Hearing her truth from her lips help me to connect to her as a woman and as a human being. I could feel what she was saying as opposed to reading a headline declaring something about her.
Telling your story heals you and it also connects you with others which was her intention. She reminded me of the tremendous power womanhood has and the beauty of being an imperfectly perfect human being.
What lessons were you reminded of or learn for the first time?
*P.S. New website is almost finished! Will post details as soon as it is finished.*
We’re Moving!
Regal Realness will be moving to a new site shortly. Therefore, no new content will be posted here from this point forward. All content from here will be available on our new site with a host of other great new things in store for you! Check back for the new location launch in a few weeks!!!
Are you a blogger or woman with something to say?
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY TO WOMEN OF COLOR?
Send in submissions on topics that you believe will inspire, empower, and uplift other women of color to be fabulous and empowered! Categories include: Beauty, Confidence, Love, Hair & Health, Culture, and Fabulous Living. Send all submissions to trenee@regalrealness.com. Submissions will be responded to in a timely manner with comments regarding editing/publishing.
Submission Guidelines:
-Submit post in a word document (size 12 font, Times New Roman)
-Post should be between 400-800 words
-Write 1-2 sentences that discuss why you think this is a good fit for Regal Realness readers
-Include one resource that readers can use to make their lives better that compliments your post (ie. worksheet attachment, Youtube video, link to a survey, link to a book they can purchase, list of something, chart or diagram, etc) This will be called a , Regal Resource.
Note: All submissions if approved will be posted on our new website.
Eating Myself Beautiful: Stop Making Excuses for Not Eating Right
Meet Annette Larkins! She ate her way to a beautiful body and life!
Inspiring! Watch her story
I discovered her a few weeks ago while browsing online.
So as some may know I started my health journey last week. I started out with a three week detox which consists of me becoming a vegan for three weeks (too bad I snuck in a really tiny piece of chicken this week..but no worries here!). Read about my journey here and the detox I’m following in my previous post.
After my first week, I lost 5 pounds!!! But, in return I have gained a whole new way of being in the world!
Now, I read food labels like nobody’s business, can turn down a high fat and caloried meal in seconds, and have not felt sluggish in a week and a half!
I am convinced that you eat your way to good health and a better life. Although I am not pushing you to make this switch becuase I did. But, if Annette can do it, then I know we all can too!! It is proof in the pudding. After reading more about clean eating and watching weight loss stories on Youtube I refuse to give up. I can do this.
As I watch my body and mind transform I couldn’t be happier. It is not always easy I will admit, but it is the best decision and commitment I’ve ever made for myself. The ability to take care of oneself is an act of empowerment that leads to a more fabulous life.
If I want to be an ageless beauty (this has always been my dream…I especially want to be featured in Essence one day at 60 looking like I am 20! Annette, pictured above, reminds me that this is possible! I will continue on my journey to eat myself beautiful!!!
7 Quick Ways to Prove Your Haters, Doubters, and Naysayers Wrong
“There’s always something to suggest that you’ll never be who you wanted to be. Your choice is to take it or keep on moving.”-Phylicia Rashad
We all have them. This is a fact of life. It is annoying, but there is something you can do about it that ensures you keep a positive mindset and outlook on your own life. The best ways to prove someone wrong or show them wha you are working with in a non-confrontational way (aka as a lady!) are below:
1. Be Your Best Self
When you are doing your thing and happy with your own life this is normally when Negative Nancy and her crew pop up. But, by you being at your best it will give you an extra boost in your confidence especially in their presence.
2. Be Confident
My favorite of them all! Confidence shines from the inside. Read more about how to be a confident queen here.
3. Be Calm
By being serene and calm you allow yourself room to breathe, and think with an open mind, especially in the presence of a Debbie Downer. Train yourself if you know you will see him/her soon or daily.
4. Be Presentable At All Times
Truth! Look stunning…you never ever know who may see you. This is why it is important to get DRESSED before leaving the house (don’t act like its not sistahs out here in pajamas an bonnets during the day) make sure you are regal at all times.
5. Be a Star: Live Out Your Dreams
When you pursue your purpose and passions in life, there is a guarantee there will be doubters and naysayers every step of the way. But, just the mere fact that you push through and still achieve regardless of what people say will pay off in the end.
6. Be the Bigger Person
Don’t argue with them. But, instead politely agree to disagree. Allow the person to know you hear their opinions, but you have decided to live the life you want not what they want.
7. Be Open to Forgiveness
You forgive other people to free yourself not them. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it does allow you freedom to move forward! Try it….I dare you…forgive someone today you will feel a burden lift off of you.
Do you agree? Any others you would add to the list?
How Loving My Hair Taught Me Patience, Persistence, and Perseverance
Now I know I am not a hair expert or nowhere near being a stylist. Never have been. But, since embarking on my healthy hair journey last summer I can’t help but feel like I am starting to finally understand my own wavy, curly tresses! Still I am no expert and as a result my hair has taught me everything (well almost everything!) I know about patience, persistence, and perseverance.
The fact that are so many products, so many tips, so many to try, so many methods to try is mind boggling. Time consuming and unpredictable at times. The trial and error that goes into being a product tester (aka junkie!) is a lot of work. Twisting, curling, rolling, pineappling, and the whole nine yards is work, too! But, once you get it, you get it! It is like a happy moment.
It has taught me the meaning of patience…good things come to those who wait and WORK at it! Taking care of your hair is no easy task, especially when you just start learning. For centuries many of us were denied the proper knowledge to have these “how to’s” and “go-tos” to help us take care of our own hair. I am happy to say that with so much knowledge, videos, and word of mouth this can now be passed down to our daughters (nope don’t have one quite yet though!)
I’ve also learn to be persistent and persevere through the trial and errors. I now chalk things up to “you live and you learn” instead of getting easily mad or frustrated when things don’t go my way or turn out as I had hoped…and yes, I learned this all from the hair that grows out of my head!
Guess what, those three P’s sure have paid off for me with my hair which has grown tremendously and is so healthy and shiny! In other areas of my life as well because I ACCEPTED my hair journey flaws and all, stuck with it, patiently awaited my hair to come back to health, and embraced that TRIAL AND ERROR ARE FACTS OF LIFE THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS, and GREATNESS IS THE RESULT OF HARD WORK, FAILURE AND RISK-TAKING! Now those are some life lessons for ya!
What has your hair journey taught you about life?
Are You Ready to Detox Your Mind, Body, and Soul for a Healthier Life?
What does detox mean to you? What do you need to let go of this year in order to live a fabulous and empowered life?
Detox to me is letting things go. Giving things up. Moving forward. Divorcing self from the past, and marrying the future!
Where I Went Wrong
This is my hope for the new year. Tomorrow I will officially start a lifestyle change. I am starting a journey to better my health and life. This is something I have wanted to do for a while, but just was not in the right mental space to do it. Two years ago I worked with a nutritionist, worked out daily, and changed my eating for 3 months. I saw no results so I gave up! Then I went on to rapidly gain 40 pounds in about 6-8 months, which you can imagine was really weird! Can you imagine how I felt?
Ready to Let Go
I am officially ready to let go of all of that excess baggage. If you want to fly, you must let go of the s@!*% that weighs you down! I’ve said this before in a previous post on finding the love I deserved. The same is true here. If I want to fly I mean really FLY then I must give something up to get to the life I want. To get to my happy, healthy, whole place (which is where regal realness lies).
Why I Chose My Health FIRST!
My mind FINALLY changed for four reasons: I’ve been wanting a total body makeover from head to toe for years now, the new year is here,starting my natural hair journey last summer prompted me to want to be just as mindful as what I put on my head as what I put into my body, and starting this blog as made me want to be an even better woman! I decided I wanted to love my body even more than I already do. When you love your body, it loves you back.
Biggest Loser!
Therefore, tomorrow marks the first day of a fitness challenge I have joined with my blogger friends. It is called the BLM Fitness Challenge, which lasts from Jan 7-April 7, 2013. Participants all entered with $10 (money collected will be given to the biggest loser–which I hope will be me) and you can use any method you want to get fit!!!
Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out
I have chosen to use JJ Smith’s DEM (Detox, Eat, and Move) System. Last summer, I purchased her book, Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out, read it, and swept in under a rug somewhere. A month ago I pulled it back out, re-read it and now I’M READY! Yesterday, I stocked up on everything I need for the 3 week DETOX phase (including supplements, green drink mix, protein shake mix, fresh fruits & veggies, whole grain everything, nuts, oils, etc) and ordered additional items from Amazon.com.
Check out the cover here (peep this…JJ is in her 40’s and she looks so good!)
I am so glad I am doing this NOW! It really took this long for me to make a change because I had to mentally embrace this lifestyle change, and fully want it more then anything else. I WANT IT! I am committed! I will chart my journey on here, and I will share new healthy and good recipes I make.
This Journey Is Really About You As Much As It Is About Me
This journey is about more than me. It is allowing me to detox my body and rid it of toxins, and then allowing me to provide it with nutritious, clean and balanced, whole, and healthy foods that fuel my body. It is also allowing me to detox my mind and soul. Allowing me to let go off any addictions to food present, any emotional baggage that needs to go, and anything else they may be holding me back as a result of my weight.
It is also allowing me to be an example! My ultimate goal is to become healthy and fabulous while inspiring other women of color to give this journey a try. As I share I hope to inspire you. As I share I hope to encourage you. As I share I hope to break down everything to educate you. I hope to go through trial and error to make even (clean and balance) eating seem tasty for you! I simply want you to know that if I can do it and achieve so can you.
This health journey is for me and it is for you. Stay tuned for more!
Inspirational Websites I Love and Recommend:
Black Girl’s Guide to Weight Loss, Black Women Losing Weight, Black Weight Loss Success, and Dr. Oz offers many tips and even a TV show!
COMMENT AND SHARE!
Do you have health or fitness goals for this year?
What methods are you using?
Have you ever felt like me before?
Why Does She Always Get the Happy Ever After?
The Happy Ever After Girl Defined
You know the type got it going on, nails done, hair done, everything did, always smiling, gets the good guys, gets the baby or the ring before others, her Facebook never has a dull moment, her Twitter account is on fire, always getting opportunities, always seems to be on to something good! Homegirl is working it, and doing it well. Jealously sometimes creeps in there if your life may not seem as glamorous! Of course, this varies!!
But, why does she always get the happy ever after you might ask? Is she better than you?
Well, I’m here to tell you that so-and-so is NOT better than you.
So-and-so is not smarter then you, more beautiful then you, more blessed then you, or more favored then you. Nope!
Why Her?
She always gets the happy ever after for one reason and one reason alone: BECAUSE SHE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES IT! She believes she is worthy and regal. She believes she deserves the best and will not settle for less. She hustles and works hard for the life she has whether it brings good results or bad results.
What “HAPPY EVER AFTER” women share (no we’re not talking fairytales here, Cinderella especially!) are solely their BELIEFS in how they believe their life should go! Our thoughts are in direct relation to the life we lead!
What Does the Happy Ever After Girl Think About?
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What are your thoughts saying about the life you lead?
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What is your life saying about the thoughts you’ve had?
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Have you came up with a vision for the way your life should be? Have you worked that vision so it becomes a reality?
Getting to happy means you get into you FIRST!
Getting to Happy
While you’re wondering why she is “HAVING IT ALL” and “LIVING IT UP” she is living her life like it’s golden while you’re sitting around jealous, bitter, angry, (or even just settling for less) instead of getting the life you want!
The happy ever after girl once thought she could, and then she went after it that makes her seem so envious! Instead of envying her see what she is doing. “Success leaves clues (Tony Robbin) my friend! Be mindful and cautious of course when following. But do take note!
Go from jealous to joy. Go from envy to excited. Go from bitter to bold.
By ENVISIONING WHAT YOU WANT (make a vision board) and then GO GET IT (Mary Mary Voice)!!!!
Are you a Happy Ever After Girl?
COMMENT AND SHARE!
Regal Realness 