Ain't No Negativity Bih

April 21, 2017

The look when you're on the cusp of making your dream life a reality...
Photo credit/MUA: Staci Marie/Pose Artistry

A couple years back when I started my journey into MLM (multi level marketing), I was let in on a very important lesson from six and seven figure money earners: the power of personal development. Throughout our lives we are inundated with beliefs and mindsets and a lot of them are not the most conducive to living a positive and uplifting life.

Listening to audio books and hurling myself into reading about how to be a better me, how to earn tons of money in MLM, I learned how the seemingly small act of changing my thoughts could lead me to a much better and positive outlook and life. In my adulthood I have noticed highly successful celebrities, business owners and anyone who overcame extraordinary adversity proclaim quite simply and proudly "I believed I could, so I did". This single statement was at the heart of everything these successful people did. Just the belief that they could create their lives led them down an extraordinary path of abundance and far away from the original path their lives were previously destined to take.

In that vein, I have some suggested reading for you guys! Some of these I have read already or listened to (my list is marked with an *), but all I know will have some sort of value and potentially change the trajectory of your life as it stands:

The 10x Rule - Grant Cardone *
You Are a Badass - Jen Sincero*
You are a Badass At Making Money - Jen Sincero * (currently reading)
anything by John C. Maxwell (read 2 of his books) *
The Success Principles - Jack Canfield
The Slight Edge - Jeff Olson*
Life Your Life From The Front Seat - Jessica Butts*
The 4 Hour Work Week - Timothy Ferris*
The Power - Rhonda Byrne* (more in this series that I haven't read yet)
Secrets of Six-Figure Women - Barbara Stanny* (in the middle of reading this one)
Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it's a great starter to getting you in the right mindset to achieve any and everything you wished you could. If you're curious where to start or having some suggestions of your own, leave a comment below :).

Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe

#StaresMaxinely

April 11, 2017



                                           Image result for stares maxinely

I honestly try to comport myself with a modicum (ok maybe a little more) of manners and respect towards others. Now I'm no saint, but I consciously put effort into NOT being a complete asshole. It's difficult at times, but working in retail I have learned to reign in and control a lot of the things I would normally say and just blurt out. One thing I won't stand for is people being unprofessional and taking jabs at me or anyone else when it suits them.

Recently, I resigned (gave 2 weeks notice) from my position at the retailer I was working for to pursue both another job AND Nursing school. While I honestly don't care who is or isn't happy for me, I do care about people who I owe nothing (I repeat, not a DAMN thang) voicing their opinions to me in a useless and potentially destructive way. Unless you care about my well being or actually help support me (with $ lol), keep that negative ISH to yourself.

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Luckily, my feelings don't get hurt easily (actually I'm not even sure what those are lol), but if things that were said to me in the same sarcastic, flippant attitude were said to another person, I can see how it could really hurt their feelings or make them feel some type of way about it. I personally will just NOT stand for the bullshit. I don't and won't tolerate people who beat around the bush, are fake or who simply project themselves to be something or someone they aren't.

I shouldn't even be giving this an entire blog entry, but I won't stand for disrespect especially when I know that I strive to do the right thing. One of my biggest issues with large corporations is that they seem to lose sight of ethics and morals in the pursuit of more capital gain. It's sickening actually and it translates into some of the people they hire into their establishments. At the end of the day, you can't please everyone...but I do believe in maintaining integrity AND making money. Happy employees = happy customers = more $$$$$. Very simple formula.
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All that taken into consideration, I know that I will continue to thrive, treat others with respect and work hard to do right by people and be the best person I can be. The same can't be said for others, but I guess not everyone can live the #BougieLife. I know that I have absolutely no space or time for the mess. I have always been the type of person that believes we can ALL win, but being shady, snarky or simply trying to bring others down is NOT the way to go about that. Another life motto I like to live by : "Try Jesus (insert Buddha, Allah, or whatever God/Higher entity you serve), don't try me"
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Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe

Bougie On A Budget

April 3, 2017

By now you should know I have a penchant for all things bougie. BUT while my heart desires designer labels, curated experiences and the best that life has to offer, but pockets are screaming "Don't do it girl", "Think again" and "#ByeFelicia" lol. I'm going to share some of my tricks of the trade if you will that have enabled me to enjoy life without always paying full price! This is especially pertinent for students and moms (holla at me single moms). Please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments! I'd love to update and revise this starter list.

the face you make when you out here finessin' these fianaces

Ways to Be Bougie On a Budget (aka Finessin' These Finances)

1) Groupon - is and ALWAYS will be my A1 from day 1. Groupon was shootin' with me in the gym...but really. I have used Groupon since my days in NYC and it has paid off. I have been able to enjoy various activities in different states because of the wonder that is G-pon. Hats off to the founders of this wondrous company! I spent about $30 for 4 activities for me and the kids this week. That's 4 activities for 4 people for $30!!! 

2) Library - Having worked at the Lexington Public Library, they offer so many services and programs to kids and families FOR FREE! Literally it's as simple as clicking on their website and searching the master calendar to find an activity for adults, teens and kids alike. TRY IT! 

3) Kids Eat Free/Cheap days - Yeah I said it! lol There is NO shame in my game. I honestly cannot afford to spend $50+ every time our family of 3 or 5 goes out to eat. That is money out the window to me especially considering how much we spend on groceries! 

4) Where it counts, buy in BULK - I have found that bulk purchasing does not work for every facet of my life, but on things you know will be used on a daily basis, it makes cents (see what I did there?) to purchase large quantities. Costco and Sam's are my go-to's because they are the only ones in my area. What do I buy in bulk? Laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, seasoning/condiments, bottled water, toilet paper (like seriously do kids eat this stuff?!? lol), paper towels (again...we must be eating this stuff), soap and body wash, coffee and some fruit and veggies 

5) Ebates - Get this app on your phone and then attach this mug to your browser! It will save your life. For purchasing things you normally would or have to online, you get varying percentages back on your total purchase price. I've seen this go as high as 18%, Groupon last week and this week was 9%!  Click the link below to check it out and get $ for putting your friends on to savings!  https://www.ebates.com/r/MISSCI116?eeid=28187

6) Couponing - While I am not really good at this, if you have the time and effort to put into it I have seen it yield amazing results. You can Google how to coupon and will find tutorials from people of all walks of life. 

7) Don't eat out unless you have a discount - I used to spend like $40 a week on fast food and other stuff while working at the mall. Now that I'm doing hCG I have spent maybe $15 total in 2 weeks. Such a great way of saving. Just heed my advice...DON'T DO IT Y'ALL lol  

8) Employee discounts - Because I love beauty and the beauty industry, I have always in some capacity worked in beauty. Working in retail affords me a 25% discount of regularly priced cosmetics/ sale cosmetics and discounted clothing and other items. Working at the medspa enables me to get services at cost and products at cost as well. 

9) NEVER or RARELY buy clothing/shoes/hair care products or really anything at full price - I use my work discount on already discounted items and/or I go to Goodwill/thrift stores to get pieces for me, L, the girls and J. For hair products I try to wait for my favorite products to go on sale, shop for them online through Ebates and/or take advantage of brand specific discount codes! Discount codes = LIFE lol. 

Have any more tips to share? Comment below and I will add to the list and include you and your contribution. 

Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe

Nursing School With a Purpose

April 2, 2017


This time 2.5 years ago. I won't be going back to EKU, but I'm back in 

As of a few days ago, I am officially accepted into Nursing school (for the 2nd time) ! This signifies so many things for me. It's a 2nd chance to get my shit together and the opportunity to live out my purpose and have the autonomy, education and financial ability to do some of the things I dream about. My goal is to be a Nurse entrepreneur in some capacity interlacing my passion for women's issues, a holistic lifestyle and my affinity for one on one interactions and relationship building.

I want the career mobility to be able to find a job literally anywhere. I want the ability to showcase my talents and truly and positively impact the lives of others. Retail cosmetics can never fill that void for me even though it's where I have spent the majority of my 20s. I want a career where I can use my brain and my empathy. I want to actually see the fruits of my labor. I am passionate about women's health. I truly believe when women are empowered in all walks of their lives it makes them better and better for their families.

I'm in this for the long haul as my eventual goal is to be a Nurse Practitioner with a DNP.  First LPN, then RN, MSN and finally DNP. I know there is so much I can bring to the profession and so much I have to offer to my future patients. I'm excited to start living in my purpose for the first time in a long time!

Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe
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