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Now I'm not sayin Beyonce be peeping my shyt but I am sayin...her lyrics sound mighty close to my attitude I exude on u heaux off the daily-UNIQUE!! I am a lover of quirky accessories becuz wearing art is such an art. While others call it arrogance n cocky much like Ego, Diva n Bow Down, I understand its not a language many can speak but if u embody the basics of the song, you won't need to say a word for folks to pick up what cha putin down!! Don't even waste your time trying to compete with me (don't do it) I came across Standout Style Boutique byway of someone posting this infamous dress I keep seeing on my TL and veered off into the accessories n KNEW these were for me. Let's be real...they need no introduction nor commentary so I'll just lookbook u heaux n just know they're still a few available so grab em while u can (and tag me when u rockin em). I'm too classy to be touched, I pay them all in dust These would be perfect for holiday's, concerts, grocery runs n shopping plants. Of course for me, there's no right or wrong way to wear or when. As u can see I took these babies for a ride during my recent Sip Trip n had so much fun. They definitely perk up ur couture, eyes on I when I put on. Label whores can't clock, I'm so obscure Yall know I am no gatekeeper lol, i want to see us win so when I come across dope shyt n wanna shout out small black owned business esp by womenssss in the process...I am here for it. Definitely check her out n follow her on social media n tell her I sent cha... ** fades away into galactic territories for blast off **

The joys of having a teenager n not chasing after toddlers during the week is the ability to take spontaneous trips "down the street". My boys had initially asked me the infamous "what you doin on ** insert day u know will be followed by request of some sort ** and after I said nothing...I'm like wait...where yall goin? ** gracefully passes baton for kid pick up line** I said-BET!!! I am down becuz I've been wanting to get up there to visit the Book of HOV's exhibit at the Brooklyn Library so to tag along on their day trip...don't mind if I do n even better the weather was superb!!  If u grew up during the Reasonable Doubt days...you are as amazed as I am to see our favorite rappers grow old gracefully so to see such an icon of Jigga's magnitude have an installation created by Roc Nation to celebrate Mr. Carter is grand. The experience starts before u even hit the doors with a preview display outside (there's also his Lex on the side which was quite nostalgic) and when u enter (for FREE) ur then greeted with the synonymous "triangle hands". Grab a Hov booklet n make ur rounds... If ur a museum go-er, I would definitely advise u to submerse urself in the art itself n leave room to take pics...later! You learn so much about Jay-Z's global impact through his eyes whether its a sea of backstage passes, endless magazine covers and articles and videos which highlight him as a musician and philantropist.  What impressed me most was the original recording of his masters which for a man of his magnitude is MAJOR. The whole journey throughout the library inspired me as the message seemed to be quite simple...BET ON URSELF!!! We so often suppress our talents out of fear n u scared to even toss it out becuz ur gift of what ur sharing will get lost amongst everyone else with similar talents. To BET ON URSELF and maintain ur stance in knowing ur worth n not letting someone diminish ur value.  From humble beginnings to finding ur purpose n not allowing failure to be an option is mesmerizing becuz we all have the ability to make something out of nothing. I won't get into too much how I interalized it for my own interpretation but... Yes! For sure u should take a quick day trip n visit for the culture n just something outside the norm for urself. Breaks up the week n rejuvenates the energy with a change of scenary. We parked nearby and grabbed lunch down the street from Cheryl's Global Soul and the food was VERY flavorful-I'd highly suggest them. I got the Coconut Curry Wings in the Global Bowl and it was fulfilling (I always have leftovers). I was able to snag a bite of Dee's Roasted Jerk Pork which I'd highly recommend becuz it was tender, well marinated n spicy (which I have no bidness enjoying). To end a marvelous adventure, I topped it off with the African American urge to get something sweet after something to eat, lol. Were yall able to catch the Hov exhibit in Brooklyn? The artsy side of me wants to start catching more of these in n outside the area. I hope more influential stars follow so we can deep dive into their legacy n career accolades. It also makes me wonder...if I were to have a museum...what would I have inside to depict my accomplishments n growth throughout life??? Hmmm...something to think about.

Welp!! Here we are...the finale month of the year n the season of cheer. Also quick disclaimer...this pic is NOT a wig n I didn't grow my hair out this much-yet. Yall know I'm currently in braids until my bday but my icloud is so FULL and until I either A. buy more storage or B. delete....yall getting these recycled yet still relevant pics lol. I didn't want that to be an excuse as to why I ain't crank out a fresh post at the top of the month!! I've been saying this every month all year long...time is moving FAST!! I feel like November had started n when I got out the tub it was time for Thanxgiving. Since Mason's bday is so close to the holiday, I wait until after we celebrate his life n THEN toss up Xmas decor. I do feel optimistic I'm not suffering from seasonal depression as much as previous years. What am I doing different? Staying busy pretty much. Between work, pilates, chasing Toot, Nordie runs, social media engagements, Sip Trips n shindigs with friends...I'm hanging in there. I've been pushing thru becuz I have kids that need me n u can't be a grinch with a cheerful toddler. Also, spending time with loved ones isn't such a bad idea after all lol. I do plan to adopt my sister's intentional time method she does n make my rounds yet still manage time to self to recharge. Overall, I just feel like I'm in such a great space of peace n happiness that I get my fix with the joy of others n so I soak up the love. I am also LOVING pilates once a week so much I am gonna double up come next year. So what are yall's plansssss for the month? We got 24 days until Christmas, 20 days until Winter, 30 days until the ball drops and patridge in a pear tree!! I plan to declutter n make room for blessings. Not just decluttering my closet! I also plan to take pockets of peace to sit in solace. Holidays are still very hard for me with periods of grief. Despite being "busy" it's important we still allow ourselves to feeeeeel so there will be a day of nothing. I wanna binge vintage Christmas movies-including Die Hard, lol and although Temptations starts the holiday spirit for some...EbNog's infamous eggnogs starts mine wit the spirits ** pun intended ** n I am feeling optimistic for whatever Gawd has in store for me. Any 2024 Resolutions? Matching PJ's happening? What chall sitting on Santa's lap to ask for? Let me know in the comments below :D

My sweet innocent angel came into the world while I was sleep. He didn't wanna come on his due date (Nov. 17) n for what seemed like forever in the end; he got tired of chillin in the womb n wanted to make a grand entrance. Sorry...I don't have an elaborate delivery story cuz I slept thru it. Thanx to an emergency c-section, I took a nap n woke up to a baby! When he opened his eyes, I just KNEW he was swapped but here we are SEVENTEEN years later n he stiiiiiiiill here. If u have a teen son...u know this will be a short post with not much to post on becuz he lives in the shadows n lucky me...I have a pic to show proof of existence. In tradition of celebrating his birthday, I always serenade him singing Regina Belle's "If I Could" becuz its a perfect song to describe my love of watching him grow so Team No Coddle can let him go! He's such a good kid. Doesn't ask for much n makes me proud to walk amongst the world as Mason's Mom. Do we bicker like Chrisean n Blueface...yup n we also have our joaning sessions where I roast his azz n he attempts a comeback that of course never tops mine. I hope to see many more years of watching this young man grow into the life he works for as I foresee the best is yet to come. What I have learned in 17 yrs is how to gift the male species hence Bae Bags n creating time where we go out with phones down so I can catch up to his life happenings (as I cringe on the inside listening to his social life). The joys of motherhood :D I am enjoying every minute of it becuz it seems to move so fast: I am totally NOT cryin...nope *sniff* I just remind him of his greatness as he matures n prepares to enter the real world in a few years. Mason IS the reason why Team No Coddle was born *pun intended* and the greatest gift being a mom is watching the seeds we've been sowing come to fruition with rewards. He makes bein a mama look easy ;) Happy Birthday with Seventeen Candles

Happy SunYAY!!! As we are ending the holiday weekend and entering into a fresh week of November, I wanted to pop in to invite chall to a collaboration from my girl Jaimee from Fashion Mabe . While I am always nervous when yall plus one me for yall platforms, lol, I am totally up for the challenge! We kiki allllll the time n goosh on each others hidden talents in which we equally hide from the world haha....but as we say-DO IT SCARED right.... I definitely thank u ALL for silently n openly supporting me. Thank you ALL for the messages n calls along with the likes, comments n shares on anything with my name attached. The extra pushes n chats do not go unnoticed. I am still in awe n surprise when someone thinks that highly of me to want meeeeee to use my lil' ol' voice to share <3 If you are free...please join us at 1100a EST as we have a **cue Klymaxx** Meeting in the Ladies room :D and join us LIVE here----> Ladies Room So what we girl chatting bout in the ladies room...a little bit of this n that of course. I'll give yall a quick sneak peek... Favorite shopping spots and how Nordies became a lifestyle: I have a variety of stores to shop. I love a good thrifting spot and whatever store that comes across my eyes that speak to my style. Nordies definitely has my heart. It became a lifestyle becuz it's a one stop shop for me where I always grab a lavender chai latte to look around n I'll even pause to sit down in the Nordies Cafe for a meal. I've made great relationships with the SA's by being a familiar face and get invites to events. Excellent customer service keeps me coming back n the versatility of different brands to fit the budget whether full price or on sale. I am no gatekeeper, lol, I'll always share my Nordy Finds here !! Have you ever considered a capsule wardrobe? I thought about capsules and I realize I am not in that era at this time in my life. I do plan to adopt being a minimalist as I downsize my life the closer I get to my 50's. For now, I am enjoying the means to splurge with the option to consciously spend as needed (or in my case mainly wants lol). I'm having too much fun showcasing my style personality playing in colors n prints. I am JY LIKE practicing with wearing black n white's at the moment so yes...we will revisit this question within the next 7-10 yrs (Gawd willing). So there ya have it...join us as we continue to have the conversation on investment pieces n what I will n won't pay the 5 for Ginaaaaa becuz it's gonna be good. I'd love to hear ur thoughts on how u pick n choose what to invest in n how ur style reflects the YOU. Join us LIVE here!!

You can't keep ur hands off me, touch me right there....rock my body!! I can't keep my hands off u, ur body is my partaaaaay!!! This is a quickie post ;) cuz I knew once I posted...yall would ask... Now let me totally give credit to where credit is due...I seen my girl at GoldenBird Boutique post these curvaceous glasses n I said...that body is minessss and did some digging lol. Yall would be amazed that random keywords that pop in my head that make me go searching haha. Nobody: Blah Blah Blah...bytch drop the link!!! You can click the pics n it'll take u right there!! And in case u grab mine too late...I got options for yall...also found ----> here I hope yall grab some n enjoy these as much as I do. I love quirky pieces but also art and my goal is to make my home reflect as good as I feel as much as possible. These will be filled with caramel macchiatos as I luxuriate in the tub amongst many of evenings to unwind. Cheers!!

And just like that...Hello November! I am convinced at this point...the older u get, the faster time goes. Growing up, I always felt like time was slower than frozen molasses to get to adulthood. As much as I love the holiday of Halloween, in my head I partake in the elaborate costumes. I love to see grown folks pause from being so serious n play dress up in celebration. The skeezy costumes of the played out sexy kitten n Officer Pat U Down dont impress me. I like it when chicks do the unexpected out of the box costumes. I had a slow start for October. I had a somber episode in the earlier parts of the month n wanted to push through by any means necessary. There seems to be an eery-ness in the air between the state of the world n per usual...juggling life. PUSH THRU!!!! Now that we are in November, this is where we prep for holidays with loved ones. I am looking forward to cozy n cool days snuggled on the couch after my morning routine n binging good TV n making time to read during quiet time. As a forward thinker, I'm mentally prepping for 2024 n meditating on what my theme (resolution) shall be. I have been proud of myself keeping up with pilates n evening walks but will need to curve that with sunset happening by 6p. One thing I do want to get better with is SLEEP!! I don't have a problem falling asleep but I don't have a consistent sleep pattern. I'd like to see the benefits of getting a FULL 8 hrs **as of the time of creating this post, it's 1100p n my alarm goes off at 0530a** Speaking of what do ya know...TIME...we'll be greeted n blessed with an extra hour of sleep as we Fall Back with daylight savings time this weekend. What will u do with the "extra" hour in a day? Happy November!!

Part of awareness is being able to identify when the universe is talkin to u. Pay attention to random thoughts or those little nudges we brush off which don't do nothin but boomerang back in front of u by way of algorithms, commercials, side convo's or how about this...Tik Tok trends, lol. I just think it's funny that... In July during this post , I mentioned something brewing in the atmosphere and during this post , I mentioned a Summer Sabbatical. Well as I'm randomly watching the news, I see Gen Z-ers have caught up to my posts lol n wouldja looka here; New York Post reported on a trend called Monk Mode. In a nutshell, it's where we start to see how overly connected we are to social media n looking for ways to pull back from the addiction. A social media detox if u will. I was just thinkin a few wknds ago as we were enjoying good weather, how Nickelodeon would have a day of no programming to promote kids to go outside n play. I believe we need one of those moments in the form of social media glitches. Where we just take a BREAK n get back to the wholesome n good ol' days of organic interactions. Our attentions spans are sooooo small n we've lost the art of small talk with strangers. Just go out n people watch n see how many heads are down or lack of engagement with groups becuz everyone in sync on the phone. I am victim to going down rabbit holes of social media myself. I meeeeaaaan hellooooo...I'm a blogger :D but I've gone out with my sisterfluencers n we've not taken one pic of food or the infamous "we link'd up" pic to post becuz we just simply enjoyed each others company n play'd catch up. I also have friends who aren't in the content world to where we just live in the moment n not only do I respect their privacy, I truly enjoy the sisterhood n value the time we spend that doesn't need to be documented. When I did my sabbatical which was only the brink of what I really wanna do, I was able to partake in so much more time of slowing down n giving gratitude to these tiny blessings we take for granted. When me n Mason have our mommy n son dates, there is NO PHONES out n we chit chat. I catch up with his life n there's no judgement as I remove my mommy cap. When I have Toot in tow, I can't let the apps distract me cuz the way that boy moves, I gotta keep up wit his azz! That chunk of time u remove urself from social media, u will find urself more productive. Pour into a hobby or craft you've been putting off or not having time for. There is an aspect of discipline you'll hone though so my next go round, I wanna incorporate exercise. I take random walks now just for fresh air n it does clear my mind. So what do u think of this Monk-ness? Are u down to give up scrolling n posting or cut back? I will say...even after a week or 2...you'll start to get addicted n try n remember to peek back. As a content creator, I am trying to find the balance in this but I do see the benefits of removing the distractions. There are many levels to fasting so don't feel pressured to cold turkey it cuz the journey is all of what YOU make it.

And another 30 days later **drum roll** Hellooooo October n Goodbye September! They say as u get older the time moves faster n dmn if they ain't lying. We went from Back to School to heading into a School of Ghouls. Aaaaah I love this time of the year though. Seasonal change does mean one thing for me...getting sick **reaches for tissue** I am starting the month off recouping from being sick **le sigh** which I'm not really surprised. Between my kids n I, it's expected around the seasons n never fails with temp changes. I've been well rested n soon as I'm back fully with taste buds (I can vaguely taste but it's nothing satisfying). Nonetheless...the array of pumpkins n change of leaves brings me joy every time. Being as tho it gets dark by 730p now, I can enjoy TV before bed n create time to indulge in my love for scary movies. I am a horror fan n those kid cult classic films so traditionally, I will be watching: Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, Witches, Nightmare on Elm Streets (Freddy is my fave) and my all time fave.... I adore this film so much. It's such a timeless message of acceptance. I even thought of dressing up like Magenta this year! I can't wait to see how creative we get with Halloween costumes. They seen to become more elaborate every year lol. I know we entering into this weird space becuz the year is almost over n shyt slows down where u look back like...where has the time gone n what have I been doin? Did u hit some goals or fall short? These are the things I pause on as the year is winding down. Trust me, ur not alone!! I'm still learning to pace myself n make small strides which turn into big gains. Welp!! Holiday season is kicking off n I am excited to see what October shall bring. As we close the books on last month...let's look forward to fresh starts.

If ever there was a post I knew I wasn't skippin' it was TODAY!! Like how can I not acknowledge National Coffee Day when I've created a series of Sip Trips to celebrate my love n time with a great cup of Joe. If ever ur intrigued where my love for coffee began... For the Love of Coffee (<---click here) Enuff about me...in celebration of Coffee Day, there's some participating spots to grab a sip: Dunkin Donuts : reward members can snag a complimentary hot or iced coffee w/purchase. Krispy Kreme : no purchase needed for a hot or iced medium coffee but lets be real...how can u pass up on a glazed dozen for $2 (w/purchase of another dozer). McDonalds : feel free to redeem any size premium roast coffee or iced coffee for just 99 cents and even beyond coffee day (once daily through Dec. 31). Starbucks : free coffee tastings (if ur local one is as fun as mine, you'd get frappes n lattes). Wendy's : small hot or iced coffee for 99 cents (perfect time to try their PS Frosty Cream Cold Brew). My Sip Trip Series will be returning this Fall. I have some in the tuck to share and looking to visit more hidden gems in the DMV or wherever I wake up on a Saturday morning. Even if ur not a coffee drinker, I do encourage u to visit ur local cafe's for pastries n teas. The homey vibe is so welcoming n I've grown addicted to the calmness of the air when it's less people-y. Of course my favorite part of Trippin to Sip is creating! My mind is active in the morning n my creative flow ooooozes out. I look forward to seeing what outfit I'll get dressed up in n builds my confidence knowing I've consistently dedicated myself to such an event. I appreciate the feedback as well. When yall don't hear my Rascal's song, lol, yall be hitting me up like waaaait...how can I start the day :D That makes me feel warm n fuzzy **cue blushing** I can only hope there's a moment in time ur able to steal for urself to decompress after a long week or enjoy the company of a coffee date to initiate ur day. I often times have chats with strangers n get fascinated by how freely they feel comfortable with sharing deets. The kindness of acknowledging someone's existence doesn't go unnoticed n that's my favorite part of Sip Trip Saturday's. Being amongst the people teaches u this thing bigger than Nino Brown n it ain't always about chew. Happy National Coffee Day!! P.S. If you've made this far, I appreciate ur time. First 5 readers get coffee on me, leave me a note in the comments on where ur celebrating n what's in the cup for coffee day then send me ur cash app via DM's on IG: @ballsofbeautyblog . Void where prohibited n by that I mean Rickey is ineligible to win! Giveaway doesn't extend after today. Nice n simple right? Even if u see 5 comments, keep the party goin :)

Hellooooo Fall and Goodbye Summer :D Yall know I am totally excited for this seasonal change n have been looking forward to Autumn's Equinox for months. As a homebody, I can enjoy the temp being dialed back n the AC being turned OFF as we slide into the remaining months of the year. Bring on all the WARM tones, Chili Cook offs, Pumpkin overloads, Summer Patio Furniture Sales n early sunsets. The most beautiful part of the seasonal change is the whispers of nature if ever ur up before the city n catch a sunrise. The air is so crisp n specks of joggers n dog walkers tip toe in the streets. I love being on my balcony giving gratitude to start the day while holding a cup of coffee. My favorite is the fashions as we swap out the closets n put away summer clothes for next year. I have 3 totes to donate n plan on purging more! Seasonal change brings on a rush of creativity becuz it's like a fresh start. I had a pretty good Summer with no regrets. I didn't take a fancy getaway n spent time with family...doesn't take much for me. I'm not a beach person **cue horror scream** so I don't feel like I've missed out. This season, I do want to take advantage of a corn maze, hay rides, Toot LOVES pumpkin pickings n a random weekend staycation-where? I don't know...NC, TN, WV? I am LONG overdue for a trip to ATL to see the bestie, I do know that. As I ponder on it, I am glazing out the window now. Tropical Storm Ophelia has DMV in a chokehold with a lot of tears pouring down ALL day. I am still beaming with a smile as we step into Fall, even on a gloomy day **unfolds weighted blanket** I can't wait for cozy weekends of NOTHING n since I've started binging Suits (Netflix), there's never nothing for me to watch (I'm on S3). Does anyone else love Fall as much as me? Are u saddened to see the humid hot weather of Summer leave? What plans do u have for the season? Let me know in the comments.

Happy National Gratitude Day!!! This is the day where we recognize such an occasion and celebrate each other giving thanks. The origin of this day came from an Indian spiritual leader name Sri Chinmoy in 1965 in a meditation room. With the many blessings of life experiences of ups n downs, I've discovered the practice of gratitude within the last few years and enjoy the positive health benefits it tends to bring. I have learned how to roll with the punches of unexpected twists n turns life can bring. After experiencing losses, I found a way to look at the "bright side" of things n hold on to the good. It's within humility u can find gratitude becuz it can always be worst. By increasing optimism I've gained more self-esteem and felt happier through gratitude. There's just something about pausing to thank God for no reason at all n allowing myself to feel positive emotions as it helps throughout the day. Acknowledging the generosity of others is my favorite way of practicing gratitude. I live by the motto of my dad, "Nobody owes u shyt". As a natural giver, I have no expectations to receive becuz its from the heart. I'm grateful for any n everyone who take the time out to leave feedback on my blog or hit me up to mention they've referred someone to my blog and SHARING! The "tiniest" gesture means the world to me and I am forever grateful that someone takes their time out to read myyyyyyy blog or give little ol' meeeee a shout out becuz u could easily scroll n gawn bout cho' day. Yall have really been rooting for me n the wins just keep rollin in. I have an AMAZING team comprised of you all that keep fire under my azz n gentle to aggressive nudges becuz u see the spark in me when I don't. The support doesn't go unnoticed :D Happy National Gratitude Day! How do u plan on celebrating? start a gratitude journal? pay it forward? random love note? Hey Stranger/Hey Big Head someone, lol. Please no! However u choose to celebrate it, extend it pass a day n incorporate it into ur lifestyle.