New Years Nails!!!!

Peace Family,

I came on today to share my Holiday Nails and oh how I love them!! They are festive yet work appropriate. This Christmas and New Year I wanted to bring the sparkle and light that is customary to the season into my every day activity. Finger nail polish is my way of doing so:) The colors consist of a bright almost fuchsia pink covered in a glitter base and a random black nail just for a little added fun. I haven't been this satisfied with my nail polish in a while and I re do my nails almost every Sunday. It was really fun and easy to do. What kind of things do you do to heighten your holiday experience? Leave a comment below I would love hearing from you! Until next time, I wish you all peace, light, and a Happy New Year.

Cee<3

Stocking Stuffers:)

Peace Family,

I hope you all are doing well. I'm feeling a little under the weather myself. Well actually a lot under the weather lol I wanted to share with you the stockings stuffers I made for my family this year. I thought they came out really cute for my first time making them and I look forward to making more soon:) When I get a little down time... Right now I'm working on a few books from the library that I want to get back asap. Can't do the late fees lol Until next time I wish you all peace and light. Enjoy the pics below and feel free to comment! Let me know what ya think.

Cee<3

I call this one "Granny" because it has an old school feel and I made it for my grandmother



I named this one "Chocolate and Peanut Butter" because that is what it reminds me of:)



This one I call purple passion because it was for my sister Marie who LOVES purple!

A White Christmas!

The sis took a picture of me without the flash thought it looked interesting..

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka, Happy Kwanzaa whatever you celebrate lol Happy Holidays to you all! I woke up this morning to the most beautiful sight. I always open my blinds to pray and, when I did, imagine my excitement to cee it was snowing!! A white Christmas! I was so excited I called or text all my friends. I consider all of you my online family so of course I had to share with you:) I tried to get a picture of the snow coming down but my camera didn't do it any justice. However, I got a new camera for Christmas so be expecting lots of photos here:) I hope you all have enjoyed a great day surrounded by family and friends and filled with love. As always I wish you all peace and light.

Cee<3

Quick Heartfelt Recipe: Upgraded Mimosa!

Peace Family,

I have so many posts that I want to share with you all. Finishing all of them is taking me awhile but I did want to come on and share this quick recipe with you all. I call it an upgraded mimosa because to me it tastes so much better than the typical one.  I do not measure exactly and you can adjust to your personal preference. *Note: For my 21 and older folks:) Ok here goes:

-1 cup mango juice
-1/2 half cup white Merlot

Quick and simple! Try it and let me know what ya think:) It was the perfect weekend treat. So tasty and delicious! I love the way the natural sweetness of the mango juice mixes with the kick from the Merlot mm hmm yum. I sipped this while decorating my Christmas tree and re-doing my two strand twist for all my hair folks. As always I wish you all peace and light. If you have any questions or comments leave them below. I love to hear from you.

Cee<3

Peaceful Sunday

 

Hey Family,

 

I had to get online and show you all this throw I made. Isn't it beautiful?! Its the first one I've EVER made and I'm really proud of it. It took forever (about four weeks) to make. I could have finished sooner but my schedule has been really crazy. At the end of the day, I really don't mind how long it took to complete because I'm in love with the outcome :) The colors are so cool and reflect my personal style in a way nothing in a store ever would. It's amazing now to think how the entire throw started with a single long string. I feel like a new mom after giving birth lol. After all the pain and screaming, I took one look at it and thought "oh it wasn't so bad." Well I'm not going to hold you all. Just had to share my Sunday delight. I hope you all enjoyed your weekends as well and wish you a peaceful and productive week. Cee ya in the next post!

Weekly Motivation Play Review "Boxes"

"Do You!! Be Your True and Authentic self. If people can't accept you for who you are then you were not meant to be aligned with them in the first place. As long as you are living a truly righteous and pure life, you are in line with the divine will of all men and nothing should be able to stop you from being you. Never allow anyone to take your shine or dim your light. The right people will only accent your natural glow. Be true, Be you, Be your natural organic self!"-Cee

Peace Family,

I know some of you are wondering where did this all come from? lol Well I went to Cee this incredible play "Boxes" written by Ebony Curtis and directed by Brandon White. It discussed the pit holes that we sometimes find ourselves in when we listen to the voices of others and allow them to permeate or overshadow our opinions of ourselves. Many of the characters in the play found themselves in very compromising situations as a result of allowing a relative, coworker, or friend's opinion matter more than their own. At the end of the play, one of the male protagonist (Jabari Cigno) delivered a powerful monologue that encouraged audience members to live their dreams, pursue goals, and remain ambitious. I left with a feeling of renewed passion to pursue my personal goals. I hope the message above does the same for you. For more information on this truly inspiring play click here. Leave your comments below. I love hearing from you. As always, I wish you all peace and light. Cee ya in the next post!

Oyin Handmade Finale Podcast

Peace Family,


I wanted to come and share with you all the video for the Oyin Handmade Podcast Finale. Oyin Handmade is an all natural organic product line that includes hair moisturizers, pomades, and even deodorant! I had the immense pleasure of being a part of the cast for their finale video. It was so much fun! If you are familiar with Oyin handmade videos, you know they always bring the funny and provide great tips and tricks for how to use their incredible products. Check out the video below. Feel free to leave a comment I love hearing from you. Until next time, I wish you all peace and light.

*Side note I have so many posts in the works. My drafts are really crowded. Just waiting on the end of the work week so I can really sit down and complete what I have started uninterrupted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa2w8VNY9yg

Cee<3

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Peace Family,


I want to wish you all a heartfelt Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for this year and apart of that is the community I have here on HoneyCee.blogspot.com and You Tube. I've met so many positive people who lend their advice and encouraging words. The holiday season is my favorite time of year because it seems to provoke in us a feeling of gratitude that I would like to maintain throughout the year.


For me, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the end of the year. I become very reflective and start to think about the things I have experienced throughout the year and what amongst those things I am most grateful for. Here is a short list of the things I am thankful for this year:

• Growing closer to God with every passing day
• Family and Friends
• Talents & Gifts
• Lessons learned
• Employment
• Food and Shelter
• The Future and possibilities ahead

I know some of these things seem small, but there are many people in our struggling economy who do not have these things and I am extremely grateful and prayerful for those in need of. Leave a comment below and tell me what you're grateful for this holiday season. I would love to hear from you. As always, I wish you all peace and light. Cee ya in the next post!!

P.S. This is my first Thanksgiving as a vegetarian. I'll let you know how this goes lol

Motivation Monday!

Peace Family,

I write this post to you from home today as I was sent here from work due to a terrible cold and laryngitis that has lowered my voice to a mere whisper. But, I am not too upset because I get to catch up on some much needed rest and write this post to you:) MOTIVATION! We all need a little sometimes and I have to say it took motivation, inspiration, and some divine intervention to get me out of the bed this morning lol. The one force that keeps me going even when I feel like I just can't go another second is the fact that I'M HERE! God allowed me to open my eyes and Cee another day so I remind myself of that when the alarm goes off and I want to punch my pillow because it feels like I just laid my head lol.

I guess we can call this a duo post because it is part word and part song. The "Song of the Day" that I think we can all benefit from on Mondays is called "Motivation" by rap artist T.I. If at any point today you feel tired, irritated, or just worn out, I encourage you to click the link below and listen to this song. I promise the blaring drum beats and aggressive lyrics delivered by T.I. will leave you feeling like Rocky training to fight Apollo Creed lol. The resounding message of the song is expressed in the chorus when he says "just make me stronger and make me tougher."  (WARNING if you are sensitive to the "N" word this is not the song for you. While I do not use the word myself, I do not let it keep me from enjoying music). Well, that is all for now family. I'm about to shut it down and try to get some rest for tomorrows work day. Feel free to leave a comment below and don't forget to check out the new homepage. I have made a few changes and would love to get your feedback on the new look. Until next time, I wish you peace and light.

Link to T.I.'s Motivation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9kZubwz38U

Cee<3

Free time Cee Time: Crochet

Peace Family,


I told my YouTube family that I would share photos of my latest past time activity here...



Blue and White hat I made



Hat I made for my friend's daughter:)



Hat I made for my other sis

Hat I made for Memaa

Hat I made for myself

Set my mother made for me:)

Let me know what you think.

Peace and light,

Cee<3

Something Made Me Smile

Peace Family,


I have been so out of the loop lately :( So, when I took a little time yesterday evening to check in on my favorite sites I was elated to find out that I was the "Hair Diary" feature on NaturallyObsessed last week! I submitted the information forever ago and quite honestly forgot about it. But, there it was my little natural hair story for all to Cee:) If you would like to check out the post feel free to do so by clicking here. Reading it made me realize how far I have come in getting to know my natural tresses. I have been chronicling my hair journey on YouTube but chose to keep it separate from this blog. With the exception of the tool bar on the homepage, I do not talk about hair much here.While HoneyCee.blogspot.com is about health, it is more about total wellness, mind, body, and spirit and I do not want this space to become overly saturated with hair. However, I did want to share this simple pleasure with you mainly because it made me smile. I wish you all peace and light and hope you're enjoying this day :) Feel free to leave a comment below as I love hearing from you.


Cee<3

Motivation Monday

Peace Family,


The motivational passage that I have chosen to share here with you all today is from my "Quotes and Affirmations" page here on HoneyCee.blogspot.com.


"Greater is the Spirit that is within me than any challenge that is in the world"(Susan L. Taylor)

I chose this passage because it really speaks to our own spiritual power. Many times I get so wrapped up in how the world around me is operating and my limitations within those bounds that I forget or neglect my own spiritual power. I am sure some you may be able to relate.


Maybe that nine to five consumes you so much that it is all you can think of on and off the clock. Perhaps you have children, daycare, PTA  and an entire list of other meetings and functions consuming your thoughts and blocking your inner voice and power.


Well, today I want to encourage you, and myself, to take some time just for you. Whether it be an hour in the evening after everyone is laid to rest or in the morning before your hustle and bustle begins to tap into your inner spirit. Now, I know this is easier said than done so I compiled a list of things that may help with this process.


Journaling-sometimes just writing things down like our feelings, aspirations, worries, or celebrations help us to get a better understanding of our spiritual power. We are of much better help to our friends and family when we have nurtured ourselves.


Meditating- I know this can be difficult in the beginning. Trying to quite our minds with a million and one things going on around us that need to be done can be difficult. Start off with some relaxing music, (preferably without words) let some light into the room, allow yourself to sort through all your thoughts, and then JUST RELAX!:)


Hobby- We all have something that we enjoy doing or wish we could find the time to do. Take that hour a day I mentioned and devote it to learning something new or nurturing a gift you already have. You will find power and confidence in the things you do well.


I hope this post has brought some light to you all today. I just started a new job so my time is very strained but I am making an effort to get back on track with my posting this week. Until next time, I wish you all peace and light. Cee ya in the next post!

Heartfelt Recipe: Brown Sugar Scrub

Hey Everyone,


I hope your days are going well especially with this weather change. It has been so cold here in Maryland and I have been searching for ways to keep my skin hydrated and clean. This brown sugar scrub works miracles for my face and hands! It has been about two weeks since I had the opportunity to share a "Heartfelt Recipe" with you all and I am so excited! Ok here is the recipe:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tsp olive oil
• 3 drops of rosemary essential oil

Mix everything together making sure the olive oil gets worked through the brown sugar. Store the contents in a plastic jar or container and you have your very own homemade brown sugar scrub! I promise you it is like a little piece of heaven :^). I use it on my face, hands, and feet as an natural exfoliater. The great thing about it is that it is 100% natural so unless your allergic to one of the ingredients, you can use it anywhere! It removes impurities while keeping skin moisturized with the penetrating properties of extra virgin olive oil. I absolutely love the way my skin feels after using the scrub. This can be a great addition to your winter skin regimen as our skin can become a bit dry from the cold. I encourage you to try it and share your experience with me. Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your own personal needs. Check out my latest "Food for Thought" guest post over at Naturally Obsessed for a few cool ways to use those Halloween pumpkin remains ;) Don't forget to like HoneyCee.blogspot.com on Facebook by clicking the link on the homepage. I appreciate your support and interest. It really motivates me to keep doing what I do. As always, I wish you all peace and light. Cee ya in the next post!!

Feature of the Week: The Ma'ats of Bintentional.com!

Ayize and Ayiana Ma'at

Peace Family,


I had the immense pleasure of securing an interview with the dynamic duo of Bintentional.com Ayize and Ayiana Ma'at. Their mission is to inspire couples to stop playing and keep pushing, while always keeping it %100 REAL! Check out the interview below...


HoneyCee: For those who do not know, what is the Bintentional movement all about and what was your inspiration for starting it? http://www.bintentional.com entail?

The Ma’ats: B Intentional exist to celebrate and promote intentional living in all areas of life. Our inspiration for starting the B Intentional Movement was an increasing awareness that nothing happens on accident. We all have these latent desires that need to be resurrected and revitalized but this will only occur through intentional action. We feel that it's through this intentional action that some sense of wholeness can be attained. We are an African American couple that has chosen to place intentional emphasis on improving the quality of relationships in our community. We do this because we understand that in order for greatness to be cultivated and manifested in our community their needs to be a radical shift in how parents relate to each other. We believe, "where the head goes the body will follow,"therefore we choose to focus on the adults and their relationships because they are ultimately responsible for redirecting their families toward more successful outcomes. Instead of complaining about the high divorce rates and poor representations of marriage in our community, we decided to do something. We first looked at our relationship and acknowledged the growth we've experienced during the past 15 years and realized that we have awesome value and an obligation to share. B Intentional is "our" call to the community to take action and do something different in our relationships so that we can improve the quality of our lives.

HoneyCee: The advice you give to couples is so encouraging. Where does your advice come from?

The Ma’ats: The primary source of education for our relationship advice is our experience. We are deeply in love with each other and we recognize that nowadays that's rare. We look at the ups and downs in our relationship and extract the lessons we've learned that have enabled us to be as connected as we are. Additionally, Aiyana is a clinical psychotherapist and both of us are certified marriage educators. We have a library of books to extract relationship wisdom from and we are regularly working with couples that are trying to take their relationship to the next level. We also stay connected to continuing education opportunities that help us to stay on top of the current themes and trends in relationship education. All of these experiences help to shape us and enable us to provide advice.

HoneyCee: You give great advice on relationships, but where do you go when you need help in the relationship department?

The Ma’ats: One of the things that we regularly advocate for is "relationship checkups". Whether you are in a good space or more challenging one it's good to sit down with an objective third party and do some "tweaking" or maybe even a relationship "overhaul". We adhere to our own advice and schedule time for "relationship checkups" with the therapist that provided pre-marital counseling to us.

HoneyCee: I love the way the two of you support and compliment each other. How long have you been together and how much does your marriage encourage the direction of Bintentional?

The Ma’ats: We are high school sweethearts. We have been together for 15 years. We have a phenomenal marriage and working relationship. Both combined heavily influence the direction of B Intentional.

HoneyCee:What kind of change would you like to make in the lives of others through Bintentional? What is your ultimate goal or vision for the company?

The Ma’ats: We would like to positively impact the image of black marriage in our community and drastically improve the quality of relationships in our community. One of our immediate goals is to impact 100,000 couples per month. As we accomplish and exceed that number we believe the quality of life for adults and children in our community will improve drastically. In the coming months we will be launching a sister site that will focus specifically on living from a place of purpose and manifesting our dreams. This sister site will be the ultimate online destination for finding and building motivation & inspiration to live out the kind of authentic and powerful lives we are meant to live. Our ultimate goal is to be the best that we can be and inspire others on a worldwide scale to do the same. We are constantly developing and growing so we know the possibilities for us and our company are endless.

HoneyCee: I know you two were featured in a film. Can you tell us more about that?

The Ma’ats: The film "You Saved Me" produced and directed by Lamar and Ronnie Tyler was a candid look into the relationships of 8 couples and the impact marriage has had on their lives. While the film was still in it's inception, we were working hard as marriage educators teaching classes with Nisa Muhammad, the Founder of Black Marriage Day and she introduced us to the Tyler's. We immediately established a rapport and shortly thereafter were asked to be a part of the film. The process of being in the film and the relationships we developed and feedback we received from that helped to further solidify our company's initial goals.

HoneyCee: As a married couple with four children, how do you manage to sustain a loving and supportive relationship?

The Ma’ats: We are intentional about spending quality time with each other. We talk on the phone throughout the day, we sit with each other while our kids are playing, we hold each other, and when we lay the kids down at night we are intentional about being in each other's presence. It really comes down to practicing good communication. Now, we hear that all the time but it's the truth. We must practice what we want to perfect. So, we take our relationship very seriously and know that it will only improve through us doing what is required. Being the best husband & wife we know how to be is a serious commitment and we approach it that way. The other thing is that we are truly friends....like for real best friends. We hang out together, act silly together....and we can get really silly, and make sure that we still make time to "just be together" without work dominating our every interaction.

HoneyCee: What do the classes you offer on your web site http://www.bintentional.com entail?

The Ma’ats: The classes that we offer entail lessons on conflict management, relationship etiquette, communication differences, gender value, sex, intimacy, and understanding. We offer Basic Training For Couples and Singles, Real Talk By Men For Men, as well as Get Unstuck & Do Your Dream. At the foundation of everything we teach and every experience we facilitate is the underlying push for folks to get to know themselves better, increase their insight and understanding of themselves, and reach new heights within themselves and their relationships based on their unique insight.

HoneyCee: If there was one important tip you could give single men and women what would it be?

Ayize Ma’at: Do not lead with your heart OR your head....be balanced and lead with BOTH. This will give you the greatest chance at relationship success.

Aiyana Ma’at: Make it a point to learn how to truly love and accept all of who you are. Learn how to be alone but not lonely. Explore the depths of your own personal strengths and fears. Bottom line---invest in your personal development. It is one of the greatest investments you can ever make.

HoneyCee: If there was one important tip you could give newly married couples what would it be?

Ayize Ma’at : The difference between successful and unsuccessful couples is not the absence of conflict...but rather their ability to manage it. Remember that when times (as they inevitably will) get tough.

Aiyana Ma’at: Marriage is beautiful and fun and it requires work. People don't often like to talk about the work aspect of marriage but at the end of the day it does require work. In our careers we know it makes good sense to increase our skills, add to our toolbox, and get continuing education. Marriage should be no different. Work in your marriage so it will work for you.

HoneyCee: Toss Up: What is your favorite meal and why?

Ayize Ma'at: Fried Tofu with a side of barbecue sauce, spinach with garlic and onions, and macaroni and cheese.

Aiyana Ma'at: Crabs all day every day!!! I love me some crabs! Lol!

HoneyCee: Where can HoneyCee.blogspot.com readers get more information from the Ma'ats?

The Ma’ats: www.blackloveandmarriage.com

Updates:)

Peace Family,


I hope this post reaches you all in good health and spirits. How are you? I would love to hear how your week has been going. I'm happy to say that I will be picking up my new computer battery today! Yay!!! This forced hiatus from HoneyCee.blogspot.com really helped me realize how much I enjoy blogging.


I have a few updates for you all and I didn't want to make a super long post so I did a video for both my blog and YouTube family members to view. I hope you enjoy and feel free to leave your comments, questions, and feedback below. I look forward to resuming my regular blogging schedule next week. As always, I wish you peace and light. Cee ya in the next post!

Feature of the Week: Ashley Robertson of Afiya LLC!

Peace Family,


I had to opportunity to catch up with my good friend and line sister Ashley Robertson Co-Ceo of Afiya LLC. She is a business owner, entrepreneur, and graduate school student at Howard University. I love her for her diligence, tenacity, and down home spirit. I think you will too :) Check out the interview below...

HoneyCee: For those who may not know, what is “Afiya” and what is your mission?

Ashley Robertson: Afiya is a host of natural bath and body products that contain fair trade shea butter and certified organic ingredients. Our line ranges from hair butter, body butter, hair oils, shea sugar scrubs and foot butter. The name Afiya is Swahili and it is a wish of wellness and good health. The mission of Afiya is to create all natural products that heal, soothe and restore your skin and hair and to educate people about how to be healthy inside and out.

HoneyCee: Where did the idea for “Afiya” come from, how long has it been in existence, and what was your inspiration for starting the product line?

Ashley Roberston: Afiya was initially something that my friend Jerilyn (Co-Ceo of Afiya) and I started because of our natural journey's. Initially it was hard to find affordable natural products for our hair and skin so we decided to experiment with creating our own.  Jerilyn created the hair and body butter and I created the eczema butter. We sent the products down to Tiara (Public Relations and Marketing Manager) to test them out and she promoted them at her job. People loved the product and what was supposed to be an experiment turned into a business. Initially the product line began with hair butter, body butter and eczema butter and we later expanded.

HoneyCee: What does the “Afiya” product line consist of?

Ashley Robertson: Afiya has bath, body and hair care products. Our bath products include shea butter soap and body wash. For the body we have facial scrubs, facial wash, facial butter, body butter, body wash, shea butter soap, shea sugar scrubs, body spray and foot butter. Our hair products include hair oil, hair butter, shampoo, conditioner and styling spray. We have new products in the works also.

HoneyCee: Who are “Afiya” products for?

Ashley Roberston: Afiya products are for all people with skin! People make the mistake of thinking that natural products are for people with natural hair but natural products are for anyone that is interested in HEALTHY skin or hair. 

HoneyCee: What is your vision for the future of “Afiya”?

Ashley Robertson: As for the future of Afiya we pray that where ever God wants to take us we will go. I would like for us to own boutique spa's featuring our product across the country if it's in God's will. 

HoneyCee: Toss up: What is your favorite free time activity?

Ashley Roberston: With me being in Grad School I don't have a lot of free time but when I do have some I'm usually on Facebook or playing around with my Blackberry. 

HoneyCee: Where can HoneyCee blog readers get find more information on “Afiya” and check out your products?

Ashley Robertson: You can find Afiya on twitter at www.twitter.com/afiya4you, on youtube at www.youtube.com/afiya4you, on www.facebook.com/afiya4you, our website is www.afiya4you.com and lastly our email address is info@afiya4you.com. You can purchase our products on the website or at www.etsy.com/shop/afiya4you

Quote of the Day: "You Can't Rush A Good Thing"

Peace Family,


I type this post to you in a hurry from work. My new computer battery hasn't arrived yet and it has been rather difficult for me to upload post. I am going to the computer store today when I leave here. Normal activity should resume Monday. Thanks for riding with me:)


What I really want to share with you all today is a quote I heard in passing about a week ago. I can't even remember who said it now, but it was "You Can't Rush a Good Thing." Simple quote right? But it resonated so deeply within me. I really allowed myself to ponder the words for a second and when I did it occurred to me that all the good things that have taken place in my life took time, lots of energy, and patience (which is not my strong suit). I'm working on my patience every day and it is a work in progress. I do breathing exercises, meditation, and most of all prayer! I'm going to keep this saying in the forefront of my mine for the next couple weeks as I am preparing for a few changes in my life. When I feel anxious I'm just going to remind myself "You Can't Rush A Good Thing" and take comfort in the ease that accompanies it. What are your favorite sayings? Feel free to leave them below as I can always use a little enlightenment :). HoneyCee Blog has gotten a little face lift. Check out the changes by clicking here. Until next time, I wish you all a peaceful and positive day. Cee ya in the next post!

Motivation Monday!!

Peace Family,


I come to you this morning with a little motivation. I know Mondays can move kind of slow, but I wanted to share with you the quote that gets my morning moving, "Create Joy, Create Happiness, and Create the Life You Imagine." I chose this quote because it is written on the cup I drink my tea from every morning and it serves as an everyday reminder for me to get up and get to work on the things I want to accomplish. This quote also reminds me that happiness is a choice and that we have some control over how we feel everyday. We can dwell on the negative or focus on the positive. To bring happiness to myself everyday this week, I decided to paint smiley faces on all my nails. Yes, I know its kind of corny but when I look down at my hands there will be smiles coming at me :)

This was an attempt to add a little spice to my week and remind me to smile and be happy. It kind of came out looking like spooky Halloween nails but I'll stick with it mostly because I didn't have time to fix them. It was after twelve a.m. when I did them and I needed to get some rest for work. The point of it was to give myself some encouragement throughout the day. I think it will suffice. What do you do to brighten your week? Leave your comments below I would love to hear from you. Until next time, peace and light.

Cee<3

Song of the Day: Bob Marley "Don't Worry About A Thing"

Peace Family,


I have had this song in my head for the past week! My car broke down again lol My father let me borrow his and that broke down too!!!lol On the way to my part time job yesterday, his car decided it didn't want to accelerate anymore and I had no choice but to creep over to the side of the road and sit. I didn't even get upset. Honestly, I just called my father and thankfully he was able to come get me and take me to work. He even came and took me home last night. My relationship with my father has been a very interesting one to say the least but my sister helped me to realize something this morning, our car situation has helped to mend our relationship with our father. I share this with you all to say there is a blessing in every circumstance even though we can't always Cee it right away. Nothing is by accident everything is for a reason. I have started to accept that I won't always know the answer or the way right from the start. I take comfort in the fact that God has me and would not desert me so I pray and wait knowing that God will reveal everything to me in time :) And I just want you to know that God will do the same for you too. I'm going to leave the link to Bob's "Don't Worry About A Thing" below. I encourage you to listen to it and heed the message he shares with us. As always, I wish you peace and light. Cee ya in the next post!


Link to ""Don't Worry About A Thing:" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mACqcZZwG0k

Recipe of the Week:Egg Plant Spaghetti

In the words of my lovely LS Tiara, downgrade!!! My computer battery is dead and I have had the most difficult uploading posts here and on my guest blog sites. *Sigh* I ordered a new battery and it should be here by the end of next week God willing. I am trying my best to be patient which I have already stated here before, is not my strong suit:) I'm working on it y'all. One day at a time. Ok, here is the recipe:

• Green Onion: Chop three sticks green onion
• Egg plant: 1 chopped into cube sizes
• Tomato: 1 chopped into cube sizes
• Red pepper: 1/2 chopped
• Red Onion: 1/3 or to taste
• Carrots: 3
• Spaghetti Sauce: 1 jar
• Wheat noodles: Half box
• Season: Sage, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Parsley, Season Salt

This recipe will serve 4 people. Check out the video below for a visual of how I made it. Until next time, which I hope will be soon, I wish you all peace and light. Cee ya in the next post!

Feature of the Week: Shelley Chapman!

Shelley Chapman of Naturi Beauty Concepts LLC.

Peace Family,


It is a pleasure to introduce to you all Food Relationship Coach Ms. Shelley Chapman of Naturi Beauty Concepts LLC. I am follower of her blog and youtube channel where she encourages viewers and readers to develop healthy relationships with food. I'll let her explain more to you in her own words...

HoneyCee: For those who do not know, what is Naturi Beauty Concepts LLC. and what inspired you to start the company?

Shelley Chapman: Naturi Beauty Concepts is a brand and lifestyle that promotes radiance through food and beauty.  I was inspired to start the company because I wanted to help women with their natural hair including myself.  The company has grown and my position has evolved from simply the woman who creates and sells the products to The Food Relationship Coach where I help individuals, namely women, redefine and recreate their relationship with food and beauty.

HoneyCee: I love your relationship with food and how you encourage others to maintain a healthy, satisfying relationship with food as well. Why is our relationship with food important? Shelley Chapman: Food is not only a source of nutritional nourishment that our body uses as daily fuel, but it is also a source of connection and energy that helps us create the life we desire.  I know when I say that, I get the occasional Scooby Doo "urrrr?"  It's a different way of looking at it.  I noticed early on how a delicious meal causes people to sing, dance, tap their toes, clap their hand and what have you. We get excited over food.  I encourage people to explore where that feeling comes from and how they can transfer that feeling into their personal lives to create the relationships they want.  Not just their relationship with food, but the relationship with their partner, their career, their family, themselves, etc. HoneyCee: You often talk about food and how it relates to the senses. What specific foods or herbs illicit a specific response from people and why?

Shelley Chapman: I started an event series called “Decadence!” to explore that very concept.  “Decadence!” takes ordinary ingredients and shows the varying uses that can make them extraordinary.  At each “Decadence!” event participants get to taste different dishes prepared with a specific ingredient and then later become a “Kitchen Chemist” and create a beauty product with the same ingredient. At the premiere “Decadence!” event in Atlanta we explored Chocolate.  Chocolate is the ultimate alchemical food.  It inspires our sensual nature and it literally links with our "bliss gene" in our bodies and puts us in a good feeling place.  That's why so many women crave it during their menstrual cycle.  At the D.C. “Decadence!” event we explored Honey, Rosemary and Ginger.  The ginger was uplifting and exhilarating while the honey felt relaxing and soothing.  It really is about people connecting with food and understanding how they can use the varying properties to benefit their lives as necessary.  There are two more upcoming “Decadence!” events on the calendar: December 4 in Atlanta and January 15 in New York.  We'll be exploring coconut and turmeric at the Atlanta event and details are forthcoming for the New York event.

HoneyCee: You make the most delicious meals, some of them I have tried myself, how do you come up with the recipes?  Shelley Chapman: Most of my meals are intuited through my dining experiences in my travels.  We all have different memories of places we've visited, some remember the shopping, some remember the tourist highlights.....I remember the food!  I have this beautiful ability to taste a recipe, so when I order food that I like, I typically recreate it at home.  Other meals are a fusion of some of my favorite dishes.  I really love Thai Sticky Coconut Rice and Mango.  One problem though....I haven't quite mastered the Sticky Rice lol.  So I created a vegan version where I made Coconut Custard with Mango steamed in Banana Leaves....omg! It's so yummy! I have a video with that recipe coming very soon:) HoneyCee: What is your favorite ingredient to cook with? Shelley Chapman: This question always stumps me.  Especially when people ask what my favorite cuisine is.  I love ingredients so much it's hard to choose.  It's easier to tell you what I don't like.  I'm not the biggest fan of Asian inspired food (save Thai or Filipino) because it doesn't utilize tomatoes and cheese lol!  I do love rosemary, basil, mint and thyme.  The first three herbs give a kick to any meal and I love that, even though their little, they manage to boldly stand out and add their creative, powerful boost amongst other flavors in a dish. HoneyCee: I know you have your own line of beauty products. What does the line consist of and what specific benefits can customers look forward to?

Shelley Chapman: I discontinued the line in June.  When Naturi Beauty was conceptualized in 2004, I thought that it would solely be a resource for women with natural hair, thus I created a well received product line.  As the business began to expand, Naturi Beauty Concepts became an umbrella and a lifestyle, not just a product.  Just as anything in life, the business has its own identity and I'm in charge of nurturing it and making sure that the Brand continues to expand.  The focus lately has been showing women how to use food for beauty, consumption, sensuality and health through the “Decadence!” events and the online Naturi Beauty show. There are plans to revamp the actual product line in the future.

HoneyCee: What is your overall goal for Naturi Beauty Concepts LLC. Where would you like to see the company in 5-10 years?  Shelley Chapman: Our goal at Naturi Beauty is to help individuals recreate their relationship with food and beauty and use it to nourish and nurture themselves and ultimately grow.  We are working on having our online show featured on major television networks around the world.  We are looking forward to our “Decadence!” workshops and Culinary Coaching classes going global starting next year.  We're also collaborating with other businesses to create retreat and conference experiences so that women can directly apply the Nourish. Nurture. Grow experience.  We're also authoring several books on food and its energetic appeal that will include loads of yummy recipes of course :)  We have a lot in store, some I can't reveal yet but please join us over at www.naturibeauty.com so that you can stay up to date. HoneyCee:  Toss Up: What is your favorite song and why? Shelley Chapman: Oh dear...again the favorite question stumps me every time....do I have to choose? LOL! Okay let's see, I'll choose one from my list of many.....ummmm I think I'll go with Adele's First Love.  It's beautifully delivered and it really speaks to the need to move on when it's time.  I apply it not only to love but just life situations.  It was really tough to close the product portion of Naturi Beauty, as that was the first love of the business, but it was time to focus, groom and grow other facets.  In this song, she really explores the emotional aspect of letting go and moving on. HoneyCee: Where can HoneyCee.blogspot.com readers get more information from you?

Shelley Chapman: My virtual lounge is a good start www.naturibeauty.com and then you can hop over to my blog and check out my inner landscape at http://naturibeauty.com/blog and of course at Twitter, please do follow me www.twitter.com/naturibeauty and on FB, let's be friends Shelley Chapman and I'd love to have you join the FB Fan page Naturi Beauty as well.