I Made It Through - I'm a Junior

As you know this semester was my first term carrying a full-time credit load.  It was so hard.  I am so thankful I made it through.  I'm not totally happy with all my grades but I passed everything.  I wasn't sure I was going to make it through the Anatomy & Physiology class at all.  I honestly had a break down in that class one day.  When I say break down I am literally saying I started crying in the middle of a test because I did not know the answers.  The professor had to come to my desk and talk me through my moment.  That is how hard this class was for me.  I fought my way through to earn that C. 

The best news of all.....

I am officially a Junior.  This means more then I can put into words.  It means progress, determination, positive momentum.  I have been a sophomore so long.  Every time I tried to go to school or continue school there was always some obstacles.  Whether it was pregnancy, children, moving or money.  Life has not been easy, but this time I made it through two terms, Summer and Fall and this is my results. 

I'm all registered for Spring 17 term and set to go.   I'll keep you updated which will help me to stay accountable.  

Talked to you soon.

Be Blessed & Smile
 

Results My African Ancestry

Way back at the end of July.  I told you about my quest to discover my ancestry and sending in my DNA to be analyzed.  I have my results. No it did not take this long to get them back.  I have been so involved with going back to college, working and taking care of my family that this post did not got done. Sorry, so here it is. Drum roll please lol.

This was the first thing I saw when I opened the envelope.  Keeping you in suspense lol

Look I am Bamileke!!!!

I know it hard to read this so here is the just of it.  My MatriClan analysis successfully identified my maternal genetic ancestry.  My Sequence Similarity Score is 100%. 

Which means African Ancestry is 100% confident in my results.

I was so surprised about my results being 100%.  A lot of people I've seen on YouTube state the results are mixed.  I don't really remember anyone saying 100% match.  I know this is my maternal side only but honestly I have no plan to test my paternal side.  I was raised by my mom and my mom's family.  I knew my day but I don't remember his family.  I honor those ancestors on his side in my prayers and meditations but its my maternal side I know.

There you have it.  I am Bamileke, Cameroon.

Cameroon flag

I recommend African Ancestry to anyone searching for their African roots. 

Next steps, going to visit my home land.  I'll keep you posted.

Be Blessed & Smile

The Art of Waiting

I've been in a waiting room for one hour thirty minutes. Several people have been here longer then me.  Those people are angry, cursing, and complaining. I can't understand why.  I understand not liking to wait but when you come to a place like this everyone should know there is a loooooong wait. Where am I waiting? Social Services. 

I knew coming here would probably be an all day process.  I prepared myself. I have books on my phone, researching things I have on mind mind, pen and paper to right down ideas.  These are some things you should do when coming to these establishments. 

I notice those complaining have been here before. Why would they think anything changed about the wait.  If anything they should be prepared for it to be worst because of the holidays.

The art of Waiting is to be prepared and still find a way to be productive.

Be Blessed & Smile

Finished the Finals

I just finished my last exam for this semester.  This semester went by fast but I am proud of myself for pushing through.   I just have to wait for my grades to come in. Then get myself ready for next semester.

Is anyone else in school? How as you semester?

Be Blessed & Smile

Getting Out at School

Hello everyone it's been a while sense I posted. I have shared a couple of my new YouTube videos but I have not written in a while.

School has been going along well. I'm in the middle of finals. I feel good about most of my classes. 

In my attempt to make the most of my going back to school experience I've been going to the different events and programs. If you follow me on Instagram, which you should, I post a lot of pictures about my school.

University of the District of Columbia

I honestly love my school. Its a HBCU (Historically Black College & University). It has a diverse faculty and student body. Also it affordable. You won't got into major debt getting your degree. 

Anyway, the last event I attended was the probate or new member presentation of the Fall16 line of
 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated-Kappa Alpha Chapter. 

It was really fun. I enjoyed myself and those ladies did an excellent job. 

If you would like to see pictures and a clip of the show head over to my YouTube channel https://youtu.be/xhU_qOw0Hgk

Until next time

Be Blessed & Smile

Back to College

University of the District of Columbia Miss. UDC

Quick Update

Hi everyone just wanted to share a quick update. I'm still in school. I'm at school in this picture.  My first semester went great. I ended up with an A & B. 

I'm now in the middle of fall semester. It is kicking my but lol. However as you can see I'm still smiling.

OTTD: Love of Purple

Sunday outing with my family.  Purple is my favorite color.  This outfit is so me.

 

 

Outfit Details

Blazer: IMAN Global Chic Luxury Resort Sexy Blazer with Printed Detail (Sold Out) similar

 Iman Boyfriend Blazer

Tank: Avenue

Maxi: Custom made by Mz. Tee (DM her for info & orders)

 

Be Bless and Smile

 



OOTD : Winter All Year

I've never been a person to not wear something I liked because of the seasons.  If its short or thin I just modify it and wear it anyway.  So the other day when I got dressed, I ask my daughter how I looked. Her response was cute but very winter.  Then she suggested I change in to some jeans.  I looked at my outfit and started to go change but I stopped myself. I thought I like what I have on.  So I went out in my "winter" look. 

I got several compliments. Plus I felt great all day.  That is what fashion is all about.

Outfit Details

Tee: TheEternalEmpress 

Skirt: Women Within

Shoes: Torrid

 

What Are You? African Ancestry

I remember being a work one day when a new employee was introducing his self.  We was all talking and I asked him was he Hispanic because of his name but he didn't have an accent so I wasn't sure. He explain his background. He was Hispanic by American terms but what was interesting was he was able to tell us exactly what his family lineage was.  He was Spanish in the real term as his mother and farther were from Spain. Although he was born in America he considered him self Spanish and had dual citizenship.  Everyone involved in the discussion was able to do this. Then he asked me what I was. I was the only black person in the group. I had to explain I am a decendent of slaves and as such I don't know exactly what my lineage is.
I felt so robbed and exposed by that experience.  Its was as if I was missing a part of me.
I heard about African Ancestry a while ago but in all honesty the price stopped me. However I promised myself if I every got any extra money I would make the sacrifice.
Finally I've done it.

 The package

The full kit

My complete test.

In the mail.

I have to wait 6 - 8 weeks for the results.

I will now be able to know and start to research my roots.  So next time when some one asked me what are you I can truly answer.

Be Blessed & Smile

The Journey Contiues

I have learned so much about myself this year. It hasn't all been perfect but I feel like the real Krystal is starting to live. I started by just accepting what is, what I cannot change and being happy anyway.
I was fired from a job.
I decided to take this time to go back to school.
My application for financial aid was denied.
I filed an appeal.
I got a new job, some thought was benneth me.
It hurt me but I decided to enjoy the freedom of the job.
My appeal was approved.
My job works around my school scheduled.
Some things are hard: homework, studying, still taking care of my children but life is good.

I got a B in my first class. So proud of myself.

Be Blessed & Smile

Review: Women Within Knit Midi

Every month my mom gets catalogs Roamans, Women Within and Jessica London to name a few.  I look through them, then normally into the recycle they go.  However recently I was looking for a khaki colored skirt to wear to work.  I noticed Women Within catalog was a having a great sale going. First, their 7-Day knit A-line Skirt was 2/$22. Second, 30% off each additional item with a purchase of 3 or more items.  So I figured I would give them a try.  With a deal like that I purchased 3 skirts: khaki, olive and berry. My first one was $11, the other 2 was $7.70.

I love a skirt with pockets.  The material is soft and thick. It will work into the fall and winter with some tights.  I can see these skirts becoming my go to skirts.  I will be going back for more colors.

Here I am on my way to work.

Yes, I work at Target. This post is not endorsed by Target at all.

Be Bless & Smile

   

L.A. Colors Color Lip Balm

A new Dollar Tree opened recently near me.  I finally had time to go check it out.  I enjoy going to Dollar Tree. You never know what new items you may discover.   This time I found

L.A Colors Color Lip Balms.

I'm totally into purple lips right now so of course I got the one that looks purple with the purple writing on it.  The name is so cute "Ka-pow!"   This lip balm says it moisturizes while giving a light tint of color.  When I first put it on I was surprise how substantial it felt on my lips, very moisturizing.  The moisture lasted most of the day.  I only had to reapply after meals.  

The color to me was very pigmented. Wasn't the color I was expecting.  More of a pink then purple but still nice.

Here are my lip bare.

  

These are with the Lip Balm

Pink not purple

My hand in the shot lol

I decided to put my Wet n Wild metallic liquid lipstick in "Indigo Your Own Way" over it to get the purple I was looking for.  I know the name seems like it should be blue but its purple.

Loved this combo.

If your around a Dollar Tree grab one its worth the $1.

Be Blessed & Smile

The Real: Natural vs. Natural

I've noticed on Instagram, Facebook and in my everyday face to face life the difference reactions I receive when I wear my hair in different styles.  Its interesting to me.  When I post/wear my hair manipulated but curling creams and gels I get so many likes and compliments.  Then when I wear my hair truly, what I think is natural, with no hair products I get less compliments or likes or none at all.  Its funny because the reactions are from my community, black people and the natural hair community. It seems to me we still have an issue with our true natural hair.  Why?  Is it we still want to fit into a certain look? Why would controlled curls be better then uncontrolled puffy?  My hair when it doesn't have products in it stands up.  It doesn't lay down. But isn't that the beauty of our hair?  That it defies gravity, its soft and fluffy, it has life to it.  This is not to say anything against wash n' go ladies or people who like or prefer that style. I wear that style often.  I'm just wondering if we have come as far as a community as we would like to think?

Be Blessed & Smile

Second Story Boutique

OOTD brought to you by Second Story Boutique. I have been past this shop so many times.  Each time I looked in the window and told myself I'm going to check them out one day.  So yesterday I'm just out enjoying the weather and walked past the shop.  I have time so I go in.  The shop is so cute and welcoming.  I was greeted as soon as I walked in. The young lady working was so nice thanked me for coming in, explained the lay out and told me to let her know if I needed anything. She even pointed out the sale rack.

Second Story Boutique is a consignment shop as the name suggest.  They carry clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry. Consignment and new retail can be purchased.

Located at 3903 Georgia Ave, NW

2nd Floor

Washington, DC 20011  

Online: www.secondstoryboutique.com

 I found several items but I controlled myself and picked up only three pieces: earrings, necklace and a dress.  The earrings will be in a later post.

If you in the area go check them out. Support a female, black owned business.

Showing My African Pride

I finally got me a Dashiki.  I'm so happy. Even better, I was able to support an former schoolmate of mine with my purchase.  The owner of the shop and I went to school together. We grew up in the same neighborhood.

Salone Starr 

owner of Designs by Salone Starr

Fashionable Homemade West-African Accessories

She even has dresses. 

I didn't get a dress that day but this is on my wish list.

So go check her out. Support a small, black female owned business.

Be Blessed

New Year - New Start

It's spring which means for me finding something to do or restarting something I have not completed.  I'm doing a little of both this year.  I'm going back to doing things I enjoyed doing & I'm pushing myself to finished things I've always wanted to do but believed was too hard for me. 

I enjoyed blogging, sharing my ideas, life and pictures was always fun to me.  It seemed like a great way to meet people and make friends; even if they was only on social networks.  I stopped because I got caught up in what my blog should be compared to someone else or why I don't have a lot of followers.  Thank you to my faithful 3 followers your AWESOME.  It started to feel like work. I already have a full time job that feels like work every minute of the day while I'm there.  I didn't want  that feeling blogging too.  So I stopped.

 School the academic part of school has always been a challenge for me.  I have some self esteem issues.  I've never really felt smart enough to get a degree so when ever I received a low grade I would tell myself see your not smart enough for this. So I stopped.

See the trend here.

Finally, enough is enough.  I'm getting too old for this foolishness.  I have to enjoy the life I have left to live.  So what if I only have 3 followers.  So what if I get a "C" not an "A".  I must make myself happy.  I'm worth it.  I wake up everyday now and tell myself I am well able.

With that being said I got myself a gift to help me along the way.

Isn't she cute.  She, yes she, will help me start blogging again and go back to school online.  I even found a HBUC (Historically Black College/University) online - Hampton University. Yes that was important to me if I'm going to spend money going to school I might as well support my own. 

Tell every body I'm on my way again lol.  I love to start over but this time I plan to finish.  So in two years or however long it takes me I will post a picture of me in my cap & gown.  I know I will enjoy that.

Smile

K-SeaPlus

Failure & Starting Over

How many time do you start over? One, two, three or four.  When do you get to the point of think maybe I can't do this. If you try to accomplish a goal but never succeed.  Do you think maybe I'm just not meant to have this or do this.  I'm at that point in my journey.  I've tried at least four time to finish college.  Not even for career advancement, but just to accomplish a goal.  However  each and even time I've stopped.  The reasons vary from getting pregnant while in college to my job & school schedule did flow.  I had to keep my job.  I had two children to feed by that time.  The last time I stopped was my own insecurities.  I worked so hard on my final paper but  received a C.  I was crushed. Looking back on it know I should of sucked it up and kept going.  That's the thing about self esteem, if its low then the slightest hit will cause a major effect.

So here I go again giving it another go.  I'm thinking about what will be different for me this time. Honestly, I have not idea.

Any suggestions?

Wash & Go by the Dollar Store

First day of the year decided to deep condition my hair and do a wash & go.  For my deep conditioning I used Eden - All Natural Cleansing CoWash.

Every other product was from the 

Dollar Store. 

1. Lusti Naturals Argan Oil Hair Moisturizer

2. Nene's Secret P.P.P. (perfect pretty pudding)

3. Lusti Natuals Argan Oil Curl Wave Twist

Love the way it turned out.