Happy Hairversary!

I can’t believe it’s about to be a whole year since I have embraced weave! And I must say I’m very glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone, taking on another challenge. Just about a year ago, I have stepped up my “Hair Game” (if you will) and taught myself how to do a variation of styles using weave. These experiments ranged from curly to straight and long to short. Thanks to weave, my styles are attributed to my mood. When someone has the nerve to question my weave wearing, I kindly tell them, “It’s simple. Just like my earrings, necklaces, and rings, my weave is an accessory. Keep in mind, I’m an artist and this is an expression of my self taught skill.“

As always, I’ve been big on hair. Ironically, I had the worst time with my hair growing up. Whether it be washing, blow drying, or even preparing for bed, there was difficulty. My mother definitely tried, but failed at doing a head full of thick and natural hair. Inevitably, this crime led us to the salon every two weeks. The days of elementary, middle and high school, I was famously known for my press and curl. All the other girls in my classes wore braids or permed hairstyles. Yet, my mother attested them, leaving me to stick out like a soar thumb. However, this gave me a very early lesson to embrace my natural beauty, the one god gave me.
On top of everything else, everyone only knew me by my hair. Even today, my hair is the first thing people recognize or retain from the last time we’ve seen each other. on the other hand that’s been the reason why some of my peers don’t recognize me when i switch up my hair styles (which is often every week or two). With all that aside, I still (and always will) love my hair and the long journey we have surpassed together. My hair has never been a walk in the park, but when those tough times arise I’ll always have a pack of weave by my side.

Vintage Chic

Many women love vintage shopping for unique pieces that set their wardrobe apart from women who strictly chooses designer labels. Are you getting the most for your money and investing in pieces you can actually wear?

When you head into your favorite thrift shop, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. There are tons of one-of-a-kind clothing pieces and alluring accessories that at first glance seem perfect. However, keep in mind they might not be perfect for you. Here are 5 ways to make sure that when you shop vintage, you come home with something worthwhile:

1. The Condition Should Be Perfect
That means no pulling, stains, discoloration or loose threads. These details make the difference between a piece that is timeless and a garment that’s just dated.
2. Pick Pieces You Are Actually Going To Wear
The most common error in vintage shopping is buying something just because you like the way it looks. Though clothing can be a work of art, if you can’t incorporate it into the wardrobe you have now, it’s a total waste of money.
3. Be Creative
At the same time, don’t pass up a garment because it lacks all the bells and whistles of today’s clothes. Put your creative thinking hat on! You may need to add studs or remove a sleeve or two to make the look work for your modern style.
4. Pay Attention To Fit
Vintage pieces are made differently then clothing today. Women used to wear undergarments to give the garments the shape that they wanted. To make sure your vintage find gives you the perfect fit, follow these steps:
-Learn your measurements, especially if you are going to be vintage shopping online.
-Stick to shapes and silhouettes that you already know work for your body type.
-If visiting a thrift store, wear clothes that you can get in and out of easily so you can try pieces on.
-Remember your tailor is your friend!
5. Post-Shopping Care
Since vintage items have a longer shelf life than newly-constructed pieces, they need extra attention. Don’t forget to wash your items with care as soon as you bring them home. Hang delicate pieces in a garment bag or fold and wrap them in tissue paper for storage.
From UPT w/♥,
£u¢kλ £íßra!

Finally Off Campus

As a college student, you are faced with tough decisions each and every day. Should I go to the café or order Chinese? Should I study for my quiz tomorrow or go to the movies with friends? Should I stay pre-med or major in musical theater? But one decision that can be surprisingly simple is the decision to live off-campus.
Most colleges require you to live on-campus during your freshman year, but after a year (or two) of not so polite roommates you desperately want the key to officially unlock your freedom. Living off campus is a definite possibility. However, if you want to live off-campus then you should consider moving off-campus.
Of course the decision to move off-campus is not that easy. Especially when you have to take your parents concerns into account. For those of you saying, “My parents will never let me,” below is all you need to know about getting your parents on board the off-campus train.

Finances
At least on month prior to moving out, figure out where you are going to live. Your parents want to know that you think in advance about the consequences of future decisions. Consider the rent the exact amount, (not ranges) according to you and your parents’ financial standing. Gather the money you will need to live for a third or half the time you will be living off campus. Most parents will assist you in paying the rent. However, there is always a limit. So take the time to actually do the math. Parents like when you come to them with details and complete information. They’ll be in disbelief when you rationally explain that living off-campus will save them money.
Location/Commuting
Examine the distance from school to campus. Is it more than 30 minutes? If so, remember, the closer the better. Parents sometimes get on edge about their children commute too many miles a day. Be sure to include how you plan to get back and forth to campus. Understand that a car does not run on water, so make plans to get a job to main your vehicle.
People
Which friends (if any) will be living with you and for how long? Your parents are always going to want to be informed. So don’t allow secrets or hiding details of your living arrangements become your downfall. Let’s be realistic, boy/girlfriends will most likely not be acceptable roommates in your parents eyes.

Show Off!
Make it obvious that you are (or willing to become) responsible adult. Parents want you to be responsible and living in your own apartment will require you to be responsible. Show that you are confident and excited to take on that responsibility. For example keep your room spotless, wash clothes and dishes, and even take care of small things your parents normally handle. If your parents still don’t buy it, let it be known that you are willing to grow up. Say something like, “I will just have to learn how to cook and clean and care for an apartment. I won’t have a choice. I will have to learn how to do these things eventually and I am excited and ready to learn now.

Congratulations! You’ve just successfully won over your parents and will be moving off-campus next semester. Happy moving!

From UPT w/♥,
Coffλ!

Unique Potential

What is unique potential??While matriculating through college, one definitelty is exposed to a unique growing experience, whether it be with morals, work ethic, social life, networking, etc. Some may even call it unique potential  Unique potential is not a job or a career, but it is discovering who you are and what you can best bring to this world. It starts with challenging yourself and receiving support from their peers and community to go after your future endevors. Nothing is impossible, or even unlikely.
And it feels crazy for me to say this now, but I am finally living up to my life's full potential. I have made choices to live by:
 #1. Don't let other opions consume you.
#2. Live YOUR life

The more I think about it, the more I reflect on how I used to be so afraid to be myself. I was afraid to just be. However, now i see the importance of confidence. No, this outgoing chick you see on my blog, was not always this way. We all go through plenty of struggles. Trust me. Every day, I try to reflect on how much I have grown (especially since attending college). I can only speak from my experiences and I must say... Yes, everything does happen for a reason but on the flip side, things don'thappen for a reason as well. Sometimes God doesn't give you what you want. Sometimes this may have you feeling down, but just know that in some instance it wasn't meant to be. He's planning something so much greater than you could even image! With each day He gives you, He love showers you with love. There may been a time when the one thing you continued to hold onto was never good for you in the first place. And sudently its being ripped from you and you're even more hurt than before. But understand it was simply the best for the best!
I hope this was inspiring!!! Remember...
Its all UP to you!!! Use your Unique Potential!!!<

Long Live Dr. KING

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”-Martin Luther King, Jr.





Thank you Dr. King for your determination and extreme courage. I am truly glad that there national holiday just for you. During your short time on earth you embraced your unique potential and I plan on doing the same.