My Year Off and What's to Come!

It's been exactly a year since I posted anything. There were many nights where I sat here thinking and typing but I never hit publish. I felt like my creativity had dripped out of my finger tips and had been soaked up in the carpet. I was somewhat lost for words. In the beginning I felt like it was the anxiety I was having over changing my blog name. When I started my blog I was somewhat content with being single and I was dating. Not steady, just dating. I felt like I wouldn't be married for years. Boy, was I wrong. It took me until June to come up with a name and it took me another 3 months to buy the domain. This may be the last time you see a post from Blogging While Single. The new name (I think) is Jess Is Moore (yes, my new last name is Moore). This gave me even more anxiety because of all the ifs ands and buts I always put myself through. Hopefully now that I have a new name and working on a new layout, I will feel more creative. For the last few months I've felt as if I was loosing myself. Anywho, here's what I've been up to these past 365 days!

I got hitched! April 27th in Las Vegas! Yes, Vegas. I didn't want to spend the money (that I didn't have) on a wedding. It intimate and private. Almost perfect.

I also traveled to a few places. We went to San Diego for our Honeymoon. I also went to New Orleans with a friend, and I went to New York to visit my Aunt with my sister for my birthday! I went to the Wendy Williams show and she told me happy birthday! Highlight! We ate soooooooo good!

2014 was a great year for my hair as well! I tried new things and new products. Here's my year hair review. It's also posted on my Instagram (jessie9981). I promise to make a list of my fave products for you!

I picked up sewing. I plan o do a lot more sewing projects in 2015. I also spent some quality time with the people I love most!

Last but definitely not least, I started the book in the pic above. You are a BADASS! This book is awesome! I have a whole list of books to read this year. Please join me!

It Always Seems Impossible Until its Done

Get a Life NOT a Job

What the most Successful People do Before Breakfast

Me Before You (Next on my list)

Secrets of Six Figure Women

Crazy Rich Asians 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

Past, Present, and Future! New Seasons!

Hello everyone! I know it's been forever since I've blogged. I decided to take some time out to figure out what direction I wanted to go with my blog. Major changes have happened over the last few months. I've grown and found myself heading in one direction. Hair! LOL, don't get me wrong. I love my hair! BUT, I'm so much more than that. We shall see what happens. Until then, lets go down memory lane. I've been quite the traveler this year. In March I went to Memphis with a friend.

I had a great time at the Martin Luther King Jr memorial. I enjoyed taking pictures and reading facts that I didn't even know. Just seeing the makings of that day really made me think. I went to a predominantly white school growing up. Every time we would have a play or study on history, I would ALWAYS have to play Martin Luther King or do research on him. It erked me to no end! It still erks me lol. I just wish I had more information back then. Anywhooooooo...... Graceland was huge. It was pretty. It just had to much going on for me lol. The tour was way to long. I finished early and sat on a bench. Sent a few emails and texted friends while my friend looked around. I will say that his work ethic was great. The Elvis in Vegas section was very interesting.

I also went to Jamaica! I was saddened by the environment around the resort. We are very blessed here in the United Stated. I couldn't imagine.....Next time I go I either want to go with a huge group of people or my beau.

 I found myself laying on the alllll day everyday.

                                                                                                                                                                     I went on a short trip to Atlanta to go to an ItWorks event. Had a blast with my family. It was my only trip with my sister this yea.        

     

I went to numerous hair events. This year I learned how to communicate with my hair lol. I must say, I had some pretty great hair days.

I also took a leap of faith and opened my own online jewelry store! This was one of the scariest thing I have ever done. I named it JCAdorn! I want to adorn ladies (and guys in the near future) with great affordable pieces! Here's a few pieces.............

The most exciting thing that has happened to me was recently. My beau asked for my hand in marriage and I said YES! This is why I'm having such a hard time with the direction of my blog. 

Please join me in prayer for our union! 

I pray that this year will be blessed beyond measure for each and everyone of you! Until next time................PEACE AND BLESSINGS, Jessie!

My Blowout With A Twist

Hello good people! Hope your week has been productive and blessed. Last week I decided to blow my hair out. It's been a while. I love a blow out! It's just one problem; your style won't last long at all and you have to re-twist every night (insert sad face here). Let's get right to business shall we.....

Here are the products that I used. Motions Natural Texture Heat Styled Straight Finish Cleanser. It came in a curl box. I like it.Nothing really stood out about it. Not bad at all though....

Curl Care Curl Friendly Blowout Foam. Came in the same curl box as the product above. I really like this product. My curls always go back without a problem.

You Be Natural Moisturizing Conditioner. LOVE.THIS.PRODUCT. My hair felt sooooo soft!

You Be Natural Defrizz Define and Shine Serum. I used it to take down my twist. I really like this product as well.

I used the conditioner as a pre-poo. I like to condition first. Plus when I pre poo it allows me to deep condition after shampooing and I get better results. Just my thing. I became lazy and didn't deep condition though; which defeated the purpose of my pre-poo........le sigh.....

After, I blew dry my hair straight. Took about 20 minutes max.

I created eight twist. I put a roller on the ends of each twist along with the defrizz serum. Then I took my sleepy self to bed.  When I woke up six hours later I took the roller out with defrizz serum on my fingertips. My hair frizzes so easily. This method helps. Oil helps as well. Fluffed and puffed. All done!

This style is pretty basic and one of the easiest styles that I do. October I will step my game up! I'm having an October challenge. I will do my hair once a week and blog about it. Please feel free to hold me accountable lol. I'm so lazy when it comes to my hair. Wash and go then I'm out. I want to be more bold and learn more ways to do more fabulous styles. YOU TUBE HERE I COME! Until next time..............

The Perfect Twist Out vs The Perfect Wash and Go

Hello everyone! I have been one busy lady these last couple of weeks. So busy that I forgot to post the best twist out that I've ever done lol. I've been soaking up so much info over the last two months and applied all of it to my tresses in order to pull off (what I refer to) the perfect twist. I used my transitioning kit (even though I'm fully natural) that I spoke about here.

First, I washed my hair with the cleanser (smells divine). After a thorough wash I applied the Coconut Curlada for about 30 minutes. I would be lying if I said I rinsed it all out. I left a little in my hair. Next I towel dried and then I applied the defining moments curl defining serum to combed out hair. I created four sections. Now time to start my twist!

I used a technique I learned at a hair event. I started off with a braid. Mid way I stopped braiding; split the middle sections, and twisted it all the way down to the ends. I sealed the ends and my edges with the edge control. Once I was done with all my twist I let them partially dry. Once they were partially dry, I added foam roller to the end. Time for bed!

When I awoke the next morning my twist were dry. I took the rollers out and separated my twist with oil on my fingertips. I find that my hair is so much smoother if I have oil on my hands when I take my hair down. Now fluff! I start at the root then make my way down. I use a comb at the root and my fingers everywhere else. All done! It lasted four days. Below is how my hair looked all four days.

I call this the twist, roll, separate, and fluff method!

Now for my go to style! The wash and go. If you've read any other article on my blog about hair, you would know that this is my all time favorite. The reason why I'm calling this one my favorite is because my hair was so soft and it moved with no wind lol. That's how light it is. I was blessed to be a presentation model at a hair event Tuesday and was able to get some pretty great samples. I also purchased some product as well.

I washed my hair with the sample of  You Be Natural (a Lusters product) moisturizing and detangling shampoo. My hair was put in Bantu knots so I needed this in order to wash the style out. I had my conditioner on stand by just in case it didn't detangle. Low and behold it did! I love this shampoo. I try to only shampoo my hair twice a month. I co-wash twice a week. BUT this product may make me add an extra shampoo in the mix. After I towel dried I applied Sapote Hair Lotion by Pura Body Naturals. I won it at an event. It is super light and it smell soooooo good. Made my hair even softer than it already was. After, I applied the You Be Natural Defrizz Define & Shine Serum. You can tell by the pictures up top how shiny my hair is. I put on a bonnet and went to sleep. The next morning I got up and shook my hair out with my fingers and went to work. Bottom left corner. You can't tell how shiny it is because of lighting, but it was still shiny and it was fluffy. I will be using these products on a normal basis.

What are your go to products? What techniques do you have for a perfect twist out or wash and go? Please share with this product junky HA! Until next time....................................

Challenge Accepted!!!

Hello everyone! I am sooooo excited about this new challenge my fellow Wrap sisters and I am having. You've seen the pictures on Instagram and Facebook of all those 30 day challenges. Well, we're doing three of them! Yes, three! Pray for me lol.

I started last night (September 1st) and let me tell you..........My legs feel life a noodle. I haven't done anything besides walk briskly and light weight jog for the last two months. I know; shame on me..........

For the next month we will wrap (Ultimate Body Applicator .) once a week. I'm wrapping my tummy for the first two weeks. Take our ItWorks supplements (fat fighter, greens, thermo fit, ect.). We will do each one of these challenges and also keep up with our food for the day. We're holding each other accountable by posting it on My Fitness Pal. You can follow me if you would like @jessie9981. If you are interested in any of the products we're using be sure to check out my site https://jessicacoleman.myitworks.com/Home. I will be posting before and after pictures each week! Till next time........................

All things HAIR Related!

Hello everyone! How was your weekend! Mine was fabulous! I went to a great hair event called Bella Glam Sip and Style. I had a great time and learned a load of information that I wanted to share with fellow hair junkies like myself.

Julian and Vee from Bella Kinks gave some great tips! Each guest was also given an AWESOME bag with loads of goodies!

Told ya! LOADS of goodies! I'm most excited about the transitioning kit. I didn't transition. I big chopped. Here's my theory: IT'S JUST HAIR! If I can't grow it, I can weave it and sew it. I've seen far to many people with about 4 inches of waviness or puffiness at the top and broken strands just lingering at the bottom.Not cute. But we'll talk more about that later. I love the kit because it has some really great products in it.

Creamy Curl cleanser, Coconut Curlada, Defining Moments Curl Release Serum, and the Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste are the contents of the box. I.Am.Excited!

Here are a few pebbles of wisdom Julian gave us:
Find your porosity in order to find what products to use NOT your curl pattern (no wonder it was always a hit or miss when using new products. Some product just sit on your hair; this is why).
Put lavender, tea tree oil, and rose mary in an 8 oz bottle of shampoo or conditioner in order to stimulate the scalp (which in turn stimulates growth and helps with scalp issues).
Curly Whip by Hair Rules is great for wash and goes.
Black tea rinses help with excessive shedding.
Let your hair and scalp breath. Don't just wear braids and sew-ins all the time.

The best advice she gave was to the ladies transitioning. Not all transitions are created equal! She stated that she transitioned by wearing a sew in and when she big chopped her perm off the front was limp and didn't curl like the rest of her hair. I tell people this all the time; when you keep putting heat on a tiny section of hair and not the rest you will get these results. She ended up big chopping again (her hair is fabulous!!!).

I won't leave you without showing you my latest results of my go to style. The wash and go! The two products I used were the BEST thus far of all the products I have under my sink lol. I got them out of my July CurlBox.

As you can see, my curls are defined. They're also soft and shiny. If you have any questions please email me at jessie9981@bloggingwhilesingle.com. If you have a great product that I should try, leave a comment below. If you've tried any of the product above please let me know what you thought of them. Until next time............................

Top Five: Things I Will Say to my Daughter

I have a strong urge to be a successful business woman, a wife, and a great best friend. However, the strongest urge I have is to give birth to a daughter. My desire stems from wanting to break a generational curse.

Before going on, I would like to say that I have been away from writing on my blog for a while. I blame it on writers block and business. Deep down, this is not true. The truth comes from not wanting to allow myself to go deeper with my readers and to awake hurtful feeling within myself. Today I received a wake up call. My up line and friend told me she read my blog and stated, " Your blog is about to minister to a whole lot more women who NEED to understand what this independent woman thing is about!"

This not only reminded me that people are watching; it also reminded me that God sends people in your life for a reason. She spoke something for me that I didn't have the guts to speak into myself. A fire started within that wouldn't calm until words started to lead my fingertips.

You see, my mother didn't have a good relationship with her mother. I do not have a good relationship with my mother. I know it's a generational curse. I also know that since I have identified it, I have a chance  (with God's help) to break it....

1) I love you. These words will be the first words that baby Ella (yes, I have named my baby already lol) will hear. These words will be consistent through out her life. I can't remember more than one time that I heard this from my mother  before graduating from high school. Now that I think about it, none of family says this. The only reason why I say it so much is because of my church family, but that's another post for another day.

2) You were conceived in love. I want Ella to know that not only do I love her, I love her father (we love each other). For ME, it is important that I have kids while married. Again, for ME. I know plenty of single women holding it down. I salute you. I was blessed as a child to have God parents who modeled what it meant to be married and raise your children. They were always their for us in every way possible. I always had a support system. I was also blessed to see the other side of the coin. It made me have an even bigger desire to do better.

3) You're worth the wait. No one ever told me this before the age of 26. I never heard this preached before the age of 25 which was far away from the 16 year old who decided to give away her virginity freely with no idea of what she was in for  (I wrote about it here).  I don't want to be that mother taking her daughter to get contraceptive or to get tested for an STD or taking her to CVS for a pregnancy test. I want her to know her body is special. Her gift should be given to someone who knows her worth and respects her as a wife first.

4) I apologize. So many times parents mess up, big time. That's okay. We are human. I want to be able to say I apologize with out any if, ands, or buts about it.  If and when that time comes, I want to be able to come to her with love and apologize.

5) You are beautiful (smart, funny, unique, a gift). I know how important it is for young ladies to hear these words early on. I also know first hand the length young ladies will go in order to hear this from other people when they have never heard it at home. Self esteem and the need for acceptance has played a huge part in my life. At first I wanted my biological father to acknowledge me. After that, I wanted my mother to acknowledge me. When that didn't pan out, I sought acceptance from my boyfriend. Do you see where this is going?

Again, this is MY list. It may not pertain to everyone. Everyone may not agree to what I'm saying. Please remember, this is MY testimony. This is MY healing process. I also know that God may not give me the daughter that I desire. I will count it all joy either way. Fact is, it could be His way of breaking the curse. Maybe the third or forth generation has passed. I have no nieces on my mothers side so that may not be to far fetched.

Hug you babies...What is something that you would tell your daughter? Until next time............................