Blog

  • How To Be Selfish And Happy

    Following my “make it count” philosophy for 2014, I developed a strategy to be selfish (in a positive way) and happy. I am one of those people who tend to be overwhelmingly generous with everyone I interact with and everything I do with out expecting a reward. Even though I figured this genuine caring sentiment would be reciprocated, I realized that I was jeopardizing my own happiness. If you pause and discover that no one around you is putting in effort that is equal to or beyond what you do, it is time to re-evaluate your priorities. This does not mean you allow your experiences to jade your view on life, but instead find strength in putting ‘you’ first. Accept the fact that not everyone around you deserves your time or skills and do not feel guilty about saying “no.” Wisely choosing when to be accessible, why you want to help someone, and who you interact with can do wonders in removing negativity from your mind. You can then clearly focus on the people who benefit from your shining qualities and appreciate your existence. In return, others who share your values and can help you will be drawn to you by your positive vibes.

    Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments below.

  • Elle Eyre

    Ella Eyre

    Ella Eyre is a British singer and songwriter and rising star for 2014. Her debut album is due in the summer of 2014. I like the simple-pop, smooth-R&B, and slight-reggae blending in her debut single “Deeper.” Enjoy.

  • John Newman

    John Newman is an English singer and songwriter. He was ranked one of the most successful and praised British singers in 2013. His debut album “Tribute,” tells a story about his personal experiences with relationships. It has a retro style and unique voice with influences from rock-n-roll to classic soul. Enjoy.

  • Find Balance in Your Life

    BalanceInLife

    One of my goals for this year is to maintain balance in my life. I decided to record my first vlog post (excited!!) to explain where I am now and how you can also create balance in your life.

    I found the key to balance is making time for what you love that makes you feel good about waking up that morning. For me, it is indulging in something creative. What are you making time for?

  • Sharaya J

    Sharaya J

    Sharaya J is a Hawaiian-born and New Jersey-raised rapper and choreographer recently signed to Missy Elliot’s label “The Goldmind Inc.” Her recent single’s “BANJI” and “Smash Up The Place” are pumping with rhythm and humor. Her style, energy, and dance skills are a real refresher in the rap scene. The term “BANJI” is an acronym “Be Authentic Never Jeopardize Individuality.” It describes the movement she wants her music and message to represent. The other ladies in the video are called the “BANJI ladies.” I’m looking forward to a lot of cool, BANJI Certified stuff coming from this artist. Enjoy!

    Sharaya J

  • Self Esteem vs. Instagram

    “This culture of hair crushes, girl crushes, hair twins, etc… may be causing more damage than good. I often think about the women, the ever increasing amount of women, who create entire accounts strictly dedicated to highlighting others’ good hair days – but behind the good intention does that woman love her own beauty?” – Shannon T Boodram

    Shannon T Boodram, author, TV host, and photographer, posted an insightful article that I think really spoke to the dynamics of beauty in an insta-world. The line between surrounding yourself with inspiration for what you want to look like and obsessively viewing photos to fuel your self-doubt can be very blurry. Shannon explains how important it is to be aware of this distinction and how easy it is to get glued to your Instagram feed. She also filmed a clip “How To Look Like Me TAG,” which I think is brilliant and funny. She recorded a reverse beauty tutorial to show what she looks like without any beauty products. Funnily enough, most of the comments for the article claimed that since she looks beautiful before and after, it does not count as a viable example of natural beauty. I beg to differ. Her video shows the following:

    -Confidence to show the public what she looks like without beauty products and admit she uses acne medication

    -Beauty is unique and shines with individuality. Make-up and extensions are only used to accentuate what you already have

    I think the fact that there is no drastic difference between the two images clearly illustrates her point about accepting your natural beauty. Do you agree? Referring back to her article, do you think the way we use Instagram is at fault? or is it something deeper? Let me know in the comments!