Who Are Your Bridesmaids?

brides·maid

A girl or woman who accompanies a bride on her wedding day.

Questions To Ask Before Picking Your Bridesmaids.

1. Are my bridesmaids genuinely my friends?

2. Will these individuals be there for me even after the wedding?

3. Have these individuals been there for me throughout the years or even in the short while I’ve met them? Do they check up on my well-being?

4. What kind of bridal party do I want?

5. Are my bridesmaids fun people to be around?

6. Am I including more people just to make the bridesmaids and groomsmen equal?

7. Are my bridesmaids peaceful people who will make my special day go smoothly?

8. Will they celebrate me or rather will they be envious?

Don’t pick your bridesmaids because they are pretty and you want your pictures to look posh.

Don’t pick your bridesmaids because you want them to buy you luxurious gifts.

Don’t pick your bridesmaids because you want an extravagant wedding and you want the town and it’s villagers to speak about your wedding.

Don’t pick your bridesmaids because you have known them for a long time. Knowing someone for a long time doesn’t make them a genuine friend.

Don’t pick your bridesmaids based on what your family is telling you. You don’t have to include your cousins or nieces as your bridesmaids if you don’t have a close relationship with them. Remember it’s your special day. Pray before making the choice of who your bridesmaids are going to be.

Don’t pick your bridesmaids based on their heights.

Pick your bridesmaids because you genuinely love them and these individuals have stood by you in good and bad times. Picking a bridesmaid is not a small thing, so be wise in picking the right bridesmaids/maid of honor. There are people you would want to make your bridesmaids but not everyone is going to make the cut. Be honest with yourself. Find a way to let them know. Its okay. After all, you can’t please anyone. It’s your wedding day. You want to have fun with the ones you love.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. -Matthew 6:33

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Celebrate Your Friends

Today is a special day. It is one of my friend’s birthday and I’m so excited as if it’s my own birthday. I’ve always loved the joy that birthdays bring. For many years, I didn’t always feel celebrated on my birthday. I would cry instead of celebrating. I would sit and ponder on what kind of friends I had in my life. It wasn’t until one sudden day a thought came to mind and it goes like this “When you learn to celebrate yourself, you don’t wait for others to celebrate you.” The Holy Spirit has many ways of reminding us of things. I must admit, it isn’t always easy when my birthday comes around because for years, my close friends forgot my birthday and when I expressed my thoughts to them in the nicest way possible, it seemed like every year I was repeating myself on the same matter. I just got tired. I could be petty and never wish them a happy birthday on their special day but it’s just not my character. I’m grateful for all the ones who take the time to say happy birthday. Some people may think it’s not a big deal whether someone says happy birthday or not, but to me, it matters. Someone didn’t make it to see another day. You have every reason to rejoice and celebrate. I understand that not everyone is good with remembering dates but at the same time, it’s no excuse to forget your friend’s/loved ones birthday. I do believe that if someone is important to you, you will take the time to write down their birthdays or things that matters to them. It is very annoying when people have to constantly repeat the same things over and over. It hurts when you are not remembered. It’s painful when your the one pouring into people all the time. If you can’t remember your friend’s birthday, write it down on your calendar section of your phone or jot it down in your journal. Birthdays are special. Your mother only gave birth to you once, so I believe that when it’s your birthday you are a King/Queen. You are a King/Queen everyday. Don’t let anyone take your crown away from you. When it’s your loved ones birthday, remember them. Take time to wish them a happy birthday. You may not have money to purchase them any gift and that is okay. When you do have the money and you want to purchase them something, feel free to do so. I love celebrating people. It’s an amazing feeling to see the joy on their faces. Many times, we may think it’s a female thing when it comes to being celebrated on their birthday. While in college, a male friend of mine shared how hard it is when people forget his birthday. So with this in mind, celebrate people while you can. Today, I celebrate a King. I celebrate a friend. Distance apart but close at heart. For everyone celebrating their birthdays on this special day, September 15th, 2018, God bless you. May this day be a glorious time of celebration. May God keep you and may His will concerning your life come to pass. You are loved. You are appreciated. You are a blessing.

 

Kitchen Etiquette 🍽

et·i·quette

ˈedəkət,ˈedəˌket/

noun

the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

1. Wash your hands before cooking any meal.

2. Take time to sweep and mop your kitchen.

3. Wash all your dishes in the sink. Don’t wait until the end of the week before washing your dishes. Stop being lazy. If you can eat when your hungry, then you can also wash the dishes. Clean the sink area. Any food in the sink, should be removed. Though this may sound like common sense, it isn’t for many. I’ve seen sinks that have leftover foods in the draining section of the sink. It’s not a pleasant sight. Replace dish soap when necessary. You can use Lysol wipes to clean your area.

4. Check to make sure your stove is turned off. Also, your stove area should be cleaned after usage. Food and other spills can cause roaches and other insects to appear in your kitchen.

5. Take out the garbage everyday. When it comes to the kitchen, the garbage can get filled up very quickly. Don’t be lazy to take out the garbage.

6. Replace any napkins for the dinner table.

7. Wash utensils properly.

8. If you have a filter, try to change it every three months. These days, there are filters that can detect the times that the filters need to be replaced.

9. Check the expiration dates for spices, food and etc. in your cabinets/fridge at all times.

10. Clean your microwave and fridge.

11. If you open something, close it.

12. If something spills, clean up after yourself.

13. When washing dishes, don’t let the water run until you finish washing. You can have one bowl with soap water and the other with clean water to conserve water usage.

14. Replace your sponges. Don’t use them for months when they are worn out.

15. Don’t leave food uncovered. Attend to your meal. Even when placed in the fridge, cover it up.

16. If you are living with people, label the items that belong to you. Don’t touch what doesn’t belong to you. Ask before using other people’s stuff.

17. Use cutting boards but wash them before placing foods on them.

18. Unplug any appliances that you don’t use on a basis. After you finish blending or making a smoothie, unplug the cord.

19. A fire extinguisher is a must in every kitchen.

20. Clean! Laziness will not get you anywhere but rather leave your kitchen a complete mess. May that not be your portion.

*Check to make sure that all windows are closed all around your home.

There is nothing like being in a clean kitchen. You will feel comfortable and even when guests come to your home, they will feel welcomed. Growing up, my mother always told me and my siblings to never wait until someone comes to your house before you clean. Whatever you learn, you will take it to your house. If you don’t learn now, you will disgrace yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope that you were able to take something away from this post. Feel free to share anything that I didn’t mention. Thank you. Have a lovely day 😊💕

Bathroom Etiquette 🚽

et·i·quette

ˈedəkət,ˈedəˌket/

noun

The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

What may seem like common sense to you, may not be common for another person.

In today’s blog post, I will be sharing a few bathroom etiquette’s with you all. Growing up, my mother always told my siblings and I that we should never wait for someone to come to the house before we clean. Your bathroom should be so clean that you can even eat a snack there.

Let’s be honest, we are all busy and have many things to attend to throughout the week. We may not always have the time to do what we have scheduled for the week but it is very crucial for us to check our priorities.

When it comes to bathroom etiquette, as simple as it may seem, many people don’t flush the toilet. With that in mind, let’s get down to the list of things that can be done to make our bathrooms more presentable.

1. When you flush the toilet, make sure that everything is gone. No leftovers of anything. You can see clear water. Always check before you leave the bathroom.

2. Do not put tissue in the toilet because it can eventually cloak your toilet. Have a bin with a garbage bag, to throw any waste. Do not put diapers and wipes in the toilet. The garbage can is there for a reason.

3. Throw out the garbage every day. Do not wait an entire week to take out the garbage because it will cause unnecessary odor in your bathroom. Don’t be lazy! Take out the garbage.

4. Vacuum or sweep your bathroom every week.

5. Change the toilet roll. Don’t wait for someone to change it all the time. Replace it when necessary.

6. Wash your hands with soap after using the bathroom. As common sense as this sounds, it is not common for many. I’ve seen people walk out of a public bathroom without washing their hands. This can cause germs to spread. People blow their nose and touch the doors and don’t even bother washing their hands. It’s with these same hands that they make food and serve their guests.

7. When the toothpaste is finished, replace it. Squeeze from the bottom. Don’t squeeze from the middle.

8. After using the sink area, wipe down the water that may have spread in certain areas. Wash the sink. Don’t leave toothpaste stains everywhere.

9. After using the bathroom, if you have any refresher, use it. Don’t leave the bathroom with an odor for the next person to suffer. Refreshers are created for a purpose. This is not 1950. Please be considerate. Open the window for fresh air to enter your bathroom.

10. Wash your bath tub 🛀. When your bathtub is clean, there’s even a greater comfort while taking a shower. Make an effort to wash your bath tub every week.

11. When it comes to water, be mindful of how much your using. Some people can sit in the bathroom for an hour just watering themselves like a garden. Save money. If your living in an apartment, though your not paying for water, still be considerate.

12. Turn off the light. If you don’t need the light, don’t turn it on. Save electricity. Save money. Live better.

13. Change your towels at least every 3 days. Don’t use the same towel for an entire week. It’s not sanitary. Change your toothbrush at least every 2-3 months.

14. Do not share the same bar soap with everyone in your household. It’s not sanitary. Get your own. Dove bar soaps are really good. You can also check out Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid or Bar Soap.

15. Get yourself a white wash cloth to take a shower. You can use a bath sponge but let me tell you a white wash cloth will show you yourself very well. You can use the sponge but definitely try the white wash cloth too.

16. Always try to have enough soaps, toothpaste and essentials so that you don’t have to keep going to the store every time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope you were able to take something away. Have a lovely day ❤️

Update: Time With God Challenge

At the beginning of August, I shared a blog post in regards to a challenge that was laid upon my heart. The challenge consisted of not going on any social media handles. I mean absolutely nothing. Some of the social media handles include YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Pinterest and etc. This challenge has been so interesting by far. So the month of August is coming to an end, so I just wanted to update you guys on how this challenge has been for me.

At the start of the challenge, I felt that it would be difficult for me since I was including YouTube in this challenge. Everything else for the most part was not as difficult as YouTube. Weeks have passed by and I’m so glad to say that this challenge has been going great. It’s been a time well spent in the presence of God. A time of refreshing looking at the clouds, listening to the birds chirp, writing, listening to worship music on Spotify since YouTube is not allowed in this challenge. This challenge is doable, I promise you. When I started this challenge, I only told one of my friends. Though this challenge is about to be over, you are still welcomed to partake in this blessing. I pray that you are blessed. This challenge may seem difficult because you are so used to being on social media, but I promise you that you can do it. There’s a time for everything. There’s nothing that is impossible with God.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3

Travel Checklist

Whether your traveling for the first time or the tenth time, it’s always helpful to have a checklist to guide you on what items to bring because let’s be honest, we have all forgotten something while traveling and we had to purchase it at the airport or at the country or site we are residing at which ends up being an arm and a leg at cost. So in this blog post, I will like to share some tips as well as things to bring with you while traveling.

1. Purchase a luggage. With that in mind, it is very crucial that you purchase a luggage that is lightweight. Some luggages are heavyweight that even when you don’t have much in your suitcase, it may appear as if you packed so much.
2. Get everything situated with your passport and visa. First-time Adult Passport Book: $110 + $25 for acceptance fee = $135 . With the visa fees, it all depends on where you are traveling. If you will be staying in an hotel, get things situated. Have all the necessary numbers you may have to dial.
3. Most airports, allow two luggages and a small hand luggage as well as a carry on bag life a duffle bag or a backpack.
4. When it comes to your small hand luggage bag, it is very important that you place materials such as a toothpaste, travel size mouthwash, face towel and basic things you will need when the plane lands at your destination. You want your mouth to feel fresh. You two luggages won’t go inside the plane with you but your hand luggage as well as your backpack or handbag will go inside the plane with you.
5. In your luggages, make sure there aren’t any water bottles because the airport security, will ask you to throw it away. These items are not allowed in the airplane. You can bring travel size bottles but other than that, you may be asked to throw your items away. If you don’t want to grow through this hassle, please be mindful of what you place in your luggages. You can carry snacks to eat on the plane. Feel free to purchase snack because you may not like the food that is served on the plane.
6. Bring an ID with you just in case if there are any rising issues about your identity. This happened to my mother so I don’t want that to happen to you.
7. Make sure to leave your house on time for check-in. Traffic can delay you from reaching your destination on time. If your flight is at 3pm, I will advice that you leave your house at least 2 hours before time to give you time to sought things out such overweight of luggages and other issues that can arise.
8. When it comes to packing, it is wise to pack things that you will need. That doesn’t always happen because we want to be on the safe side so we overpack but this isn’t always good. For instance, if you are traveling to another country, you might want to bring back certain things you loved from your stay but due to you overpacking, you may not have space to bring back certain things. If your luggage is overweight, charges will be made. When it comes to weighing, it is good to weigh your luggage at home to be on the safe side. It is better for your luggage to be underweight than overweight.
9. It is very important to also check the weather for the country or state you are traveling to that you can bring the proper clothing wear for your stay.
10. Wash your hands. Be alert wherever you go. Ask questions as a tourist. Have fun. Create memories. Enjoy every moment of your vacation.

 Clothing List

1. Underwear/Boxers
2. Pants or Shorts
3. Bra
4. Socks
5. Comfortable Shoes*
6. Dresses
7. T-Shirts
8. Sweatpants
9. Pajamas
10. Sweater

Basic Needs (Must Have’s)

1. Passport
2. Deodorant
3. Shampoo/Conditioner/Pomade
4. Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Mouthwash/Floss
5. Towel
6. Shaving Stick
7. Perfume
8. Phone + Charger
9. Slippers
10. Lotion
11. Nail Clipper
12. Tissue
13. Q-Tip
14. Lip Moisturizer
15. Makeup/Wipes
16. Facewash
17. Sponge/Bath Soap/Body Wash
18. Camera
19. Comb/Brush
20. Sunscreen
21. First Aid Kit
22. Jewelry
23. Toilet Tissue (3-4)
24. Mosquito Medicine (Tablets)
25. Insect Repellant
26. Imodium (Diarrhea Tablets)
27. Hand Sanitzer
28. Cleaning Wipes like Lysol/Wet Wipes For Hands 🙂
29. Book To Read
30. Ipod/Charger
31. Luggage Locks
32. Small Flashlight
33. Gum
34. Zip Lock Bags
35. Pads
36. Water Bottle (Empty)
37. Journal/Writing Utensil
38. Gloves
39. Ear Buds
40. Umbrella
41. Medication With Doctor Consent*
42. Money
43. Light Jacket
44. Keys
45. Sun Shades

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. I hope this post was helpful unto you. Feel free to share with your friends and their friends. Until next time, stay blessed & lovely 🙂

Picture Credits: Edho Pratama, Priscilla Du Preez, Tu Tu,

PODCASTS TO TUNE INTO ❤️

Happy Monday. Welcome to another week in August. I hope that you are all doing well. If not, I pray that things get better for you. God is with you. In today’s blog post, I have created a list of podcasts that I personally listen to throughout the week. Let’s be honest, I can’t listen to each podcast everyday but these are the ones I listen to for the most part. They have been a blessing unto me. I pray that they will be a blessing unto you. If you have an IPhone, there’s an app that comes with the phone titled podcasts. There, you can search for all these amazing podcasts. If you have an Android, you can search to see if these podcasts are available. You can listen to some of these podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud and etc. May you learn and take away something from these podcasts I have enlisted for you all. Feel free to share any on the comment section or leave a comment if you do take the time to listen to any of these podcasts. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Have a blessed week. Until next time, stay blessed and rooted in Christ 🙏🏿😊

My Verse of the week:  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-8