New Year, New Gear Kids

It's that time of year again! Kids sports, this is the first year that my three year old will be playing Bitty Basketball. We are in the trial and error phase (they both hate swimming), trying out different sports to see what they like and are interested in. My older son, Dominic, has played Bitty Basketball for four years but this is the first year he has shown any interest. Like, he is actually playing and not just running up and down the court. The little one, Maverick is still feeling everything out and mainly going for bribes and snacks...lol

With new found love for sports, we have to get them all the gear so they will be ready and prepared to play. I put together a list of things we got to support our little ones as they learn to play sports. But don' forget the snacks. We load their book bags with fruit, granola bars and water bottles, the true life savers!

Athlectic Gear by jamekalprince featuring a NIKE men's fashion

Bedroom Refresh

This image from Domino Magazine is my inspiration. 

Is it spring yet? Every Spring, I refresh a room in my house. Usually I purchase a several items that don't coordinate, then repeat this process the next year. This year is no different, my bedroom has been looking like a bomb hit it so I think its time for a major refresh. 

Furniture
Here is the plan I came up with. To stay on budget, I plan to purchase wood furniture from IKEA. We desperately need more storage in our room even though its really small.

BEDROOM by jamekalprince featuring a decorative hardware

Bedding

I am going for the layered look like this image here from West Elm. I really want a rustic modern look for our room because we are casual people. Plus, with kids anything too delicate or breakable is not practical. My kids love to pile in our bed and snuggle with us whenever they can so tons of pillows are a must. 

c/o West Elm

So, that's the plan. As things come together, I'll post the progress right now our room is looking a hot mess. Even worse than a college dorm room. I have to give us an adult room that we can relax in!

Car Survival Kit for Toddlers and Kids

I used to be that parent that was always a little unprepared for certain situations. When my little ones were babies they had so much stuff but now they are older, I just carry a few essentials that would help me if I got into an emergency situation.

My kids and I have been through it all. Stranded on the side of the highway with a flat or stuck at a friend's house in freezing temperatures with a baby and a toddler forced to take public transportation home. A mess. And, each time I felt I could have been more prepared. I always want my children to feel safe and not have to worry about anything. So, I put together a little kit to ensure my kids are comfortable:

Car Survival Kit by jamekalprince on Polyvore

These things have all come in handy! It might not seem like much but when you are stranded and have no place for food or your child gets a scratch from the play ground, I don't have to panic. I don't have a diaper bag anymore but this bag has saved my life on more than one occasion. What do you keep in your car or bag to help your kids in case of an emergency?

Rebuilding My Denim

Over the years, life has taken a toll on me. I have never been a fashionista but I have always had a vision. I could always help someone else see their true potential but never help myself. Imagine looking in the mirror and not seeing yourself but someone who never looks like you. 

I am short and curvy but would see someone with less curves and taller. Crazy, right? I finally see myself and I am going to work with with all my assets to rebuild my wardrobe. I have been so overwhelmed, I actually didn't know where to start. I went through my closet and donated anything I haven't worn in a year. 

Next, I thought about my lifestyle and how I wanted to dress. I have discovered I'm a femme tomboy. What is a femme tomboy? To me, I love being causal but having a feminine edge to my look. So, great fitting denim is a must. And, to be honest my denim collection has dwindled  down to a few pair.

Throughout my life I have had a hard time finding denim to fit me but more brands are catering to the curvier frame. I have been wearing jeans from FashionNova and I must say they fit pretty well. I was a bit skeptical because I wasn't able to try them on. But I do love them. So, I have started building my denim wardrobe with these and plan to add on a lot more then start on shorts. Below are my denim faves right now!

jeans by jamekalprince featuring white skinny jeans

What are some denim lines that you love? Let me know so I can check them out!

Four Tips that help me keep my Melanin Popping

With Winter in full effect here in Chicago, I have been working hard to keep my skin healthy. I must confess that genetics has played a huge part in my complexion and healthy skin. I haven't had many breakouts in my life, except when puberty hit of course but I have been very lucky to maintain my skin with little or no work.

Facial Routine by jamekalprince featuring a hydrating face wash

As, I get older it was important to me that I start taking better care of my skin. So, every time I run out of a facial cleanser, I usually use Cetaphil or Aveeno, I try something new so my skin doesn't get used to the same cleanser. I use a facial brush to apply the cleanser and then use toner and a good moisturizer. Next, I started weekly facials as a part of my self-care plan.

I must also point out eating healthier and drinking plenty of water has helped tremendously. We have to take care of our bodies inside and out. If you do you will reap the benefits! I know I say this and don't exercise but I'm working on it. Until then, I have cut eating fast food done and have been making healthier meals at home.

To protect my skin, I don't wear makeup during the week but I will wear a tinted moisturizer with SPF. And voila! My skin routine.

What's your skin routine? What products have been working for you?

Road to Acceptance: New Year Check-in, Week 1

Can you believe we are already one week into January? So, last week I began on my journey for positive changes. I have been saying and believing my positive affirmations, self care and I have ordered some books that I can't wait to dive into.

Positive Affirmations
This has been the easy part. Surrendering to positive energy has been a blessing. Knowing I am worthy of change has motivated and inspired me. But, that doesn't make things easier. I have discovered another issue. I have absolutely no will power. I guess I'll continue on this journey with positive actions and intentions.

Self Care
I have been doing well with this goal in most areas except exercise. I have been eating healthier, drinking water, even getting my nails done...lol... But exercise? Nope. none what so ever. By the time I get home, take care of my children and house, I'm tired. Want a bath and my bed. So, I know I am going to have to work to become more disciplined.

Reading
I have been reading but not books. I have ordered my books, You are a Badass, Are you hanging out Without Me, and Girl Boss, but I have been reading blogs. I have always read blogs but I was elated when I found a gazillion blogs with beautiful women that look like me to give me inspiration. I have listed some of my favorites:

Awed By Monica
Blake Von D
TorontoShay
The Work! Place - Tiffany Battle
Kyrzayda
Darlingtee
SoSasha
Scout the City

Check these ladies out! They have great content and beautiful takes on fashion and life.

What's in my Tool Box

Ok. working as an Apprentice to become an outdoor electrical worker has taught me a lot. Most of all it has taught me the importance of being prepared especially at home. When I first moved out on my own, I knew nothing of hand tools and taking care of a household, I always thought I'll call maintenance man and he'll come fix everything. Ummmm.... Yeah, that doesn't always happen. But these tools should get you through if you need to hang a picture, assemble furniture or need to replace a light fixture. The simple stuff.

So, I came up with a list of all the tools every person should have in there home. I get all of my tools from Home Depot:

Klein Tool Bag
Husky Ratcheting Wrenches
Husky Multi-bit Screwdriver
Husky Groove and Tongue Pliers
Husky Hammer
Husky Allen Wrenches
Milwaukee Crimping Pliers
Milwaukee Cutters
Dewalt Impact and Drill

I'm sure I'm missing something... What tools do you keep in your home?

New Year, New Gear

New Year Workout Gear by jamekalprince featuring nike shirts

I have not jumped on the gym bandwagon but I have jumped on the gym gear bandwagon. I live in workout gear and I love finding cute clothing, "just in case" I decide to go to the gym. Here are some items I'm loving right now. Have you seen the new gear from Forever21? Its bomb and affordable.
I have gathered together some of my favorite pieces from the Forever21 below. If you are like me, you mix high and low. What are some of your favorite activewear brands this year?

Welcome 2018: Positive changes everyone can stick to in the New Year

Welcome 2018.

Reflecting back on the past year is a blur. I can't even remember most of the year.

What I do remember is that I completed the small goals that I wanted to. I stayed on my island and minded my own business so I could focus more on things that were important to me. I started this blog, which I am very proud of. I have been wanting to have a blog for years but just let time pass me by.

This year I have no resolutions just goals. To live a positive life and live in the moment.

I do think there are a few things everyone should do improve their year:

1. Positive affirmations and prayer - will help start your day on a positive foot. Pray for the things you can't change and let the powers above worry.

2. Self care - Its important that we take care of ourselves so we can properly function in this thing we call life. I have a habit of pouring everything I have into my family, children, etc. and have nothing left for myself, this would leave me feeling drained and depressed.

3. Reading -  Its always good to take a break from social media and unwind. I used to love to read but haven't read a book in years. So, this year, my goal is to read and have fun doing it.

These are a few things I'm going to be doing this year to better myself. Do you guys have any goals or resolutions you are trying to accomplish?