This is America: Open Letter To My Sons.

Dear Dominic and Maverick:

There is a lot happening in this country right now. As you grow, you will learn everything is not what it seems. You will be judged by more than the content of your character. You will be judged by the color of your skin. Even though this is unfair it is the burden that you carry.  

And, yes your caramel skin is beautiful but it comes with harsh false presumptions. Meaning, people will think negative things about you based on your hue. It's important to know how serious this is because it will effect you for the rest of your life. Many have lost their lives and been falsely accused based solely on the color of your skin.

While to some may see your future as dim, I see the light. You will rise. How? By being yourself, kind and generous. You will be the example of good. You lead with love and stand by the strength your father and I have instilled in you. I pray you have an opportunity to live your purpose and given a fair chance.

The world will get worse before it gets better. Be prepared. But know God put you here for a reason. And, as long as I have breath I will love you, fight for you, and protect you.

Love,

Mommy

This is Me.

Hola! I have been very introspective lately. I have been making major changes, to become a better person, more intentional in how I move in this world. And in doing this, I thought I would let you know a little more about me. So, let's get started, 10 things that you may or may not know about me:

1. I like expensive things but I'm too cheap to but them

I love fashion. I love styling but for some reason I can never pull the trigger. Gucci, Louie, Prada, I'm here for it but I love the challenge of finding more affordable items that are still on trend. I was always taught, you buy good shoes, coats and bags. Everything else should be affordable. This is not to say, I will never have a luxury bag or accessory but its not on my radar at the moment.

Favorite brands:

Shein

H&M

Zara- And yes, curvy girls can rock Zara. I have just ordered some awesome stuff, I can't wait to show you!

2. I looooove home decor. I'll say it again I love home decor!
If decorating my home could be my job, I would be happily employed. It took me five years to fall in love with my house first house but now that we are in our forever home, I am going to take more risks and have fun decorating...

Go to spots:

TheDump, TJMaxx, and Ikea... mixed in with a little West Elm, World Market and CB2

3. I'm a foodie... learning to enjoy food and trying not to over indulge

4. I'm a home body, that thinks I want to go out, but I exprire at like 12...lol

5. I love spin classes... Got the Peloton and its the bomb, no regrets on of my best splurge items

6. I used to do craft shows... All over Chicago and it was fun while it lasted

7. I used to be a stay-at-home mommy, with Dominic for 6 years and 9 months with Maverick. I had some of the best times and I feel so lucky to have been able to stay home as long as I did

8. I am a procrastinator, my achilles heel, I'm working on being more consistent and intentional with my passion.

9. I love paper, I worked at paper store for a few years and I learned so much

10. I'm obsessed with watching makeup and hair tutorials on youtube... And, never apply it. Am I the only one who does this? I hope not but that one of my goals for the year. As soon as Sephora opens up, I'm there

So, what does this all mean? Basically if you love affordable home decor and fashion this is the blog for you. Centered on self love and care, I will be going hard to find awesome dupes and cool ways to decorate your home under a budget. 

But, tell me some things about you. How are you doing?

Home Decorating: Master Bedroom Inspiration

Labor Day is coming this weekend and it will be a home decorating weekend. We have decided to start some small home projects and get as many things done in our house while we are all home with no where to go. This week I am starting with the master bedroom. We have been in our home just two weeks short of one year and I'm getting urge to complete projects we have been planning but haven't pulled the trigger on. Here is the inspiration for the Master Bedroom, light, bright and bohemian, with a little modern mixed in.

Here, I love the Rattan chairs. I plan on getting two matching ones and creating a sitting/television area.  The artwork is also fun.

 

I love all the neutrals but I would add a pop of color. Plus, I think it would be cool to have some plants and add a picture rail because our bedroom ceilings are slanted and low.

Here are the pieces I chose from Ikea. Since they are now offering pickup, I'm hoping to get at least the bigger pieces to start pulling the room together. Follow me on my stories this weekend to see us begin this process. All furniture and accessories are from IKEA, Walmart and TJMAXX. Everything is budget-friendly but also beautiful. Its nice to decorate and still have a little change in your pocket at the end of the day.

xo,

Meka

Everything That Glitters Isn't Gold

I have heard "Everything that glitters, isn't gold," and that's true, sometimes it's silver. I have never been a jewelry person but as I get older, I am learning to accessorize my outfits. I love stud earrings and layering delicate necklaces for a statement. And, I know I'm late but I have found some cute everyday pieces from Tiffany & Co. Tiffany's has always created quality jewelry and have some beautiful everyday pieces that I rock everyday. Since sentimental jewelry is my new thing, I have an engraved necklace and crown pendant. Below I have listed some affordable pieces that you can rock any time and engrave to make it more personal to you.

xo.

Jameka

Salmon-Spinach Alfedo (low carb) Recipe

Last week, I wanted pasta. Creamy pasta. I was keto for a moment so I learned how to make my own Alfedo sauce. I basically have a base that I experiment with to make different alfedo dishes. Little known fact about me, I hate wasting food. So I try and remix left-overs all the time. This week was Salmon. Chris had made it the day before and I thought it would be awesome with a cream sauce and it turn into a pasta dish.

Since I am eating less carbs these days I those a Soybean paste but you can use whatever pasta you like. For, Chris I used wheat linguine noodles and he loved it. So, the recipe is flexible.

Ingredients:

- two precooked Salmon Filet (chopped)

- 3 cups Spinach (chopped)

- 1 tbsp minced garlic

- 1/4 cup onion chopped

- 1 cup fresh  parmesan cheese

- 1/3 cup pasta water

- 1/2 heavy whipping cream

- 1 tbsp butter

*Depending on thickness you can add more cream and cheese

Start by boiling you pasta water and adding a pinch of salt. Cook pasta according to box instructions and then set aside.

While that is heating up, in a deep skillet melt your butter then add your onion followed by garlic once onions are transparent.

Cook for 3-5 minutes on medium heat then add chopped salmon and spinach. Once salmon is heated and spinach is warm add your heavy cream and pasta water. Mix everything so it is combined nicely, let simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese. Stir occasionally to make sure the cheese is melting. At this point, season to taste, I usually add a little salt and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Once its a smooth consistency and tastes great its done!

At this point, I usually separate the sauce and combine into pasta. One dish for me with my low-carb pasta and one for everyone else in the household.

When Motivation Isn't Enough

Have you ever felt you were working towards your goals and then suddenly you become unmotivated to complete them?

I have been on a fitness journey for most of my life. But, I have never reached the level of dedication needed to actually get in shape. I have watched countless bloggers, YouTubers, talk about how they have achieved their goals but nothing has worked for me thus for but pushing through.

I have learned 5 key things on this journey and I'm only now starting to break through. So, as I slowly move towards my health goals this what I learned:

1. What works for one, does not work for all. 
Stop comparing your health journey to someone else. We are all unique and our bodies are different, what works for someone else may not work for you. Use the stories from others as motivation to keep going, your results may just beyond your timeline.

2. Give yourself a break
I set a goal for myself, and I have stumbled the whole way but I have always found myself getting back on the horse and pushing through. I have been so strict on myself to the point I had to start giving myself a break. Meaning a cheat meal, cheat day, or a cheat weekend. Nothing beyond two days. Even though this is not dieting protocall, I needed this for me because I have a tendency of binge eating and falling off the wagon. Sometimes, that one meal you have been missing for months is all you need to recommit for the next day.

3. Music...
Music is such a powerful tool. I could be tired and about to give up but I will hear and song that will help me push through or push harder. It's one of the reasons I take a lot of Hip-Hop classes on the Peleton bike. The music gets me hyped and ready. And, I have started to complied playlist on Spotify that I use when I just ride. I'll start sharing those.

4. Dressing the part
I have said this before but a good workout outfit can do wonders for your self esteem but I would be lying if it motivated me to workout. But, accompanied with #3 it does give me extra confidence and push. That little push may be all we need to go for that run or get on that bike. That's why when I get home I immediately change into my workout gear so I have no excuse. This works about 50% of the time. Hence me jumping on the Fabletics bandwagon. They actually have a lot affordable outfit that have become staples in my wardrobe

5. Don't focus on the end goal, Focus on the process
It's easy to say that you want to lose twenty pounds but it's more important to find an exercise you love and focus on changing your diet. Don't worry about the number because if you are doing the things you are supposed to you will lose weight. Best advice someone gave me was to make the process fun and not a chore.

I hope this helps anyone that is trying to start a new lifestyle but at the end of the day the most important thing to do is start. And, trying to spend too much money on all these different workout plans, there are so many apps : Sweat, Peloton, Nike, etc...

So, what do you do when motivation in not enough? So, what are you doing to up your health game in 2020?

The Low Down on the Peloton Bike and App

So, I did it. If you follow me on Instagram you know that I bought a Peloton bike. And, I love it! I can't say that enough. In this post, I will give you the lowdown on how Peloton is helping me get in shape. 

Instructors

I love Peloton because of all the classes that they offer. At first, I only took cycling classes but I have started to slowly incorporate strength training and yoga. I always need to be pushed so I tend to take Alex and Tunde's classes but I love Robyn too.  Alex is always high-energy and very positive. He has an awesome music selection and is very charismatic. Tunde is also high-energy, sassy and all-round awesome. If you need to be pushed to your limit, I would recommend Alex or Tunde but if you need some tender loving care try Ally Love or Hannah Frankson. I would advise trying all the instructors to see who you gravitate towards.

Classes

In the beginning, I could barely finish a 30 minute class, but know I am up to 45 minute classes three times a week. It's fun picking from all the different cycling classes but I also love the option to do running either on the treadmill or on the street. They have everything from HIIT workouts to low impact depending on what you are looking for. And, the music it banging, rock, country, pop, hip-hop, its all there.

The apps interface also tracks all your progress so you know how you are progressing.

Peloton has done an amazing job at offering a variety of classes for all levels of fitness, I don't really see any cons. Yes, the cost is not cheap but if you are looking for an alternative to the gym, this is what worked for me. So, if you are on the fence about purchasing the bike/treadmill just try the app, its only 13 dollars/month and it will still give you a several options and classes. During this time when gyms are not an option, it is important to get creative when it comes to your workout. Just keep moving! 

Let me know if you have a Peloton or the app and how you use it.