Save Our Girls

Stolen by Katariina Rosenblatt, PhD.

Happy 2020 bookworms :) I'm back and I'm better, this month I'm sharing another amazing book by an awesome author!

This story was such an eye-opener. If you work with young girls or have young daughters this book is for you. When Michelle Obama coined the phrase "save our girls" I believe that girls who have been trafficked fall under her scope as well and it's right in our own backyard. This book dives into the life of young Katariina growing up in Florida, and how she was lured into a life of sex trafficking several times simply because no one was paying attention. 

I attended a Human Trafficking training recently and learned that this is a million dollar industry. People are literally profiting off of the mistreatment and abuse of young women. How sickening to imagine. When I visited Atlanta this summer I stopped by the National Civil Rights Museum and saw this book in the gift shop. The title and picture on the front of the book caught my attention immediately. Every since I learned about Human Trafficking I've wanted to know more, learn more, and do more to help young girls avoid this trap. I skimmed through the first chapter and decided I would go ahead and purchase this book to start reading on my plane ride back home. 

Y'all I slept so good on that 2 hour flight. I got through the first two pages and was out! LOL. No seriously, I never sleep good on planes but I was TIRED, do you hear me? So when I returned home I started the book over and honestly it took me about 5 months to read it. It wasn't a difficult read and it was very interesting to learn the tricks of the trade. I let so much time go by while reading this simply because i've been working on some personal goals that consumed my time as well, such is life. This book never left my heart though, early mornings or late nights i'd pull it out and catch up on a few chapters. 

My favorite part about this book is the redemption and meaning of Katariina's life. She was such a smart girl but her home life wasn't that great which created low self-esteem and people pleasing behaviors that led to her being trafficked. I don't know about y'all but I've been there and even though I wasn't sex trafficked I did things I didn't feel were right at times to please others or gain their approval. Despite all she went through,  she went on to get her PhD and do so many great things for other girls who have been trafficked in her community. She often spoke throughout the book about feeling like God had a plan for her life. I really connected with her on that because I've often felt that way. God has a plan for all of us! She discussed in the last chapter how her own abuse helped her save other girls. She was so determined to help other girls that she talked about standing in front of a car to stop a trafficker from driving off with one of her clients. That's passion and true dedication, something I've always admired. Such a good book!

If you want to know more about Human Trafficking or Sex trafficking you can go to her website www.StolenOnes.com . She founded Stolen Ones- There is H.O.P.E For Me, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing other victims of Human trafficking. Her story is amazing, captivating, and a true story of redemption and faith. Grab a copy and Save Our Girls!

"There is HOPE, even on the Darkest of Days"

*Keep Your Head in the Books*

King of Hearts

How Big is Your Heart?

Happy Holidays Bookworms! Let me just say this is now my favorite children's book. If you are looking for a quick and easy Christmas gift for the kids this is it. The message in this book is so pure and sweet. King of Hearts by Gladis Wright and her son is amazing!

This year I had the pleasure of working out/training with one of the best trainers in Dallas, Deon Fuller, from D&A Fitness. If you're ever in the Dallas/Duncanville area check him out! He is such a great father to his children so when he told me his oldest son was writing a book with his mom, I couldn't wait to order a copy and support, and I am so happy I did. I love his crown, the artwork, pictures, and the overall message. Support the kid and order your copy on Amazon.

This is a children's book so it is a quick and easy read with a powerful message! Perfect! So, how big is your heart? I think this is the perfect time of year to check-in with ourselves and make sure we are giving back.  In this book little Deon reminds us to treat others how you'd like to be treated. In one part of the book little Deon shares his Chic Fil A with a friend who dropped her lunch and I thought this was the sweetest thing. I was also thinking, homegirl would have got my sack lunch and not my Chic Fil A. LOL. This is just an example of how big his heart is and how much he is willing to share. We need more people like him! What a great role model. He has inspired me to open up my heart a little more in this new decade. 2020 and beyond will be my best years yet!

This holiday season I wish everyone love, happiness, and peace. Drop a comment below and tell us what you're reading this holiday season. Have a very Happy New Year and an awesome decade!

Here's a pic of my lovely little Christmas Tree :)

*KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE BOOKS*

In my bag

HOT GIRL SUMMER

*Peeks Head In* Heeeey Book worms! I'm back! I would say I'm better but 2019 has not been holding back any punches. Adulthood is in full swing and "Hot Girl Summer" is in full effect. If you are not sure what a "Hot Girl Summer" is, let me fill you in. Fellow Texan "Meg Thee Stallion" (Rapper/Hot Girl) started a movement back in June for us ladies to live our best lives this summer.  I never received an official definition of what our best lives should be but my "Hot Girl Summer" has included traveling, learning, exploring, shopping, and simply being happy with myself. I have been super busy! Sorry for neglecting the blog. If you come here often you will see I've been off the blog for nearly 3 months. Time Flies when a girl is living her best life! I didn't forget about my book worms, I have a few reviews in the works and another bomb ass guess blogger dropping a gem soon. Here are some great pics of my "Hot Girl Summer"!

At the end of April I took a mini road trip to Austin, Texas. It was a fun little get away with one of my homegirls. We toured the library, visited the book store, and enjoyed the sounds of local artist playing at the Book Cafe. This library was huge and there were so many little spots to hide in and read your books. I loved the views from the patios outside, I could sit there and read all day. If you are ever in Austin stop by their local library for a stroll. It's a perfect outing for these hot summer months. 

Let's not forget the Main Attraction and the primary reason for my trip to Austin, Amanda Seales! Her comedy show was hilarious! We laughed so hard and enjoyed her authenticity. Amanda is really a gem. If you have a chance to catch one of her shows, GO! We loved it and we laughed hard. Smart, Funny, and Black a true Queen. Here's a pic of me and my girl at the show! I wore polka dots of course in support of Amanda's token phrase "Ok Polka Dots".  Get into it, she is great!

I spent the next few months really showing out. I went to a few parties, interviewed some friends on the radio, and of course the Travels continued. Here is a really cool pic I took at beach party. It was so much fun. I really enjoyed the time with family and friends on this day. All I need is a beach and great vibes, I'm good.

In the midst of it all I decided to get a summer job to fund all my "Hot Girl" activities. Say hello to your local FAVOR delivery girl. If you see me out in these streets, tip me please! 

 Then my birthday came and my imagination went wild! My pockets suffer when I let my mind roam, but so be it! So I decided to fly to ATL and check out the culture. I started off the trip by visiting Old Lady Gang Restaurant. If you are ever there get the Bob Marley drink, soooo good! My second day in Atlanta I visited the Atlanta House of Henna and got a brief henna lesson, practiced my own henna tattoo, and finally got a professional Henna tattoo. This was so much fun and so informative. I also visited the National Civil Rights museum and the Coca Cola Museum. Did you know Coca Cola was founded in Atlanta? Me neither, but I learned this summer, and it was such a fun museum! Here is a picture of me with the Coca Cola bear.

The birthday celebration was far from over, I had to stop by the Trap Music Museum before leaving ATL. AMAZING! I highly recommend to all. From T.I's gun closet to the Trap Kitchen this place is so fun. So many great photo opps and a great place for Trap Music lovers. I loved it! Here is a couple of pictures of me enjoying the TRAP.

As you can see I really enjoyed this trip. I also visited K.Michelle's lounge, Puffs and Petals. It was small but so cute and fun. They played the best music mix I've heard in a while. I had an amazing drink called "Cigar on the Beach" it was a perfect treat for my get away. I met some amazing ATL natives as well and they showed me around on my last night in town. Such a great trip and a wonderful experience.

This year I celebrated my birthday in the most perfect way. I traveled, I learned something new, and I met new and cool people. Mission Accomplished! 

When I returned from ATL I attempted to get back into my self care routine and It has been tough. I spent all of July celebrating my birthday and I have been paying for it. The older you get the more time it takes to recover, no one warns you about that. So the remainder of my "Hot Girl Summer" has been dedicated to me getting back to my goals. I am currently reading Stolen and will share my review here soon, It's a really great book so far. I am only working out 4 times a week now (I was at 6 days before my trip) but I have been working on maintaining a healthy diet (Atlanta food took me down, so good!) more so than working out because nothing changes if your eating habits don't. Chiiiilllle I'm never getting off track again for that long but I have had so much fun in the process. Life is for the living and honey I'm living! 

*Keep Your Head in the Books*

My mind playing tricks on me

SHOOK ONE

By Charlamagne Tha God

I was so excited to read this book! I follow Charlamagne on Instagram and I've always wanted to know more about him because I love him on the Breakfast Club. He has a twisted since of humor I've always related to. I heard about his first book "Black Privilege" from a friend and I added it to my "to read" list and then a few weeks later he announced this book was coming and I declared I was reading this one first. In the following weeks Charlamagne announced via social media he was going on a book tour and I spotted my city on the list, I was so elated! So naturally, I called up one of my dear friends and said girrrrl we going to see Charlamagne the God at Paul Quinn College and she was down for the ride, we bought our tickets and headed to Oak Cliff to support him and his new book. It was an awesome experience.

When Charlamgne announced he was writing a book about mental health in the black community it really caught my attention because I work with mentally ill people and I, myself have been diagnosed with depression. I couldn't wait to grab a copy. The cover also drew me in because I make that same face when something is bothering me. LOL. Life isn't easy and for people of color it can be even harder. There are so many expectations to live up to as a black woman. Am I smart enough, am I being gentle enough, am I helping my own people, am I in the right relationship, am I excelling in my career??? All these questions bombard my mind and the older I get the louder the voices become. I could totally relate to Charlamagne. This book has offered me some great insight.

Charlamagne tha God sat down with us at Paul Quinn College and discussed his book, his past, and his relationship with Kanye West. It was so enlightening. One thing about celebrities I am always intrigued by is that they are just like me and you. We have the same 24 hours as them but they push harder than we do, it's a mindset. His speech really inspired me because he talked about how he felt guilty for dealing drugs in his past and how he worked hard to overcome that lifestyle and move on to radio. We all have a past, and often times we feel stuck there but I've learned we can move on and do better. I was glad to be in the room listening to such great advice and everyone in the audience got signed copies of his book, it was such an awesome night!

My favorite Chapter of Shook One was Chapter 7 "Fear of Failure", it really touched home for me. After reading about where this man grew up and the trials and tribulations he faced as a black man I couldn't help but think, STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF. The last chapter of this book was amazing and captivating. Here is an excerpt:

This book, at its core, is about the power of evolution. About how we all have the ability to unpack all the bullshit, drama, negative energy, and pain we've been carrying around-and causing- for years and years and finally move on with our lives. To allow ourselves to be free and grow into the beautiful person that's always been inside us. I truly believe all of us are capable of that sort of transformation.

I do worry, however, that collectively we don't always give people the space to make those transformations.

What a word! I felt that for sure. Another thing I love about this book was how Charlamagne has a clinical correlation written by a Psychologist at the end of all his chapters. After hearing his story and point of view, the Psychologist breaks down what it means from a clinical point of view. It's like we're invited to sit in therapy with him, such a great concept!

Shortly after I started reading this book I was invited to be a Radio Co-Host on "The Kick Back Show". I must admit I was nervous and I questioned rather or not my voice could really be heard. Despite my fears I created social media pages for the show, invited and set up interviews for local artist/activist/entrepreneurs to "kick back"with us, and also created a YouTube channel. Despite all my doubts and fears I can hear the Universe telling me this is all lining up in my favor, there is no co-incidence, step into the light and embrace it! So here I am! The only thing to fear is fear itself! I have a lot more work to do and even if it doesn't workout and I'm not an overnight success, lol, I will always be grateful for the experience. Thank you Charlamagne Tha God for being my inspiration.

Funny Valentine

Love Yourself or Nobody Else Will. <3

It's February y'all! It's the month of love, black history month, and the shortest month of the year. Before February slips right on by I wanted to stop by and share with y'all what I've been reading. I was scrolling through Instagram one day and Ms. Logan Rena herself asked me to check out her book. I was so elated and I quickly added her to my reading list. She is such an inspiration and motivation. This book was such a fulfilling read I had to share it on Valentine's day because Self Love is by far the best love and this book is all about that.

Never Ask for Permission Again by Logan Rena is a self help guide to living your best life and finding your best self. The title says it all! It is a 7 chapter guide to Queendom. Honey I loved it. It was quick and easy to read and also uplifting at the same time. I am so happy she shared this masterpiece with me. Chapter 6 was an eye opener. It's titled "Let Death Teach You". This is for sure my LIFE TESTIMONY so it hit hard for me. In 2016 three people close to me passed away and it honestly broke my heart in so many ways but it was a time of BIG reflection for me. I kept asking myself "What will be your legacy?" and "How will you be remembered?" I decided to make changes in my own life that would make me proud of myself when it was all said and done. I really started to see the bigger picture. Now here comes Ms. Rena with Chapter 6 of her book and it all came together for me. The most high is so funny. He answers all prayers and reveals everything in his timing. If you need a little uplifting or just a quick read to boost your confidence please stop by Amazon and grab a copy of Ms. Rena's book. She's dropping QUEEN vibes in her book, get you a copy and get into it.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY. HUG YOUR LOVED ONES

*KEEP YOUR HEAD IN THE BOOKS*

Pour it up

"Nobody said being a grown-ass woman was easy."

~Gabrielle Union

Ladies, we are definitely going to need more wine! This book kept me laughing and I found it very insightful. Gabrielle Union has been one of my "Celebrity Crushes" since high school. I've watched her in movies like "Bring it On" and "Bad Boys" and I've always loved her spirit. I know that may be weird to say because I've never met her or been in her presence but something about her has always made me want to know more about her as a "real person". When I first heard about this book I was so excited to read it. I was thinking surely this beautiful woman has probably had everything laid at her feet since birth, let me revel in the glory of black beauty, but to my surprise she is just like me in so many ways. I really felt like I was talking to one of my homegirls while reading this masterpiece. Gabrielle is so open and honest about her journey. After reading this book I low-key felt like I could call her  and say chiiiilllle me too, lets do lunch when you're in Texas. A girl can dream right.

There were a lot of "moments" in this book. These were times when I would stop laughing at some hilarious joke she made and say, Nickie (as if we're really friends right) I am so sorry that happened to you. Ms. Union has dealt with her fair share of pain and despair in her life and I am so grateful for her Transparency. After reading her words and often feeling like, ok she thinks like me, I am inspired! This book is 20 Chapters of Pure "Grown woman shit". Pull out your wine glasses ladies, you won't be disappointed. You can find this book pretty much anywhere books are sold, get you one!

Just recently I watched Gabrielle and D'Wayne's special on Own. It was amazing. Welcome to the world Kaavia! You're mom is awesome and an inspiration to us all. If you have a chance to crawl out of the books and catch some TV I recommend it to all.

*Keep Your Head in the Books*

My Homegirl wrote a Book

Chiiiiiile I had a moment and a Breakthrough!

Let me just say this book is definitely for the ladies. It is designed for us to have an intimate conversation with ourselves about what type of women we want to be, trusting God, and fulfilling our destiny.  It can be used as a daily journal or a daily read and "think piece" as I called it. I took several notes and I found it very easy to read. Let me introduce to you the most profound book I have read this year, Colliding With Destiny by Sarah Jakes Roberts. (She is my homegirl in my head. LOL) I enjoyed this book and it really has helped me face some demons in my own life.

It Gets Real...

I read this book rather quickly. I'd say it took me three weeks to read but chiiile I got stuck on the last chapter of this book for three more weeks. I dug deep and it really hit home for me because my own childhood was never perfect. To make a long story short, I was malnourished at 1 month old and had a seizure. I was taken to the hospital after some family members realized I was not "acting right". After this happened my aunt took custody of me and raised me as her own. She provided a good life for me and has always encouraged me to do my best. If I am honest though I still questioned if I was good enough growing up. Today my Mom (aunt) is my rock and I am forever grateful that God sent her to me. My biological mom passed away in 2007. It was a sad and confusing time for me, I struggled with so many emotions. I've had times where I was confused about who I should be. Then I was confused about how to feel at all. Now here I am in my 30's. I have two degrees and a decent job. Now who would have thought that little 1 month old in the hospital would survive and really thrive in life. When I read chapter 30 of this book I cried real tears. I prayed and I closed the book because I could not read past the story of the small infant in the accident. God has a plan for each one us. Sometimes our lives start off rocky and uncertain but we have to trust his plan. Collide with your destiny and get a copy of this book. Let it open up your mind and help you become the women you have always wanted to be. 

I hope everyone had a Safe and Happy Halloween!