Yo Voté!

Election season is here and I'm ready to cheer you on as you head to the polls.  This time around many people are not as excited as in previous elections.  There seems to be a lot of dislike for both of the top candidates, but I'm glad that hasn't stopped people from voting.  #StayWokeAndVote

I applaud people that may be displeased with this year's candidates, however they are not letting it deter them from their civic duty and privilege.  Privilege because there are other countries that withhold that right. Not to mention all that was endured for all American citizens to exercise the right to vote. I was super proud to vote in this year's election. My image consulting business, Styled By OmiOmy, doesn't only specialize in making dressing simple for clients, but we're all about empowerment. I encourage you to take your cute self, friends, and family to the polls tomorrow and make your voices count.  Your state and country are waiting for your input. I took my own advice and voted early for the very first time.  It took less than fifteen minutes and I felt super confident and proud. Yo voté! is Spanish for I voted! Yay!  #IWillNotBeSilenced

Below are a few pictures from my first early voting experience and the final picture shows my reaction to some of the comments that I've received about voting on Election Day 2016. Happy voting!

Exercise your right!

I dressed quite comfortably just in case I had to stand in line for a long time.

Feeling bold and powerful.

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The face you make when someone says they are not voting in Election 2016 and you're trying to be understanding despite the urge to shake them.

The 40 Day Prayer Challenge Check-in

dAY 40: PRAYER ALPHABET

"LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY." -LUKE 11:1

DAY 39: HOLY GROUND

"TAKE OFF YOUR SANDALS, FOR THE PLACE WHERE YOU ARE STANDING IS HOLY GROUND. -EXODUS 3:5

DAY 38: CLIMB THE WATCHTOWER

I WILL CLIMB UP TO MY WATCHTOWER AND STAND AT MY GUARDPOST. -HABAKKUK 2:1

DAY 37: PRAYER CONTRACTS

"WHATEVER YOU BIND ON EARTH WILL BE BOUND IN HEAVES." -MATTHEW 18:18

DAY 36: SENIOR PARTNER

"STORRE UP FO YOURSELVES IN HEAVEN." -MATTHEW 6:20

DAY 35: THE LONGEST LEVER

"DO NOT DESPISE THESE SMALL BEGINNINGS." -ZECHARIAH 4:10

DAY 34: RAISE UP A REMNANT

AND THE REMNANT SHALL YET AGAIN TAKE ROOT DOWNWARD, AND BARE FRUIT UPWARD. 2 KINGS 19:30

DAY 33: PRAYER COVERING

AARON AND HUR HELD HIS HANDS UP--ONE ON ONE SIDE, ONE ON THE OTHER. EXODUS 17:12

DAY 32: GET A TESTIMONY

"... and by the word of their testimony..." Revelation 12:11

DAY 31: SPELL IT OUT

"WHAT DO YOU WANT ME ETO DO FOR YOU?"

DAY 30: ABIDE IN ME

"IF MY WORD ABIDE IN YOU..." -JOHN 15:7

 

Lyrics: MY REVIVAL

I will run and not grow weary
I will walk, I will not faint
I will soar on wings like eagles
Find my rest in Your everlasting name

You are my revival
Jesus on You I wait
I'll lean on Your promise
You will renew my strength

I will run and not grow weary
I will walk, I will not faint
I will soar on wings like eagles
Find my rest in Your everlasting name

You are my revival
Jesus on You I wait
I'll lean on Your promise
You will renew my strength

Oh, You are my revival
Jesus on You I wait
I'll lean on Your promise
You will renew my strength

Oh, You are my revival
Jesus on You I wait
I'll lean on Your promise
You will renew my strength
Oh, You will renew my strength
Oh, You will renew my strength

I will run and not grow weary
I will walk, I will not faint
I will soar on wings like eagles
Find my rest in Your everlasting name

You are my revival
Jesus on You I wait
I'll lean on Your promise
You will renew my strength

Written by Joe Williams, Paul Mabury

DAY 29: A NEW PRAYER

SING TO THE LORD A NEW SONG. PSALM 96:1

DAY 28: QUIT PRAYING

"WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!" MATTHEW 25:23

Lyrics

It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in trying to fade into the faces
The girls teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way, there is a way

A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat and quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances
Tells him that his chances are better out on the road

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?

Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come

And we are the body of Christ
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
Jesus is the way
Jesus is the way
we are His hands
We are His feet
We are His body
Jesus is the way

Written by John Mark Hall

DAY 27: DOUBLE CIRCLE

"THIS KIND GOETH NOT OUT BUT BY PRAYER AND FASTING." MATTHEW 17:21

DAY 26: GAME WITH MINUTES

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING I THESSALONIANS 5:17

DAY 25: A PROPHETIC VOICE

"I WISH THAT ALL OF THE LORD'S PEOPLE WERE PROPHETS." -NUMBERS 11:29

Lyrics: I Speak life

We're living in a time where everybody is struggling for their lives. They're stressed, they're depressed but with the power invested in me I came to speak life over you (Ooooo) I speak blessings of health, (yeah) blessings of peace (yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah) to my brothers and sisters(oo) all around the world especially those in South Africa struggling with aids, and Brazil, the states.

I speak life, your gonna live oh my brother, my sister
I speak life, you are the head and not the tail you will prevail
I speak life, don't give up the fight for your life, you shall live and not die

Let's not lose another person to a senseless death: substance abuse, gang violence, suicide because of low self-esteem. The power of life and death is in the tongue. Speak life over yourself and those you love (help me sing it)

I speak life, your gonna live oh my brother (Say it again) my sister
I speak life, you are the head and not the tail you will prevail. (Say it).
I speak life, don't give up the fight for your life, you shall live and not die
(Oh yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Oh, Life)
Life to your spirit
(Life to your soul)
Life to your soul
(May God bless your spirit) God bless your spirit 9 Oh)
By his word be made hold
(Fight for your life.) You shall live and not die) (you're gonna live and not die) Yeah.

I speak life (look up and live oh my brother, my sister).
(I speak life) I speak life you are the head and not the tail you will prevail
(I speak life) I speak life don't give up the fight for your life. (You shall live and not die) die (Yeah)

You shall live and not die
(Just believe just believe today)
You shall live and not die (Oh Yeah, Yeah, yeah)
You shall live and not die (God made you a promise) (He said He would heal you. Yes. (He loves you and he is on your side) Yes, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Don't Be discouraged, don't be dismayed)
You shall live and not die
(I speak life, I speak life)
(I speak healing to your body now) (oh yes you will live, you will live)
You will live, you will live and not die
I speak life your gonna live oh my brother, my sister Live

Life
(Don't be discouraged, don't be dismayed
You shall live and not die
(I speak life, I speak life I speak healing to your body now)
You shall shall live and not die (Oh yes, you will live, you will live)
You shall live and not die
I speak life, Your gonna live oh my brother, my sister, live

Written by Donald L. Lawrence

DAY 24: FIND YOUR VOICE

THE WORD OF THE LORD CAME TO ME -JEREMIAH 1:4

DAY 23: NOT NOW

"WAIT FOR THE GIFT MY FATHER PROMISED."

DAY 22: PRAYER FLEECE

"I WILL PLACE A WOOL FLEECE ON THE THRESHING FLOOR." 

DAY 21: SET YOUR FOOT

"I'M GIVING YOU EVERY SQUARE INCH OF THE LAND YOU SET YOUR FOOT ON." -JOSHUA 1:3

Lyrics: "I'm Walking"

[Chorus:]
I'm walking in authority, living life without apology
It's not wrong, dear, I belong here
So you might as well get used to me

[Verse 1:]
My mother may not be a queen
But my Father's King of everything
I'm adopted into the family
So I guess that makes me royalty

[Bridge:]
And He's given me dominion yes (oh)
Power over men, them yes (oh)
Everything I do is blessed (oh)
Promised me some great success (oh)
I am the authority (oh)
God of the majority (oh)
Livin' in my liberty (oh)
So you might as well get used to me

[Chorus:]
I'm walking in authority, living life without apology
It's not wrong, dear, I belong here
So you might as well get used to me

[Verse 2:]
We're children of the most-high God
Understand and believe His word
We never have to beg or plead
For our Father will supply our needs

[Chorus:]
I'm walking in authority, living life without apology
It's not wrong, dear, I belong here
So you might as well get used to me

I'm walking in prosperity, living life the way it's meant to be
It's not wrong, dear, I belong here
So you might as well get used to me

Get something in your hand
And wave it in the air
1 2 3 (oh)
1 2 3 (oh)
1 2 3 (oh)
So you might as well get used to me

La la la la

DAY 20: GO. SET. READY.

HE [ABRAHAM] DID NOT KNOW WHRE HE WAS GOING. -HEBREWS 11:8

DAY 19: MEMORIAL OFFERINGS

"YOUR PRAYERS AND GIFTS TO THE POOR HAVE COME UP AS A MEMORIAL OFFERING BEFORE GOD." -Acts 10:4

Lyrics: Be Blessed

Be Blessed my brother,
Be blessed my sister,
Be blessed wherever this life leads you,
Let me encourage you,
Let me speak life to you,
You can depend on God to see you through,
You can depend on me to pray for you

You might be hurting,
You might be crying,
You might be worrying and frustrated to,
Let me encourage you let me speak life to you
You can can depend on God to see you through,
You can depend on me to pray for you

Pray I'm gonna keep on prayin,
Pray I'm gonna keep on prayin for you,
Pray I'm gonna keep on prayin,
Pray I'm gonna keep on prayin for you
You can depend on God to see you thru,
You can depend on me to pray for you

I see you in the future.
And you look better,
I see you walking in favor and prosperity too,
Let me encourage you,
Let me speak life to you,
You can depend on God to see you through,
You can depend on me to pray for you

I pray for you,
You pray for me,
And watch God change things,
Repeat 1x

I pray for you,
You pray for me and watch God change things

Written by Kurt Carr

DAY 18: KEEP CIRCLING

"On the seventh day, march around the city seven times." -Joshua 6:4

DAY 17: DO NOT DELAY

"O lord, pay attention and act. delay not, for your own sake, o my god." -daniel 9:19

DAY 16: LORD, SURPRISE ME

"The wind blows wherever it pleases." John 3:8

DAY 15: CONTEND FOR ME

Contend for me, my God and Lord. -Psalm 35:23

DAY 14: SPEAK TO THE MOUNTAIN

"Say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move." matthew 17:20

DAY 13: ONE DAY

One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. Acts 10:3

DAY 12: SOW A SEED

"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed..." Matthew 17:20

DAY 11: FIRST-CLASS NOTICER

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. -Colossians 4:2

DAY 10: CRAZY FAITH

"This woman is driving me crazy." -Luke 18:5

DAY 9: DREAM FACTORY

We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

DAY 8: ONE GOD-IDEA

"Speak to the earth, and it will teach you." Job12:8

DAY 7: PUT ON WADERS

They went forth and preached every where, the Lord... confirming the word with signs following. Mark 16:20

"We want God to go first. That way we don't need to exercise any faith at all. But we've got it backward. If we want to see God move, we need to make a move. If it seems like God isn't moving in our lives, maybe it's because we aren't moving. But if we make a move, God will move heaven and earth to honor our faith."                                                                                           -draw the circle by mark batterson

dAY 6: SHAMELESS AUDACITY

"...yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need." -Luke 11:8

DAY 5: WRITE IT dOWN

"WRITE DOWN THE REVELATION." -HABAKKUK 2:2

3 Reasons why Mark Batterson keeps a prayer journal:

1. It's the way he marks his trail.
2. It's the way he processes problems and record revelations.
3. It's the way he keeps track of the prayers he's prayed so that he can give God the glory when He answers.

DAY 4: DON'T PRAY AWAY

"This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." -John 9:3

I pray that God will
give you the grace to sustain,
the strength to stand firm,
and the willpower to
keep on keeping on.

DAY 3: AMAZING THINGS

"Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."    -Joshua 3:5

DAY 2: ESTABLISHED bY GOD

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.                             -Proverbs 16:9

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What a journey it has been? And it's only Day 2! Please check-in in the comments section below and feel free to share your experience. I will be responding to all comments. I shared with a dear friend that I feel like a spectator cheering in the stand watching God move with this Prayer Challenge.  It's one of those moments you know without a shadow of doubt that this is ALL God and you sit back with excitement watching Him in action. Humbled.

DAY 1: GET READY

He prayed to God regularly. -Acts 10:2

The #1 Summer Wardrobe Must-Have

I've waited and I've waited patiently, without complaints and finally Summer is in full swing. The sun is shinning, the hot temps are in full effect, and there's a beckoning call from the waters to come out and engage.  Get up. Get out and seize the day.  Don't let your Summer wardrobe or the lack thereof keep you away from the BBQs, festivals, outdoor concerts and other events.  Before you know it Fall will be here.  That right there is not the way to live a productive fulfilling life. Uh-uh! Take this simple tip, add it to your wardrobe, and voila! You have simplified your Summer wardrobe with a chick trendy style that will have you looking stunning.

I don't like to be too trendy, but I will jump on the bandwagon here and there.  When I saw this trend making a comeback, I was all for it.  It's so versatile.  It can be very casual or it can be dressed up.  It's also for EVERYONE.  Tall, short, full figure, slender, it doesn't matter.  This Summer must-have will have you looking gorgeous.

Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you THE SUMMER WARDROBE MUST-HAVE: THE OFF THE SHOULDER AND COLD SHOULDER LOOK.

The first look is super casual.  The second look is semi casual and the third is the dressier look.  What do you think? Would these looks simplify your wardrobe? I definitely think so.  

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Three Attitude Transforming Confidence Boosters

Today I woke up and felt all sorts of beautiful. I felt like the day was especially orchestrated for little ol' me.  The sun was shiny and I had to respond to the private lavish invitation.  There wasn’t anything “special” about this day.  It wasn’t my birthday or any other major holiday.  I hope you caught that.  My birthday is a national holiday.  That may be a Leo thing, but it’s been declared. Even if I’m the only one ready to close down the city in observance.  I digress. Needless to say, nothing special was planned for this day.  It was a sunny, yet cool Spring day in March.  I had no major plans other than the usual uneventful tasks of taking the car to the mechanic, grabbing lunch, and getting some work done.  Well, that’s exactly it, who says you need a special reason to be posh?  Remember those childhood years playing dress up?  I did just that.  I grabbed my favorite skirt from ASOS paired it with black pumps and a crop turtle neck.  By the way, this was my first time wearing a crop top. A friend and I met up for lunch.  The first words uttered were, “Since when did you start showing skin?” I was cracking up! I’m bit of a conservative dresser so this was me stepping out of my comfort zone. I kept it classy though. Always keep it classy, ladies! From their reaction you would think I was half naked. Anyways, I then accessorized the OOTD with a bracelet, vintage clip-on earrings, a red watch, necklace, minimal make-up with a bold lippie, and a hat to hide the bantu knots I didn’t want to disturb. 

<<<<< Confidence Boosters >>>>>

1. When you’re reminded that you’re alive to see another day, you’re blessed beyond measure, and you feel a nudge to take it up a notch for the occasion. DO IT! Will folks look? Guaranteed. Will some think or even spit out, ”Hmm, you are doing the most right now.” Maybe.  How should you respond? Unapologetically sashay to the left, sashay to the right, and keep it moving!

2. The opinion of others should NEVER play a role in aborting a harmless “I feel beautiful.” moment. Just go with it. Link up with the knowledge of who you are and don’t waste your valuable time responding to any questions along the lines of, “Why are you so dressed up?”

3. You have to own your personal style.  Don’t simply accept your uniqueness. Embrace it willingly and enthusiastically.

The Experience of Prince

I wasn't the biggest fan of Prince. I don't own any of his cds and I don't have all the lyrics to any of his songs memorized. But catch me on the chorus though.  He was such an amazing artist.  In a category of his own.  Although I wasn't a super fan, he impacted my life and I'm mourning with millions of fans the death of a great talent.  I reflected on my experience with him throughout my life and crossed upon a few things that stood out.

With lyrics like, "You're the reason that God made a girl." and "Cause honey this kind of beauty, the kind that comes from inside." The Most Beautiful Girl in the World is a song that left a lasting impression on me.  It was used to sow a seed in my early years to embrace my femininity and the unique inner qualities that made me beautiful. As a teen my favorite pastime was sitting in my room listening to music, analyzing the lyrics, and getting lost daydreaming. Is that weird? I know, I'm not the only one who actually enjoyed getting sent to their room.

His wardrobe.  The colors. Styles. Hair. He was such an unapologetic force.  His flashy outfits were a huge part of his brand.  His style was not questioned.  It was him.  And we loved him for it. 

“There are no accidents. And if there are, it’s up to us to look at them as something else. And that bravery is what creates new flowers.”

— Prince

Prince, thank you! Your song made me feel beautiful. Your fashion sense encouraged me to own my style.  And your work will continue to inspire millions to come.

May we all live with bravery.

RIP, Prince!

June 7, 1958 – April 21, 2016

How to Add Charisma to Navy Blue

Unfortunately, black is my least favorite color. (Gasps for air.) I know right! Black can be so minimalistic, chic, and forgiving. However, vibrant colors run through my veins. I've embraced that fact and attributed it to my Caribbean roots.  I tend to add a vibrant color to liven up most dark color schemed outfits. It's a habit and it never fails. (smh!)  Trying to wear all black is like being another person.  It just doesn't feel right and I'm ok with that truth about my style. 

The print on this navy blue dress just wasn't good enough for me.  My natural instinct took over and I couldn't resist embellishing it to conform to my style. 

“Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.”

— Diane von Furstenberg

What is your personal style?  Do you love colors?  Tell me what you think in the comments below.

This Year's Spring Colors Revealed

“Is the spring coming?” he said.
”What is it like?”..
”It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...
”

— Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Goodbye Winter.  HELLO Spring!  Hopefully you've started putting your Winter wardrobe to the back of the closet. Or, you've been thinking about it at least. Layers are great for this new season due to the brisk cool morning temps and the warmer Spring afternoons.

According to the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring 2016, this season's color palette ranges from quiet calming stable colors to exciting colors full of optimism.  Check out the palette below. Which colors are your favorite?  Update your wardrobe and add them to your rotation this Spring. 

Photo credit: Glamour

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four things every successful woman should do before spring arrives

Spring is about to make an appearance.  Will you be ready?  Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again while expecting different results each time.  Do differently in 2016. Get unstuck today by making simple changes.  Follow these four tips and you're on your way to making your own grand entrance into a new season.

Look slimmer and enhance your shape by wearing the right bra, shape wear, and panty.  If you haven't received a bra fitting in the last six months, drop what you're doing and run.  No really. Run to the nearest lingerie store. You can't be in the 85% of women wearing the wrong sized bra. Yes, 85%. No wonder your bra is uncomfortable. Also make certain that you have the right shape wear for your body type.  The right fit can be found with trial and error to match your comfort level.  Always remember there is a type of panty that would be a better fit for every outfit.  One style doesn't work with all.  Having the right foundation can make or break an outfit.  Don't sabotage a great outfit with the wrong undergarment.

To those ladies who buried their feet in a pair of cute fuzzy socks for the passed six months, it's time to bring them out of retirement.  BUT, before you do, pamper yourself to a well needed pedicure. Paint them with a gorgeous Spring nail polish. Throw in a manicure too. 

Another thing to bring out of retirement is your natural hair. Retire that protective style and let your hair and scalp B.R.E.A.T.H.E. Get a deep conditioner, a new color, a new cut, try something new for the new season. Key word: new. 

Finally, schedule a fabulous spa day and get a much needed facial treatment.  Depending on the type of facial treatment you choose, the benefits vary from emotional benefits, to deep-cleaning the skin, and moisturizing benefits.

The way to get started and continue living the life you dream of is to quit talking and begin doing.  Implement the tips above and make your grand entrance into a new season.