As women, we are emotional creatures. Our emotions help us to be skillful nurturers, make us more intuitive, and help us to empathize with others. Being so emotional is one of the key characteristics of our femininity, but when we don’t keep our emotions in check, they can wreak havoc on our lives. Therefore, I believe that we should embrace our emotional nature while learning to control those emotions that are such an integral part of us.

Emotions are very powerful tools. They are so powerful that they are abstract things that can produce a physical reaction. Just think about it. When you experience certain emotions, your body often reacts physiologically to that feeling. When you’re sad you may cry. When you’re nervous you may sweat and have an increased heart rate. If you just think about that for a second, that’s something to marvel at. That’s why I say that emotions are such powerful tools. Consequently, living with unchecked, out of control emotions is almost like walking around with a loaded gun without the safety on – someone can get hurt!

Often, when we think of emotions and their effect on our lives, personal relationships come to mind. I plan to discuss that with you eventually, but today I want to take a quick minute to examine how our emotions affect our ability to grow as an individual.

I believe it’s  safe to assume that most of us have areas in our lives that could use some improvement. If you don’t think any aspect of your life needs to be enhanced, then your emotions are getting the best of you early on in the self-improvement process. Believing that we are always right is one of the pitfalls of unchecked emotions. We can get so caught up in pride or other emotions that we’re oblivious to our shortcomings. The first step to checking your emotions is getting them out of the way so that you can see where you need to make some changes.

Making personal changes is hard work because you’ve been who you are for a long time. It’s habit. It’s what’s natural, so trying to do something outside of that is just tough. When you start to walk the path of self-improvement and the road gets rough, your emotions are going to kick in and remind you how easy it would be to just stay how you are.  For me, it’s usually feeling overwhelmed by the seeming enormity of the task or frustration by not seeing progress as quickly as I would like that makes me feel like quitting. If we quit there, then we’re letting those emotions control us when we should be controlling them. Just like those emotions make you want to give up, there are emotions that you can call on that will motivate you to keep going. Determination, pride, accountability to yourself and others can all inspire you to push forward.

In order to be the best version of ourselves, we have to exercise control and balance in every arena. Our emotions are no different. As powerful as emotions are, they are also very fluid. The smallest thing can make them change. You can’t let something so flimsy be the thing that determines your behavior. You can’t let them control you. Exercise some discipline and learn to control them. Use them to fuel your success. Being a woman is an awesome thing, and having strong emotions can be one of the biggest perks of having two X chromosomes when you know how to make them work for you.

-Tiffany Vicks

In this day and age, when you analyze a young woman’s profile picture you will notice her eyebrows are contoured with precision, her bone structure is flawlessly highlighted, and her lips are doused with something vibrant.  Too much? Not enough? How is a girl to know when she has gone too far with makeup?  If you are unfamiliar with makeup application knowing what works best for you and what does not can be difficult. We’ve all witnessed the downfalls of improper makeup application. And let’s be honest, if applied incorrectly a young lady can quickly turn from beauty to beast.

Where do you start? You start with your foundation; and a good foundation for anyone’s face consists of a regular cleansing and moisturizing regimen. Wash your face with a facial cleanser which suits your skin type. Some people benefit from facial scrubs while others need cream cleansers. It might take some time to determine which type of cleanser works best. However, once you do, you will notice a positive change in the overall appearance of your skin. The right cleanser can minimize or even alleviate acne and breakouts. In my opinion, the best way to know which facial cleanser works best on your skin is to sample different products. Another great way to better understand your skin type and its needs is to visit a dermatologist and have your skin tested. The dermatologist will be able to tell you if your skin is sensitive to certain products or if you’ve developed any skin allergies. Because our bodies change over time, a product that previously generated positive results might become ineffective as you grow older.   Be open to change and know that finding a suitable product is trial and error.

While your facial cleanser is extremely important, it is equally important to invest in a good facial moisturizer. Most facial cleansers are paired with a moisturizer. Don’t skip this product!  A good facial moisturizer is very beneficial. When researching different products, you will notice most moisturizers come equipped with ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, and/or a degree of sunscreen. The moisturizer will replace the oils and minerals the cleanser has removed. Understand the face is extremely sensitive and needs restoration. The moisturizer will restore your skin’s natural glow and act as a protectant against our air’s most awful pollutants, excess germs, and any makeup you decide to apply.

You do not have to wear mounds of makeup to be considered beautiful or attractive. As a matter of fact, you do not have to wear any makeup at all. But if you choose to enhance your beauty with foundation/powder, mascara, or blush, it is important you know how to apply. Often times, ladies have no idea where to start when it comes to makeup application. Luckily, there are a plethora of YouTube videos that can be used to teach you the unknown. Spend time researching products. Know that every shade is not for every girl. For example, my best friend looks great in peach colored lipstick, while I on the other hand look like a crusty lip clown-not cute! By taking the time to research my skin type and different beauty products I know that nude shades of lipstick don’t compliment my skin tone. If you have extra change (and by change I mean $50) you can visit your nearest MAC counter for a makeover. The cool thing about MAC makeovers is that you can use the $50 makeover fee towards your purchase of whatever products the makeup artist used on your face. Not only can you leave the store looking like fabulous, but you can go home and practice your rendition.

It is not recommended a lady wear makeup for long periods of time or on a day-to-day basis. It is healthiest to take a break from makeup and allow your face “breathing room”. Too much makeup can clog your pores and make for damaged skin. While you want to look great with your make up, you also want to look remarkable without it. But I understand, for some women a day without face decoration is a disaster. So, if you must wear something, choose to keep it light. Apply a little mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss and stun the world with your natural beauty.

Makeup can be a woman’s best friend or her worst nightmare. It can highlight your beauty or transform you into a beast. You must always remember that makeup should be used to simply enhance the beauty that has already been bestowed upon you. While society has taught us to adorn perfectly manicured beauty, life has taught me to admire simplicity and sincerity. As ridiculous as it may sound, a girl can get lost in a MAC makeover. Don’t be that girl. Stay true to yourself and your natural beauty. Know your look and own it because one can do you better than yourself.  So, when the night calls and you get the urge to highlight your gorgeous attributes, add a touch of blush, a dash of eye shadow, and a bit of bronzer. Top it all off with a little lip tint and have yourself a beautiful time.

Until next time ladies, keep a solid foundation, a tube of lip gloss, and enough self awareness to last a life time. Here’s to health and beauty! Always stay true!

-Heidi Thomas

“As long as you are being true to yourself, you will always find happiness.” -Amber Riley

“I want to encourage young women to stand up for each other and speak up when they see others in a tough situation.” -Amber Riley

“I have great friends around me that are positive and I think that’s the key to life is making your own path. Set your own rules because there is no set rule, there is no set look, there is no set anything. You make your own rules in your life. You make your own decisions.” -Amber Riley

“I always say as a celebrity you have two choices – you can be a celebrity, or you can be a role model. You can choose to just go to parties and do the red carpets and all that, or you can choose to be an example to these people.“-Amber Riley

When I receive letters from girls that say, ‘You give me confidence,’ I think, ‘Wow, this is amazing.’ That’s my goal: to let people know it’s truly what’s on the inside that counts. -Amber Riley

Check out Amber killing it on “Dancing With The Stars” and find out why she was motivated to do it!

Happy Thursday!

Take time to check out the fresh sound from actress & singer Zoe Soul—> ‘You Don’t Know Me’

Good morning Fly Girls!

Check out J.Cole’s new  &  powerful video to ‘Crooked Smile’ featuring TLC.

It’s that time again! C.O.R.E is partnering up with Creative Dreamers to  host our Art of War NYC- Art Battle!  Join us on October 17th at The Park Penthouse in Chelsea and enjoy a night of dope artists, live music and support a great cause. All funds raised will go to help fund our on-site programs & Creative Dreamer’s scholarship fund. Want to see what you missed last time?  Check it out!

When: October 17th

Time: 6p-10p

Where: The Park Penthouse- 118 10th Avenue

Tickets: $10

http://artofwarnyc.eventbrite.com/

“I learned, when I look in the mirror and tell my story, that I should be myself and not peep whatever everybody is doing.” – Kendrick Lamar

“People are used to music that justifies street culture but something that’s not touched on is why these kids act the way they act, live the way they live.” -Kendrick Lamar

“I’m tryin to learn something new. I’m tryin’ surround myself with people that inspire me or atleast inquire similar desires.” – Kendrick Lamar

Being smart about your funds is just as important as sporting the hottest fashion trends out right now. Hmmm… think about it. If you don’t know how to save then how are you going to buy those hot shoes for your bestie’s party next month? Your parents are going to start giving you that good ol’ side eye the next time you kindly reach your hand out for more money. So hey, before they even give you the “You need to start being responsible” speech beat them to the punch and watch your account grow! Ok, ok enough of the speech let’s see if you are a Budgetnista or not?

Closet Check!– Yes, I know the feeling of fresh clothes in your closet is somewhat addictive! You can feel yourself wanting to rip off the tags as soon as you pull it out the bag and find the perfect place to debut the new piece to your clothes collection. BUT ask yourself how often do you buy new clothes? And where are your fave stores? Do you give yourself a spending limit before going out? Oh how I know you love all these wardrobe is a mixture of higher, lower and thrift pieces!

A Foodie??– You’re telling yourself look, I’m not in 2nd grade anymore and packing lunches are the most annoying thing in the world. I know it seems like all 5 minutes of you preparing a meal the next day is life threatening but its not. How many times do you go to the drive thru after summer school? Or how many McGriddle wrappers are in the back of your car? Setting aside 10 extra minutes to eat breakfast at home or throwing a snack for after school will save up! You’ve probably spent 10 bucks in just vending machines already…Think about it.

Small Temptations– Well, you know that they say it’s not the big problems that drive you crazy but the small bumps in the road that will drive you up the wall. Well, it’s same for your budget. Is it easy for you to get sidetracked? Do you make a lot of thoughtless purchases? It’s not always the huge purchases that makes your account slowly dwindle, it’s more of your small daily temptations that add up! From the Redbox station to the Passion Fruit Ice Tea from star bucks to the new nail polish you snagged at the drugstore. If you really added up a week of your random buys, you just saved up for your prom shoes…Yes, it’s true.

Good morning!

Get your day started with Princess Nauwisa’s new song “I Like Him”

“It was not cool to be that fun, bubbly kid, so I would just go off on my own and sing and make up songs, and that’s how I think I developed into the kind of artist and writer that I am.”  -Elle Varner

“I’m an around-the-way girl. I’m a singer, songwriter. I’m about positivity and spreading a good message and telling the people’s story.”  -Elle Varner

“I was really heavy growing up, so it was never feeling like the pretty girl, never being popular.”  -Elle Varner