On most Valentine’s Day I would feel some type of way about being single, not being in a committed relationship or not having a romantic valentine or date. But, I can honestly say that this year was different. Call it growth, healing, self-love, attitude shift or not choosing to focus on what was lost and not yet discovered. I went within myself (yes that is a thing, according to my line-sister lol) and decided that I wasn't going to allow this day to devalue my worth as a woman or my desire to be loved in an eros type of way. I received beautiful gifts from my parents, my forever Valentines, put on something sexy, paired it with a Michael Kors red lip and celebrated my girlfriends Birthday that night! Happy Birthday Quisha!
Thick thighs saving lives
On Valentine’s Day, we often ponder the romantic love that we have yet to acquire or "that person" we desire to be in a relationship with, but they're not quite ready or simply not interested. As a successful businesswoman and professional you're left to pontificate, if we can maneuver through the marketplace successfully, we should be able to navigate love with the same temperament. Not so much! It's just not that simple for some. Since God is still writing my love story and I keep trying to make edits (no lie), I decided that this V-Day was going to be different for me.
Forget being in my feelings on this LOVE Day and weekend - I'm catching a WHOLE flightto San Francisco, California to spend time with my girlfriend and Soror Petula! Yeaa baby! ... And this was one of the best decisions I could make!
What catching flights, not feelings looks like!
We so eloquently coined this trip as #bosschicksonbreak! And break, dance, laugh, drink wine and more wine was what we did! If I could relive this past weekend, over and over again I would. We had a blast!
From the scenic views, the beautiful people and their dogs, San Fran has a variety to offer. We enjoyed dinning and eating at Fisherman Wharf, China Live, Park Tavern, Chloe's and shopping in Union Square. We visited Napa Valley on Saturday and with much anticipation made it to three wineries - V. Sattui, Robert Mondavi and Domaine Chandon. V. Sattui gave us so much life! Or maybe it was our server Ed??? He kept the wine flowing and we brought the laughs and twerks.
Our friend Ed
We met a random stranger (a Cauicasian male) at Mustards Grill in the valley who was intrigued by our conversation about love. Who in turn is hopelessly in love himself. I guess love is on everyone's mind - male, female, white and black! Also, I now understand why the people in California are so dxmn happy and friendly! Blame it on the wine!
V. Sattui Winery
Robert Mondavi Winery
Domaine Chandon Winery
Pretty much sums up our Napa Valley experience - We're Litty Lit!
What was most significant about this girls trip is that we realized, as women, we're experiencing the same struggles in love, career, friendship and family. We must understand that we deserve the love we graciously give to others and must be cognizant that this love is powerful and shouldn't be given away so easily. I'm aware that you should always lead with love, but I'm shifting my approach to not think with my heart, but move with my mind. Moving different all 2019!
Hey P!
On my flight back to South Florida, I sat next to a couple who had been married for 47 years. The wife asked me if I was married and solicited a prayer for her single seat-mate. Yesss, I need all of the prayer warriors for this one! I am declaring and believing that love will find it’s way to me and you, just as everything good and perfect gift from God has made it's way!
Hey boo! It's been a long time since I've written, 2015 to be exact! I only wanted to write when I had something valuable to share with my audience. Since my writing hiatus, I have launched two successful businesses -PrPl Miami and Petit Amour Brand, shameless plug! I have checked off some items on my bucket list, grown spiritually, increased my God-confidence, elevated my sense of style, read Michelle Obama's book Becoming (inspiring to say the least) and experienced a number of failed "situationships", you know those "relationships" that are not quite relationships, but situations because someone is not yet ready to commit. Gotta keep it honest in 2019!
Last night, I had the privilege to catch an early screening of What Men Want starring Taraji P. Henson with some of my girlfriends at Aventura AMC. We cute or whateva!
I wanted to watch this movie to support FAMU's own Will Packer, the beautiful and talented Taraji and to gain some insight, because a sista is not winning in this category. I ask the poignant question, WHAT DO MEAN WANT? I can hear uncle Steve Harvey purport, "we don't know what we want, you have to tell us what that is!" At 35, I'm still trying to answer this question. I have dated, "talked to", "friended" all types of men - blue collar, men divorced with kids, the cheater, the successful man, so successful they don't have time to date or should I say they don't create time to date, which presents a problem when your love language is quality time! I have been in the friend zone too many times to count, matter of fact I should have stock in the friend zone. Real talk! This phase is important in building a strong relationship built on trust, honesty and communication, but I never transition out of this phase. POR QUE NO? In my head, I'm like so you can talk to me like almost all day about almost everything, but that's it! I'm like Drake, NO NEW FRIENDS! I don't want to just be your friend dude! I have enough of them. I require more out of this situation then what you're giving me!
I believe you get to the point in your singleness where you're just over it and you have no more ___ (insert explicative) left to give! Where you realize that you're a prize, an asset to any situation. You haven't quite given up on love, you just can't give energy to those who aren't ready to receive the capacity of love you have to give. Either they want to do date you or they don't, either they view you as more than a friend and they decide to pursue more or they don't. We all know that love is a choice. So many times in my past, I have chased after a man. I don't even know why. Because, I love love and at the time I was anxious and felt ready to be in a relationship. At the close of 2017, I decided that those days of chasing are ova honey! Because honestly, if he is led by God, he will be obedient to what God is telling him to do as it relates to me and us and he will allow God to order his steps to me or away from me. I am old fashion in this way. I want a man to pursue me, not because I want to play games, but because I want to know you have consciously made the decision to be in my life romantically. The scripture says that "A man who finds a wife, finds a good thing." Which means that he has to be searching for it! AHA! But what if he's not searching? What if this is the year that he decided to focus on his business and love is not on his calendar for 2019. Then, what do you do?
Whether married, divorced, single or it's complicated, self love is a universal language for women despite your relationship status. To answer the question above, what you do, is to continue to love yourself and put yourself first! You don't settle for a lack luster commitment. You travel, workout, go to brunch, open yourself to receiving the love that you require. I repeat, you don't settle! You live your best life, however that may look for you. You don't worry about society's time table on when you should be married and have kids. You maneuver through life your way and through your terms!
There are some days where I am secure in my singleness, but this week was not that type of week! I shared this photo on social media, because I wanted to encourage my plus-sized sisters that beauty comes in all shapes, hues and sizes. I can honestly say that I love myself, whether single or dating!
Hello my #BMJers, what's the deal pickle is everything kosher? lol...We have been shutting social media down every Tuesday night since season 2 premiered. Woooohooo! I hear Season 3 is going to AWEsome, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Last week on episode 6, BKA #OhYesSheDid the topic of suicide was explored. For many years in the black community we considered suicide to be a "white thing," but it's not. There are so many people across socio-economic statuses, color, faith and gender who battle suicide, low self-esteem, depression and lack of self-confidence. This episode focused on suicide and black males, which was interesting and worthy of applause. In the height of Ferguson and other gun related violence towards our African-American males this episode was right on time.
I have always been the supportive type of sistah. While dating, I would support whatever project the boo was apart of, whether I was interested in it or not. But MJ, posed a great question while discussing the suicide issue with Sheldon, her new I hope to be beau, (we will discuss that subject momentarily); who will be there for the black woman? Not to say that the brothers don't need our support, but who will uplift the sistahs? Who will tell us that our hair is beautiful whether kinky, curly or loc'd? That our complexion -mocca, caramel,or berry black is rich and pairs well with bright and bold colors. That our curves are to be celebrated and the fullness of our lips kissed daily. Who will be there for the black woman?
I know one brother who wants to be there for MJ and that is David. David is really #TeamMaryJane right now. What's up with that? He is living with another woman and having a baby by her. Hello somebody! In season one we clearly thought that David moved on. But did he? I know this is just a show, but David and MJ situations happen all the time. My question is simple, if you love them why not just be with them? I just don't get it... It's complicated you may say. I don't believe love is that way. Love is free, simple, and easy. It gives what it receives. It's the things surrounding love that make it complicated, like: work and bills. But love, it's so simple.
Now back to Shaka, I mean Sheldon. I am really liking Sheldon for Mary Jane. He is intellectually astute, direct and sexy. Let's have a moment of silence for Sheldon's sexiness........... But seriously, Sheldon asked Mary Jane on a date and even told her that he would be out of the country for a couple of days. He communicates. YESSSSSS! He knows what he wants. YESSSSS! Well they did say he was 50+, I'm going to need Sheldon to know exactly what he wants at that age, you don't have much time buddy lol. But fellas, we want to be asked out on dates and not through text message either. Call us. We want to hear your sexy voice. Yes we do. We really do. When did calling become so prehistoric anyway???
Nevertheless, right after Sheldon asked MJ on a date, MJ goes back to David. Momma nooooooo. I won't lie, I was sooo disappointed. But that happens. MJ tried to close the door, but it was still open because David still had feelings for MJ. *sigh* Somebody pass me a box of tissue or the bible. I don't know if I should cry or pray, because I'm so confused lol. Does David only want MJ because she is moving on. Does her absence speak volumes? Do you miss MJ? Taking a sneak peek of this week's new episode I am led to believe that MJ possibly had sex with David to get back at him? We shall see..
Can't wait to tweet with you all this week. See you Tuesday night. Follow me on twitter if you like, @Lala_bangs :).
A major s/o goes to Mara Akil and the cast of Being Mary Jane. Thank you for showing me much love this season. Appreciate you! Check out the love :)
Hola! Great day peeps. I woke up this morning with so much faith and trust in God. I was on such a high, that I didn't even realize today marked my three year anniversary as a blogger. Wooohoooo! Somebody say "par-tay." Three years to date, I stepped out on faith and decided to turn my mess into a ministry, my pain into a platform and provide a source of empowerment for people everywhere.
Covering topics such as fashion, love, faith and events; I have been privileged to share my world with you all and I am thankful for your continued support. Through these three years, my confidence has been enriched, my desire to please God enhanced and my purpose enlightened.
I have learned many lessons (lifeSTYLE tips) in this period. At this time I am led to share these two: Trust God and be comfortable with being YOU.
Tip One - Trusting God simply means that you trust His timing and the plan He has for your life. Point blank!
Tip Two - Be comfortable with being you. This is so important because so many people are afraid of being themselves for lack of acceptance. You don't have to ask people permission to be who God created you to be! You had a purpose long before people knew you had a talent/gift. Stop explaining yourself. Who is LaShannon Petit, you might ask.? I am a lover of Christ, a purpose influencer, a lover of all things empowering, a source of information, an avid reader who likes rap/hip hop music and someone who loves to dance. I dance in the shower, while washing dishes, in the car, in the mall, no place is off limits. I think you get the point lol...
Now, who are you? I want you to take time out this week, month and year to discover the real you. Hurry the world is waiting.
At the culmination of 2014 and the beginning of 2015 many of us set new year resolutions, affirmations and declarations. We examined our year, the ups, downs, aha moments and decided what we will and won't tolerate. Who we will allow in our lives and most importantly in our space. For me, in 2014, I charted into new territories and worked with some amazing people. I incurred some challenges, but through those challenges God strengthened my character and stirred some gifts. I decided that 2015 will be the year that I start living a limitless life, trusting God wholeheartedly.
Some might question, you're a christian LaShannon, shouldn't you already trust God? I should and I do, but not all of me. There are parts of me that still question, that over analyzes... situations, people, my current circumstances. But despite my need for clarification and attention from Him, He keeps proving over and over to me, that He has my best interest, He has my back and that He hears and understands me. Every cry, concern, doubt, fear, prayer, desire and plea all the way down to the thoughts that I have not voiced, He gets it! One of my favorite quotes by Oprah Winfrey is that," love is in the details" and it is! Last year I wanted to travel to the Bahamas for my Birthday, November 11, (Just in case you wanted a jumpstart on 2015 Birthday gifts lmbo), but it wasn't possible because I was working on a new project as a consultant and it was very demanding. Don't you know, before the year was over I was able to travel to the Bahamas as a guest of my clients.
#JesusDidIt
That was enough for me to say have several seats LaShannon, just let God have His way. All He wants to do is bless you. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil. To give you an expected end." Moving forward, I decided that I'm not going to question the Lord. Just do what pleases Him and keep it moving!
Bishop T.D. Jakes New Year's Eve message was entitled A New Normal. Select the link to view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VdViSSV14. Simply meaning, creating a lifestyle that is not an answer to a quick fix, but a lifestyle change. A shift in your mind, habits, behavior, thoughts, patterns, this is not life as usual! This year I am approaching a new way of thinking in the areas of fitness, love, my business (www.stylingpurpose.com) and relationships and I implore you to do the same. What is your new normal?
On a more personal note, on December 23, 2014 I had surgery to remove pre-cancerous cells in my cervix. With much prayer and divine intervention, I am able to report that ALL of the pre-cancerous cells have been removed. #SHOUT I mentioned this to say that God is a healer. He has the power to rectify any and every situation that we encounter. Because of this situation, I was led to create an additional platform of encouragement with my blog, on #YouTube called #ModelBites, like soundbites, pretty dope hunh :). They are weekly words of encouragement for the people. If you missed the past two weeks here it goes. Be sure to subscribe to the channel as well.
Big ups to everyone who have supported my platforms throughout the years - My blog, which you are currently reading :), #ModelBites on YouTube and my business +StylingPurpose. Thank you for following #MyEyeonFashion on #Instagram, #Twitter, #Facebook, #YouTube, #Google+, #Pinterest. Much love, blessings and unlimited favor.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Oprah’s #LifeYouWantTour held at the American Airlines Arena. Filled with excitement and sheer gratefulness that my blog received media credentials to cover such a major event, I shared the news with my mother (@MommaPetit), “guess what I'm going to see OPRAH and I'm taking you with me. Wooohooo!” SHOUTTTTT!!! The reason why we shouted in unison is because earlier in the year when the tickets went on sale we wanted to attend, but it wasn't in the budget. #WontHeDoIt I continue to be amazed at how God opens up doors of opportunity for me, by simply being faithful over a few things. Lord knows that I haven't been perfect, but I have been faithful.
This weekend was filled with surprises, self-discoveries, aha moments and tons of entertainment. Prior to the main event Friday night, attendees had the pleasure of walking through O-Town, which provided O-Towners with a glimpse of Oprah's life. Walking through O-Town literally felt like you were at her home and office spaces. The Oprah Winfrey Gallery was displayed with pictures of the celebrities she has met while recording the Oprah Winfrey Show. In addition, O-Towners were able to enjoy live music and dancing, take pictures on the cover of The Oprah Magazine and with one of the sponsors IKEA. We also received goodies from #LifeYouWantTour sponsors: Olay, Toyota, Cover Girl, Wells Fargo,Beats by Dre, Pantene, Tide, Bounty, Crest and Lisette, View a glimpse of O-Town below.
In addition to giveaways and music, one of my followers, my doctor matter of fact, Dr. Anita Petteway received the opportunity to meet and have lunch with Oprah. #AwesomeSauce
As we entered the arena for the main event, we were greeted by a Toyota greeting card station. At this station, you could send inspirational post cards to yourself or family and friends and guess what they provided you with the stamps. #OnlyOprah
Getting down to what I call the nitty griddy or the meat of #LifeYouWantTourMIA, the main event Friday night opened with words from Oprah.
While we listened to Oprah’s voice our O-Tour wristbands started to illuminate… red, blue, yellow, green. This was such a POWERFUL moment! At this point I knew this was not going to be an ordinary weekend. Oprah posed the question, why are you? Why did we attend the #LifeYouWantTour. Well I was there obviously to cover the weekend for my blog, but I was also there because I have watched this lady, figure, personality on television, screen and print for years and I finally have a moment to be in her same space and I wasn't going to miss it. This woman whom I admire is successful, not because she is wealthy but because she has found her purpose and is operating in it. She is walking in her destiny and purpose and she’s happy and I want that joy. And to put the icing on the cake, she looks like me, curves and all.
I asked some of the attendees why was it important for them to attend the #LifeYouWantMIA and here is what they had to share.
I believe women and men from all over were at the #LifeYouWantMIA, seeking something better for their lives. In church we sing the song, The best is yet to come, but how do you obtain the best? What are the steps? Oprah shared with us Friday night, that our heart’s desire is in connection with our spirit. So first it starts there. There are certain things you just can’t shake. That feeling,those dreams that desire; It won’t go away no matter how much you bury it, because it's embedded in your spirit. It is apart of who you are. Oprah shared with us a story about her grandmother. She told us that at an early age she could feel that she had a greater purpose than the life her grandmother lived. Referencing her mentor, Dr. Maya Angelou, Oprah stated that “Your legacy is every life you have ever touched. “ Oprah has touched the lives of thousands, but to date she has 20 girls in the USA in college and 190 girls in Africa in college. Oprah encouraged us to be ourselves. "You can be a better you than a pretend someone else...Knowing what you don’t want to do is just as important as knowing what you want to do." A couple of weeks ago I atteneded the #WTAL Conference in Atlanta, GA with Bishop T.D. Jakes, First Lady Serita Jakes and Sarah Jakes and I returned home and wrote down everything that I wanted to do in my life and all of the qualities that I desire in my mate. If it’s not on the list, THAT AIN'T IT! (ebonically speaking)
As Oprah's message continued, she shared with us a profound statement, that life is always speaking to you; Giving you signs, closing doors, ending relationships, creating new ones. Pay attention to the signs. Failure is only life trying to push you in another direction. Make peace with the broken pieces and move on.Your purpose in life is that thing that gives you joy. Pay attention to what that is. If you can get paid for it, cool, if not then share it with service.Your life is validated with service. How do you use your job in service? Oprah shared with us the beginning phases and struggles of The Oprah Winfrey Show. It wasn't until she shifted her mindset to an attitude of service that her show soared. Oprah understood that she needed to use her platform to expose the excellence in people. What are you using your platform for?
Oprah’s Doctrine – For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
It’s all energy baby, what you put out is coming back to you. Even your thoughts and intentions. You co-create your life with the energy of your intentions, thoughts and choices. Your thoughts are so important. You become what you believe. We must be responsible for the energy that we bring to people and what we say to ourselves.
Oprah’s Mantra – I will be excellent at all things!
You are the master of your fate. Life is speaking to you all the time. Last year I started writing and reciting affirmations that I have on my bathroom mirror. I have to keep feeding myself positivity even when my current circumstances look nothing like the life God has promised me. Oprah concluded the evening with the song, "I surrender all." As we sung in union we were encouraged that everything we've been through is going to get us through. There is no life without a connection to the spiritual. I know my help comes from the Lord and He is constantly ordering, leading and guiding my strength. Your spiritual connection is where you obtain power and strength. If you’re still here it means you have a second chance. Everything that has happened to you has happened for you. When you were being tested you were building strength and power.
Saturday
Attendees headed back to the AAA for another day of enlightenment. Saturday was the day that we would hear words of encouragement from Oprah's Trailblazers: Dr. Deepak Chopra, Rob Bell, Elizabeth Gilbert, Iyanla Vanzant and Amy Purdy. In between sessions, we were entertained by Stacey G. of #SoulCycle #Soul15. Stacey opened up with so much life and energy. She encouraged us to lead a healthy life. "You’re here for a reason," she purported. We exercised and pulled down love, hope and new opportunities. We are Rockstars, warriors…Be in motion for the rest of your life. We keep our issues in our tissues, so release all of the negativity, fear and doubt. Be careful what you say to yourself.
#SoulCycle Philosophy – Our souls are in constant change.View the #Soul15 video below.
How cool is this, I received an #Instagram response from Stacey! Whoop, whoop! Can’t wait for #SoulCycle to come to Miami.
After Stacey, we were up for a special treat with some hot sauce and dose of truth with Iyanla Vanzant. Iyanla came on the stage with so much transparency. She’s in the middle of moving and couldn't locate her undergarments. How much more honest can you be??? FYI - Iyanla's move will be aired on #OWNTV in a couple of weeks, but I digress. Iyanla shared with us that sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand. That is my definition of love, someone to hold my hand.
Despite the craziness of moving, Life is…my friend, she stated. The life you want is on the other side of the labor pains it takes to birth it. Be careful what you hold onto and grab onto when you’re birthing something new. If you made it through the past you passed. You don’t have to get an A to pass, but you do have to have an effective daily spiritual strategy to be effective. Iyanla instructed us to stop forcing yourself to do things that don’t matter. Life gives us what we need. Your eyes will adjust to the level of deficiency present. Check your vision – Life doesn’t play tricks on you, your mind does. It really hit home for me when Iyalna told us to forgive ourselves for denying and accepting less than what we deserved. She shared with us that she was in and out of a relationship for 40 years. There are so many people who remain in toxic, dead situations and we deserve so much more. As it relates to my love life, I am so determined not to just settle for any Tom, Dick or Harry or in my case Jerome, Dante or Trey lol #justbeinghonest. I know that I have a lot invested me, which makes this single, "lady in waiting" walk a challenge. Iyanla continued to teach us that courage is having the strength to leave before life forces you too. Ouch!!! Life is always telling us the truth, your job is to recognize and accept it. Life gives us everything that we need.
As the day continued, we were graced with the eye of the tiger from Amy Purdy. Amy was determined not to feel sorry for herself and become a victim because of her disability. She used her imagination to create opportunities for herself to succeed. Amy,Toyota and Oprah presented the Standing O-Vation award to Estella Pyfrom of Estella's Brilliant Bus for her outstanding commitment to making education accessible to undeserved children.
Q&A with Trailblazers
Iyanla - It is not about helping people, but about service. When we help others we attach ourselves to the outcome of the result. If they win, we celebrate. If they fail, we beat ourselves up. Give service.
Elizabeth – Your growth maybe destructive to others. Relationships are our choice. We have a responsibility to love everyone, but we must love them from a safe distance if the relationship has turned negative.
Deepak – Don’t show off your transformation to others. Just show them who you are.
Rob Bell - Encouraged us to find joy and meaning in everyday life.
Conclusion
Oprah concluded the weekend just how she started, with positive words of affirmation. Words have power. Whatever follows, “I am….is going to come after you.” She instructed us to change the way we think about situations. Become aware of the language we speak to ourselves. Speak to yourself with love. “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Paulo Coelho. God can dream a bigger dream than you. Ask Him. Never forsake your spiritual connection.
Oprah's intentions - About my Father’s business.
Oprah has been blessed and has passed it on to others. It’s not about fame, it’s about leading people to the highest power that is them. Step into the call of your life. Rise to the highest truest expression of yourself as a human being. Visualize a new story. When we left Saturday afternoon, Oprah charged us with the task of creating a new vision for our life and tweeting it. Below you will find my vision and my mother's.
Favorite moments from #LifeYouWantMIA. #Selfies #usies and more...
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