by Nijah J. | Oct 20, 2014 | Uncategorized
Let me first start off by saying I had great expectations when I heard that “Cinderella” would be coming to Broadway. Like many of you, I loved the story as a little girl, especially at the end when Cinderella lives happily ever after with her handsome prince. As an adult, I still believe in true love but the play was about so much more. It touched on many themes that we may encounter on this journey called life, including the following:
- Believe that the impossible can be possible.
- Being kind can change the atmosphere.
- Forgiveness is powerful.
- A dream is nothing if you don’t do anything with it.
- The unknown can be fearful, but just go for it!
Was it all serious? No. There were many comedic moments, self-reflective moments and also moments where tears welled up in my eyes. The cast was amazing, including the lovely Sherri Shepherd & KeKe Palmer!!! The set was beautifully decorated and the costumes were gorgeous and gaudy – 2 of my favorite things darlings!!!! Also, they managed to recapture the fashion of the original Cinderella but with a modern flair.
There were many twists and turns but overall, the story line mirrored that of the story book version that was read to me as a child. I won’t get into specifics because I don’t want to spoil it, but I believe that it was well worth the money spent.
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During the intermission, I managed to get a picture in.
By the way, this peplum top was purchased on clearance from
Ashley Stewart this past summer. A similar one can be found here. |
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| Need I say more…simply breathtaking! |
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| imitating Sherri Shepherd |
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While taking a picture of Ms. Benn and her daughter, I looked up
and said, is that Coko from SWV? And it sure was! She was down to earth
and she looked fabulous!! |
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The lovely Sherri Shepherd was taking selfies and signing autographs.
There were a bunch of people waiting to chat and take selfies,
when I decided to take the Fairy God Mother’s advice and go for it.
So I asked “Would you kindly take a picture with Ms. Full Figured USA 2014?”
She nodded and said yes!!! Can you imagine how I felt considering a video I posted earlier
earlier about this possibility??
Here’s my video.
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I highly recommend families of all ages see the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”…and I’d definitely go see it again!
by Nijah J. | Sep 22, 2014 | Uncategorized
Hey everyone! I had a fantastic day at the Avenue Plus Size Clothing store in Union, New Jersey on Saturday afternoon. I met some beautiful ladies and also got the opportunity to participate in a fall fashion show. I gotta tell you the clothes are F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S and they were each a perfect fit!!! Needless to say, I walked away with some fab finds, including the flat boots featured in the pics, the Denim Pocket Shirt and 2 leather jackets (I got the brown one I wore and also the same one in black). Did I mention that I got 40% off just for participating, which equaled to almost a $100 in savings!
From the looks of this season’s designs, the Avenue is appealing to full figured ladies of all ages. The garments are fashion forward, fun, flirty and figure flattering – characteristics that all of my fashionistas are looking for.
I want to thank the Avenue for having the Fall Fashion Show because it was a win-win relationship, as they surely had full figured women in mind. Everyday customers showcased their clothes in front of an audience (including shoppers who cheered us on), while also getting ideas on how they too, could style their outfits. In a word, the event was H-O-T! I’m still smiling from ear to ear!!!
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Casual look
The denim shirt paired well with the long Maxi dress and the Athens Combat Boots. |
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Work
The leather jacket was a great match for the everyday career woman
By the way if you like the necklace, you can find it here —->Animal Bib Necklace
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Lastly, if you like any of the items, feel free to check the site or visit your local Avenue! I know they won’t disappoint!
by Nijah J. | Jul 22, 2014 | Uncategorized
Date: 7/19/14
Time: 11:00pm
Inspiration: My tank top; It read: “Keep your head up high beautiful”
Everything used to be one big blur…I knew that I wanted to make an impact on the world but had no idea where to start. Then it dawned on me, that in order to make a difference, it was imperative that I start with myself first – and so my journey began.
For starters, I had to lose those things that were hindering me from moving forward. Perhaps, you may be holding on to these things too, but I am here to let you know that it is time…time to let them go!
Doubt and fear were the first to get the boot (steel toes needed lol). I had to get rid of the idea that I couldn’t/shouldn’t. There were way too many opportunities out here that I passed up as a result of holding on to these twins. Today, as I press forward, not really sure of how I will reach my goals, I believe wholeheartedly that as long as I work towards them, the way will be made. The key is to keep the dream in my heart and keep the faith, no matter the time or process it takes.
Next, I had to get rid of low self-esteem and its cousins, low (or no) confidence and negative body image. I read in my bible that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and once I got that down in my heart, life has made so much more sense. I thought at one time that happiness would come once I reached a certain weight – and boy was I wrong! The day that I fell in love with me, the heavens opened up. It took some years but my daily prayer was: “God, help me to see what you see.” In time my prayer was answered! Although I don’t remember the exact day that it happened, I just know that things were different. I wasn’t the same person anymore and I had gotten a sweet taste of freedom! I can smile on the outside, because my heart is truly glad. I am happy with me…to be me…and I love me, unconditionally and unapologetically.
I also had to get rid of unforgiveness. It did not mean I act as if hurtful things didn’t happen, but to forgive those people. Truth is, they had moved on with their lives and here I was still here “holding the bag”. It took some time but I was finally able to release the hurtful things of the past. All along I thought forgiving someone was a sign of weakness. In actuality, forgiving those who hurt you is strength at its finest! Moreover, I also had to forgive myself for choosing to live beneath my privilege.
Now that I am free, it has become my mission to spread messages of self-love everywhere I go. I want every young lady out there to know (and walk in) the power that they have. Loving yourself will help you avoid so many pitfalls in life because you will not only know your self-worth but value it as well. As I stated in my
pageant speech, “It is written that when you have been strengthened now you go and strengthen your brother. [Now that I am] crowned Ms. Full Figured USA 2014, I will strengthen my sisters!”
And that ladies and gentleman, is how I plan to leave my mark on the world!!!
Nijah J.
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Here’s a pic of me wearing the tank.
It was purchased at the $10 Spot for $7 |
by Nijah J. | Jul 2, 2014 | Uncategorized
Oh Instagram, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!!!!!
The purpose of this blog post is to share my thoughts on this cute bandeau that I won from an Instagram giveaway given by @ivoryjinelle. For starters, I had to google what it was since I had never heard of a bandeau before *adjusts glasses*. Next, I followed the directions to enter the contest- never thinking I would win…but wait – when, where, why and how in the world was I going to wear one?
Welp, I won and was challenged to both wear it and post pics. Believe it or not, I wasn’t hesitant but more so determined to make it work. Here are the results! I loved the outfit and I felt super cute and confident – yes, all while showing a tad bit of tummy…besides, y’all ain’t ready for my 6 pack anyway, lol!!!!!!!!!!!!! *winks*
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Outfit details:
Ruffled Bonnet- Beauty Supply Store
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by Nijah J. | Jun 15, 2014 | Uncategorized
Today’s post highlights these fabulous earrings. They were custom made by Shy Booshie, of Booshie Raggz, LLC. The company specializes in unique and custom made hair bows & accessories, but is most widely known for their bedtime bonnets – all of which vary in prices and can be purchased directly through her website.
However, I received my earrings for FREE because I participated in the Instagram/Facebook 30 Day Spiritual Cleanse Challenge given by @aliyah_cherrisse and @shy_booshie was the sponsor. By the way, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ms. Aliyah Cherrisse competed in the Ms. Full Figured Pageant last year and is currently a print model for Ashley Stewart!!!
My free custom accessories bundle came beautifully packaged in a lilac sheer organza bag, along with a business card and Booshie Hair Bow! The earrings are just the right amount of gaudy (and lightweight, which is a plus) colorful and are guaranteed to make a statement!!! I wore them today and received so many compliments!
Kudos to both ladies for the collaboration and well wishes on their future endeavors!!!!
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| A few selfies! 🙂 |
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Outfit details
Shrug- Rainbow Shop
Cami- Old Navy
Skirt- Macy’s
Shoes- Payless |
by Nijah J. | May 27, 2014 | Uncategorized
So I went to Macys with the intent to browse. I repeat: I DID NOT GO THERE TO BUY ANYTHING! (I know yall have used this excuse before too, lol). While searching through the racks, I came across a pair of Not Your Daughter’s Jeans in a size 16. Honestly, my first reaction was “Oh great…mom jeans!” But I ignored that assumption, removed the jeans from the rack and added them to the growing bunch of clothes already folded over my arms. Besides, they were my size, so why not try them on?
I get in the fitting room and I’m still eyeing the jeans, wondering how they were going to fit. I remembered hearing that they were referred to as the “tummy tuck” jeans. So being the “plush tummy-nista” that I am, finding a pair of jeans that doesn’t accentuate that area can be a hassle.
To my surprise, the NYDJ fit like a glove!!!! That tummy panel/fabric in the jeans acts as a band, which holds my stomach in and gives me a nice sleek silhouette. Also, it has a higher waist, which is an extra plus!! So for a mere $28, I got a steal, especially since the original price was $130.00.
Outfit details: I got the tank from the $10 Spot. It’s actually part of a 2 piece outfit I got from there. I can’t wait to do a review on that outfit!!!! The shoes were purchased on clearance from Payless Shoes last year and the hat is from Old Navy – clearance too of course! (I’m ballin’ on a budget, lol!)
Face: I want to say that I was never into colored lips, but I fell in love with bright colors with a matte look. I am wearing Forever 21 Matte Lipstick in Red with a Sephora Cream Lip Stain on top and I am very pleased with the look. With the Sephora lip stain, you don’t have to keep reapplying it throughout the day.
Lastly, this is my latest “unit”. It is by Model Model Hair and it was purchased at my local beauty supply store. Anyone that knows me, knows that I loooooove the 27 piece look in jet black, but I decided to give it a rest until next fall, and opted for a lighter look…and I’m loving it too!!
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