by Nijah J. | Nov 29, 2013 | Uncategorized
Picture this…My mom and I just finished a conversation about a recent audition. At the time, I was feeling a bit discouraged, considering two weeks had gone by and I hadn’t heard anything. So I said to my mom, “I gave it my all and I believe that was my best.” I started thinking that perhaps they chose who they wanted and so I made the decision to move on. She then responded, “Well you know Nijah, maybe they’re saving the best for last!” I smiled to myself because deep inside I still had an ounce of hope that I would be called…Then my phone rang. My mother looked at the phone and said “Hmm, that’s a private number.” Usually I don’t answer private numbers but I decided to forgo that idea this time.
Unbeknownst to me, on the other end of the telephone was a representative from Ms. Full Figured USA!!!! She informed me that I was selected and was now an official contestant for their Ms. Full Figured 2014 Pageant!!! I started screaming and jumping up and down. My mom came running in the room asking “What’s going on?” Although I could not answer her right then, from the big smile on my face, she could tell what the conversation was about.
As you can guess, I am super hyped at this decision and also humbled for another door of opportunity that has opened. The pageant will take place on April 12, 2014. So for the next few months, I will take to social media to document my journey. Featured below is my entry video for the People’s Choice Awards, where you all can vote for your favorite contestant (hint hint lol).
All my Instagram peeps can go to @msfullfiguredusa. ‘Like’ their page and then hit the like button for my entry video (and/or any of the other beautiful contestants). You can also vote on Facebook by searching for Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant, like their page, and then lastly place your vote.
Thanks in advance for your support!!! I’m going for the goal y’all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Signed,
Nijah J, The Future Ms. Full Figured USA 2014
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| This was the outfit I wore to the audition! |
by Nijah J. | Nov 24, 2013 | Uncategorized
One evening while on Twitter, I came across the page “See Body Love Self”. I don’t remember exactly what I clicked on prior to that but I am glad that I found it nonetheless! The company’s theme underscores the importance of women embracing their bodies and loving themselves. As a person who struggled in this area, it wasn’t a surprise that I also took the liberty to read, re-tweet and respond to the article I read. It was entitled “Live Your Truth with Chatterbox Christie: The Power of I Am”.) Here is the direct link: http://seebodyloveself.org/live-your-truth-with-chatterbox-christie-the-power-of-i-am/
So, being the self-proclaimed clicker that I am, I kept clicking on different articles, which then lead me to a giveaway. I read and followed the instructions. Little did I know, I was going to be one of the winners of a FREE beautiful tee shirt. There were several colors and sizes available, but I chose Pomegranate in a size XL and as you can…it’s a perfect fit! When you get a minute, make sure to check out Ivy LaArtista at See Body Love Self as well as Differently Clothing!!!!
by Nijah J. | Nov 17, 2013 | Uncategorized
I am completely in love with my leather and lace top by designer Dorothy Perkins. This beautiful top retails for $55.00. However, since I participated in the giveaway by Body Conscious Beauty, I received the item for FREE!!! Yes, you read that right!!!! I was so excited to find out that I was the winner of her style challenge!
I ordered the blouse in a size 16 (EUR 20) and it very fits very well. I paired it with my favorite black skinnies and a pair of cream and suede pumps…So, if you haven’t already, swing on by Body Conscious Beauty and “like” her Facebook page to get the latest in curvy fashion!!!!!!!!
by Nijah J. | Nov 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
This is a really good question because it gives me the opportunity to reflect. Fortunately for me, the answer is not indicative of one specific person, place or thing- rather, there’s a smorgasbord. Therefore, I present to you, a snapshot of some of the moments that make me flash that big Kool-Aid smile!!!!
Each day I open my eyes from the nighttime rest is a blessing!
Fear has no place in my life!
I love that in this very moment, I am doing something that I love- WRITING! I realized that my pen is one of my greatest weapons!
All that I went through was painful and full of disappointments, but I now know that all of it helped to birth my passion!
I love sharing my weight loss journey and also empowering others through my testimony.
I’m in good health.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made!
I am FREE!!!
I’m happily pursuing my dreams.
Taking random pictures, then tweeting and blogging about them
Sharing fashion tips
Going to the movies, bowling and playing badminton
Making good choices
Writing in my journal
Exercising
Solving cryptoquotes *adjusts glasses*
Going to church
Smiling
Hanging out with my mom
Finding bargains on clearance racks
Shopping for shoes (I should add this twice!!!)
Of course I have a gazillion more of these joyful moments that I have experienced in my 33 years, but for space and time sake, I’ll end my list for now. It is important to note that I did not write them in any particular order but rather as they came to mind.
What are some things that make you happy? Identify them and make time to enjoy those moments. Take a vacation, be random and above all, have fun…now that’s living! *insert smile*
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Outfit Details:
Jacket- Forever 21
Scarf -Nordstrom Rack
Boots- TJ Maxx (Naughty Monkey)
Jeans- Old Navy |
by Nijah J. | Oct 14, 2013 | Uncategorized
One of the blessings of weight loss is that it gives you an excuse to shop. It is also a bittersweet moment, because you have to part ways with some of your most favorite pieces. Considering that I haven’t met my goal weight yet, I am in the process of rebuilding my wardrobe and it will be done on a budget. Remember my 28 cent dress from Old Navy I purchased a few months ago? If not, here’s the dress and how I wore it!
So, the other day I stopped in my favorite Old Navy store. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just browsing. If you’re like me, I headed straight to the back towards the clearance section! There I was…looking through tons of clothes, pushing hangers, holding clothes in front of me inspecting for spots and also quickly deciding if I’d purchase it once I saw the price tag. In my search, I came across three cute dresses but there was a problem! None of them had price tags and so I was a bit apprehensive. (Usually when I see items without prices, I automatically assume the price will be higher because there weren’t any other dresses like it on the rack). Determined to find out the price, I asked the fitting room attendant for a price check. To my surprise, all of the dresses were…get this…$4.97 each!!!! To top it off, all of them fit perfectly!!
Now, some of you are saying, “I would never!” and proceed to the regular priced merchandise and of course, that is your decision. I’m just trying to bring awareness that you can still be fashion savvy and still keep some money in your pocket.
Let me know what you think. Are you a “Bargain Fashionista” like me or do you prefer to shop retail prices only?
![Q: Why am I still single?]()
by Nijah J. | Oct 10, 2013 | Uncategorized
A few years ago, one of the church mothers took me by the hands and said, “Baby, befo’ God sends you the real one, the devil gone send you an impostor.” Then she prayed with me. I must say that when we parted ways, I left puzzled, wondering to myself who in the world she could be talking about. At the time, I wasn’t interested in anyone and as far as I knew, no one was interested in me. Lo and behold, a year later, a guy asked me to be in a relationship with him. On the surface, he seemed like a decent gent. However, in getting to know him, I found that our personalities clashed. He was extremely bossy and male chauvinistic- definite deal breakers! (I won’t take this blog post as an opportunity to bash him, because I still think he is a good guy, just not for me.)
I say all that to say, if I wanted to be in a relationship, I could be…but at what price? He already showed me who he was, so why would I want to sacrifice being happily single just to say “I gotta man?!” *said like the girl from the Positive K video, lol* In all seriousness, one could imagine that being in a relationship with him would only exacerbate the situation and result in me being unhappy, annoyed and full of regret all in the name of being “wifed up”. Frankly, hooking up with someone is the easy part but being in a healthy relationship is much better – and worth waiting for.
Most often people equate being single with being lonely and that is so far from the truth. Since I have found my purpose, being single is satisfying. When the r
ight person comes along – and he will- I’ll know and be willing to share my fabulous life with him! *insert smile* It’s all in God’s timing. Right now, I am joyously pursuing my dreams so my future husband will find me working – not pining over him. When God sees fit, our paths will cross. #dontbelievemejustwatch
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