Noire Expose'

You need a vision

2010-02-06T12:14:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone, I know I have been kinda absent lately, but it has been for good reasons. If you do not already know I just gave birth to a little girl almost 2 months ago. With her birth I have had to really take a look at my life and figure out what I really wanted to do. I needed to know what I was called to do and then move into it.

I needed a vision.....
I know I was interested in business and helping small businesses grow to the next level. With that God showed me my future self and I loved her. So now I have a vision of myself succeeding in my own company and doing what I love (and looking good doing it as well lol).

I don't know everything, but I do know that I am to be successful so with that I am pressing forward and trusting God to lead me to where I am supposed to be. If you know you are supposed to be doing something great do not wait until you feel it is the right time. Step out now and trust God to take over. When He sees you step out on faith and do what he has called you to do, he has no choice but to step in and give you what you need to succeed.

Get a hold of a vision and move forward.

You can't tell a man everything.....

2010-01-31T11:00:00.008-05:00

You can't tell a man everything. I'm learning this concept, don't fully agree with it, but I understand it. I'm the type of female where I can share to much information, especially when it comes to my feelings. It's not a bad thing, but when it comes to dealing with men, it can be. Should you be able to go to your man and pour out your heart to him and have him receive it, yes, however you should be wise when you do it, and understand the type of man that you have.

I can't tell the guy that I deal with everything that is on my heart, because he can't handle it. He either wants to fix it or tell me to get over it, or that I shouldn't think like that, and I absolutely hate that. Now there are times when I do need to be checked and told when I am wrong, but sometimes I just need him to listen or be that shoulder to lean on when I need some emotional support. I love him and I know he loves me (when we have our good days lol) but I can not and should not tell him everything. He doesn't understand me and my needs as a female fully and therefore I can not get what I need from him.

Now that is where God is able to step in and be what I need when I need it. God is sensitive enough to know what I need as a woman, sometimes that is a hard slap, sometimes it's an ear, and sometimes it's a soft word. I love that about God. He understands me even when I don't understand myself. He has knowledge and understanding of me (he should, he did create me lol) and the ultimate wisdom to deal with EVERYTHING and ANYTHING that I bring to him.
Ladies, we (yes I am too guitly of this) need to stop looking for the men in our life to be what God should be in our lives. Bring your cares and worries before him and he will supply all your needs.

Ladies we can never change men, they have to want to change and want to understand the female that they are dealing with. Ladies we can change ourselves though. Does that suck that we have to change and our men might remain the same, YES!!!! O well, life isn't fair. In due time however a true man will learn how to understand and deal with his woman, it takes time and it takes him wanting to do it, we can't force it on him (learned that lesson too the hard way). When the time is right he will want her to share the matters of her heart and he will be able to use wisdom on how to handle the situation, whether that is to talk, listen, or fix. It will all work itself out.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T23:01:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

I know I haven't written anything in awhile but I am back and will make a solid effort to blog more this year. While I was gone from the blogging world I got pregnant and recently (December 10, 2009 to be exact) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Grace. She is my beautiful little lady and I am so happy.

Since giving birth to her a lot of things have come into perspective and I have changed my outlook on some things. Some goals have gotten changed and my mindset of what is important has matured. A serious goal for this new year is to find out my purpose. I believe that God put us all on this earth for a reason and only through him can we find that purpose.

I desire to be successful, happy, in love and all that jazz but obtaining all of that is in vain if I die and never accomplished what I was placed on this earth to do.

I'm excited to see what God is going to do in my life this year and I will keep you posted.

More to come,

Love,

Noir

I feel like such a slacker!!

2009-05-27T09:20:00.002-04:00

I have not blogged in over a month and I feel horrible. The thing is I am on the computer but I can't seem to get inspired about anything to write about, that isn't already out there. Also my life has been rather hectic too. I'm still working at the job that I posted about earlier, I moved into my first apartment, and I have another bit of news but I am going to wait on that. :) But, I'm doing good and I will hopefully be back to blogging soon.

Later!

Vogue Cover Girl

2009-04-01T18:25:00.011-04:00

So I’m in the store picking up some items so that I can cook dinner, and while in line I look up and my eyes lay hold of Beyonce on the cover of Vogue, so what do I do? I of course snatch it off the rack and pay for it! Now I do read Vogue Magazine but nothing in it really applies to me. I look at the pictures, read some of the articles, get some inspirations for different things but to be quite honest nothing much in the magazine applies to a young black female. However, when I saw “B” on the cover I knew I had to pick it.

The article to be honest……wasn’t all that. I have read better articles on her and the pictures of her I feel did not really do her justice. Now while conducting some research about the article, I came across some sites where people actually had a problem with Vogue doing their shape issue with curvy Beyonce on the front. I didn’t read into it that deep when I purchased it but after reading the comments and thinking, I could kinda see where they were coming from. I do stress “KINDA” though, because I really don’t think it’s that serious. Vogue’s shape issue is about “loving the body that you are in” however they do contradict themselves with the tips on how to get longer leaner legs, and “Nip/Tuck- Designing a Perfect Body” article. They even show fashion for every figure from size 0 to 20.

Now Vogue knows good and well that when the next issue comes out they are not going to have a size 20 model anywhere in the magazine. Everyone has their opinion about the magazine, again I solely bought it because Beyonce was on the cover and I do collect magazines. The thing is Vogue mentions that real women have curves, but they subtly made sure the first picture people saw of Beyonce was from the waist up, everyone knows Beyonce’s curves are from the waist down. Oh well, I’m just excited they put a black woman on the cover of Vogue again!!!!

IF THIS AINT THE TRUTH......

2009-03-28T23:58:00.003-04:00

I'm really feeling this song! Sometimes loving someone can make you dillusional to their true character. I understand and agree that love changes you, but it's supposed to be for the better right? If you love someone prove it to them every single day.

I think this is the prettiest Ciara has every looked in a video. Enjoy!

I know I'm MIA!!!!!

2009-03-24T12:16:00.002-04:00

I know I have been "missing in action" lately, just been real busy with starting my new job (which I still love). I have so many exiciting things to discuss but no time to put them up, but they are coming. I'll keep you posted! Hope your having a great day!!!!!

Artisan Blue

2009-03-13T10:35:00.006-04:00

Woopee!!!!!!! I have a new job and I love it! I'm 23 (about to be 24 in about a month, another Woopee lol) and I can honestly say that I wake up every morning excited to go to work. I am actually doing what I love to do and something that I am really good at. I work for Artisan Blue Graphic Design located out in Washington D.C. No I'm not a graphic designer, I just handle the operational aspect, sending out proposals, invoicing, and such. Anyway not trying to hype Artisan Blue up just because I work there, but their designs are phenomenal and we can design everything. Anything you can imagine, we can create! You know I am a strong believer in exposure and Artisan Blue is a company that is definitely on the up and up. Owned by 2 Howard University college graduate men (brothas doing the dag on thing and they prove there are still some good men in the world) who just wanted to design and help businesses and people look good through their print and design work, Artisan Blue is the definite go to company for any and all graphic design needs. They have been in business for nearly 11 yeas (so they aren't armatures). If you or if you know anyone that needs some graphic work do not hesitate to hit me up at mclark@artisanblue.com.

Check out our website at http://www.artisanblue.com/, to be honest the website doesn't really do the company justice but there are some links on there of other projects. I'm truly blessed and happy to be working for this company and I really believe and stand by the products that are produced.

Workout Wednesday

2009-03-11T11:53:00.004-04:00

So spring is almost here and that means summer is right around the corner. Now we should all be striving to become healthy individuals, but some added, call it superficial if you want, perks to exercising are looking extra cute in your clothes and having everyone tell you how good you look. Now I have been working out with my trainer Carlos at Beyond Fitness for almost a year now and have been getting a lot of those "added perks!"

Now for "Workout Wednesday" the workout tip that I feel has been truly beneficial to my progress is "spurts of intense cardio." In a nut shell what Carlos is having me do is run at a moderate pace for about a minute then he raises the intensity for another minute and after that minute I go back to the moderate pace. Each time he raises the intensity higher and higher but after the minute I'm back to the moderate pace. I keep following this pattern for about 10 minutes with each time raising the intensity higher and higher. At first this was a killer "warm up" but I have gotten better cause now we incorporate incline while still raising the intensity and now I can run at a more intense level for 2 minutes instead of the 1. I really enjoy this method because I burn a lot more calories a lot faster and it isn't as boring as just running on a treadmill for 10minutes at a constant pace. I highly recommend "spurts of intense cardio." I don't know about you but I am going to be swim suit ready this season!!!!

He's Just Not That Into You!!!!

2009-03-10T09:09:00.004-04:00

Ok so I may be a little late but this past weekend I saw "He's Just Not That Into You" at the movies. Now I already owned the book and when it became a movie I was really excited. Anyway the movie was very creatively done, contained unique yet realistic characters, and most of all was insightful. Now I had originally planned to see the movie with my girlfriends but I ended up seeing it with a really close guy friend and I think that was the best choice because guys tend to give the real logical truth about matters and when I was sitting there at different point in the movie my friend would say "Yep that's true about males!" Females, because they sometimes want to spare your feelings, (there are a few clips in the movie that prove this theory lol) will sometimes distort a matter to make it fit what you want to see. The movie gave lots of advice and brutal honesty about men and relationship and how distorted our female mind can become concerning the two. The real message that I walked away with, is that if a guy really wants, you he will come after you, and if he doesn't then.......HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU!!!!!

Go see the movie if it is still out but if you're feeling a little more adventurous purchase the book you wont be disappointed.

Be Happy!!!!

2009-03-02T23:07:00.002-05:00

There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which our beyond the power of our will.

- Epictetus

Workout Wednesday

2009-02-25T15:15:00.008-05:00

So as you should know by now I love to expose different events, topics, books, style looks,etc. I'm going to be doing a new section on Wednesdays called "Workout Wednesday" where I will expose anything fitness related that seems really cool and informative. Cause we all wanna be the most fabulous person we can and I believe the foundation for achieving "fabulocity" starts with being healthy!!!!

OK so I was talking with my personal trainer Carlos Brevard of "Beyond Fitness" and he was telling me of this really ingenious new class that he designed for mothers and their kids. It's called "The Mommy and Me Workout Session." This newest fitness class to hit the Prince George's County, Maryland area is made to be fun, interactive, and promote physical activity on a regular basis. Classes start March 9 and end April 1 and is located in Bowie, Maryland.

If I had a little one I would love to have him or her tag along with me during my workout session! I could bond with my child and get my workout on at the same time. I love the idea!!!!! More information is on the flier above , and also check out the Beyond Fitness Website at http://www.gobeyondfitness.biz/

Before He Gets You- You Get Yours

2009-02-18T12:49:00.016-05:00

"I had mine before we met & he had his"- Beyonce, on her and Jayz

Some things I want for myself within the next three years:

own place
TRUE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
job in the industry that I love
my own business really up and running
part of an organization that helps the community
The MAN of my dreams and love of my life

Now the man part is at the end for a reason. I want to have my own before I really, really settle down with someone. I agree with people when they say you should be friends first because it helps build a foundation. Men for some reason (and this is a good quality) want to have certain things in order before they seriously settle down with "the one." One day while listening to the radio I heard a good conversation between a man and a woman that made me think.

Woman: "So what is a woman supposed to do, just wait for a man to come & sweep her off her feet?"

Man: "YES!"

That statement is so true for a few reasons (but I'm only gonna talk about one). Now to wait idle is not the meaning, but waiting and in the mean time getting yours! Getting your money right, going on that dream trip with your girlfriends, just doing you! Men are going to get theirs. They usually do not wait till they meet their special lady to then go after their dreams. To men having a real woman is the "icing on the cake." Now following this concept has not been easy, actually it's really hard but I know it is worth it. Ladies if we get the idea into our heads that a man is supposed to come after us, we will step our game up. The more and more he has to work the more and more valuable we become. I don't mean play little girl mind games just be true to who you are and make him step up to the plate. Men want what they can't have, they enjoy a chase, and they have since cave men times. Let them do what is natural for them to already do. The more work and worth you put into yourself the more they see that and adjust. Hard to sometimes do, but it only works in our benefit.

I know what I want and for the most part who I want, but time needs to run its course with us. In the meantime I'm going to get mine and I know he is getting his, and when we get to the next level we will know that we are blessed because we are equal! He will love me cause I got my own.......hahaha Smooches ladies!!!

My Hair!

2009-02-17T13:22:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I feel as though I need to go natural. I have been relaxing my hair since I was about 12 maybe 13 and not because I really needed to, but because my mother got tired of doing my hair. My natural hair texture is not really difficult to work with and I constently get people saying "you dont even need to get perms", I can go without getting a touch up for about 4 months, (back in the day it was almost 6 months). I'm not really trying to jump on the bandwagon of going natural because it kinda seems like the thing to do right now (not trying to offend anyone) but because I wanna be able to blow my hair out and straighten it and have it flowing in the wind, or if the mood strikes me just washing and going and rocking my naturally wavy curly tendrals. I am more so deciding to go natural cause I want more options and less stress. I recently cut my hair into this cute Rihanna inspired cut but now that it is growing out I want to just go for it and just cut the rest of my relazed hair off. I'm still kinda torn between what I should do. Just thought I would put it out there, if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Thanks

Upgrade Yourself!!!

2009-02-05T15:12:00.012-05:00

"There are no ugly women, only lazy ones." Helena Rubinstein

Ok, ladies time for some honesty (and we all need it from time to time).....I have a huge pet peeve concerning lazy women in terms of upkeeping their visual appearance. Chipped nail polish, ashy legs/feet, no earrings in ears, etc. are all unacceptable. A few extra moments in the morning or before going out in the evening goes a longggggggg way!!! I'm not 100% perfect but I do try to be conscious of the way that I look whether in sweat pants or a mini dress. I mean picture it a woman with banged out makeup, a cute little black dress and the baddest pair of Zac Posen heels you ever layed eyes on and her feet are cracked, nail polish chipped, and her undergarments are visibly showing (and not in the cute fashionable way.) Uhgggg, catastrophe!!

The foundation of any outfit is the body and if the foundation is screwed up then anything you put on top of it is just not going to appear beautiful. A polished look is what we should be going for ladies, and visual panty lines, head scarf still on from last night's sleep, and hairy legs will not get us that. Most of us desire to be fashionable, stylish, and polished. We want the opposite sex (or same sex whichever you prefer) to view us as a "bad chick" and like we have ourselves together!

First impressions are everything and it would be to your best interest to look presentable. Don't get me wrong I am not encouraging buying designer clothes or always wearing dresses and heels, on the contrary, wear whatever you want and can afford, just look stunning in it. I want to encourage a mindset of leaving out the house and "coming correct." I strongly believe in having a maintenance day at least once a week. Use that day to shave your legs, change polish or polish your nails and toes, touch up eyebrows, or even have a workout session. A little bit can go a long way. I'm not suggesting this to just attract or meet other people. Do it for yourself, BE the best woman you can, don't just become one when an event comes up. BE SEXY FOR YOU!

I highly recommend for every woman to have on her book shelf (and it is super sexy to read) "The One Hundred- A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own" by Nina Garcia & "That Extra Half an Inch" by Victoria Beckham.

These books will definitely give you tips on upgrading yourself. I absolutely love them!!!

Unveiling of Beyond Fitness

2009-02-03T12:28:00.014-05:00

On January 24, 2009 Beyond Fitness Health and Fitness Center had their "grand opening," officially announcing they were open for business. Beyond Fitness, joined with Black Curtain Management, treated guests with information brochures, a tour of the facility, and guests were able to speak directly with Carlos Brevard the owner of Beyond Fitness.

Beyond Fitness was created from the belief that fitness is more than just achieving abs of steel, trim shapely thighs, and large biceps or being able to run 5 miles in 20 minutes, but the belief that healthy fitness is a lifestyle.

The company's slogan says it all "Taking Fitness Past Perception."

Carlos Brevard the 24 year old recent college graduate from Frostburg State University is truly living that lifestyle! Do not be fooled by his young age the man has experience! He has trained senior citizens, student athletes, semi pro and pro athletes, dancers, beginners, and those that need to get in shape for serious health reasons, and he does it with a passion and enthusiasm that I have not seen evident in other personal trainers, young or old. He goes beyond just the body and tackles a huge obstacle of people who choose to not exercise and get healthy....their mindset! A healthy mindset is key to achieving and maintaining desired results. As a person that has had the pleasure of being trained by Carlos I strongly believe that what contributes to his success is his ability to adjust his intensity and tempo based on his clients' current fitness levels, and more importantly, he loves being a trainer and that love comes through in every session. The workouts are intense but they are fun and results are achieved. When I'm done with my session I walk away (sometimes I wanna crawl lol) with a renewed mind. I honestly can not see myself training anywhere else than with Carlos Brevard at Beyond Fitness!

Outside Beyond Fitness Health & Fitness Center

Beyond Fitness Health and Fitness Center is located in Bowie, Md. For more information visit the website www.gobeyondfitness.biz or email at info@gobeyondfitness.biz

Crave

2009-02-03T11:47:00.008-05:00

So I absolutely love to read! I read pretty much anything and a gift card to Barnes and Noble or Borders is wonderful! Now my favorite book is Crave by Darnella Ford. I have read it at least 3-4 times. For anyone who loves to read and/or likes poetry this is a recommended read. Now to better understand me I like topics a little "dark" in nature and in my opinion this is one of those books. I think a reason why I love the book so much is because I can relate to the feeling of the main character (not quite to her extreme). If you have ever been in a relationship and gotten to the point of almost feeling addicted to someone please pick up this book. Here is quote that I just absolutely from the book:

Have you?

Have you ever?

Have you ever craved someone?

Have you ever craved someone so bad?

Have you ever craved someone so bad you could feel?

Have you ever craved someone so bad you could feel your heart?

Have you ever craved someone so bad you could feel your heart beat still?

Beat still

Beat still

Beat

And they-

Didn't crave you back?

If you decide to get this book and read it please let me know what you think I would love to have a conversation about it!

The Power of the Stiletto

2009-02-03T11:13:00.007-05:00

Jimmy Choo "Grant" Satin Silk Peep Toe Shoe

I love black stilettos!!! Putting on a pair with a sexy pencil skirt makes me feel super sexy and ultra confident and not to toot my own horn but I have been told I have nice legs so I do like to show them off when I feel the urge! These shoes are used for more than wanting to just feel sexy. When I put them on I’m doing it because I’m bout to step out into a world that could tear me to shreds if I do not conform to a certain image or standards. However, I’m strong, confident, and woman enough to stand true to my own set of beliefs. Am I sometimes afraid when I step out? YES, but I still have to step out because I am more afraid of looking back at my life and seeing that I never did what I always wanted to do or worst, WHAT I WAS DESTINIED to do. I’m not afraid that I’ll fail at my endeavors , I’m afraid that I’ll actually succeed.

That may sound stupid but it is an honest emotion. Not a fear of failure but rather yet a fear of success. To further explain this weird yet very common trepidation…..it’s a fear of all your dreams becoming reality and you actually becoming completely happy. Who am I that I could be granted such an honor of complete and utter happiness? I truly believe that “God does not give us dreams to taunt us.” “If you believe it then you can achieve it.” What is the point to have ideas, aspirations, and desires about what you could achieve and never try to pursue them? People including myself will try to make all sorts of excuses about why they can not pursue what they have always wanted but blah, blah, blah, yada, yada, ya….there is no time like the present and life will be over sooner than you know it. For me the power of a stiletto is real, but it really isn’t that the shoe has some magical powers they just assist in shaping my attitude and outlook and I feel confident, and that is the most important thing. Confidence is the sexiest thing that a woman can wear. Confidence shines thru whether a woman is in a pair of Christian Louboutins or New Balances, the woman makes the shoes not vice versa.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.” –Nelsen Mandela (Inaugural Speech 1994)

Don’t be afraid anymore, put on your best high heels or whatever it is that does it for you and walk out into this world and chase don’t follow your dreams. Happiness doesn’t always come to us we sometimes have to go out and get it ourselves. They say “good things come to those who wait” but I don’t think whoever “they” were, were referring to happiness!

Scandalous Beauty- The Urban Beauty Blog

2009-02-03T10:48:00.004-05:00

Black Curtain Management joined forces with SCANDALOUS BEAUTY- THE URBAN BEAUTY BLOG and hosted the first ever Scandalous Beauty "Meet and Greet." The event was held at Mayorga Coffee House in Silver Spring, Md. on December 28, 2008.

For those of you who do not know about Scandalous Beauty she is a twenty something-Go Getter-Beauty Fiend-Shopaholic-Sex and the City Fanatic-Brown Skinned Sista-Hopeless Romantic-Professional Makeup Artist-College Senior-Starbucks Junkie-Chipotle Eating-Spend it Before she Makes It Follower and young entrepreneur. Her goal in life is to become a Beauty Editor at a major publication. Each day, she is taking the necessary steps to get there. This woman is so determined she can taste it!

You can check out her makeup tutorials and beauty tips on youtube at www.youtube.com/scandalousbeauty
and also her website at http://www.scandalousbeautyonline.com/
Below is a picture of Scandalous Beauty and myself at the event. We are currently in the beginning stages of planning another "unveiling" for the spring, so I will keep you posted. In the mean time definitely check out her blog and for beauty tips and makeup tutorials visit her youtube station and subscribe! You will not be disappointed.

What is Noir Expose'?

2009-02-02T14:20:00.000-05:00

Noir Expose' is all about exposure!!! I created this blog to talk about any and everything but mainly to expose businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs. This blog is a lifestyle blog so it will feauture items that I consider really hot, events happening in the Maryland, D.C., Virginia area (or events that I will be attending or hosting), and topics that I feel are important to be discussed. I have my own event planning/image consulting company called Black Curtain Management so event updates will be posted on here as well. This blog is meant to be fun, informative, and enlightening. I hope you all enjoy and welcome to Noir Expose- The Blog