::Midlife at 35:: Yep, a post about Menopause, before it happens....

::Momma Disclosure::  I was invited to attend IntersectionM/Mlive a midlife conference in exchange for this review, but all opinions and statements are true and my own! 

Learn more about the creators of this event : https://intersection-m.com/the-story/

I know you hear it all the time, age is just a number. Well to me it truly is. At 35, I feel pretty awesome. To be alive and to be strong. To have endured lots and overcome even more. Am I thinking about what the future will be like as I age? Absolutely, I may be "young" now but that won't last forever. In my 20's I realized that I couldn't be scared of aging and what it would bring. After all my Momma who is now almost 60, was doing an amazing job, she remains active, goes out and has so much life in her. I want to be that way. How did I create this mindset and not be scared of the "M" word?

Menopause. 

Well for one I surround myself with like-minded women, and last month I was invited to a great new conference that will help you discuss this and other woman issues. None to be scared of but to embrace.

::5 things I learned at the Midlife Conference here in Houston::

1) Resources are important: If you don't think this type of conference is for you then the least that you can do is collect resources. Even at 35 I feel that having the information I need now, for when I need it in a few years is great. Being informed helps you deal with the issues at hand a lot easier than when it's just a shot in the dark or unknown. Can we agree on that? At minimum be informed about what goes on as you age, about how much we should do for ourselves and what will happen to our bodies and mind, if we don't take care of them.  Simple rule I think, be informed.

2) Like-Minded Women of every age: If you know me then you know, I am not one to create a tight circle of women and never look outside that group. I do love having close friends who are my age and relateable. But, trust me the older I get the more I know that having friends in every age group, younger than me, my age and older than me is important. Why? Well, number one you stay relevant and in-the-know of what's new, and secondly, you can see how other women handled aging and what you can do to help you reach those different milestones with grace and strength! I also have friends who are single and don't have kids, because I then live vicariously through them. HA.

3) So much has evolved: One of the things that sticks in my mind is that things have truly changed, times have changed. And, I'm sure that your Momma's advice is not the same advice you'll give to your daughter. This day in age things evolve in a matter of minutes! If you are an iPhone carrier then you know, things change quick. I loved that the conference brought to light new technology that even I at 35 had NO clue existed, mostly in female cosmetic surgery. It truly amazed me and left me wondering how or if I could use some of those services as I start to leave my childbearing years behind. This type of surgery as described to me in one sentence.... "you will live your life to a whole new level." I loved that. Having kids and other minor female complications have left me, well, worn out to say the least! I look forward to helping my body out in years to come!

4) Don't be scared, it's life: One of the fantastic speakers was Dr. Gayle, the Spunky Old Broad, when I tell you that she lives up to that title, well you'd have to meet her but she does!!! She is 79, works out 2 hours a DAY and has lived through so much. But, she has no fear, she chooses life. She is happy, positive and focused on life. That's what I aim to be. When I was younger, sure I was scared about "getting old", but now I've lived through so much myself that aging, menopause and any other milestone that comes with time, it's doesn't scare me. I want to be prepared and ready for what's to come. So, I do what I have to do; I exercise, eat right, take mental-health breaks, focus on me, enjoy my family and do all those things that self-help coaches recommend. Cause life is too short not to.  

5) Embrace the age and LOVE it: I know, it's easier said than done. And, everyone's circumstances are different. But, I love where I am right now in life, at 35, a Latina Professional, Momma of Dos and with a great very supportive spouse and family. I think that it's important to take into consideration, like all things in life, that the good does outweigh the bad. For me I embrace my age and where I am. I had a long 10 years in my 20's that I don't wish to re-live, but I also had amazing moments from 28-30 when I had my children and grew so much as a person, wife, momma, daughter, etc. So for me as I begin to exit my 30's, at almost 36, I look forward to finishing off this decade with a bang! And, I know SO many amazing 40-something-year-old's that I know I have LOTS to look forward to!

With that said! I can't wait until next year and another conference filled with great content and connect with new women!! Learn more about the creators of this event : https://intersection-m.com/the-story/

:: 4th Annual Total Beauty Expo:: GIVEAWAY!!!

Every once in a while you meet amazing women who support you and on are on a similar mission as yours. This happened last month when I attended the Woman 2 Woman Empowerment Conference. Event organizer and so many of the attendees just opened their arms, hearts and lives to me and are really making an impact in my life. Since in that instance I was sponsored to attend, I now want to pay it forward and give some of my readers the opportunity to attend their next event.

        I have not 1 but 3 tickets to giveaway for their upcoming Total Beauty Expo in October! 

                                 

                                                       4th Annual Total Beauty Expo

                                             October 25th from 1-6pm (VIP 12-6pm)

                                                CWA Local 6222 Banquet Hall 

                                                                 Houston Texas

                               They have so many great features: 

                                                          A Pink Shoe Contest

                                                             Fashion Show

                                                               Workshops! 

                                                         and so much more.... 

                               

a Rafflecopter giveaway

W2W Conference #w2wempowered #iwokeuplikethis

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is not a compensated post. I was invited to attend the Woman 2 Woman Empowerment Conference here in Houston by Total Beauty Ladies Events. All statements below and opinions are my own and are true and honest.}

When it comes to people, places and things; I am constantly seeking to be inspired, motivated and moved to action. In the same fashion I aspire to inspire, motivate and move others into action. Sometimes I succeed. Other times I realize, it’s just not up to me! If the person receiving is not receptive or open to change the way I see it, then they will remain and move at their own pace and I move on.

Destiny:

This past weekend I attended the Woman 2 Woman Empowerment Conference for the first time after connecting through YES, social medial with the amazing Shunte, and let me tell you amazing does not cover the entire description of who Shunte Davis-Gamble is! I am so happy that our paths crossed at this very moment in our lives. We have quickly gained an on-line and now in-person friendship, that I know will go far. Plus her personality just makes it so much easier to love her! 

Purpose:

If you know me, you know that I take it all in. No matter how interested or interesting I am still evaluating, dissecting and embracing the moment. Last week was a busy one for me. I wasn't sure if I would be "in the mood" for Saturday morning. But, seeing Shunte posts on FB and her daily enthusiasm, really pushed me out of bed and into the conference that morning. I am beyond glad that I made it.

I arrived and didn't know anyone, but felt comfortable. As I walked in I met Shunte, her smile, her warm and welcoming embrace and her words... Was it fun!?!? {She was asking me about the Beyonce and Jay-Z concert, I won the tickets through her group and the conference!} Immediately I felt amazing! I felt as if I belonged. 

I found a table in the breakfast area and yes, quickly made connections and friends. Shunte came in introduced herself...with her signature "HEY YAAAA'LLLL!!" She is a born natural. Her speaking and presence, so gentle yet so admirable and notable!

Then we transitioned into our first workshop, were we created our name tags and paper-bags to fill with daily affirmations for one another. A great exercise for a room filled with strong, confident Women. Mind you I didn't know Shunte personally before this day, when she came in and started to explain our task she stated that she was Teacher by day. It was at that point that everything made sense, it's evident in her actions that she was born to lead a room filled with people who are eager and willing to learn.

Who is Shunte, she is a petite woman with SO much personality, so much character and so much heart and passion. As she walked around explaining how we should label ourselves and our bags she was patient and concise about what she wanted us to do. Name our selves based on an adjective that best describes us. So easy, yet so difficult. Mine became Cheerful Connie. The ladies around me quickly became identifiable...Classy, Sexy, and Mighty.... these were just a few adjectives used. I loved them all.

Speakers:

And, as if one wonderful woman with a whole lot of power wasn't enough, my world quickly brighten as I had one of my personal "meet and greet goals" met.

I am big on volunteer work here in the Houston area. Since having my children I have limited it to a few events and organization a year. One that I do yearly is the HLSR, as a part of a committee we are often asked to make time to appear either on TV or at events. Well I usually opt for TV, and one place that we visit every year is the Debra Duncan show here in Houston. Every time I go I am in awe of the functions and how it all gets put together, mostly because of one special lady. She is bright and precise and very professional. To my surprise she also knows Shunte, so I was ecstatic when I recognized her as she got organized by the podium. Who is she?!?!

Alexis Herron, one of my personal favorites. Seeing her outside of TV land and hearing her speak was definitely the cherry on top for that morning. Her "I" affirmations of who she is and who we are as women; strong, confident and powerful, allowed me to realize that I had not fallen into my seat that morning by chance but by grace and yes...by God. She spoke to us about, reaffirming who we want to be and being who we say we are! She played THE song... you know... FLAWLESS... I woke up like this. And, by the end of her speech, I felt not only empowered and yes flawless but refreshed and happy to be who I am! If you have not heard her speak or you do not know her, I invite you to find her online and follow her!  I didn't miss the opportunity to tell her that I am a huge fan of her...... and I know that I met her for a reason....

Shana Naylor, the Real Single Mom's Club. As a blogger I am often added to groups or peoples personal pages and I become connected with different people. When I added Shana I knew she was a Realtor and we had Shunte in common I did my quick research and then added her to my FB page. So, when she came across the table at breakfast that morning handing out her card, I was happy to meet her in person. Then I realized she too was one of the speakers. And, even though at this point, I knew who she was and what she looked like in person, I didn't know her story. She spoke of divorce and how she gained an education with each relationship loss, which I think should be her book {#authorstatus Shana}. A story of triumph as a Single Momma out of what could not have turned out so well. Her ability to thrive despite her circumstances which for many Single Momma's would be inspirational to know how she did it. Seeing her daughter a soon to be college student, placed me in awe of their story.

Vendors, Awards and Panel ::During Lunch::
We enjoyed a fantastic and tasty lunch from Dinner for Two Catering. During lunch this set of ladies composed our discussion panel;

Dr. Shiree A. Berry, Shalanda Turner-Engineer & Fashion Blogger, Arnaecia Alridge-Marketing Entreprenuer, & the funny Rayla a Comedian and Business Owner.

Their insight, personalities and attitude towards life was wonderful. They did so well with one another and complimented each-other as they answered all of our questions. During this hour several ladies were recognized for their outstanding work in the community. It was great to be among the honorees for Woman on the Rise award, I am humbled and thankful! Then we mingled where I met Missy G., one of  the cute fashion bloggers in the group! We spoke to the vendors and took samples of products! My favorite booth was that of Origami Owl headed by Ms. LaMeka Washington. Then.....the dancing started and that's when the real fun began!

I just want to congratulate not just Shunte for her outstanding work leading this conference but also her parents, for supporting her. Above all for believing in their daughter and her vision. As a blogger I know what it's like to follow a path and a vision that very few are willing to walk along side you and that less understand... I loved this conference and what it stands for in the Houston Community!

B + J ::On the Run::

Where to begin. I won tickets to go see Beyonce and Jay-Z, yes I know still totally in shock!!! I signed up by participating in the Woman to Woman Conference Luncheon, you can join us at the conference  ::click here:: for more information! 

First off, I don’t listen to a whole lot of new music only what my Pandora stations at work feed me and what I can catch on the radio on my short commute to and from daycare and work everyday. With that said. I knew 1, yes 1 Jay-Z song, here is where all the true fans will probably start to hate me, sorry. And, I know Beyonce and a lot of her old stuff but since she had her baby I don’t think I had real listened to any of her music. I was stuck on Single Ladies and Halo! Yes, I am lame I know. But, going to see her was the refresher I needed.

::What I thought::

I totally get what she is doing her show is edgy, current and very sexy and sensual. She is a grown married woman, free to express herself in ways that many may not be able to! As a Momma the feeling of not only real world relevance and knowing that we can still be sexy, is important to me. I struggle with it every day! 

Should I be the everyday Suburban Soccer Momma that people expect me to be with 2 toddlers or can I show people that I too can be a hottie and that my Husband loves me just the same?! I related on so many levels with a lot of her “new” songs. Trying to be Mrs. Perfect but being reminded that we are human we have flaws, we make mistakes. The show was at times retro catching the heart and soul of who Beyonce is and very burlesque catching the essence of her style and who she wants to be! I loved it, as a Woman, a Momma and from a marketing perspective; being yourself and true to who you are sells. 

Beyonce= Be yourself!

With that said I think that while her marriage is a perfect Hollywood, super star marriage and that maybe they are making millions off of being the power couple that they are and they may or may not be happy and “real”. To me they seemed genuine and in love, despite the mistakes, flaws and fights in elevators…Just sayin!

They inspire me to want to create that power couple image and make it work not just because it sells but because it can happen and it can be real! The impact I am sure is huge on those around you and the inspiration and motivation to do and be more is infinite! Sure it can just be really good marketing for their business but at the same time, there has to be some love for one another and a true desire to be with eachtoher, if not I feel it would shine through in their performances. You can only hide so long. 

::The Message::

Feminist. Feminism. Equality. Teaching our children to be versatile and ever changing.  

As a young girl I had the same dream that most girls had, finding my Prince Charming and getting married, have children and live happily ever after. Kind of. Not really. I knew it could maybe be real but I never expected it to happen to me.  

What I knew was that I had to go to school, get a good job and help my family financially. Getting married and having kids was on the back burner. I had always been independent and had never relied on others to do for me or help me, not because I was disrespectful but because I am me. I like to take care of myself.

Then I met my Husband. It didn’t stop me from getting an education, being independent and working hard for everything that I want and really everything that was needed to survive. These days I am married, and my Prince Charming is a real man that eats, works, sleeps and yes, even burps and farts! Let's be real. #realtalk

He is my Hubby and he is an amazing provider for our family and a great support and hard worker! Together we make it work. Are we perfect? Nope. But, we work hard together. He allows me to be me. Not because he “owns” me but because he really wants me to be my own person and even though it’s frustrating he likes that I argue about it all, that I have my own voice and speak up and that I don’t take any bull--- from him or anyone else! 

I am sure that he loves the fact that I want to get up every day and help him provide for our family and that although he could do it on his own, I try not to place all the burden on him. In the same way he tries to help me around the house, he cooks more than I do and has changed diapers and help feed the kids when they were babies, he bathes them and starts story time without me asking him to. Yes a lot of the household duties fall on me but he gets the bills paid on time something that I suck at and we’d probably have no light or water if I took care of it. In all we do have traditional roles but sometimes they flip! It’s all about mutual support and really wanting the other person to succeed not just for the better of your family but for that person as an individual!

::The Hiccups::

The Parking; parking was $50++, thankfully my Momma lives 5 minutes away, she dropped us off and picked us up! People still paid, would I have paid, not more than $20, maybe..... Would it have been worth it, absolutely for someone like me who doesn’t do this kind of event often it’s ok every once in a while.

The Entrance; not sure what the wait was about but my Hubby doesn’t wait for anyone…..he found a fast moving VIP line got us in it and in the venue within 20 minutes or so of having arrived. We searched, we asked, we got in and we conquered! 

The Audio; I don’t know about sound but I am sure that at the beginning of the show the audio was off. The music was too loud, I couldn’t hear what Beyonce was saying and it just didn’t sound good,  not sure if it was fixed or I just got used to it but it got better!  I still sang and fell further in love with Beyonce!

::My Favorite Moment::

Their show was like watching a short movie and it followed a script and every scene went on without a  glitch. But, when they switched over to real life…they started a home video reel and their reality is a baby…a family and a love that right now, no one can touch. Family comes first and for Beyonce and Jay-Z that amazingly beautiful little girl is all that matters and the reason why they work so hard. Can I relate? Abso-freaking-lutley!

Did you go see Beyonce? What did you think of it?