Greetings,

It is with sincere effort this blog has been created to help you, the consumer reach the pinnacle of success. In our journey together, we will explore a new you, healthier and happier in mind, body and spirit. Enveloping on unfamiliar ground, together we will create the best image possible using every day tips to keep you at your best. It has been in my experience that change is never easy, however; once the change has been made the reward has been worth the while. So let us begin our journey together searching for our most hidden treasure: OURSELVES

Never be afraid to reveal our individuality, it is what keeps us alive, free & beautiful just like a butterfly.

Featuring Danielle Richardson
“Before”

Phenomenal Women: “The Woman Behind The Mask”

What can I say?

Danielle Richardson is an extraordinary soul awaiting “Great” things. Underneath her disguise, she is a vivacious spirit, unconscious of her ethereal beauty. Like most women, Danielle doesn’t see herself as the eye that is beholding “her beauty”. So I, the artist just had to have a love affair with the canvas to Reveal layers of Resilience, beauty & purity. Danielle has always trusted me to do whatever I’ve envisioned for her and so on this particular day we decided “Make Me Over”.
“In the Words of Danielle”
Salon Ray is much more than a hair salon. The quality of care, the love the attentiveness you receive there is immeasurable. I will give you one of many examples; my stylist April Ray knew that I had very little knowledge about hair care knowledge about hair care products, the best quality of hair and the best colors to compliment my complexion or to use Aprils’ words “the colors that will make your face pop”. Because she knew of my limited skills with making the best selections, April accompanied me to the beauty supplier, educated me on the different types of hair , showed me what products would work best for my desired styles and what colors would compliment me. But that isn’t all we then went to a clothing store to select fashionable wear to set off my new attitude. You are now looking at the end result. I share this with you because I am very thankful to April for her constant love and kindness. This time spent with her was very special. She made me feel as though I was her most important client. Funny thing is she has the ability to make all her clients feel that way.
Thank you so much April for doing what comes so easy for you…. Bringing out the Diva in us all.

Love Always,
Danielle

“Pass the Knowledge, Pass the Wealth”

I will never forget Thursday June 18th 2009. That was the day that I became an official apprentice for Salon Ray. It kinda seemed like I was starting all over and this was the first day of school and I didn’t know what to expect. Little did I know this was the beginning of my future. A future full of success and dreams to come true, with the help of one special lady named Mrs. April Ray. The Apprenticeship Program at Salon Ray has helped me have an open mind, find my creativity, and develop a passion for the art and science of Cosmetology. By being an up and coming cosmetologist it is my duty to observe and gain some experience from the Salon Ray apprenticeship Program. So here I am taking advantage of the education and opportunities that lie before me. Not only have I learned about the history and inventions of cosmetology, but the image I want to portray as a professional in the industry. I have not only gained knowledge but a sense of confidence. Confidence to know I will be the best that I can be as a student, and cosmetologist. It is Mrs. April Ray who believed in me enough to take me under her wing and show me how to fly.

She warned me that this journey would not be easy, and yes that statement was very true. I have learned that nothing in life comes easy. A wise woman once told me “if you have inspiration, education, self-preservation, dedication, determination, motivation, and implementation then the end result will be success”. That wise woman was April Ray. This was the lesson June 18, 2009. The day that changed my life and I became the first apprentice for Salon Ray.

Respectfully,
Joyai Williams

Play Yo(ur) Game

To many times we get caught up in the thrill of it all, life’s fascinating twist & turns, ambitions, admirations, associations you name it we’re there. Trying to save face, hide behind shame, poverty, bad decisions, down falls, ruts, masquerading around trying to keep up with the Jones’ when we know we’re living above our means. Ever heard that ole saying you can’t spend what you don’t have, trying to get (buy) what you don’t need. Is there any wonder why our economy is in the shape it’s in? We make money, they take money, spend the money and print more money. It’s all one big charade. So how do we undo all the madness that we ourselves, society, media entertainment and those alike have perpetrated on mankind. The answer is:
We simply unveil. We relinquish silly thoughts of grandeur, ideology of madness, compulsive splurges and poor financial management just trying to keep up with who? The Jones’.

If you’ve ever really key’d in to that neighbor, co-worker, friend or foe you’re trying to race with you’d notice there’re running the same race as you. “They’re just trying to keep up”. We’ve all been tricked and deceived into believing to live to some one else’s standard is better than living to our own standard. Do we even have a clue as to what our standard is? Well if not , we need to get busy digging, searching & scratching the surface for multiple answers. There is no set way to live life, other than by the rules and comfortably. The rules of engagement are as follow: 1st Always, Always, be yourself, don’t try and dummy down who you are so others can feel better about themselves, if your light is blinding them simply pass them a pair of shades. You are at your best when simply put “you are being yourself”. 2nd don’t give in to the sarcasm and criticism of others so easily, often times most of what is being said may ring some truth but how much of it is steered from jealousy?

You’d be surprised who is watching you and sometimes even imitating you, you don’t have a twin and even if you do, you both still have a unique disposition from the other. So play your hand, don’t throw your cards in the deck so fast because you feel the game may be over, it is then when you’ll discover the game has just begun. And lastly you are an incredible, magnificent product delivered straight from (heaven), how fabulous is that, why fix something that’s not broken. When you go to buy a new pair of shoes do you scuff them up so that they don’t look as new? No you wouldn’t dare so neither should you dare to scuff yourself up to divert attention away from yourself. Shine Baby Shine.
Remember it is Always Best to Be Who You Are Not What Others Want You To Be
Travel lite, Travel free, Travel true
Be Well
April Ray

Glamour Girl Corner

Due to the economic woes and conditions of today's economy we have re-assessed what’s hot & chic for 2009 - 2010 fashionable wear. To update current wardrobe start with playful stylish accessories. Since many of us can’t afford that spur of the moment shopping trip made during lunch hour, we find a reason to justify the evidence of our excursion by locking it secretly away. We hide it in the trunk of our car or underneath the bed, the closet or the basements laundry hamper or the attic.; while the guilt of overspending is written all over our face. We have to regroup in our thinking, habits and spending. Let’s face it ladies we have it bad. To avoid all the sneaking and drama start with accessories. Accessories are inexpensive, fashionable, perky & too cute to pass up.
Here’s how we get started;
Step one: Begin by color coordinating your closet. Black clothing should be grouped together, reds, browns, greens, navy, etc.

This helps to organize what you have as a current wardrobe and also to minimize clutter and garments you no longer wear. Group shirts & blouses together, pants, skirts, dresses and blazers separately. Now we can begin. Count the number of items in your closet making an inventory list being specific with color & items. This enables you to shop with a purpose. Next go through jewelry, handbags, belts and shoes that you already have, this lets you know what you can keep and what you need to get rid of. Last it’s time to shop, visit Target, Meijer, Forever 21, Tjmaxx, Marshalls, and Claires, this is wear the cutest accessories begin. Pick items that compliment your personality and personal style . Remember accessories go a long way to add style and hipness to old clothing . For Jewelry, when shopping for jewelry look for items that are universal with clothing: meaning it can be worn with slacks
& blazer, jeans & white tee shirt or sexy dress.
No one said that we have to look homeless even if at times we’re a pay check away from it. Shopping with a purpose is better than shopping with buyers remorse. At least when you have a fashion motive you don’t have to return items that were purchased on a mood swing or a whim.
Remember ladies we’ve made it through worse situations on less, let’s regroup, re-plan & renew our spirit. Visit the things we already have and get rid of the things we don’t need. Donate to your local Salvation Army, Purple Heart or Church or community organization. At the end of the day not only will you feel lighter your selflessness will be rewarded.

Travel lite, Travel free, Travel true
Be Well…
A. Ray

Encourage My Soul

This article was inspired by a dear friend of mine whom I will name anonymous. I was so touched by her courage, spirit and inner strength that I knew I had to pass on this message. Oftentimes, we only see what is going on outside of the person never even considering the operations within the man. We look at people believing that their physical appearance is the essence of who they are. Automatically we see a man with muscles and assume he’s strong. We see a person with a speech impediment and assume their slow, we see a person handicap and assume they need our help. Futile judgments, evil snares and hurtful comments we make daily rather consciously or unconsciously without even having a source of facts or any evidence that our pre judgment is true. The irony of all this madness is we all experience being judged or rather misjudged knowing fully well the other person knows nothing of truth pertaining to you. Hurt and pain is then imposed on us by another, so the very muddy shoes we once mocked are now the muddy shoes we now wear. We have to be careful how we treat others. Those that are closest to us and even those that are at a distance. Life has a cycle, certainly what goes around comes back around and we never, ever, go without paying for all our deeds, both good and bad. Although my friend is experiencing unspeakable pain and somewhat cruelty she remains calm and at ease by an inner strength that harbors all her emotions. Instead of her lashing out at others and questioning “Father” why me; she is hasting on with patience and endurance while suffering, not being tempted by the power of anger and hatred. She knows that it is all too easy to give in to the situation screaming, fighting and cussing so instead she bears the fruit of peace, love and forgiveness. Her spirit& faith alone overcomes her infirmities and it is to that which she has learned to surrender to both the creators will and his purpose. So if you are wondering what all this is about I’ll explain: We gain things in this life and then we turn around and lose them, we give freely in this life while others sometimes sit back and selfishly take. We do all that we can to make it in this life oftentimes being pushed hard to the ground being shattered like glass, filled with disappointment; yet we are helped up again filled with courage to start over and try again, and again and again. Then finally we get comfortable in this life with our possessions believing truly that we own, one damn thing. That is the message, we own nothing. Not our lives, our time, our love, our dreams, fears or desires we‘ve just been deceived into thinking that we do. We all are being governed by one spirit and one purpose. We must be mindful that when things don’t go as planned that they truly are for the better for us. At the time, it feels as though the world is one big ride spinning and we can’t get off but when the ride finally ceases to our surprise we are sober and have landed on solid ground. Life can give us some hard blows somewhat bruising our ego but we must remember to be quiet and listen to that small still voice that will guide our souls. In the midst of her storm she remained calm and filled with faith that whatever he had taken from her he certainly could replace it. Howbeit, he was the very one (source) that had freely given her all things. Now certainly she knew that if she continued to trust in him and only him, he would make things be alright.

"TO BARE FRUIT"

In life we bear many things, some comfortable, some not so comfortable but why is it that we can't communicate with our sons or daughters when it comes to sex?

Listen,

If we don't get serious and learn to communicate with our offspring they will turn to the wrong people and become misinformed. It is urgent that we reclaim our families, our sons & daughters and educate and enrich their lives through the form of knowledge. Knowledge is power and when each soul possesses it wisely it can change the outcome and circumstances of many lives.

Being a mom myself, I too did not find it easy to have that "S.E.X." talk, but what I had to consider first and foremost was that this was my seed, my fruit and I wanted to plant her into fertile ground. I didn't want for the weeds of life to come along and choke the life out of her, nor did I want her sweet spirit to rot out. I merely wanted her to grow, be nurtured and loved. To know her value and self worth so that she could reach and grow up to the sun. Let's get real, we have all lived a teen age existence and we are all too familiar with the insecurities & uncertainties that come along with it. Be Real, Be There, Listen and most of all remember growing up is a part of life, and we all need someone by our side, who better to be there than a parent? It is the most important task we have here on earth, so let's rethink things; communication doesn't mean you've given permission it just means you've enlightened them and given them another side to consider.

HERE ARE THE FACTS: from (familyfirstaid.org)

When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the United States offers woefully inadequate education. The proof is in the fact that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 19 million new STD infections occur every year. And, even more alarming, is that nearly 50 percent of these new cases happen to young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Not only that, but the American Social Health Association (ASHA) reports that half of all new HIV infections occur in teenagers. It is apparent that many of the current and alarming STD statistics could be reduced with proper education.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE LOG ON TO; www.familyfirstaid.org/std-statistics.html

Welcome to Honee's Child

We are a new blog called Honee's Child, where health, wellness and beauty begins. Thank you for visiting.

- HC