Towanda Braxton Talks BFV & What’s in Store!
1Love Blog: Towanda! We are missing you on the WE tv screen! When can eager fans anticipate seeing you again?
Towanda: AWWWW, Well I’m actually missing it as well, because it’s a lot of things I was not informed about, that I find out when everybody else does (laughing), so hopefully we will not keep you all waiting to long. But as of right now, I have no confirmed date as to when Braxton Family Values will return.
Little sis Tamar, let the cat out of the bag a few hours ago:
1LB: Braxton Family Values is truly a show that reflects, family values. Granted, it showed that sisters, mothers, daughters, friends may still have their spats, but somehow it never dismissed dignity. As a mother and strong black woman, what say you about the heat that other reality shows are getting? Do you think certain shows on our screens today feed into the ‘angry black woman’ stereotype? Do you think that we as women – black women – have a responsibility to our children and each other when we decide to join a reality show cast? [I applaud you and your family for showing the world class]
T: [Well] I feel as if we should portray a positive image because you never know what age is actually watching the show. It would not be appropriate for me and my sister’s displaying fist fights when we have younger fans viewing and also as mothers. We refuse to paint that picture because our Mom always taught us self respect goes a very long way, especially in this industry.
1LB: Let’s talk hair! Team Relaxed or Team Natural and what’s your hair routine?
T: Team NATURAL!!!! Matter of fact all of us are team natural underneath. I get my hair redone every 2 weeks, or sooner if need to.
1LB: What’s in store for Ms. Towanda Braxton? Any tricks up your sleeve that you can share with us secret squirrels? *smile*
T: Welllllllll, speaking of Secret Squirrels, I launch my Executive/Personal Assistant school this summer and I am too excited about this. I will keep everyone updated on this from my official Twitter pages @TowandaBraxton & @TheSecretSquirr. Plus I have some acting up my sleeve so you all will be seeing me on more than just Braxton Family Values, because I am too determined to live my long term goal of becoming an actress.
1LB: Who is the WiseWoman behind Towanda Braxton? [Anything you’d like to share with readers in regards to who the woman, Towanda, is behind the cameras. Anything you’d like to share on what keeps you motivated, what makes you tick, what keeps you focused].
T: [Well] I am a Mother 1st. I adore my children. Towanda Braxton is a nurturer. I will drop everything I am doing to accommodate my family. I have no limits of how far I will go to make sure my family is taken care of because I know my family will and has done the exact same for me. I am also a Business Woman. I believe in ‘when you have Ideas in your head, write on paper and then react’. And I will be displaying all of that on Season 3 of Braxton Family Values.
Matters of the Heart: Jada, Willow + Mom
”Everyday when I wake up in the morning…I think about, ‘Ok, what does Willow need today? Ok, let me check that off, handled that. What does Jaden need today? What does daddy need today? Ok, Jada, before the day is done, you better make sure you take care of yourself.”
I was trying to watch the Red Table Talks discussion with Jada, Willow and mom Adrienne Banfield-Jones all day yesterday. After seeing the trailer, I knew that this was a talk that I couldn’t afford to miss. Each moment that I attempted to watch the video yesterday, I was interrupted by either a phone call, an email, one of the children, the hubby, the tv, something. I wanted to watch the discussion – all 20 minutes of it - guilt free & uninterrupted.
*sigh*
Jada, Willow and Mom, Adrienne share their truth with one another – and the world – in this heartfelt red table discussion. There were so many words of wisdom shared throughout, but there was one nugget of wisdom so eloquently shared by Jada that I will forever cherish: Moms, take time for yourself. Without guilt. Create your balance and then watch how happy you are.
I was a wife and mother of two before the age of 22. It’s time for me to create that balance that Jada speaks of.
Willow has something to say…
5 Questions w/ Michelle Williams
Photo Credit: Michelle Williams
1Love Blog: I really enjoyed your episode of ‘Styled by June’. It was great seeing you back in the spotlight. What projects are you working on and when can we expect another gospel album? [My favorite gospel song of yours is still ‘Heard a Word’ – Nothing like that still quiet voice].
Michelle: I can’t wait to do another gospel project! Gospel has always been my first love! I like ALL types of music, but I guess because of my upbringing it’s rooted and grounded in me! Everybody loves gospel music!
1LB: Speaking of ‘Styled by June’, I absolutely loved your “before” hair and the statement you made while in the salon chair – [granted, I’m partial to curly hair *smile*]. Why do you think there is such a misconception or drawback in the industry for those who choose to rock curly ‘dos?
M: Rocking your hair however you want makes you uniquely you. I really love my curly ‘fro, but then I love blow-drying it straight and a clip-in or two for a little variety. I wear my hair according to what I’m doing. We’ve allowed foolish magazines and beauty editors to tell us what beauty is. We really gotta let people know that natural is beautiful too!
1LB: I’ve seen your interactions with fans online [specifically with Kevin & Makael of The Skorpion Show, <<--- Love them] and you truly seem to be a genuinely down to earth person. With all of your success, how do you stay grounded and remain true to self?
M: I guess I’m able to stay grounded because I try not to bring anything that I do “home” with me. I leave all on the stage or wherever I perform, speak, etc. My family also keeps me grounded. I’m very close to my family. I have no other choice but to stay true to self because I have to live w/ME! LOL!
1LB: Of all that you’ve accomplished – Broadway, Stage Plays, Music – what are you most grateful and proud of?
M: I’m proud that I’ve been able to do what I love professionally for 13 years. Proud that I’ve been able to push and inspire others to live their dreams too!
1LB: Who is the WiseWoman behind Michelle Williams? [Anything you’d like to share with readers in regards to who the woman, Michelle, is behind the cameras, stage curtains and microphones. Anything you’d like to share on what keeps you motivated, what makes you tick, what keeps you focused].
M: I’ve recently made it a point to pay CLOSE attention to that inner voice. I used to allow the opinions of others to sway me, now I’m free from that. I only have people around me that believe! My love for music and the arts keep me going, because I remember a time when I couldn’t afford a Broadway ticket to see a fabulous play and to actually star in them is mind-blowing!
“I used to allow the opinions of others to sway me, now I’m free from that” <<< —- THIS is everything! I’m truly inspired. Be sure to connect with Michelle on twitter!
The Gift of Discernment….
…boy do I wish I had it.
[This post may be a bit all over the place, so please bare with me]
This past weekend has been one of reflection and meditation. I’ve really been thinking about my future, my goals, dreams and wishes over the past few months, thinking how [did] ”I get here?” and how [can] “I get there?”.
I came across these inspirational words and boy did they put my thoughts into perspective. They read:
“Dear God, teach me the wisdom of your timing. Let me use the time that I need to wait for the answers to my prayers to develop my confidence and trust in You.”
I’m always placing unncessary stress on myself. When I think of my life and where I dreamed I should be and then coming to the realization of where I am, stresses me out. Completely. It does. But thank God for Jesus. He shows up at the precise moment you need Him. It’s uncanny! It’s amazing how a complete stranger can get but a glimpse of your life and confess to you how proud they are of you, not even understanding 1/3 of your circumstances.
Discernment, in my opinion, is a gift from above. It takes true dedication and faith to wait, knowing that He is going to show up, show out and place you in situations and circumstances that the mind cannot even begin to fathom.
As I shared on Twitter a few days ago:
I truly believe that. Sometimes it’s good to hear the reminder though. *bows head and whispers* I’ll get there Lord. As always, thank You for Your patience and for waiting on me.
Queen, King – you are right where He needs you to be.
Transforming My Life
Transforming My Life
To Transform (v): To change in composition or structure; to change in the outward form or appearance of; to change in character or condition. – Merriam-Webster
Current Weight – 173
For most of my adolescent and adult life, I’ve struggled with body image and weight loss. Although my substantial weight gain did not arrive until the birth of our second child, I’ve always struggled with the thought of weight. It consumes my every day thoughts and has come to be some what of my nemesis. Have you ever felt as if your inner feelings of self contradict your outward, physical appearance? You know, internally you feel as though you look one way, but when a picture surfaces, that inner feeling is completely distorted? That’s where I’ve been stuck. For almost 7 years. This weight , this thing, has taken control of my life like a reoccuring menstrual pimple. Like an antagonizing hang nail that just won’t go away without some type of intervention. Well, that’s where I was – just 7 days ago. Sick and tired of being sick and tired about this thing, this weight. It took all of me to share the above photos. But as my new mantra says – ques Beyonce – “when I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets”. I’ve made the commitment to transform my life over the next 90 days (and for the rest of my life).
The biggest challenge with weight loss is remaining motivated. Here are some things I’ve put into practice to help those inevitably rough and challenging days:
Create a Vision Board:
A vision board is essentially a tool to help streamline your thoughts as well as help you remain focused on specific goals claimed for your life. My vision board includes everything from my marriage, to family happiness and of course my weight loss goals. Your vision board should be placed in an area you see or walk by daily.
Keeping a food journal
I know, it may be a bit tedious and annoying to jot down every single thing you eat, but trust me, it works as long as you’re honest. Keeping a food journal does so much more than track caloric intake – it paints a clear picture of stress, or emotional eating, and allows you to pull in the reigns before it’s too late.
Having Faith
My husband constantly reminds me that it didn’t take 24 hours to put on the weight, so I shouldn’t expect it to take 24 hours for it to fall off. Be honest and realistic with yourself, yet don’t give up or give in when times are hard. Weight loss is right up there, in my opinion, with drug addictions. It takes work to reallocate the control. Have faith. Don’t give up. Transformation is a process.
I have never wanted to be more of my best self in all of my life. I’m committed to this transformation and cannot wait to see what’s waiting for me on the other side after 90 days.
What are some things you’re doing to remain focused? I’d love to hear them. We can motivate and inspire each other during this transformation.
Pads Are The Devil + Hair Talk Anniversary
*tires screech* Pump. The. Brakes. Ma’am, how are you going to fall off the face of the blogging earth for 30+ days and come back with a post about some pads!?
Listen.
Always pads are the devil! Safeguard protection my _____. Thank goodness for a woman’s intuition in knowing when to wear dark/black clothes to prevent any social embarrassments. Without going into too much detail (you’re welcome), I’ve been a consumer of these things for years. Not once have they given me any drama. Until yesterday. I must’ve picked up a defective package, ’cause these thangs ain’t safeguarding a doggone thing. So, in my plight to find sufficient coverage, I scurried over to Walgreens to take care of the situation quick, fast and in a hurry, but not without scooping these up:
The new Motions Naturally You Line!
I haven’t tried them yet, but the smells are divine! Plus, they were only $6.49 each! The ingredients are a bit ratchet, but I’m willing to try anything once on this hair for these prices.
Speaking of hair, April marked the blog’s 1 year hair talk anniversary! I couldn’t let the month of April close without coming through to say “Hey! It’s been a year!” *throws glitter all up and through this post*
I’ve had a descent year and a much needed hiatus, so I’m ready to get back into swing of things!
As always, thanks for clicking by these neck of the innanets.
See you in the next post!
African Pride Presents: My Pride. My Way. [Giveaway Closed]
Black History Month Giveaway!
***Contest ends Wednesday!***
And the winner is…..CANDIS!! Congrats! Please send me your full name, address and phone number to angela@wisecurls.com.
”We get the shortest month out of the entire year!” How many times have you heard that? Me? Let’s just say that if I received a nickel for every time I heard it, I’d me a mili, no billionaire [with a b] by now. Every time I hear the statement, I just shake my head and think: “Celebrate Black History 365 days a year and refuse to limit it to the 28 that’s on ‘the books’”. Anywho, I didn’t come here to preach, so let’s get to the awesomeness of this post. I was contacted by the beautiful people over at African Pride regarding their Olive Miracle line. To celebrate the line, as well as kick off Black History month, they are giving away 3 full sized [pictured below] products to one cool curly to try out! How dope is that!?
African Pride Olive Oil Miracle: 2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner [retail $4.99]
African Pride Olive Miracle: Miracle Creme [retail $4.99]
African Pride Olive Miracle: Growth Oil [retail $4.99]
Never heard of African Pride? Here’s some cool information about the company:
African Pride Hair Care continues the conversation surrounding the brand’s nationally charged “My Pride. My Way” campaign just in time for Black History Month.”My Pride. My Way” is a national campaign celebrating the individual style, innovation, and beauty of all women because “When it Comes to Hair, We Write Our Own Rules.” Join us as we celebrate healthy hair, celebrate your individual style and beauty and celebrate your African Pride.
[Be sure to connect with African Pride on Facebook & Twitter!]
So how does one enter? Easy breezy. All you need to do is:
- Follow African Pride on Twitter
- Leave a comment below sharing your favorite person, moment or time within black history
Contest runs all month long with winner announced on March 1st! Enter and check back often!
Let’s Connect!
Curly Girl!?
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