The decision had already been made to elope.  My vision was classic, vintage and chic.  What better way to accomplish these goals but to go to the thrift store!!!  I chose to focus on Goodwill and the craft stores to achieve the look I wanted on a limited budget.

The Suit

I envisioned a pencil skirt in winter white and/or cream.  While perusing Goodwill, I found exactly what I was looking for.  I literally screamed 'Shut Up!' when I pulled it off the rack.  The woman beside me was laughing at me. LOL! The ticket price was $19.99 for a two-piece skirt suit!  I got to the register and the price was $10!  I paid ten dollars for my wedding suit, yall! Win!

I realized that the skirt did not fit in that lovely pencil skirt way, so I took it to a local seamstress who altered it perfectly!  Because of my quick turnaround time and because the skirt was constructed so well, the fee was $35.

So, the total cost of my wedding suit was $45.

The Shoes

Now, this is where the budget got pushed a bit.  I went to DSW and as usual, walked straight to the clearance rack.  Guess what?!?!  The leopard print shoes I wanted were right there!!!  The texture was actually furry.  I was hooked.

I paid approximately $35 for my shoes.

There I was contemplating wearing makeup or not.  If I chose to wear makeup, I would have to ask someone that I didn't know. Ugh!  The honey and I were eloping and I just couldn't let the secret out! This was not going to work.  I've had a few folks do my makeup that have done a great job. Decisions, decisions....

I debated coming up with a story about a photo-shoot, but then I just felt bad about lying to my girl! Well, I finally decided to let the cat out of the bag to ONE person - Charlene T. Easter of Epiphany Beauty.  She got me right for my very first news appearance and I just love her!!! (You already knew that, though!)

We fleshed out the details over the phone and this Makeup Artist Extraordinaire did her thing!  She got me right in about an hour (actually less than that) and I got foundation, lashes and of course I had to have a red lip!!!!  I love a red lip, yall!!!

If you don't know by now, I love me some Angela Baker who is responsible for the Goddess Body Wellness Live program!  I had been feeling a little 'blah' and needed a 'pick me up'.  I am usually a pretty positive and upbeat person, but I noticed some random attitude and just some feelings of being 'off'.  I made the decision to do this infamous cleanse again!

The process

Consume raw fruits and vegetables for twenty-one days.  No dairy or artificial sweeteners, people!  What I love about this cleanse is that although optimal results are achieved with the strict raw fruits and vegetables, Ms. Baker makes an exception.  Your food choices must be raw or organic.  Not bad.

In addition to the food, you must drink either distilled or alkaline water as well as the herbal tea blends.  The kit you purchase contains three custom herbal blends that will be steeped as a tea and another herbal blend to bust that belly.  It is literally called 'Belly Buster' and can be mixed with water, or a juice of your choice.

The experience

In addition to me feeling 'blah', I also endured the cleanse in order to add exercise to my routine and to become more disciplined in food preparation.  I will say that this time was much more challenging than the first time because of my workload and responsibilities.  I will tell you that the first tea of the day is designed to 'clear your mind' and allow you to focus.  That has helped me to reevaluate my goals and align my actions with my priorities.  Oh yes, much has changed.

Sure, I cheated a couple of times.  I told you this time was challenging.  I confessed my cheating and my girl just pushed me harder - a much needed push.

It is not uncommon that after reading an ingredient list that we stumble upon an ingredient that makes you go "Hmmm".  Well, the ingredient that has triggered my curiosity is Amla (or Indian Gooseberry).

In my quest to nurture my natural beauty from the inside, I thought you may benefit from the findings.  As we approach the new year, I thought it may also be a great idea to actually engage in an Amla experience.

Native to India, this vitamin C rich fruit is filled with antioxidants and is highly regarded in Ayurveda. Let's begin exploring the benefits of Amla from the inside out.

Health Benefits

• Anti-microbial
• Blood purifier
• Decrease bad cholesterol
• Increase good cholesterol
• Antioxidant
• Immunity Booster

Given that the Indian Gooseberry is native to India, how can we benefit from this highly nutritious and healing fruit?  In Ayurveda, mixing the juice of the Amla fruit with honey is considered a health tonic.  Considering its naturally bitter taste, the honey sweetens the experience.

Tip: Drink one glass of Amla juice daily