These days I am walking around with a permanent smile on my face. I finally stopped planning every second, minute, and hour of my life. I have chosen to live in the moment. I realized that the intensity of my feelings were contributed to Growing Pains. They are only natural and I have been in a state of transition for a few years now. It is nothing for me to be alarmed about and I should just embrace it.

When it feels like you are personally on the brink of despair or so wrapped into your own world there is always something that happens that rocks you to the core and makes you realize that things aren’t as bad as they could be.

Last week, while working from home I stood still as I read the news of the earthquake that struck Haiti at nightfall. It hurt me to my heart and NO I don’t have family there but I am human. I can’t help it if I feel as if it happened to me. It is to the point where I try not to watch too much news coverage on it because it gets me very emotional.

I want people to realize that regardless if Haiti was a poverty-stricken country that they are still people. This is a tragedy of epic proportions and imagine how the world felt when 9/11 happened. Somewhere in your hearts you have to feel for the families and friends affected by this unfathomable disaster.

Here’s to a Promising New Year and a Brand New Decade. I can’t believe that it has been almost three weeks since I have posted something. I would like to render my sincerest apologies because trust me I have had a lot to say and not enough time to sit down and write.

I am very excited for this new decade because there are so many possibilities and so many positive things on the horizon. When I look back on the previous years and decade I cannot help but marvel at all of the growth in my life. I can honestly say that I am happy with the woman that I am and I am only getting better.

This decade I really want to master all of my creative contributions. I intend on writing until my hand hurts, singing until my throat hurts, and loving until my heart hurts. I am exaggerating but you get the point. I wish you all a great year and a fabulous new decade. Let’s make HISTORY.

<3 Ali Mo

I am Soooooo thankful for my life and my family.

This post is dedicated to my “favorite things”. I got the idea from one of my girlfriends that thinks that it would be nice if I replaced the Stylist who has her favorite things in the monthly Crew Catalog. I like to also think of it as being somewhat like Oprah’s Favorite Things. With that being said here are five “beauty” things that I love. Here we go……..

1.  I looooooove nail polish. I collect them in all colors. My all-time favorite shades are OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, Vodka & Caviar, and Essie’s Sugar Daddy. I have to use Seche Vite’s Dry Fast Topcoat so that my polish doesn’t chip. My weekly Manicure appointments can never come around fast enough.

2. I love to arouse all of my five senses, especially my sense of smell. Which brings me to next favorite thing: Fragrances. I love Perfume!!!! My classic never fail me scents are Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb, Marc Jacob’s Daisy, Loilta Lempicka, Valentino Rock and Rose, and Burberry Brit. There are really too many to name but that would be my starting five.

3. JASON All-Natural Vitamin E Oil 5,000 I.U is a staple in my beauty regime. I suffer from eczema and need as much moisture and hydration that I can get. This oil nourishes, moisturizes and helps regenerate the skin. This natural anti-oxidant mix of Almond, Apricot, Avocado and Wheat Germ Oils help protect against fine lines and wrinkles leaving skin silky smooth. It looks amazing in the summertime when we tend to show a little more skin.

4. What would a favorite’s list be without my lifesaver, Cetaphil? I have an obsession with Skin. It is the largest organ on our body. Its ability to protect us and have so many other unique functions intrigues me everyday. Cetaphil is my go to facial cleanser because my skin is super fickle and Cetaphil seems to roll with the punches. I use it in the morning mixed with Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. Once I mix it and apply it to my face I use my Clarisonic Skin Care Brush. My skin is thoroughly cleansed and ready for the next step in my no fuss beauty regime. The best thing about this product is that it is inexpensive and I can go to Wal Mart, Walgreens, Target, or any other drug store to purchase it.

5. Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant is the truth when it comes to gentle exfoliation. It is not abrasive as some mechanical exfoliants tend to be. It is mild enough for everyday use without my skin feeling assaulted and the results are amazing.

The key ingredients in Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant are: papain, rice enzymes, salicylic acid, green tea, grapefruit and licorice. Daily Microfoliant accelerates skin cell removal while balancing uneven skin tone. Dermalogica is sold only at  select Spa’s. Click http://bit.ly/4OZ9zV to find a location near you.

I hope that you enjoyed that little tidbit into my favorite “beauty” things. I will post the next five very soon. Stay posted, Stay beautiful, and above all THINK SKIN.

<3 ali mo

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won’t anymore…
And who always will..
So, don’t worry about people from your past,
there’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future..

Anyone that knows me knows that I am fiercely loyal and super protective. I am very territorial and will not allow anyone to hurt someone who I love. The thing about it is that I expect the same in return. You can’t cut corners because otherwise you will get cut. Regretfully, it is hard for others to live by the same code. Don’t get me wrong I have failed a few people in my life and repented for my wrongdoing. Would I repeat the same mistake? No indeed. Those things were done when I was younger and I would never willingly inflict that pain or sorrow again.

This brings me to the topic of Loyalty. I am noticing that it is hard to find these days. I can count on one hand my true friends that no matter what will fight with me and for me and vice versa. This doesn’t make me delusional or one with high expectations.  I am writing this post in hopes that others will find that living a virtuous life filled with loyalty and integrity is the only way to go. Anything less is cowardly and at a disservice to yourself and everyone else involved. Do the right thing and honor your commitments, value your friends, and most of all respect yourself. It all boils down to respect. We all know that lack of respect is owed to self hatred…..

<3 ali mo

I have been known to play a song a million times back to back. It used to irk the living daylights out of my mother. lol

This is one of those tracks that I have to keep on REPEAT. It describes me so well.

I have a confession to make today. I must confess that I have a serious lifelong addiction to TEA. I would never try to kick this habit. It is so good for me and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Not to mention that I always get a positive affirmation as soon as I take my bag out of its package.

 This morning’s teabag says: “One of the best actions we can take, with courage, is to relax.” With that being said; please have a cup. Shhhhh….it  is good for the soul.