A Lack of Money or Lack of a Mate: 3 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is exactly ONE day away. Many have already celebrated but there are some who haven’t. Those SOME are probably the ones who are procrastinating making any and every excuse there is in the book. This post is for the excuse makers, those who choose not to celebrate Valentine’s Day because of a lack of money and those who choose to be bitter and not to celebrate because of lack of a mate.

Not Celebrating Because of a Lack of Money

One of my biggest pet peeves is when your man (significant other) forgets a special occasion that only happens once a year. For example, your birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries etc. You literally have a complete 365 days to prepare for the special occasion so there’s simply NO EXCUSE. One of the most popular excuses that people use for not celebrating a special moment is having a lack of money.

Again, unless there was a recent tragedy that occurred that cost you all of your money, and YOUR MIND, THERE STILL IS NO EXCUSE. Not doing anything with or for your significant other shows a lack of thoughtfulness. Whether you are currently financially abundant or not, you can still show your loved one that you care. Below is my list of Top 3 wonderful things that you can do for your mate that costs little to no funds at all.

  1. Write a Love Letter

Whether you’ve been with your lover for 3 years or just approaching 5 months, a letter revealing how much you appreciate them is always a winner! Some things you can include are your goals for the relationship, something positive you’ve always wanted to tell them but haven’t yet, your admiration and support you have for them etc.

2.  Connect around Beautiful Nature

If you live in a beautiful state filled with gorgeous scenery such as the beach, lake front, mountains, etc set a nature date with your mate enjoying each other’s company while watching the sun set. While you’re there you can also take some cute memorable photos, have a feast, and even make some relationship affirmations and/or vision board. The possibilities are endless. And if you think you live in a state where there is absolutely no beautiful scenery, I’m almost positive that you’re wrong! Ask around or Google beautiful scenery near you!

3.  Cook Their Favorite Meal

Find a free venue such as your home or their home and before they arrive prepare their favorite meal. Set the mood with a candle lit table, wine, rose pedals, or other creative decorations. (A more dope suggestion is to decorate the house into a special destination where your mate have always wanted to go or where you guys first met and/or fell in love.) When they arrive escort them to the table and serve them. After they’re nice and full, you can further show your appreciation by providing them with a private dance/performance. (This is totally up to you depending on your comfort level with your loved one.)

An alternative thing that you can do, is gift them with hand made or printable love coupons that they can start utilizing immediately. You can also play stimulating couple games that will assist in connecting deeper with one another. Remember, the most valuable part of being in a relationship is connecting, so get creative!

Choosing to be Bitter and Not Celebrating Because of Lack of a Mate

I believe that everyone is aware that Valentine’s Day is a made up holiday like many others and can be celebrated any and everyday. The point is that some people choose to celebrate this holiday, while others choose not to. If you choose the latter that is perfectly fine but if you choose to be bitter, feeling that you don’t have an option to celebrate because of lack of a mate, you are displacing your energy. To be bitter or to feel lack is a choice alternative to choosing to be happy and fulfilled. That choice is a complete contradiction to what you really want. Below is my list of the top 3 wonderful ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day solo.

  1. Write a Letter Specifying the Qualities You Desire in a Mate

So often, many express that they want a companion but when asked what characteristics they want their companion to possess, they are generally unsure. Take the time to write out all the specifics you want your mate to have. How do you want them to look, treat you, connect with you etc? How do you want their mind set to be? The only way to attract what you really want is to know what you really want. This is a great exercise that will take you one step closer to attracting the mate you desire.

2.  Take Your Self on an Amazing Date

Stop contemplating/making excuses and get up, get dressed, and take your self out on an amazing date. What’s something that you’ve always wanted to do or somewhere you’ve always wanted to go? The time to do it is now! Trust me, it is perfectly fine to date yourself once and a while. If you don’t enjoy spending time with yourself how can you expect someone else to?  (If you are not yet comfortable going out solo, invite your friends out or even take your kids out. As long as you’re celebrating love you’re on the right track.)

3.  Stay In and Cook Your Favorite Meal 

You can use this day to cook your favorite meal; cook something that makes your insides internally grateful. After completion, you should break out your wine & favorite snacks to begin watching your favorite love movies. My favorites include Love Jones, Love & Basketball, Titanic, Brown Sugar, The Notebook, The Best Man, The Brothers…. the list goes on and on.

Whatever you decide to do on this day choose thoughts that serve you in a positive way. Know that it is okay if you don’t have a mate to celebrate with. If having a mate is something that you truly desire know that you can attract one into your life using similar exercises that I revealed above. However, being bitter is not the way! Enjoy your Valentine’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juicy Leaks [TJE’s Never Before Seen Footage]

January 29, 2017, The Juicy Expressions turned 3 years old. To all of my Juicy Supporters, I thank you for all of your love and support. The Juicy Expressions will continue to strive!

Of course I was out celebrating life with some of my good friends, (click the link to see how we celebrated 🙂 )  so I didn’t have time to post anything about it besides an instagram bday video I created. I knew that when I started the blog back up after recently giving birth to a new born and getting accepted into law school, that things would be difficult at times to manage. However, I am thankful that I continued to rise and soar to new heights.

TJE has accomplished a lot of things last year. Some of those things were posted on the blog, while others were not. With that being said, I want to share some of TJE’s Never Before Seen Footage with you!

My Radio Interview with 97.7 WRBJ|The Beat of The Capital Jackson, MS

The Radio Interview that I did with the Number 1 night show at The Beat of The Capital was one of the dopest experiences I’ve ever been apart of. I was super duper nervous because I’m so used to being on the other side of the interview table. Here, I was being asked questions on the spot so I had to rise to the occasion. Also, speaking live to a whole city is on a whole new playing field. Like what if I completely froze up? That didn’t happen so I guess I’m a natural 🙂

My Blog Interview with TheHoodHippie.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hoodhippie.com is a fascinating hiphop blog site covering the latest releases, with a particular focal point on Jackson, MS. Malcolm Morrow , one of the writers for this site, reached out to me with interest of getting my story told on how I became a successful blogger. This interview came at a perfect time because it was a great way to promote The Juicy Expressions’ Second Anniversary Event. I wasn’t nervous doing this interview because it wasn’t live unlike the radio one, however I was just as excited. Go check out the interview at TheHoodhippie.com now and while you’re there make sure you subscribe. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

The Juicy Expressions’ Tailgate Party

Almost everyone knows that I graduated from the Best HBCU there is, Thee Jackson State University  Everyone also knows that JSU’s Homecoming is super lit because it’s comparable to a family reunion that you are anticipating, crossing of the days until the big event. With the football game/tailgate being the biggest event during homecoming weekend, last year I decided to throw my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my very first time throwing my own tailgate, so I really didn’t know what to expect. However, I learned a lot of things that will make it easier for me to throw more in the future.  The support at the tailgate was amazing, I had so much fun, and there was a super DOPE performance from the skillful artist Clew.

Last but definitely not least Wine and Onesies The Virtual Affirmation Event

One of my affirmations from my affirmation jar made at the Wine and Onesies party!

The Wine and Onesies Virtual Affirmation Event  was literally the most powerful party that I’ve ever thrown or ever been apart of. Earlier in 2016, before the beginning of each month, I began writing 30 affirmations to prepare for my month in a positive manner. I started seeing my affirmations come to past and I noticed that I was vibrating much higher. The affirmations that I wrote were a daily reminder to focus on ONLY WHAT I WANTED.

Because the 30 affirmations for 30 days were so successful I was inspired to design an event where me and my friends would create an affirmation jar to construct 365 affirmations for 365 days. What better way than to do this as an end of the year celebration?

My friends and I with our wine and affirmation jars!

Well that’s exactly what we did! Although I only invited my personal friends to the actual event at my house, everyone else was invited to join the party virtual via Facebook and twitter.

Thanks again for keeping up with TJE and I hope you enjoyed the Never Before Seen Footage!

48 Hours in LA: YES to SUNSHINE!

My sorority sister recently moved to Los Angeles to jumpstart her legal career. She’s graduating from Mississippi College of Law this Spring with her J.D. Yay for her, right? How dope! She’s a mom, the owner of this blog, and almost a lawyer! YES, to being dope!

So, my sis texted me literally five days before my trip and asked if I’d like to join another one of her friends on an unplanned trip to LA for the weekend. I really wanted to think twice about it, but I so didn’t. My current read is Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes (YES, THEE SHONDA RHIMES, GREY’S ANATOMY, SCANDAL, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, #TGIT SHONDA RHIMES) and I’ve been inspired to say YES a little bit more this year. Seriously, this read is life-changing but that’s a whole notha’ blog post!

So I booked my $60 roundtrip flight from Chicago via Frontier Airlines. YES, $60! YES, to cheap flights! Please don’t sleep on Frontier’s prices. (If you want to join the affordable flights wave hit me up @[email protected])

I arrived at LAX Saturday night at about 8:00pm. Our first stop in LA was of course TACOS! YES to Tacos! I love Tacos! Only I ended up getting a torta instead of tacos. I do that a lot. I’m so indecisive! Nevertheless, my torta was still amazing. Mexican food is a MUST in LA! A MUST! The food at Tacos Mexico in Downtown LA was to die for and they’re open 24 hours! YES to Good Food! YES to Flexibility!

My Steak Torta! Omgee, I love food!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So after finishing our tacos and tortas we accidently stumbled upon an Art Festival where we guzzled down tequila like it was juice. I love Tequila, it gives us such freedom! YES to Freedom! YES to Good Vibes and Good Drinks with Good People!

Everyone loves Tequila!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Sunday morning, of course we did Brunch! If you love Brunch and mimosas, Bacari PDR in Playa Del Ray is the place to be when visiting LA. For $20 per person you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited mimosas and the food is amazing as well. I devoured the chipotle chicken wings and noa’s cauliflower. The cauliflower! Omgeee, amazing! YES, to Brunch! YES, to Positive Conversations with Positive People over Good Eats and Bottomless Mimosas!

My Chipotle Wings, Cauliflower, and Mimosa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent our Sunday afternoon hiking at Runyon Canyon for FREE! Yes to FREE Experiences! Yes To Taking The Road Less Traveled! Yes To Conquering Your Fears! I’m terrified of heights, but I DID IT! I hiked the hills and I looked down from above the city! What a sight to behold!

 

 

 

 

Sunday evening we visited Hollywood to star gaze and snack. Dinner at 33 Taps was blah, but of course I enjoyed my company. Seeing the stars on the Blvd reminded me to never stop dreaming and doing. My journey is yet unfolding and my story is far from finished. YES to DREAMS! YES to the JOURNEY! YES, to Being All That You Can Be!

 

 

 

On Monday morning, my last day in the city, we headed to the Venice Beach for sun, fun, lunch, and of course more drinks! Venice was interesting and so full of culture! On the Venice Boardwalk, it’s just different! You have the skateboarders, the musicians, the weightlifters, the beach babes, the artists, the hustlers. It’s just different! YES, to Culture! YES, to being DIFFERENT!

YES to SUNSHINE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year remember to embrace your NOW and say YES a tad bit more than you did last year. YES, to surrounding yourself with positive people who want to experience positive things with you! YES, to new experiences! YES, to enjoying yourself! YES, to living life by your own standards! YES, to your ultimate self!

XoXo Love Latiche’

TJE Presents: Wine and Onesies The Virtual Affirmation Event

Tonight at 9:00pm tune in on TJE’s Facebook and Twitter to join us in The Virtual Affirmation Event. Once the affirmations are created we will put them in a decorative mason jar for preparation of a daily read beginning January 1, 2017.

Some of you are probably thinking to yourself, “What are affirmations”? An affirmation is simply a statement affirming something. The obvious goal is to create positive affirmations, however, if you are not deliberate with your vocabulary you may end up creating negative affirmations.

For example, someone who wants to have more money may create an affirmation stating “I want to get out of debt”. That may seem like a positive affirmation but it actually works against you because the focus of the affirmation is on debt. A positive way to affirm this desire is to say “I am so happy and grateful now that I am financially abundant”. That statement affirms your real desire in the present tense so that you will begin living your desire in the now. If you attempt to affirm something in a future manner, it is likely that you will never reach that desire because you never experience the future. Your experiences only occur in the now.

If you are not grasping this concept or if you are eager for more information about this subject PLEASE TUNE IN TONIGHT! During the live feed I will be discussing how to create positive affirmations more in depth and I invite your comments and/or questions.

Many of you may feel that writing 365 affirmations is a lot of work. Be that as it may, I am a firm believer that you get back what you put out. However, since I really love you guys, I have provided 100 downloadable D.O.P.E. general affirmations that will assist you during your take off! See ya at the event tonight 🙂

365 Affirmations for 365 Days_

Holiday Gift Guide for The Brown Girls Club

The Holiday season is a wonderful time to wind down and relax while enjoying the company of your loved ones. However, many are bogged down with emotional and financial stress because of their uncertainty of what to gift this year. With there being only 5 days left till Christmas TJE linked with the Browns Girls Club to create a holiday gift guide to inspire you towards original gifting. Brown Girls Club is a website formed by Crystal Swain-Bates that sell merchandise created solely for uplifting little black girls and Women. There have been many studies that reveal that the lack of positive black representatives or idols has great potential to lower black children’s self esteem. This website is a positive factor that assists in uplifting black youth by building self-awareness, self-confidence, and assisting them with internal foundation of adequacy.  These options are affordable and an investment into our children’s future.

Here are some recommended gifts below:

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“I’m a Pretty Princess” pillow $34.99

This is a perfect gift that will light up your little princess’ eyes. This gift will go excellent with the matching book “I’m a Pretty Princess” below that can be purchased from Amazon for $11.57.fullsizerender-4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Headwrap Queen" Square Pillow $34.99
“Headwrap Queen” Square Pillow $34.99 This is a amazing present for all the young adult and older women in your life.

 

 

 

 

For other great pillows click the link—-> Brown Girls Club’s Pillows

"Positive Affirmation Magnets For African-American Children" $9.99
“Positive Affirmation Magnets For African-American Children” $9.99

 

 

 

The Positive affirmation magnets come in a pack of four and it is a daily reminder for children to internalize affirmative life changing beliefs about their self. This is actually my favorite item on this site because I am a firm believer of the positive effect that affirmations can have on your life.

Although this site is mainly for brown girls, BrownGirlsClub didn’t leave out the brown boys.

"The Colorful Adventures of Cody & Jay" A coloring and activity book $8.99
“The Colorful Adventures of Cody & Jay” A coloring and activity book $8.99

 

 

 

For a Limited Time Only: Black Santa pillows, onesies, and more!
For a Limited Time Only: Black Santa pillows, onesies, and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those who didn’t procrastinate and already finished all of their christmas shopping DON’T WORRY because Brown Girls Club has great birthday party sets.

"I'm a Pretty Black Princess" "Big Hair, Don't Care" Party Sets
“I’m a Pretty Black Princess” $39.99                         “Big Hair, Don’t Care” $39.99

It is important that black children are reminded daily of their beauty and power. All of BGC’s merchandise do just that! For additional items go to Brown Girls Club and use my discount code 7u. Comment your thoughts below on these products!