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“Brokenness is learned, not innate and we have to find our way back to what is already whole.”

— Geneen Roth

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Art by Pamela Lee, from ‘Out of the Cradle: Exploring Frontiers Beyond Earth,’ 1984, via @humanoidhistory

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GOODVIBESONLYIX OFFICIAL SITE

https://www.goodvibesonlyix.com/

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G W Y P 

On a light warm August afternoon, my friend and I traveled to Somerville, a small suburb northwest of Boston to attend a panel that was sure to inspire our creative souls.

There is so much I can say about the Grow Where You’re Planted event. Inspirational is an understatement. Profound is better suited to describe this event. Presented by the First Year Project, LLC, a multimedia creative agency producing storytelling driven content and experiences, but through digital content and live events. I had the joy of listening to a panel of all women of color, sharing their worldly experiences and genuine advice when tackling your dreams. The host Alexis Claytor, is a light that is very much needed in our community and her team put together a beautiful event featuring amazing vendors and local businesswomen. The atmosphere danced with golden twinkles in the air and organically sparked conversations. Thank you, to the First Year Project for bringing together a room full of wonderful people that ignited the dreamer within me.

Visit Alexis and her team at: www.firstyearproject.com for exclusive interviews and a dope podcast.

x

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S A T I V A

t a n g i e   

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Nice For What?

Happy Birthday Aubrey x 

‘Nice For What’ Drake, 2018

Location : Warehouse XI

Model : Beltrani86 (via Instagram)

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She Ride Or Die - Like Eve and Em’

When dealing with great grief - always turn to great friends and your favorite conscience rapper. 

‘Runway’, J Cole, 2013

Location : MFA Boston

Model : Beltraini86 (via Instagram)

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Seriously, I can’t believe we are already in July! It feels like Anthony and I just got married – just starting to plan our honeymoon over pizza, french-fries and red wine. Now, we are here days away from Costa Rica! With ‘Everything is Love’ on repeat, I couldn’t be more excited to be jumping on plane celebrating black love. Oh before I forget as a side note, Love is ____ on OWN has been my jam, very real and equally as hot (thanks to Will Catlett, shhh don’t tell my Mr.)

I wanted to check-in with my babes and give you a mid-year update, simply letting you know what’s going on with me. Twenty – eighteen started off with a BANG, with our wedding! Since then it’s been nothing but comfort foods, funny movies, quality time and wine, oh so much wine. Meanwhile, I put my creative work on the back burner, solely to be totally present with my love and handle martial business.

Even so I have been keeping my blog notepad in my bag to write down ideas / content when thinking of  / missing GOODVIBESONLYIX. With that said I’m dedicating this post to what’s been going on in my world and what I’m working on for the reminder of the year – better yet let me slow it down this is my Summer of Self-Care.  

MAIN FOCUS :  

-Understanding marriage -Practicing healthy self – awareness   -Going in depth with my spirituality -Continuing my soul-searching journey -Embracing my full-body curves -Staying connected to my inner self -Monitoring my finances more closely -Working smarter not harder  -Refocusing on my short-term / long-term goals -Censoring the energy that I allow within and around me -Working on the GOODVIBESONLYIX website -Re-designing / decorating my new apartment -Trusting my life’s process, while working towards my purpose -Striving to be a better wife, daughter, sister, god-mommy and friend -Diving into my overall health – physically and mentally -Eating and exercising well – not to look good but to live a long and happy life

Yes, that was a long list however I feel these intentions intertwine with one another making them all ‘do-able’. I think we all strive to be the best version of ourselves. Although, sometimes we get sidetracked and things don’t go as planned – we can always create a fresh start. The universe works in mysterious ways and we have to go through different stages and face unforeseen transitions – good and bad, to finally find where we settle and find inner-peace.  Life is an amazing journey – it’s only good as you make it. With that said I’m on my way to Costa Rica for our honeymoon – to completely unwind, unplug and relax.

Two – thousand – eighteen, thank you for being so sweet to me thus far. May we finish on a high note with love, hope, wisdom and guidance from my savior.

Life is good.

BTW: How is your year / summer going? Do you have any goals / objectives you are working on?

May peace be with you and happiness follow you. As always thank you for being here – I appreciate the support and all this love x

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PT. 1

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PT. 2

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Recently my mother told me she needed a good cry, so we did – hahaa. After we cried together with laughter and love, she says - the last time I cried was in December 2015 when Anthony asked for your hand in marriage. She remembers telling the older couple at the next table, who were sending puzzling glares at her way ‘No, no - don’t worry’ with a hand wave. . ‘My daughter is getting married.’ It began. Firstly, I must apologize for my absence. It’s solely in part that I’ve been way too comfortable nesting with my brand new husband. I’ve been doing nothing but hanging out with him, eating anything I want with him and we just finished planning our honeymoon! Now it’s time to get back to business and immerse myself in creativity. This blog post is dedicated to our BIG DAY, providing you with the important wedding details and my experiences. Honestly, it was the best day of my life – I couldn’t have envisioned the day being any better or perfect than it was. My groom was the apple of my eye with a smile that lit the entire room and with looks that were swept me off my feet. All my thanks are truly owed to him. You are my truest. Cheers to 4 months of marriage x x FLOWERS My beautiful flowers came from a talented duo over at Studio One Twenty Three West, in Braintree, MA. Upon entering the shop all I could smell was sweet roses, fresh greenery and hints of calla lilies – which set the vibe I was envisioning. I was greeted by Janet, the shop’s owner who led me to a space that I cannot quite call an office because it was magical. I won’t give Janet’s ideas away, all I can say is – Beautiful ideas are in the works over at Studio One Twenty Three West! I met with Janet for about forty-five minutes, which is all we needed because with my every word she finished my sentence. She knew everything I was looking for plus more! We went with white roses; white calla lilies, with hints of greenery for an added pop along with off white ribbon to hold all the pieces together. I knew I was in goods hands when leaving the shop. When I arrived at the venue on our wedding day the first thing I saw was my amazing bridal bouquet, so full and lush – that’s when I shed my first tear. STUDIO ONE TWENTY THREE WEST 652 West Street Braintree, MA 02184 T: (781)356-1300 x VENUE The place where all the magic happened – The Villa at the Ridder Country Club in East Bridgewater, MA – simply amazing from start to finish. From the moment I stepped into the Grand Ballroom – I fell in love! I was mesmerized by everything – the lighting fixtures, the layout, the bridal suite, all so beautiful and elegant. I was sold on my first visit to The Villa. I was standing in the place were we would be married. I closed my eyes at for moment and thought in a year’s time we would be surrounded by family and friends, looking into each other’s eyes as man and wife. Ugh! Love is real guys, haha! The staff were so helpful and intentive, they made wedding planning a complete breeze. I cannot say enough about the Sapphire Event Group and their properties – with breathtaking set-ups that satisfies any bride’s wedding dreams to the tasty cuisine that my guests are still talk about today. The service they provided blew me away. The event coordinators made it so easy to execute each detail of what I envisioned our wedding to be and the bridal attendants made me feel like a queen, truly. Special thanks to Patti, Rebecca and Elizabeth you all are amazing. THE VILLA AT RIDDER COUNTRY CLUB 390 Oak Street East Bridgewater, MA 02333 T: (781)618-1960 x PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY Cheers to that person who probably led you here. The brilliant Yuri Vaysgant, who took on the role as our photographer and videographer. I met Yuri back in 2011 when I was looking to have some fun self-portraits taken. Yuri’s work is amazing! His ideas are specular – everything from location to wardrobe he made me feel so welcome and taken cared of. I vowed from back then I would be working with him on my future wedding! Seven years later we met again and he created magic with all the photos taken and the most memorable highlight film of our wedding! Yuri went above and beyond. I’m so grateful that such a creative genius documented unforgettable memories. Thank you, Yuri! To see more of Yuri’s incredible work go check out his website listed below. YURI VAYSGANT PHOTOGRAPHY W : www.yurivaysgant.com E : yuri@yurivaysgant.com T : (508)641- 8521 x CAKE Just Desserts in Bridgewater provided us with a beautiful, elegant yet equally delicious wedding cake. We decided on three-tiered vanilla cake, topped with buttercream frosting with layer of strawberries in the detail per the groom’s request. It was amazing – so amazing that we had no morning after cake. A shameless aka nameless guest told me he had two pieces. . and one to go! Lucky for us, Lisa (the shop’s owner) provides each couple with a fresh new cake for their first anniversary. We are looking forward to this bonus for sure! Just Desserts, also has an assortment of amazing cupcakes and coffees that Anthony and I, enjoy every time we visit! If you head over to my Instagram you can read up on my full first impression of our cake tasting! Thanks Lisa and team! JUST DESSERTS 1 Main Street Bridgewater, MA 02324 T : (508)807-0387 x MAKEUP IG : MAKEUPRAINAA This sweet soul, bought my bridal makeup dream to reality with hues of warm golden browns and a glossy lip to die for. My ladies and I, were beyond impressed with Raina’s work, we all felt beautiful and our makeup didn’t miss a beat the entire night! Many thanks to such a wonderful and ambitious young lady. x HAIR IG : HAIRBYJAMILINE The hair goddess, who is known to me as Jamie, had me shook at first glance of my wedding hair! Her attention to detail drew me in when viewing her work on Instagram, all her clients’ reviews were nothing short then praising her for her work and amazing customer service. In addition to Jamie coming highly recommended by one of my close friends. I knew I had to book my appointment instantly before she was fully booked for the month. The night before our wedding, Jamie and I spent eight hours together perfecting my wedding hair and talking about everything imaginable including love. Jamie came to the venue on my wedding day to give my hair the perfect balance of silkiness and volume and even secured my veil in place. I praise your work Jamie, you are top-notch honey and I mean that. x DÉCOR AC Moore, Home Goods and Etsy – so many options to mix and match that I was a bit on a wedding overload! However, I was determined to stick to my minimalist vision – all white décor with a hint of green and plenty of candlelight. These three shops provided me with all my wedding décor needs and more. Although, I did get somewhat side tracked when it came to apartment décor but with my best friend by my side – she kept every purchase in check. So, when going into shops make sure to have a list in hand so you don’t go overboard or go with a friend who knows your vision, style and even your weaknesses. It’s very easy to go overboard . . . trust me (inserts wink)! Also, don’t think you have to spend a small fortune on your décor – shop smart and see what your venue has to offer. x MY ADVICE Take your time and make the process FUN! This special day / event is all about love! Why water it down with overpriced linens and petty – meaningless arguments. Be mindful that this day goes by so fast and it is to be cherished. That way you’ll be able to fuel your daughter’s imagination in the future. I was never crazy about marriage and weddings because, I wanted long lasting and unconditional compassion-ship. Love – is not defined by an overrated party but by the priceless twinkle in your mate’s eye when they lay their eyes on you each and every morning. Grateful – peace of mind is what I have. Find yours. x FAMILY AND FRIENDS Dear James’ Crew – Anthony and I, would like to send a special thanks to all our family and friends who took the time to celebrate with us on a Winter Sunday evening with love in your hearts and joy in your feet to help us dance the night away. Thanks to you, we will enjoy our honeymoon in beautiful Costa Rica with a new set of luggage in tow. We love you – we are forever grateful x x MY MATE I’ve been blessed with a humble man - a kind man - a loving man. He is soft spoken by nature yet hilariously explosive when in private. I could never find or ask for a better bed maker, provider, restaurant guru, family man, peaceful lover, best friend this beautiful world has to offer. I thank the Lord everyday for pairing my soul with an angel. May we always share the . . the . . There’s no word or expression to describe, what’s simply us. x MY WEDDING TIPS - DRINK WINE AND PLAN ON - GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING - RESEARCH, RESEARCH, THEN PINTEREST - DO TRAILS WITH MAKEUP AND HAIR (MUST) - STICK TO YOUR BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET - FOLLOW YOUR GUT WITH ANY MAJOR DECISIONS - BE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED (EMBRACE IT – I DID) - TALK TO OTHER BRIDES / WIVES ABOUT WEDDING PLANNING - DO ALL THE ‘WEDDING STUFF’ WITH YOUR GROOM / BRIDE - USE ALL THE FREE HELP YOU CAN GET FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS - TAKE ADVANGE OF ALL THE PERKS THAT YOUR VENUE HAS TO OFFER - ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN WHEN IT COMES TO SHAKY VENDORS - ENVISION WHAT YOU WANT YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS TO LOOK LIKE BEFORE - BE OPEN AND HONEST WITH YOUR SPOUSE ABOUT COSTS AND MAJOR DECISIONS - DANCE WITH YOUR FRIENDS - DANCE WITH YOUR MOTHER - SMILE AND GREET ALL YOUR GUESTS - LET LOOSE AND BE CAREFREE - TAKE YOUR HEELS OFF, GET COMFORTABLE - ENJOY THE MOMENT WITH YOUR HUSBAND / WIFE - YOUR WEDDING, YOUR WAY, YOUR RULES x Please feel free contact me at GOODVIBESONLYIX@gmail.com with any wedding questions. I’m here for all your wedding needs! Don’t forget to check out my past wedding blog posts covering everything from our invites to the dress! Thank you for hanging out with me, until next time x

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WEDDING DAY BRIDAL ESSENTIALS

Last weekend - I had the pleasure of celebrating the sweetest girl / BRIDE in the world! Just two weeks away from becoming Mrs. Jackson, it was only right to party it up, have a little of uncensored fun and make memories we chose to keep to ourselves! Needless to say I arrived at my doorstep at 530AM . . (cricket sounds queued) . . Hahaa! I had such a great time, sending a special thank you to all you classy ladies that made her night all that it was. 

When thinking of ideas for a nice / creative bachelorette gift (S/N : I always come bearing gifts or florals, maybe even both) I thought to myself – what did I need on my Wedding Day? I remember when I arrived to the venue, I wish I had a little pouch with all of my all essentials for easy access. Having all I needed to refresh and recharge in one place rather than having to dig through totes and piles of mess to find a hair brush! That’s what sparked putting together - Wedding Day Bridal Essentials, to help out my friend on her big day!

Below I have listed what I put in the Bride – To – Be’s pouch, I also included a list of other items I would have incorporated, if I had the time / room in my pouch. All you bridesmaids, maids of honor, matrons of honors and best friends other there – bookmark this post to show your Bride you got her back – before, during and after the Wedding. She’ll be praising you later!

MRS. JACKSON’S WEDDING DAY BRIDAL ESSENTIALS:  

ADVIL

GUM

TISSUES

LOTION

FACIAL MASK

WET WIPES

HAND SANITIZER

FUTURE MRS HEADBAND

WEDDING NIGHT LINGERIE (#2 RULE OF MARRIAGE: ALWAYS KEEP IT SPICY)

WAVY N’ COOK’D TREAT

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

DISPOSABLE CAMERA

BOBBY PINS

SAFETY PINS

HAIR TIES

TUMS

NIP OF JACK

FLIP FLOPS

EAR-PODS

PHONE CHARGER

SEWING KIT

NAIL CARE SET

HAIR BRUSH

HAIR COMB

HAIR SPRAY

DRY SHAMPOO

NOTEPAD PEN / MARKER

WEDDING DAY CHECKLIST

A PERSONAL NOTE FOR THE BRIDE TO READ ON WEDDING DAY

SOMETHING THAT MONEY CAN’T BUY: A FRIEND’S TOTAL SUPPORT – TO REMIND THE BRIDE IT’S HER DAY! ALL SHE HAS TO DO IS ENJOY AND BE HAPPY!

As always thank you for being here. I know it’s been a while, I’ve been coming down off my Wedding high. Life feels so good right now. Love is love, always.

Congrats to Shahnaz and Meka - you guys have less than a week to go! You both are beautiful from the inside - out. It’s only right that you spend a lifetime together!

Til next time lovies,

XO