My Sidekick = My Distraction!

Let me tell you about him............
I'm a bit annoyed at my sidekick. Every time i want to be left alone, he bugs me and constantly nags. Always making noises, no matter what time of day it is. He is very demanding and will not take "NO" for an answer. The only way to avoid him is to leave him at home...and when i do that, he sits there alone in the house talking to himself. When i get back in, he just goes on and on babbling away. He stores all he has to say to me in his "mental inbox" and just gives it to me almost all at once upon my arrival.

My sidekick has no life of his own. If i leave him sitting to long without plugging him in for some "luvin" he just dies; mentally. Unable to function. He is of no use at that point. He makes me feel bad when i want to shut him out for the night. Playing mind games all night. Sending me signals...makes me feel as if something bad will happen during the night and i won't know because i've cut him off for the night.

He is never hungry, yet, he insists on sitting at the dinner table with me.

He does not know how to drive, yet, he insists on sitting on my lap while im driving.

He hates the water and claims if he gets wet, he will die, yet, he sits by the tub while i'm showering.

He knows how much my prayer time means to me...yet he sits there quietly shaking his body all over the place crying out for attention while im praying or reading my "Word"

I have told him time and time again how the kids feel about him and don't like when he spends to much time with us, yet somehow he finds his way into our "quiet time"

He is a bother, a nag!

To make matters worse, he makes me pay him for his time. Yes, that's right! Can you believe this. Every month he sends me a bill stating the amount of time i have used him and the cost for his services.
You know things are bad when i can't even sun bath without him wanting to lay on my towel with me. I can't even lay there in peace without him singing in my ear.

Oh and when we are not on talking terms, which is OFTEN, he sends me emails and text ALL DAY!

I have had enough of him! As of this week, these are the rules I'm setting down for him:

Rules!-
- You can NOT eat at the table with me
- You will NOT join me for "family quality time"
- You will stay in the car during church service from now on
- You will remain in the passenger seat or back seat while I'm driving.
- One day a week i will break from you for the day
- You are not welcome to join Captain and i for "reading time"
- I will NOT scream, throw panic attacks or let you get to me NO MORE!

At LAST but not LEAST, you are NOT welcome into my bed. Stay out of my sheets and away from my pillows at night. I'm shutting you out of my life at night starting at 9pm. We are not to communicate with oneanother after that time.

These rules will not be altered or changed for any reason what so ever.

My final words to you are "Look here CELL PHONE get a life of your own!!"

Phhewww...Ok you all, i had to get that off my chest. LOL! I'm sure you all feel the same pain lol. If you do, set down some rules as of today. Enough is enough. This sidekick of mine is a complete bother in my life. I mean he's great for business and all but it comes to a point where him and i go a little over board.

I come from a generation of people who lived off of beepers and home answering machines. I remember a time when i would come home from a full day out and look forward to the red light flashng...because that meant that somebody could not get a hold of me, and missed me so much ...that they left a few messages.

Before texing and cell phone voicemail came out, people still got along just fine without it. They were still successful, families still stayed in touch (if not more) and people still dated. Actually there were probably less headaches in relationships.

Moms, dads, let's let these sidekicks go while we are spending quality time with out little ones. Afterall, in case of an emergency the most important people in your life are with you anyway.
Turning my cell off at night in the past couple days felt so good. I read with Captain (my son) at night, and then he reads to me and then we say our prayers and we are off to sleep. All while the phone was OFF!

We need to bring back some of the old up bringing our parents instilled in us so that our children will be OK. Like no phones at the dinner table, no talking during quiet time; everybody grab a book and read, no yelling and playing while mommy or daddy are on the phone. We all know that times have changed and if these children do not have any sense of value or culture, there is most likely no hope.

I'm sending out my message from now,
"DO NOT DISTURB ME AFTER 9PM OR YOU WILL HAVE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH MY SIDEKICK"

[M.I.] Story...A Toxic Playground of Inspiration and Bravery

Shortly after my surgery i started rethinking my "head shots" and realized that i needed to have a photo-shoot taken  as soon as i was satisfied with my new hair length. Well, emmediately after i began to deeply desire this "new head shot" i received a call from Saunia & Sonia, Founders of www.viixvbymirrorimages.com/ and creators of Mi Sister's Closet' Blog offering a free photo-shoot along with an interview conducted by both of these beautiful (chosen) ladies. Of course, i jumped for joy and got on it! We scheduled the interview and shoot and let me tell you, everything on Gods time. It was absolutely perfect.

"We ALL have a journey! Lets not let our tribulations define who we are! But let the footprints of our journey lead us to Triumph! Look....its not how much further you have to go BUT how far you have come. EVERY step was custom design for YOU!" These were the words they left me with. It is not often in life you come across such amazing authentic and empowering women. Twins, at that. Their passion and compassion for people shouts out through their ART!

We shared the same love for people, faith in our youth, a love for those unfortunate or left behind and the hunger for more of God in "us." Individually. As they shared more about their journey, their eyes lit up in anticipation for seeing Gods plan come to pass in their lives. At times, i wondered how i did not shed a tear or two, knowing i cry for almost everything (lol). 
It was obvious to me that these twin sisters shared a deep bond that began in the womb. They were / are a  breath of fresh air and it was a great privilege for me to have the opportunity to be interviewed and photographed by them.

Every night when i lay down and pray with my Captain (my 4 year old) i ask that God sends beautiful people (inside-out) into our lives and uses us to impact their lives positively with LOVE and UNITY. More and more i can see that God is truly answering my prayers. I made a vow to Him when i survived the surgery, that from that day forth, my life did not belong to me. I gave myself away.....to Him. The great One. He is in control of my life and from what i can see, He is doing a mighty fine job. I thank God, that He chose MI :-) for this journey.

My Story! A Toxic Playground of Inspiration and Bravery 
By, Melanie Gordon (My PR Manager)

Active imaginations of children can have them fearing the boogeyman in the closet, a monster under the bed or a bully at the playground, but for a young girl growing up in an environment of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, Elizabeth Correia’s playground was toxic.

No stranger to obstacles and adversity, Elizabeth’s resilience and courage to survive numerous foster homes, witnessing murder, life on the streets, domestic violence and a twenty year old brain tumor, have led her to many notable achievements. Elizabeth’s enlightening spirit and determination to live life with a purpose shines through with her love for her children, her baby sister, her community and God. Full Article..... Mi Sister's Closet Blog 

Sealed with LOVE!

How A Desperate Birthday Search for "The Perfect Piece" Led to Her Destiny- Jozet Jemz

She is a busy mother (of twins) and an Entrepreneur. A woman who understands the hustle and bustles of life and doesn't mind flowing along in the mix. I had the great privilege to meet and interview this beautiful woman at "Afternoon Tea" with Media Starlet; Kerryann Thomas, and she understood completely why she ended up designing her own accessories. 

Camille Bryan has a DREAM and won't stop until it's accomplished.

 

 

 

1. Tell me and The D.e.v.a Readers a little about your background? About You.

 

Born and raised in Toronto, I have been married for 12 years, and am a mother of four.  My mother was born in Trinidad and my father in Tobago, so I have the best of both islands!!  After high school I continued my education and studied Police Foundations because at that time I wanted to become a Police Officer.  After giving birth to my daughter I had a change of heart and decided that I no longer wanted a career that involved so much risk.

2. When did you realize you had a desire to design jewelery?

Three years ago this upcoming July my birthday was coming up and I had a fabulous outfit that I was planning on wearing. I searched high and low to find the perfect accessories.  I found that I was unable to find that unique statement  piece I searching for so I decided I would have to make it.  The first item that I made was a pair of earrings, basic in design, but unlike anything I have ever seen.

3. What do you think triggered this passion?

I have always had a love for accessories, but found that the unique factor that I desired was missing.  I felt that the jewelry industry needed a fresh prospective, something that would stand out from the rest and I am pleased that I have defiantly been able to achieve that.

4. I know you also have a passion for fashion. Can you tell me why you chose to get into jewelery designing instead of clothing design?

I got into jewelry design appose to fashion design because jewelry fits all body types and has no labels attached to it.  Although I love clothes, I didn't want to limit what I had to offer to one particular group of women.

5. Are you a Trend Setter or is there a particular person you highly admire; fashion wise and tend to mimic their dressing instead.

I am a Trend Setter.  I am a women who dresses for the moment.  I tend to dress based on the way that I feel that particular day.  I definitely march to the beat of my own drum!

6. Do you create all the pieces yourself?

I do create all my pieces by myself in my home studio.

7. What type of beads / stones / materials do you use? And where are they from?

I love to work with Metal,Yarn, Ribbon, Wood,Feathers and Semi Precious Stones. My Favorite Semi Precious Stones to work with are, Agate which would be found in Brazil,Egypt,India among many other countries, Coral which comes from the sea, Onyx which comes from India and South America.

8. Can you tell us about the most Unique piece you have?

The most unique piece I have made thus far was created using the waist of re-cycled jeans, seed glass beads and a copper chain.  I finished this piece with a T-clasp to the side.  It's a head turner!!

9. Any plans for a boutique in the near future? If so, where?

I would love to own a small boutique somewhere downtown Toronto in the future.

10. What are the future goals you have for Jozet Jemz?

I would like Jozet Jemz to be worn by women all over the country.  I would like my pieces to be worn on the red carpet and in fashion shows.  I want Jozet Jemz to be a respected name in the fashion industry.

11. Do you design pieces for brides? If so, what is the wedding trend right now? (Is it diamonds. pearls, crystals etc)

I do also design jewelry pieces for brides.  Rhinestones has been big for the last couple of years and now brides are becoming more daring with colored rhinestones.  Of course, The classic pearls is an item that will always be around. However, it's the brides day and what ever look they gravitate to will be fabulous!

12.How many pieces are in your collection to date?

 To date I have 125 pieces all hand made by me in my collection and growing as I am creating new pieces all the time.

13. Where can our readers view your beautiful pieces and how can they make a purchase or contact you?

You can find most of my collection at www.jozetjemz.etsy.com where you can purchase them via PayPal.  If you live in the Greater Toronto Area you can email me at jozetjemz@hotmail.com and I could bring the pieces to you for a private viewing.

 

14. Do you do home parties and home deliveries as well? Can you explain to us what a "home party" would look like?

I love to showcase my pieces at home parties because it is more of an intimate setting.  What could be expected if you attend a Jozet Jemz home party is trying on neck pieces, bracelets and rings.  I feel it is just as important to try on jewelry as it is clothes! The hostess will get to choose a gift from an array of Jozet Jemz Jewelry.  I also discuss the benefits of wearing semi precious stones.  I deliver to anyone who lives in the Greater Toronto Area.

15. Lucky number #15. Last but not least. You have beautiful hair. Are there any special or secret products you use that you don't mind sharing with us? Many women struggle to keep their dreads as gorgeous and healthy as you do. What is your secret?

Why Thank you.  I have been growing my locs for four years and have learned that less is more! I tend not to use a ton of product.  I create my own hair oil using 100% Olive Oil and a couple drops of Peppermint essential oil.  I wash my hair once per week because my locs love the water! I do a hot oil treatment once per month and a ACV rinse once per month.  ACV stands for Apple Cider Vinegar (which could be found at your local grocery store) 1 cup of ACV to 4 cups of water is the measurement.  I soak my locs in that mixture, then wash it out.  ACV helps maintain the build up that could sometimes occur in dread locs.  Last but not least I ALWAYS cover my hair when at home. 

 

 

She is authentic, inspiring and above all she believes in her Destiny! 

 My kinda gal.

She - My PIXX on Trend Setters!

As i was browsing through many different "Fashion Blogs" i realized that there is only one kind of fashionista i LUV; An original! 

What do i mean by this? Well, i highly admire a woman, of any age, who creates her own "look. SHE wakes up in the mornings and puts together an outfit based on what "SHE" likes. Not what the media likes or what her friends are wearing but what SHE wants. A woman who is not afraid of colors; brights, retro or neon, SHE will rock it! A woman who plays around with hair accessories and takes chances that most won't. SHE has no specific style but dresses according to her mood or where she will be for that day / time and who SHE will be with.

I, personally am that woman. Yes, i admire a variety of women for their fashion sense and take ideas out of their PIXX but i do what i want out of that PIX. So if i see a BEAUTIFUL pair of shoes on the shelf that i have already seen a friend wear or celebrity, i will wear them differently because I AM DIFFERENT / UNIQUE. My style won't be her style. Vice versa. I have never seen a duplicate of ME in regards to my "personal look"

Liz does what Liz wants to do and breaks all the fashion rules. Hhhmm i didn't know there were any but yeah...to some, there may be. Oh wait, yes i have one; No big bold ear rings with big bold chains. Stick to no ear rings with bold chain or small studs matching the chain. Remember, Small!

Ok so her i have chosen a few of MY PIXX for the month. I will attach their blog sites and also "her" name for your review. Enjoy. SHE'S HOTT!

Folake Kuye Huntoon

Ladies, this woman ROCKS! "It’s one thing for us to point at the runways, drool over the lookbooks, and pick off the shelves of our favorite boutiques, but more importantly, we as fashion-minded people need to share ourselves more." Folake Kuye Huntoon

Log onto her site and enjoy her. SHE is my #1 PIX

Get Janet

Lil' Janet - I use to call her. This woman never seemed to surprise me, fashion wise. SHE is UNIQUE and does what SHE desires to do; with her wardrobe. What a gal. Check out her site and visit her store downtown Toronto.

Ok those are my two PIXX for the week. Stay tuned as i will be posting more on "Fashion Blogs" 

I chose these two ladies, because they are regular women like you and i. Not celebrities or any of the above. Just beautiful women in LUV with fashion.

Voices....Unheard!

I stumbled upon a website tonight that had me glued to the computer screen for a good hour; Women's Self-Esteem

Now, because i have seen, heard and almost lived- it all, you may assume that i am not easily moved or touched by "survival stories" that women share with me. Let me please share with you this, that, every abusive, painful or sensitive story that comes from a young girl or a woman from ANY walk of life, moves me and leaves a lasting memory and prayer of hope and faith imbedded in my heart. Yes, i am easily moved and thankfully sensitive to the feelings of others ALL around me.

When i began to read these "survival stories" from voices unheard and faces unseen, i wanted more. Why? Because the more i read, was the closer i got to "the reality of the world we live in."

"WE" are NOT alone. What happened to "us" is happening every minute and every second of the day, all over the world and in the very houses next door to you. Whether, you see it in the open or NOT. It is there. Silent voices, waiting to be heard. To be saved. To be seen.


I am pleading with you tonight, to please log onto this site to truly understand and feel what it is to live with and know "that pain" I ask this because YOU can make a difference in the life of a woman or young girl around you who calls herself "his victim." We are NOT victims. "We" are survivors. It takes just ONE person, to make a difference in ONE woman or girl's life.
 

 Just one!

 Sealed with LOVE

It's Time To Make The Change!

Good morning readers. I hope you are up smiling and ready for this beautiful sunny day. I woke up to the sun beaming through my window and in my eyes :-) This is why i do not have dark curtains covering my juliet balcony in my room. I LOVE the bright mornings.

Well, today should be an interesting day. I started the Liver Cleanse procedure yesterday evening with the "zapping machine" yeahhh the one that kills off all the dead pesticides in our stomach and body :-( ewww i can't believe they live in us. Gross. I will def not be looking in the toilet. I can't eat after 2 pm and i will have to be home near by my bathroom by late this evening lol.

This "healthy lifestyle" journey has been exciting and new for me. Even my workouts feel different and i am seeing the results rather quickly. But above all, i feel so amazing. So amazing. Inside and out. Prior to my surgery i did not care much for the inside. Today, the inside is THE most important. In caring for the inside, i have lost quite a bit of weight. However, that was not my intention, as i would like t to think my weight was fine the way it was. However, i guess my body said, "well there is a lot of fat, toxins and yeast in here, so it's got to go." The weight i lost was "garbage anyway."

It's time guys! Make the change now. Don't wait until there is bad news like i did. God gave me a "second chance" to do it right, but please keep in mind that more then 75% of people who get rushed into emergency with a large hemorrhaging tumor, DO NOT make it out of the surgery alive. So i consider it God alone. I am one lucky kid :-)

Let's get it together people. For ourselves, our children, our families, co-workers and friends.It is not hard. It should be the ONLY way.

Enjoy!

Sealed with LOVE

Natural Cures, Cleanses and Products "They Don't Want You To Know"

As promised, here are the videos, below.

Part One

Part Two

Please stay tuned for Part 3 "Vitamins that work and my way of applying foundation"

If you are inteerested in purchasing any of these products, please email me at elizabeth@devainyou.com

Sealed with LOVE

My New Secret

5:57 pm Wed March 7'12 (Starbucks Meeting)

Recently, i have been approached by women, young and older, asking, "What do you use on your skin ...what kind of make-up do you wear....do you have on foundation or just blush?"

Although i would like to think i had average looking skin prior to my surgery, it has definitely improved. Too often i blamed the occasional monthly break outs on "that time of the month." I truly believed that it had everything to do with that. The break outs were small but none -the-less, they were bothersome and in the way!

I spent many nights and too much time complaining with my friend Snoopy, about the "new" product i was using and how it gave me 3 pimples or dry skin or oily skin etc Snoopy and i can proudly say that for the most part, in the past 15 years, we have tried to stick to natural products. Were they always all natural? No. We have dabbled with most of all the high end products, none of which worked, and only found comfort and satisfaction in most of the lower end ones. Now, which products did we find most suitable for our skin, providing greater results? Well, i will name the 2 that worked best for me; Emu Oil and Vitamin E (Jameson)

However, none of these products prevented the small breakouts entirely. Not even the dryness. Considering they are both oil based.

As many of you know, i had brain surgery recently and have been put on a pretty clean diet. Today, if i could stand on a tower and tell the world what to do for beautiful healthy skin, that is what i would be doing. Instead of typing away lol. I no longer use the thick Vitamin E oil from Jameson or the Emu Oil. I have not had ONE breakout in just over 2 months and my skin blemishes have vanished.

 How long have i been blessed with this? Since days after surgery.

Was it the anesthesia or morphine? Most definitely not. Is it because the tumor has been removed? Uuum no lol. Was it the dilantin or one of the other MANY antibiotics i was taking? No.Then what was it?

Well, tune in tonight as i answer this question and temp to show you a LIVE demonstration of what My New Secret is... I will show you step by step what it is that i do and have been doing on a daily basis as well as "before bed time" since Dec 27th. Besides spending a lot of quality time reading, studying, planning and at home with the boys; laughing until my belly cramps. Love it.

Yes, the healthy eating and juicing twice a day has defiantly made a difference. But the trick here is, what i am eating, i am also applying to my skin. Huuuhhh? Your confused huh? I know....so was i. At first.

See you later tonight :-)

Sealed with LOVE

It is finally here...My Book Launch' Soiree Thursday May 31 2012

It's finally here....

The past 36 years of my life have been an amazing journey; filled with trials, tests, love and many forms of emotional roller coasters. Would i change any of it if i could? NO!
Every single person i have met, had a friendship with, worked with, volunteered with, shared with, had a connection / relationship with or maybe just a stranger i shared briefly with; have all impacted my life one way or another. Whether it was bitter or sweet, it was sweet.

I am grateful to you all for helping me to shape my life and helping me to discover
"Who I am"

It would be an honor to me, to see you at my book release soiree
Thursday May 31st 2012
@
The Vue Lounge
6:00 pm

It will be an evening of LOVE and UNITY!