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CHICLY SOIGNÉ BON VIVEUR

I Love King Cake

2/24/2019

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I had an "epiphany" that the world is a beautiful place filled with love and a tremendous amounts of joy to share. King cake brings that kind of joy and fellowship to the people in New Orleans every year at Mardi Gras time. It marks the time right before the spring equinox, which many spiritualist believe to be the true beginning of the New Year, where hibernation from the winter's cold weather ends and rest restores the body to begin a new season of production. By now, the majority of individuals should have solidified their intentions for the new year. Mardi Gras is a celebration of the year's past; what we've learned and what we've created. However, it's also a time of excitement for what's to come because in the end we are all creators just as God, who has made us in his image.
January 6th signifies the beginning of King cake season which is no mistake. It's considered to be the day of the "epiphany", also known as the showing of Jesus to the three wise men, that follows the twelfth night of Christmas. This is the reason for the symbolization of the baby that is found in King cakes. If you find the baby (Jesus) in your piece of King cake, than you celebrate his showing by throwing the next party or bringing the next king cake to share in fellowship... It's that beautiful! Mardi Gras is a celebration of God. We eat, drink and be marry in the gift that we were given. Then we fast and pray, in order to be more like the creator, and create something just as beautiful that can be of great service to the world. Love is a powerful thing wouldn't you say! If you ever just stop and observe the way King cake causes joy, you will began to understand the life and legacy of Jesus Christ. In his mighty name we will be healed one piece of King's cake at a time.
In my celebration of God and his many blessings in my life I decided to gather with my family and take a survey of three King cakes that I truly enjoyed this year.

Haydel's Bakery

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This is a traditional king cake. It was a favorite among the small children of my family who participated. It was soft with a nice texture to it. The flavor was mild, of course cinnamon, and the icing was the best part. Haydel's won best in taste. There is something unique that Haydel's do every year. They place small collectible editions of themed dolls in every box of king cake since 1990. This is an awesome way to create memories. Price point: $$, 15.32 with tax included. 

Sucré

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Sucre's selection is also considered to be a traditional king cake. It was my personal favorite and it is made for the ultimate sweet lover. It was soft, very moist and doughy. It didn't unfortunately take home any honorable mention. Price point: $$$, 26.21 with tax included. 

Éclair Délicieux

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This king cake is so far from non-traditional, but was absolutely delicious in its own way. Éclair Délicieux is one of it's kind and I have never had one quit like this. It was filled with eclair creme and topped with fresh fruit, winning best in presentation and over all. Price point: $$$$, 45
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Happy Valentine's Day

2/16/2019

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A
fter completing the  valentine's day project, all of my demons came racing to the surface, not right away, but over a period of the next few days. They came scratching at the inner walls of my being bring with it meaningless self doubt, worry and my worse fear, rejection. Because after it's all said and done, "what will people think of me?" This was the reason I created and planned this project in the first place. I wanted to live outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to love myself more then the possibility of rejection. I wanted to have the courage to love my sexuality openly as the opportunity was ideally available to me. I wanted to act on my vision because I never do, instead I'd just be content with being ordinary. However, that's not who God created me to be and I am starting to realize that more and more with each passing day. I was born with vision, an imagination so broad and so vast that I cannot even began to explain it to you. It's my talent.  
Valentine's day was a beautiful day to love yourself. I bought myself all of the things a Valentines should, a big soft and cuddly bear, lingerie, bath and body works, chocolate and wine. I lit a fire and had my niece over to document the gesture of self-love. There was only one thing that I forgot, which was the most important to me.. to burn a bay leaf with the phrase "fear of rejection" written on it. I am wondering now if this could be the reason I am struggling emotional.  It is said that if you write on a bay leaf what you want to release or let go,  then burn it, is a powerful ritual in manifesting a desired reality by unblocking your mind from limiting beliefs. I missed the chance that night, yet today is another perfect opportunity that will not go unmissed.
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There are people who will claim they want to love you, but there will never be anyone who can love you the way God and you yourself can love you. It's only a choice away.. Love yourself flawless.
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You Are In The Spotlight

2/9/2019

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Maybe I am just a millennial baby or possibly living in nostalgia, but what happened to the once premier shopping destination, Esplanade mall? As teenagers my peers and I would beg our mothers, fathers, older sisters or brothers to take us to the MALL and where I'm from Esplanade Mall, to be exact! LOL.. I have created so many memories there. Yet with all things, nothing remains the same forever. Furthermore, as with life there are ups and downs. Somewhat of a roller coaster ride with extreme highs and lows. On a side note, I have recently been wanting to go to a theme park just to get on a roller coaster, It's been years now! So, what was once a bustling location is now mostly desolate, minus the tumble weeds. With very few retail locations left, I decided to take a stroll down memory lane. It's funny, but I can actually remember what stores were where.
I When "Spotlight for You" first entered the Esplanade Mall back in 2012 a buzz of rumors circulated the community about the possible founder of the retailer, as I am sure it was unbeknownst to the owner. Nevertheless, most patrons imagined that the fashion retailer was a new business. Yet, in 1999 Spotlight started under the name "Spoiled Rotten" as a DBA in the New Orleans Centre mall, located off of Poydras Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is now the site for Champion Square. The rumors were then demystified in that moment of truth. Interestingly, one should never believe everything you hear, do a bit of research and I am positive you will be surprised to know the truth. "Spoiled Rotten" later moved to the Lake Forest Plaza mall in 2000 based in Eastern New Orleans as "Spotlight for Women." Not long after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Spotlight resiliently packed up and moved to the Perimeter mall in Atlanta, Georgia under it's current name "Spotlight for You." This particular location just closed its doors January of this year due to a buy out of the wing it was housed in by a very big retail brand.
With Mardi Gras ball season just beginning, I decided it would be fun to try on a few gowns that are displayed so beautifully in the window at Spotlight. Upon entering, I was greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable associate, who I later found out was the operations manager named Toya. She gather a bit of information from me about my size and what I was shopping for and then helped me pick out a few pieces that she thought I would like. The selections were beautiful and reasonably priced. Plus, they looked absolutely amazing on! Toya informed me the Cary Henderson, the owner, travels to Los Angles personally and hand picks everything that is sold at all locations. To my revelation I learned that there are three other retail sites including two that are also inside of Esplanade mall, "Spotlight for Prom" and "Spotlight for Less." The third store is housed in the Riverwalk Outlet mall at 500 Port of New Orleans next to Steven Madden.  
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I left Spotlight feeling really inspired by their brand's story. With 20 years of legacy, along with many ups and downs, we can all take away from this a drive to keep our faces strongly planted towards the wind and just keep going. It was a pleasure becoming aware of their true brand's success. 
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On my Mind: Pedophiles should have rights, are you fucking kidding me!?

1/24/2018

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I took a social movements class one semester in my last year of undergraduate school at Southeastern Louisiana University in the spring of 2015. I was asked to pick a movement that I was passionate about. I chose the Stop Child Sexual Abuse movement. This choice was largely due to the fact that I had just become aware of my son being sexually abused at the age of five. So, when I saw this viral video on Facebook I had to share some first hand knowledge that I encountered while completing my degree in Behavioral Science. Here is a review I wrote in response to a required reading I did in a class called "Population." 

Check out the viral Facebook video here.

Read the full article, I am referring to, from chapter 31 in the book entitled The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader by clicking below.

Capitalism and Gay Identity

“The rights of young people are especially critical. The acceptance of children as dependents, as belonging to parents, is so deeply ingrained that we can scarcely imagine what it would mean to treat them as autonomous human beings, particularly in the realm of sexual expression and choice.” -John D'Emilio
Check out my response!


A Review and Reflection: Capitalism and Gay Identity
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Count the Ways: 25 Ways to Love Yourself

11/12/2017

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She stopped going out in public. She didn't want to be around people because when they whispered, laughed or looked her way, then proceeded to turn and speak with the companion accompanying them, she questioned herself... Were they talking about her? "Maybe, it's the fat hanging over the waits line of my jeans." or "Could it be my hair, it really looks a mess today." "Oh God, this outfit does look kind of cheap." She thought.

Does this remind you of someone? If so, then this is your sign. Take it for what it is. Do you even love yourself?

Why is it that we can be our own worst critic or what biblical text would call our own worst enemy. It seems we have no trouble in doing so, as a matter of fact, it's easy and at times we can go the extra mile for it? Wouldn't you say? However, this kind of thinking can lead to a lifetime of unfulfilled potential that is devoid of passion. I have a question to ask...

What does loving yourself really look like?

25 Ways to Love You More

I've been on my own personal journey the past few months that has lead me to question the love I genuinely have for myself. I believe many people ponder this idea, of putting or thinking of others first, as the ultimate standard that we should live up to in order to be decent human beings at the end of our lives. However, I believe this is the wrong perspective to take. Think of it this way, you have to work on yourself first, before you will ever be put into a position that allows you to think or act on a higher purpose for the blessings that success has given you. Doesn't that make sense, but most importantly doesn't it feel right? 

Most people expect love to be easy, but I want you to dive deeper in an effort to think of the last time you wholeheartedly loved someone other than yourself. Was it easy? Think about the things you had to pick your battles with, the sacrifices you made to support them, or the time and energy you had to put into developing the relationship. Now imagine yourself giving that same kind of effort to yourself. Have you truly been loving on you?

If you have any doubts right now, I want to help you sort it out, but most importantly I want to give you some information that can help you get 25 steps closer to putting a bit more love into yourself. 

1. Commit to your personal vision. What is your highest vision for yourself? What are the key steps you have to take in order to get there?

2. Believe in yourself. The first step to achieving your goals is to believe you can reach them. What limiting beliefs may be holding you back from cultivating the life you want? What can you do to change your current belief system.

3. Think and be positive. We all, from time to time, have negative thoughts that enter our conscience mind without warning. When a negative thought enters your mind immediately change that thought by thinking an opposite which is of course a positive thought. Repeat the positive thought to replace the negative thought should it arrive in your conscience mind again.

4. Live in the present moment. Life in the present is too precious to waste time thinking about the past and planning heavily for the future. If you do, you could risk enjoying your right now!

5. Have a sense of urgency.Treat yourself and your goals like you would treat a customer. Make your development a priority! Take planned out action to reach goals. 

6. Set boundaries. Boundaries are healthy and can help you reach goals by putting a halt to overextending yourself, which can in turn leave less time and energy for you to fuel your goals.
 
7. Focus on your goals. Take time out to write down your goals, then write out the steps you need to take in order to accomplish them. Plan your projects in a planner. 
 
8. Maintain or develop a growth mindset. Your mindset is so important in changing your habits, patterns and beliefs. Mindset is the key to development and attaining goals. 

9. Invest in yourself. Spend money to invest in your development. Take classes, join a mentorship program or get a coach. 



10. Eat Healthy.
11. Meditate. 
12. Read or listen to books.
13. Drink more water.
14. Exercise regularly. 
15. Take care of your skin.
16. Invest more care into your style and appearance.
17. Laugh more.
18. Be patient with yourself.
19. Let go of negativity.
 

20. Be kind to yourself.
21. Work on your spiritual development.
22. Cling to the good things in life.
23. Honor yourself.
24. Be more social.
25. Trust yourself. 

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Total Solar Eclipse

8/19/2017

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Image: An onlooker watches an annular solar eclipse from New Mexico. PHOTOGRAPH BY COLLEEN PINSKI, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. 

If you follow astrology, I'm sure you've heard about the big event that's happening on Monday. On the 21st of August the 1st total solar eclipse to sweep through the United States in 99 years will be taking place. This is such an important event for America, but also for you! Eclipses shift destinies that can put you on a new path, which can be life changing and there is nothing to fear if you can stay in the present moment of your life.. 

The Universe wants to empower you to open up the door to love, creativity, liberation and freedom. Will you take it? This eclipse will be coupled with Leo energy which is centered around leadership and new beginnings. Leo is a fire sign and fire is associated with life purpose. This energy will effect each zodiac sign differently depending on their element: earth, wind, or water etc. However, this event is complicated because there are many other planets and signs at play. One being Mars coupled with Aries, that puts a lot of focus on relationships.

Stay happy, this energy is about healing! Meditate. Remember, focus on what you want in your life without distraction.

Later for now my pretties!

Happy Monday,
-AMA 

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Look Good Naked

7/12/2017

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Photo inspiration: Taraji P Henson nude photo for PETA.

Naked


Hi, my pretties! It has been too long and I have been trying to find a subtle way for you and I to get reacquainted, but I realize that I'm just overthinking this. LOL...

The other day I was looking in the mirror and I thought "I look pretty good you know, humm." Then I turned and looked at the scale. I have vowed never to weight myself anymore. It's to much pressure, plus at one point I was getting on it every morning. However, a few days before, I did and I absolutely hated the number I saw. It's funny how you can feel and see changes in your body, once you decide that you're going to be in the best shape of your life, but the scale is such a bitch. You've been doing all the right things, but that BITCH will not move. So, I had to stop weighting myself and my scale and I have become estranged. Bye Bye..

I really had to get clear about what it is I am trying to achieve. I don't want to necessarily lose weight. I want to burn and lose the fat, while tightening and toning by building lean muscle mass. I noticed for myself that I like the way I look in clothes for the most part, but when I get naked my perspective changes... I don't love the way I look NAKED. Ugh! I asked myself this question; "What are you going to do about it?!"

​I'm letting go of giving up. Consistency is hard, but it is the only way to eventually see the results you crave. When I weight myself often I find myself giving up or discouraged and that is a nemesis to consistency. Progress begins and ends with consistency. So, fuck the scale. I'm going to the gym!  


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The Beauty Lover's Gift Giveaway!

12/11/2015

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Hi my pretties!! I've missed blogging dearly... Let's catch up! So, I have been extremely busy this past month landing a new career. It's weird to say, but I have never had a full time job. I want to celebrate this milestone with you. It is the season of giving and what better way is there to celebrate than with a gift to you my dear!

So, with that being said, have you gotten a chance to read the previous blog post yet? Well, if you haven't, I suggest you stop what you are doing; including reading this current post and go check it out asap! 

The Beauty Lover's Gift Guide is filled with beauty products I found and purchased this fall. I absolutely love every single product in this guide, which is what increasingly motivated me to share them with you. I adore all of these products so much, that I want to give them away because I know you will learn to appreciate them as much as I have.

Here are the guidelines for entering your chance to win all 5 products featured in the Beauty Lover's Gift Guide.
  1. Sign up with your email to receive Newsletters and updates from Chicly Soigné Bon Viveur. (A pop-up window will appear upon leaving this site that will allow you to quickly sign up.)
  2. Follow Chicly Soigné Bon Viveur on Instagram: @chiclysoignebonvivuer
  3. Find and repost, the qualifying post on Instagram, with the #chiclysoigne along with your email address, and you're done.
I will announce the winners on January the 1st of 2016! The last day to submit your entrée is December the 31st 2015 at 11:59pm. May the force be with you!  
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The Beauty Lover's Gift Guide

12/4/2015

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The Beauty Lovers Gift Guide

The Beauty Lovers Gift Guide by aliciama featuring lips makeup

Anastasia Beverly Hills beauty product / Eyebrow makeup / Gel eyeliner / Clinique mascara / Sephora Collection lips makeup

For the beauty lover in your circle, I put together a quick guide that is sure to please any beauty connoisseur. All of the products here are gems that I personally own and found this fall. I just have to share them with you! May you love them as much as I do... Enjoy!

1. Bold Brow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills. This customizable brow starter set can only be found at ULTA Beauty and for the record, I absolutely love it!

2. They're Real! Push-Up Eye Liner by Benefit Cosmetics and Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara by CLINIQUE. These two products work great together as a pair. I adore this matte, lash-hugging, gel eye liner pen; and as a matter of fact, it's the first of its kind. Believe me, your lashes will be to die for!

3. Contour Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills. I use this product to create soft contouring lines for a seamlessly natural look and feel. I sculpt and define my natural features with this collectable contouring set by applying it on top of liquid foundation and then adding a translucent setting powder to finish and thoroughly blend lines. Perfection! 

4. Cream Lip Stain by SEPHORA COLLECTION. Color 01 Always Red. OMG! I fell in love with this matte lip stain by Sephora which is long-lasting dynamic color that goes on smooth and finishes silky and lightweight. I guarantee that it will stay on all night my pretty!
 
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The Weekend Getaway

10/10/2015

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Getting away from your routine and the familiarity of your current town and space is a great way to re-energize your creativity as well as improve your work life balance. You don't have to wait until your vacation time anymore. It is always fun and exciting to spontaneously take a little weekend getaway. You can do this with your love, close friend(s) or even your children. I think a weekend away to explore the adventurous side of yourself is always a good idea. Wonder into a new city, check out a few museums, visit popular restaurants, and patron crowd pleasing attractions; or find the city's well known private (intimate) leisure activities. The point is to get away, try something new and enjoy your down time. 

I have been doing a bit of research on Oklahoma City as of late due to the fact that my husband has recently found employment there. It's difficult enough living apart from him right now. So, when I do finally get the chance to go and visit him before the big move; depending on the oil and gas industry. I want to know of the great places we can go and explore together. I know he would appreciate my efforts! Here are a few exciting things that sparked my curiosity in Oklahoma:

The Bleu Garten OK's original food truck park.

Bricktown Water Taxi The Bricktown Water Taxi is one of the most popular attractions in the state of Oklahoma.

Museum of Osteology The Museum of Osteology is the only one of its kind in America.

​Centennial Land Run Monument Commemorating the seizure of Indian land in the Oklahoma Territory.

White Water Bay White Water Bay is the largest water adventure park in Oklahoma with over 30 rides, slides, pools and activities. Open from the middle of May until about the End of September.

Myriad Botanical Gardens The Myriad Botanical Gardens is one of Oklahoma City’s most beloved public spaces, offering its visitors a 15 acre natural escape in the very heart of downtown Oklahoma City.

The Boathouse District Families and visitors can get on the water in a kayak or stand up paddle board, take a bike ride on the 13+ miles of trails or enjoy the more popular RIVERSPORT Adventures. 
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    Alicia M. Burks

    "I feel absolutely challenged in just being myself, yet building my life on a foundation of excellence."

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