The Autobiography of Gucci Mane

May 6, 2018May 6, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The jacket states “for the first time Gucci Mane tells his extraordinary story in his own words.” The first part of the autobiography I feel we really get that. Gucci discusses his family and those relationships from when he was in Alabama and then after his move to Atlanta. Gucci does go into details about his steps to becoming a rap artist and troubles with law. He speaks candidly about his time in solitary confinement and the effects it had on him. He also went it to detail about his drug use and how it effected his body and personality.

Gucci does discuss some beefs and issues he had with people in the music business but I would have loved to read more about his family relationships. He mentions his mother and brother occasionally in passing after the first act but not much. He also mentions a son that we don’t read about again until the last chapter. Gucci talks about meeting Keisha and how they were kind of off again on again due to his drug use but that is basically the only look we get into the relationship. Maybe they didn’t want the book too long and it is definitely and easy read.

Overall I enjoyed the autobiography but I just would have liked Gucci to go deeper. I do recommend this especially if you are a child of hip hop or just enjoy taking a peek into the rap lifestyle.

Mid-life what? 30 days to 40

April 1, 2018April 2, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This is my birthday month. I will be 40 on April 30. I don’t feel 40 most days and let the world tell it I don’t look 40 either. My thirties have not been bad to me when I started writing this I was thinking about all of the things that I hadn’t accomplished but really I have been pretty kick ass the past ten years ( give me a moment I’m going to count my blessings). However, not matter what the song says age can be a factor in life.

I don’t feel rushed to necessarily be in certain place but my 40th birthday is also the same year my only child will be leaving for his freshman year of college. Can someone say empty nest. I didn’t see myself being an empty-nester at 40 I thought I would have more than one child but that hasn’t been in the cards for me. I’m not married or even have a prospect of a mate so the romantic part of my life isn’t where I thought it would be either. So I’m going to pretend I don’t feel some anxiety about turning 40, because I definitely do. I’m taking this month to figure out some goals for the next five to ten years so that during this next decade I will experience some additional personal, mental and emotional growth. I also would like financial growth as well.

Psalm 71:18-19 Don’t leave me when I’m old and my hair turns gray. Let me tell future generations about your might power. Your deeds of kindness are known in the heavens. No one is like you!

I will being doing a journey to 40 this month I will either be updating via the blog or Instagram. It maybe a picture, scripture, musing or something that has meant something to me in my life! #30daysto40

#MarchMysteryMadness Wrap-Up

March 31, 2018March 31, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I was excited for the #MarchMysteryMadness reading challenge. I have wanted to read more African-American mystery writers and this month gave me an excuse to do just that. I will start with my favorite which was Blanche Among the Talented Tenth. I read the first book in the Blanche White series last year and wasn’t impressed. I wasn’t going to read anymore in the series but I’m glad I gave second book a chance. The second book in the Blanche White series was sooo good. It tackles the topic of colorism, romance and friendships in the black community. A little mystery is also tied in but it doesn’t overwhelm the story and it is tied in slowly. My second favorite was Forty Acres it is about an upcoming black attorney, Martin Grey, who is invited to join a secret society with other black men. They take a trip that exposes Martin to the truth behind their group. I think this would have been better as series because the third act could have used some additional development it just felt rushed to end. I still enjoyed the premise and was a fresh concept. Murder with Fried Chicken and Waffles was an easy read but some of the plot just wasn’t believable and the decisions that were made were silly. This is the first book in the Mahalia Watkins series not sure if I will be reading any of the other books but you never. I started The Cutting Season but haven’t been able to finish it I may try to finish it in April. I checked all the copies out from my local library. I listened to Kindred by Octavia Butler this isn’t a traditional mystery but it was definitely terrifying what Dana(the main character) experienced. I’m sure you have heard of Octavia Butler if not please check her out. In Kindred Dana is bouncing between 1976 and a period of time during slavery. That is all I will say but yeah you see why it can could be terrifying. These were my reads for #MarchMysteryMadness. I look forward to participating again next year and finding some new authors to enjoy.

Happy reading!

New Season Now What Natural Hair Edition

March 26, 2018March 24, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Spring has sprung some what so now is the time to start thinking about prepping hair for warmer weather. The first thing for me is a good clarification treatment. I prefer to use bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar but regular clarifying shampoo should do the trick to get rid of build up. A good trim or even a new hair cut is good add some freshness to your look and make the styling process easier. These two things will get your hair spring and summer ready, but if you want to add some flair think of getting some color. The color can be as simple as black rinse or a vibrant purple that is currently the color of the season. What are you doing to get your natural hair ready for the new season?

March is here

March 1, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Spring is around the corner

The best planner supplies websites

February 21, 2018February 20, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

If you are like me you enjoy decorating your planner, and changing up your planner theme from time to time. We all know about Michael’s,Hobby Lobby, and Joanne’s they are great for sticker books and paper pads, but there are some websites that have awesome supplies to help make your planner more personal. Even thought I do decorate I’m more of minimalist decorator and like to keep my planners supplies kind of neutral. The sites I’m including work great if you are like me a minimalist or if you like a little more touch of color.

Cloth and Paper: THROUGH MINIMAL DESIGN AND LUXE FINISHINGS, WE AIM TO CHANGE THE LOOK AND FEEL OF PLANNING. WE OFFER LEATHER PLANNERS, PAPER INSERTS, FOILED DIVIDERS, AND OTHER PLANNER ACCESSORIES- the description is taken straight from the C&P website. I have used the dividers, folders and inserts the quality is amazing. They can be pricey but I feel the cost is definitely worth the quality product that you receive. C&P also offer subscriptions boxes so if you are into that you also have that option. This is black female owned business also.
Sessa Vee: Another shop that has beautiful supplies, but they also sale stickers that are neutral and they are very functional. I used the inserts last year and really loved them. They have the cutest note/sticky pads to complement any planner style. I’m not pens but if that is your jam you can also order pens from this site. The prices for their products aren’t bad here either.
Capitol Chic Designs: One of the sites I go to for my planner doll supplies. The doll and stickers are beautiful she often has current artist, movies and music references in sticker form also. The customer service is also wonderful. Please check out this site because once again black female owned business.
Blitsy: Blitsy is similar to Michael’s/HL but only they are online as far as I know. You can find the Happy Planner line here along with some smaller less familiar planner supply lines. They are always having a sale; I have never paid full price for any item. They also have other craft related items and free shipping starts at like 25.00 dollars. So if are looking for an online alternative to the major big box craft store Blitsy is the place for you.
Honorable Mention: Etsy I debated on including Etsy because everyone in the planner community knows about the website. However it is a great platform to find awesome supplies from small business owners. Plenty of great sticker shops, travelers notebooks and all types of traditional planners.

What are your favorite sites to visit for your planner supplies? Happy planning!

Happy Love Day

February 14, 2018February 10, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

noun: agape

Christian love, especially as distinct from erotic love or emotional affection.

As we take time today to celebrate love, show love, and express love lets show agape love everyday. I do believe people have forgotten how to love unconditionally. It’s a what is in it for me attitude. Human nature desires love and not always romantic love but just agape love of fellow man. Happy Valentines Day!

My favorite reading apps

February 6, 2018January 27, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Overdrive or Libby(by Overdrive) allows you to link your library card and check eBooks or audio books. You can only check out books that your library offers. They also offer holds if the book is currently checked out. Libby is easier to use on your phone or tablet but they are compatible and sync between devices so you have don’t have to worry about finding where you left off.

RBdigital (previously Zinio) you can also link to your library. Here you have the option of checking out eBooks, magazines and audio books. I hated Zinio but so far RBdigital has been easy to use. The only drawback is it doesn’t sync between devices.

Goodreads allows you to keep track of books you are reading. You can review books and read reviews from other members. The are also groups/book clubs you can join. If you have been looking for a reading community this is it.

These are the apps I’m using to help me reach my 2018 reading goals. What are your favorite apps to use for reading?

Week 5 Run Down

February 4, 2018February 4, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

My week was quiet spent some time reflecting on my goals for 2018 and my current planner situation as we move into the second month of the year. Here are few other things I dabbled in this week!

Television: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story – Season 2 I remember some details of this but not many. The acting has been wonderful. I knew when I saw Judith Light episode 3 I was in for a treat.

Books: I finished Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones. I didn’t quit love this but it held my attention. I hated all of the characters and felt the resolution was meh. This was second time reading a book by Ms. Jones. Right now I’m 50/50 on her but her new book is on the way via Book of the Month subscription.

Podcast: Still Processing, Jenna and Wesley came of the gate swinging after their break. I have enjoyed all of the new episodes so far. Even when I don’t always agree they do make you think about things in pop culture a little differently.

Food: I’m finishing up my final week of Whole 30. This has really shown me a lot about my diet and things that I’m okay with not eating on a regular basis. I have slipped up few times but overall I have been committed.

Winter Natural Hair Routine

February 2, 2018January 27, 2018 by teawithtameka ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

We still have a few weeks left before Old Man says good bye so I thought I would share my routine for anyone who maybe struggling with one during this harsh winter.

Shampoo: I wash once a week with shampoo to make sure my hair is clean because I tend to use heavier products to keep the moisture in my hair and protect my hair from the cold wind and temperatures. You want to get all of the old products and oils off your hair and scalp to avoid build up which can become drying and make your hair appear dull. So I shampoo vs co-washing.
Deep condition: Deep conditioning is important year around but even more so in the winter because of how cold and dry the air can be inside and outside. I use my hot head for an extra boost to get the product penetrated into my strands.
Leave-in: Always use a leave-in! I know this may seem crazy but I prefer the spray leave-ins in the winter because I do use heavier styling products this prevents extra build up. Also if you read the ingredients on the spray leave-in they contain better oils and wates or aloe juice that sometimes aren’t in the cream leave-in.
Style: I alternated between wash and go, twist outs and protective styling. I will typically check the weather for the upcoming week( my wash day is typically on Saturday). If the majority of the week will be below 50 degrees I do a protective style ( bun or flat twist pinned up. Temperature over 50 I go with wash and go or twist out. I always sit under the dryer post styling to help my style set and products better penetrate vs air drying.
Night care: For twist outs only re-twist twice during that 5-7 day time frame other nights I will pineapple my hair taking care to tuck my ends under. Wash and go will pineapple but also cover with my satin bonnet. Protective style I will just wrap a satin scarf around my style and go to bed. I like to cover my hair because the heat can be extremely drying on the hair and skin. I always sleep on a satin pillowcase so the nights I don’t have an extra layer of protection I’m not worried about my hair drying out to bad.

I hope this helps anyone looking for some steps to help with your winter natural hair routine. The ultimate goal is making sure your hair is has plenty of moisture and your ends are sealed against the cold and wind. I have linked a few of my favorite products to use in each section.

Tea With Tameka

Grab a cup and spend some time with me.