Shutter Therapy: My Minolta Returns

"Film forces you to be deliberate. There's no spray and pray - just patience and presence." ~ Nina Patel, film photographer

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Before I attended this career fair at HRA Business Link in Lower Manhattan today and I decided to dust off my Minolta X-370 since I hadn't used my camera in a long time. Last time I used my Minolta X-370 was in 2021, the shutter had stopped working on me while I was on my photography walk in 2021, and I was more concerned about the cost to repair the shutter since I'm on a budget. If you're a film photographer with a full-time position, it helps being able to fund your film photography hobby or career. Part-time employment is alright but not the best but not the worse and it would sure as hell help having a full-time job after you're caught up with your expenses (bills), splurge on film. I was very giddy when the camera began working again and I gathered my camera, zoom lens, and Kodak Portra 400. You don't know how I've missed going on my photography walks and I'm very much looking forward to going on future photography walks over the summer. I still have film left over since my cousin's wedding and I'm still feeling giddy in a childlike way! I still need to stop by at B&H for the Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case, the one that holds ten rolls of film at a time or I may order Evergreen 35mm Film Storage Case | Holds 18 Rolls | Preserve and Protect Your Film | Waterproof, Crushproof, & Freezer-Safe from Amazon. Although it may make sense to purchase the case from Amazon, just saying and I highly doubt I will shoot all eighteen rolls of film within a single day but at the same time, it may make sense to purchase film that holds ten rolls of film. If I do order the one from Amazon, that case will just remain at home for any film that I've used during my photography walks. Next roll of Black and White film I'm looking to shoot is CineStill BwXX Double-X Black and White Negative Film | 35mm, ISO 250, 36 Exp. If I were still with the Parks Department since it is a full-time position with a guaranteed forty hours per week in comparison to working eight hours per week at my retail job which will remain nameless and I'd be able to drop the film off at B&H to develop the 29 or so rolls of film when it's more in my budget. I'm ready to rock and roll hitting the ground running with the intention of going on my photography walks! However, I'm aware that my wallet doesn't agree with dropping film off at B&H and I'm not sure when I'm able to drop off the film off at B&H. For the moment, the rolls of film will have to sit in the refrigerator until I'm ready to head to B&H. I hope it's soon!

"There's no instant gratification in film photography - only lasting joy." ~ Tina Rayburn

There is one roll of film I purchased at B&H just before Halloween (the day before) of 2023 that I haven't used yet, and it's been sitting in the fridge for nearly three years. I knew I had a roll of Kentmere Pan 400 Black and White Negative Film in the fridge but then at the same time, I kinda forgot about it since I still had the sales receipt wrapped around the film. I do need to go out by day while my son is in school and shoot (film). It'll be a challenge as the MTA had retired the MetroCards on New Year's Eve of 2025 (I still disagree with the MTA's poor decision to unfortunately retire the MetroCards when at a time MetroCards worked out in certain people's favor such as mine because it gave a handful of us the ability to do more and get more done without having to be a slave to the idea of refilling our OMNY cards weekly instead of giving us the freedom to do more if we still had the monthly pass without talking out of my ass as a direct way of doing things but that's just my opinion at the end of the day). I'm still exploring different types of 35mm film and in a world of digital photography, nothing compares to film. Everyone may have an opinion of photography, and which is better. Yes, it is cheaper (cost effective) to shoot digital versus using film where it drains your wallet per film and where you drop your film off, but it is cost effective if you have your own darkroom at home. My only knowledge of developing film is black and white film. I do miss being in the darkroom developing my own film or working on prints with my Ilford paper. I miss being in the dark room and how therapeutic it truly is. If I could turn my bedroom into a dark room, I definitely would in a heartbeat without a second thought! As long as I have my Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts drink on hand but hold the ice. I need my therapeutic fix of going on photography walks solo and spending time in the dark room, you may never see me, ever.

"I never know if I've got the shot until days later. That's what makes it thrilling." ~ Sam Yu

For those who are old enough to know about film photography and yes, film still exist in the world. Yes, there are places that still develop and sell film. Just do your own research and heck, even Amazon sells film, so you're not limited to your local photography store near you. Here in New York City, I will recommend three photography stores, whether if you're from out of town or visiting the New York City area or whatever your situation is, there's B&H Photo, Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Computers which is my main go to store by the way, Adorama, and K&M Camera. Nonetheless, be mindful for when B&H and Adorama are closed for Jewish holidays and early store closing. I'm very much looking forward to going on future photography walks in the unforeseeable future for as long as my camera cooperates! At the end of the day, I am very much looking forward to seeing how the pictures came out once when I drop off the film to be developed at B&H and I'll be sure to find a way to scan, save and upload to Flicker (not sure exactly when). I currently do not own a scanner and I'm not sure when I'm able to find time to use the scanner at LaGuardia Community College in the photography lab. I'm still planning on going back to college to earn an associate's degree in Commercial Photography or I may end up doing Commercial Photography Certificate.

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." ~ B.B. King

Since I haven't completed my studies at LaGuardia Community College, I still have positive intentions of going back to college and earn my associate's degree in photography. I have my own personal goals before going back to school and I'm looking to pay off an existing student loan from when I was a student at TCI: College of Technology before they had closed down on September 01, 2017. Feel free to jump down the rabbit hole on why the college closed down. In time, I will make it into a reality of graduating from LaGuardia Community College with an associate's degree and not sure as of now whether if I'm looking to earn my bachelor's degree, we shall see when the time comes! I don't want to rush into anything, and I personally would feel it would be a waste of money if I'm not going to follow through (not throw or threw since a majority of you confuse the two words when you're using them in a text message, yes, they sound similar but they have different spellings and different definitions of each word, a little grammar knowledge for the ones who weren't paying any attention in English class during your formative years in school when it comes to proper grammar usage and I am trying to save you from pure embarrassment and humiliation for your lack of proper grammar) on going for a bachelorette degree but it is something I am taking into light consideration since I'm not anywhere near completing my studies at LaGuardia Community College. My time will soon arrive to officially decide what my next move will be. As the saying goes, reading is fundamental and it does help you become a better writer! Let that sink in because the more books you read, the better of a writer you will become and even if you're one of those people that hate reading books. I'm a prolific reader since elementary school with those free Pizza Hut rewards when I was younger. For the time being, I need to focus more on my health during this time and knock out these upcoming medical appointments, specifically dental! I'm not certain if it's a suspected root canal or a possible infection on my right side of my jaw which feels very uncomfortable yet swollen and especially when I'm looking forward to my beauty sleep at night.

I've had my Minolta X-370 since the spring semester of 2013, and this is my baby! Be well, stay hydrated, and be safe out there.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

When He Doesn't Show Up: Realizing Your Worth After Being Flaked On

"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option." ~ Mark Twain

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Not for nothing without putting my business out there, I recently met this guy, Wilfred on May 06, 2026, near Citi Field and we exchanged numbers. We were supposed to meet on May 17, 2026 at Starbucks in Union Square and I was the only one who showed up. I should have responded much differently by saying: "It was nice knowing you! Thanks for the ghosting experience - at least I know not to hold my breath next time. Best of luck out there!" or my other response would have been: "Thanks for standing me up! 🚩 Just a heads up, if the shoe was on the other foot and I did this to you, my phone would be blowing up with angry texts right now. 🙄" or the third response would have been: "Thanks for standing me up today. If you're an adult, you need to communicate plan changes earlier in the day. I deserve better than the silent treatment, especially when I could have been home spending time with my son. I know you've read my WhatsApp messages. If you don't like my communication style, feel free to permanently delete my number and never contact me again." Then Wilfred decides to hit me up the next day without apologizing for what happened the day before, and his sad excuse was he fell asleep which is bullshit (fuck you and your excuses). He also said, "Nice lips to kiss." I told him he missed his opportunity yesterday when I should have told him: "Reading my messages but choosing not to reply is a pretty weak excuse for standing me up yesterday. Don't act like you forgot what happened. If you want to make things right, step up and take accountability instead of playing games." Wilfred apologized by saying: "I'm so sorry" and I personally feel that he could have something along the lines of "I am so sorry I left you hanging last night" or "I know your time is valuable, and it was incredibly disrespectful of me to waste it." Instead of simply saying "We can go out" which sounds so fucking lame and yet generic at the same time. If he truly wants to take me out or whatever the fuck than he would or should say "I'd love to make it up to you by taking you out to dinner this weekend. Let me know what day and restaurant work best for you." and follow up by saying "I'm actively working on my time management, and I promise I will communicate much better in the future so this doesn't happen again." which is respectable if you think about it. If you're unable to meet, articulate that you're unable to make it earlier in the day so I'm not left hanging (just saying). I have included a picture of Wilfred and screenshots of our conversation we've had (I used this template on Instagram to set up the dialogue). I feel like if I were to give him a second chance to make things right, I'm sure it'll be a slim chance of him showing up and since he stood me up once, than chances are, he will be most likely to stand me multiple times. Part of me wants to give him a second chance out of curiosity and see if he'll keep his word by showing up. If not, it's best for us to distance ourselves from each other so we're not going back and forth on this situation going forward if he's serious about wanting to be with me. If he stands me up second time, I feel I've set myself up for disappointment when I deserve better and I'm not going to disrupt my mental health over this dude! There are plenty of guys out there that I can date whether he likes it or not since he's not paying my phone bill. If he genuinely doesn't like it, oh well, boo-hoo and go cry to your momma and tell her on how I broke your unhealed heart of yours. (*Note the sarcasm!*) All I have to say is I don't mind taking myself to a nail salon for some self-care, buy myself flowers, hold my own hand and what I am trying to say is I am a fan of Miley Cyrus' song titled: Flowers! Not to throw shade at him or this other guy who first stood me up ten months ago as well. Hey, it's your loss, not mine because you're missing out on an amazing person like me! 🤷🏽‍♀️ Some of you guys don't know how to communicate properly in a nature situation and if something comes up in advance, I completely understand if you're exhausted or whatever the situation may be because I could've made other plans to accommodate the plans we could've had and I would have had much more respect for you to speak up early on versus at the last minute or whatever the fuck. Don't get angry at me for even trying to communicate like a mature person should in their own right! Sit there and act like a child for all I care. I wouldn't be surprised if some of you will say this blog is completely uncalled for and I'm letting you women know in advance of guys like Wilfred and Joseph who recently stood me up.

"A second chance doesn't mean anything if you didn't learn from your first." ~ Anurag Prakash Ray

I honestly would give Wilfred a second chance, however, I don't know or rather I doubt I should trust him going forward and if this happened once, I am 100% certain this may occur again and again from him to the point I'd have to treat him like a child when I shouldn't fucking have to! If he cannot respect people's time and energy, he should absolutely remain single for the rest of his life because I feel people will feel that he isn't worthy of love and attention if he can't be mature enough to communicate with me or anyone else for that matter. We've only met once, he mentions he wants me and he can't stop thinking about me. He must tell other women this same story just to gas their heads up with lies and excuses just to get them in bed with him. I'm not buying into this narrative because I'm not incompetent. To say the least, I have to prioritize my health, making sure my son is taken care of first, and overall, I have to make sure everything at home is taken care of before I allow someone else into my life whether to make it better or worse case scenario, topsy-turvy. Topsy-turvy is something I can live without at this point in my life. Well, I highly doubt I will be seeing Wilfred any time soon. Nonetheless, if he genuinely wants me to give someone like him a second chance, and I will respond with this: I'm open to seeing if things can work, but I need to protect my peace and time. If you genuinely want this to work out, I need you to tell me three concrete reasons why I should give you a second chance. Going forward, what exact steps will you take to hold yourself accountable and ensure you don't stand me up when we make plans?

Here is a picture of Wilfred and the screenshots of our conversation the day after he stood me up on May 17, 2026! 🤔 I would give him a second chance but to what's extent without feeling like I have wasted my time and energy by giving him a second chance. I don't feel attracted to him and I'm already disappointed with his first impression of not showing up as he should. Well, it's his own loss for not showing up! 🤷🏽‍♀️ I would've added several screenshots of the conversation but didn't want people to get confused with what was being said [for those who are curious]. Part of me wants to give him a second chance just to see if he keeps his word and maybe I should string him along just to play games with him as he's doing with me!

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Unfiltered Motherhood: The Solo Journey

"A mother's love is everything. It is what brings a child into this world. It is what molds their entire being. When a mother sees her child in danger, she is literally capable of anything. Mothers have lifted cars off of their children and destroyed entire dynasties. A mother's love is the strongest energy known to man." ~ Jamie McGuire

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there. Since today is Mother's Day and since our experiences are different. I don't want people to have this impression and say that I'm "complaining" about something that is supposed to be beautiful and only if my experiences were different. I don't have any pregnancy pictures or a sonogram from my pregnancy. Believe me, I've attempted to ask for a sonogram but was told there wasn't any and I'm not certain if it is because I wanted to put my son up for adoption sixteen years ago. I don't know how much therapy can repair my pregnancy experience and I wish my pregnancy wasn't so traumatic. I was angry at myself mostly because I felt like I hadn't done enough to protect myself and I wish I had gotten my tubal ligation done years ago. I wouldn't be surprised if I had a gynecologist encouraging me to "wait" before I knew that sperm donor, Donald, even existed. I have always known that I've never wanted children for personal reasons, not everyone wants children for personal reasons, not everyone is fit to be parents (whether due to mental illness such as bipolar; schizophrenia; borderline personality disorder; just to name a few), and there are people should not bother to have children because of their shitty ass personality, specifically guys because most of you are so quick to run off into the sunset so you can live your best life while the mother of your child is sacrificing her body, her peace, her sleep, her social life, her love life, and her career for a pay cut while you're out there selfishly living your best life knowingly you've fucking destroyed her life and her body, for what? What the fuck are you getting out of this? That child will grow up feeling like they're inadequate, wondering what they have done wrong and feeling like there's something wrong with them when you're the problem that these children exist. Cut the excuses because life is too short for your sad excuses. I have my own reasons why I've never had that maternal desire to be a mom and one of those reasons is I don't need people doing the most traumatic things to my child leaving scars which would lead to sex/prostitution, drugs, and alcohol. When I got pregnant, I wanted to put my son up for adoption because I wasn't ready for motherhood and my son's father gave me an excuse that he wanted to distance himself because of my decision, but I decided to keep my son. 

"Mothers - especially single mothers - are heroic in their efforts to raise our nation's children, but men must also take responsibility for their children and recognize the impact they have on their families' well-being." ~ Evan Bayh

Being a single mom is no joke because there are many nights that are uneasy and there are moments that I'd love to do something nice for myself, such as going on date nights whether going on a date with someone or treating myself out to a movie and dinner. The idea of getting dressed up, saying "Fuck it!" and treat myself out to dinner and a movie or a Broadway show and a movie. Something nice. The sad reality, a lot of us or a handful of single moms don't have it easy because there is no support system to help and it's all work, work, work. When do we get to feel soft, loved, feminine, and the idea of feeling human! As single moms, we are humans too, we bleed the same, we deserve to feel happy, safe, loved, feminine and human. Yet, we're left feeling sad, frustrated, underappreciated and depleted. I don't want to say bitter because we are the ones hustling for that weekly income to ensure the rent is paid in full for the month; there's food in the refrigerator, the kids have clean clothes, and making sure the bills are paid in full for the moment. Meanwhile, the "fathers" are out there selfishly living their best lives, however, don't get angry when your own children you abandoned want nothing more to do with you because you were never there from birth until present day. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything to make you feel comfortable, nonetheless I will say it anyway. How do you sleep at night knowing you are supposed to go 50/50 on co-parenting? At the end of the day, you are a piece of shit as a "father figure." Make it make sense! If you're not looking to be celebrating Father's Day, please do yourselves a solid favor for everyone around you, either learn to take no as a final answer without question, your second option is to get yourself a vasectomy because that child you helped create did not ask to be born and they had not received that memo that they weren't supposed to even exist. Now that child is feeling a certain type of way about you! Your third option is to use protection as a form of contraception and condoms exist for two reasons. This is why pregnancy rate is the way it is and be mindful of STDs. Don't start complaining that you dislike wearing condoms because there are dishonest women out there who will cry wolf that you raped them while those who have genuinely experienced rape will unfortunately go unreported. I wouldn't be surprised if people start victim shaming the woman for getting raped. Once you become a dad, there is no return policy on newborns and there is no turning back either.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Beyond the Camera: What I've Been Up To

"Sometimes the best thing to do is to take a step back and get a little bit of a different perspective and re-evaluate things." ~ Unknown

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ It's been a while since I've written a blog about photography and things have been all over the place in recent months, specifically since November 2025, working two jobs but it's a conversation for another time and place. I had or still have my project on hold on wanting to self-publish a book on Blurb Books. I've originally began this as a class project for the spring semester of 2013, although I had already passed the class and it will mean the world to me if I complete this photography project. The first book will be in black and white, and the second book will be in color, but both will have the same concept of them being street photography. There may be a third book, but it'll mostly be a family themed book but let's see what happens with my first two projects and I'm feeling pretty hopeful but optimistic about finishing my first project. Once I finally am in a better position to have my Minolta X-370 repaired, it should be a green light, and I am very much looking forward to going on my photography walks as a form of self-care and therapy. As a single mom, I need time alone (though it's encouraged), and I can't be a mom 24/7/365 because there will be moments I need solitude to actively pursue my own hobbies and pour back into myself so I can be a better person to myself, a better friend, a better mom, a better cousin, and the list goes on. I need to do something that makes me happy for once since I'm temporarily stuck at a retail job that isn't doing me any type of justice but in some way, there's some form of gratification when it comes to assisting customers before I'm told to go back to what I was doing before being approached by customers with general questions. I guess you can say I'm more of a Janitor at my retail job and wait until the day I quit, I'll be celebrating but don't expect me to tell people at the bar that they're getting free drinks as Oprah Winfrey told her audience that they're getting a car. I have a full-time job that's better because I work forty hours per week and the hours are very much consistent in comparison to the eight hours a week at my retail job which is below part-time hours if you ask me!

"Following your genuine intellectual curiosity is better than following whatever makes money." ~ Naval Ravikant

I am hoping for this full-time job will be my ticket way out and not worry about how I'll make ends meet, however, I'm fully aware it may not be enough to fully pay or keep up with the monthly cost of living here in New York City. Anyway, I find photography to be very therapeutic and yes, granted not everyone finds photography to be therapeutic since we're all into different hobbies that we find therapy and joy in. I would love to get into photography but lack professional experience and I'm not fully sure if I'll need a college degree to show that I've completed my studies in photography. I don't want to say yes that you need a college degree just to work as a photographer. I don't know if it makes sense to think that way! Well, if I do decide to go back to LaGuardia Community College. For now, I still have a student loan from TCI and I'm looking to focus on that before I worry about anything else (such as any vacations or anything to do with socialization with my peers). I don't need people adding more to my plate when I'm already dealing with my own dilemma of having to pay down the maintenance that accumulated over the past year that haven't been kept up with after my mom had been in and out of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset for falling.

"If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit." ~ Banksy

Aside from what's been going on, I've gone for a recent mammogram, and they've found an abnormality in my left breast. Overall, I feel fine and I know feeling "fine" may not mean anything. I don't want to miss work all because of an appointment at Queens Hospital, and I'm aware that my health is way more important than a paycheck. I currently work at Parks Department and it's a seasonal job for six months. I'm aware that I need to prioritize my health over any job, any relationship, or any friendship. I'm not saying they're all bad, but I feel they could and should take the back burner so to speak. It's something I'll leave as is without having to overly explain myself to people who barely have more than two brain cells.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Life as of Late: March Edition

 "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." ~ Steve Jobs

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ I'm not sure if this counts as for anything or if it makes sense, life has been a roller coaster ride as of late and I am making the best of this experience without putting my business out there completely, However, this involves my mother, Shiu and for the past year, she's been mismanaging her own health and I suppose the ancestors and the universe had other plans for her but by  all means, I suppose this is a blessing in disguise. I had plans of doing spiritual work on sending her out to Las Vegas, Nevada and have her spend whatever time she has with my sister, Gwen. With everything going on in my personal life, everything including all relationships/love life, as well as friendships and just know that I'm taking care of things before I focus/shift my attention, time and energy to enjoy the simplest things in life such as photography. I will mention this, I genuinely miss going on photography walks and yeah, I'll have people saying that I need to take care of my son, Stephan who is on the mild autism spectrum but is functional and verbal (thankfully). I'm sure there'll be people who will say that I need to prioritize my son and I feel sooner or later he will be doing for himself. Meaning, he'll have to go out and earn an income; I'm sure he'll want to go out with his peers or even go on dates, simple things as the things I've just mentioned without my presence being known. Essentially become independent in his own birth right and that's what I want for my son but not to sound negative or anything, I'm not always going to be around, but I'll be around spiritually to guide or teach when needed and protect. Let's not get this twisted, where did I say anything about something so negative regarding something natural and sacred. I feel that death should be feared by many since have zero control over what happens to us at the end of our lives!

"If you don't love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, you won't be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self." ~ Wayne Dyer

I'm hoping to say this once and I'm fully aware that there are guys out there who would want love to be with me, I'm only going to assume one thing that most heterosexual "men" want to get me in bed with them and yeah, sex is normal if you weren't sexually abused by your own stepfather or have any guy approaching you just for having a vagina or getting raped and getting pregnant by the father of your child! With everything that I've experienced in my life, I can live the rest of my life without sex but there'll be natural moments that I need to release that sexual tension as needed when that desire feels natural to me, and I'm not looking to pick a random person off the streets to have sex with. However, I don't have anyone in mind since I have my personal reasons. I'm in no rush for a relationship and I do want to take my time because I don't want to feel like I'm "trying too hard" to enter a relationship and end up unhappy and miserable. I'm taking my time because I want to, I'm doing this for me, and I want to take care of myself first before I consider going on dates, etc. without coming off as selfish. Life is too short to live life with the wrong people, but you live, and you learn, right? I'll let everyone know now, I know I'm not ready to settle down just yet but let's revisit this conversation in about ten years or so, and I want to have my own adventures to put my curiosity at ease or rather quiet down my curiosity of the world. It'll be a bunch of 35mm film to last for about three weeks or so. At this point, I want to view these trips as self-care retreats and think of it this way, it'll feel like a spiritual retreat for the mind, body and soul. Away from people, the hustle and bustle of life here in New York City, it'll be good for the mind and I'm sure life would be a bit more enjoyable for me to be around people. There are moments that I want to enjoy time alone and there are moments I don't mind being around people. There's that balance if you know how to evenly balance each one out and I feel there are people for some reason have an issue with solitude in their own life, it may not make sense to me at the very moment. Maybe it's reason unknown to me as to why people are afraid to be in solitude (especially for both psychological and spiritual reasons) and I may not fully understand their reasons just as much as I enjoy being single! I fully enjoy spending time in solitude and as well as being around people. I enjoy spending time alone because being around people for any long periods of time is and can be draining to me, no questions asked.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

The End of the Monthly Pass: Are Commuters Winning or Losing with OMNY?

"After 32 years, it's time to say goodbye to the MetroCard and go all in the fare payment system of the future." ~ Janno Leber, MTA Chair and CEO. He also added, "Goodbye, MetroCard. You served us well, but it's time to retire you to the Transit Museum to spend many happy days with your old friend, Mr. Token."

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Today is a sad day at MTA and the Metro Cards are retiring after thirty-one years after replacing the iconic brass subway tokens in 2003. I am not a fan of the ONMY (One Metro New York) cards, and I'll mention reasons why shortly! I favor the Metro Cards for several reasons, 1) Budget Tracking: Pay-per-ride cards physically display your exact remaining balance, taking the guesswork out of how much money is left. 2) Unlimited Ride Passes: They offer 7-day and 30-day unlimited options, which are highly cost-effective for frequent daily commuters. I love the freedom I get when I spend $66 for thirty days since I have Fair Fare and for those without Fair Fare, you're spending $132 per thirty days versus $66 dollars per thirty days. $17.50 per seven days and $34 per seven days. 3) You didn't have to ask for a transfer like the way you do with the OMNY card. 4) No Tech Required: It's ideal for tourists who aren't familiar with NYC Transit. The cons of Metro Cards: Swipe Errors: The magnetic stripes are prone to demagnetization, wear, and physical damage, leading to frustrating "Please swipe again" errors at turnstiles. I feel that the OMNY cards are the complete opposite what Metro Cards both are and were. MTA wants people to spend more so we, the straphangers can make up for tare evaders since the current fare stands at $2.90 for regular bus and subway, express bus is $7. Starting January 04, 2026, MTA bus and subway will increase from $2.90 to $3 bucks and $7 to $7.25 on express buses and reduced fare to $1.50. Since I'm currently working two jobs and having that monthly Metro Card helped greatly so I can continue doing what I have to do. Everyone's situations are different and from my perspective, having a monthly Metro Card puts my mind at ease because I don't have to worry about being at the train station weekly refilling my Metro Card. If you get the weekly unlimited Metro Card for $34 dollars each week, you are essentially spending $136 dollars per month when you could get the monthly for $132 each month. If you have Fair Fare, you're spending $17.50 per week and what I'm trying to say is you're pretty much spending $70 per month when you could simply pay $66 per month and still save yourself $4 either way per month!

I can't speak for other straphangers relying on public transportation, but I feel the OMNY is rightfully downright ridiculous and a rip off since it doesn't automatically put transfers onto your OMNY cards compared to the MetroCard. There are bus drivers who don't want to give transfers when you ask them for a transfer upon paying and will flat out tell you that your OMNY cards provide transfers! Yeah right, you're just lazy (just saying). Since I currently dislike the OMNY card as a direct result of not being able to have or add for the month since the monthly unlimited MetroCard works best in my favor since I work for the Parks Department as a POP Worker and although the job pays well for forty hours per week (eighty hours at payday every fourteen days) and I currently work two jobs. I've included four articles for you to read at your own leisure! Some riders claim MTA's OMNY system is overcharging. Here's why the agency says not to worry; MTA announces that iconic MetroCards will be replaced by OMNY by the end of '25: 'You served us well'; MTA boss gets the price of a MetroCard wrong while flippantly touting tap-to-ride switchover; and New York subway ends its MetroCard era and switches fully to tap-and-go fares. Though pay day is every fourteen days over at Parks Department, having the monthly unlimited fare greatly helps and I feel it works best for me as a method of personal choice. Do what works best for you and your current budget! Let me know if it's just me but it seems like we're spending more money with these OMNY cards instead of being financially resourceful whenever needed just to make up for people who evade fare and I completely understand why, however, the MTA should improve their service daily to ease frustration for those who heavily rely on public transportation. I may not agree with retiring the MetroCard and what works for people on a budget [yes, even those of us with Fair Fare] such as myself. I'm doing my best to be mindfully aware of my budget, and it is not easy as it sounds or looks!

What I dislike about the OMNY cards as a con and here is why! When you use your OMNY card, it does not show you how much you have left on your OMNY card without having to either log onto an account or having to wait on that long line just to check your current available balance! 2) OMNY unfortunately does not have that unlimited ride pass either weekly or monthly which I personally find to be frustrating and an added inconvenience when I have bigger fish to fry. 3) It seems like we are spending more money with the OMNY and the idea of having a car doesn't make it any easier when there's already added expenses involved (there's pros and cons to having a car but yes, you have the freedom to come and go as you please which is the only positive side to having a car if you catch my drift). Everything is going up but our paychecks! It must be nice being CEO for the MTA and riding around in limousines smoking their expensive cigars while us straphangers are left picking up the tab for fare evaders and we're left having to pay more. It's a fucking shame I must add.

If you ask me if I believe commuters are winning or losing with OMNY and I will say this, in my humble opinion, we are fucking losing with OMNY as a direct result of not having different options on works best for us, the straphangers instead of the other way around. The MTA is only doing this because it benefits them more than it benefits us since we're paying their salary, we should have a say whether or not the MTA likes it. If we as a collective overturn the MTA and speak up by boycotting the MTA into having them keep the MetroCards available with the unlimited weekly or monthly options, we're fucking golden. If we speak up, complain, and make enough noise, I don't know how much of a difference this will make if we want the MetroCards back. I don't know how much noise people made at these hearings but it seemed like no matter how much we speak up, complain and it's still going to fall on deaf ears either way. 🤷🏽‍♀️

It was fun while it lasted! Although, the MTA should bring back the MetroCard. I'm just saying.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Finding Flexible Work Opportunities

"Never work just for money or for power. They won't save our soul or help you sleep at night" ~ Marian Wright Edelman

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. This economy freaking sucks big time and it's a challenge finding a full-time job with or without a college degree. Since graduating from high school in 2001, I have never held down a full-time job whatsoever and it'll be a darn miracle to find a full-time job without any form of higher education or any formal job training in any field aside from having a high school diploma. I do heavily intend on paying off any existing debt I have (such as a student loan from Nelnet). My main focus right now is a balancing act; I'm aggressively chipping away at my existing debt while simultaneously socking away cash for a place of my own. It'll be easier if I had or have a full-time time job and there are programs for people with developmental disabilities such as ACCES - VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation). I'm not on S.S.I. Disability for my learning disability and speech impediment. Just because you can't hear the impediment in the way I write doesn't mean it's not valid when I speak and I feel they're two different things. I have a hard time pronouncing vanilla or even peninsula and I know there are other words I have a challenge as a direct result of my speech impediment. Having a speech impediment and a learning disability isn't for the faint of heart but by all means, it is no fun having at all. Anyway, I currently have a part-time job in customer service and I'm looking for something different. I've been employed at my current job since late March of 2019 and I'm looking to leave on good terms so I can ensure I have two incomes on deck if in the event one job is biweekly (every fourteen days) and a weekly paycheck. I'm currently looking into job training programs that would lead to a full-time income, and I've also found this one program called HRA Business Link. There is an upcoming Career Fair in the Bronx next month and I'm doing my best to update my resume for a faster reply. Wish me luck with this Career Fair! I hope it'll lead to something better than where I'm at as we speak.

"Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work." ~ Booker T. Washington

I also should look into programs held at Workforce1 and as long as it's something I can benefit from on a full-time employment basis if in the even my mother suddenly drops dead from whatever the fuck (I wouldn't want that to happen any time soon). I'm in no rush for that bitch to die any time soon until I get my shit together (I'm aware life doesn't wait for anyone to get their shit together just so we're clear) and I'm fully aware that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. This is why I am looking to pay off my existing debt so it's one less thing for me to worry about later, catching my drift? I sure hope so and I just want to make sure we're on the same page. Any form of job training is beneficial on my end so I'd have something on my end with my resume and as long as I eventually intend on earning my associates degree, I should be okay!!! There's also Grace Institute for women and if I'm not mistaken, if you're looking to get into healthcare, you need to have the arm ticket (that vaccine that people were forced to take through bribery of free crap). I personally don't have to take the vaccine if I chose not to and I have zero intention of getting the vaccine. I believe Grace Institute offer other forms of employment training other than healthcare.

"Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." ~ Dolly Parton

If you go through Workforce1 and there are some programs available to those who are interested. Through Workforce1, look into the following at your own leisure time: NYC Access Training, there's Individual Training Grants (ITGs), Advance & Earn for those between the ages of 16 - 24, Apprentice NYC, Workforce1 Career Centers, ACCES - VR, Project Renewal, Fedcap, and just to name a few. If you're looking for a job through the city, feel free to Google search NYC City jobs, and I am pretty certain they're full-time. In my humble opinion, if you're a recent college graduate, consider a full-time city job so you'd be able to pay off your student loans while at the same time paying off any other existing debt you may have as we speak. This may be a part two based on personal experience with the workforce.

"The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out; the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something." ~ Randy Pausch

• Food Service Training
• Healthcare Training
• Industrial & Construction Training
• Media & Entertainment Training
• Tech Training
• Training Grants

Stay tuned!

Blessed be,

Jennifer

My Postal Ligation Surgery Story

"The absence of doll babies in my toy chest didn't serious influence my later decision not to become a mother; rather, I disdained Hasbro's Baby Alive wetting doll because I was already the kind of girl who would grow up to be childless by choice." ~ Lionel Shriver

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. It's been a month since I've had my tubal ligation done and I have absolutely no regrets in getting my tubes tied. I have my personal reasons as to why I got my tubes tied and it feels right to me. I will be completely honest with you; I've never had that maternal desire for motherhood, and I regret not getting my tubes tied ages ago. Had I gotten my tubes tied a long time ago, I would have had more time to focus on my studies, get my career going, pay off any existing debt, and travel the world, guilt free of course. Where I'm at in life as we speak, I'm not ready to settle down because I want to have my own adventures before I feel ready to settle down and I feel very tempted in getting married just to get the fuck away from my mother! [Anything is better than having to continue living under the same roof as my mother. I honestly cannot stand my own mother, if you've witness how she is with me, you'd see through her bullshit!] I'm looking to stay out of jail for as long as I can and I'm willing to couch surf. I'm getting off track by talking about my mother and I do want to change my own situation for the positive so I wouldn't end up in jail for something I shouldn't have done if you catch my drift. When I have my finances together (sooner than later), I'll take a trip to Original Botanica for some candles to use either for my mother or myself and I'll most likely use the candles for myself. Anyway, a month into having my tubal ligation done, I have zero regrets and I'm very happy that I've gotten my tubes tied. As mentioned before, I regret not getting my tubes tied because I've never wanted children and had I gotten my tubes tied, I wouldn't be where I'm at as we speak if I'd gotten my tubes tied.

"I'm a childless woman, yet I felt no maternal urges whatsoever. The prospect of years of broken nights and nappy changes holds no appeal for me." ~ Kiki Dee

When I had gotten my tubes tied a month ago, I honestly didn't feel any pain or discomfort post procedure. Truth be told, there'd been moments when I've expressed interest in wanting to get my tubes tied and my gynecologist would say I'm "too young to have" my tubes tied. Nope, I know my situation; I know where I'm at in life and by the time I am ready to settle down, I will most likely be in my 50s or 60s [whenever]. I have a 5mm incision, well three 5mm incisions and hope the scars will be less and less noticeable as time goes on. Before the procedure, they give you these wipes to "clean" yourself the day before and the day of your appointment. With each wipe, first wipe is for one arm; second wipe your other arm; third wipe is for your torso; fourth is for one leg; fifth is for the other leg; and the sixth is for your back. The nurse will give you a form to sign and bring in the next day. You'll be informed not to eat or drink anything from midnight until after your procedure. On the day of my procedure, I brought in the forms, the receptionist didn't ask for the forms the morning of the procedure. Don't ask why. After my procedure, it felt like I'd done a bunch of sit-ups and that's how it felt. Other than that, I've had a positive experience. A day or two later, I ended up breaking out from whatever they used to clean me up with. My torso and upper thighs areas that were affected by whatever they used on me to clean me. A week later I went to have it checked it out cuz I'm thinking to myself the first several days (same week of procedure before going a week later), I'm like "Is this normal to be itchy?" From what I understand is that it must have been whatever they've used. When I had my official post op appointment, I've mentioned it to the doctor who did the operation was saying I have sensitive skin because I was pretty nervous as to why I was feeling itchy. That would explain a lot. As of late, the itchiness is slowly going away, and I'd have to invest in some moisturizers for areas where the doctor had cleaned me up. When I woke up, my throat was a bit sore since there was as a tube down my throat and felt bloated for several days but it'll go away with time. It's not going to last forever.

"I'm completely happy not having children. I mean, everybody does not have to live in the same way. And as somebody said, "Everybody with a womb doesn't have to have a child any more than everybody with vocal cords has to be an opera singer." ~ Gloria Steinem

Menstrual cycle wise, I haven't had my menstrual cycle since mid-April, and long story short, I had my Depo-Provera shot in February (it's a birth control shot good for every three months). I had a near month long menstrual cycle from late March into mid-April and this was not a pleasant experience. In May, I was going to speak to my gynecologist regarding getting my tubes tied and she was the one to mention tubal ligation (I was shocked). I honestly don't know why I was given the Depo-Provera shot a month before my tubal ligation surgery, and it makes no sense to be given the Depo-Provera shot! Since the surgery, I've been spotting since having my tubes tied and I'm assuming it's normal to spot post-surgery. When I do get my menstrual cycle, I hope my periods aren't as bad as it sounds with cramps. I've had a history of irregular menstrual cycles and so far, I'm enjoying not experiencing my monthly visitor. Who knows if the reason why I'm currently not having my menstrual cycle is most likely due to the Depo shot I had in May or I may be in the very early stages of menopause. I had asked my gynecologist regarding menopause, she was saying most women experience menopause roughly around 51 years of age, often time younger than 51 and I'm only 41! Before I forget to mention, I had mentioned to my mom in regards of getting my tubes tied a month ago, she thought it was a good idea and she made a fucked up snarky comment about me sleeping around! [Dude, what in the actual fuck?] You know what, at least I'm able to get more dick instead of making snarky comments. It's like seriously? Shut the fuck up for once in her life and I don't need her obnoxious snarky commentary nonsense. She needs one of two things, she either needs to get laid or her second option is to invest in smoking marijuana and she's not going to die from an overdose (no matter how hard she attempts of overdosing on marijuana). This is why I don't want to be at home because of my mother's fucking obnoxious behavior.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Single Mom Chronicles

"[Motherhood] really forces you to address the issues that you claim to believe in and if you can't stand up to those principles when you're raising a child, forget it." ~ Diane Keaton

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. I wish you a day of relaxation, pampering, blissful joy and happiness today, tomorrow, and every day after. You deserve it for being an amazing mother every single day! Happy Mother's Day. As a single mom, it's been an okay journey, although, I do feel that my ship has sailed away when I had gotten pregnant to do better for myself and have a decent career as a photographer full-time. I personally feel that once when you become a mom, you lose your identity and your career suffers as a direct result of motherhood standing in the way when you have bigger fish to fry! I've always held down part-time jobs since graduating high school in 2001 and especially when I would check off full-time whenever I would apply for employment. Perhaps I was looking in all of the wrong places! There have been moments I regret not getting my tubes tied before I even knew my son's father existed or I would have encouraged him to get a vasectomy done while I would have done the whole tubal ligation done to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Ladies, if you aren't yet moms but one day plan on being a mom, if you lack health insurance, please apply for health insurance and find yourself a very good gynecologist to have the birth control conversation with to protect yourself! It's best to be safe than sorry. If you're in a predicament of not receiving child support but it depends on which borough of New York City you're in. Since I live in Queens, there's the Queens County Family Court.

Important Contacts:

• Main Clerk's Office: (718) 298-2000
• Queens Family Court Email: queensfamilycourt@nycourts.gov
• NYS Child Support Helpline: 1 (888) 208-4485 (available 24/7 for automated info)

Helpful Legal and Support Resources:

• Family Legal Care: Offers free legal information and advice regarding court procedures. Call (212) 343-1122 on Monday - Friday (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 2:00PM - 5PM).
• Volunteer Attorney Program (VAP): Provides free online/phone legal consultations for unrepresented litigants. Schedule by calling (347) 401-9460 (Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Be mindful the days and times may change depending on the time frame you're reading this. You can check online or you can call the number provided or send an email and if you're unsure on what to say, go to Google, type in something like: "Email inquiry regarding child support written agreement without case example" or you could word it as "Email inquiry regarding child support written agreement and visitation without case example". Here are three forms you can view at your own leisure! New York State Child Support Direct Deposit Enrollment Form, Stipulation for Child Support, and General Form 17 Petition-Custody, Visitation. I hope these help!

"I'm a childless woman, yet I felt no maternal urges whatsoever. The prospect of years of broken nights and nappy changes holds no appeal for me." ~ Kiki Dee

I've watching or rather hearing other women talk about their tubal ligation experiences so I'd know what to expect when I finally get my tubes tied! Here is a video titled: Tubal Ligation Surgery Process. Children aren't for everyone and not everyone wants children or have that maternal desire for whatever reason(s) they may have is a personal choice. I have my personal reasons why I've never wanted children and wanted to be child free. However, I don't heavily expect people to fully understand my personal reasons, and I have seven main reasons but I've why a long time ago in my regular personal journals about maybe twenty years ago (give or take). Here are some of my reasons that I'd rather defy society and their lame expectations: 1) No biological desire because not everyone deserves to become parents. 2) Lifestyle and Freedom because raising children requires a strict routine and I find parenthood to be way too restrictive for my own personal liking (yet I don't expect you all to understand or comprehend). 3) Financial Constraints: due to the high cost of raising a child in this economy. Have you seen how much diapers cost nowadays? Man, I don't miss all those diaper changes and all that jazz! 4) Mental and Physical Health: I value my sleep schedule of when I'd want to go to bed and not worry about when I'd be woken up out a dead slumber just because the child couldn't sleep or had a nightmare or whatever the fuck and disrespecting my sleep. I know it sounds selfish, but what difference does it matter? 5) Trauma and Family History: I'm or was not looking to pass down the generational trauma or repeat harmful parenting patterns. For example, there were moments when my mother would tell me this story on how if I were born a boy, she would have named me Stephen Anthony like I wasn't good enough for her just because I happen to be born the wrong gender but never once told my sister, Gwen, this story. I've always felt my mother was being extremely selfish. I didn't want my own children to experience bodily harm such as sexual abuse by someone they know because I was sexually abused by my stepfather when I was about nine years of age. I was raped at age 26 by my son's father in 2009 and I also suffer from irregular menstrual cycles to make matters worse. There were moments when my stepfather would make me feel like it was my fault for my biological father's absence in my own life but never said anything negative about it in front of my sister. 6) Career and Creative Ambitions: I wanted to go back to college, earn my associate's degree from LaGuardia Community College before deciding on what other college of choice to attend and earn my bachelor's degree. I also wanted to make sure I've found success in my career before I felt ready to settle down. Everyone is different and I hope you don't think I'm speaking negatively which I'm not. I feel that when you become a mom, your whole life is basically over, and you lose your identity of who you are as an individual. But when your children move out and you have to reclaim your own identity. 7) Dislike of Parenting Lifestyle: I'm not a fan of the reality of raising children, such as diaper changes, handling tantrums, etc. I may have unintentionally left out the concept of being a single parent raising a child on your own if the other parent is a chosen deadbeat. It's understandable if the other parent has tragically or naturally transitioned to the spiritual realm. May it from violence or an illness.

"The absence of doll babies in my toy chest didn't seriously influence my later decision not to become a mother; rather, I disdained Hasbro's Baby Alive wetting doll because I was already the kind of girl who would grow up to be childless by choice." ~ Lionel Shriver

Some people may not be fans of the concepts of tubal ligation for personal reasons while other find it necessary and liberating to have their tubes tied. I truly don't expect people to understand why I feel the need to trade places with women who suffer from infertility so they can live the life I take for granted when it comes to motherhood and I don't expect people to understand why I feel the way I do about wanting to trade places with women who suffer from infertility issues or unable to carry full-term. It makes me feel bad. Life is wicked because you have people who don't feel the maternal desire to be parents and they end up having children. Yet, while there are people who struggle with fertility are spending so much of their money on fertility help and still struggle to conceive a child. It's wild to me and it makes me feel bad. Like I said before, I like children but from afar!

This is from my perspective as a single mom!

Blessed be,

Jennifer

March is Developmental Disabilities Month

"Recognizing and respecting difference in others and treating everyone like you want them to treat you, will help make our world a better place for everyone. Care... be your best. You don't have to be handicapped to be different. Everyone is different!" ~ Kim Peek

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏾‍♀️ As many of you may or may not be aware of, March is Developmental Disabilities Month, and I may write a little something in October as well since Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In this particular blog, we'll focus more on resources on services, however, I'm not sure what services are currently available in other states outside of New York City and I'll include places where people with disabilities can receive evaluations. I hope these resources help those who don't know where to go or have a social worker to help them along the way in life and it's going to be a journey in applying for programs such as OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities). Here is a video on what OPWDD has to offer what services they have to offer: OPWDD Services and best of luck on your journey. If you're a New York City resident, and looking to be a part of OPWDD, I believe you'll need a current evaluation from Queens Center for Progress, an I.E.P (Individualized Education Program) from high school just in case but I highly doubt they'll need it (don't quote me on it but do your research anyway to keep yourself covered). It's a process, and best to stay on top of things so things will go smoothly. If you reside in another state such as Florida, and feel free to research what's available in a city near you! You have until you are 21 to pass all of your RCT's (Regents Competency Tests) and not many people are aware of this knowledge but it's good to know anyway.

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." ~ Muhammad Ali

It's not easy living life with a disability, especially an intellectual disability and speech impediment but it does not mean I'm incompetent or that you have the legal right to treat me any less different than anyone else, especially if I've never done anything to you. As the saying goes, treat others the way you want to be treated because at some point in your own life you'll get your own karma coming your way sooner or later. For people such as myself, life is not living life with an intellectual disability such as a learning disability and a speech impediment. I have a hard time pronouncing peninsula and vanilla. I've had people say they "haven't noticed a speech impediment" whenever I text them, however, I'm not sure if they're being polite by saying they haven't (allegedly) noticed a speech impediment as to not to hurt my feelings and causing me to feel even more self-conscious when I speak and I don't need to feel any more self-conscious than I already am when I speak. It can be quite frustrating at times but it's not easy either and who says it has to be easy? As mentioned before, it's not easy living life with an intellectual disability and speech impediment. It takes me longer to learn something new and all I ask for is for patience when dealing with me! I'm just as human as anyone else and no, I'm not trying to gain sympathy from people just because of my disabilities and I'm simply saying it hasn't always been easy but at times this can be frustrating at times.

"When it comes to diversity and with disabilities, we always need to find a way to express who we are in our own ways." ~ Jamie Brewer, actress

If you're seeking employment opportunities, there's Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES - VR) and General Human Outreach, I'm not sure what other supportive employment programs are currently available outside of and within OPWDD because I am in the process of getting my son, Stephan into the OPWDD program and I'm hoping to receive services through GHO for Family Support Services. My son is on the (autistic) spectrum but is functional, meaning he is able to do the basic things such as brushing his teeth, taking care of his bathroom needs (taking bathroom breaks and freshening up, meaning taking showers), feeding himself, communicating (he's verbal), etc. Other than that, I'm not sure what other supportive employment programs are available, and I hope to find more information through my son's case manager through Tri-County Care or through a social worker or possibility through his teachers at his high school. Once when I have more information, I will be sure to pass that information onto you once when they become available!

"The most interesting people you'll find are the ones that don't fit into your average cardboard box. They'll make what they need, they'll make their own boxes." ~ Dr. Temple Grandin, professor with autism

Last but not least, there's CIDNY and OPWDD Housing Option and Resources at your earliest convenience. The video is informative in my opinion, and I hope you find the video to be useful yet helpful. Since life here in New York City is expensive as it is, especially if you wish to have a place to call your own and the rent is scary expensive as it is, especially if you wish to have a place to call your own and my personal goal is to eventually have a place to call my own. However, my budget currently does not allow me to live on my own because I do not earn enough to live on my own and I'm certain there are resources for low-income families. Anything is better than having to live with my mother! When I have additional information on affordable housing, I will be sure to include that information on here so you'd be up to date and have this type of knowledge for yourselves.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Winter Skincare Routines for Every Age

 "All the makeup in the world won't make a difference without great skincare." ~ Khloe Kardashian

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ As I'm sitting here at Starbucks on Valentine's Day around my way with a Venti sized Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino Blended Beverage with Vanilla Sweet Cream (may I add) and I'm pretty sure I'm giving that Carrie Bradshaw vibe so far. Since this is Valentine's Day, I treated myself to a Siren Logo Plastic Hot Cup - 16 fl oz since I want to be all fancy and will eventually treat myself to a gel manicure around Mother's Day weekend. Heck, this is way better than being home and for now I'm going to focus on writing this blog before heading home and this may be a three-part self-care over the course of three future blogs within the next three years, no rush. This blog is going to be interesting to write since there's going to be so much to research, but this blog is solely based on personal experiences. I have no particular skincare routine where it's very simple and direct or rather straightforward, whichever term you wish to use on your own accord at this point. In a future blog, I may do a self-care date idea for couples since I've recently entered, officially twenty-five days ago and I do want to give it time to bloom before I take notes and observe what works best for us. Keep in mind, with any skincare products I mention may or may not be best appropriate for many and my best advice is to give it a try for at least a full ninety days. I will advise to write about your three-month skincare routine of what works best for you, and you can give three different skincare routine over the course of nine months, three full months per cleanse products. Once when you find your new skincare product, heck, go for it and what have you got to lose? This may be a follow up to 'What Beauty Secrets?' and I honestly was going to redo that blog over but I'm glad I hadn't done so at this point! I have several secrets as to not looking a day over 25 is drink enough water; limit your alcohol intake to socially and same goes with drugs (cocaine, heroin, etc); ladies, limit how much you use makeup; of course, watch your diet and if you have the time and energy, exercise. Keep in mind I am in my early 40s and I don't look a day over 25! At the end of the day, it's all in how you take care of yourself and make yourself a first priority. If you're not in the best of health, how can you take care of your family and how can you make the bills in time if you aren't in the best of health? Your best bet is to check out this video: ULTIMATE Skincare Routine for GLASS Skin and I don't wash my face twice a day. I wash my face once a day before bed time! I'm just saying and do what's best for you. My best advice is to speak with a dermatologist on which cleanser is best for you.

-Clean & Clear-

"I like my skin best when it's clean and glowy, and that comes from sleep, hydration, and happiness." ~ Tracee Ellis Ross

Let's begin with Clean & Clear Relaxing Deep Cleaning Face Wash, 8 Fluid ounce. At some point I've used this product, and I don't have much negative experience. I do use it before going to bed and especially after coming home from work, a date or a night out with friends. Mostly when you've arrived home from wherever (work, date, wherever) and your face will thank you for it. Try it for three months before moving onto your next skincare product. I liked how it made my face feel, however, it's been a mission searching for Clean & Clear in regular retail stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens. Seems like the only places I can get Clean & Clear is from Amazon and on a good day, I'll find it at any of these stores. If not, I'll order it from Amazon when time permits in doing so, budget wise for when I can but no rush at the moment. Once when it's in my budget, I'll order some Clean & Clear from Amazon and will redo this portion of the blog. You can also look around at various different Stop & Shop grocery stores for Clean & Clear facial products. It's always good to pamper yourself at the end of the day.

-Noxzema-

"I am most particular about moving all my makeup and keeping my skin clean before I go to bed. No matter how tired I am or how hectic my day has been, I always make it a point to take it off." ~ Deepika Padukone

I often use Noxzema, it's been a hot minute since I've gotten to use Noxzema for a good half hour to forty-five minutes. When I have a zit or two or any unsightly blemishes on my face, I take a dab of Noxzema and place the dab on each of the blemishes and leave it on overnight. Normally, by morning, it's gone and often times I still have the blemishes on my face. It takes several days for it to go away and I figured I'd add Noxzema to this list of self-care products I normally use. However, I use Noxzema when I shave my legs, down there, and armpits. A majority of the time when I've finished shaving my legs, I use Johnson's baby oil or Well Beginnings Baby Oil afterwards, well, mostly when I come out of the shower. I buy whichever baby oil is on sale, such as buy one and second is free, that type of deal and especially when you're on a budget!!! Not to sound frugal or anything of that nature. I don't always use baby oil on my legs or unless it's summer time and have plans to go to Fort Totten Pool or the beach. I have zero complaints on using Noxzema and haven't had any issues in using Noxzema.

-Differin-

"I try to do simple but effective things to keep my skin looking healthy and flawless. I drink tons and tons of water. Also, I believe in eating right. You are what you eat." ~ Anushka Sharma

Next up is Differin Cleanse Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser and Differin Gel Adapalene Gel 0.1%. I personally like how it makes my face feel at the end of the day. I often use Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer when needed and I need to moisturize more often just to upkeep my youthfulness. There's more to skincare routine and good genetics, it's all in how you take care of yourself. It's simple small beauty hacks. Whenever I have blemishes on my face, it drives me up the wall, and it drives me crazy! Since I have Differin Adapalene Gel, I use it before bed and it helps with time, don't expect immediate result. Be consistent when using Differin each night since this particular product is a bit on the expensive side, use it sparingly in order for it to last longer. When using the Differin Adapalene Gel, follow it up with the moisturizer, and it's up to you if you want to rinse it off or leave it on. I personally leave it on, and I don't bother rinsing it off in the end. Of course, the moisturizer leaves my face feeling soft and I love it! Result may vary per person. If you have any issues with acne, speak with a dermatologist regarding which skincare product you should try.

-Sephora-

"Looking good is about having a good base. It's about taking care of your skin." ~ Halle Berry

Once when I've finished using Differin Cleanse Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Cleanser and Differin Restorative Night Moisturizer, I intend on going to Sephora and try their vegan facial products. Yet, I'm pretty sure these items are overpriced and in due time, I'll give it a try when time permits, especially when it's in my budget to shop at Sephora for their vegan facial products. If you have any suggestions in regards of which facial cleanser I should try next, feel free to drop a comment and a like below. I'm open to trying something different and as long as it doesn't break the bank just to look good. I've found a list of vegan skincare cleanser for those who are vegan, and it does not have to be limited to Sephora but it's a suggestion from me to you on this Valentine's Day! I'm totally open to trying different facial cleansers and seeing how my experience is once when I find the right facial cleansers as long it's not "tested on animals" than I should be alright.

-In Conclusion-

In conclusion to this blog, it's a little Valentine's Day self-care tip from me to you. As stated previously, this may or may not be my only self-care blog for those curious enough to know what my skincare routine is and if you're curious enough to try any of my skincare routine, it's fine by me. Not everyone is going to have the time or the energy to be as committed to their skincare routine whether if you're a busy parent or just overall busy with everyday life. It's important to make time for yourself but I'm not going to convince you and it's entirely up to you. As long as you're able to find time to spend time alone, away from people and even it means treating yourself to a nail salon or out to dinner, but it does not have to be fancy nor expensive. If it's in your budget, go for it and don't be afraid to treat yourself well! If you want to have nice youthful skin, drink lots of water; be mindful of your diet; and exercise on the daily. If your time is limited, do what you have to do and even if this means waking up two hours earlier than usual in the morning to squeeze in some exercise, whether if it's cardio or yoga or whatever tickles your fancy at the moment. Make sure you get a good night's rest which also helps and always be sure to laugh throughout your day, even if you're having a bad day. Happy self-care and don't forget to take care of yourself!

Blessed be,

Jennifer