How to Celebrate Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth everyone!

Today marks a day that freed black people out of slavery. 

If you're unaware of this holiday, here’s a quick history lesson:

• In 1776, slavery still existed when the Declarations of Independence was signed (4th of July).
• June 19, 1865, was the date and year of the ending of slavery in the U.S. 
• It took another 2 years for slaves to be freed after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Bill.
• Juneteenth has not yet been declared as a federal holiday but is celebrated greatly in the black community.
• Want to celebrate? This is a great opportunity to celebrate black culture.
• And lastly, when you know better, you do better. I’m not celebrating the 4th of July ever. Thee End.

How to Celebrate Juneteenth?

• Support black-owned businesses
• Learn the history
• Check on your black friends
• Black People Takeoff (even if your company doesn't celebrate this day)

If you were wondering what to wear on Juneteenth, here are 3 things you can wear.

1. Incorporate the Pan- African Flag colors in your wardrobe.

The colors are red, black, and green. If you're not sure what they represent, check out this article that speaks greatly of the history of the Pan- African Flag colors.

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/06/14/532667081/on-flag-day-remembering-the-red-black-and-green

2. Create or support a black-owned business who sells Juneteenth shirts.

The shirt I'm wearing is from Crowned Creatives 

If you need inspiration, use Pinterest as a guide.

3. Keep it simple and have fun.

Don't overthink this, its a celebration, its the summer so grab your favorite shorts or skirt and have fun styling and celebrating the black culture. 

With everything going on, God has me on a style of looking into my roots and understanding my history as black women. With all the chaos, I am truly grateful for God of awakening my spirit man to know that there is so much more that needs to learn about myself and happy to be on this journey of discovery. Black Lives Matters, I suggest if you're black that God awakens your mind to know that you're better then your now. Oppression isn't just physical its mental as well.

Take care of yourself, understand your history, and I hope you're encouraged.

3 Activities for a 1 Year Old

I don't know about you guys but Lil man and I are tired of this apartment. Alright Rona, its time for you to get evicted lol. I will say as much as I would like to see what the future holds, I can't lie and say I'm loving seeing my baby boy grow right before my eyes. Like literally, he's growing by the minute. But while we're here I had to come up with a few ideas to entertain, develop, and teach my little one during this time. These are 3 activities I tried for my 1-year-old. All these items were brought from the Dollar Tree I might add.

1. Ice Painting

• Location: Outdoors
• Time frame: 35 minutes 
• Items: ice cubes, bowl, brushes, paint, add a painting apron if you'll like.

This activity was fun for us both but please make sure you monitor them because if your baby is under 1, He will try and eat the paint.

2. Playdoh Magnets and Sticks

• Location: In or outdoors
• Time frame: 25 to 30 minutes max
• Items: Playdoh of choice, ABC magnets, and popsicle sticks

Lil man liked this during his 1 hour TV time and it kept him occupied

3. Magnet Fun

• Location: Inside
• Time Frame: 1-hour max
• Items: Cookie sheet and magnets

This activity I must say was my son's favorite until he begins to heat the ducks and tried clamping his finger.

All these activities help with your child's motor and developmental skills. They're simple to do, fun, and the thing is you have the majority of these items in your home. With my baby only being 19 months his short attention span only last for the time frame given, throughout the day I have incorporated a full curriculum for him. 

Please note: This is not a mandate, it's just a plan. Do not be hard on yourself or your kid. I know my baby is continually going through a growth spur. Some days he loves activities and other days he doesn't want to play. So test these out, let me know if you've tried them out and whats your favorite activity. More activity to come.

Corona Virus Home Hacks

Hi guys, with all the craziness going on God but it on my heart to help others out there if you're having trouble finding goods for your home during this pandemic. Ive always been a DIY queen so these things are some things I do on the regular throughout life. I hope this helps someone out there. I am praying for the families of all those affected by the virus and praying for a full recovery for each family. Be encouraged. My Blog: https://www.authenticallyz.com My Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Connect with Zak! Instagram: @authenicallyZ For Business with branding and product reviews ONLY, please contact me at: styleguruzak@gmail.com Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video. 

Black History Month

This week my son and I are representing the end of the Black History with some of our past great leaders (thanks Target). With this month ending, I wanted to list a few of my favorite quotes of the names listed on my shirt.

One of my favorites is Harriet. I don’t know if you saw the movie but it’s a must see. It really showed the greatness Harriet did for the black community. The way I’m walking in Christ now is the same as Harriet did. She leaned on God to lead her every step of the way and she was able to free slaves and leave a legacy because she was obedient to the Holy Spirits voice. Just know that when you’re in this journey of life you will touch someone around you because they will literally see the goodness of Jesus on your life and its nothing you will have to say to them to force them to follow in your steps. Remember to “be the change, you want to see”.

Ida B. Bells

Maya Angelou

Fannie Lou Hamer

Harriet Tubman

Sojourner Truth

5 Ways to Love You First Then Love Others

How to Love You First Then Love Others 

Since were in the season of love (VDay) One thing I’ve learned during my journey of faith is that you can’t properly love others if you’re not loving (taking care) of yourself. You may love other but when you start to get aggravated because your doing to much you’re not properly loving them.

You may ask what do you mean Zak. Let’s go deeper.

Last year I came to this realization that I was not fully taking care of myself and haven’t done so ever in life until last year. I felt like I was on autopilot and things got touch I bend but didn’t break. I now speak, walk, and talk in my now I was delivered, I arrived, I became free all in the mist of chaos. 

If you’re giving others your all, doing it all, and feel empty by the time your done(2 Corinthians 9:7). Stop what you’re doing and see how to love you first then love others.

1. Make sure your cup is full in Christ

In order for you to pour into others you have to stay full in God (Psalm 16:5-11). That means having daily time with the Lord. Praying instead of worrying (Philippians 4:6-7), and talking to him through big down to the smallest decisions and details(Psalm 37:23).

2. Make sure you have self care moments and check ins. 

This means pampering not only your physical body but also pampering your inner beauty to stay the course (2 Corinthians 4:16). Get into your word, take weekly soaks, lotions you skin with oil, have self care Saturdays, get messages, write in your journal, do something that makes your heart smile for you (3 John 1:2).

3. Set boundaries with your love ones down to your children

This is one that really took time for me to grasp. Basically time is a precious thing, don’t waste it on unnecessary chatter, unresolved arguments, and wasting on people who don’t respect it. Learn how to use the word “no”. The word “no” may actually hurt someone’s feeling but you’re not harming them. Remember that: It may hurt to tell someone no but you’re not harming them.

If you are scared to tell someone no because you think they wont be involved with you, please reevaluate and redefine that relationship because that’s people pleasing, which is an another topic for another day.

4. Eat properly/ stay hydrated & rest

While in the mist of taking more care of me. God put it in my heart to make sure to eat properly and drink more water. A lot of weight comes from what we put in our temples (the body). What you sow is what you reap (2 Corinthians 9:6). That can be physical as well. You continue to sow McD, you will reap unhealthiness, fatigue, and tiredness. 

When it comes to hydration, your daily percentage of water intake should be 20%. Google it. This is something I’m still working on. But the holy spirit let me know when I just need to stop what I’m doing and go drink some water.

I use to say sleep is a distant from of mine. In 2020 we about to reevaluate our friendship to become besties. You can’t do what God calls you to do properly with out sleep. Now for me this means a good four hours or 5. I don’t sleep 8 hours straight unless I’m on a cruise, on certain vacay, or home alone. I don’t know who does but I’m working on this. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

5. Listen and Ask the Holy Spirit

Let me tell you, that something that you keep speaking of has a name and the more you acknowledge him, God will bless you. The holy spirit will protect you, save you, and never harm you in many situations. When it comes to all the steps above, the holy spirit is right there directing my path. I can literally just be at my desk and the holy spirit will let me know when I just need to stop what I’m doing and go drink some water. So listen to and ask him: what should I eat for breakfast, can I have a donut? Is today a salad day? What should I be drinking? Some may thing you’re insane but when you live to see 90 and there dead (straight up) then well see whose insane (Romans 8:14).

On that note: I hope these tips help someone. Happy valentine’s day to all the beauties and gents. I hope you guys are encouraged, have an awesome weekend.

Outfit details

Dress- boohoo

Earrings- Boohoo

Shoes- JustFab

Press on Nails Tips

The Secret to Press on Nails Tips

Hi guys,

First thing first I AM NOT a professional! I have a love for press on nails. There fun, different and a glow up for your hands. Read tips below.


Cleaning: When you’re cleaning and washing dishes, use gloves.

Glue: I use both glues a lot of times for secure hold. This has not damaged my nails The glow I use is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C680N28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8OdnEbMTVNS96 also found at Dollar Tree

And:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AX2XVL4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8PdnEbX6GHJZQ

Cuticles: Oil your cuticles everything to avoid dryness

Where can you find nails?
You can find press ons at the hair store, all dollar stores (even dollar tree), Walmart, amazon, target, and wish.com. 

Like my accessories? http://www.zjewels.com/ 

My Blog: https://www.authenticallyz.com 

My Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtuous-women/id1488014020

Connect with Zak! Instagram: @authenicallyZ 

For Business with branding and product reviews ONLY, please contact me at: styleguruzak@gmail.com 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video.

JIASTING Vanity Beauty Station Review

This vanity was shipped earlier then expected. Love that it’s mostly put together for you . Not much handy work. Very modern, cute, and classy. I just received and it’s already my favorite new spot to do my makeup. 

The chair that comes with it is sturdy and also easy to put together. The fabric used goes with pretty much and color scheme. 

A lot of reviews I noticed stated that they received damage good but my vanity came in, in perfect condition.

Overall love this this vanity.

Direct amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PQHPY7J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Description item:

• 2 IN 1 DESIGN: Flip Mirror, Open mirror this is an amazing dressing table, Which can be used as a desk after the mirror is closed.

• ADEQUATE STORAGE CAPACITY: The left of the makeup table is an oversized storage space. It contains a organizers that can hold cosmetics up to 9 Inches in height. The right side is 2 large drawers.

• FLIP TOP MIRROR: The mirror size is 16.73"*14.96". After the mirror is opened, It has a angle of Inclination. This is the most suitable angle to makeup yourself.

End of Summer Weekend Outfit-Faith Journey Update

This week was all about surrendering. Letting go and allowing God to take over and have his way when in the beginning he already has complete control. Its hard to let go of the things you think mean the most to you but in order to get to the next steps in life and really see the abundance God has for you, you have to surrender it all.

We are coming up in the next season of this year and there are some things that God wants to do in our lives. But there are also somethings that are holding us back. 

The word for the week is transform.

Meaning: Make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of.

This brings me to the scripture Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

In this current state, I am working on some things within. The holy spirit is sharing with me in order for me to get to the next step. Its some things I needs to surrender. Whether its social media, my attitude, TV, lying, conversations, certain people or drama. I have to cut some things out, walk away from some situations, and remove myself from chaos in order for him to move in my life. Less of me and more of him. Sometimes we may look at this as its hurting us but in the end it was only meant to help us. One way to start the process is to change, we have to renew our minds.

 I don’t know who this is far but God is asking you to surrender some things in order to get to that next step. Think about what  you just read, process it and let God in (which by the way, he’s already within).

Style Details

Pink dress: Ross

Sun Hat: Dollar store

Shoes: Citi Trends

Sunglasses and Earrings: ZJewels

Big CHOP!!! Watch Me Rock this Short Hair

Let’s just say its 2020 already and my baby will be 1. Times is just going by. But despite the time, I wanted to share my “Watch me Rock this short hair” story.

Ok guys so first thing first! I love love lovveee my hair. In my last trimester, I started noticing my hair follicles and roots. The moment I had my baby boy I noticed month after month, my hair was falling out.

By month 4 I was contemplating then I felt the urge to do it. So I called my brother, I had my clippers so went to slicing and dicing my hair. I didn’t wear my real hair out for 2 months after because I wanted to figure out how I wanted it styled. And I found the perfect haircut for Zak.

I get questions like: Why I did it?, am I ok?,  am I having a midlife crisis? And to answer those questions it more about me and where I am in life. I’m to a place where I don’t care about the opinions of others because most people give advice based off their own experiences and fears.

You have to do what’s best for you. I honestly don’t have time for hair. I have an 8 month old, a 9-5, and a business to run. The holy spirit whispered, cut that off. So guess what?!?!? I cut it.

I wanted something different. I was entering a new journey in my life (my 30th) and the cut just added a spike to my life. I feel great, I’m taking care of me, reading books, and feeding my spirit man.

It’s funny that folks always think you’re going through something to make you do something dramatically different. I love change, in change comes opportunities. I am not my hair but not having much of it has surely has me in a good space spiritually, physical, emotionally.

Do what’s best for you. Be the change you want to see, pray, and let the holy spirit guide you.

I’m loving my new look and I hope you guys too as well.

Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask

Music Credit: link http://OurMusicBox.com

Like my accessories? http://www.zjewels.com/

Blog: https://www.authenticallyz.com

Connect with Zak!

Instagram: @authenicallyZ

Facebook: StyleGuruZak

For Business with branding and product reviews ONLY, please contact me at: styleguruzak@gmail.com

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored video.