Last Call for "Power of Self" votes!

If you haven't already, click here to rate my portfolio in "The Power of Self" photo contest. Thanks to those who have. (You may vote more than once.)

"Haiti"

Moving piece on Haiti by NYC performer Carvens.

Filmed by photographer Steven Amanuel Duarte.

Yele Haiti

My heart hurts...
Pray for Haiti.

Photo Contest! Vote for me!

Okay, I got a direct message via twitter about this contest, then my girl Jovian (blog--> http://jovianzayne.wordpress.com) sent it just a couple days after, so I thought I'd give my chances at winning something cool a shot. After many failed attempts at setting up an account (ended with "Iamthegreatest" because site wouldn't take "msaarika" or "nastassiadavis") I FINALLY got my stuff in. It costed me $50, as it was $10 to submit an image, so I chose what I thought was "my best work" to date - 3 or more is recommended by the site. Whether I win or not, I'm just happy that I followed through and actually entered.

To vote, you must rate my portfolio (preferably 5 stars *hehe*) but I'll certainly be happy with whatever I can get. The winner gets 7K so wish me luck! And best of luck to all the lovely artist that entered as well!

You have today and tomorrow to vote.

Thank you for the support!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Gabourey Sidibe, The Definition of Beauty.

Confidence. It's something that many of us, especially young girls, do not have today and is incredibly important to our overall well-being. It is the one thing that will shoot you to the top of success and keep you thriving among the stars. This post is inspired by Precious' amazing leading actress, Gabourey Sidibe (a.k.a. Gabby). If you've never witness this girl in an interview, youtube her now to see what true confidence (and beauty) is all about. She is such an inspiration to me; I admire her greatly.

Check out these photos from her latest Harper's Bazaar photo-shoot (via necolebitchie.com) and what she has to say about her self-worth and confidence:

On her Self-Worth

I feel like a model. It justifies everyone in my life who told me I wouldn’t be anything until I lost weight. It justifies that little girl who cried because she didn’t think she could be in front of the camera. And it’s for other girls who feel like they can’t do this or that and feel like they’re not pretty and not worthy of having their photo taken.

On her Confidence

People always ask me, ‘You have so much confidence. Where did that come from?’ It came from me. One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn’t have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see. Your body is your temple, it’s your home, and you must decorate it."

Watch behind the scenes footage and interview of her Harper's Bazaar shoot below:

Find the full article at Harper’s Bazaar

Also want to send a huge congratulations to Mo'Nique and Gabby for winning Golden Globe nominations for their amazing performances in "Precious". Best of luck ladies to a well deserved recognition! The Golden Globe Awards will be telecast live on NBC, Jan 17th.



(images courtesy of the movie "Precious")