challenge Archives - The Swirl World

Love Connection, French & Jamaican – On Facebook!

July 29, 2016 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Two people made a love connection – on Facebook? Facebook? It can be a wonderful place – and it can also be a pit.

Let’s be real: Facebook – heck, the internet – is unique in that on the one hand, it’s an online space where you can connect with people who are witty, charming, funny, and just plain ole fun.

On the other hand, Facebook is sometimes a very scary place filled with trolls spewing hateful, racist rhetoric, and just plain ole idiocy.

Yet, like anything else in life, it’s all in how you use and approach it.

Thankfully, in the face of all the negativity that seems to run rampant on Facebook and other internet spaces, you can still find wonder. And delight.

And love.

Sometimes, you can make a love connection.

They Made A Love Connection – On Facebook!

I’m happy to report that today’s featured couple, Ludovic Delaveau and his gorgeous wife Melissa Wallace-Delaveau, didn’t allow the less-than-stellar aspect of Facebook to derail them.

Instead, they found each other – and found love as a result!

Melissa tells their story in her own words:

“Hello everyone! I will try and make this as short as I possibly can because this has been a wonderful and blessed journey for me since 2011.

My husband and I met on Facebook in late June 2011. He is French and I am Jamaican.

He came to see me in my country in August of that same year and the rest is history. We got married in Jamaica in 2013.

In 2014 I moved from Jamaica to France (away from my family) to join my husband.

We now have a wonderful sweet, loving son named Tyler who is 10 months old. It wasn’t an easy journey for me but thank God we made it out safely.

I give thanks for being a Mom to a biracial child. Motherhood gets better with each passing day.

For me it’s not so much that our son is biracial, but rather I get to watch him grow up in two different cultures, two totally different worlds. He is getting the best of both sides.

My husband is the sweetest, loving, shy, humble, and all the other good words I can find. Lol! With all his flaws we love each other more than anything in this world.

One thing that keeps our marriage fresh and healthy is that we remind each other constantly how much love we have for each other.

And don’t get me wrong – we are not perfect by any means. Like every couple we have our flaws but we don’t argue or shout. We have calm discussions to solve our concerns.

We enjoy being married we love spending time with each other; travelling and exploring the world.

I’ll just leave it here for now because I could go on and on. God favors me. Blessing and lots of love to you all!”

Melissa’s parting advice?

“Love as if it’s your last time. Be patient – your Love will find you!”

Keep Up With The Delaveaus

Melissa and Ludovic have their own YouTube channel. To learn more about them (and listen to their delightful accents!) click here.

To learn more about Jamaican cooking, with step-by-step demonstrations and great recipes, watch Mel’s Kitchen episode on YouTube by clicking here.

You can also follow Melissa, Ludovic and their sweet baby, Tyler on Instagram @the_delaveaus.

We love to feature singles (and couples!) in our posts. If you’d like to be featured, please email a nice, high-resolution photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com. Selfies are ok – just make sure they’re not blurry.

Copyright ©2016 Michelle Matthews Calloway, The Swirl World™ LLC, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photos used with permission.

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and apply to join our private Facebook Group!

To catch the latest installment of “50 Days of Dating” click here. Will Rachel make a love connection? Sign up for email updates to ensure you don’t miss a single episode!

I Took A Sexy Hip Hop Class!

July 20, 2016 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 1 Comment

Hip hop class, and a sexy one at that??!!

Um, not me – Tobi-Velicia Johnson!

We often say this, yet it bears repeating: The overarching mission of The Swirl World is to see Black Women living their best life.

To facilitate this, we encourage BW to get out of their comfort zones and try new things.

We’re pleased and happy to report many BW are doing just that. They’re living the life they love and loving the life they live.

One such BW is Tobi-Velicia Johnson, our Single of the Week and a member of our private Facebook group.

In today’s post, Tobi-Velicia shares a recent escapade: taking a MadHaus sexy hip hop class at Flirty Girl.

Here’s her report:

That’s What Friends Are For

Tobi-Velicia & LaTonya

“Ballet is my dance style of choice, but as promised, I went to the MadHaus class with a friend who braved her fears recently to take a ballet class with me. She had never taken a ballet class before, so the least I could do was attend a hip hop class with her.

Looking The Part

In preparation for the class, I decided that I needed to “look the part.” I couldn’t very well wear just a leotard and tights to a sexy hip hop class, could I? — or at least, not pink tights.

I selected a cute black leo with a pink bodice, some fabulous sheer patterned black tights, cropped black hoodie, short leg warmers, and hi-top Converse gym shoes. Hey, I may have been setting myself up to feel ridiculous attempting hip hop moves, but I was going to look fabulous while doing so! 🙂

Flirty Girl On Point

I arrived early at Flirty Girl. The decor was pink, black, and white. So far, so good–my favorite colors. I told the nice girl at the front desk that I would be a guest of a member, and she set me up with an account. While I waited, I surveyed the lobby. I glanced to my right and immediately noticed that there was a fully-stocked Flirty Girl WINE BAR!!! Very elegant, cool, and girly.

I turned left and saw that there was a Flirty Girl nail and hair spa. Another amazing concept for a girl’s gym. Once my account was set up, I proceeded to go to the dressing room.

The workout rooms, including the pole-dancing room, were spacious and gorgeous–everything in pink, black, and white. The locker room and bath facilities were beautiful and there were pretty pink towels available to use while working out.

Let’s Get This Hip Hop Started

My friend LaTonya arrived and we walked into the class together. She introduced me to the MadHaus instructor, Monique, who was friendly, welcoming, and fit. Monique explained basics of the class and told everyone to have fun.

The class started promptly at 9 am. Dance moves were slow at first and then the pace picked up. I was able to do most of the dance moves but I have to admit, I had a hard time doing simple jumping jacks during the warm-up. My body wanted to do sautés à la seconde with port de bras. The instructor told me to just “do what you feel.”

Hmm, Not Bad!

I worked up a good sweat during the cool and sexy dance combinations…and then glanced at the clock. OMG it was only 9:12 am!!! More than 45 minutes to go!

At 9:35 am, we had a break. My friend LaTonya did a “FB direct” video which I video-bombed by dancing in the background. I knew that anyone viewing the video would only see my face and not the booty-shaking I was doing.

Break was over and we continued the combination, a bit faster and a few more moves added. Toward the end of class, we did nice, slow stretches.

Even though MadHaus is not my style of dance, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I may even go back and try other classes.

Back That Thang Up!

When I arrived home from class, I was proud and content that I had tried something new. Smiling to myself, I logged onto FB to view LaTonya’s FB direct video.

OMG!!! I didn’t know that she didn’t immediately start back with the rest of the class after the break–she RECORDED some of it! There I was, in view of the whole entire world, “backing it up” for the camera!

All’s Well That Ends Well

All in all, I had a good time at Flirty Girl and I plan to go back sometime. :-)”

To connect with Tobi-Velecia on Facebook, click here.

Join in the Fray: What will you do this week to get out of your comfort zone?

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and request to join our private Facebook Group!

A Wonderful World

March 25, 2016 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

~Jawaharlal Nehru, 1st Prime Minister Of India

It’s “Travel Thursday” and we want to inspire you to not just dream about taking a trip or going on vacation this year, but actually do it.

Need some additional inspiration? Click here to listen to a podcast with Dating Coach Lorraine Spencer of Interracial Marriage & Family concerning the importance of traveling.

This year, make sure you have your eyes wide open for opportunities to save money for a trip.

Sure, a new handbag, shoes or jewelry is a great pick-me-up. However, the newness will eventually wear off and those items will become old.

But think about it – the sense of adventure, joys and well-being gained from travel will last forever.

This year, let’s TRAVEL!

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The Swirl World is committed to sharing inspiration. Our goal is to help you stay motivated and encouraged by bringing you positive, uplifting images and corresponding thoughts.

Today’s featured model is Alli Baba.

We’d love to FEATURE YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to be featured, please email a nice, high-resolution photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com. Selfies are ok – just make sure they’re not blurry!

Will You Take One Step?

March 7, 2016 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

It’s Monday, and today many of us return to full or part-time jobs outside the home. Others are entrepreneurs who are running their own business, or “passion-preneurs” striving to do the work they love.

Regardless of your work status, motivation is paramount.

What’s driving you in the direction of success – and how badly do you want it?

Take One Step

Here’s a suggestion: Today and every day moving forward, take at least one step toward achieving your goals.

(Make sure it’s a tangible step!)

If you start today and hold fast until December 31, you will have taken 299 steps.

299!

Hold yourself accountable. Each day, jot down the step you took.

When December 31 rolls around, we’ll be able to review the year and see just how far we’ve come.

Shucks, in 299 days we can conquer the world!

—

The Swirl World Team is committed to sharing inspiration. Our goal is to help you stay motivated and encouraged by bringing you positive, uplifting images and corresponding thoughts.

We’d love to feature YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to share your photos, please email a high-resolution photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com. Selfies are fine; just make sure they’re not blurry.

Copyright ©2016 Michelle Matthews Calloway, The Swirl World™, LLC, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, All rights reserved. Photo property of The Swirl World™, LLC.

Discomfort Is Good!

February 29, 2016 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

“Discomfort is always a necessary part of enlightenment.”

―Pearl Cleage

That statement resonates with me and I wholeheartedly embrace it as truth.

Getting out of one’s comfort zone and experiencing discomfort is beneficial, because it stretches you and makes you grow.

Discomfort also causes us to reflect, look within, and come face to face with areas in our lives we need to change.

We can’t do or be better than we know to do or be – and that’s why enlightenment is so important.

Discomfort? Discomfort is good!

The Swirl World Team is committed to sharing inspiration and motivation. Our goal is to consistently bring you positive, uplifting images and corresponding thoughts.

We’d love to FEATURE YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to be featured, please send a nice, clear photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com. Selfies are welcome – just make sure they aren’t blurry!

Copyright ©2016 Michelle Matthews Calloway, The Swirl World™, LLC, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo property of The Swirl World™.

We Did It!

January 4, 2016 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

We did it!

Yesterday, Adrienne and I held our FIRST webinar for The Swirl World!!

YIPPEE!!!

There are not words to describe how elated we feel! Our desire is to always present quality content to the members of Swirl Nation.

When it came to presenting our first webinar, we pulled out all the stops and did our best to provide stellar content to those in attendance.

We’re yet receiving feedback, and so far the response has been extremely positive. We want to thank everyone who signed on for the live presentation, and thank everyone who took the time to watch the replay.

Woot!

Here’s A Special Offer

In addition to providing great content and taking time for a Q & A, we also made a special offer – and we’re extending that offer to you.

We’re offering a course entitled 4 Weeks To Swirling With Confidence.

Over the course of 4 short weeks, you will receive strategic plans of action you can immediately implement to take your Swirling to an exciting new level!

The course is being offered at the low introductory price of $97, and that price expires January 8 at 11:59 pm. After that time, the price of the course will increase.

For more details concerning the course offerings (laser coaching calls, specialized worksheets, actionable strategies, etc.) click HERE.

We look forward to working with you!

Copyright ©2016 Michelle Matthews Calloway, The Swirl World LLC , ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo property of The Swirl World™.

#348| We Want To Hear From You!

December 14, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re putting together our Christmas podcast, and we want to hear from you!

Please click the Speak Pipe button in the upper right corner of your screen and leave us a message.

Give us your name, location, life motto and any Christmas or holiday greeting you would like to make to the members of Swirl Nation.

Make sure to indicate if you’re a member of the The Swirl World’s Facebook page, reader of the blog and/or a member of our private Facebook Group.

We have a limited number of spots for this podcast, so submissions will be handled on a “First come, First Served” basis.

Deadline for entries is Friday, December 18 at 6 pm CST.

The show will air on Christmas Day. Woot!

The Swirl World Team is committed to sharing 365 days of inspiration in 2015. Our goal is to help you stay motivated and inspired by bringing you positive, uplifting images and corresponding thoughts.

We’d love to FEATURE YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to be featured, please send a nice, high resolution photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo property of The Swirl World™.

#347| Time To Get Ahead

December 14, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Are you wasting time . . . or getting ahead?

Most people get ahead during the time that others waste. ~Henry Ford

Click To Tweet

The new year is fast approaching, and it’s time to get ahead.

Make sure you’re the person who’s getting ahead – not the one who’s wasting time!

We’d love to FEATURE YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to be featured, please send a nice, high-resolution photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Get Your Swirl On During The Holidays With These 3 Tips!

December 10, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

All right, Ladies and Gentlemen, the holidays are in full swing!

So, you wanna get your Swirl on during the holidays?

Then check out the 3 easy tips I recently shared for those who want to get their swirl on during the holidays – and beyond.

The audio from this podcast was taken from a Periscope I did a couple of days before Thanksgiving.

(So, are you following me on Periscope yet? If not, what are you waiting for?)

I refer to Thanksgiving in the audio, but these tips are good for Christmas, the upcoming presidential election season – basically, all year round.

I encourage you to implement 1, 2 or 3 of the tips. You’ll be getting your Swirl on in no time!

If you can’t see the podcast player, click here or here.

If you can’t see the Sound Cloud player, click here. You can also head over and listen to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Spreaker or PlayerFM.

Shout Out!

The Shout Out! for Podcast Episode 94 goes to the dynamic, ubiquitous powerhouse Michelle Y. Talbert of the Her Power Hustle website and podcast. Michelle also recently launched a new start-up: Her Power List!

According to the HPL website, “Her Power List is the ONLY women-led business directory that enables you to locate the goods and services that you seek.

With a simple click of your mouse, you can connect with the owner on your favorite social media platforms–from LinkedIn to Periscope, watch her share helpful information with you in a video, peruse a gallery of pictures, download resources (like a free chapter of her most recent book) and shoot her an email to ask a question.

For those HPL Listers who provide in-person service, you can map their location with our Google map function – straight from the HPL Listing!”

Michelle made The Swirl World a featured business during the first week of her launch, and we couldn’t be more honored.

We wish Michelle all the best in this new business venture – and we’re proud to call her friend.

Join in the Fray: Are you going to get your Swirl on during the holidays? If you use any of the tips, send me an email at aswirlgirl@theswirlworld.com. I’d love to feature you on the blog!

Want to be a guest on The Swirl World Podcast, or know someone who should?

Send an email to Podcast@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

You can also follow us on Sound Cloud and listen to the show on Stitcher Radio. You can also hear us on PlayerFM!

#335| Let’s Finish Strong!

December 1, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 1 Comment

Starting strong is good.

Finishing strong is epic.

We have 30 days left in 2015.

Let’s finish strong!

Join in the Fray: What are you doing to finish the year STRONG?

We’d love to FEATURE YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to be featured, please send a nice, clear photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Love Connection, French & Jamaican – On Facebook!