Whoever You Choose, Just Choose Wisely
Say it with us:
“I always choose love over fear.”
Copyright ©2018 The Swirl World™ LLC. All rights reserved.
Chicago Native and Swirling Single of the Week!
Our Swirling Single of the Week hails from the Windy City.
Meet Chicago Native Kim Taylor!
I am a 41-year-old single woman from the burbs. I have no children. I am a Regional HR Manager for a Security company.
I have been swirling for at least 10 years now.
Let’s see; my brand of humor is sarcasm but it’s all in fun.
I love sports (yes, even enjoy hockey…say what!) My CHICAGO BEARS and Jesus give me life.
I just moved into a new home so now my life consists of boxes and wondering where everything is!
To connect with Kim on Facebook, click here.
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. Sign up for email updates to ensure you don’t miss a single episode!
Zambian Beauty: Our Swirling Single Of The Week!
If we don’t do anything else in The Swirl World, we celebrate Black women and we love diversity.
Our Facebook page and private Facebook group represents the cream of the crop of Black women around the globe.
One such representative is Mubanga Kalimamukwento, our Swirling Single of the Week.
Meet This Zambian Beauty
Mubanga says,
“My name is Mubanga. I’m 28 and I’m a civil litigation lawyer.
I used to be a model (A long long long long time ago). I am now a single mum of two gorgeous boys after being married for 3 years. I am an only child after my baby sister died in 1996.
I love music, especially Zambian Music. I cook and bake a lot. I know a lot of people but I have few friends. I also love to read; I’ll read pretty much anything.
I am told I’m talkative and that I wear my heart on my sleeve (both are probably true, but I’ll try to deny it).
So, e ine (That’s so, that’s me. In Bemba.)”
To connect with Mubanga on Facebook, click here. To learn more about Mubanga’s beautiful Republic of Zambia, click here.
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. Sign up for email updates to ensure you don’t miss a single episode!
Love Connection, French & Jamaican – On Facebook!
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!
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?
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. Text and photos used with permission.
Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook and request to join our private Facebook Group!
Single of the Week Is Back!
Single and Swirling?
You’re in the right place!
You asked for it, so we’re bringing this feature back.
We’ve previously featured Fantastic Fans and Swirling Single of the Week (and at least two of the ladies we featured have since gotten married – check them out here and here, and here and here).
(Yes – we have “receipts!”)
We’re doing this because our ladies are so fabulous. We want to continue to let the world to know #BlackGirlsRock. We want people to continue to feast on the #BlackGirlMagic exhibited by Black women everywhere.
For those reasons (and many more) this feature is back.
Our Swirling Single of the Week
This week we are featuring Tobi-Velicia Johnson.
Tobi-Velicia says,
“I’m 50 years old with a 27-year-old who is (finally!) a college student.
I completed my undergrad and master’s education as an adult and I have worked in the challenging field of public health for 17 years.
I take ballet classes for fun and exercise. In my spare time I enjoy going to museums, ballet performances, and Shakespeare plays.
I also maintain my French-speaking skills and try to travel to Paris as often as I can.”
Stay Tuned For More
Ballet is Tobi-Velecia’s dance of choice – stay tuned for an upcoming story on her foray into “sexy hip hop!”
To connect with Tobi-Velecia on Facebook, click here.
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 request to join our private Facebook Group!
He Says, She Says: Attraction
Attraction.
Either you feel it for someone, or you don’t.
Known as “The Southern Swirlers,” Millennials Angelique “Angel” Long and Jonathan Gamel are back with another installment of our new series, He Says, She Says.
For each installment, we’re posing the same question to Angel and Jon.
Our purpose is to glean some insight not only into the male and female perspective on the same question but more important, from the perspective of a Black woman and a White man involved in an interracial relationship.
A Question Of Attraction
Today, Angel and Jon respond to the question:
What attracts you at first glance?
He Says: Jonathan
At first glance, a woman’s body language is what attracts or deters me. She has to carry herself like a “Lady.” Not so much prim and proper, because I am in no way a model for manners.
I believe at first glance, based solely on body language, most people can form a fairly accurate opinion of a person’s character. It may sound crazy, but I believe “Body Language” can transcend just physical interaction.
Most of the time we meet people for the first time these days over social media. So, your “Body Language” on social media is in what you post, what you share, and how you interact with your “Friends.”
Other factors that can increase (or decrease) attraction? Things like the way she speaks to waiters and waitresses; how she handles a small mishap at the cash register; if she holds the door for someone behind her.
Does she post pictures with her family or friends in the club? The “Body Language” will tell it all!
She Says: Angel
What attracts me to a man at first glance are his eyes. I truly do believe that the eyes are a “window to the soul.” If you have a warm soul, most likely it will be evident through your eyes. Of course, that is only based on my personal experiences and opinion.
The next thing would be his smile. For some reason, I have an obsession with a gorgeous smile. However, just because a man has a nice smile and loving eyes, it doesn’t make him a candidate for dating me. He has to possess so much more: good character, respect, manners, ambition, intelligence, and confidence.
Never date someone SOLELY based on their physical appearance because good looks can change, but a good man will always be a good man.
Join in the Fray: What features/factors attract you at first glance?
Got a question for Angel and Jonathan? Send it c/o ASwirlGirl@TheSwirlWorl.com.
To connect with Jonathan and Angel, “Like” their Facebook page by clicking here.
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 request to join our private Facebook Group!
Love & Swirling, Long Distance Style
Long distance relationships.
Many of us groan at the thought of dating someone who lives in another city, much less another state.
Some people refuse to date long distance – they give an emphatic “No!” and two thumbs down to the notion of even engaging with someone who lives more than a certain number of miles away.
(Nixing LDR’s is also the reason why some people won’t attempt online dating – but that’s a post for another day).
Long Distance Relationships – A Yay Or A Nay?
What about dating someone who lives in another country??
Well, Shelly Palmer and Carl King are the poster kids for how to master love and swirling, long distance style.
We’ve featured them on the blog in this post and today, we’re happy to share their story.
Enjoy!
Shelly And Carl’s Story
“My name is Shelly Palmer and I live in Jamaica. My better half, Carl King lives in the Baltimore, MD area.
We met in September of 2012 on the dating site Ok Cupid. I initiated the conversation because when I read his profile I thought he had a great sense of humor.
To my surprise he responded and we started dropping each other messages every day. I actually never expected the kind of attention he started giving because his profile stated he was not interested in a long distance relationship.
One message became numerous messages per day, until we moved over to Skyping every day. Finally, we met in December of the same year when he came to visit me in Jamaica.
From then on we have been inseparable.
Having a long distance relationship is extremely difficult. It takes a lot of time, patience, a lot of communication and most importantly, trust.
We have however, managed to combine our differences, such as culture and personality into something extremely beautiful.
Carl proposed to me in March of this year. We will be married in November of this year with both of our families and friends in Jamaica in attendance.”
Congrats to Carl and Shelly. Come November, we’ll have exclusive wedding photos!
Join in the Fray: Long Distance Relationships: A Yay or a Nay?
Today’s featured couple is Carl King and his fiancé Shelly Palmer.
We love to feature couples (and singles!) 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. Photo used with permission.
Just Like Fingerprints
Marriages are like fingerprints; each one is different and each one is beautiful.
Today’s featured couple is Lewis and Traci Lowe.
(Side note: Traci was once featured as our “Swirling Single of the Week.” She & Lewis met and married within the next 18 months. IJS!)
We love to feature couples (and singles!) in 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!
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 used with permission.
Be sure to “Like” The Swirl World on Facebook!
Your Relationship Will Last If You Do This
Want a relationship that will last?
Do this!
We love to feature couples in 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!
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™ LLC.