2012 Trend Review

I have to admit I'm a trendy girl! I love to know, follow and of course set the trends. The idea of following trends is often looked down on but in fact I find it be positive in some ways. It definitely keeps us connected as a global society and it's refreshing to accept change even if it's just in a pair of pants. The unfortunate piece is that people are ostracized for their lack of desire to follow trends. Now THAT I don't agree with. Even a trend connoisseur like myself is not impressed by all trends.  That doesn't mean they aren't cute or worth rocking...they're just not for ME!!  So here are some of my 2012 trend Favs and Nays.

FAVS

Color Jeans

Wedges

Blazers 

Oversized Clutches

Studded Flats

 

 

NAYS

Different Color Nails

Studded Shoulder Pads

Ear Cuff



CI Ready

Clutch Instincts is officially off the ground and running!!! This online boutique for vintage and consignment clutch purses has been all the buzz. From cocktail parties to brunch with friends www.clutchinstincts.com has something for all occasions. For nearly 10 months the Clutch Instincts gals have been collecting merchandise, developing the website, setting up the business logistics AND NOW ... FINALLY everything is in place. All of the products are directly for sale through the website. Check it out and find a clutch that matches your fashionable instinct!!
OH, you can also find Clutch Instincts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!!!

Launching Baby

Two weeks from tomorrow my business partner and I will be launching our baby. For the past year we've been grooming baby into exactly what we envisioned. Baby's name is Clutch Instincts (CI) and she is an online store for vintage and consignment CLUTCH purses. We literally have every type of clutch imaginable (over 95) and in every style desired, And colors so funky they'll knock your sox off. So on December 1st, rain or shine, hell or high water CI will be born!! So in two weeks, visit www.clutchinstincts.com and get your dose of big vintage in a small clutch!

www.clutchinstincts.com

The Value of A Call

When you're down and out a simple phone call can brighten your day. It's the thought that someone cares enough about you to want to hear your voice~to know that you're still breathing. And NO, text messaging doesn't count. Text messaging is just not the same. It's the lazy version of a phone call. But what about that unreturned phone call that constantly reminds you that not only does that person not care enough to call you but they don't even want to know why you called them. Well DAMM!!! Now that's a low blow and a sure catalyst to make you jump off a 16 story building. On another note, what about the missing phone call from that ONE person. The one that you've been waiting to hear from. Because who cares about everyone else?!?!?! You simply want to hear from the guy who's captured your heart, the mother that your longing for advice from, the best friend that you've had an argument with or the sibling that owes you money. DAMN, the value in a call is pretty high. So just picking up the freaking phone and call.

Rough Times

It is said that God wont put more on you than you can bare. Well I never knew exactly how true this was until now. Two weeks ago I had a terrible accident while walking down the stairs. I fell face-first, missing the bottom four steps completely. Because it was carpet, I was left with a nasty burn, on my face, hand and arm. If I were to say that I was not emotionally traumatized that would be a lie!! The fact that it's my face is extremely nerving. Now I'm terrified to step foot in a stairwell that I've traveled up and down daily for the past five years. I never realized how much you depend on natural beauty, the warming of your smile or facial expressions to engage in simple interaction with others. But all in all, I'm doing well and learning lots. Learning how to control my emotions and fear. Learning how to be patient with my recovery and appreciative of my inner beauty. Lastly, I am learning that deep down people really are kindhearted. I've received more acts of kindness since my accident than ever before. To me that says a lot about today's society. It feels good to be loved during this difficult time.

See how God works miracles!! It's only been two weeks and I'm already healing well!

The Truth About ANGER

Yesterday my BFF shared a wonderful e-votional with me that resonated within my heart.  I read a lot from day-to-day but not often do I read something that captivates my spirit in such a way that makes me think about my daily actions in a whole new LIGHT.  This e-votional was all about ANGER.  In fact it explains that anger was created by GOD as a "defense mechanism to protect us from life threatening danger."  Well this got me thinking...in fact it made me compare how many times I've been ANGRY within the past month to how many times I've been in DANGER.  Well let's just say DANGER didn't stand a chance...I stopped counting at 10 to 1.  So I ask myself, why do I let my anger control me?  Is it helping me or my loved ones.  Or does it instead get me down and out.  Well it definitely doesn't help.  This year, I've made it a point to eliminate unnecessary things from my life and ANGER is next on the chopping block. It's time to let it go...think of a new emotion...discuss it and move on...don't hold onto the uncomfortable feelings...be happy.  Because I want your heart to be captivated like mine, I share this with you as a friend shared it with me! ENJOY...

Moment In The Word
Anger

Greetings
TODAY'S VERSE TODAY'S VERSE "And 'don't sin by letting anger control you.' Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLT)
TODAY'S THOUGHT One of the evidences of the fruit of the Spirit in our life is "self-control". And there is nothing harder to control than our anger. God originally created anger as a defense mechanism to protect us from life threatening danger. Unfortunately, today "danger" has been watered down. Now the majority of what we get angry at is not life threatening at all. Instead we are protecting ourself from embarrassment, inconvenience, consequences or someone stopping us from doing things our own way. We even get mad at God when He dares to go against what seems right in our eyes. Paul warns us about anger. He suggests that we control anger before it controls us. He wrote, "Don't sin by letting anger control you. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry." Today, get a grip on your anger. Make up your mind that anger will not get control of you. Instead, if anything is going to control you, let it be the Holy Spirit.
TODAY'S PRAYER Father, thank You that You don't ask me to do anything that you won't help me with. I am asking You today to help me with my anger. Holy Spirit, help me control my anger and not give any foothold to Satan. AMEN

ron@calvaryop.org |  http://www.layministry.com

The Fountain of Youth

Over the weekend, one of my favorite cousins had the pleasure of celebrating one more year young.  She's 22, the cutest thing walking on two legs and has the most vibrant outlook on life.  Yes, it definitely reminded me of how old and mauve I've become.  Well it was quite surprising when we discussed her NEW age and other's response to her now being 22.  She said, in the past when she would tell people her age she used to get the classic... "Oh you look so young!!!"  But now at 22, she gets... "Oh you're 22...you look good!!!" As if 22 is soooooo old, as if you're not supposed to look good at 22!  I'm not sure how I feel about this...but definitely concerned about the future of my ageful beauty.  So today when Yahoo introduced "Makeup-Mistakes That Add 10 Years," I just had to check it out.  And I'm quite happy that I did as I am guilty of at least 3 of these mistakes.  So take a look ...you might learn something about the Fountain of Youth too!
http://shine.yahoo.com/beauty/makeup-mistakes-add-10-years-142100037.html

Self Reflections

Sometimes in life you have to re-evaluate self.  Not just the do's and don'ts of being you. But looking deep and asking yourself what's important to you.  Those morals and values that you follow, believe, and hold ... are those still deep and deer to your heart?  Or have you lost something along the way?  Was it lost as you introduced new habits, people or even priorties in your life.  Do the things that make you a GOOD person also make you a better person?  The importance of money, materialistic objects, love and life are not just important because they are.  They're important because they're a catalyst for more important things in life ... like you joy, peace of mind, comfort, and self appreciation just to name a few.  But what controls you?  Or do you let self control you?  It's a thin line between happiness and satisfaction, joy and contemptment, love and manipulation.  Do you have joy in your heart or are you just content with day-to-day YOU?  Life's about Good Friends and getting rid of bad ones.  Life is about true LOVE and never settling for knock-offs.  Life is about wearing a dress that makes you feel good not scream wealth.  In recent self reflections I've had to break down my life on a level that I should have dove into a long time ago.  So I have to ask... have you reflected on self lately?  Have you evaluated what's important to you?  Have you carved out a plan to make you life the best life that it can possibly be?  Don't ask what's best for me...it's about what's best for you!!!

BIG No

At least once a week I find myself amazed at the things we wear. "We" meaning my fellow big girls. We already have so much stacked up against us, why make it even harder on ourselves by wearing the most outrageous get-ups known to man.  At an early age my mom taught me two very important things.

1. Don't leave home without a girdle.
2. Just because it comes in your size doesn't mean you need to wear it.

Thank God for moms!!! Well unfortunately some people don't have mothers who are as critically objective as mine. Well as a result you have MY Girls walking around like this...

I Need to Taste the Rainbow

So I'm spending the weekend in Charleston, SC and I have to admit...I'm a long way from Chocolate City. Don't get me wrong, Charleston is absolutely beautiful!! The food is amazing, the people are friendly, and the culture and history are rich. It's also home to Firefly Vodka (which I can never get enough of) and even some of my favorite movies were filmed/based here (Dear John and The Notebook). But with all that, where are the people of color. I'm not just talking about African Americans!!! Where are the Asians, Latinos, and any other group of people that aren't Caucasian Persuasion. I love people of all nationalities and I'm sure that stems from being raised in the DMV. I love meeting and working with people of various backgrounds or eating authentic Thai, Jamaican and Ethiopian foods. Now trust...I can adapt to any city. I can make it work to the best of my ability. However, I would prefer to just taste the rainbow but unfortunately Charleston does not sell Skittles.

However, I'm having a great time. I love hanging out on Market Street. I'm enjoying some old friend and meeting some new.

Vintage Voyage

Recently I've spent more time in consignment, thrift and vintage shops than ever before. A good friend (One half of Chronicles of a Vintagista) and I have embarked on a new adventure involving second hand items. So needless to say my free evenings, weekends, and lunch breaks are spent perusing the shops. Regardless of the town, I can guarantee that I'll locate the nearest thrift store. So while visiting my mom this weekend in the Northern Neck of Virginia, I spotted a new shop called "Village Vintage."  Well why is it that you never find what you're looking for but always what you don't need.  I need a new pair of earrings like I need a hole in my head. But I couldn't resist!!! This vintage pair of 'nautical' clip-ons literally spoke to me!!! They said: you want me...don't leave me...you may never see me again. Not really, that's just what I told myself that I heard.  Never-the-less, they're beyond cute...so cute in fact that I can only wear them on my ultimate days!!! And my favorite cherry red lipstick is the perfect accent to this pair. The owner of Village Vintage informed me that the earrings were purchased at an estate sale in Fredericksburg, VA. So I started thinking, maybe I'm looking in the wrong place for my second hand findings. If Village Vintage is selling beauties like this for dirt cheap, imagine how little they paid for them. So forget the middle man...bring on the estates!!!

What's too much

Let's face it, some women are "plain janes" but I'm not one of them. Now don't get me wrong, I love my simple cute days. It feels great to throw on a wife-beater, leggings and still be a princess!!! However, I prefer to be simple "chic." It doesn't take much, those same leggings and wife-beater paired with standout jewelry can revamp the entire look. So when is it too much to be fashionable? Well in my opinion never. But in my BF's opinion at a Nats game. I got chewed out for rocking pearls to yesterday's Washington Nationals game against the Philadelphia Phillies. And to add insult to injury I was warned to never try that at the Baltimore Ravens game!!! BF was actually serious. My response - I'm a diva everywhere that I go! Plus the Ravens is football, you won't see my pearls underneath of my hoodie!

The FREAKUM Dress

There's a time and place for everything and the freakum dress is no exception.  The right freakum dress can make the Pope's head turn, your dad buy you a robe and "The Bride of Chucky" look like Beyonce.  But would Beyonce where her stilettos and mini to a funeral?  Well I hope not.  And I thought it wouldn't be worn to my grandfathers funeral but I was wrong.  I guess there's just something about funerals that makes women want to show a little extra leg.  Well last week at my grandfather's "tasteful" home-going service, I saw more than a KFC chicken box full of legs, thighs and breast.  Now at the time I didn't have the energy to speak out but now that I'm rejuvenated....  Just for future reference, these are the "Do Places" and the "Don't Spaces" of the infamous FREAKUM Dress!!!

Do Places
1. The Club
2. The Club
3. The Club

Don't Spaces
1. A Funeral
2. Your Job
3. A Restaurant
4. Your Momma's House
5. Any Sporting Event
6. The Grocery Store
7. At Church
8. A Doctor's Appointment
9. A Job Interview
10. Any Place That's Not the CLUB

RiRi's Line

America's favorite R&B bad girl, Rihanna, announced on yesterday that she's launching a fashion line with UK store River Island.  Although I'm positive that I'll only be able to fit the earrings from her line, I'm still SUPER excited.  Not only do I love Rihanna's music but her style represents my personality to the fullest!!!  Her line is being categorized as "Street CHIC."  And honestly, if I didn't have a job I would live in cut up tights, graphic tees, and combat boots.  So let's stay tuned to what RiRi's line will bring.  In the meantime, check out my favorite past looks from Ri!




My favorite RiRi Looks!!!

BAD Blogger

I can't  make excuses or really give a good explanation for my recent absence!!!  I have not updated you on my world, I haven't given you any photos.  I haven't even told you if I've gained, lost, or swallowed an elephant.  I'm sad to say, I've been a BAD Blogger...

So let's jump right into it!!! Over the past month I've done a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  One, included moving into a fabulous new apartment.  It's not exactly what I've been hoping for (SICK OF RENTING) but it's super cute!!!  It has a vintage feel with chic hardwood floors, its spacious almost like a downtown warehouse and most importantly, it's mine!!!

I've also done a bit of local hanging!  Back in June a couple of friends and I attended Step Afrika's Home Performance Series in support of Ms. Dionne Eleby. As always, Step Afrika performed stunningly well and represented a very different rhythmic flow then they have in the past.  They still kept their audience well engaged and hanging on to, literally, their every step!

Opening Night (left to right) Lauren, Tiff, Ama, Dionne

VIP Night...w/ Keina Hodge

Just last week, I traveled to the Tampa, FL area.  I had the pleasure of spending time with my cousin and got to enjoy just being out of DC.  Don't get me wrong, I love my city! But it definitely felt good to get away.  Five days in Tampa was just what I needed!!  A little beach time, swimming in the pool, jacuzzi relaxation, site seeing and GOOD food.  ALL of the things I need for a good vacay.  Luckily, I came back rejuvenated and more excited about my life.  REALIZATION - occassionally you have to step out of the normalcy of your own life in order to realize what you've got GOOD or better yet GREAT!!!

My Cousin Danielle

Clearwater Beach, FL


Lastly, I went home!!!  Home as in the Northern Neck of VA.  That's where my mom, brother, grandparents and my niece live.  So even though DC is where I live, was born and mostly raised.  The Neck is where my heart resides.  While home I also enjoyed time with some of my oldest friends.  We took on a local boat party that was ALL you can EAT and DRINK for $25.  In DC, you might get two drinks for $25....forget about the food.  Besides the good country eating and strong bottom shelf drinks, hanging with old friends was especially a blast!!!

Northern Neck, VA

Lighthouse in Reedville, VA



Getting My *** Kicked

So It's been two weeks since I joined the gym and started working with a trainer.  Well just for the record, I'm getting my *** kicked.  Now granted I need it but I can barely feel my legs.  When I leave the gym I feel like I've been hit with bricks.  It's a great thing but let's just be honest, in the moment you feel like you're going to die.  This first of all confirms that I'm sooooo out of shape it's not even funny and second of all, those people that say they love working out are either crazy, lying or not working out hard enough.  So if you're one of those gym freaks who leaves after an hour and feels like you could run another mile then you haven't did SH!!  Turn your *** around, get back on that elliptical and pump up both volumes.  The volume settings on that machine and the one on your ipod.  And don't be the workout princess running to Alicia Keys and Adele ... trust me, your results are limited.  But if you pump Katie Perry and Beyonce then you might drag out like you just GOT YOUR *** KICKED TOO! 

Jingle my Change-Purse

After years of trying to do this on my own, I finally gave in to the pressure! The pressure to be healthier, to be better, to be more proactive with my life.  Yes, I joined a gym.  Am I sure that this is the right move for me...well of course not.  But I had to make a decision to try something different, something BOLD, something that my pockets can afford but my stinginess has kept me from doing for as long as I can remember.  For years I've been thinking that I can do this on my own - I can walk 3 times a week in my neighborhood - I don't need the support of a gym, and trainers, and like minded individuals!!!  Well, my thinking for the past 100 years has not improved my health, it has not made me more motivated, and I'm still in the same physical condition that I was in last year.  So now that money is involved and invested in my journey...I hope that my commitment will prevail or at least my change-purse. 

My New BFF

I have a new BFF and I'm loving it!!!  "My Fitness Pal" is like the best thing since sliced bread and I've tried a lot of different breads.  Weight Watchers online can't hold a candle to my new bff and don't even get me started on Spark People.  The My Fitness Pal smart phone app is free, very user friendly and has a large database.  I hated trying to find different foods and how many points they were using the Weight Watchers app and Spark People was even worse.  It definitely wasn't user friendly and didn't have enough products already in its system.  When you're using an online calorie tracking program of any kind you want to find products quickly and easily add them to your daily food journal.  Well I've found My Fitness Pal to be the best.  You can even track your exercise and water in take.  So if you're looking to start keeping a food diary, I definitely recommend my new BFF!!!

Happy Weight-loss Monday
  

My BLACK Aint Better Than Your BLACK

HAIR - the ultimate accessory that can make an outfit banging, a face glow and men and women take a second look.  It’s that accessory to beauty that we never forget but often under estimate.  Well NATURAL HAIR, for black women, is that new-new accessory.  It’s that handbag that every other black woman is dying to buy BUT why?  They’ll all rant and rave about the plight of a black woman and the revolution of us going back to our roots.  BUT REALLY, really though…your footprint back to the motherland???   Now let’s be real sisters…all of us did not get a bad perm, rediscover our roots and decide to show our Caucasian-Persuasion coworkers, friends, and neighbors that we are all from AFRICA in the same 5 year time-frame.  What’s wrong with simply saying it’s the cool thing to do, I’ve been getting perms for so long I don’t even know what my real hair looks like, or I was bored and needed a change.  It’s nothing wrong with that!  But the thing that baffles me the most, is the NATURAL haired sister that brags about her mane and criticizes her girlfriend for being in love with “Dark and Lovely in a jar.”  Just because you wanted to rock that twist-out doesn’t mean that you’re better, doesn’t mean that your blacker, doesn’t mean that you’re prettier.  It simply means you made a choice and that choice is yours the same as your friends choice to keep her hair fried, dyed and laid to the side.  In reality, your friend’s decision NOT to go natural may have a little more weight on it today.  Her permed hair may show her strength and individuality! And in fact it may show that her BRAVE-HEART is a little bigger than yours.  WhY? Because it’s easy to jump on the bandwagon…it’s easy to do what everyone else around you is doing.  But it’s hard to be the sister walking around with your hair still fried.  You might ask, well damn BBB aren’t you natural?  Well of course I am, BUT my black aint better than your black.  I made a decision and I don’t care if the sister to my left is bald and the one to my right is permed…what’s mine is mine and what’s theirs  is theirs and I love them all the same!    

Yours Truly, 
BBB  

Sleep Away the Pounds

I only have one friend that gets the required amount of sleep on a regular basis.  The rest, usually get as few as 4 or 5 hours a night.  And yes, I am sometimes in that sleep deprived bunch.  But I can't do it any more!!! By 11pm I'm sooooo tired that I can barely think...not alone hold a conversation, drive home from the club or walk to my house.  Not only does lack of sleep alter my mood, but I get those terrible bags underneath of my eyes, I look like crap, my body feels like I'm 80 and my skin even gets bumpy.  Well I've made up in my mind that I'm not doing this anymore!!!!  I don't care what I think needs to get done from night-to-night, I am going to get not 8 but 9 hours of sleep.

Check out this great article called The Best Weight-Loss Trick Ever... 

PASS the bar

Who doesn't love a good alcoholic beverage from time-to-time???  Well I know I do!!!  I'm not a regular drinker but depending upon the occasion or my mood...halfway through the day my inner-self starts singing the "Margarita Song."  Unfortunately, the Margarita that I like (frozen with salt on the rim) is one of the quickest ways to pack on the pounds.  So, I did a little research and stumbled upon a really cool site, "Get Drunk Not Fat."  This website breaks down the caloric intake of over 100 liquors, wines and beers.  I think I'll find it very helpful in the future.  For example, if I've already eaten close to my limit for the day and I know I'm meeting up with friends for drinks.  I can take a look at "Get Drunk Not Fat" and decide what my bar poison will be before I even arrive.  Happy MONDAY...if it's one like I'm having GET DRUNK NOT FAT!!!

http://getdrunknotfat.com/

Cheap Upgrade

Now that I am halfway through my 3 month "Shopping Rehab" I've started to reflect upon my most memorable bargains.  Well right around the beginning of March, I came across a fabulous skirt while helping my cousin shop for work clothes.  As always, I wasn't supposed to be looking for myself but sometimes something catches your attention and wont let go.  In this case, it was the sparkling sequins of a Lane Bryant skirt.  I wasn't sure where I would wear the skirt but it was $5 marked down from $80 so I just had to try it on.  To my surprise, the skirt fit like a glove! Hugging and concealing and all the right places.  So needless to say, I walked out with that skirt.  Still not knowing wear I would wear it but then I remembered having to attend a formal gala for my job.  So, I came home and paired that skirt with a see-through ruffle top and black heels to match ... and I was set.  An event that I anticipated purchasing a $100+ dress for turned into my cheapest outfit of the year.

Just reminiscing until I can shop again!!!

Skirt: Lane Bryant

Top: I don't remember (Lol)

Jewelry: Silpada and Macy's

At the Convention Center

My co-worker Patricia and my Silpada Consultant

Flaky Folk

I know you think I'm getting ready to write about dry skin, the positives of eating corn flakes or the pound packing abilities of flaky biscuits.  Well, it's not that complicated.  What happen to the days when trust was of the essence or the notion that one's word really is bond.  To expect the average person from looking you in your face and given you a lie the size of Africa, the length of the Nile and the strength of a Maasai Warrior would be like wishing for snow in July.  I'm a true believe that karma really is a B**** and it will surely come around to BITE you in the ARSE.  So do unto others as you would have them do unto you and maybe your dreams will come true.  But until you do, accept all your bad karma for what it is.  Why?  Because you did it to yourself.  Simply put, be a better person...it pays!     

Color Embrace

BLACK~GRAY~WHITE~BLACK~GRAY~WHITE it's like a bad tune that's stuck on repeat.  EVERY Single woman I've ever known loves to wear white, enjoys wearing gray and can't live without black and especially the big girls.  Just because you have an extra roll or two doesn't mean you cannot embrace a little color.  Today is the day that you start embracing you and all your curves.  Hiding behind black pants and a white shirt will not make you invisible...it only makes you boring.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that you walk into your super conservative office job wearing lime green pants.  But what's wrong with a pink cardigan to match your black pants?  And when you're not going to work, you can really FUNK it up.  "Color Blocking" is sooooo in and I'm loving it!!!  I've been the "Unique aka Weird" dressed girl for years...having no reservations about rocking my so called "mitched-matched clothing."  But now, society has finally caught up to wear I've always been.  It's spring and this is the best time to start embracing a new you, a new look, a new color. 

So you can get with THIS....

OR you can get with THAT....

   

BIG Pride

Since I've starting my journey with BBB I've received much needed positivity and encouraging words from friends, family, and people that I don't even know.  I never before would pay attention to the images of BIG beauty but now I realize it's ALL around me. I can honestly say that BIG Pride is alive and present.  Yes, the jerks are still out there.  The skinny people that wish they were fat and the crazies that thing FAT is FAILURE.  But I've learned to understand that those people are the true failures.  They are uncomfortable in their own skin and they're secretly hoping for a society of miserable people.  Why?  Because unfortunately, misery loves company.  So in order to stand true to self and not let the crazies get me down, I often turn to images of BIG Pride.  Like Victoria Janashvili who's collection of "commercial real women" photos is nothing short of fabulous.  These images make me smile, they make me laugh, but most of all they make me PROUD!!!  Here are just a few...



http://www.victoriajanashvili.com/



http://www.victoriajanashvili.com/

http://www.victoriajanashvili.com/

The Inner Struggle

I am currently having a NERVOUS breakdown.  Not suicidal just a tad bit psychotic.  I think I've set the bar WAY too HIGH.  Not shopping for three months is driving me insane and it's only been three weeks.  I can't take the pressure...I feel like a kid at the zoo and literally every animal is trying to snatch me up!  Bad illustration...let's just stick to a kid in a candy store.  Anyway, you get the picture.  Everything I see, I want and it literally wants me to buy it.  The first two weeks were OK, I was just coming to terms with my decision but the last week has been pure torture.  Now, I can honestly say my cousin was right...I have an addiction!!! 

So since I'm not doing any new shopping or even looking.  This week I can't introduce a new "Pick of the Week."  But I will post the last five as a recap.  Think of it as looking into a photo album...the memories are still there.

http://www.asos.com/Women/Curve/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=9577

http://www.monifc.com/plus-size-swimwear/sao-paulo-high-waisted-plus-size-bikini.html

http://www.jibrionline.com/live/

http://www.zappos.com/steve-madden-wardenn-black-suede?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_brand_page

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Category.aspx?br=plus&category=faith_outerwear

http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Clearance/GraphicTees.jsp

Summer Arms

Yes, I'm back on it...so let me just say what you already know.  I HATE-HATE-HATE MY ARMS!!!!  And now that the summer is slowly creeping back around, my anxiety is on FULL BLAST.  So, I've decided that I have to defeat this thing.  This year, I've decided that I will not let my ARMS control me - determine my summer plans - rain on my summer wardrobe parade.  I've made a promise to me and my May through September clothing.  A promise that only the bravest of ARM-shy-girls will ever make. "I BBBthink will rock you (my summer clothes) ALLLLL summer long like I have Michelle Obama arms."  This is for every cute tank that I usually smother beneath a cardigan, for ever summer dress that never sees the light of day, and for all those strapless rompers that my visa card just couldn't escape.  Pray for me...it's going to be a long summer. 

B-day Recap

Hands down one of the best b-day's ever!!!  It was drama free, simple but fun, and I enjoyed a little bit of time with all of the special people in my life!  In addition, I didn't go broke buying a new head-to-toe look...definitely a first for me.  The only thing new was my dress which came from Fashion to Figure and cost me less than 40 bucks.  I wore a pair of shoes that I brought earlier this year, made my own earrings out of jewelry that I already owned and I didn't even spend an obscene amount of money on food and drinks.  All in all I would say I'm on the right track to a productive 27th year.  Here are a few pics of me and my girls...check out the earrings in my close-up shot.

My Girls!

My college ace and deuce!

My co-worker/work-bf

Loving my new homemade earrings!!!

YES, I'm in Rehab

After recent serious conversations with one of my favorite people, I can now stand and admit that I am an addict and my addiction to shopping has long taken over my life.  I've had these conversations with a number of family and friends but one of my cousins did the ultimate.  She showed me her entire wardrobe which consist of 15% items that she's purchased while 85% consist of items that I purchased, wore once, maybe twice then gave to her.  YES, it's true...I have a serious problem.  It's a problem because I'm not balling out of control.  Yes, all of my bills get paid and I've NEVER been late, I still save money and I give back to my community.  But sometimes too much is toooooo much.  I say this because I can always save more, I can always give more back to my community, and I'm still not a homeowner (one of my goals).  So, I've checked myself into rehab.  For the next 3 months, I will not purchase anything new (I'm going to die...I know it).  Well I started my journey with my birthday.  Yes, I bought a new dress but the orange shoes that I so desperately wanted to wear with my dress...well I didn't buy them.  I still can't believe it, I've decided to rock a pair of shoes that I already own.  Then I wanted new jewelry.  I admit, this is even more crazy than the shoes.  I have enough jewelry to open up two stores.  So instead, I took a necklace that I never wear, broke it and added the pieces from the necklace to a pair of hoops that I already owned.  I've decided to fully commit myself to this task thus having to maximize on all of my resources.  Revamping each shirt, pair of pants, dress, jewelry, shoes and handbags to look like I purchased it yesterday.  If I can succeed, this will be a true test of my will-power, creativity and designer instinct.  So pray for me, I'm in REHAB! 

Birthday Remix

I refuse to have a meltdown on my bbb-day.  Despite the fact this birthday, the year 27, provokes people to remind me that I'm almost 30.  Give me a break...I'm not a homeowner, I'm not married/engaged, and I'm not Oprah...all the things I thought I would be by 30.  So relax folks...these last three years are critical and I'm not rushing!!!  So instead of thinking about all of the major things that I need to accomplish before 30, I'll focus on all of the things that will help me look 27 forever.

1. Stress Less
2. Laugh More
3. Spend more time doing the things that I enjoy
4. Don't fall asleep with my makeup on
5. Sleep as long as I want, when I want
6. Live Healthier
7. Travel Travel Travel
8. Love Lots

Hands~Feet Chemistry

Eventhough I've never really touched on this topic, in my opinion your hands and feet are just as important as the clothes on your back.  I'm often asked how I get my nail polish to last so long or how I decide what color works best for me.  Well, I am not a fan of matching things, so you'll rarely hear me say, I'm getting orange nail polish to match my orange dress.  NEGATIVE!!!  However, I do like bright things and because I'm a brown skin sister, light colors work well for me.  My complexion gives it that extra pop/standout appeal.  Now, to be honest...I live in the pinks, purples and reds...what can I say, I'm a girlie-girlie!  But you have to decide what's RIGHT for YOU.  So, what's the trick to a long lasting manicure?!?  It's called Gel Polish.  It's a little heavier than the average polish and it doesn't chip after two days.  Most professional salons have started using this product because of the popularity but beware not all of them use the best brand.  I've had several types...even OPI has there version but I found the best to be the "Gelish Soak off Gel Polish by Harmony."  Unfortunately, this manicure will cost you $25 instead of the normal $10 but it will last for two weeks instead of two days.  Now on to my feet.  My skin is not smooth like butter and my feet are no exception.  So in order to not look like I walk around on rocks with no shoes on, I rely on an OLD remedy that my grandmother taught me years ago.  At night, right after a shower and right before bed...I rub my feet down in Vaseline, wrap them with seran (plastic bag will also work) and sleep in sox.  Don't laugh...I know it's not the most attractive thing but it works like magic.  You do that for two nights back to back and your feet will be smooth as a baby's bottom.





http://www.nailharmony.com/products/gelish-gel-polish/gelish-gel-polish.html

 


Some of the available Gelish colors by Harmony