Tis The Season

I am super excited that today officially kicks off the Holiday Season. That means Christmas music, Peppermint everything, lights sparkling and outfits made of glitter. It's the time when I fall victim to Hallmark movies and laugh and cry at the same time. It's the time when I sit on pins and needles for Home Alone (part 1 & 2). It's truly the most wonderful time of the year. Although I get a little sad around the Holidays, the pomp and circumstance always gives me a reason to smile. I remember a couple of years ago I was going through the what-do-the-lonely-do-at Christmas. This year is totally opposite, although I'm single, I definitely don't have that mind frame *wink, wink*. I hope that I can get dolled up hit a few Holiday parties,  also try a few Pinterest recipes. What do you have in mind for this season?




Afro Angels (I'm the one in the middle)


 Super ecstatic when I found theses cards for the card exchange with my line sisters!!!



Look it's a black santa, literally a chocolate santa :-)



Firmoo Giveaway

I am super excited that I was recently contacted by Firmoo to host a giveaway of their Fab glasses (insert cheers here). This absolutely came at the right time for me, seeing as though I am in need of a new cute pair of glasses. If you didn't now, I am the type of girl that likes to change her look up with a new pair of frames. 20 of my followers will receive a $20 gift certificate to Firmoo's online store. This gift certificate applies to any order excluding the designer glasses. It also doesn't cover the shipping fee and expires on Dec. 25th. Good Luck!!!

The rules for the giveaway are easy:

1. Follow my blog

                                                           2. Like Firmoo on Facebook

3.Leave a comment on which pair you'd like as well as your e-mail address





I see these in my future #literally





By Merit and Culture



Missing Renee on this pic

About two weeks ago I had the chance to spend time with over 300 of my sorority siters. My region had its cluster (a large meeting with our Regional Director) in Richmond and I had such a great time. A few of us from my Graduate chapter got together to car pool and the conversation went from the importance of being an organ donor to laughing at nephew Tommys' prank calls.

It has been a while since I actually attended a cluster, so I really didn't know what to expect. What I will say is that it was very empowering. It made me want to get back to my chapter and begin working. If you're in a sorority (especially mine) I'd definitely like to encourage you all to get back involved. Something that ALWAYS stuck out to me, is a statement from my undergraduate advisor, 'it is not about you, it's about the business'. I can definitely write a mini novel on my experience in a sorority (and yes, I'll blog about it later). If I were to take all of those experiences, especially the negative; I would run far, far away. Fortunately, I'm in it for the long haul.




All the pretty stuff

Aside from seeing the new direction the sorority is going in and getting super hyped that the next Boule will be in driving distance, there were the coveted vendor's. The vendors got me super excited because it's been a long time when I was around sooo much paraphernalia, heck, there was a time when I couldn't even wear paraphernalia (another story for another day). Anyways, I was super excited to get something. The one thing that I've been wanting is a hoodie and I'm excited that I was able to finally find one. How I LOVE my AKA!!!



My plain, yet cute hoodie and tumbler

As you can tell, there was something for everyone



These bags remind me of Dooney & Bourke, get them here

Alpha Kappa Alpha girls

Influenster Beauty Bloggers Voxbox 2012

I was super excited to be selected to review the Fall 2012 Voxbox. This is my second time around receiving the goodies. There were a few products that I either didn't review or found a bit difficult to review.



Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream $6.00 (Full size 4 oz.)

-I normally don't use frizz control cream, because at times I like big frizzy hair. This cream smelled nice but I was a bit unsure of how to use it on my texture.


EBOOST

-The package stated it would boost your mood, focus, and immunity with natural ingredients and no crash.

-I did not review this product based on the warning label


Goody Simply Styles Spin Pin $7.29
-I've always wanted to try this product so I am super excited that it was included in the box. Unfortunately, my hair is not straight so I was unable to use the product correctly. If there are any curly/kinky haired ladies that have had success with this product, please teach me.


Bath & Body Works Mini Candles $3.50

-This was my FAV product in the box. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE candles from Bath and Body Works, especially when the 3-wick is $10. Luckily, also in the box was a coupon for a $10 3-wick candle (they are usually $20). The scent I received was pumpkin cupcake, yummy!!!


NYC New York Color Individual Eyes Custom Compact $4.99

-I received the kit for brown eyes (lucky me). I've seen theses in the store before and wondered how they worked but I've never purchased it before. Let's just say that I'm happy I didn't. What I like about the product is that everything was included in the palatte, which means you don't have to fill your makeup kit with 30 things. Unfortunately the primer didn't make the color last long or really show up that much. I ended up reapplying before stepping out later. The colors alone, weren't very well pigmented either. I doubt if I'd purchase this product on my own.


Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit $ 5.99

- Naturally I have long lashes, so I only wear lashes for special occasions. I decided to put these on just to glam up a bit at work. Let's just say I felt like I put a track (weave) on my eyelid. Theses were the heaviest lashes ever. The band was sooo thick. The only thing that I liked about this product was the pink tweezer like tool that helps you put your lashes on (although I've never used on to put on lashes before).  I'll give the lashes another try but I prefer the brand that I currently use.

I can't wait until the next Voxbox!!!

Mosaic Fashion Night

Yesterday I had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of South Moon Under  who also sponsored a book signing with Emily Schuman . This store is located in the Mosiac Fashion Center, a small upscale shopping area; equipped with Nieman's boutique and Anthropology to name a few. Little did I know that last night was a celebration deemed Mosiac Fashion Night? Let's just say the area was popping.

Books, booze, and cupcakes (ooh new blog name)



They even gave us our own regular sized Georgetown Cupcake


I thought that I was ahead of the game since I arrived 30 minutes early. However, this was not the case. It seemed as everyone came out to meet author and blogger Emily Schuman from cupcakes and cashmere who was the guest of the night. The line was from the stores door to the end of the street. Get this, I tried to be a bit fashionable and wear stilettos (going for an 80s type look). Luckily, I'm smart enough to keep a pair of flats within reach. After noticing that there was two lines (one for the book signing and the other just to shop), I decided to take the shorter line. Whoever planned the event did an awesome job with the PR. There were ladies walking the line to hand out fliers which allowed you to tweet and win prizes. There was also someone that was walking around taking information regarding press AKA bloggers like me. I am sooo happy that I was able to receive the press release from CappFab. Since I'd missed the 'earlier arrival' I knew for sure that one of the 50 swag bags was out of the question. However, after providing my blog I was also given a coveted swag bag (oh how we LOVE the freebies). Although I'd purchased a book earlier, they provided one in the swag bags (score). 

I'll take Dolce Vita for 100



Pumps, clutches, and earrings, oh my



I should have got these for my future kid, leopard is ALWAYS in season

 I entered the store and the festivities began, the music was pumping and the DJ wasn't bad on the eyes (omg, I have been single for way too long). I was greeted with my choice of water or alcoholic beverage, of course I chose the latter, you can never go wrong with a little bubbly. The store was a nice size, very open and bright, and there were several designer brands to choose from. I began walking around to take it all in and of course, see which cute item fit into my 'budget'. My first stop was the accessory table. They had all types of goodies from House of Harlow to Jennifer Zeuner. Now if you’re looking to get an early Christmas party/New Year's Eve outfit, this is definitely the place to go to for that one of a kind look. I even spotted the cutest pair of leopard print baby Tom's (I live for leopard print). Unfortunately this location doesn't have a men's section, but there is a home area, so basically there is still something for everyone. After seeing all of that there, was still one section that I had to see *drum role please* the sale area. Let's just say this area still had trendy items available that weren't too off season. I thought I'd spotted the perfect mint green oversized clutch, until I realized that the latch was broken. Sucks for me because that, at a whopping $24.99 (with an additional 20% off) WAS in my budget.



Luck was not in my favor



Celebrity in the blogger world

 At this point I'd had my minature cupcake (courtesy of Georgetown Cupcakes) and now it was time to do what I'd come to do... get my book signed. As I walked to the end of the line (yes it was still long) I thought about my Election Day debauchery. Lo and behold, the young lady with the iPad came and saw that I'd signed in, she asked why I was standing in line and after she found out I was 'press' I was able to move on up to the eastside. I made my way back inside to the end of the actual book signing line *happy happy joy joy*. Once again, everything was uber organized, they even had someone to take the picture (because we have to have a picture to show it's real) as you're actually getting the book signed. I was super excited that I didn't have to nervously ask the person behind me to take my pic. Being someone that truly wants to get into photography, I am anal. Emily Schuman was sooo sweet. I asked her how she enjoyed being married and was it hard for her to be away from her husband (he was actually there). You would have thought I had a man by the questions I chose to ask *shrugs* just a girl that loves love.




Inspirational pouches

 Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and even saw a bit of inspiration in the store. The 'begin anywhere' quote really stuck with me. Expect great things from me, who knows,  I could just be your next guest author/blogger...ya never know lol. Now you know I wasn't going to leave you all without providing the deets to the swag bag *smiles*




Cupcake ornament, Stila eyeshadow, Butter nail polish, necklace, and sooo much more



Liebster Awards

Yay, I got nominated for the Liebster Awards... just when I thought no one read my blog, lol. Thank you Kenzie for the nomination. The award is for blogs who have 200 followers or less. I'm a little short of 200 so make sure that you follow me (hint, hint).

Here are the rules:

List 11 random facts about yourself

Answer the 11 questions asked by the person that nominated you

Choose 11 blogs that have 200 or fewer followers to nominate (don't forget to tell them)

Make 11 questions for the people you are nominating

Link the blog of the person that nominated you in your post and thank them!

11 Random Facts about myself:


1. I am a huge procrastinator
2. If I think too much about meat/animals; I'll stop eating meat
3. I wish I would have chose a more technical route, rather than attending college
4. I'm a texture person, so there are certain things I won't eat/drink
5. I HATE watermelon, taste and smell
6. I use song lyrics and movie lines during regular conversations and expect people to know them
7. I'm super junkie (but if you visited, you'd never know)
8. I'm a huge planner
9. I love quotes
10. I'm addicted to Hello Kitty, red velvet and bows
11. I really, really, really want to get into photography



The 11 Questions I was asked:


1. What's your blog name mean?
That I want to speak on everything hair, fashion, and what's going on with me.

2. What made you want to blog?
I moved to VA. without friends and no clue of where to go and what to do. Blogging became my outlet.

3. Fav comfort food?
Mexican

4. Bad habit?
Road Rage. It is sooo bad. I honestly try not to have it but I do.

5. Where is your favorite place to spend money?
Anywhere. I can ALWAYS find something that needs to come home with me; from a pretty colored Sharpie to a new pair of shoes.

6. Favorite blog at the moment?
There are too many to name. Love,loss, and lacquer.

7. Clothes or shoes?
Clothes.

8. What song would you use to describe yourself?
Alright by Ledisi

9. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
My occupation and pay.

10. If you could be anywhere in the world, where you it be?
Right now, Jamaica.

11. Whats your sign?
Gemini, are there any others, lol.

The 11 blogs I Nominate:

1.http://wordsunspokn.blogspot.com/

2. http://clutchez.wordpress.com/

3. http://www.keenyakelly.com/

4. http://make-upmusicmoneyme.blogspot.com/

5. http://www.gabeflowers.com/

6. http://bowtiesandbarrettes.blogspot.com/

7. http://www.societyofcurves.com/

8. http://missreaddiva.blogspot.com/

9. http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com/

10. http://b3llacara.blogspot.com/

11. http://thistable4one.blogspot.com/

The 11 Questions I ask:

1. What is your occupation?
2. Favorite post on your blog?
3. Favorite brand/store, why?
4. If you could date any actor/actress in Hollywood, who would it be and why?
5. If you could quit your day job, what would you do?
6. What is your biggest regret?
7. Most desired travel destination?
8. Describe your personal style?
9. Who are you currently listening too?
10. What is you daily blog stop?
11. What is your favorite TV show at the moment?

Thanks for the nomination and I can't wait to read every one's answers!!!

Let the Good Times Roll

A BIG congratulations to President Barack Obama for being re-elected as the President. I was invited to a watch party in DC and should have gone (but it was 'hair wash' night in my house). I wanted to watch the election coverage but at the same time I didn't. My feelings were a mixture of being nervous and anxious. It was really obvious because at the start of the race Governor Mitt Romney was in the lead. What was I thinking... usually the 'bible belt' states ALWAYS goes to the Republican. Anyways, America voiced its opinion on who will carry our country into the next 4 years and now ALL of the commercials, radio ads, and debates can finally end *whew*. This weekend, I'm sure the celebration will be all the way live in DC, and yes I will be a part of it (getting my outfit ready in my mind now).

As the coverage was taking place I was able to try out a new product. As you all know I am a former Lush employee and every now and then I have to get my lil fix in. After receiving the Lush Times in the mail I knew exactly which Christmas products I had to get my hand on. For some reason I was super intrigued by the new facial cleanser and their new lip scrub.

Lush goodies with sample

Let me just say that I absolutely LOVED this facial cleanser. Lush describes it as a gentle soft scrub. It also has a light popcorn smell mixed with a dash of cinnamon. I really didn't get the popcorn smell per se; but I really wanted to eat my face off. Yes, it was that serious. The texture is very soft all you need is a drop of water and a pinch of mixture to make a paste to apply to your skin. If you're interested in trying this awesome cleanser, head over to Lush. Its a limited edition Holiday item that retail for $12.95.



It smelled sooo delicious!!!

 I also tried the popcorn lip scrub because in the winter my lips get extremely dry. I will tell you, I was bit disappointed in this one. Maybe had I read the ingredients better I wouldn't have purchased it. But to be honest it was the uber sweet toffee smell that drew me in. My only issues after using it was that it was uber salty. Now if you really know me, salt is one of my FAV foods (DO-NOT-JUDGE-ME). However, this was gross. If you haven't tried the lip scrubs from Lush, they are made for you to lick them off. The taste was gross, but I enjoyed the way my lips felt and smelled afterwards. If you want to give it a try first I say sample it in the store. But if you're into the salty taste, you can get it from a Lush near you for $8.95.



The smell, overdose. The taste, uber gross.

Lastly, I was able to get a free sample of their new North Pole soap. The smell is a mixture of cocoa and peppermint, exactly what Christmas smells like. I haven't used it yet but I'm sure I'll be headed back their way to get a bar size soon.

If this is what the North Pole is like; I want to visit!!!

 There are a few other products I have to get before the season is over. I definitely have to go and pick up Midnight Massage, Sandy Santa, Party Popper, and Father Christmas. What will you be picking up from the Lush Holiday products?

Not Voting is Not an Option

I was at the end of this line (in the cold)

Happy Election day to everyone. If you haven't voted, guess what, you still have time!!! Last night I dreamt that I forgot to vote, I guess I was sooo anxious to do so that it took of my thought process. I can still remember being a child going to vote with my grandparents and being on cloud nine after receiving that sticker. It is sooo important that we not only speak with our children/youth but also take them along so that it's embedded in them to vote in every election. Today also makes me remember my first time voting as a college freshman. I felt grown, like I counted and had a voice. I was sooo excited, just as I was in 2008 when we had a real chance at a qualified black candidate. I definitely could not wait to experience that same kind of euphoria.




No time for looking cute, this is my serious voting face

 I would love to report that my experience was smooth and easy, but that was not the case. For some unknown reason I didn't think that I'd experience a line because I'd never experienced it before (I guess there's a first time for everything). I did get a bit agitated because I was given the run around after being in line (out in the cold) for over an hour and 40 minutes, just to be told to go somewhere else.




Making sure I get it right *wink*


Once I got to my real precinct the line was 4 times as long as the previous line. Honestly, I got a bit discouraged and thought about turning around and voting after work. I am sooo happy that I didn't because the traffic in the DMV is sooo unpredictable. Also, there was no need for me to catch an attitude, sooo many before me died for me to have this right to vote. It's not like I was being hosed down, beaten, or attacked by dogs; the least I could do was wait (again). After reaching the front of the line once again I was told to step off to the side to confirm my address. At this point I was a bit disturbed. I confirmed my address and explained that I was turned away from one precinct to come to that one. There was no way that I was going to be given the run around back and forth between two schools (heck I'm a citizen and have the VA tax receipt from last week, lol). I'm sure my expression was like sir, now is not the time for games. I mean what did he want me to do... guess how many bubbles are in a bar of soap.  Finally, I was given a ticket to vote (whew).




So excited to have this sticker

 All in all I'd wait in line again and again to exercise this right that many didn't want my people to have. Have you made it out to the polls yet?

Do Something Out of The Ordinary...

As Andre 3000 so eloquently put it... 'Do something out of the ordinary, like catch a matinee'. This weekend I definitely did something out of the ordinary. My friend decided to orchestrate a Girls Night Out at an NBA game. Now you know... your girl is not into sports (football players is another story). I toyed over and over with the idea; asking myself why would I spend $39 on a basketball game. I mean those are funds that I could use in my closet. However, I decided it was time for a change. Time to simply do something different, so I did.





All Black Everythang


I had a super cute outfit in mind, but lets just say that didn't happen (you will see it here soon). No worries, I still pulled off an all black outfit along with my super cute thrifted belt. For some reason, I felt a bit like a Power Ranger mixed with a bit of Powerpuff girls. I have to admit aside from being in a nosebleed section (thanks Groupon) the game was AWESOME!!! I mean, I can't believe I'm typing that I'd like to do it again, but I would.



#Nosebleed

Afterwards, the crew and I headed out for dinner. Of course we would wind up at the 1 and only Busboy's and Poet. If you ever visit DC this is a definitely a venue to visit. Great food and an eclectic atmosphere.

I decided to try the caramel mocha before eating my usual catfish with extra capers (I LOVE capers). Of course I had to make sure that my lipstick was popping after dinner. The night did not end there, you know we had to step out since we'd get an extra hour to party. After walking around looking for a lounge/club that was not $20; we decided to cab it over to my FAV spot on U St. Red Lounge.




Do you notice that I put my hair into a cute bow.



Just dancing  (probably to something ratchet). Had to make a 'stank' face.



Power of the Pinky

Last but not least I definitely want to send a Happy AKAversary to my line sisters Gamma Sigma Fall 2001. 11 years strong!!! How did you all spend your weekend?









That Time Again... Spa Week

Via

Yesterday was the first day of Spa Week. I ALWAYS participate in Spa Week. And if you know me, you know that I had my reservation in place over a month ago. I live for a good massage any day. Unfortunately the salon that I like best was not participating this time around which totally SUCKS. Being the nerd that I am, I had to look/read the majority of the reviews that were available. Looks like this time around there weren’t a lot of salons/spas participating (come on peeps it’s only once a year). Although Red Door was on the list (as always) I chose to go somewhere that I didn’t think would be too pretentious (that was wrong, right). But no, really, Red Door didn’t offer any services that I was interested in. I will say that my massage was good. It was the first time that the masseuse started with me lying on my back. She worked my neck, shoulder, arms, thighs, and legs and saved my back for last. I guess that I actually forgot I was naked under the sheet, because when the masseuse asked about my tattoos, I felt like saying ‘whatchu talk’n bout Willis’. The only downside to the massage was that my breathing was a little bit off at times. At times I sounded as if I were snoring lol. I wish I would have got a bit of a cranial massage as well. After about 5 minutes into the massage the soothing music (which could have drowned out my breathing issues) died. Not too bad, but like I said, there were a few downsides.


After the massage was over the masseuse mentioned to the Spa Coordinator that the music stopped and it had been doing so for quite some time. The Coordinator asked if I’d book again and I said that I didn’t know. I didn’t give that answer based on the actual massage; it’s just that when I find a place/person that I like I’m loyal. I guess based upon my answer and in regard to the non-existent soothing music, I was offered a 25% off coupon for my next massage. With that being said I’ll definitely be booking another appointment.

Are you all participating this year, if so let me know which salon/spa interest you?