Merry Christmas

                   

I hope that everyone has enjoyed this wonderful Christmas. I really planned on being way more festive than I was but sickness and work kinda got in the way. I usually get sad around Christmas but this year I've had a really good holiday. Although I was unable to be with my immediate family, I was able to spend it with people that I love and care about.

P.S- My boo even hooked me up with exactly what I wanted #POW!!!

Dior Girlfriends Night Out

As I told you all before I am going to really dive into blogging in regard to fashion and maybe a little beauty as well. Tonight I attended a makeup course with Dior cosmetics at Nordstroms. I was uber excited since the event was hyped up to be glamorous and have prizes.

Dior's National makeup artist was present and I thought I'd be getting a makeover. But as I entered the room I saw that tools and makeup were set on each table so I knew it would be a 'how-to' course. All of the Dior staff were very friendly and their Diorshow artist Vincent Lee had a great sense of humor (and style). Although the event wasn't exactly what I expected I was happy that I went because I had never tried any Dior makeup altough I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their fragrences. I'm also happy that I was able to meet som cool bloggers as well, we all instantly clicked.

Just a few things I learned from Mr. Lee-

*Have your skin care at your nightstand, he highly recommends the Cleansing Water
*Dior products are the worlds most powerful anti-oxidants
*Think of your brows as sisters and not twins
*If you want your lips to look more defined apply the liner after the lipstick

His top 3 things are:

1.Have the right products
2. Pay attention to the application techniques
3. Have the right tools

Although I didn't actually get a makeover per se, we did get to see his technique first hand on a model. My only wish was that he had chosen someone from the group instead of a pre-selected model. The only reason I saw this is because the technique he did on her didn't apply to any of us in the room. He did a technique to open her eyes and the majority of the people in the room had a different eye shape. So of course our techniques was different. We as he put dark colors on the models lids to create depth we were putting the dark colors in our crease, kinda hard to follow dn't ya think *Kanya shrug*. My only other real complaint was that he used a product on the model that was called Air Flash. It was a makeup in an aresole container that sprays out to create a natural look on the face. Of course natural was the look that I wanted to go for since the model's finished result was flawless. But as fate would have it...the Air Flash did't have any dark shades...not one, but not any. So of course all 3 bloggers questioned and gave side eyes as to why not. The response was super weird to me. He stated that Europe doesn't have the same variations... (now I don't have as many student loans as  do to just be a dummy) was this dude trying to tell me that there aren't black people in Europe. And at that point I knew Dior makup was not for me. Why would I spend my hard earned money on on a luxery brand that can't even cater to my needs as a woman, yet alone a black woman.

Of course at the end of the 'makeovers' you're expected to make a purchase, but the makeup I thought I was intersted in didn't come in my shade sooo...NO DEAL DIOR, and to think, I had budgeted to buy at least one product!!! However, there was something that I'll pick up eventually. That was the Lip Glow. It's a balm that allows your natural lip color to peep through.

All in all, I was happy to meet new bloggers, the food was good, and I learned about another brand. Check the pics below:

Mr. Lee and a few of us from the event including Spitting Glitter

After my makeup application

Silly Bloogers having fun

I'm Reloaded

One of the reasons I've been MIA for most of the month is because I've had tonsillitis. I know you may be reading this like... that kept you from typing? A little yes and a little no. I was trying to be responsible with my time management (or so I thought) and decided to wait to go to the doctor until my scheduled time off (around Thanksgiving). Funny, cause the old me would take a day as soon as I got a day. But now I hold on to PTO like an extra man on Mario, you never know when there's a real emergency, or an interview *wink, wink*. Anyways, I digress.

I noticed the white spots on my tonsils around Oct. 15th and I thought it was getting better instead it got worse. I bought over the counter meds. that did nothing but say FU!!! Sooo I woke up feeling like I had been mugged the day prior and figured it was time for me to go to the doctor. I took antibiotics for 10 days and guess what... they said FU again. So last week I had to call to make yet another appointment, plus I forgot to add in I've been falling asleep at the wheel too. Luckily the appointment was for today because Saturday I woke up and could hardly walk. It has got worse since then to the point of tears, I tried to soak in a lovely Lush bathe unfortunately, that didn't work. I even missed out on my $70 tickets to go see the Nutcracker (still pissed about that one). So of course, one more thing to add to my checkoff. Come to find out I have a pinched nerve WTF. So today I was prescribed yet another antibiotic (for 10 days) and 2 more for my pain. Hopefully, I'll start to feel a difference really soon cause this is for the birds. I've missed a sorority rehearsal and fashion events so below is my recipe for a better me plus a bit of prayer.

So much to be Thankful for...

To Be Loved...

A couple of months ago I had a chance to witness my line sister's wedding and of course that put me in a lovey dovey mood. As I've stated on my blog before... I LOVE, LOVE!!! It felt sooo good to witness my line sister marry someone that loves her just the same as she loves him. So far about 7 of my line sisters are married (out of the ones I keep in touch with). Going to their weddings year after year gives me hope that one day *echo* 'one day' it'll be my turn too!!!

In regard to relationships and all things lovey-dovey... the summertime happened to leave me with a relationship of my own (insert gasps and sighs here). All I can say is... it happened just in time for cuffing season. I'll let you know that I am a bit guarded and hesitant, lets just say it's been a long time. I'm trying to remain open and just go-with-the-flow but its kinda hard to do so. When I say that this just happened, it really did. Sometimes I'm still shocked...like I'm no longer single Kristin, but attached Kristin... a la when asked, I have to answer I have someone or I'm in a relationship. And not that its a bad thing its just different. After being single for sooo long I just got used to thinking only of me and my feelings/perspective.

Now I know my title refers to love but I'm no way near that 4 letter word yet. But to even change the letters around a bit for 'liked' kinda gives me butterflies. Those that follow my blog consistently, know that I've typed about my relationship woes in the past so this unexpected twist in fate feels good, to say the least. I can't lie there are constant challenges each week which mainly help me grow but also us grow together as a couple. I've learned what-not-to-do from my past and try other methods for my future. Now I have no clue how long this feeling or fellow will last, but I kinda think I won't be having a what-do-the-lonely-do type of holiday. However, if that is not the case my new found relationship still puts me another notch closer to being loved!!!

It's My AKAversary

This pic was taken the day after we came out Fall '01

Today is officially my AKAversary, for those of you that don't know, it means I have been in my sorority for 10 years today!!! It seemed just like yesterday I was pulling a flier off the door in regard to Rush. I honestly never thought I'd be an AKA. It was kinda the furthest thing from my mind. I do remember everyone saying 'do your research' however, I was a Delta teen all throughout high school so that was kinda embedded until I saw they didn't represent me. All in all I know my choice was the BEST fit for me.

Last weekend we celebrated at our Homecoming festivities by having a charity event at a candy store as well as dining out together and performing a small stroll. Being back at my Alma Mater brought back sooo many memories that were made along with AKA. I always joke and say I was an AKA for most of my collegiate tenure, seeing as though I crossed my sophomore year. I hope that I can make another 10 years (active) and continue to service all mankind, cause it-is-a-serious-matter!!!

I know many of you have had questions on sorority life (mainly from my YouTube page) and I've addressed them personally; but if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

I Like Your Office

Jeans- Ross

Shoes- Target

Headband- F21

'I like your office' is what the woman said to me as she got on the elevator, after looking me up and down. I thought for sure she said I like your outfit because her accent was super strong. Or maybe that's what I wanted her to say lol, not that I had on anything worth talking about. But I did have this super comfy fall chilled look going on.

Another challenge that I've had in regard to posting outfits is that I usually just wake up and throw on whatever. Whatever, meaning, shaking it, smoothing it out and leaving. Let's just say that the place I go to on a daily has had my enthusiasm down for quite sometime now (another story, I digress). I guess there is a parallel between the mystery elavator woman liking my office as well as my outfit since I can wear jeans to work.

Button Down- H&M
Vest- Wet Seal
Bow Earrings- F21

You all will see in several post going forward that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE bows!!! The handbag was a spur of the moment post this week. Honestly, I'm super broke but I couldn't pass it up, especially when it was only $19.99. I love the fact that its BIG and slouchy with metal groments, and the drawstring closure gives it a throwback feel.

Guess Bag- Rugged Warehouse

Pics by Reggie

Red Chasing a Fox IDK

Bracelets- Juicy Couture

Necklace- F21

Ring- Avon

Blazer and Blouse- Thrifted

A couple of months ago I joined Capfabb which is a group of fashion bloggers in DC. As I've stated before I like to think of my blog as a lifestyle blog. Although the name basically represents pieces of fashion, I like to write about several different topics as well as vent. To be honest, I spend several hours stalking fashion blogs, you can find them all throughout my favorites, as well as a listed in my planner so that I don't lose any of you lol!!! I am a bit apprehensive because its something new, I don't have a 'set' photographer, and will I really fit in?

Oh well, today I am going to start moving in another direction and actually adding a few OOTD (Outfit of The Day) and whatever else that I deem fashion related to my blog. I guess I'll learn as I go. I'm actually excited to take advantage of some of the fashion challenges and creating new looks from what I already have. If you all subscribe to me on YouTube then you already know what I mean.

Shoes- Gojane.com

Brooch- Macys

Photos by Reggie

So I have a lot to work on when it comes to posing (super corny), but I think I'll get there soon enough lol. The title is as random as it comes. I was speaking to a co-worker (Leslie) and after she saw the pics this is what she thought I should name it lol, IDK.

Dear October

Be True To Yourself

I actually saw this tag on Inside Look's blog and decided to just do it (thanks chick)!!!

 

Spa Week- Fall Edition

I am sooo excited that today officially kicked off SpaWeek. Starting today you're able to book spa packages at any of the participating spas/salons for $50. For the past 2 1/2 years I have treated myself to a massage. It wasn't until recently that they've started having Spaweek twice a year. If you've never experienced Spaweek or have never indulged in a massage, facial, or pedicure now is definitely the time to book. You can book your today by visiting here.

If you're in my area and wondering where I booked, I chose Zoe Salon and Spa (again). They actually have two locations, but I chose this one since it's near my part-time job. If you like to know my previous experience click here.

Let me know if you all choose to take advantage of SpaWek

Remembering Sept. 11th

I remember Sept. 11th 2011 like it was yesterday. It was one of the most beautiful days ever. 10 years ago my friend ran into my dorm room and announced that the world trade center collapsed. My roommate/bestie/soror and I sat up half sleep and in disbelief of what we heard and what we were about to see. I remember the entire campus walking around like zombies. No one knew what was going on if we were safe as a school and more importantly as a country.

Over this past week I've watched several specials and 1st hand accounts of what happened on Sept. 11th. Even watching all of the footage 10 years later my emotions are still raw. I can't watch at all without my eyes becoming teary. I'm actually watching as I type and that particular area in NY looked like a ghost town. If I remember correctly, I thought at the time, the President didn't react quickly enough, but after watching his initial response, I saw he too was in shock (if not more). There were sooo many people that lost their lives and my thoughts and prayers go out to each of them and their families. 10 years later I'm a bit more mature and able to see the act of terrorism as it is. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be on one of the top floors above where the actual plane hit and know that I'm not going to make it down.

I see why the choice to go to Afghanistan was made although I don't fully understand it. I'm going to end with God Bless America and all the people that lost their lives on Sept. 11th or in the Afghan War as a result f Sept. 11th. Sept. 11th is a date that will forever be etched in my heart and mind. Gone but not forgotten!!!

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture...

I just automatically thought that earthquakes didn't happen on the east coast. I know we have a hell of a lot of tornado's, after effects of hurricanes, and floods but never have I experienced a earthquake. So as I was sitting at my desk joking with my coworkers our chairs started to vibrate and we joked like who the heck is running down the hall shaking our chairs. About 3 seconds later the shakes became more violent. I mean we were really moving and things were falling. My co-workers in our large break room said that the tables were sliding.  As I stated earlier I had never experienced an earthquake, until then. Lets just say I too started shaking profusely. One of my co-workers that has experienced an earthquake got her purse and and headed out followed by another. As I turn and looked, everyone was shouting its an earthquake and the only ones left on my team was my manager and I. We were both standing there like what do we do and then she says lets get out of here so I grab my purse and realize that I brought my journal (ya know, to let work, work for me) so you know I had to grab that!!! By this time we meet up with our safety leader for fire evacuations and she says that we shouldn't leave. After about 2 minutes our VP comes by and says to get out. As we are outside everyone is trying to text and call their family members/loved ones. Lets just say nothing worked. Now mind you this earthquake was nothing in comparison to the earthquake in Japan. However, at that moment I knew what it felt like to not be able to get in contact with anyone to let people know that you were alright and make sure that they are alright. However, Twitter was that ram in the bush for a lot of people (including ya girl, follow me @akakristin). For a while I was able to receive incoming but couldn't make any outgoing. Luckily my phone was working when my part time job called to inform me that my boss had decided to close up shop for the rest of the day!!! In a perfect world, work would have been dismissed early at my full-time job too, however that didn't happen.

After actually finding out that it was indeed an earthquake (as if). I went into geek mode and also learned that it measured a 5.8 on the rictor scale, with the epicenter in Mineral, Va. From researching further,  I learned that anything over a 4.0 earthquake can be felt. I mean in comparison to the earthquake in Japan this was about half the size of that (somewhat, of course we know that was on another level). There were reports that there has been 3 aftershocks since the initial earthquake. The last aftershock, a little after 8 measured a little over a 4.0. After watching the news tonight this earthquake was felt in several parts of the east coast. I heard that NY, MD, NC, GA, MA, and even Canada felt the ground shake. There was structural damage in parts of Alexandria, with 3 smashed cars from the bricks falling. There are also people in parts of Md. that are homeless tonight due to structural damage/shifting not allowing them in their own homes. Even the Washington monument sustained cracks. So far I haven't heard of any casualties (thank God).  What I learned from today's earthquake is that God is still in control. He is able to do things that we deem impossible. And today he showed us by shaking things up a bit, literally.

Well another item to scratch off on the list of things-I've-never-done... survive an earthquake. Did any of you have any earthquake experiences?

The Help

I actually purchased The Help about 4-5 months ago just to read it and was shocked as I watched the previews of Jumping The Broom that it'd be turned into a move.

I Got the Stylish Blogger Award

I've been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award (insert cheers)

A while back Naturally Divona and Nappy Hair University awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award and I was very happy and excited to do it. However, I forgot about it and didn't do it when I should have (da*n procrastination...gets me all the time). Sooo, whatbetter day than today. Thank you both so much for the award, be sure to check out their blogs as well. I may tweak the rules a bit and only award 7 bloggers #justsayn.



So these are the rules:



To accept the award, you must follow these rules:

1. Thank and link back to the person that awarded you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award



1. I'm the oldest of 4
A lot of people think I'm an only child because I suffer from that syndrome and I sometimes have a bratty, spoiled, all-about-me attitude. Keep in mind you all, I grew up with my granparents and living with them I WAS the only child (insert devilish laugh)!!!

2. If I could go back in time I wouldn't go to college directly after high school
Unfortunately, I'm not in the percentile of people that have known they wanted to be a doctor/lawyer from childhood. I feel like I would have benefitted from more life experiences first and really learned how much debt you go into going to colleg. Please don't think I'm against education cause I'm totally not. I just feel like that should be one of our freedoms as well. If you went to college and have the loans to prove it, you just may feel me.

3. I don't want a traditional 9-5 job
I scream on the inside everyday that I'm working from a desk, in a building, without a Mac, and nice scenery. I just want a fun creative job that lets me do what I do best. Anything in communication or evokes creativity. I'm not saying that I'm not thankful for my job but as Drake say's I-Can-Do-Betta

4. I'm kind of scared of a relationship
Now you all know I've had my share of dates. For a while, I couldn't make anything work cause I had someone lurking in the background. Now that I don't, I start to think if I want to be vunerable and committed. Can I, Kristin, meet a guy that would accept me for me, flaws and all. I've never lived with a guy and if I get in a relationship that works, the next step just may be marriage and a ssshhhh...baby. Its like sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I know for a fact that I ain't tryna be nobody's #bootycall. I guess I'll just let that one play out on its own.

5. I need to be singing somewhere
Yes I sing, if you didn't know click on one of my many YT videos and you'll see. I know that I'm talented but I just have to find the right avenue to express those talents. I actually prefer writing over singing. There are only two genre's I'd like to work in and that's gospel or neo-soul. Since I'm in DC you may as well throw in go-go. Actually, wherever there's a live band that's where I wanna be, just grab the mic and shine.

6. I'm a foodie
Secretly, I want to the parent on the block where all the kids like to go cause 'she can cook'. I LOVE food, I base places to go on places to eat. I wish someone would come up with a tv that you could just reach inside and grab the food you see. I read reviews over and over on Yelp to make sure that I'm ordering the correct item, and going to the correct venue.

7. I LOVE, LOVE
I bet you all think that this totally contradicts me being scared of a relationship, but it doesn't. I LOVE everything about LOVE. It's the greatest commandment that Jesus gave us, it conquers all. I LOVE seeing people in love. My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. I hope that whenever I fall in LOVE I'll use that scripture as a reminder to any situation that may arise. Two of my tattoos represent love, the one on my shoulder says, 'Love is You'. My tattoo on my ribs are a piece of music from Love by Musiq, 'Love so many people use your name in vain'. I just LOVE it, wish we could bottle it up and pass it out!!!

Like I stated earlier I'm only awarding this to 7 people. Honestly I read a lot of blogs and I think that most of them have already recieved it. If you recieved and have already participated then ok. I'd like to award:

1. My Girl Pam
This is my cousin who has a life stye blog, definitely check her out. She'll hook you up on a political tip, family tip, and a religious top, chuuurch!!!

2. DeliberateLiterate
This is one of the first bloggers I became virtual friends with in 2008. Very nice blog.

3. Lush In Flats
She has a natural hair blog and recently created this blog devoted to her personal stye.

4. Curly Nu Growth
New natural hair blogger as well as stylist in the DMV that I recently met.

5. Looking Fly On a Dime
Kool blogger that has been strictly thrifting for about a year now. I had an opportunity to go thrifting with her as well.

6. Frivolosity
If you live in the DMV you'll definitely need to check this blog out. She knows about EVERYTHING that's happening. In my mind she's my virtual aunt. I imagine her having the purses I want to borrow and introducing me to restaurants I never thought about visiting.

7. Meechy Monroe
Fellow YouTuber with an awesome blog. I think she's a foodie as well.

Natural Hair Meetup...DC Edition

Today I had an opportunity to attend a new natural hair meetup in DC. If you are in the DMV area or if you're visiting soon be sure to check out the Nu Growth meetup group. If you happened to miss out on this awesome event, no worries, there will be another event of this sort on the 13th. Of course you'll have to check out the group (and hopefully join) to get more info. Although, I've attended several meetups/events in the area, today solidified that I need business cards. I mean everyone was passing theirs around while I wrote mine on a napkin... I digress.

What I can tell you from the start is that there are several trendy ladies in this group. I LOVED the boy cut, she rocked it well.

 The organizer Jocelyn welcomed us to the event and she even printed out cute name tags with our pics on them. I later found out that she's a local hair stylist and I can't wait to try her out. You all know how my luck has been with hair stylist... I digress.  But I'm super happy that she's natural and understands the special care it takes to manage natural hair.

There were sooo many diverse women, I even met a soror (Skee-Wee).

There were even a few YouTubers in the building. I met mstiaradean, SoUtHeRnGrYl, and my girl tifflawrain was there as well/

Although there were faboulous ladies in the building, there were also a few guys that rocked their natural hair well with locks.

And of course, we definitely outnumbered the guys as always lol. Hopefully the group will start attracting more natural males as well.

I had to take a pic with her rocking this hoop. I'm not sure if you all noticed in my last post but... I recently got my nose pierced and I'm obsessed with wearing a hoop soon.

 One thing that I LOVE about the natural hair community is the way we build each other up. I swear I was having a bad hair day but these ladies complemented me and I instantly... I was boosted. I even did a mini live tutorial on how I twist. I hope to see you all at the next event. Who know's maybe I'll just host my own event soon *side eye*

I'm Bizzack

It has been a hott minute since I've posted and since today is the last day of the month I'll leave you with a few pics of whats been going on...

*I moved

*My lil sister visited

*Discovered a farmer's market

*Went to Miami