Goodbye 2012...

That was my Facebook post for the end of the year. No, I am not out celebrating *sad face* I'm in bed with the worse case of heartburn/acid reflux, talking on the phone to my #1 fan, and reflecting on the year.

When it comes to blogging there were sooo many times that I wanted to blog and didn't. No excuses, just didn't get around to it. I took the pictures but never put them on for you all to see what was going on with me. Trust me, I will definitely work on that in the coming year. So although I'm saying goodbye to 2012, here are a few recaps...

This was a great day, my sissy graduated from highschool. Super proud of you Kamille. I was also happy that I was able to spend time with my other family members too.

I participated in a blogger swap and was happy to meet Kara. This was the gift I gave her. I never posted about the swap because I felt like my gift had nothing to do with what I stated I was interested in *side eye* but no hard feelings. I'm definitely interested in partnering with someone to do a blogger swap (don't all respond at once).

                    Me being vain on my best friend (iPad), there are several more of these lol

Got my nose re-pierced for my 30th Bday!!! I look rough because this was after I went zip lining (sooo much fun).

I ended up having an awesome birthday celebration. My friends really came through to support. Still looking good at 30!!!

This summer I took a family vacay to Miami. Ummmm... I had several things planned let's just say they did go down how I would have liked them to. Doubt if I'll do the family vacay again #justsayn.

                                         Me being vain again!!! Yes, there are more!!!

                                        Me and the homie taking a mini trip to B-More!!!

                                                                     ASU alumni turnt up in DC!!!

                                                                                           My lil cuzsss and I

                                                                              Yes that's Phillip and Emmanuel!!!

October, was my absolute FAV month. A few of my classmates were in the area visiting, so we bar hopped on 8th street. I was also able to go back to Ga. for my alma mater's homecoming and my grandma's 74th birthday. Last but not least, I helped out with a zombie 5k after seeing it on the travel channel. I will definitely be running in it next year *fingers crossed*.

                        You're sooo vain, you probably thought this blog is about you... lol!!!

                                                      That tee is my FAV tee (I wear it everywhere), you can get one too at Oyin!!!

Attending the Gentleman's Jack hiphop/art event in DC was sooo fun!!! If this event comes to your area, definitely RSVP. its worth it; but do get there early the line was super long and moved very slow!!!

                                  My #1 fan sent me this fruit basket, he know's I don't eat fruit but LOVE Hello Kitty, super sweet gesture!!!

Thanksgiving this year was spent with my co-workers/new friend and it was good food and good conversations. I feel like this year I have really stepped out of my comfort zone. I am sooo happy that God allowed new people to enter my life.

                                                     I HATE my shirt/sweater was bunched up *pouts*

                                 Always a good time with super sweet blogging buddy ViVi.

Plaid About You- Pt. 3

  

via

I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas, I know that I did. As you know, my family celebrates on Christmas Eve, but today I was able to celebrate with my friend that I refer to as my big sister. It's always good to have people you can count on no matter how long it's been since you've talked/seen each other. There was good conversation, good food, and good drinks.  As festive as today was I chose to wear yet another plaid outfit.

        Blazer: Thrifted// Shirt: TJ Maxx// Pants: Gap// Belt: American Eagle// Watch: Nordstrom// Bracelet: Juicy Couture// Earrings and Necklace: F21

When I first saw the plaid pants, I knew I had to have them. Unfortunately, they sold out and I was left searching for them. The first place I looked was the website but they weren't there. Luckily living in the DMV has taught me to check another mall, so I just knew that I would accomplish my mission and find them . And just like that... they were mine, and on sale (when I want something, I aim to get it). There is also a story behind the blazer, I found a nice navy blue Ralph Lauren blazer while thrifting, it was way too big so I tried to get it altered. However, the price for the alteration (re sized and several missing buttons) was like 5 times the price of the actual cost . I ended up giving that one away and finding this one in the kids section. I was able to get all the buttons (which are Ralph Lauren buttons) sewn on for little to nothing (can you say budget savvy).

My friend's house is perfect!!!

Check out the Nine West oxfords

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!!!

Twas The Night Before Christmas...

As a child, my family tradition was to go and look at lights around the city. My granddaddy would get all of his grand kids, load us up and go view the most popular houses around the city. As an adult my family here in Va. have a few traditions of our own. Instead of celebrating on Christmas (Christmas is a designated pajama day) we celebrate on Christmas Eve. Since we usually have a rather large Thanksgiving (food wise) we only have appetizers, followed by drunken Taboo for Christmas. This year was a bit different since a few dynamics have changed, but nonetheless it was fun. How about I even made two new dishes (buffalo chicken dip and snicker doodle cheesecake).

                                               Sweater: Marshalls// Button Down: Thrifted// Pants: Target// Boots: Nordstrom Rack// Necklace and Earrings: F21


I made sure that I wore festive attire to work for Christmas Eve. I love the sequin and black sequin sweater combo. What am I going to do when the holidays are over; how can I say goodbye to plaid and sequins, lol? Good thing I got this combination in a few weeks earlier.

Hope you all are having a sparkling Christmas Eve!!!

Plaid About You- Pt. 2

I was super excited when my manager said that we could deviate from our all black attire. I decided to wear my plaid poncho once again. Although this piece was from Forever 21's Heritage collection; I feel as if it were made very well and you'll see this again for sure. I did a little mixed print number since my shoes were leopard print, everyone knows leopard print is a neutral, right? Luckily, this lil number got me through the work day, last minute shopping, and a late night red wine with a friend. How you doing *Wendy Williams voice*?

                                                          Poncho, Cross Earrings, Black Shirt: F21// Leopard Print Shoes: Payless// Black Tights: Avon

Say Hello To My Lil Friend

I've LOVED snapping pictures ever since I can remember. I am THAT person that has to make sure that the shot is right and when its not (according to me) there is a problem.  I am also THAT person that will be upset when I take a great picture of my friends and then I look at my picture (that they took of me) like WTH. I know, I know, everyone isn't into photography, but I am. About two years ago I got a Nikon COOLPIX and it did the job (so I thought) but I knew that I needed a real starter camera. I needed a beginner DSLR and not just a point and shoot. I needed this because of my love taking good pictures as well as a way to make more quality YouTube videos. I went back and forth between the Nikon 5100 and the Canon T3i. I mean, I read several reviews and comparisons, and watched a plenty of YouTube videos. Finally, I decided on on the Canon *insert applause*. I have a few goals in mind in regard to photography. First up is a photography class, then next is a mentor. I hope that in about 6 months, I'll be able to take decent pictures and even get booked for a few events (including professional events) *fingers crossed*. Also, in that time I hope that I'll be ready to step it up to a more professional camera.

                                                                                                               Now I need a name for her...


Any and all name suggestions will be greatly appreciated. I'm sooo lame I always name my stuff. Aside from names, there are a couple of accessories that I need to make this photography journey worthwhile.

                                                                                                                                        via

I think that this bag will be the first one that I order. I love the fact that its cute and chic. I really want to get in the habit of having my camera with me at ALL times.

                                                                                                                                via


This is the second bag that I have to get. It will literally fit everything that I'll need; multiple lenses, iPad/laptop, etc. I hope that you can tell that my extra funds will be funding my photography ventures so that I can make extra funds in the future.

via

Since its the Holiday season, I decided to get a bit festive at work. I actually saw this black tulle dress and didn't think it was much on the hanger but just felt inside my soul that it'd be different on. Lucky for me, when I tried the dress on, it was amazeballs!!! Since I have to wear all black to my part time job I knew it would be perfect. The tulle just made it all the more festive.

                                                                                                 Thanks to my Kiehl's photographer Robin!!!

                                                                                                          Necklace: F21// Belt: Charlotte Russe ($5)// Rings:(old)

Blazer: Macys (old)// Boots: Chinese Laundry (super old)// Dress: H&M ($15)

I think I managed to be festive in all black. A piece of advice no matter how ugly it appears on the rack, it deserves to be treated equally and taken into the dressing room. Have you turned any ugly duckling clothing into beautiful swan clothing?



...

All I Want For Christmas Is You...



Although there are only 3 little days until Christmas, I still thought I'd let you all know what I want *wink wink*. Trust me, there is still time for you to get me something lol. I LOVE gifs and surprises, but since I'm single a lotof my items will be coming from your's truly.  My Christmas list goes a little something like this...

via 

I have been wanting these boots for a while, they're not too much but just enough. The perfect mix of designer and functionality. I LOVE how the small bit of the Burberry pattern peeks through, a hint of luxury. These are no longer on the Burberry site but I'd be happy to settle for these.

I think this is the cutest piece of luggage for an overnight trip. I am a heavy packer so I'd also need an additional bag; but I really want this cutie (basically because its Hello Kitty).

via

Since I want to get into photography as (paid) hobby I need a beginner camera. I also need something to spruce up the quality of my YouTube videos. It took a bunch of research but I decided on Canon over Nikon. Just a lil FYI, I already picked it up already, but you know I'll need accessories.

via

I know that I currently own an iPad 2 but I really want the iPad mini. I mean its cute and it'll fit in any of my purses. Plus the specs are better in regard to the camera. I feel like I'd be able to take t and blog and take pics anywhere with it.

via

Let me not forget about clear skin. This has been on my list for a while and I just may get it soon since I can get it for a discounted price. You can't skimp on good skin.

via
 

I know that I didn't really include a lot of fashion related items but that's because I shop on a regular. Christmas for me is usually a couple of big ticket gadgets. What's on your list?

Plaid About You- Pt. 1



My younger cousin and I a few years back laughing at something #Plaidshawl

Of course the holiday's is full of sequins and spice and everything nice but usually each season I become addicted to plaid. Something about the colors within the pattern really puts me in a festive mood. Luckily, its a print that will never go out of style due to Scotland and private schools lol. This season I've been seeing some of the cutest, trendiest plaid around. My first view was a pair of pants from Gap that I just had to have. Those will debut on here a bit later. I also found an a-line plaid dress that is everything when paired with the right accessories, be sure to look out for that as well.



Christmas 2010 with Pam. I was super excited to find this shawl on the sales rack at F21.



Last year, as I was thrifting I came across the cutest plaid blazer with a velvet collar and since I associate plaid with Christmas season I knew I had to save it for the perfect time. This past Friday, my team had a potluck and I knew it would be the perfect festive outfit. Watch me do plaid.








I love this coat

 


Boots, Thrifted lace blouse. Springy twistout, Pure Excitement

Looking like I'm ready to go horseback riding

Are any of you enjoying plaid as much as I am this season? 



Who Would Imagine A King?

As I was driving to work this morning, I came across my FAV holiday cd (Preacher's Wife soundtrack). I listened for a while, and my mind began to focus on the actual lyrics of the song, Who Would Imagine a King.  The lyrics are basically stating that you can be anything that you imagine, even a King. This particular song actually stuck in my head ALL throughout the day. Although I've heard this song several times, today it was sooo very different. I believe that it was confirmation from God for me to keep dreaming, imagining, and having faith that whatever is for me, will be.  It felt good to actually receive the confirmation because I am in a season of uncertainty when it comes to where I'm at in life. Do-not-get-me-wrong, I am not complaining. I just understand and recognize that I have an internal battle within myself in regard to my position. I feel like I am at yield sign waiting for someone to blow their horn to force me to simply...move.

I imagine that things will be different but my faith isn't always aligned with my imagination. It's like I can see it, but do I truly believe it.  Do I really believe that I can achieve, experience, and feel all that's meant for me? Going forward in this Holiday season (and beyond), I challenge myself to not be defeated by self-doubt. I plan on walking in confidence in the natural gifts and talents that I possess. I plan on 'moving' within my job/career and using more of my creativity.

Imagine me, being free, trusting you totally. Finally, I can imagine me- Kirk Franklin


"This post is powered by #BLMGirls. You can also check out other posts from our #BLMBlogHop by visiting this link http://curlsandmo.com/ and learn more about #BLMGirls here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/BloggersLikeMe/ "

Falalalala...



Via-Google



For some reason, I don't really feel as festive as I'd like to feel. I really thought that my part time job would have Christmas music on heavy rotation, but that is just not the case. Even listening to various radio stations, I have yet to hear any festive music; sad right? Well if you're reading this, you're in luck; I plan on listing a few of my FAV Christmas songs.

1. Silent Night- The Temptations

2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas- Luther Vandross

3. Let It Snow- Boyz 2 Men

4. This Christmas- Donnie Hathaway or Chris Brown or Destiny's Child

5. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer- The Temptations

6. Someday At Christmas- Stevie Wonder or Mary J Blidge
7. Christmas Just Ain't Christmas- O'Jays
8. Merry Christmas- Otis Redding or Ray Charles (live version with him playing piano)
9. All I Want For Christmas- Mariah Carey
10. What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas- The Emotions
11. Christmas In Hollis- Run DMC
12. Give Love On Christmas- Ledisi
13. Silver Bells- Brian McKnight
14. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus- Jackson 5
15. O Holy Night- Destiny's Child
16. Little Drummer Boy- Destiny's Child

As you can see I like a lot of Ole School. Those are just a few that put me in a festive mood. But I also want to mention a few more of my favorite Christian songs, remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

1. Don't Forget The Baby- G. Mayes
2. Now Behold The Lamb- Mary Mary
3. Any song on The Preacher's Wife movie (one of my FAV Christmas movies)
4. O Come All Ye Faithful- Kirk Franklin

Were any of my Favs, your favs? If not leave me a few of your favorite Christmas songs?