Best of Fall...

Day 3 of Blogtember challenge:

Pass on some useful advice that you've learned and always remembered.

Fall is a time when the days become longer and school is back in session. For me Fall 2001 was a time that I'll never forget. It's when I was able to cross the burning sands into AKAland and you couldn't tell me nothing. Everything around me was salmon pink and apple green or some form of pink and green. Greek life consumed my time, my mind, and my money. I was either getting ready for a step show, going to a step show, learning a new stroll, or doing work in the community on behalf on AKA. When I say you couldn't tell me anything, I really thought that my ish didn't stank. I remember going home and speaking to my aunt who was a Zeta (member of Zeta Phi Theta, Inc) and just boasting and bragging and she let me have all of 15 seconds before she went in. The advice that she gave me was that it isn't about who's first, who's the prettiest, or who runs the yard; its about the service. For some reason that information always resonated with me. However, I was a just a wanna be grown sophomore in college and didn't actually embrace her advice until afterwards, but from time to time I'd hear her voice and her words. Now that I'm much more mature I truly get what she meant. Now in my mind and reality  my sorority is the best, but being a member of The Devine Nine is a brotherhood and sisterhood in itself. We're supposed to be there to support our community, speak out for those who don't have a voice and simply be of service, because at the end of the day, anyone can wear the colors...

 

Oh The Places You'll Go

Day 2 of Blogtember challenge:

If you could take three months off from your current life and do anything in the world, what would you do?

If only I could write this post and a genie appeared out of a lamp to grant this wish (a girl can wish, right *sigh*). Seeing that I haven't been to Ga. since March, I'd have to go and spend the first week with my family. Just being around them does something for my soul. But after that week, let the good times roll; nothing but travel, travel, and more travel. 

I think that I'd really have to spend the next three weeks exploring areas of the US that I've yet to visit. I'd definitely like to spend time seeing Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco and LA. 

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Of course I'd spend the rest of my time out of the country exploring. I believe my first spot would be Italy, the water is sooo beautiful and sooo are the men (yes, I'm down with the swirl). I'd spend my time cruising on the canal, enjoying authentic Italian food, and sipping on good wine. 

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My next stop would be Japan, home of Hello Kitty and innovative technology. I'd love to see the cherry blossoms, hot springs, and visit their theme parks.

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Next I'd have have to visit Paris, yes deep down I'm a hopeless romantic. I envision myself in blush tones, lace, and ruffles enjoying lattes, macaroons and fashion. 

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The last place I'd visit is Africa (this almost didn't make the list since I am sooo over African men, I digress). I really just want to explore the entire continent, I know for a fact it'll take some time so I l'd dedicate an entire month to Africa. I can't wait to visit the markets, see zebras, elephants, and cheetahs  (something about an animal actually being in Africa out in the wild is way more exciting). I'm not sure which countries I'd visit but I know the ones I'd stay away from *side eye*.

This post really made me realize that I definitely need to travel more especially out of the country (gotta get that passport together). I hope to make traveling a priority next year.

Georgia On My Mind...

I can't believe that I am doing sooo many challenges this month. I am participating in the IG September Photo A Day and I have never been able to make it pass day 2 sooo we'll definitely see how that goes. As I was doing my daily stalker deeds on feedly, I noticed that Ishea was participating in Blogtember, hosted by Jenni at Story Of My Life. I figured this would be great in motivating me to write on daily basis, check out her blog to get all of the deets.

The first topic is to describe where or what you come from. I come from the 3rd largest city in Georgia, Columbus. This is the area that I spent most of my life in and have sooo many memories that I cherish; sitting on the front porch, sucking honeysuckles, and catching lightening bugs are just a few. I am the oldest child and the oldest grandchild, so to say that I'm spoiled is an understatement. Since I grew up in the home with my grandparents I often thought that I was their youngest child. Although, I was reared by my grandparents I still had a very normal upbringing as a teenager. I attended sooo many parties, games, drill team captain, and I honestly was able to have an open relationship with them. There were a few restrictions that I didn't understand at the time, like attending my friend in 9th grades baby shower and having to wait a little bit past the age of 16 to date. I am super lucky to have grandparents and family that helped to mold and shape me into the woman that I am today. Now that I live in Virginia, I have a newfound respect for Georgia. I honestly think it's the place I want to get married and actually raise my kids. I want them to understand the importance of saying 'yes sir' and 'no sir', the meaning of treating people the way you want to be treated, how to enjoy the entire pig (chitlins, pig feet, hog mog, neck bones) and actually know the meaning of ya'll. I am proud to be from a state full of history and to be Southern bred and corn bread fed!!!

BLM Girl Experience-DMV

 

Saturday I was able to attend my first BLM Girl Experience. This workshop  focused on Building & Growing Your Brand while staying true to the years theme of REALationships. You may not understand, but I was super excited about this ever since I heard of it. I LOVE writing, however, sometimes I lack confidence and blogging knowledge that can take me to the next level. The workshop for the DMV area (1 event/4cities) was held in NE DC at The 201 Bar. If you are from the DC area then you know a thing or two about the traffic; I shouldnt have to mention that I arrived fashionably late. However, half of that time included me looping around the street for safe parking. I was happy that when I finally made it in everyone was still doing the meet and greet portion so I was good. Although this was the first workshop of its kind for BLM Girls it was well organized. In the DMV we were lucky to have Karen and Whitney as our hostesses and Arsha who taught us about branding and igniting the fire under each of us to get out there and get, get, get it (Jeezy reference). 

Since I am such a foodie, I can't continue this post without mentioning what a wonderful job The 201 Bar did with the food. Before the actual spread came out we were treated to several appetizers, and saying that they were good is a total understatement. BLM Girls also provided us with a 1 drink ticket, which is always a good thing to me.

Motivating workshop, great food, and of course The Bloggers. It felt really good to be amongst people with the same interest and passion. It was great to bounce back information, share ideas, and network. Their were all types of bloggers... fashion, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle just to name a few. The DMV had bloggers as far as Norfolk to Delaware. I was lucky to meet each of them and hope that we can keep in touch and help each other build out brands.

This lovely tee was in my swag bag along with Arsha's mambo sauce that I can't wait to try!!! I pray that I am able to make it to the conference in Atlanta next year. Thanks to Leslie and everyone else that make BLM Girls what it is today.