I Feel Good

The song above has been my jam since I first heard it. It's one of those songs that actually makes you feel good about your situation. I love the fact that music evokes emotions. Not only do I feel good, I also had a very good day.

One of my goals or something that I wanted to achieve is becoming Elite status with Yelp. I think I've mentioned here before that I LOVE writing reviews for all of the exciting and non-exciting places that I've visited. I've actually been doing it for about 2 years. Unfortunately, my procrastination usually gets the best of me and I haven't written nearly as much as I could. Well today I received an e-mail stating that I was nominated to become an Elite Yelper for the year 2012. This was total excitement since I didn't expect it. After about an hor and a half I received another e-mail stating that I became Elite status (go me, go me) *does the cabbage patch*. Now I'll be able to get invited to Elite only events which seem great and an awesome way to network!!! If you're interested in writing reviews please follow me here.

Ooohhh weeee, another blessing. Something else that I've been mustering up is pursuing my Master's degree. I've put it off for quite some time and now its beyond time to get, get, get it. I won't lie, I am beyond nervous. The last time I tried to do online classes I was unsuccessful and it totally brought my morale down. This time I just hope I'm ready and that everything will work out for my good. Next up financial aid (ooohhh we'll see how that goes).

Anything going on with you guys that has you feeling good?

Weekend Review

I started out my weekend on Friday by missing a jazz event held at a local venue, to attend a sleep study. Yep, you heard right, a sleep study/ Problem is, your girl has been falling asleep at the wheel, and that's no bueno!!! A few of my family members have had sleep studies so I already knew what to expect. When I arrived the sleep center's decor was beautiful and it smelled great. I was taken to my room which was also ultra nice. There was a flat screen attached to the wall so that I could still view all of my shows. And the bed was also a sleep number bed. I die (wait, definitely don't wanna do that seeing as though I stop breathing during my sleep). I wish I would have snapped a pic after the sleep tech attached all of the equipment to me. I definitely looked like a robot or something. I had wires or sensors attached above my eyes, legs, head (as in, in my hair) and fingers. Uncomfortable was not the word. I'm happy that I'm not the type that has to use the restroom in the middle of the night. Other than my hands continuing to fall asleep and the goo they had to put on me to attach the sensors, I had a really good nights sleep,  or so I thought.


Saturday, the babe and I (really just me) were looking for something exciting to do. So I suggested an arcade. Since we're both way past our teenage years we needed a place with food to, so why not Dave and Buster's. The BEST thing about that plan is Dave and Buster's have a great selection of adult games as well as good food for a low price. As always we began to second guess ourselves basically because it was going to take 45 minutes to get there. We ended up changing and going to a spot in Alexandria called Lucky's. It was actually a total knockoff of Dave and Buster's but on a much smaller level and not really family friendly (if ya ask me). Let's just say me and the babe had a great time there. We played basketball and I tried really, really hard to beat him but I couldn't. My competitive nature started to rise and we played about 9 games against each other. We also had a motorcycle race. I sucked balls MAJORLY. And last we played table hockey. And guess who ended up winning... yours truly. Look at those stats below.

After gaming, we had worked up quite a hunger and I decided for us to go somewhere else to eat since I wasn't in the mood for 'bar food' and didn't know if  their calamari was up to par ( I really want calamari). However, we ended at Applebee's since they are low in cost as well as calories. We both enjoyed a steak dinner for about $30.

Sunday the babe textd me at work to say that he passed another IT certification and deemed it as 'his day'. Since I try to have  a balance on eating out and cooking I decided that we take a trip to Wegman's and we'd cook his choice of a meal. I am sooo happy that we were on the same page cause he chose baked fish (herb crusted tilipia), baked potato, and carrots. We also bought a rotisserie chicken so that we could make BeautyFash's chicken salad recipe (trying to save ca$h on lunch and not eat out).   All in all it was a great weekend!!! I can only imagine what I'll get into this coming weekend since it'll be Superbowl Sunday (I need to find a party ASAP).

Update:Today I received a call in regard to my sleep study from Friday. Let's just say not so good. I have a severe case of sleep apnea and will need to sleep with a Cpak as treatment. I'm happy that I took the test because since my whole 3 month tonsillitis episode, I've been falling asleep while driving. I mean it has really been a struggle at times and I'd call friends and family to try and talk to them so that I'd stay awake. If you hold your breath (or stop breathing) 30 times you are categorized as severe. I did it for 97 times #scary. My shortest time was 17 sec. and the longest was 47 sec. (with stats like that I ought to be able to swim #IkidIkid. As I learn more about sleep apnea I will definitely keep you informed.

MLK Day: A Day On, Not A Day Off



I hope everyone took time out to remember the great works of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I honestly wonder how the world would have changed if Dr. King was living today. I just know Boondocks can't be an accurate portrayal although at times it seems that way. Growing up with a bunch of educators, Black History was something that was discussed and recognized on a regular in my home. I remember going to the King center in Atlanta as a child as well as reading books and watching movies. What was so special about Dr. King to me, is that he was a non-violent Christian activist. In addition to that, he was also well educated and a family man. To this day, it still amazes me that Dr. King stepped up as a spokesman for Negros, rallied our people together and fought for equality. I often wonder who will be the Dr. King of our times? And not just Dr. King, but we have room today for a Medgar Evans, Ralph Abernathy, Rosa Parks, or a Dr. Daniel Hale. Our people have pressed on toward the higher mark and the same attitude of those who paved the way (in several areas) should be embedded in our spirits.

Today wasn't a day off for me (I actually had to request the day off at my job *smh*) I spent the morning volunteering with my sorority. It actually felt really good too. I remember my undergrad days were spent building for Habitat for Humanity on MLK day. A few of my sorors and I volunteered at a community center gathering donations to be sold in a consignment shop. Jst a few pics below of us getting our volunteer on!!!

Happy Founder's Day Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Happy 104th Founder's Day to all my sisters of the First and the Finest Alpha Kappa Alpha Sority, Inc

I'm a Winner, I'm a Winner, I'm a Winner (use your Ara Kelly voice)

After stalking Nics Picks blog, I noticed that she was haveing a Fab giveaway. Now I'd stalked her in the past but lost track of her blog (and found it again). Directly after reading the giveaway post I just knew I'd be the winner. Lo and behold, guess who won?!?! Yep, yours truly is the winner of a FAB Love Cortnie clutch, earrings, and nail polish. This came right on time. Thanx again. Be sure to check out Nics Picks and let her know I sent ya over!!!

You have got to order a Cortnie clutch soon and very soon!!!

                                                                                               I LOVE these studs

I can't wait to rock the lavendar polish!!!



Happy New Year



What a blessing to make it another year. Last nigh I had a great time out with the BF and his friends bringing in the New Year at a Guarpo. It was this Columbian/Venezuelan type of restaurant that also had hookah (oh, how I love hookah). I can't lie I was super excited to bring te New Year in with the boo and finally get a kiss at the stroke of midnight (it's been a long time since I've experienced that).

I didn't write out any resolutions per se, but I would like to work on PROCRASTINATION, that lil bastard gets the best of me every year, heck, sometimes everyday. I really just want to do things as they come and not put them off for the next day. One of my biggest lessons of 2011 was that the next day isn't promised. I lost several family members and friends. With that being said I intend to live life to the fullest, savor each new experience, and seek new oportunities.

I'd also like to give an honorable mention to the fact that I'd like to get back in shape and get on my Zumba ish!!! I'm almost 30, no kids, so I should have no excuses why my body ain't banging, (and I have my own definition of banging) lol!!!

That about wraps it up for me, did you all resolve to do anything in this New Year? Feel free to let me know your resolutions. 

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...