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...

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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


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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?

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!!!