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.

Sunshine In A Jar

Something about bright places and sunshine bring out the best in me. I am definitely a worry rat by nature. However, this past Spring and a little bit of the Summer I experienced a bit of happiness; sunshine in a jar that I could just open and not worry about that around me. I like to think that music and scents evoke memories and allow you to be in that same moment of your past experience. Metaphorically speaking, whenever I open my sunshine in a jar, and hear this song it makes me forget what's going on and takes me to a worry free place.

Which song or scent has become your sunshine in a jar?

A is for Awesome

An awesome weekend is just what I needed. I was sooo gung ho on attending the Afro Punk Festival and when those plans that I never made fell through; I was excited that I still had an entire weekend off and could attend the 50th Anniversary of The March on Washington.  Growing up in Ga. and in my household period there was always a black history lesson taught, literally always. I also have very vivid memories of visiting the King center in Atlanta and can still remember portions of the 'I Have A Dream' speech. I was super excited to be a part of history, especially since I didn't attend neither of the inaugurations for President Barak Obama. As soon as I made it to the metro station you could feel the ambiance in the air. There were sooo many people in the DC area marching in support of some cause; causes I never heard of, causes that others may have forgotten about, marching to make a difference and have their voice heard. Although it was super hot and packed, I couldn't imagine being any place else. The memories and feelings of togetherness that I'll be able to pass on to my future children  is way more valuable than a concert.

 

I also had a chance to kick it with the Peculiar Ladies from NeonV magazine. I super excited to see that they were hosting a picnic with tasty treats from Lemonmade. I am a lover of all things macaroons, French macaroons that is. Let me just say I had an awesome time meeting all of new peeps in the DMV. The weather was super hot and sunny and the libations were flowing. This totally seemed like a group of ladies I could kick it with and have a good time with. Take a looksy for yourself.

                                                                       Look at the ladies Live In Neon!!!

Liz and I with her tasty macaroons!!!

 

Lovely Ladies of GW!!!

 

Model stance, always!!!

 

 

Look at this mane, super cute!!!

 

Me and Ms.Badu!!!

Turning Up!!!

                                                                                                           Playing Heads Up (this app is great)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Werk!!!

                                                                                 

 

 

7th District and I

I hope I'm able to hang out with these ladies again

 

Look At Me Live In Neon

After such a long weekend I was wore out!!!

*My apologies for the pics, I'm still learning my camera settings* 

Roll With The Punches...

OMG, I have been on yet another hiatus. With my sporadic posting, you wouldn't be able to tell that I actually enjoy blogging lol. I can't believe summer is almost over and I haven't taken 1 dip in the pool or felt sand in between my toes or even a stay-cation for that matter (that makes me sad). Nothing much has changed, I'm still don't have full-time job or my own place *yikes*. Being laid off for these past 7 months has really allowed me to see things from different perspectives. I've learned a lot about people, but more importantly, I've learned a lot about myself and God. I think that He has used this time to remind me that He is still in control.  I will admit, I am a bit of a control freak and very impatient. And honestly, those have been my biggest challenges in regard to being unemployed; I wanted a job and I wanted it now. Interview, after interview, after interview and not even an e-mail to state that I wasn't selected for a position gets very discouraging. However, I do have a new outlook. I am now at a point where whatever happens, happens. I've relinquished all control and I've come to accept the fact that maybe Va. isn't the place for me and because of my living arrangement I have set a definite time frame of leaving (funny how God works because I did that prior and I'm still here).  I realize that every time life chooses to punch me someway I've been able to get back up and try again. I've also seen God work on and through me before; and he's never taken something away and not replaced it with something better.

Cara

Heartbreaks and 808's...

If you were like me and most black women in their late 20s early 30s, then last week you tuned in to Being Mary Jane on B.E.T. This particular show spoke to my inner being sooo much because I could totally relate. Mary Jane is a successful woman that just hasn't found success in her relationships with the opposite sex. I have witnessed several of my friends in horrible relationships; and I have also witnessed those same friends share vows with the man they'd spend forever with. And then, there's me...I swear I am like the only single friend AKA odd man out. At the age of 31 I wonder if it'll ever be my turn; at least a healthy relationship (where both parties are on the same page). At this age I'm not sure if heartbreak was worse in my 20s or my 30s. I'm leaning towards the latter age because you know that in your 20s you know its game time, but it becomes a sickening feeling when you encounter someone in their 30s, looks good on paper but is emotionally selfish and unavailable. I guess the expectation for love and commitment in your 30s is what takes precedence. You've reached the age where hopefully you know what you like and dislike, worked on your previous issues from previous relationships, and you're looking forward to meeting someone that you're compatible with to actually take it to the next level (I mean who really wants to be lonely). If you all recall last year I joined a dating site after Uncle Rukus and I broke up, and it was entertaining to say the least but 'the getting to know you' phase is the absolute worse for me. All of the dating BS makes me wonder if its really worth it, as much as I love love, a part of me wants to give up on it. But to me love is like air or water, you need it to survive. I'd rather be selfish with other parts of me than my emotions. I am very interested to see how the show Being Mary Jane turns out, based on the clips I seen she'll continue her rendezvous with the married man. As for me, I'll be living vicariously through some fictional character, immersed in a book or a sitcom, waiting until love finds me.

 

                                                                                                                       

  

 

 

 

 

 

June Was Official

Once again, I thought I would have posted more during the month of June but as you can see that didn't happen. Let's just say June was official, sooo many events, birthdays (Happy Birthday to my lil brother Rhian), and sooo many outfits. Since I wasn't a 'good blogger' and posted as everything occurred I'd like to share that with you now. If you are following me on IG (akakristin), you may have already seen what's taken place this month with me, if not, now's your time to follow.

Tried to do a squat challenge and did a purple liner

Ended up having to sue my former landlord and got my car towed for the 2nd time

 

 

I totally LOVE Pink & Green

 

Taste of Reston

 

Chilling at Chrysalis Winery

 

 

I'm definitely looking forward to July and I promise my pics won't solely be from my iPhone (not sure why they came out this way.