The Help

I actually purchased The Help about 4-5 months ago just to read it and was shocked as I watched the previews of Jumping The Broom that it'd be turned into a move.

I Got the Stylish Blogger Award

I've been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award (insert cheers)

A while back Naturally Divona and Nappy Hair University awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award and I was very happy and excited to do it. However, I forgot about it and didn't do it when I should have (da*n procrastination...gets me all the time). Sooo, whatbetter day than today. Thank you both so much for the award, be sure to check out their blogs as well. I may tweak the rules a bit and only award 7 bloggers #justsayn.



So these are the rules:



To accept the award, you must follow these rules:

1. Thank and link back to the person that awarded you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award



1. I'm the oldest of 4
A lot of people think I'm an only child because I suffer from that syndrome and I sometimes have a bratty, spoiled, all-about-me attitude. Keep in mind you all, I grew up with my granparents and living with them I WAS the only child (insert devilish laugh)!!!

2. If I could go back in time I wouldn't go to college directly after high school
Unfortunately, I'm not in the percentile of people that have known they wanted to be a doctor/lawyer from childhood. I feel like I would have benefitted from more life experiences first and really learned how much debt you go into going to colleg. Please don't think I'm against education cause I'm totally not. I just feel like that should be one of our freedoms as well. If you went to college and have the loans to prove it, you just may feel me.

3. I don't want a traditional 9-5 job
I scream on the inside everyday that I'm working from a desk, in a building, without a Mac, and nice scenery. I just want a fun creative job that lets me do what I do best. Anything in communication or evokes creativity. I'm not saying that I'm not thankful for my job but as Drake say's I-Can-Do-Betta

4. I'm kind of scared of a relationship
Now you all know I've had my share of dates. For a while, I couldn't make anything work cause I had someone lurking in the background. Now that I don't, I start to think if I want to be vunerable and committed. Can I, Kristin, meet a guy that would accept me for me, flaws and all. I've never lived with a guy and if I get in a relationship that works, the next step just may be marriage and a ssshhhh...baby. Its like sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I know for a fact that I ain't tryna be nobody's #bootycall. I guess I'll just let that one play out on its own.

5. I need to be singing somewhere
Yes I sing, if you didn't know click on one of my many YT videos and you'll see. I know that I'm talented but I just have to find the right avenue to express those talents. I actually prefer writing over singing. There are only two genre's I'd like to work in and that's gospel or neo-soul. Since I'm in DC you may as well throw in go-go. Actually, wherever there's a live band that's where I wanna be, just grab the mic and shine.

6. I'm a foodie
Secretly, I want to the parent on the block where all the kids like to go cause 'she can cook'. I LOVE food, I base places to go on places to eat. I wish someone would come up with a tv that you could just reach inside and grab the food you see. I read reviews over and over on Yelp to make sure that I'm ordering the correct item, and going to the correct venue.

7. I LOVE, LOVE
I bet you all think that this totally contradicts me being scared of a relationship, but it doesn't. I LOVE everything about LOVE. It's the greatest commandment that Jesus gave us, it conquers all. I LOVE seeing people in love. My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. I hope that whenever I fall in LOVE I'll use that scripture as a reminder to any situation that may arise. Two of my tattoos represent love, the one on my shoulder says, 'Love is You'. My tattoo on my ribs are a piece of music from Love by Musiq, 'Love so many people use your name in vain'. I just LOVE it, wish we could bottle it up and pass it out!!!

Like I stated earlier I'm only awarding this to 7 people. Honestly I read a lot of blogs and I think that most of them have already recieved it. If you recieved and have already participated then ok. I'd like to award:

1. My Girl Pam
This is my cousin who has a life stye blog, definitely check her out. She'll hook you up on a political tip, family tip, and a religious top, chuuurch!!!

2. DeliberateLiterate
This is one of the first bloggers I became virtual friends with in 2008. Very nice blog.

3. Lush In Flats
She has a natural hair blog and recently created this blog devoted to her personal stye.

4. Curly Nu Growth
New natural hair blogger as well as stylist in the DMV that I recently met.

5. Looking Fly On a Dime
Kool blogger that has been strictly thrifting for about a year now. I had an opportunity to go thrifting with her as well.

6. Frivolosity
If you live in the DMV you'll definitely need to check this blog out. She knows about EVERYTHING that's happening. In my mind she's my virtual aunt. I imagine her having the purses I want to borrow and introducing me to restaurants I never thought about visiting.

7. Meechy Monroe
Fellow YouTuber with an awesome blog. I think she's a foodie as well.

Natural Hair Meetup...DC Edition

Today I had an opportunity to attend a new natural hair meetup in DC. If you are in the DMV area or if you're visiting soon be sure to check out the Nu Growth meetup group. If you happened to miss out on this awesome event, no worries, there will be another event of this sort on the 13th. Of course you'll have to check out the group (and hopefully join) to get more info. Although, I've attended several meetups/events in the area, today solidified that I need business cards. I mean everyone was passing theirs around while I wrote mine on a napkin... I digress.

What I can tell you from the start is that there are several trendy ladies in this group. I LOVED the boy cut, she rocked it well.

 The organizer Jocelyn welcomed us to the event and she even printed out cute name tags with our pics on them. I later found out that she's a local hair stylist and I can't wait to try her out. You all know how my luck has been with hair stylist... I digress.  But I'm super happy that she's natural and understands the special care it takes to manage natural hair.

There were sooo many diverse women, I even met a soror (Skee-Wee).

There were even a few YouTubers in the building. I met mstiaradean, SoUtHeRnGrYl, and my girl tifflawrain was there as well/

Although there were faboulous ladies in the building, there were also a few guys that rocked their natural hair well with locks.

And of course, we definitely outnumbered the guys as always lol. Hopefully the group will start attracting more natural males as well.

I had to take a pic with her rocking this hoop. I'm not sure if you all noticed in my last post but... I recently got my nose pierced and I'm obsessed with wearing a hoop soon.

 One thing that I LOVE about the natural hair community is the way we build each other up. I swear I was having a bad hair day but these ladies complemented me and I instantly... I was boosted. I even did a mini live tutorial on how I twist. I hope to see you all at the next event. Who know's maybe I'll just host my own event soon *side eye*

I'm Bizzack

It has been a hott minute since I've posted and since today is the last day of the month I'll leave you with a few pics of whats been going on...

*I moved

*My lil sister visited

*Discovered a farmer's market

*Went to Miami 

B-Day 2K11

Today marks another milestone in my life. I've actually reached the last year of my 20s (OMG, I can't believe I actually just typed that). I can't even remember where I thought I'd be when I was 20 thinking about 29. What I will say is I am blessed to still be here and able to live my life like its golden. This year is actually on of the BEST Birthday's I've had. I can honestly say that I have a couple good friends here (unlike past years) where I could have 'planned' something but with me moving that did not happen.

I feel like this last year in my 20s I wanna live it to the fullest. There are a few things that I think are 'age-appropriate' for a 20- something-year-old that I'd still like to do. For instance I really want a piercing. I love the whole lip ring, but somehow I could see that interfering with a 'sudden' career change.  I've NEVER wanted a nose ring but for the past few months I've become infatuated with hoop nose rings. Now I'm not 100% but I am about 95 and a half!!! Funny thing is... I've never wanted a piercing other than my old az belly ring. I guess as random as I am, one day I just wake up and want to be natural, or want a piercing, or better yet... wake up and I'm 29. Now there are a few more things that I want to do that can't be disclosed on this blog (lol) but I still have time for that hopefully!!! I really want to get a few of my friends together and go zip-lining. I'd even go sky-diving.

Saturday
Although my birthday weekend wasn't that adventurous, I did go check out Bridesmaids.  I LOVED it, a total chick flick, yet good enough that the guys can't contain themselves. I also did a lot of dining out. First stop was Cheesecake Factory. Normally, that place gets on my nerves... think, been-there-done-that. However the food was GREAT as always. Unfortunately, our waitress had halitosis in the worse way. I did a bit of shopping and had a fabulous tea from one of my FAV places (more on that later).

Sunday
I also went out to eat at Guapos. The food was GROSS!!! But I LOVED the atmosphere. They had a band and I am a sucker for any type of live music. My friend also told the waitress that it was my Bday so the waiters came out and scared/surprised me.

Today (my actual born day)
My co-workers had gifts awaiting me once I arrived (late) at work.I'm super happy to work with people that know you. I always feel like you should get people what they want. And if you're not sure then go the gift card route. Later in the day I was surprised with cupcakes. If any of you slightly know me then you know I am a total cupcake connoisseur. I think my new FAV flavor is cookies and cream. Something about that cream cheese. To top my night off I went out to eat yet again at a new could be FAV local seafood restaurant.

Well my Bday has officially come to an end but you'll definitely see me living this year to the absolute fullest, long as my money ain't funny and change ain't strange. I attached the video above because it is my FAV song to get me in my Bday mood!!! Can't forget to thank my friends and family that helped me enjoy my special day. Please know that the BIG 3-0 will be on and poppin (hopefully ATL style)!!!

Reality Check- Basketball Wives

So I’ve tuned in yet again, to another season of Basketball Wives. There was a part of me that didn’t want to do it because of the negative portrayal of black women. However, being a self-proclaimed reality show addict, my addiction won. Of course the ‘day after’ talk in the black community starts with the happenings from the previous show.


In case you missed last night’s show it ended as any other with… drama. Here it is in a nutshell. Susie has apologized after being a battered puppy dog last season and now she wants Royce to make amends to get back in the circle. Neka meets with Shaunie to find out if she said what she said but doesn’t remember what she said to know if she said it (did you all follow me). Evelyn and Chad go and visit the doctor for invitro. Royce agrees and meets up with Jennifer and Evelyn to ‘discuss’ what happens and all hell breaks loose. Tammi wasn’t focused on last night.



Ok, so now that I’ve brought you up to speed, the conversation this morning starts with my co-worker stating that he dislikes Royce because she’s such a drama queen. Now to me I can’t really hold any of them higher than the next. Shaunie is the pimp in my book and strategically and successfully orchestrates what will happen in order to keep the ratings high. Evelyn ALWAYS has to be the ‘bad ass’ get loud and act like she is just running sh*t. Jennifer feeds off Evelyn, so look to Evelyn to determine her attitude. Susie ran her mouth too much (drama ensued). Neka is just trying to get in with the fit in (I’m sure it’ll all blow up soon). Tammi really only pops off if there is a reason, but when she does it’s crazy. Royce has been treated as the underdog, has-no-right-to-a-basketball-player cause she’s a dancer and defends herself … drama. So in the shows little chain of characters, you see that each one of them have and will play a vital role in being a drama queen at any given time.

I am still wondering why they have a show, considering none of them are current basketball wives. What I mean by current is… your husband (meaning that you are already legally married) is currently playing in the NBA. Yes, that makes a huge difference. When your husband is playing you are in the spotlight because he is. These chicks are just trying to stay relevant, hence the show. I think it should be renamed to either Has Been Basketball Wives, Trying to be a Basketball Wife, and Basketball Jumpoffs.

As I was listening to the Russ Parr morning show a listener provided a tweet that sums the women up perfectly. The women on Basketball Wives are basketball groupies in search of their identities as adults. I say I’d have to agree with the viewer completely.

I’d like to say that I won’t be tuned in next week but like a fiend, it keeps calling me. My hopes are that the ish hits the fan with Neka. I am totally not feeling her. Not sure of her age, but when your’re of age to be a grown woman there’s no need to try and fit into a clique. What's up with all of these meetings she keeps having with everyone? She is simply trying too hard.

Until the next Reality Check, I'm out...

Giveaway Time: BVLD Online

I have Exciting News over here. A company bLVD recently partnered with me and sent a couple of pieces of clothing to review. The company www.shopbvdonline.com caters to young, fashion forward women. Check out the video so that you can see the items that were sent to me. As stated on the video, I’m only showing the items because I wouldn’t wear them together but I’ll definitely do an outfit of the day on a later vlog.


BLVD is actually sponsoring a contest for all of my subscribers. The contest actually starts today and will run until the 15th (6/1-6/15). All you have to do to win, is to subscribe to my channel AKAkristin. Easy enough right? But there is also an additional way to win, follow BVD on Twitter @Shop_bLVD. After you follow them, you have to send them a message with my channel name AKAkristin.

You’re probably wondering what you’ll win right? Well the prize is a detailed, coral and white floral clutch wallet with a removable checkbook holder.

It's really cute, wish I could win as well!!! I have even more good news, you all can also get 25% off on shoes thru the duration of the contest. All you have to do is enter the discount code KRISTINBLVDSHOES. I’m very excited to work with this company and look forward to working with them in the future.

All The Single Ladies

Last night I was up until 2am watching the cameo of Single Ladies with Lisa Raye, Stacey Dash, and . Last night was a 2 hour special and I wasn’t prepared to stay up until 2am but I did. Let me just say, right from the start of the show the drama popped off. There were cameos from Eve, Kim Porter, Common., Kandi, Lauren Londen, and several other ATL elites. What I was most impressed with is the fact that the show tackled real issues that most of us single women are dealing with, have dealt with, and won’t EVER deal with again.


If you missed it, the show started by someone stating that a man knows within 20 minutes or so (from the initial contact) if he’s going to marry a woman. Someone then makes a comment as to why Val (Stacy Dash) and her beau aren’t married since they’ve been together for 5 years. And guess what, dude tries to downplay the reason they aren’t married. The story line skipped to 3 months later and guess what, her former beau was engaged (in unison, ain’t-that-a-b*tch). Now you all know that I got in my feelings a bit about that because I wrote a previous post on it. Long story short, after she finds out about the engagement, she ends up having an immediate fling with some random dude. The she tries to get closure with the previous beau and he has I-feel-sorry-for-you sex with her. Now for those of you that haven’t actually watched the show and are following from my recap, remember this is the #nojudgement zone. I may not have participated in both of her actions but definitely one. The messed up part was that after her rendezvous she thought she was pregnant and had no clue who the baby daddy was (chant with me now, Maury, Maury).

Now let’s move on to the next character, April. She’s a cute blonde chick married for a number of years to a black guy. You can tell that April’s husband is in LOVE with her and guess what, she’s cheating. She’s not undercover cheating, yet, all out in the open cheating with a high profile man (the Mayor). She tries to downplay their fling but you can tell that she’s really into him. Her husband expresses that he’s ready to have a child and she tells him maybe in a couple of years. She’s also lied to her husband and used her friends to cover although she didn’t let them in on the actual lie. In the end, the Mayor is actually involved in a scandal with a white woman but (luckily) it wasn’t ApriI. I’m all for equal opportunity, but I hate when a person won’t date the race that they are for whatever reason. There are a**holes in every ethnicity/culture as there are sweethearts #choosewisely. Ok, I digress, but it had to be said!!!

The last main character is Keisha's (Lisa Raye) character that’s a video vixen. As always she plays her regular character (again) a sassy-mouthed stereotypical black woman. It seemed like everyone else’s issue was brought to light except Lisa Raye. In her early years as a video vixen she was also a thief, and on this episode she was being blackmailed for it. I can’t wait to actually see what happens to her next week since she recently stole an item (unbeknowingly) from a guy she’s seeing.

Now I know that some people thought that the acting was a bit off, mainly due to Stacy Dash. For me she always appears transparent as if she doesn’t have any depth, in regard to actually being ‘in character’. I honestly can’t wait to see what’s in store next season and see how on pint the writers are with a real single woman’s life.

What were your thoughts on the show?

I Got, I Got, I Got

Sooo last Monday I received my new 'pride and joy' the lovely iPad 2. As you all know I really wanted it. I went back and forth in my mind trying to justify the large purchase but I had a couple of fund$ set aside to make the purchase so I finally did. I also wanted to do it before a certain date because my bank recently stopped us from accruing points with debit card purchases (that sucks I was racking up). Let me just say this order totally screwed with my head. I would check my order status almost daily because Apple gave me a 2-3 week window. And of course I wanted it to come within the 2 weeks, but that was clearly another story.

But of course when I got it, it was pure excitement. Well kinda... due to all of the waiting I was kinda out of it. Last Monday was such a busy day for me that I almost left it in the trunk of my car LoL!!! What I'll say is that if you are debating on a net book or any other type of tablet, Apple is definitely the way to go. Ok, I know you all are saying it is sooo expensive. Yes, I can't lie they are. But when it comes to Apple, they're synonymous with Quality. What that actually means for me/you/us (the consumer), is that we'll have a high resell value if we ever decide to sell (and you know we will sell cause another version will be out tomorrow, LoL).

Sooo I bet you're wondering exactly which model did I purchase. I actually got the White 16gb with Verizon. The reason why I chose the white is because my Macbook is white so I wanted to make it a lil baby (lame, I know). I know that I could have saved a lot of fund$ by choosing the wi-fi only, but I actually look at this as a replacement... well alternative to my actual computer. I stopped traveling with my Macbook a long time ago but at times I still need to use a computer at my own leisure when I'm away from home. This provides all that and more for me. I also did a bit of comparison with the data plans with AT&T as well as Verizon. I chose Verizon because they're coverage area is broader. Keep in mind this not only acts as a mini computer but you can even get a car mount and use it as a GPS, or play movies for the kiddos (in my case Lyric). I also like the fact that I can run the Nook or Kindle app and have books on the go. I already downloaded the main book... the B-I-B-L-E (yes that's the book for me). Kool thing about the bible app is that they even have an offline app. I haven't yet started my data plan (cause I'm fine using wi-fi for now) but I really wanted to use my Bible app at church and was happy to find the off-line version. That means that they allow you to read the bible without a data connection #superkool!!!

Now you know as a proud parent I had to hurry up and clothe this baby. And of course I chose leopard print. I actually saw several other cases that I wanted, specifically Hello Kitty. But I needed something soon-and-very-soon so I purchased this one from Target for $16.99. It's cute and it does the job of protecting it until I sale (LoL). The only thing about this case is I have to take it out to do Face Time (unfortunately I have no one to do that with). I will post a more in depth review on my YouTube page as soon as I can.

Just in case you all are thinking about purchasing the Ipad 2, I say to do so from the Apple store or from http://www.apple.com/. My reason for saying so is that many other retailers have blind shipment (meaning the don't know the exact number their getting in) or they have a first-come-first-serve policy. A friend of mine ordered her's from Bestbuy and was told the same thing about the 2-3 week hold. Let's just say she canceled and ended up placing a new order with Apple. If you choose to go through a retailer (for whatever reason, you may have a store card) know that you can purchase accessories at a fraction of the cost from an online retailer. I plan on purchasing additional accessories from http://www.accessoriesofapple.com/. I also want to get a new Ipad docking station/stereo and the one I have in mind is by iluv. Trust me I've done the research and this thing is AWESOME.

If you all are current owners of the iPad or iPad 2 please let me know what are some of your favorite apps. I'm really interested in trying the dating app on iPhone and iPad for only iPad and iPhone users. I'll let ya know if I decide to spend 99 cents on it #POW!!!

P.S- I need a name for my new baby let me know what you have in mind?