Blessed Assurance

I'll be the first to tell you that I not only analyze situations, I over analyze them. This morning I began to over analyze the situation at the 40. If you know me personally, or if you've watched my videos; you know that I am not happy in my current situation. Although I'm using the word analyze, the bible would probably see this as worrying. Actually, worrying is exactly what I was doing. As soon as I felt it, I knew what I had to do. I immediately began to look through my devotionals and read a few scriptures to ease my mind. Shortly afterwards I felt a bit at ease.

One of my stressors was that I'd received an e-mail from a University about an upcoming Federal Government job fair. My excitement was short lived when I noticed that you had to be a current student or Alumni. Nonetheless I decided to e-mail the school to see if I'd be able to attend. Honestly, I was thinking the worse ( I know, more positive thoughts). After about 30 minutes, I had a response which was simply, if I had an account I could register. I still had a student ID but I didn't have the password. I let them know and they sent me a password. Just like that I was able to register. I honestly heard God speak to me, saying I have you. I mean I know that I'm Gods child and that I believe he can do anything, above and beyond my thoughts. And to take it a step further, I've actually tried him and seen him work things out. However, at times I still have shaky faith that appears to be smaller than a mustard seed (have you actually seen how small they are).

I began to vent with my co-worker about my disdain with the situation and started thinking about things I'd rather be doing. Again I heard God's voice speaking to me saying, do it. What I was speaking about is having more of a creative outlet. The 40 makes me feel sooo boxed in. I feel like a gifted child that acts out, out of boredom. It is sooo hard doing something you don't enjoy, over and over and over. I know that there is more of me that needs to be shared. I am not doing nor living up to  my true capacity. I just know that God has something bigger for me to do... I can feel it.

Well just when you thought thats it, my co-worker comes and tells me that my tire was low. I really began to freak out. I admit I dated a mechanic for a while and can not change the fuse, let alone, the tire. Once I got outside I noticed that the tire wasn't just low, it was darn near flat. Like really flat. This was the time that I wished I had a boyfriend *sigh*. Luckily my co-workers were there to assist. Although my spare was put on, I was still freaking about having to purchase a tire (definitely not in my first-of-the-month-rent-is-due budget). My coworker followed me to the gas station and put air in my spare tire (yes that was low too). Luckily, I saw that the service center was still open, so I went over to see if I could get it plugged. After finding out I could get the tire plugged, I told my co-worker and thanked him. This time I could hear my grandma say God always has a ram in the bush. I found out that the plug would only be $22.10 (score). The mechanic was very helpful and had a great personality. It also didn't hurt that he was easy on the eye. After I headed to Starbucks and downed my latte he was finished. He put my spare back in my car and even threw away this box for me (no I'm not building a clubhouse). I walked to the register to pay and he simply said don't worry about it. Again, I could hear God reassuring me that if I relinquish control and let Him do what He can do, then everything will work out for my good.

If that were the end of my day and the end of my unearned Grace, it would have been enough. But yet again God showed me favor. I've been wanting new bed linen and right as I was heading to pay for it an employee handed me a survey which gave me 10% off.

The moral of my story is that there were blessings bestowed upon me today. Really, it was just free, undeserved Grace. But at the same time God assured me at the same time that if I trust in Him and lean not to my own understanding He'll work everything out in His timing. I felt the need to share this because this past weekend I felt very discouraged. Wondering when it would be my turn to get ahead. Basically, just having a big ole woe-is-me pity party. Today was definitely a day of Blessed Assurance (I left a few good things out). As the songwriter says:

This is my story, this is my song praising my Savior all the day long.  

Dear October...

Dear October,

How I Love thee, let me count the ways...

I totally LOVE the month of October. I mean one of my Fav Holidays occur this month. Yep, you guessed it Halloween. Ever since I was a child I've loved Halloween. I remember trick or treating as a kid with my siblings back in Ga and getting sick off of candy. Plus this month makes me think of the hip hop song by Geto Boyz, Mind Playing Tricks on Me. Verse in point: 'This year Halloween fell on the weekend,  Me and Geto Boyz are trick-or-treating, robbing little kids for bags'. Ok, I digress, but Halloween totally takes me back to that moment.

I also like the fact that National Breast Cancer Awareness is recognized in the month of October. So many people (not just women) succumb to breast cancer. And black women are at the highest risk. So this month especially, is about raising awareness and educating others on breast cancer.

Also, this month is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying has been around as long as I can remember but today it has gone extreme. Especially since the cyber age has come along. There are several people bullied everyone to the point that they feel they have to take their own life. To find out more on bullying visit PACER.

This month, I look forward to traveling home for Homecoming (Heeeyyyy Albany, whooo, whoo) as well as spending time with my Grandmother's for her birthday. Also, going to a few Haunted Houses, yes I'm bout that life.

Let me know what you all have planned for this month.

I plan on making one of these



Goodbye September

September literally falls into the "favorite months" category. Summer winds down and the crispness of Fall fills the air. Back to school aka more traffic, rustling of leaves, as well as a dedicated month of fashion (as if they all aren't).

This September really helped me fall back in love with blogging. I was able to attend two awesome events with Fashion bloggers Brea and ViVi. Sometimes you just need to be amongst people who are doing what you'd like to do or doing what you should be doing; to give you that extra push, to simply do it. I must admit, I have been actually hating my blogs layout. Internally I've always wanted to write but aesthetically speaking it's been a pain. I am in the process of working with a graphic designer (although she's away at the time). I can.not.wait. to have a new shiny blog.

This month has also allowed me to meet a few new people that I need for this season as well as reconnect with old friends. Its really made me see (once again) that everything happens exactly when it's supposed to happen.

All in all, September was good to me. Just look below:

Attended one of my FAV Soror's B-day party. Happy Birthday again Jennifer. Afterwards I headed to my FAV ratchet lounge in DC, Red Lounge. It's always great to get together with my Sorors!!!

After having dirty unwashed hair for a month (yes you read correctly). I was able to come up with this fabulous up do. Let me just say it took a minute to get the hair pins in place, but once I did it was on and  popping. It looks similar to a bow, but its not.  I even picked up a new lippie  (MAC's Rebel) and blush (MAC's Blunt) as a contour. I think I did pretty good, what you think? I 'cleaned the ole barn up' (Honey boo boo reference) because I was headed to Tuscana Lounge to celebrate my friend Brandys' birthday. I even wore an outfit that took me back to me Undergrad days, I think I still got it.

September made me feel how I felt before my days with Uncle Ruckus. I felt like the young, single, vibrant, fun Kristin. These days my social calendar is filled. The month definitely didn't stop at that party.



If you all remember, I am a HUGE Yelper. I mean I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that site!!! You can actually check me out here #TeamElite. This party was sooo fun. I mean there was free alcohol, food, eyebrow threading, and hair cuts. This was my first time attending a silent party. If you've never attended one, let me give you the deets. You walk in a quiet room and are handed headphones. There is a DJ and everyone is partying. Honestly, it was sooo much fun. Yelp really set it off for us, there was even a unicorn(unicorns are on the list of things that I LOVE).

I love Hard Apple Cider, but totally HATE Belvedere #Drinkresponsibly!!!



Red Lips

I also met up with Brea and had brunch for her Birthday. Great times but the food was a miss. My outfit was sooo cute and thrifty but I wore the wrong shoes which totally murdered my pinky toe *ouch*.



The shoes were cute and killer 



I Love the funny faces, they're everywhere



This pic is sponsered by Dooney and Bourke #notreally



I also attended the Runway Event at Potomac Millz. It was a beautiful day and I knew I wanted to wear something full of color. Lucky for me I had this fabulous pair of thrifted flower print pants. I decided to go for a mix-n-match look and it came out perfect. Sucky part is, I missed the actual fashion show due to traffic. Yes, traffic is ALWAYS the answer when you're usually fashionably late. The Swag bags from this particular event was great and it included a $20 gift card (that can be used anywhere). The 'after party' was held at Bloomingdale's and the food was amazing!!! There was this fried asparagus, um, um, um it was bomb. They also had miniature macaroons. Macaroons fall into that same category with unicorns, cupcakes, and cotton candy; ya know, the things I LOVE. 

On the Runway

3's a Charm

Yummy Sweets for deserving women

 

Elimi-Date...

someecards.com

Its official, I am over the dating scene…IN GENERAL. I know that I’m not harboring any bitterness; it’s just that I don’t have time for any BS that comes with dating. I think that I have a good idea of what I want and don’t want. Granted, I met a few decent guys on the dating site, but nothing really panned out. I think it was great to use that time to feel…wanted again. But even after that I became bored with the constant chase. From the guys who still live at home, to the divorcee, to the newly broken up, to the I-May-Be-The-Father; to the I’m-Married-But-Still-Have-Feelings-For-You (Mr. YY). I think it’s safe to say that I am done.  With that said I have become a bit more selfish (in regard to my time) and more self-absorbed. I mean prior to my relationship, I LOVED EVERYTING Kristin; but now, I really LOVE EVERYTHING Kristin. I mean the girl can do no wrong to me (I kid, I kid). I just think this is the time for me to focus on some of the bigger things I want in life. I’m sure that once everything is aligned in my personal space; the right guy will find me. Until then, I love the love that loves the love.  

Aren't You a Blogger?

Aren't you a blogger is the question that I ask myself, especially, when I haven't written on a regular. Last weekend as well as this weekend infused the love of blogging in my spirit. Why the delay in blogs you ask... simply, because I've been a bit lazy and I'm sooo over my blog design/layout (a new layout is in the works).

Last weekend I had a chance to attend a Celebrating Women Bloggers Reception at Last Call by Neiman Marcus at Potomac Mills. I was sooo excited that there was an actual fashion event in my area, which meant I didn't have to drive all the way to DC. At the event stylist Lani Inlander presented us with several upcoming Fall trends. Afterwards we were provided with an overview of Last Call by the managet Tim Boiles. Now if you're a serious shopper that loves a designer brand as well as a discounted price, Last Call is the store for you. This is the only Last Call by Neiman Marcus in the state of Va. And, they have a regular shipment from Barney's (gasp). Tim even stated that his store occasionally receives the coveted Chanel every now and again. Last Call totally laid it out for us from the tasty decadent food, to the awesome swag bags. Let me just say I was happy to even receive a swag bag considering I didn't RSVP initially.  Lastly we were given a tour of the Fashion District at Potomac Mills by Caroline Berry Green, who is the Director of Marketing & Business at Potomac Mills. There are going to be some big changes coming to the area. They are getting a Cheesecake Factory and a Pandora Outlet (yay).

If that little bit excited you, you have a chance to see what I mean by coming out to the Celebrating Women Runway fashion show, hosted by stylist Lani Inlander on the 22nd of September. There will be complimentary refreshments, wine tasting, live music, and a after party. If that's not enough, the first 50 people to RSVP will receive reserved seating at a runway show, a swag bag,  as well as a $20 American Express/Simon gift card.

Later that evening, I had a chance to get my cherry popped at Ikea. How in the heck have I lived here 5 years and have never visited Ikea...smh. Luckily Brea and ViVi was going there too so imagine the fun we had. I am sooo in Love with Ikea and can't wait to go back!!!

It's Official!!!

via: Pinterest

Sooo It's official, I'm ready to start dating. I haven't gone on one single date since Uncle Rukus (the preferred name for my ex) and I ended our relationship. I remember after we first broke up I didn't even want to look at another guy, they all just disgusted me. I'd go to the gym and try my bestest (yes bestest) not to make eye contact with someone of the opposite sex. Welp, let's just say things have changed. I have a very flirtatious personality, and it has been peeping its head out a little too often. I had a guy at Marshall's thinking that I wanted to walk him home (totally not what I was implying, simply wanted his opinion). Most of my friends are casually dating and I think (kinda sorta not sure) that I'm ready for the challenge. Note, that I used the word think. Honestly, I've fallen back into the habits of the old single nonchalant Kristin. That basically means I'm concerned with me, I only have time for me, and I can kinda do without the (sometime) annoyance of being attached at the hip to someone else. Like, I look back and think, I really spent a lot of time with that dude and kinda neglected things that were important to me, for things that I thought were important to us. So this time around I'm doing me... if and only if I have time, I'll make an exception to hang out, other than that I'm not pressed to have a free meal or free adventure with someone that I'm not feeling conversationally or physically. 

Here's the kicker... I joined an online dating site. I can't remember if I stated on this blog that I wouldn't go that route again or not, but its the route that I've taken. I won't lie, these first few minutes have been entertaining to say the least, but after a while it became a bit overwhelming. The site I joined is a free site and my friend warned and encouraged (at-the-same-damn-time) that I'd get some jerks but there may just be a needle in the haystack. I'm not sure if I'll give you guys a play by play (if any one's reading) of what's happening, but I may chime in a bit. So far I have met a few thirsty mofo's, they're like 'I hit you up but you never said anything'. My thoughts are maybe you're not attractive or maybe your screen name is pushingmylovedeepinsideyou or maybe, just maybe, I'm busy.   I swear to you all, I hate the dating phase, you know, the what's-your-favorite-color-what-do-you-do-do-you-have-any-kids type of conversations. In a perfect world I'd like to have a face-to-face interview with the non-psycho (cause we all know guys say their exes were psycho) ex girlfriend and see what dude is really about; that would definitely save time and maybe heartache as well.

Who knows, I may just meet the prototype of my future husband who will become my future baby daddy (had to do that for the ratchets)!!!

Roadtrip: Richmond

A few things I picked up.

This past weekend, I got a chance to take a road trip to Richmond, Va. For some unknown reason the city truly intrigues me (trust me, I don't know why). When I saw that Kinky Keenya was hosting Return of The Curls, I knew that would be the perfect reason to have a road trip, however, I didn't know if I had the time off from my side hustle. Luckily I did, so I asked a friend if she'd like to take the journey with me and she was game.

Let me just say whenever I'm taking a trip or visiting a friend, I go straight into planner mode, I guess its the analyst in me. I went directly to yelp.com to start my research. There were quite a few places that I won't visit although I didn't get a chance for all, but they are on my mental Richmond to do list. I can't lie, I kinda go a little overboard with getting things just right so that my (high) expectations are met. Honestly, when I go on a trip/vacay, my inner Rachel-Ray-$40-A-Day comes to surface, I am indeed a BIG foodie. But second are my living arrangements. For me life is all about the experience, right? Since I was sharing a room with someone, I wanted to make sure that it was budget conscience.  I mean, I searched and searched, read review after review and was unable to simply choose a hotel. I ended up making myself frustrated and simply chose one of the unpublished hotels. I got the hotel at a discounted rate and paid before I actually knew which one, luckily for us it was 4 star, so that was kool. We ended up getting the Omni.

The trip down to Richmond wasn't as bad as I thought, I can not drive long distances and I took my car. On the way there, I saw sooo many small restaurant chains and stores that reminded me of my small town (Waffle House, Shoe Shoe). We arrived at the room and it really was nice, well the foyer. I've seen better rooms, but hey it worked for the night. We ended up going to the event and staying for all of about an hour. Had we known the fashion show would be later we would have arrived later. The main company (curls.biz) that I was interested in didn't even product to sale. Epic Fail. There were a few of other well known brands in the building such as Karens Body Beautiful. And there were a few vendors that had t-shirts, jewelry, and other handmade items for sale. My friend and I ended up buying a pair of African earrings. I also saw a few subscribers (well mostly my friends subbies, lol). Funny thing is, I always play the role of not being on YT, trips me out when I tell subbies and they actually believe me.

After our short stay at the Expo, we decided to get a lil bit of shopping on. I read that Short Pump mall was pretty hawt. I guess the portion that I omitted reading was that it's actually a town center and not an actual mall. It wouldn't have been a problem if we weren't getting a preview of what hell felt like that day lol. I mean it was super hot and the whole town center, walk-outside-from-store-to-store concept just ruined it for me. Next up was time for a bit to eat so we stopped at a place that I'd bookmarked earlier called deLux. The pictures on the website made the restaurant/bar seem more interesting. However, the reviews I read on the food were on point. As an appetizer we ordered the salt & pepper calamari (just to spill the beans, I am having a secret love affair with calamari right now and could eat it everyday).

Although there were other venues, I'd like to visit, we left after stopping by one of the local favorite eateries, Peraly's. The food was all that and then some. I swear their salmon patties taste identical to mine. This restaurant reminded me of my grandma old house. The decor was very quirky and we had the BEST waiters (probably in town). Did any of you all attend Return of Curls? Also, if you live in Richmond, let me know where  the locals hang.

A piece of the hotel, salt & pepper calamarie, and breakfast

I kept being asked if I were part of the Fashion Show (nope, just fashionable).

For the record I had on pants not tights, lol!!!

I'm like WTF

Super Saturday at Tyson's Mall

Today was such a Super Saturday at Tyson's Mall. If you didn't know, I work part time at Kiehl's and today was the ending stop for their 3rd Annual Life Ride event. This event is such a big deal so that meant we all had to make sure we were in place on time to make our guest comfortable; and sell our wonderful products at the same time.

Life Ride is a charity motorcycle ride partnered with Amfar. Kiehl's USA President Chris Salgardo led the way on the ride. Kiehl's also made donations at each of the stores the ride stopped at totaling $90,000. Not only was this a big to do in our store, it was also a big to do in the area since several celebrities showed up. I actually had a chance to meet model Tyson Beckford. Let me just say that he was super sweet and very handsome. Total win, when your inside (personality) matches your outside appearance.




My Manager and I with Tyson Beckford

 Not only was this big but my former place of employment, Lush released their new makeup line. If you have sensitive skin, this line may be up your ally since all of Lush's products are vegetarian and even a few vegan products. I was excited to stop by and play in their area.

Thinking of June in July Pt 2

I'm still thinking of my 30th birthday weekend. It really turned out to be great. I will admit, I was super nervous about turning 30. Not because I'm officially out of the young, fun, 20s decade; but because I didn't feel as if I'd be able to celebrate it as I'd like to. I wanted friends from Ga. and family around. I mean I wanted the big she-bang!!!  And because that wasn't feasible, I'd decided to give up. It wasn't until my mom appeared in my dream, and while the two of us ate Chipotle she simply stated that I had to do something. And just like that, the wheels began to turn and I did ALL of my planning. From recommendations from Facebook and Yelp, to making reservations, and sending out Evites. Honestly, aside from the addition of family/friends and the fact that I should have ordered a birthday cake (go with your first mind, I will definitely have a cake next year) I wouldn't have changed a thing. My weekend celebration started out with drinks at Stan's followed by a visit to an 18 floor makeshift museum full of art, booze, and music. Early that Saturday morning, we sat out for some zip-lining followed by a dinner later in the afternoon. The night ended with my friends getting me VIP at a lounge. The weekend was GREAT, I'll let the pics be worth a thousand words...