Overnight Trip to the Chocolate City

After the let down of the recent presidential election, this weekend was definitely needed.  I let my brother take the helm and make plans this go round.

I got an early start the night before and picked up my son from college.  It would have been way too much time on the road in one day if I had waited to get him on Friday.

We had tickets to a Washington Wizards game who were playing my favorite players team; the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes-your girl is a die hard Lebron James fan.  The Wizards gave them a run for their money.  I came away with a new found admiration for John Wall; he is definitely one to watch.  I'm not the biggest basketball fan, but I like to watch a good game or two.

We grabbed a quick dinner before the game at Fuddruckers. Never visited one when they were here in Richmond and I always hear great things about them so why not. We were tight on time and I love a good burger. I totally would give up beef if I didn't crave a bun, burger and cheese every now and then.  Quick and decent. Such a beautiful city to wander.

After the game we caught an Uber back to our hotel since we had walked the few blocks to the arena.  Grabbed some desserts from the adjoining restaurant and got some much needed rest.  

Because I'm not a morning person, my plan to get up early to stand in line to catch a glimpse of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture failed big time. We got there and the line was unbelievable. I was so happy to see so many people stand there waiting to see all the great things my people have contributed to the world..not just the United States.  Such a proud moment even though I only got to see the outside.  

We eventually started checking out the sites such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial statue and Veterans Memorial.  

The weather was a little chilly, but sunny enough for sight seeing.

Ocean Isle Weekend Getaway

A few months ago I was invited to a weekend girls trip.  I'm the girl that's always down for a good road trip and new experiences so I obliged of course.  Sign me up!  I had no idea of what to expect other than I would be in good company.

We first stopped at this little soul food joint off of 85 South..whoa.  They warned me that I would be stuffed when we left.  Buffet style, southern menu. What's not to like?  I had North Carolina style barbecue, fried chicken, greens, mac and cheese and rolls. I'm sure I had a little of everything but these are a staple for me.  Food was fresh, staff was sassy but friendly and the tea (the drinkable kind) was SWEET!  If you're ever headed that route check out Ralph's.

We got to our destination a few hours later.  We walked into the recently updated condo that had an oceanfront view.  The kitchen was quaint but beautifully decorated.  The living room was full of beachy charm.  The bedrooms were cozy with comfortable bedding.  I couldn't wait to wake up to the sunrise the next morning!

I was completely obsessed with this view! To die for backdrop.  This was a perfect after summer, not quite end of the year, pre-holiday getaway.

We checked out the local scenery, drove down to Myrtle Beach to bar hop, enjoyed Halloween festivities, caught a movie and did a little shopping.  Awesome weekend to say the least.  I'm just happy that I got to dip my feet in the sand and soak up some sunshine ocean front in the middle of Autumn.  I suggest to anyone to cut out of work a day or so early and take a little road trip with your girls to unwind every once in a while.  It's good for your soul!

Back At It

For the umteenth time, I am back focused on my fitness.

I'm back from vacation and over and done with the craze of prom and graduation festivities for my 2016 high school graduate.

I've had time to relax, relate, release and decompress.  Thank you Lord!!

So with that being said.  I need to get my butt back in the gym.

Of course, we all need a little inspiration to get to that place.  Kohl's kept sending me emails about saving $10 off of $30..so I said why not look around.

I love their Tek-Gear brand and usually head straight to them..but I remembered that they also sell Nike brand and started perusing the site for some deals.

Low and behold I found four..yes four pairs of bottoms for under $25 each.  Ya'll know I love a deal.
And they are super stylish of course.

Check out the styles I snatched up below:

Nike Womens Relay Dri Fit Capri

Nike Womens Legend Workout Tights

I didn't get to use that $10 off..but I did earn that much in Kohl's cash for my next purchase.

Be sure to get yours before they sell out!

Shoe Fix

What are you wearing this Summer?

I'm a bit of a social media hawk in regards to online boutiques.  I am very well aware of the trends, but not necessarily purchasing all or many of them because they may just not be my style.

One of the many stores that I visit each season and love their clearance and coupons is DSW.  They have a wide array of shoes and accessories.  I rarely go in there and not find something to purchase. While I type this and edit myself in my head-that may be a problem..

I also love the styles on JustFab.com.  I am very tempted to sign up.

The key to a good seasonal shoe for me is great stitching, a sturdy heel and a color that pops.  I live for floral fabrics and bows on sandals.  I also make sure to find a good everyday brown and black pair of flops or sandals.

Who are your faves?

I have another fave that I will mention next week. Come back and see who..you may already be following them!

Friday the 13th isn't so bad after all

I used to be supersticious...Used to is the key word here.

Today's date isn't necessarily bad luck even though its notoriously known to be so.  The movies and music say so..but the fashion world doesn't.

I was checking my email and caught wind of a half off sale at one of my favorite online stores.  Yes, I said 50% OFF. I cannot..I repeat I cannot pass up a sale.  And I am still kicking myself for not getting on my laptop and purchasing this now sold out jumpsuit a few weeks ago. So I am trying to redeem myself and find something just as cute to suffice until it restocks.

Boohoo has so many items that I was dying to add to my wardrobe.  I was able to get free shipping as well.  So excited to get my package.  

Check them out: Boohoo Website

I do plan to post an unboxing post of items purchased today. So be sure to check back soon!

Superbowl Recap..

So..let me just start with the fact that I'm not the biggest football fan.

But I do partake in the social media excitement of it all as well as the commercials and the jaw dropping half time shows.

As stated in my previous post.,,I was rooting for the underdogs..Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers.

But my son's idol Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos prevailed.  He was happy to see them win and for Peyton to go out on such a career high.

I hate to say it..but I had a feeling that the Panthers would choke.
I was also underwhelmed.  I think it was given too much hype along the way.

And my girl Bey avoided a tumble-good save!

The commercials weren't great.  The performances were eh..okay.  And the plays on the field were definitely lack luster.

Hopefully 51 will give us more of a show with all that money that's put into America's game.

Beyonce: The Formation World Tour dates announced

Beyonce announced The Formation World Tour dates on Superbowl Sunday..

Will you Bey there??

Wed. April 27 Miami, FL, Marlins Park
Fri. April 29 Tampa Raymond James Stadium
Sun. May 1 Atlanta, GA Georgia Dome
Tue. May 3 Raleigh, NC Carter-Finley Stadium
Thu. May 5 Nashville, TN Nissan Stadium
Sat. May 7 Houston, TX NRG Stadium
Mon. May 9 Dallas, TX AT&T Stadium
Thu. May 12 San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium
Sat. May 14 Los Angeles, CA Rose Bowl
Mon. May 16 Santa Clara, CA Levi’s Stadium
Wed. May 18 Seattle, WA CenturyLink Field
Fri. May 20 Edmonton, AB Commonwealth Stadium
Mon. May 23 Minneapolis, MN TCF Bank Stadium
Wed. May 25 Toronto, ON Rogers Centre
Fri. May 27 Chicago, IL Soldier Field
Sun. May 29 Detroit, MI Ford Field
Tue. May 31 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Field
Fri. June 3 Boston, MA Gillette Stadium
Sun. June 5 Philadelphia, PA Lincoln Financial Field
Tue. June 7 New York, NY Citi Field
Fri. June 10 Baltimore, MD M&T Bank Stadium
Sun. June 12 Hershey, PA Hersheypark Stadium

Superbowl Sunday!

It's Sunday..Are yall ready for some football?

My son is a Peyton Manning fan so I'm sure he's rooting for the Broncos...but his momma over here is rooting for Cam Newton!  I like rooting for the underdog!  I love all the excitement from the Panther's Camp and I hope they bring it home!  I've seen some disheartening things on social media in regards to Cam's confidence.  I say be confident, go out there and be proud of all your accomplishments.  If you don't celebrate your wins, then who will?

I'm also here for the commercials and BEYONCE!! My girl dropped some fire yesterday!  So excited to watch her hit that stage, especially since I can't get my dose of new reality shows tonight!  No big party to attend, no watching it on the big screen at a bar.  It's all good!  Oh, and I look forward to all the meme's that will be created in response to the game and performances.  Happy Superbowl 50!!

Just wanted to drop a little note since I haven't posted in a while.  I've had some adulting to do...

Are you ready for Sweet Sixteen?

Happy New Year and all that good stuff!!

2016 is here..Are You Ready For It?

I must say that I am.  I was a little hesitant and not excited for a little while during the month of December.  But after some time off from my full-time job and some relaxation this girl is ready to GO!  I didn't do as much planning as I thought I would.  I took my days of way too seriously.  I slept my behind off.  And I needed it.  I took some time to spend with my son and other family members.  I also visited my brother who I hadn't seen in 10 years and that felt pretty darn awesome.

2016 is a big year for my son and me.  He will be graduating as I've mentioned in a few previous posts.  So I'm focusing on getting him into somebodies university!  Also I feel that its now time for me to branch out and do some things that I have been postponing over the years.  It wasn't so much that I could not do those things and be a mom. But I felt a little guilty and thought that I would miss something if I did.  I also was in college myself so my plan was to finish something before I began something new.

Today I am excited for new things to come.  I've sent out some emails and put a few things into play that I have been debating over for a while.  I decided to bite the bullet and go for it.  Hopefully these things work out in my favor and I can happily say that I put myself out there and no longer have the what ifs.  I think Shonda Rhimes has a book about her year of yes.  I'm not saying yes to everything but I am definitely conquering a few of my fears and going for it!

I have a few entrepreneurial and fitness goals for the new year.  Wish me luck!

And stay tuned!  There is so much more in store!

PS.  What's at the top of your 2016 to do list? Share with me in the comments or on Twitter!

More Christmas Decor!

          The holidays are in full swing!  Its time to decorate your home and tree if you haven't done so already.

Do you have a theme or color scheme to decorate your home for Christmas?  
I typically find gorgeous and beautifully colored ornaments from a variety of stores.  I've collected quite many of them over the years and can't bear to part with some.  

I peruse the aisles of Target, Pier 1, Michaels and other stores to get the right color combo for my tree each year.  I consider myself to be a girly girl and my tree colors usually incorporate pinks, purples, turquoise, lime green and silver. 

Since this year is my son's last official Christmas at home I promised he could choose the colors and he decided on royal blue and gold.  I'm cool with that..except I decided to sprinkle some silver in the mix.  While I was out doing a little shopping on Sunday I picked up a few items at Michaels 50% Christmas decor sale.  The items pictured below cost me less than $20.  Because they were on sale already I didn't use a coupon.  

The first box is the exact color that I was looking for.  Then I saw the gold ornaments that reminded me of cupcakes, looking at them now,,,they sort of look like acorns. ..hahaha.  Either way, they're pretty darn cute!  Then I ran across the beads that I love and I have them in turquoise from previous years.  I will either find more ornaments in this same shade of blue or go with a variety of blues.  

Let's see how my decor progresses as I shop around at my favorite stores.  I found a Michaels gift card on my dresser that I plan to use for a few more items while their sale lasts.  It's not a big haul..but they were pretty good finds on my first trip out for decorations this year.

New lippies.. Ulta haul

Thanksgiving is over and that pretty much means that Black Friday was upon us!!
Well I will admit that I use to be one of those crazed shoppers who practically skipped time with my family to get a jump on a crazy electronics deal.

I happened to be checking my emails and an advertisement for Forever21 popped up so I had to check it out.  I will post about that haul in another blog post.  They had some pretty decent deals.  I even caught the restock of an item I had been dying to get!  I pray that it fits right.

Saturday came and went.  I only picked up a gift card for a neighbor that moved to Texas and went to pick up a Christmas present that I had ordered the previous week.

Today, I decided not to sleep the day away and get out and pick up a few items.  I had been itching to get back to Ulta for my NYX fix.  I went to grab my coupon and noticed they had Ulta Beauty items buy two, get two free.  They had me at hello!  I've never purchased their brand of cosmetics before but it was worth a try.  I tell you, I cannot pass up a good deal.  They didn't have many of my preferred colors in stock, but I was able to pick a few shades to sample.

Check out what I snagged below:

Top left: Ulta Brilliant Color Gloss Rich Plum 12

Top Right: Ulta Matte Lip Cream Allusive

Bottom Left: Ulta Matte Lip Cream Stirring

Bottom Right: Ulta Lipstick Plum Crazy 217

In addition to the sale I used a coupon for $3.50 off $10 purchase.  My total came to $15.26. Not too shabby.  The pics may not be true color due to my lighting.  I will try to capture in daylight and repost.  I'm diggin the top right and bottom left. All products went on smoothly and felt very light.  

What are you afraid of?

What has fear kept you from doing?  Achieving? Even attempting?

I personally have seen fear stop so many people from pursuing their dreams and doing what they desire.  Why is that?  We become afraid of the what ifs and are not able to realize that its the very thing that is stopping you from living life authentically.

I've seen fear in the form of relatives or friends who may try to dissuade you to take that leap of faith. They might not be doing this on purpose but it happens.  Just think..You have this grand idea.  I mean you can't stop thinking about it. It consumes you that you can't work your day job because of your dream job.  Then you go to share with someone and they dissect every aspect of your master plan.  They question your ideas and motives and you start doubting yourself.  They warn you of all the things that can go wrong.  And somethings are bound to go in the opposite way of what we think up in our heads, but instead of seeing that as a loss, it should be seen as a lesson. 

Fear can literally paralyze you because of the unknowns. You know what you want out of life.  But you won't go after it.  I see meme's and posts all over social media of people wishing their days away because they are not living with purpose.  How many actors, poets, singers, writers and business people have you heard say that getting to where they wanted to be in life was easy? I can assure you that they didn't have an exact plan in their mind, but the desire was so great that they had to go for it. 

I personally suffered and still to a degree suffer from fear.   Back when I was younger I had people taken away from me so I was afraid to leave those who I had left.  I didn't like change.  I played the hand that I was dealt.  I had the dream of going away to college, but in the back of my mind I couldn't imagine not living at home with my family.  I found out I was pregnant so I was slightly relieved that I didn't have to leave home because I decided to keep my baby and stay home and attend college locally.  You then start finding excuses to allow fear to keep you where you are.  We tell ourselves that once we finish this, we will be able to do this. And that continues on for so long.

The world is more transparent now..even though everything you see on social media is not truth.  But social media allows you a window into the outside world and you can see people literally pushing boundaries and stepping outside of their own boxes.  People are more and more seeking the life they love.  

I say all of this to say, stop letting fear run your life.  Don't quit your daydream.  

No more Mockingjay..

          The last installment of The Hunger Games will be out in theaters tomorrow.  I'm so sad that there won't be anymore.  

I had the liberty to catch an advance viewing of The Hunger Games; Mockingjay Part 2 last night.  A friend of mine gifted me four passes that I just couldn't pass up.  It was a coincidence that I had just received an email from Fandango to purchase tickets to a double play premiere then I received the text message from my friend telling me she had passes.  I swear she has ESP. 

First of all, I definitely am a fan of Jennifer Lawrence.  She is very talented and I truly enjoy watching her as Katniss Everdeen.  She makes me want to learn to shoot a bow and arrow! I also just so happened to have caught up on the previous two installments over the weekend.  So I was all anxious to find out what was next in store for Katniss, Peeta and Gail.  

I haven't read a lick of any of the books so the ending was a complete surprise for me.  And now that I have seen the series, I will read the books..I know, totally backwards..but hey.  I recognized something good when I decided to catch the first installment.  Now I get to look forward to all the parts that couldn't fit into the movies.  

This movie had me wiping my tears on my sleeves a few times.  I got to see Katniss finally choose between her two loves and she finally was able to stop fighting for District 12.  I give the movie two thumbs up. I really enjoyed it...some of the scenes were a little far fetched..but definitely a good way to end such an iconic series.  Now all I need to do is learn that song, that whistle and how to keep my three fingers really close together.. I'm giggling as I type but I'm so serious!! 

The sponsors of the screening even gave us commemorative mocking jay pins. The movie is the move, go see it!  Panem!

Feeling Spec-Tacular

It's Motivation Monday!  New week..new goals!

          I start most Mondays out with some gospel music to get me over that hump.  As I sit here blogging I'm listening to Pandora and they are playing all the songs the choir at my church normally sings. Even though I missed fellowship..I am still getting my message!!!  This music gives me strength to get through any type of day..

To get in your zone, I recommend waking up as peacefully as possible.  Yes, its Monday and the weekend is over, but make the best of it!  Go wake your kids up for school with a smile.  Offer them encouraging words when they leave out the door for school.  Make yourself a sweet, warm cup of Joe and turn on your favorite motivational or meditation sounds to get going.

I'm handling some home maintenance, helping my family with some business..and on the hunt for some reading frames.  Some cute yet, inexpensive ones to be exact. I found my first pair...and the search continues..

They cost me less than lunch....stay tuned for the link to purchase a pair of your own!

What are you wearing this Fall?..My Macy's Bootie Haul

          Ok, Lets's get into these booties!!  Like most ladies this Fall, I too am all about the Fringe.  I picked up this pair by Carlos Santana. I had to exchange them for a larger size to ensure that I could wear them with thicker socks this Winter.  These boots are a stretch for me..I usually don't go this light or with suede.  But..I loved them too much to pass them up.  Yay or Nay?

I've also been obsessed with finding some boots like the ones below since last Fall. I ran across a blog with someone wearing a pair by The Lucky Brand and I didn't want to spend over $100 so I said I would keep looking until I found some that were comparable. These are by Material Girl.  They're a little bit country and I like it!!

Lastly, I snagged these shearling lined booties by Rock Candy..I don't quite love them yet..but I needed some more short boots that gave the look of combat boots.  These were the closest and they were on SALE (ding, ding, ding).  Don't mind my silliness..I get happy when I shop LOL.  But seriously..these guys will do..you can wear them up to hide the fluff or down to showcase it.  They're very comfortable so that's a plus.  A nice vest to rock them with will finish the look nicely..I guess I will add that to my Christmas List.

Honestly I feel like my style is all over the place these days.  Which one would you have picked?

Similar style Rock Candy boots can be found here: Rock Candy Boots

I hear that skin is In!

          They say that skin is in.  I declare my skin looks amazing during the Spring and Summer..it really does.  Maybe a shade or so darker..but yes amazing...that melanin kicks in overtime!! But lately my skin has been more acne prone and dryer than normal.  Problem is that I don't have a regular skincare routine..even though I should as a sufferer of eczema.  I simply use Olay Body Soap, Black Soap or Neutrogena Face Wash whenever I thought to buy some.  Or every now and then I use Dream Clean from Lush Cosmetics.

My lack of attention to my skin is becoming apparent to me.  My face is taking the biggest hit.  I gotta get it together.  I had this notion that the older you get the better your skin looks..ugh maybe not so much at the moment. I'm hoping my research and a little sampling of the different products out there will put me on the right path.  Even though I love me some concealer and foundation, I don't want to feel like I need them to be comfortable when going out on a daily basis.

Every one should be able to enjoy having even an skin tone and blemish free face.  So on that note I will make sure to incorporate a facial service when I splurge on a spa day as well as face masks and mud masks at home for the time in between. The masks below are ones I picked up from Kohl's and Forever21. 

Tell me your skincare secrets in the comments or via Twitter. I would love to know what works for others!

Are you in charge of Thanksgiving dinner?

Yes, its true..if you're seeing Christmas commercials and receiving Black Friday sales ads, its almost Thanksgiving!  YAY or Not?!

Are you the lucky owner of Thanksgiving dinner this year?  No worries!! It should be pretty easy.
If you're traditional, you can just go purchase your frozen turkey and fixings.  But if you are not there are plenty sites on the internet to use to create your menu.

I have relied on Pinterest many a times for regular meals so no doubt there will be plenty for your festivities.  Find your perfect poultry dish in a flash.  Venture out there and try some duck...or maybe just a dish using duck fat.

I can't wait to dig into to mashed potatoes, candied yams and some 5 flavor macaroni and cheese. Please don't forget your greens.  Here in the south we prefer collards with pork or turkey necks.  Or you could choose a nice cabbage dish.  I recently sauteed in some bacon bits and chopped onions in my cabbage...can you say gooood?!!

Lately I have been seeing links to Tasty.  It's hard to resist the comfort eating with sites like them!

If you're not an online recipe person, break out Grandma's or Auntee's old cookbooks.  Happy Turkey Day!

I plan on preparing some desserts this holiday season. Stay tuned for future posts!

Check out the links below to help prepare your holiday meals!

Tasty on Facebook
Pinterest Thanksgiving Recipes

I thought I was a book snob..

          I somehow convinced myself that I was a "book snob".  Over the years I developed a habit of reading books and series of books by particular authors.  I would rarely sway from that approach unless a friend recommended the book or I had just heard so much about it that I had to see what the fuss was all about.  

Well last Spring Break as I made my last minute Target run for travel sized toiletries and whatever else I thought was worthy of tossing in my card..I happened upon an end cap with a few clearance books.  They were probably purchased online and then returned to the store, because they were marked down under $3 each.  I get uber happy when I can buy books dirt cheap even if I don't plan to read them anytime soon.  I've always been a book hoarder and I'm proud to admit it..(insert shoulder shrug).  

I ended up reading one of the books a few months back and got enrolled in a book club because I mailed in this postcard for some free books.  I'm laughing inside because I should really start reading the fine print. Before I knew it I had read and loved the book and signed up for that darn book club and got 5 more books in the mail.  That book was a Harlequin Romance novel.  

I still haven't read all books that were sent to me.  I have since paid whatever I owe that book club..I don't like a regular memberships because I am such a random reader and I love the library.  But after reading a few of Susan Mallery's books, I am no longer one of those people who says oh I don't like those gushy Harlequin Romance books..because obviously I now do.  I had the notion that I couldn't relate to those books as an African American reader because I have a picture of Fabio on the covers imprinted on my brain..but I can.  (and for those who don't know who Fabio is..Google him..I'm an 80's baby). I will remove my snob hat for now.  I've even gone to my local college library looking for more of Susan's books.  But honestly, the writing was great.  The characters were cute and likable and who doesn't love love? 

Are you having a hard time focusing on your short-term goals?

          If you are having a hard time focusing on your short term goals it may be that your life is full of clutter.  You can't properly function when you have lots of little things that are in your way. These little things left unhandled can become big things over time.  Before hibernation time settles in. Lets get going!

It's fall...for me that involves a lot of soup cooking, television watching and nap wanting.  This time of year can quickly derail any short-term goals you have planned for yourself.  I mean lets be realistic here..who doesn't want to curl up with a warm cup of coffee and a good book? I see your virtual hands up. 

Don't fall into the trap.  Wake up each morning and jot down your goals on a note pad (five of them is a good number).  Each day, plan to knock out at least three of those things.  Whatever item/goal that you don't complete rolls over to the next day.  Before you know it, a week has gone by and you are well on your way to a more organized and accomplished you.  These things can be business, life organization or home project related that you have been delaying.

I give this advice as well as I am practicing it myself.  I realize that I receive way too many emails.  I am beginning to unsubscribe from emails that I skim over on a daily.  Also, I've begun deleting ancient emails..Just today I am all the way back to unread or junk emails from 2012.  Knowing better is doing better.  Don't put it off-start today!!

Next up is de-cluttering my papers..I'm on my way to some guilt-free coffee and FICTION!!

What's your favorite "F" word?

                 

                  So it seems that I haven't penned a blog post in a very long time.  I had promised myself that I would do better with adding content and doing so on a regular basis.  Well-you know what happens..life happens.  My full-time job has me extra busy these days.  And my son is in his senior year of high school (insert Mommy tears). If you have children, you should know that preparing a teen for college and adulthood is a full time job also.  College visits, football camps, prep testing, studying etc is in full swing.

                  Even with all of my other responsibilities I feel that I must maintain some sort of focus on my own goals and aspirations.  I finally completed my Associates Degree in May of this year!! Yay me.  Now back to the business of building my FUTURE.  Right about now, that is my favorite "F" word.  I have been menially working on my first fiction novel.  No more excuses.

                On Periscope, Instagram and Facebook (yes I still like Facebook) there are constant reminders of people building their businesses, creating careers for themselves and leaving corporate America.  I've been putting a lot more thought into the decisions I make to prepare myself for my next chapter. Sometimes social media can catapult you towards figuring out your life or it can easily distract you from it.  I like to think I use it for inspiration and motivation.  I stay up at night with ideas for all the things I want to create and do. What are your plans for your future?