Plum Proper

Ooooo Oui Oui

2011-10-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have never been able to make French Toast taste delicious. It has always been more of a thing that sops up syrup, that is sugary sweet and awesome. The funny thing is when I get a craving, I must go to any length to satisfy it, or I feel as though my world will come to an end.

With that said, my local far from fancy grocery store had cinnamon bread on sale. Normally I get the Pepperidge Farm brand but I have been extremely cheap lately. When I saw the Cinnabon version for 1.75 I jumped on it. Why would I do that? What would make me think that it would not be awful? Needless to say, it was gross. Cinnabon should stick to making big fat crack rolls dripping in icing.

I digress. After the rock loaf sat in the cabinet for a week, I decided that something had to be done with it. French toast was the only option. I had been having a taste for a it anyways.

Let me tell you. It was soooooooooooo good. This is the perfect hard, dry bread to use for French Toast!

Update

2011-10-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I am just stopping by, with an update! We are having a girl! I'm so excited. We have chosen her name and I'm in the process of trying to figure out what I want to do for her nursery. Time will tell!

I have gained two pounds thus far and am at 22 Weeks. The baby moves all the time, I am really enjoying each and every day of this experience. I am blessed above measure!

Most days I try to look decent, even when physically I feel weary. Here I'm wearing a ten dollar dress I got from Marshalls. A Jacket from JcPenney I got on super clearance. AND bracelets I won in a give away from Kameel...AKA MrsHall-inTraining. Stop by her blog, she just delivered the most adorable bundle of joy and is full of wonderful ideas!

Talk to you all soon!

MrsQSPN (I need a signature)

Guess What?!

2011-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

I have been holding on to some news for some time now. I wrestled with whether or not I should share this on my blog, but I figured that I really miss blogging and want to return. I do these long hiatus thingies every few months, so I am sorry. I have a very low attention span.

This time around the reason for my absence is actually valid. My husband and I are expecting our first child. Yay! I will be 19 weeks on Sunday and have not had the energy or desire to post. Now that my all day sickness has subsided and I just have morning sickness, I am able to enjoy being pregnant. I also have a little more energy. Sleep is a dangerous thing my friends. It consumed me.

Anyways I hope to have a lot more to share as time progresses. I will be visiting everyone on their blogs, see you then!

Here Goes

2011-06-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

So I was at my hubby's job and thought..."Hey I look cute today!" I asked him to snap a pic of me on my new phone, he obliged. So here is an outfit post! Yay! I told you Im not playing around about blogging more!

Dress from Ross 9.99....Shoes also from Ross 9.99. I love a bargain...what can I say!

These are some of the bangles I got in the set from Avenue on sale for 4.96. I have been breaking them up and pairing them differently.

Anyways...you lovlies have a delightful day!

Drum Roll Please

2011-05-31T08:14:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday my husband woke up and decided he could not live another day without an IPhone. I felt the same way. I have been wanting a better camera and I have been wanting to get in on the Words With Friends action.

Now that I have this new sexy phone, excuses for why I have not thrown a post together should fall by the way side.

Yesterday morning I put a healthier spin on Huevos Rancheros. Delicious and filling. I am loving Weight Watchers, counting the point is really keeping me aware. Sometimes I make errors but its okay, I can always end the evening with a delicious salad and fruit . The key is planning, which I have been doing faithfully!

I also did a little shopping and secured these funky bangles. The Avenue had a killer sale and these are two separate sets @ 4.96 each. I'm wearing them all together so that I can be noisy and get attention when my arm moves even the slightest bit.

All in all I hope everyone enjoyed their memorial day. Even though I am
against war and violence, I still honor the men and women who risk life and limb in service to this country. Thanks!

Watcher

2011-05-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

So i am on my second week with Weight Watchers online. I could not bring myself to go to meetings, and I do not like people in my stuff (especially those I don't know). Thats why I have a blog. SARCASM.

Anyways I am logging everything I eat, having delicious healthy snacks and planning my meals. I am going to start yoga when my schedule changes on June 6th. The only thing I have not done is buy a scale. I know crazy right. Im constantly aware of what I am putting in my mouth but I am not aware of how much I weigh unless I go to the doctor. (Buying a scale tomorrow...CHECK)

Honestly, I just went to the doctor and I am morbidly obese. It sounds weird saying it. When I tell people I wear a size 20 they never believe me. But I weigh 255 pounds, and my health was suffering because I refused to take the initiative to do better. I can not even believe that I typed that number. 255. 255. 255. And I was 280 two years ago.

Im ready for this new me, and Im feeling good. (As JHUD says in her video.) I love all the recipes and ideas available at other blogs and I need something else to focus on.

Right now Im working my business model so that I can jump into the big world of ebusiness. Someone who came out of the same womb as me 6 years later had the audacity to tell me that she has always wanted more for my life than what I do right now. The nerve of her! I have never been more hurt in my life. Never. But Im not my career or lack there of. That doesn't define me. Being a woman, wife, sister and friend all trump some grand career. I just want happiness and I have that so I am winning.

Give me a virtual hug guys...Im having a tough day.

Woman Within

2011-04-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Let me just say that I'm sitting at my husbands desk stunned, with my mouth hanging open. Why? Because I have to eat my words. One of my co-workers and I love to talk shop. And by shop I don't mean work, I mean SHOPPING! We talk about Lane Bryant and how our experiences with the retailer differ drastically. I hate LB and she loves it. So yesterday afternoon she said, "E have you looked into Woman Within"? I turned my nose up like she sat poo under my nose. "WOMAN WITHIN!? How absurd. I would never find anything decent there. All they have is fat girl knits."

Haahaa! But alas. I was wrong.

Werk. It.

I adore this color palette right now. The lavender, plum, raisin...delish!

I wish this was in white, but I guess i can settle for this color.

This top is cute but I love the richness of the colors in the collection, especially the skinny jeans.

I wish they had more in the peach color family, Im into the whole romantic look right now.

I would splurge on this top. But I don't have to...I just googled promo codes and got a 50% off one item. If Woman Within contacts me, I would love to do a review on all of this stuff.

Oh yeah and this too! I need three different colors...it would be my go to look on the weekend!

Public Service Announcement

2011-04-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

Lupe Fiasco is the business. You need to get his new CD. We Are LASERS.

Of course Lupe being who he is has an acronym for an album title, it stands for Love Always Shines Every Time Remember to Smile. I LOVE THAT! Especially since I have been examining myself lately. Looking in the mirror is never a bad thing when you want to see the real in the reflection. I'm striving to love, have compassion and mercy. I believe these attributes will enable me to walk in my truth and live my life with grace. It takes a strong person to let stuff go, the weak hold on to things for fear of losing control and entering the unknown. The thing is...God is in control. I am striving to cut myself a little slack these days.

Anyway, I love Lupe because his music always makes me think. I wont tell you what my favorite track is, because I don't want to taint your experience of the album. This is really just good fun music and even though I am a fan of "The Cool"...I understand and appreciate this album for what it is.

Now Lupe...when are you coming to Nashville!!!????

Melie Bianco Bags Baby (And me using the world Fabulous too many times...)

2011-04-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Let me just say that I LOVE handbags. Way more than shoes. Give me some target flats or whatever, and a fab bag...and I'm better than fantastic! I was perusing the People Mag dedicated to fashion happenings and I came across a bag that I LURVED. I have decided to stray from my beloved known designer bags and venture into unknown territory. Well unknown to me and most other people I see on a regular basis. Enter Melie Bianco.

Lets face it Nashville is not the fashion capital of the world. That being said, there are a lot of fashionable people here. One of my yelp buddies Marcia (a fabulous one) just participated in Nashville Fashion Week, and one of my favorite designers Christian Sariano was there (which rocks). I'm glad to report it was successful and fabulous!

However, it would have been nice to have some plus sized fashion fabulousness represented in some way. A size twelve somewhere on some promotional piece. There are many real women in Nashville, small, medium, large, extra large, and extra extra extra large. I was not checking for the designers who do not design for me. I guess as usual, my Fab Flab isn't "high fashion". ::stepsoffsoapbox::

With that said, the point of the whole thing was to give back to those with artistic vision and passion for the arts. We know they don't always get the funds needed to make the world a beautiful place. All of the proceeds from fashion week went to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund to support artists in the industry with Middle Tennessee ties. Even though I complain all the time about wishing I was back in my beloved Maryland/D.C/Va...Nashville has a lot to offer.

I digress. This post is about the fabulousness and affordability of Melie Bianco bags. So lets get to the show.

This comes in three colors, and for $81.00 I can afford the white one too!

This is so delicious. You know what is also delicious. The fact that it is $58.00. Fifty eight bucks!

Object of my desires.
Drool worthyness.

This cross over ditty is $72.00, and I would pay for it. I'm going to pay for it actually. I need it to wear with my 2.50 Old Navy Flip Flops. And you all need to check out Melie Bianco STAT!

What kind of handbags are you loving right now???!!

City Chic Sale

2011-03-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Guess what!!! City Chic is having a sale...everything on their site is 60% off!!! This savings event starts tonight and will last until midnight on March 21st!

Now we all know what that means! I'm going shopping and I don't have to be restricted to the clearance items! I live for a steal, and a steal is way better than a deal. I like to feel like I made out like a bandit after my purchase...meaning I procured the goods without giving up much loot (otherwise known as mullah, cheddar, pesos, dollar dollar bills y'all).

I had chosen some dresses to wear for my anniversary dinner, now I will be getting those and a few other goodies.

I need this cardi to go with a darling black and white polka dot dress I bought from Ross for less than twenty bucks!

Super super sexy. I like to look hot when we have date nights, but I also like to be comfortable.

BBM wore this last week and I HAVE to have it. @ this price I will have it!

I'm trying to get away from black, buts so its so CHIC...I cant help it!

Happy STEALING...I mean shopping!

Bargains Baby

2011-03-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

So I was over on Literal Gem's post about Harem Pants and found my way to the Simply Be home page. I have never looked on the site but I am so glad I did. Being who I am I went to the sale section first. I found some cute things, however I feel they are still over priced to be on sale.

This gingham shirt is on sale for 25.00...I know that I can find it cheaper.

This top isn't exactly the same but its the look I am going for and its 18.97 at Old Navy. I can dress it up or be more casual.

Upon further research I found this shirt at Old Navy for 12.99! Its not as tailored as the one at Simply Be however if I roll the sleeves up and pair it with a funky belt I can achieve a look of my own.

Simply Be is running a promo right now for 20 percent off of purchase for new customers. Keeping that in mind, sales tax in the state of Tennessee is almost ten percent so I would only be getting ten more percent off. At the end I decided to go for the second shirt at Old Navy because I can get free shipping and ten percent off, which means no tax. The colorful shirt is more flattering for my shape and has a lot of potential when it comes to increasing my ensembles cute factor (think: accessories). The more possibilities the better...REMIX!

I love bargain shopping online!

Even though I did not find anything over at Simply Be this time around, they do have some cute pieces. I will continue to shop their sale section to see what deals I can find. They were great for inspiration!

City Chic US Launch

2011-01-27T20:13:00.000-08:00

Hey lovelies! I just wanted to drop a quick line to let you all know that City Chic just launched a new US version of their site! I am really exited about it because I have been eying a few fabulous things for a some weeks now!

The Mr. and I will be celebrating our third wedding anniversary in April and will be spending the weekend enjoying his company at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. Granted its about ten minutes away from where we live, I have not stayed there and am super excited! We will be having a romantic dinner somewhere no doubt...I NEED A SEXY DRESS! I mean, I need to make him do a triple take and say "WHOA!" to indicate that he thinks I'm hot!

I love the cut of this. I am not blessed in the hips and rear department and the empire waist on this dress will give me curves in the right places and more of a shape. I love it! The polka dots are too cute!

I like this one too. But I am in love with the first one!

Some other options for the weekend...(The Mr. loves me to show off my legs!)

Of course these would be worn with boots, tights and a cardi!

Spring is around the corner!

City Chic is on point for this upcoming season! I'm really excited! They also have an awesome contest going on right now to celebrate the launch of the site in the United States!

City Chic has just launched a contest to win a free trip to Australian Fashion Week. The contest is open to all in NZ, AU, and the US. You can enter the contest through the "Share and Win" tab on the City Chic Facebook: http://on.fb.me/eDPWJU

I hope I win...but if I don't I hope you win! Rush over and enter!

@ The Mill

2011-01-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of December I recieved a gift from the principal of my former school. It was the gift of bread. At first I scoffed, and thought..."who gives someone bread as a gift". Then I ate it. Oh my my!

This bread was so good I had to plan a trip to buy some. We vowed after eating that bread not to buy bread from the grocery store again. We have stuck to our guns on that one and have only eaten bread from the Amish Market in Nolensville, Tennessee.

The Amish Market @ The Mill is the rage now a days. With everyone trying to support local businesses, its no wonder boys and girls flock to their humble store from far distances outside of the Nashville Metro area. Myself included. However, I have had the Amish Country experience in Pennsylvania and Maryland, so this situation was a little touristy and lacked authenticity.

Look at my reflection in the door!

They are praised for their breakfast....but Miss Pea-wee is NOT Amish. Am I being Amish-ist?

I don't like Pecan Pie but a lot of people do because it was the only one left.

No...I don't want to fight in the civil war.

This trip was over all disappointing. I just do not get what all of the fuss was about. But when I post the rest of the pictures I took while in Nolensville, you will see why I fell in love! Not with this place though. Its just my bread provider. If you want to go and get some be my guest! The verdict is still out on the Strawberry Jam. I do not think its that great but my husband loves it.

Anyways, go and see for yourself!

Amish Country Market @ The mill

7280 Nolensville Rd
Nolensville, TN 37135

Im Coming

2011-01-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

I know I did all of that talking about blogging more. But the semester just started...when I get going I will be back. I do want to let everyone know that I got a new job, and I start Monday. Dont ask details, just know that I am happy to be moving on to a new thing! I also dont have to wear a crummy uniform...i.e. The Red T-Shirt and black pants.

See ya soon!

Little Mrs Bakenstein (or E. Bakenstein)

2011-01-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

My husband told me that this year I can only bake twice a month. I agreed because we are trying to decrease our sugar consumption. I promised in fact. Then I turned around and made these...

Lets get a closer look.

MONKEY MUFFINS!!! (Click for recipe.)

They were really incredible. My husband tried to eat the whole thing by himself but I refused to let him enjoy all of the delish-iocity by himself!

I got the recipe from my best friend Ree...you know The Pioneer Woman. Okay, maybe best friend isn't quite "keeping it real". I am more like a blog stalker, but we (she and I) visit with each other several times a day. We (she and I) hang out for hours upon hours figuring out which of her recipes I will make next.

With that said. This week I tried these recipes from The Pioneer Woman arsenal of awesomeness!

The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever

This is INDEED the best chocolate sheet cake I have ever eaten in my LIFE. It is all from scratch which is right up my alley, it is pretty simple to make. Its gone, and no I never got around to giving it away. (Dont judge me.) Next time I will make this in my Bundt pan and drizzle the chocolate frosting over it. It will be easier to store and prettier. YOU MUST MAKE THIS!

Make Ahead Muffin Melts

I do not know what I did wrong but my melts were not fabulous. They were below average. My husband thought they were good, but I NEVER strive for just good. I need him to use an adjective that is fun, exciting, along the lines of FANTASTIC. I did not get that response. I only at one, and then my appetite for the day was gone. Try them if you want, I hope yours come out as good as Ree's look!

16 Minute Meal Bowtie Lasagna

This was so-so. My baked spaghetti is better and I would rather spend 30 minutes making something great than 16 making something that is just average. I made it Thursday and it is still in the fridge. We did not even fool with the left overs. And we have NO PROBLEM with eating food over and over again until it is gone. In fact we have ordered pizza twice since I made this, I may break it out tonight. I think the fact that I did not add meat is what made it different. Please try it and tell me if I am off and you thought it was really easy and great.

Just to let you know I also made Banana Nut Muffins yesterday. They had a cream cheese swirl going on.

I have baked three times and it is not even the 15th yet. I have broken my promise and I feel terrible. I am however not going to beat myself up about it. The muffins do not count because they were a necessity! I am not going to throw away bananas that are rotting! I just can't!

Lets pause for a moment of silence.

I picked up this Smart Bacon. Should not be called "Smart Bacon"...it tasted dumb. It was literally like eating a shoe box. I mean, what I would think a shoe box would taste like, because I have never actually eaten a shoe box before.

Say NO to smart bacon. I would rather just omit bacon like things from my life than settle for this horrible substitute.

With that said my list for the week is coming along wonderfully! I'm glad that I am setting small goals for myself to attain. I'm no good at achieving long term goals, short attention span!

Stay safe in the snow!!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

So here we are in 2011!!! I'm doing my first post of the year from my iPod touch and it's pretty cool to be posting from the comfort of my bed. Let's face it, it takes a lot to move me. This is a big deal. This takes away any excuses I have made in the past for failing to update this blog.

With that said, I have some plans for this space! Today I went on eBay to scout out a USB chord to replace the one I have misplaced in my house. I also looked into getting a tripod. My goal is to do more outfit of the day posts. Hopefully my new job will not force me to wear dusty black pants and a frumpy red shirt. Hopefully I will be able to discover my inner fashionista again. Chic is on a budget though and needs to start thrifting! Oh and I have not secured this job yet, it's my faith working. Im just speaking what I know is going to happen and doing what I need to do to secure the deal. (See goals for the week.)

So with all of these new ways to stay connected, all of my camera accessories and a renewed sense to do somethings I have made up in mind must be done...2011 seems to be full of promise!

This weeks goals:

Exercise three times this week
Look into joining nashville's local CSA
Spend no money eating out cook all meals
Cut negativity in half
Clean up one room in my house everyday
Clean my crap out of my car
Send out twenty resumes

Ok lovelies...have a magnificent Monday!!!!!

BBM''s Blogger Secret Gift Exchange 2010

2010-12-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please!!!!!!!!

A few days ago, I was in the kitchen preparing to go to work when these lovely boxes were delivered.

The funny thing is, as soon as I got the box and looked at the address I knew exactly who had gotten my name in the gift exchange!

Before I go into detail about the giver of my gifts, let me give you all some background information. Literal Gemini and I go way back. When I say way back I don't mean ten years, even fifteen, heck we go back to a little nursery school in Glen Dale, Maryland by the name of ABC Early Learning Center. Yes, that far back! She is my oldest and one of my dearest friends! Through the years our families have moved to different parts of Maryland but we came together in 1998 as Freshman at Howard University, by happenstance.

Get up and WALK! (Inside joke. Puhaaha!)

I have always admired her tenacity and intelligence. She has so many qualities that I always wished I had one ounce of. If I had a little bit of her stick withitness...I might be able to pick a job or career field and be successful at it. But I digress this is a happy post. Back to Literal Gem...her name fits her perfectly she is a gem and has a really big heart. And that is why I love her!

Even though we find ourselves once again separated by distances large and wide, I thank God for the blogging community, it allows me to see her and keep up with her and that is really important to me!

Okay, okay, okay...I will stop with the sappy trip down memory lane. I will get on with the gifts!

So I opened the first box and what did I find!

Exactly what I wanted! Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World! I am out of town but you KNOW as soon as I get back to Nashville I am cracking this baby open and going to WORK! I have been wanting this since March and for whatever reason did not get it. Now I have it! Yay!

I was jumping up and down at this point. She could have stopped at that, but she didn't! Because she rocks!

I went on to the next box, and what did I find!!!!

At this point, I was jumping up and down and screaming. My husband was looking at me like I was a fool. He was digging the gifts, especially the gloves. I was so excited. I put the gloves on immediately. Of course I started snapping photos. Of course.

Hmmmm....can't see the ruffle detailing. Must take more photos.

Ahhhh yes! That's much better! They are perfect! But there was more Holiday deliciousness! A lollipop AND lip gloss! She knows me so well she didn't get me lipstick...she got me lip gloss because that's all that I wear! Peppermint!

I have got to say, this Blogging Secret Gift Giving Diva stuck to the level of fabulousness she exists in on a regular basis...and I am truly thankful for the gifts! Thanks Gem! Also thank you BBM for thinking to do this gift exchange, I have seen it done on other blogs and wanted to do one forever! Now I have!

Wonder when my giftee is going to get and open hers...I forgot to put a card in the box but my name is on it! Im sure Im the only blogger in the exchange in Tennessee!

P.S. I am home in Maryland and I am so happy to be here!

Cookie Madness

2010-12-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

I had a blast of a weekend baking a million cookies for the holidays. I planned on doing four different types but decided to nix one because I wanted to stick with the classic holiday flavors, to appeal to even the simplest palettes. Oh but then I threw in game changer! I will get more into that on a different post!

I went about the cookies the same way I go about looking fabulous when I step out! I went to Avenue this weekend, and even though they didn't have the boots I wanted, I still scored!

I got these cute shoes for 17.96 and this ruffle clutch for 6.96! Ruffles are a theme and I feel like I embody the holiday spirit with this plaid top I got from Cato last fall! I have been looking for a red tartan plaid blouse but haven't found one cute enough! I'm still looking though! I also got my hosiery from Avenue...it was 40% off of 5.00. We plus sized ladies know how hard it is to find good stockings at a reasonable price!

I'm trying to start modeling like BBM....she is my idol! I'm also trying to post more OOTD posts like my other idols Literal Gem and Mrs. Hall so be on the look out. I wear a stupid uniform everyday to work but once I get a new job, hopefully I wont have to! (Yes I'm still on the hunt.)

Some of my other Avenue purchases over the past week. (Yes they know me in there, by name!)

These are the booties Im wearing above!

And these are replacing my favorite brown cowboy boots. I had to throw the old ones away over the Thanksgiving holiday. They were literally falling apart!

I plan on doing several posts this week because I have so much to share. Im looking feverishly for my camera usb...so that I can upload better pics. Until then it will be crappy blackberry camera pictures!

Hohoho

2010-12-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that I got the opportunity to be a part of BBM's Secret Blogger Gift Exchange! (click link to left for more details) It was fun shopping for a stranger! Here is the tissue paper that I wrapped all of her goodies in!

My process in shopping for this already fabulous lady was to stalk her blog. I went back as far as i possibly could to gauge her style, and there were a few pieces that I thought would be great staples in her already delicious wardrobe! I know the limit was twenty bucks...but I mean really! No honestly I was able to stay close to that and that is what made the adventure so much more fun!

Last night I happened to go to Target and I found the cutest bags in the dollar bins! I wanted to eat them they were so adorable! So I snatched one up, I knew that my giftee would LOVE it like I did! I was also sure to get busy tissue paper because I love the look of things that don't go together being put together!

I am really excited to give this gift! I love giving even more than receiving, I mean that is what the Holiday Season is really all about! Not only giving gifts but being a gift to others!

Of course I had to add some freshly baked treats to the bag! Candy cookies! One is filled with Reese's Pieces and the other with mini M&M's! I only put two in the bag because I don't know if my Bloggers is watching her sugar intake for the holidays!

Aha the finished product! All ready to be mailed out! My hubby runs the mail room for United Methodist Communications so he will be shipping this baby out today! If I send it through regular mail it will be en route tomorrow, if I ship it UPS it will not start moving until Monday. But at least I know it will get there! UPS it is!

Secret Santa on the move!

Maryland on My Mind

2010-12-15T13:00:00.000-08:00

This holiday season, my husband and I will be packing up our holiday cheer and taking it to Maryland! My whole family lives there and I cannot wait to see everyone! And I cannot wait to see the signs that say Waugh Chapel! Even though we probably wont even come that way from BWI...we will probably not get on the interstate at all because there is no need to.

Anyways...I am excited! Can we PLEASE have a blogger get together. Please please please!

On another note...

Mr. Misss_E (my hubby and I have planned to have ROBOTS be a subtle theme in our home. I have been wanting to do this for about a year now. And I am just determined to make it happen, but robot prints can be a little expensive! Enter ETSY. I found some really cute and wonderful things and I cannot wait to start working my design plan after the new year!

That's enough of that! I have been in my pajamas all day, wasting away in front of this computer! I swear there isn't enough time in the day when it comes to perusing blogs and shopping!

Cold Cutie (FACT)

2010-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Fact: The blog you are now reading is the best blog you have or will ever read. (Inspired by Dwight Schrute)

Sunday afternoon, after I finished am online final exam, I looked up to see snow falling. Now, I live in Nashville and snow is not something I have seen often since moving here in 2005.

Knowing what I know about this city's reaction to snow, I knew that the kids would be out of school for the next two days. Which means I would be working one of those days, and be off the other! Well right now I am enjoying my day off! I took my fourth of six final exam and now I am waiting for my hubby to get off of work!

Why hello there! Heeeelllloooooo! Helllllllloooohhh!

I'm staying healthy by taking plenty of vitamins. By plenty I mean I eat them like gummy bears. by the handful. Don't judge. They taste delicious! I know you are thinking, "you fool! you are hurting yourself by taking too many vitamins!" But really. Think about that statement.

If i were to eat all the fruits and vegetables one could possibly ingest in a day...would I be hurting myself. Eating just one is hurting myself! I promise you...if you pop five of these babies a day and three or four vitamin C chewables...you will be feeling and looking as good as I do!

On another totally non related issue...I got my Secret Blogger and she is sooo adorable! I love her sense of style and and her price awareness! She doesn't know it but we have a lot of the same items of clothing! I'm not telling who she is yet! I'm not! Oh no!

I have a few projects on the horizon for this week:

Make several different pound cakes and figure out which one is going to be my signature.
Exercise three times this week.
Finish shopping, wrapping and sending Secret Santa gift.
Waste countless hours watching The Wire
Start working on button earrings. First up leopard print.
Get my vitamins nad minerals.
Share more FACTS with those around me.

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas is right around the corner. I am extremely excited because I will be traveling to Maryland to spend a week with my family. My older brother and his wife has a baby girl in October and my younger sister had a baby girl in November in addition to my one year old nephew! I miss my family so much and can not wait to see everyone and hug my mom and dad.

Our plane tickets were so expensive my husband and I had to sell blood and organs to pay for them. LOL Needless to say the gifts I wanted to buy myself and my husband wont be purchased any time soon. Either way there are some small things I want that come in under the $20.00 range, which is extremely affordable!

I have been stalking these boots on the Avenues website! They are only 24.99 and with the promo code AV101170 they are 40% off making them 14.99! Its such a good price you can rush delivery if need be! Checkmate! (Size 9 1/2)

I adore this dress! It is at The Avenue as well and would go great with some black tights! If ordering one item you can get 40% off of this little baby and any fashionista would love it! (Size 20)

This would go great under a blazer and the riding boots I'm getting myself from The Avenue. It would be a great accessory to my Afro! (2XL)

This is so cute! Rub knit cardigan! 15.80 as Forever 21 Plus! The first one is 22 and the second is 24. I know they are over 20 but someone in my family may be lurking. Like say...my husband!

Pier 1 Imports...isnt this the cutest thing you have ever seen!

Max. Brenner or anywhere for that matter, I'm not picky on this one! I have been dying for a fondue set!

Vegan Cupcake Cookbook.

I am a pescetarian meaning the only meat I eat is fish. I would like to get into vegan baking though. I have been eying this book!

This list isn't complete...but i have to go to work. I will be back to add more to the gift list!

BBM's Secret Blogger Gift Exchange 2010

2010-12-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I'm back! I mean I still have 5 more finals but consider me back in full effect. I love the holidays and could not bear to not blog during this time! I have so much to say! So I will take it one post at a time!

Yours truly has been chosen to participate in BBM's Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2010 and I am super excited! This is a great way for me to reintroduce myself to the blogosphere after just popping in on occasion. Myself along with Sixteen Fabulous Fashionistas will be participating in this event! To get more info on these lovely ladies click the link to the left under my gorgeous new profile picture.

We are supposed to purchase gifts under twenty dollars. That should not be that difficult, but knowing me it will be. I love to shop and find wonderful things for the low low. (Yes I said low low. Don't try to act like you don't know what I am talking about.) So this challenge is right up my alley.

I live within walking distance of Target (I still drive), so I am in there at lease five days a week. I even get groceries in there. My bank account is taking a hit but its okay because they have so many things I love! One of those things is in the twenty dollar range and would be a great gift for a lady who loves to feel super sassy all the way down to her fingertips. Aren't these gloves just delicious. I could eat them, but I would rather wear them!

Now if you have a gift exchange somewhere else, these cloves are a little on the expensive side. Especially if you are participating in several exchanges. Target also has a few really cute options for closer to ten dollars.

The great thing about getting these online is that Target offers free shipping on any purchase over $50.00! I love free shipping!

Its cold outside and we all need to protect our soft hands and manicured nails! I'm sure any lady would love to open a box and see these babies sitting under the tissue paper! I know I would!

Its VV Brown Everybody!!!!

2010-11-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

VV Brown....a hit over in the UK. How did I miss her. Do yourself and get this CD.

Her she does a cover of "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon. I love her accent and her tone is to die for.

This is one of her hits...Shark in the Water. One again...love her voice. Its pure. Sorry but Robyn Rihanna Fenty barely sounds this good on a track she darn sure wouldn't sound this good in the back of a cab with an acoustic guitar.

Now now now! What would I be if I didnt throw fashion into this mix with VV!!!

Enjoy!

Janelle Monae talks fashion

2010-10-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

I love Janelle Monae...and her style. Class can carry you farther than you would have gone otherwise. Transcend my lovely people. :)

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

2010-10-19T17:38:00.000-07:00

I love this video and I love my hair! Way to go Sesame Street!

STAMP

2010-10-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

Heeeellllooooo everyone! I pray all is well with each and every one!

I don't have much going on. School is coming along quite well. Work is...you know work. I messed up my back, went a week without getting it checked out. And am currently on my last of three days at home after being ordered by my husband and doctor to stay home and heal. I would have never stayed home unless I was made to do so! But I am glad they made me!

On the first morning I woke up to a delightful Strawberry Parfait made with French Vanilla Yo-plait and Maple Pecan Bare Naked Granola...and my medicine.

Ignore the Cheerios, this was from another day.

Well I ate, enjoyed and fell into a coma. I have been sleeping since Tuesday! I'm not complaining, but my back still hurts. If it doesn't feel better by Saturday, I will be returning to the doctor's office for a more in depth look into my back aches.

So I just wanted to share this delicious meal with you all, and let you know that real dreams do come true! Haaahaa! That was so corny but I wanted to say it so I just slapped it on to the end of that sentence.

All jokes aside.

FISH TACOS are the business. My husband and I have been everywhere trying to find some fish tacos we could STAMP with our "tons of deliciousness" stamp of approval. I looked online, asked random folks on the street, and search high and low. Finally I found them! I mean Nashville is not like most cities, there aren't a million places to find great food in owner operated restaurants.

But finally, we found it! We went to The Whiskey Kitchen in the Gulch, I had Salmon, the hubby had fish tacos. Let me say...STAMP! They were ridiculously fabulous! Of course, me being who I am, decided that I could remake them. So we did!

Kept it simple. Beer battered fish that we whipped up ourselves. Fresh Jalapeño Peppers and Roma tomatoes. Homemade Cole Slaw and Ranch Dressing. STAMP!

I am not playing. If you make these fish tacos you will add your STAMP of approval to them as well!

Recap: The Whiskey Kitchen is super delicious...great for Pescetarians. Fish Tacos are the business when done right. STAMP!

Say Yes to Tomatoes: No Thanks

2010-09-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

Friday after my pedicure I stop into Ross to see what what I could possibly find a reason to spend money on. I walked around the store and a few things stood out as desirable but one thing in particular caught my eye. being part of the natural hair community is very important to me. Besides becoming a Pescatarian, going natural is one of the best decisions I have ever made. With that said, a lot of people in that community have been talking about this line of natural products called, Yes to Carrots/Cucumbers/Tomatoes. Well Ross has Yes to Tomatoes conditioner for 2.99. I mean who could pass up 10 dollar conditioner. staring you in the face screaming to the top of its lungs, "I'm 2.99 fool...don't you dare walk out of here without me!"

Needless to say, I bought it. I went to work and all I could think about was going home to co-wash with Yes to Tomatoes. Kids were talking to me and telling me stories on the playground but I just could not get this stuff off of my mind! When I got home I made fish tacos (which I have decided I don't care for unless the fish is grilled Tilapia...Blue Coast Burrito sucks.)...then played a little Move on the PlayStation 3 with my husband. By the time I worked up a sweat and decided to hop in the shower, the bottle of conditioner was calling my name! So prepped for my wash. Upon opening the conditioner no fragrance knocked me down. I thought, "hmmm it has pleasant aroma but I like the small delightful hint of deliciousness that is tickling my nostrils right now", so I had to give it a mental check plus on the smell and the overall feeling it gave me upon smelling it.

Then I put it on. Slip was excellent, it went on smooth. I feel my hair getting softer and softer. Unfortunately, what I didn't feel was my curls popping! Ugh! For seriously YTT??? SO you are just going to smell fab but not define my curls. Hmmm...OK. This bottle of conditioner will need to be spruced up, I'm not giving it a check because I can't use it alone without anything being added to it and it working effectively.

Recap:

Love the price (2.99 Ross)

Love the smell (hint of deliciousness)

Love the slip (gave my hair the desired texture)

No curl definition (being that I'm all about my curls this failed me)

Results:

I still suggest it to you all. My followers are of many different ethnic backgrounds, with many different hair textures. Give it a try it you want soft manageable hair.

I prefer my hair to be soft, wild and unmanageable!

Monthly Check In

2010-09-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

Whats going on everyone! I am tired and a whole lot of other things...but I'm happy so who cares!

Good news. I am back in school and taking 18 credits while working full time. Some days I think I have taken on too much, then I am rewarded with a perfect grade on a research paper and all is well and right in my world again. In case anyone is interested, I am studying Elementary Education and hope to one day go into Administration.

Bad news. I can't believe I am sharing this but mid- August I was demoted at my job. It was the most embarrassing thing I have had to go through in awhile. Honestly, I still don't know what I did wrong because my supervisor NEVER talked to me about it. The whole year I had the position parents and the principal at my school had no complaints. After being angry and depressed for awhile (a long while) I decided that obviously this organization isn't it for me. I mean, it is a stop on the path that God has already set in place for me! So whatever. I'm over it but I am also over this particular organization and am treating this like the J-O-B that it is.

If I hadn't gotten demoted honestly I wouldn't be back in school right now. I would have given a lame attempt to get back in again but not really pursued it. Sooo all that to say...I no longer worry about the things that are happening all around me because my steps are ordered by God. Manifest destiny. Yeah.

My natural hair journey is coming along. Look at my hair! This is not even my 'fro. it has grown back and then some since I chopped all of my relaxer off in February.

Guess what! I finally won a give away! Yes, yes yall!

Mrs Hall In Training sent me some FABULOUS bangles from her trip to Cancun! I cannot wait to wear them! I will be sure to post a pic from whatever I wear them with! Thanks again Diva!

I WANT THESE TORY BURCH FLATS!

I will settle for these from Target. I'm going to buy them tomorrow actually.

They have another flat pair...I may get those instead. We will see...the last pair of leopard kitten heels I had I wore them until they fell apart. Not an over-exaggeration my husband was my boy-friend and he promised to buy me some more if I threw them away. He never did. I was duped...but then maybe not. I got the husband instead. : )

Okay I have talked enough! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Minty Fresh

2010-08-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I had two trainings this weekend and saw some old friends at what was called "Diva Night". So I was actually productive!

This post is totally random but I just cracked open a new tube of toothpaste and used it this morning after being STUCK with what was one of the biggest disappointments of the century. Ok I am over exaggerating but missing the mark does not even being to describe how FAIL this toothpaste we tried was.

So I was at Target or maybe Publix. I don't know I was somewhere shopping and came across Burt's Bees natural Toothpaste and got super excited. Me...being the Brand Whore that I am thought it would be a good idea to try it. I mean I LOVE their chap stick (original not all that other fruity crap) and have been using it for years and years and years. Why would I stop to think that maybe their toothpaste wouldn't be as great as their chap stick. Talk about brand loyalty. Too bad the stuff was awful. Imagine going through a whole tube of toothpaste feeling like your mouth didn't reach its full potential each and every day! IMAGINE IT! I wanted to throw it away but my husband, in an effort to teach me a lesson about always needing to change stuff that doesn't need to be changed, insisted that we finish the tube.

Thank God we squeezed that last bit of hell out of that tube this weekend. I was able to go back to my soul mate...Tom's of Maine! I will never forsake Tom's again. I'm done sampling and am ready to commit permanently. Period. Its the best...its the best natural toothpaste I have found. Sorry Burt's you missed the mark!

Color Coded

2010-08-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. My life has been a trial in patience. ::deepsigh:: But its all good.

So Fall is around the corner. I have been saying that I am NOT wearing black and gray all day every day this year. I'm determined to add some color to my wardrobe. DETERMINED.

These colors are on trend for Fall 2010 and they give me goosebumps! I love them! And guess what!? Gray is on the list. I will be wearing my gray pumps and booties this year. BUT I'm not going over board with it. I'm so excited. The golden glow, coral and purple. The lagoon! ::doingthehappydance::

What colors are you excited about? Do you even care about the color trends...will you just do your own thing? One thing I can say is, I am glad to have staple classic pieces that work with any trend! You can't go wrong when you go with your gut! I love the feelings that getting dressed and knowing I look fab produces!

Anyways! Have a great week lovelies!

Gots To Have It

2010-08-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

I have not really been online this summer. But now that I have more time on my hands I can web window shop. I spied a few items that I am in love with...so I'm going to share them with you all! What have you had your eyes on recently? Are you still enjoying summer wear or have you set your sights on fall!

I am all about the transition for now. Buying thinks that I can wear now and once the weather cools down. I own all the staples. Plenty of cardigans, a jean jacket, boots, tights, and scarves. Right now I need a new black blazer and some brown riding boots.

Evans...oh how I have missed thee! This is fab...the roll up sleeves are the perfect length and the military inspiration is flawless.

Eshakti got this so right. The pattern and silhouette is divine.

Torrid was not really speaking to me because I think they are over priced. But this shirt is transitional. I would work well with weather in Nashville because it could be layered under a sweater or vest and blazer. Loving the mustard color. Do to my middle I would either wear the belt higher up or eliminate it all together.

Avenue caught my eye with this colorful dress! This would be wearable from summer into fall.

I love this look from Avenue as well. I'm getting this.

Man I'm exhausted from shopping online. I didn't find much because I'm rusty. Give me a little time and I will be back to finding my deals. The main thing is that I am trying to get away from the black I have been wearing all summer and the gray I wore last fall and winter. I am all about jewel tones, and neutrals. I will also be picking up some boot cut and wide legged jeans. I may need a break from the skinny leg phenomenon.

That's all for now...I'm going to get a pedi. The hardest decision I have to make this weekend is pink or red polish. I love my life when it is stress free!

Enjoy your weekend!

Guess Who's Back!

2010-08-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I'm back again! Truth is I haven't had the will or energy to post while I was still having to work Summer Odyssey (H&ll on Earth). Now that that is over and I'm back to my everyday I will have plenty to say!

First of all...let me say. My phone is so crappy. I have a blackberry that is not even a year old. The trackball is funny acting AND my camera needs glasses. I'm not over exaggerating...I'm so serious.

OK don't believe. LOOK!

See! This is what I'm talking about! Cloudy...like glaucoma!

Anyways. I brought forth the message at church on Sunday. I was very surprised that I was going to have to do it. But God blessed my socks off. So I give Him praise for what He is doing in my life!

Fashion. What does it means to you? For me it is really about expression. Its a way to connect and give others a glimpse of my personality without necessarily saying a word.

Leopard flats say a lot about a person. When I am wearing mine I feel invincible. I feel way more powerful and confident when I wear my leopard flats than I do when I wear some black ones. A big chunky funky necklace that doesn't match a thing I have on says more than you know. Its like a silent rebellion. It rides down the street on my neck screaming at passers by for no reason in particular other than that it is present.

What statements do your clothes or accessories or style say about you!?

Summah Summah Summah-time....Summertime

2010-07-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

So I have been gone forever. I didnt give word that I was taking a break. Sorry. I just was not inspired to blog...or even be on the computer for that matter.

A few weeks ago...I had an epiphany that led me to start putting my resume out. After I get a new job I will give more details on why I am going elsewhere. You know everything and everyone is online and I wouldnt want to say anything that would be deemed negative by my employers while Im actually still working for them. Can you say fired? Right.

So I havent been doing much this summer. Watching reality television, and spending time with our house guest. Yes...HOUSE GUEST. We are hosting a 9 year old girl that goes to our church for the summer. We just want to put her in a different environment for the summer. it has been an experience to say the least. She has opened my eyes to MYSELF...I dont know how my husband can stand me.

So pretty much we have been shopping, eating fruit, and hanging by the pool at the YMCA!

I have been taking pictures but I have on my dumb work uniform so its not anything special. I cant wait until I get a job where I can where what I want. Or I have to dress up! I'm so excited! THEN I will be having OOTD post like all of my beautiful blogging friends! I miss you guys! I'm glad to be back!

Crosss My Mind

2010-06-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Can I just say...I LOVE JILL SCOTT! Queen she is. Fierce is her. I love her.

She is on tour with Maxwell...so don't miss it if they are coming to your city!

I just got back from the gym and I'm feelin' myself. So hard. I know its not proper English...grammar...whatever! I'm feelin' myself...so hard. I did a Spinning class on Saturday...and did Step Aerobics class this morning then an hour walk. I feel so good. I'm going to start writing again. I have a few ideas for some children's books and of course poetry. I have been gone too long.

I do not have much to say! I pray all is well with my interweb friends!

We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond. ~Gwendolyn Brooks

Soy Delicious

2010-05-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to say..."Happy Memorial Day"...because I think its dumb. We are honoring folks who died in countless wars...whats to celebrate. Granted...the Civil War was necessary but if there was never any human trafficking in the first place...there would be no need to the Confederacy to remove it self from the Union. I'm just saying...who is HAPPY to celebrate their loved ones who lost life in a war. Show of hands!? Exactly. I'm not saying don't remember and honor...Im just saying there is nothing happy about it. I really just think its a way to spin the fact that something precious was lost without dealing with the why.

End Rant. ::stepsoffsoapbox::

My husband and I have stopped eating meat...and only eat fish a few times a week. I know you may be asking "What the heck are you eating???" or "Gosh that must be boring and bland tasting..." but you would be surprised! I still love food as much as I ever have!

We will be grilling veggie burgers and salmon today! I'm going to make deviled eggs...veggie salad...some vegetarian baked beans! I'm so excited.

I do want to share with you all some of the things we have been eating. Because well its good! Actually Morning Star Chik'n products are absolutely delicious.

The chicken nuggets were so good....I was surprised at first. I prefer the Chik'n Tenders to the nuggets though. You cannot tell the difference between these and any other frozen chicken nugget product on the market. I would say that these taste better than the so called real chicken nuggets.

My husband and I love the Chik'n Patties as well! We put them on Sister Schubert's Yeast Rolls and add Dijon Mustard and Sweet baby Rays for a little added flavor. DELISH. This is so quick and easy to make.

Don't worry we get our veggies in on the side. Salads, Broccoli, Corn. You get my point. One thing I'm concerned about is eliminating meat from my diet and over dosing on junk. So we are making every effort to over dose on fruits and veggies everyday! I am a fruitaholic so summer is my favorite season!

What fruits and veggies are you looking forward to enjoying this summer???

ShowMe!

2010-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

Click the picture to enlarge and see my bracelets! Dont be jealous at how FAB they are!

I'm not running a sweatshop. I actually gave the kids a snack before they started making bracelets! These were made by two of my lovlies using pipe cleaners and plastic beads.

Im posting this blog using ShowMe! Photo Blogger. Its an ap on my blackberry. This is my third time attempting this. ::crossingmyfingershittingsend::

Results: It didn't work. All it did was send me an email of the post. It did not upload the post for me. Hmph...that sucks. I had to copy paste and upload the picture to blogger so I might as well just wait and do the post in front of a computer. It only save a few seconds. Meh. On to the other hand I do like how it gave the picture a border and title. I may just keep it around after all.

Surprise

2010-05-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

So my birthday turn out fabulously! My husband gave me a surprise birthday party!

I was not expecting it and my closest loved ones in Nashville (my second family and a few close friends) were there to celebrate!

My camera sucks...go figure. My blackberry isn't even a year old and it is not worth crap. I wore this t-shirt with jeans (hair pulled back) because I was dressed to go to bible study...not a party! But it was fun!

Lost is over. I'm not going to say much about it. I was somewhat disappointed in the ending. Not many loose ends were tied up and I felt as though the writers as a whole insulted the intelligence of the viewer. My hubby thinks I need to let it go, and take it for what it is...strictly a form of entertainment. But I can't I'm obsessive.

Updates on my natural journey! I can get a puff now and I'm super hyped about it! Its actually very flattering and will be my go to hair style during the summer.

My hair is growing so fast. My regimen is simple...I only wash with conditioner. Sometimes I add baking soda to it if I have buildup. I add leave in conditioner and my Shea butter/coconut oil mix. I let it air try until its almost dry if I am doing a twist out. For this puff I let it dry about 35% then I pull it back!

What are you all doing to preserve your hair during the summer! What products do you live by to protect and moisturize your locks in the sun and heat!!!????

Thirty and Flirty

2010-05-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today I turned 30 years old. I don't know how I feel about that but I wont complain or get down on myself. I'm blessed and I am happy.

One of my 2nd grade students made me this before she went off to her class! She hugged me a gazillion times and sang "For She's a jolly good fellow" while we were lining up to go to class!

What else have I been up to! Well I have been taking a ton of pictures. I found my battery charger for my camera. Now I cannot find the USB cord to upload the pictures...AGAIN! Luckily i took a FEW on my phone!

Going natural is still one of the best decisions I have made in my adult life.

My Fro is beautiful...I normally wear it with a thin headband as shown in this picture!

Colby...one of my darling first graders agrees! You know he didnt mean to say I am petty. But maybe he did. LOL!!!!

One of my besties came to Nashville and we hung out! I know I look huge next to her but she is really really really tiny. LOL

I went home to Maryland for my brothers wedding. I was the planner and it turned out beautifully!

Got to spend time with my family...but not all of my friends! I will get you ALL next time!

My beautiful Mother with the white shawl and God mom beside her! My younger sister and nephew...my brother and his new wife...my fab baby sister!!! My big sis is missing!

I know its a bad picture but I had to get my dad DANCING! LOL

I have so many OOTD pics on my camera....but I will leave you with a picture of the Clay's since this post was photo heavy!

I'm going to find a birthday outfit...thats cute and casual because I'm walking to work this afternoon!

Later!

Where the Heart Is

2010-05-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hey lovelies! I know i have been absent but I have been traveling and had to get my site together for the person who would be covering for me. I am home in Maryland sleeping the day away. While I am here, Nashville was hit with severe rain and a lot of flooding occurred. We have no idea what our home is going to look like when we get home...but there is no sense in worrying about something that you have no control over!

I didn't get the eShakti dress. Mostly because I procrastinated too long. My husband and I are going shopping for something for both of us to wear as he forgot his suit in Nashville.

As you know I'm coordinating my brothers wedding. That's why I'm hear so soon after my last visit. We had the wedding rehearsal yesterday. While a few surprises were thrown my way...I'm very flexible and plan on making lemonade out of the lemons being hurled at me!

I can't wait to see all my friends...M had her baby on Saturday...Dy is single and successful and doing her thing...and J is a fabulous mom who is navigating her way through this thing called life. Sounds like a show on television! I should write the pilot!

Anyways I will only be taking pictures at the wedding. I forgot my camera charger on my computer desk and I have close to no battery life left!

I love you guys! Be blessed!

I'm Still Alive

2010-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

So...I cannot find my camera's USB cord. I have been taking pictures too...UGH! Enough of that...I am going to do what I can do. Use my Blackberry.

So I went to Target and was happy to see a few things I liked in the shoe department.

Both options bring so much potential to my wardrobe.

My work uniform is so depressing. It makes me sad to have to wear a t-shirt to work. But I digress.

I got the new update on my Blackberry and guess what!? Twitter was on it! I was so happy. I have not been doing Twitter because it was too much for me to use another ap to do it or go online through my phone's browser. But since I have gotten the Twitter ap I have been out of control.

'Fro Real!!! This is so random...I rarely wear my hair like this but my husband loves it. So I did it for our last date night. Excuse the shiny face...I don't wear makeup and it was hot.

Until the next time!

Help!

2010-04-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

Ok I need help from all of my fashion forward ladies! I am the wedding coordinator for my brothers wedding on May8th. I want to get a dress from eShakti but I have no idea what to get. I want to be right...hot...fly...hot to trot...cutie pie flying high. You know what I mean. My husband says that shirts and shirts are more flattering on me than dresses and to tell the truth I value his opinion because when ever I get his input and listen I get compliments. He won't actually pick out the outfit...but will help pull everything together for the final reveal. Here is where I need your help! Can you go to eShaki and either post on your page what I should wear or comeback and give me the link for what I should wear.

A few things to keep in mind:

I have boobies.
I have a large waist, back fat, no hips and a flat-ish booty.
I don't really like wearing my arms out so I might wear a cardi...or add a sleeve to the dress.
Skirts are welcome suggestions.
I am wearing my black pumps because they are comfortable and I will be running all day.

I want to order my dress Monday so please please please give me your input...I value the opinion of my style divas in blogland! I am working a more laid back wedding today...but I will take pictures and post them sometime this week. I can't wait to get your input! Have a wonderful weekend!

Beautiful Blogger

2010-04-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you thank you thank you...you're far too kind!

I was awarded this Beautiful Blogger award from Kameel at Mrs. Hall in Training. You have no idea how exciting this is for me! I never win ANYTHING! So being that I was afforded this honor...I had to repost and ASAP....so here goes!

Rules are made to be broken...but this time and in this case let's follow these:

1. Thank and link the person that gave you the award.
2. Pass this award on to ten (10) bloggers.

Capiche!!!!???

Lets do it then!

Stop You're Broke Blog
Big Beautyful Mess
NikStar
Prior Fat Girl
Saks in the City
Sarah's Art House
Sound Bites: Ramblings of a Recovering Food Junkie
Vegan Crunk
Fab Finds Under $50
BonBon Rose

I have a ton of blogs I follow but I miss these ladies when I am away from the blog sphere for too long!

3. Tell seven (7) things about yourself.

I have been a vegetarian that eats fish for more than 30 days! But I have only eaten fish 7 of those days.
My 30th birthday is May 19th...I will celebrate with vegan cupcakes. But I wish I was having a surprise birthday party.
To be truthful I have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life...I'm still in search of something that I can be passionate about. I'm bored with kids thing....my job isn't fun anymore. Shhh don't tell my husband.
I miss my family and am giving consideration to moving back to Maryland...my hubby has already given me the green light to do it next year.
I don't want to have a baby for another year or two.
I sing on the praise and worship team at my church and I am over the youth department.
Going natural is one of the best decisions I have ever made! I love my 'fro!

So there you have it! Please forgive how crazy my font and spacing is...I have no clue as to what is going on with my editor.

Later!

Larabar Smarabar

2010-04-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

Larabars. They were crucial for me when I was doing the vegan no sugars thing for 21 days. I think Jen @ Prior Fat Girl mentioned eating them. But I can't remember what made me try these. I was starving after a staff meeting one Tuesday afternoon and went to The Turnip Truck because I figured that I could get something I could eat there without spending over THREE DOLLARS.

I scoured the whole store. I was tired of fruit. I wanted something else. So I went to their wonderful snack bar section and read the ingredients on EVERY SINGLE bar that they had. The guys that worked at the store kept walking past me. When I was in the oatmeal...they were looking at the oatmeal. But whatever. I was on a mission to eat something good for my body.

The Larabar's ingredient tab had it going on...no sugar or flour...just fruit and nuts! Gluten free! Dairy Free! Soy Free! I mean come on! It was a winner.

Look at that tiny bite I took! I was so scared to taste it...lol.

So whats my verdict after I tasted it...???

The empty package says it all.

I wish that the lovely folks at Larabar would email me and offer me some more bars to review. You guys should really try them...if you need something to get you from one meal to the next!

Turnip truck people. Stop following me when I come in there! I have made a commitment to myself to know what is in what I'm putting in my body. Thanks for having that healthy option for me to purchase and bearing with me picking up stuff and putting it back on the shelf if it doesn't make the cut!

Later Folks!

Sitty Pretty

2010-04-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that we moved to Hermitage? Well we did. The best part about the whole move is a second bedroom and the close proximity of my home to my job. I have been walking to work three days a week. Its a hilly twenty minute walk and I love it! My husband even came home parked the car and walked to pick me up on Wednesday and we walked home together. Wasn't that really sweet of him!

So when I met my husband he had this dinette set that I fell in love with. It was covered with blue denim for some reason that I will never understand. I have loved the chairs and have been DYING to reupholster them. We bought fabric once but never used it. So when we moved I toyed with the idea of getting a new table for our kitchen. I knew that I wanted to keep the set that we have because I think it is really funky, retro, and earthy. So, we went and got new fabric and recovered out chairs! I love it! I like to walk into the kitchen and just look at them.

Never mind the fan in the back. My husband INSISTS on having fans and I am tired of the tug of war so I am letting the fan thing go! You know in marriage you have to choose your battles!

Speaking of battles (battle of the bulge). Let me tell you about the first vegan cupcakes I made. I kept it simple and to be honest they were DELISH.

We devoured them. I ate two. We had a little girl with us over Easter weekend and she helped me make the cupcakes. She bit her tongue they were so good. They were SUPER moist too! I took a big bite...they are falling apart.

This cupcake book goes on the birthday list. Yeah my 30th is right around the corner! And I am having VEGAN cupcakes at my party!

Thats all folks. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I will be unpacking more crap, cleaning and maybe cranking out some banana bread. Later!

Happy Anniversary to Me

2010-04-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

So my husband and I celebrated our anniversary on Monday! Its been two big ones! I am just now coming up for air! He is so awesome....I'm still as in love with him now as I was when we said "I do"!

We make memories everyday...I love being married to my best friend!

Craves.

2010-03-31T12:16:00.001-07:00

I'm sooooooo getting this.

Being Well

2010-03-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

For real Sarah Palin. I mean...are you really enticing people to revolt. ::shakingmyhead::

I try not to make political statements on my blog, but I cannot resist saying this one thing. If the haves in this country cared more about the have nots, the United States of America would be a much better place. And I don't mean just saying "I care." or throwing a dollar a homeless person's way. There is no positve way to say that Im dissappointed and disgusted by the behavior of my fellow countrymen...where is your dignity and couth.

Two of many golden nuggets of wisdom The Dalai Lama has dropped in our laps apply to the political climate in our country right now:

To meet the challenge of the century, human beings will have to step up into universal responsibility.

If u have a sense of caring 4 others, u'll manifest strength in spite of all ur problems and difficulties.

That is all. ::stepsoffsoapbox::

I don't have much to say. I have been eating extremely well!

Must have veggies ONLY in my homemade marinara. No sugar in this batch of goodness...I put it on top of some whole wheat pasta.

I have been on a corn kick this week. I made a salad with romaine, corn, strawberries and tomatoes. Weird combo huh? Well it was FAB with the balsamic dressing I made. Do you have any idea how well strawberries and balsamic vinegar go together! Get a clue.

I discovered something so wonderful today...I had to share it. I stumbled across the idea while stalking vegan blogs. They have been giving me ideas on food prep for this fruit and veggie thingy I'm doing.

So I chopped up some apples, and sauteed them in coconut oil. I use this stuff for EVERYTHING. I use it on my skin, hair and I cook with it. It's fantastic!

Then I sprinkled them with cinnamon. After they were cooked to my liking, I added some whole grain brown rice to the pan. I mixed it all up and added some apple sauce. Natural. No sugar is going into my body unless it comes straight from fruit.

It was so fast and easy. Tomorrow, I am doing the same thing but I am using a banana and some strawberries. Its like a rice porridge but not really.

I will leave you with this:

One of my students gave it to me this afternoon. And another kid/hater/future tea party member yells out, "Its a weed!" Well I was so grateful for the thought, I hugged the giver and wore it in my hair! I'm sharing it with you all! Your gifts may be weeds to others...but go ahead and give them anyway.

A Positive times a Negative is a Negative

2010-03-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yes. I survived, Barely. Spring Break is over, thank God. I was so happy to pull up to Hermitage Elementary I almost locked my keys in the car.

Soooo...tonight I made Collard Greens with NO meat. Yes people. I did and they were fabulous. I also had oven roasted potatoes. Word on the street is that I have only eaten fruit, vegetables and brown rice for the past seven days. Word on the street is that I am feeling really good. I feel light and wonderful. I am in a much better mood. Im not hungry all the time, or thinking about what I am going to eat. An apple is fine. Some strawberries. My own homemade salad dressing...or the sugar free balsamic vinnie one I found (and have been carrying in my purse) are super flavorful. The veggie stir fry and veggie fried brown rice...was divine. I am having sooooo much fun with this whole thing!

I was talking to my younger sister today and she said that she is going to go ten days without saying anything negative to or about anyone. I am jumping on the bandwagon. Starting tomorrow, only positive things will spring forth from my lips. I'm not going to tell my husband, I'm just going to show him something different. He will think my body has been taken over by aliens.

I'm just really trying to work on myself. I want to be the best Erica possible, and this will help me realize that I don't always have to say something sarcastic or crap on someones parade. Even if it is funny. It willl help me to empower someone else with a kind word, rather than throwing negative gunk into the world.

Do any of you think you could go ten days without saying anything negative?

Too Cool for School

2010-03-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't wear green today. I wore my dumb uniform. I hate it. However I realized the kids were gonna pinch me when they started arriving this morning. So I threw together a green necklace made of plastic beads. I was careful NOT to make a pattern but to just throw the beads on in a haphazard manner. Funky Chic...I say.

It's still Spring Break and all of our sites are dumped into one school. So we have 60-70 kids at one site. Then we have 2 directors and 2 site assistants working so that we can be in ratio (adult:child). So yesterday was very zoo like...today was much better. Except the kids kept saying, "you got served" and "you got burned". I was like, "nobody even says that any more, its soooo played out". But they don't care because they are kids and they think they are cool. Too cool for school.

I want to be too cool for school. All of my friends in blog land are too cool for school...you ladies rock. Also into the category of "rocking" Im going to place Lucie Lu a plus sized online retailer that fellow blogger BBM highlighted on a recent blog! They have some cute things. I have so many options this Spring and Summer, more than I did last year. My cute factor is going to be off of the chart this year! Oooooooow!

So here are some pieces that I am feeling!

I could wear this scarf every day...if I didn't have to wear this ugly YMCA t-shirt. Actually Im going to rock this with my uniform. Why not?!

You cannot go wrong with jeans and these two numbers!

I love love love skirts in the spring and summer. My husband prefers skirts to dresses as they accentuate my shape better...I dress them up with a tank and lots of neck ornaments or dress them down with a graphic tee and sandals.

I would love to wear this dress to my brother's wedding! I'm the wedding coordinator and this dress looks super comfortable! I would belt it with a gold thin cute little ditty. It's $62.00 and I probably wont be able to afford to buy it and our plane tickets...but a girl can dream!

I love this collection.

That's all for now! Signing off...Too Cool For School!

The Break

2010-03-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! Spring Break! Oh how I longed for it to get here! Oh how I longed for this day to come! But alas...I am working during Spring Break. Fun Company is open when school is closed and parents have to work. Oh joy.

So this morning I picked myself up by the collar and rolled into Tulip Grove Elementary at 6:30 in the morning. By 8:30 seventy children from the ages of 5 to 10, were running around the cafeteria. Let me just say...the average person could not have done it and stayed sane.

Oh but my saving grace was the awareness that I would be leaving by noon. Yes, Noon. Normally I get scheduled to work from 12:30 pm until 6:00 or whenever the late parent arrives (I have been there as late as 6:35). Nothing the kids did seemed to phase me...for a change. Normally I am exhausted by the time the last child leaves on "all day's" and I go home and fall in the bed. Not today! I went grocery shopping and even managed to cook my hubby a nice steak dinner with green beans!

Go me!

So tomorrow is another day, that will be full of many challenges. But it is ok...all of the struggles I will over come will occur before noon so I am at peace right now!

I will be coming home to Maryland on April 30th, we must do a bloggers get together when I get home! Let's work it out ladies!

Its in the Eye

2010-03-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

I never get to see Oprah because I work until six in the evening...but I had been wanting to see Jessica Simpson on Oprah because I think that she is fabulous. Its just weird that I like her and Beyonce unconditionally. Even though they disappoint me sometimes. I wont get on my soapbox about them, they are human and are imperfect like the rest of us!

Anyways, I wanted to see this interview and I thought it was worth a share. Just a reaffirmation that BEAUTY is whatever I say it is as it pertains to me! Its whats is on the inside...its who I am. Kanye said it best...."the prettiest people do the ugliest things, on the road to riches and diamond rings..." Well doesn't that just make you ugly. I'd say...yes.

I think about how my self esteem is all wrapped up in me losing weight instead of me just trying to be healthy and live a long active life. I think about how I have tricked myself into not really seeing my reflection in the mirror...in my mind I am still a size 14 not a size 20. I just need to accept who I am now, embrace me. I think about the real come to Jesus battle that getting healthy has become and Im grateful that I have another day to try again. My mother's blood pressure was so high it caused her brain to rupture over five years ago. She is fine now but will never be the same physically and will be on dialysis until she can get on the list for kidneys. I don't want to die prematurely later because I don't want to do the work now. Thats ridiculous.

With that said...this is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. And thats kind of sad. I should be saying that climbing Mount Everest (never done) or learning Advanced Calculus (struggled but done) is the hardest thing I have ever had to do! But losing weight...???

I say loving yourself, is taking care of yourself. Mind. Body. Spirit. There is beauty in TRUTH...where ever it may be found. Being true to yourself...and being authentic...that is where it's at. And if that is where it's at...it means that they were right. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

**EDIT** Here is Jessica's new show on VH1 called "The Price of Beauty"....LOVE IT!

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

A Little of This

2010-03-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

So...I am still on my journey...you know...the journey to begin to get healthy. My husband has jumped on the bandwagon with me. Sad to say...I really need his support. I was having a hard time doing it on my own. He is only doing it to win a competition at work...and I decided I had better get in on the healthy eating and exercise too so we can do it together. I have been eating much cleaner for a few weeks now. Eating healthier snacks and NOT baking. Not because I can not find healthy things to bake...but because I have no self restraint. I know my limits.

So Jen @ Prior Fat Girl did the cutest post with her having a healthy snack. Well I had some Clementine's Tuesday for snack and thought about her post. I took some pictures with my healthy snack...it was fun. Some of them were really lame...like the one where I'm holding up the peace sign. I deleted those. My pics arent as witty and fun as hers. The point is...we are making good choices and not going over board with the things that arent the best choice. Visit Jen's blog! She is doing it big!

My husband built this for his mom. We are doing one for my parents probably mid summer. I love the red and black case!

Lastly. Spring. Its coming. I need some new clothes.

I would wear this every day.

I'd wear this skirt with a baby tee and flat gold sandals or a color thats not in the skirt.

Id also add iridescent sequins to the skirt to give it some more POP.

This dress is from Jessica London. I love it...especially the material. I would probably belt this....I wouldn't wear these boots either. Nashville is a sauna in the Summer. We are experiencing spring now...but it wont last long. We really only have three and a half seasons here!

I have never shopped at Jen's Fashion Plus but I would love both of these dresses. Her graphic tee's are only 13 bucks!

I'm all about dresses in the summer since I don't really wear shorts.

I would def wear the red one with a cardigan and turquoise blue flats. You all should go over and check her out...she has some cute dresses.

Im sorry this post was super lengthy. I had a lot to share today! Two fingers and a kiss!

Beach Cruiser

2010-03-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Sooo....we are moving to Hermitage! I am really excited because I will be within walking distance from the school I call myself working at. I rarely work...I play a lot (basketball and dodge ball), do a bunch of arts and crafts, and play games like connect four. I digress. My husband made a suggestion the other night that I get a bike! So I sent him an email of the the bike I wanted to get.

Are they the cutest things you have ever seen???! I want one of them. I don't know whether to go for the mint green and brown or the pink and black. What do you think?

Yeah well my husband comes back and says that he thinks I should get a mountain bike. ::confusedlook:: Of course my response was something along the lines of a mountain bike not being as cute as a bike of the cruiser variety.

Needless to say, Im not feeling it. But Q made his point by saying that the area we will be moving has a few hills and I will need the more than a single speed to get to the YMCA to work out OR to Target if I want to get out and he has the car (we only have one and we bond in it lol).

I'm still torn. Maybe the hills won't be too bad with my single gear bike. Who here rides bikes and can help me with this!!!!???? Talk to me!!!!

Cough Sniff Sniff Blow

2010-03-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry I have been gone for so long! I have been feeling like crapola...physically, emotionally, even my spirits have been down. The pollen has attacked me already, and my eyes have been crying a river.

But I look cute doing so.

This is me the Friday before last, before I got hit with the evil strand of something that has been going around Nashville. I am loving being natural. I love my hair...I'm still working on accepting all aspects of it. Like I love it like this...but this takes some twisting and twirling and drying. I'm not yet at peace with my fro...or anything of a wash and go variety. My husband has been begging me to rock it and I think I will debut it for him next week.

April 5th will be our second wedding anniversary! I have been shopping for dresses...and I need to work my look around this afro that he is dying to see! We will be going to Valentino's for sure and staying at Loew's...hopefully. I'm kind of thinking I want to stay at a cute boutique hotel. Any suggestions fellow Nashvillians!!!!!!????

I was tagged to do something and I wrote out what I was gonna blog. I'm going to do it next week. I also missed the wardrobe challenge...because I was busy dragging my butt to work and back home to bed. I'm sorry...I promise I will be a part of the next one! You will see me get super creative with the black pants and ymca t-shirt I am required to wear to work everyday!

As you can see in these pics...I decided to wear what I wanted this particular Friday.

Have a great week everyone! I promise at least 4 blog entries this week...to make up for the week I was M.I.A. May the cute be with you!

Big Chop

2010-02-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

So...its been a long week. Not in a bad way. I got sick on Friday and even my Airborne couldn't fight back the germs that attacked me and took me out! I work with kids so I am sure to get my vitamins but...this thing I caught was a BEAST. Needless to say, I still had to go to work because we are short staffed.

So I have been eating much better. Getting in my fruits and more veggies. Eating breakfast EVERY morning before I go to work.

I have also become OBSESSED with Red Grapefruit and Agave Nectar. It is the business. instead of eating candy or other junk this week I have been eating my grapefruit with a little of Agave. The picture is awful but my blackberry gave me quick access to a lens. I really need to charge my camera.

I have some news. An update of sorts. I have been growing my hair out and transitioning to go natural. I was doing fine with it. But I got tired of trying to work the two textures and I was anxious to see what my hair's texture would be like with the relaxed ends.

So I went and got the relaxed ends chopped off...for the most part.

Once again the pictures are from my blackberry. My camera's battery is dead. I'm actually charging it right now...as we speak.

So thats all thats been going on here with this Curvy Cutie! I'm going to peruse some blogs and do my 30 Day Shred with Miss. Michaels! Later!

Bunny's Banana Bread & A Ramble

2010-02-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

I need a doctor. Stat. I cannot seem to find one in Nashville that I like. In the past four months I have seen three different doctors. The first one was an idiot. Well not really...he was all about the money and leaving you waiting for twenty five minutes AFTER you got to the examination room (after having waited for 20 minutes in the lobby). Don't waste my time. Gosh. The second...took all of these tests and blood samples from me...only to loose my test results and not half way remember why I was there to see her in the first place. She also kept me waiting for an insane amount of time. Then there is the third doctor. I liked him alot and apparently so does everyone else and their mama. When we had the flu...they couldnt see us for a month. And now they do not have an open appointment in the morning until March 22. What. Stop playing.

So needless to say. Im irked and in need of a doctor. So I called yesterday to see if i could get my test results. They were not there. I called today...they are out of the office. I just want copies of my crap so I can go somewhere else.

Where? I dont know yet.

On a brighter....more colorful note.

Banana Bread. Its not that great in my opinion. I actually think it is rather...meh. That is until I happened upon Bunny's Blog! Bunny Baby...Where have you been all my life with this Banana Cream Cheese Bread recipe!

Thats the close up! Can you see the cream cheese swirl in there. I'm not playing. You MUST make this banana bread. It is the BEST I have ever had. And we know I love food!

My swirl was a little off...and I added more sugar because it wasn't sweet enough for me. But I need things super sweet. I forgot to add nuts to my recipe but I will not make that mistake again!

That's all I've got folks! Until the next time...

Valentine's Overload

2010-02-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

So Valentine's Day totally rocked...as much as it could on a Sunday. We went to church of course...and had planned to cook dinner together...rosemary thyme lamb shanks to be exact. However...not a lamb shank could be found in the area. We scoured grocery stores and didn't have time or patience after that to find a butcher. Soooo we ended up going out to dinner.

We then had dessert. Which was a gross strawberry cheesecake from Publix. What were we thinking. We are so much better than that. I wont attempt to get my rich decadent dessert fix from Publix EVER again.

My hubby surprised me with a surprise flower delivery on Sunday after church. I thought he didn't do anything. Then he asked me if I was okay with the fact that we were just cooking dinner. And me being the jerk face that I am...told him exactly how I felt about not even getting as much as a card (in a nice respectful way mind you). All of this in the car on the way home from church. Haaha! Then we got home and ::knockknockknock:: Special Delivery for the Douche Queen.

It was the cutest hot pink pink red and lilac arrangement with a little lavendar sprinkled in.

I am all Valentined out. We had a party at Fun Company on Friday...the same day I got an unannounced visit from my DHS Counselor. Its all good...everything was in order. The party must go on...and it did!

This is the only Valentine I got from my kids! Can you believe it! They obviously hate my guts.

I gave these bags to the kids...and these Cat in the Hat cards. Super Cute!

We also made Valentine"s Day gifts for ALL of the teachers and principal at Hermitage Elementary School. We hand delivered each one and the kids had a sign that said...

"Who needs a big chocolate heart, when you can have a big healthy heart. Happy Healthy Valentine's Day"

They love it...I hope. Apple, Granola bar and Dove Dark Chocolate Hearts.

Finally. Great news. I cleaned off the desk in my classroom. Yay!

Signing off! Enjoy the stale crunch snow!

Satan Disguised as a Yellow Smiley Face

2010-02-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

I watched Food Inc last weekend. Let me just say, I have been changed. Well I will change next time I go shopping. I still have chicken and pork chops in the freezer and I'm not throwing them away. I will be slowly switching to organic on most things.

The thing is I live in Madison and Trader Joe's and Whole Foods is soooo far away! Remember when I lived on Florida Avenue and could walk to Whole Foods! I digress. I shop at Publix so I will just scoot on down to the organic side of the isle.

I do have a complaint. I hate Walmart. Everyone that knows me knows that I despise the place. There was a part of the movie where the guy from Stoneyfield Farms said that they were working with Walmart and Walmart was bringing more organic foods...and this and that and the other. So I foolishly went to Walmart after work to get a few things. MOST specifically Chobani Greek Yogurt. I love this stuff. With fruit and a drizzle of honey/agave. I digress.

I went into Walmart to get it and they didn't have it. They didn't even have Oikos Greek Yogurt (which I don't like but would've settled for). They has some Yo-Plus but that is NOT what I wanted. So I decided not to spend any more of my money in Walmart on food. They claim to be the "Great Value"...but cheap doesn't equate to value. Whats valuable is being healthy right! Do I really want that cheap chicken and beef. At what cost am I willing to turn a blind eye to their antics. I mean how come Great Value spaghetti is 1.30 cheaper than the rest! What corners is WALMART cutting...to cut their bottom line and deliver such a Great Value! Stop being TRICKSY WICKED AND FALSE WALMART! (Lord of the Rings Reference)

Wooosah.

I just don't appreciate how these big corporations are putting small farmers and businesses OUT of business. I hated how the farmers were forced to compromise quality in order to make a living for themselves...which was barely a living.

I also dont appreciate that the apples I bought were disgusting. How is an apple...better yet FIVE apples...gonna taste like poo. So I bid you farewell...super Walmart's food side. My money wont be spent on food there. And I will continue to complain about horrible you are!

Wow

2010-02-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this today. It really blessed me tremendously. It was exactly what I needed at this very moment.

Oh how HE loves us.

Dom Diva

2010-02-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Heck Yeah! I need a Hot Haute Hostess Apron! STAT!

Don't you want one! I mean what better way to dance around the kitchen!

So I went to the website Haute Hostess Aprons and surprisingly the owner and creator, Elizabeth Scokin is based in Nashville! Whuuuh! I wonder if she works out at the YMCA downtown. (Why is that my first thought...talk about nutzo.) I have the perfect brooch to wear with it!

Truth be told...it probably doesn't even come in plus sizes! I know you are thinking that there is no such thing with aprons but um yes there is. I just looked on the site and it said "One size fits most." Haahaa....::straightface:: She couldn't just add a little more material on for is in the 16+ category. I'd model it for her for free! Me and all of my boobs and gut and hips and legs! I'm so serious. Whatever. I'm not even going to get on the the soap box for this one.

I might make one of these bad boys myself...

Until then...may the cute be with you.

Tea Baby

2010-01-29T21:39:00.000-08:00

The truth is I LOVE tea. All kinds. I'm not a connoisseur...I just like to drink tea. I am not into all of the different types and methods and all that. I turn on my teapot...then it starts screaming. I pour the water in the mug...add a nice tea bag, Splenda and wallah. Tea baby! Sometimes I add dairy depending on the type of tea Im drinking...whatever I have be it cream or milk.

So...here are my two favorites.

Bigelow Vanilla Chai - I slept on this because I try to act elitist sometimes and I was stuck on Trader Joe's Masala Chai. But honestly...this helped me break my Starbucks Chai Latte addiction. I can make it myself now...without the whipped cream and with Torani Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup. Less calories and less money out of my pocket!

My next love is the old trusty dependable Peppermint Tea. It is so good. I would bath in it...if I could get away with it. But my husband would laugh me out of Nashville so I would never ever let that get past the idea stage in my mind. Anyways I love it...with a packet of Splenda.

Visit http://www.teaamigos.com/daily-tea-reviews/tag/chai-tea for tea reviews! I love their blog! Let it be known that I will drink any kind of Green tea...and I hate Chamomile (yuck).

I'm going to get a cup now. Chai....that it!

Ahhhhh

2010-01-28T09:56:00.000-08:00

I'm just not ready to say how much I weigh on my blog. I want to so badly but I'm just too embarrassed. I will tell you that I have lost 19 pounds. I was sooooo surprised. I was expecting 5 or six from the last time I really weighed myself at the beginning of December.

This week I was really committed to working out. I have been doing Zumba for an hour and today I got on the elliptical when I dropped my husband off to play basketball at 5:30 am...BEFORE work this morning. I have also been playing basketball with my students and dribbling around the gym.

I have not really changed my eating habits...but I have been eating a packet of oatmeal with a few walnuts and a drizzle of honey in the morning before I leave for work. I have also been chugging water like I live in the desert!

So just wanted to share my good news. I'm not going to weigh myself again for another two months. Mostly because I don't want to focus on the number just how I feel and how my clothes are fitting. When my skinny jeans are soggy...I will know I am heading in the right direction!

Hulu Voodoo

2010-01-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

So...the tables have turned!

As long as I have known my husband and we have spent money together he has done the balancing. I spend the money and he manages it. I tell you...I was living the life! So...he gets stressed and tells me that I need to do the balancing and paying of the bills so that I can understand and value our money more!

Let me tell ya! I have gone crazy with power!

Muhaahaahaaha!

I hope i can do a good job, i really want to! I know it seems so lame but I'm deriving great satisfaction from doing this!

Which brings me to this...

HULU is the bomb. I'm so serious! We wanted to cut down on our monthly expenses by fifty bucks a month so we had to either take the internet off of our blackberries OR go down to basic cable. Well I cannot live without the internet on my phone nor can I part with blackberry messenger. So the cable had to go.

Enter Hulu. I have been able to watch Tough Love, and It's All About Pep. I can't watch Keeping up With the Kardashians BUT I found House Husbands of Hollywood and that makes up for it.

Speaking of House Husbands. I wouldnt want one. Mostly because I am a domestic diva and I'd hate for my husband to be all up in my domain and in my kitchen when I am trying to bake something!

Would you rather be a house wife OR have a house husband???

It's Chilly

2010-01-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

So my husband got me to play World of Warcraft and I love it. Its kind of embarrassing that I like it so much...but whatev I am kind of nerdish. I know you are thinking, "Well Erica you don't look like a dweeb at all"....Well looks can be deceiving. We are a family full of geeks...Mr. and Mrs. Clay I mean!

Anyways...I took a break from my sexy butt kicking character Zalei to cook dinner!

Chili anyone? Ok how about cornbread...from scratch. No Jiffy here. (I do not look my nose down on those who use it...) So. Good. Yum. I added a honey butter glaze to the top of the cornbread and it was perfect!

Anyways...

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a wonderful week!

Thanks In Advance

2010-01-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

Dear God,

I know I said I would wait on you and be patient. I understand that your timing is perfect. Lord give me the strength to be still. I look forward to this special blessing and all it will bring to my existence, and I to it.

In the name of Jesus I Pray (with longing and great anticipation),

Amen

The Best I Ever Had

2010-01-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

I was just perusing random new blogs and was reminded of something I saw Sunday night. So JEWL posted about how her Sig was watching this show...that I too happened to be watching on Food Network.

Wait. Stop. Rewind.

We all know I am trying to lose weight. Why pray tell...WHY...do I insist on watching The Food Network? Why? Is like trying to stab myself in the eye. Fail. Fail. Fail. Alot of the recipes actually suck.

But I digress.

So I had seen glimpses of this particular show and thought...wow I dont need to watch that...but I do. So I after Tough Love on VH1 went off and nothing else was on...I tuned in to this show. It was awful and treacherous...and delicious and perfect...and wrong and heaven and hell...mostly heaven.

Yeah thats what its called. The Best Thing I Ever Ate. It has all the Food Network Personalities and Chefs talking about...well the best thing they have ever eaten. And they had categories like - pizza, barbecue, sweets...etc etc etc. The thing is it came on back to back for three hours.

I watched all three hours. It was as close as I could get to all that awesomeness and not eat it. It was a gift...and a curse.

Why do I constantly think about food? Besides the fact that I watch Food Network and surf the net for recipes and food blogs...I really LOVE food. In fact I am addicted to food and I know this. Wait a minute Im rambling. Get to the point Erica.

The point is. This show is ridiculous. Why should I care what the best thing they ever ate is...I dont even know them. More importantly them saying what I should eat when I go to a particular city and dine out and whats best doesnt hold merrit just because they are on television. I want to hear what real everyday people think! Whats the best thing you ever ate?

By the way if you have time to waste go on over to...Food Network Humor. This site is HILARIOUS! Its all about mocking The Food Network. Because we all know even though we love the "food" the personalities are something all together different. i.e. Rachael Ray and her irritating laugh...the way she says EVOO...acts like garlic simmering in butter is the closest she has been to being aroused in a lifetime...etc.etc.etc. So yeah go check it out...

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

I wish you all lots of cuteness in 2010!!! I have so much planned for next year...Im actually really ready to get started. One day at a time though.

Here is a pic of Mr. and Mrs. QSPN on New Years. We brought in 2010 at our church of course...Pathway Christian Center!

So I don't do New Year Resolutions. I dont believe in them. It is always a set up for me to let myself down. Rather I just start doing out of the blue. I have been talking about running but I only ran like five times then I stopped working out regularly all together. Which I do need to work on...but I WILL work on it and take things one day at a time. I'm committed to that.

I started a diet but then the holidays came. I mean my mother in law was in town and she made Strawberry Cobbler...Yeast Rolls and Dressing. I mean come on. STRAWBERRY COBBLER!!!

But I dont feel bad about making the choice to eat those things. I feel strong in that decision...and even stronger in my decision to choose something else. Which is to go back to my low carb way of eating, I mean I had so much more energy and was a lot happier. And while all those carbs tasted so good while I was eating them, there is no denying how I felt physically a little while later. Which is why I welcome my bacon and eggs for breakfast with open arms!

No matter what happens...I will not live in guilt and shame. I will move forward and be content with who I am knowing that this awesome woman is shaping the even more awesome woman I will be in the future!!!

Signing off...May the Cute be with you!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

Went home to visit my family two weeks ago! BWI was abuzz. Not really it was dead. Rode on over to Odenton to surprise the folks. Spent a great week in the DC/MD/Va area. I can't wait to come back home again in the spring!

Had a blast and I spent time with my ADORABLE nephew Xavier.

Then we had sister spa day! Fab-u-lous!

Jessica...she misses her baby boy Xavier.

Jessica, Christina and Me...my grey boots - Avenue.

I hung out with Xavier on Sunday...We had brunch after church at my parents house! Just like the old days!

Monday I spent the day with my best friend Melissa...she is expecting and Im so excited about that!

She drove me around to all of our old hang out spots. We went to the National Harbor.

This tree is gigantic. See me in the bottom of the picture. This tree makes me look skinny.

Cakelove. Meh. I don't know what the big deal is about this place. They have the driest cupcakes I have ever tasted. Oprah must have been coming off of a diet when she ate these and deemed them worthy of being called Fabulous. There are FAR superior cupcakes in DC. This is an insult to me.

Then we went to the Peeps Store. I know. Heaven on earth. A store dedicated to peeps and things related to peeps. Gotta love it.

Hugs!

My bestie Melissa...Chillin with my peeps!

DC Peeps! They need one that says PG County peeps...

Corny shot with props.

Loving my gray boots!

The DC Nationals Stadium - they suck. I'm a Baltimore Orioles fan anyway because we didn't have the Nationals when I was growing up.

So this is pretty much it. Had a blast. I miss everyone now that I'm back in Nashville. But there is NOTHING like sleeping in your own bed!

Im Alive

2009-12-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

Hey all! In case you missed me...I am alive and well. LOL I have been on this low carb kick and I am in my third week. I dont know how much weight I have lost but I know I have alot more energy and am much more pleasant and confident.

Im not taking a break from blogging. Im just really at a loss for what to write about. But I want to be authentic...and not force it. So when the spirit moves me I will post again. It could be tomorrow or next week. Who knows!

LOL it will probably be this week...since Im off until the 28th!! Who am I kidding I HAVE to keep up with everyone and share whats going on in my life!

Anyways. I made a low carb cheesecake today. Its in the fridge. I will post the results! I am having a blast cooking up stuff that I can eat on Atkins!

Until next time. XXXXOOOOXXXXOOO

Low Carb and Lovin It

2009-12-04T11:33:00.000-08:00

Sooo I have been "low carbing" it since Wednesday. I have been doing well. Resisting eating snack with the kids...having high protein meals and drinking alot of water. Im not weighing myself. Im just going with it.

So I need to grab something quick because I dont have time to cook and I need to go grocery shopping.

Enter Hardees (or Carl jr) Depending on where you reside.

The Hardees Low Carb ThickBurger!!! Who knew?

No pickles, ketchup or onions OF COURSE.

Get yourself one...buns are over rated.

Booties Booties Booties

2009-11-22T18:16:00.000-08:00

So I saw these online and decided that I have to have them.

I went to Avenue to see if they were in fact as cute in person as they were on my monitor. They are. I'm going to get them before we head to Chicago for Thanksgiving on Wednesday.

Oh yeah...forgot to mention that we will be in Chicago for the holiday. I can't wait. Q is going to take me to all the tourist attractions! Im going to have deep dish pizza and lots of other goodies! But I wont go crazy out of my mind like I normally do when I get around great food. On thanksgiving Im going ot pack my plate with veggies and lean protein and then have a sampling of the other faire. Oh and my day after Thanksgiving leftovers will consist of a turkey sandwich on wheat with some cranberry sauce!!!

What are you doing to keep yourself from going crazy at the table on Thanksgiving? Or are you just going to go for broke...??? Let me know!

Salmon Cakes

2009-11-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

I Love Salmon Cakes. When my mother would make them for breakfast on Saturday with eggs and fried potatoes or for dinner with once again fried potatoes and some kind of veggie...I would annihilate them. So one day I had a taste for them, and decided to try to cook them. Well they turned out well...not quite like hers but more my own flavor.

I tweaked the recipe by adding red bell pepper and carrots. I also added lemon juice and miracle whip instead of the shortening. I added a little and kept adding until I got a consistency that stuck together and could be rolled into a ball then flattened into a patty. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE BONES OUT. I hate them.

Ingredients

1 (14.75 ounce) can salmon
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped (didn't use a whole one)
2/3 cup cracker crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (WHAT! Come on...you know I used dry flakes)
1 teaspoon dry mustard (Dry mustard. That's so fancy..I used regular old yellow mustard)
3 tablespoons shortening (who the heck has shortening chillin' in the pantry? I used miracle whip)

Directions

Drain the salmon, reserving 3/4 cup of the liquid. Flake the meat. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium- high heat. Add onion, and cook until tender.
In a medium bowl, combine the onions with the reserved salmon liquid, 1/3 of the cracker crumbs, eggs, parsley, mustard and salmon. Mix until well blended, then shape into six patties. Coat patties in remaining cracker crumbs.
Melt shortening in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook patties until browned, then carefully turn and brown on the other side.

Runnin' Scared

2009-11-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

So one of my oldest dearest friends Diane sent me a message on Facebook proposing that we do the Nashville Half Marathon. Of course I said Yes. Then I thought about it and said, "What a minute...how far is that?" My husband said he was wondering what I was thinking agreeing to a half marathon and figured I didn't realize how far I would be running. Well. Let me tell you. I didn't realize how far I would be running. And now that I know. I'm scared. Petrified to be exact.

I cannot run for two minutes. Even though I can do the elliptical for an hour. They are NOT the same thing. Two different monsters actually. Now Im supposed to start training for this half marathon. What am I supposed to do?

What I would normally do is sabotage myself and just act like I never agreed to be in a marathon. Let April come, Diane get to nashville and I say.."Let's do lunch." As if Im not suppoesd to be running a half marathon. Avoidance is my go to thing when I am unprepared.

So. Tomorrow. I will wake up and do pilates then I will go to the gym and run/walk (more like walk and slow jog) for thirty minutes. I need to do this at least four days a week. With a long one hour workout thrown in there somewhere. Now my husband is in my face talking about I need to work out for an hour at the gym. This pressure makes me not want to do anything. Like its no fun if I am being stressed. I feel the need to rebel...just because he said something. Even though he is right. I hate it when he is right.

Im so childish and petty. But really. Can none of you relate to this pettiness I speak of?? Are you petty sometimes? I know you are no need to answer.

Anyways. Wish me luck. With this hour workout and Pilates three days a week.

Baby It's Colder Outside

2009-10-27T19:19:00.000-07:00

Fall and Winter in Nashville is a roller coaster of temperatures. If I had my way, I would buy all three of these wonderful toppers from Jessica London. Too bad my wallet has other plans...

I might get that lst one though because it is too sassy!

Bowl of Teddies

2009-10-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

Ever have those days when you feel down and are forced to partaking in self loathing? Well that's how I'm feeling today. I was going to send my husband to get something chocolaty gooey hot and cold...but I didn't want to send him back out. Sooo I made due with what I had....Teddy Grahams and Cool Whip Lite.

Don't judge me. I have a lot on my mind. I figure this is better than what I planned on eating...and it didn't cost me any additional money.

Anyways. I need to figure out what to wear to my brother's engagement party. I'm thinking this will be the place to wear the sequin jacket I'm going to buy. This look but with black pants not leather ones.

Jason Campbell sucks...he needs to be benched STAT. Go SKINS!

Attention...Attention

2009-10-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

Update. My transition from relaxed to natural is going so well. I have hat days but I have really good days that make me so happy I decided to take this route. I stepped out on a limb and did a Bantu Knot Out and here are my results! I LOVE IT!

This is definitely going to be one of my go to styles as i didnt need rollers just hair pins and I was able to let my hair dry 90 percent of the way then twist it up. With my braid outs i get better results when I braid wet and it never dries by the morning.

Anyways...I am past the six month marker and I can see a year in the horizon.

Yes that head band has huge different colored fake rhinestones on it. Its so tacky but I love it and so did the girls I worked with today!!!!

Want it Need it

2009-10-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Black Sequined Beret

I'd wear with with like something totally laid back and chill like a white tee...straight jeans flats or boots or something. This is the funk on a regular errand running Saturday.

Fluorescent Specked Jumper

I love this...its a cute date look when paired with skinny jeans, leggings, and ankle boots.

Black Knot Detail Boots

Sexy.

Black Sequin Jacket

Everyone is wearing these sequin jackets...so I want one too! Its so full of personality.

Better Choices

2009-10-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

So where have I been! I mean what aisle have i been getting my groceries from? I finally crawled out of the ice age...rather out of the middle aisles and back to the perimeter of the grocery store. What I found there was amazing!

Two Words. Broccoli Slaw.

This stuff is amazing. I can and have been doing all kinds of things with it! Stir Fried it one day...added some fat free poppy seed dressing another day fora sweet coleslaw...today I used it in the place of lettuce for my "Taco Salad hold the Shell" and it was so good and filling. I just made some ground turkey added some chili seasoning, dash and parsley. Threw it in a bowl added a little cheese, broccoli slaw, salsa and a DAB of ranch dressing.

Sooo good!

Sorry no picture...I was hungry and my camera battery is dead.

Tonight I will be taking on Egg Muffins. We wake up super early and do not have time for breakfast...and we know its the most important meal of the day! Stay tuned!

Better Choices

2009-09-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Keep it Simple Sister! I told you I was coming with my better choices. The picture sucks but I had to get one taken and my camera was dead...enter Blackberry!

Best way to eat right and stay on the journey is to KEEP IT SIMPLE. Organic carrots and a banana did the trick for my afternoon snack craving!

Purple People Eater

2009-09-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

Deep rich hues are so in this Fall and I plan to be "in" because trends are fun. I dont mean trending in the sense of me looking like a clone. More accurate would be me putting my own spin on a trend...Im going to do these colors my way.

This way is very similar to my way minus all the accessories...I DONT DO BANGLES! And that headband would be reworked into a hairpin, if i wore it at all. But I still love it. Thanks Ally I love your style!

Untitled by AllyTheOdd on Polyvore.com

And THIS is such cute Fall weekend wear. Since I look like crap at work...I like to look nice on the weekend. I love all of this MINUS that cat bag...who let the cat out of the bag! I dont know...I hate cats and prefer animal print not animals!!!!! See above about the bangle. But I might consider wearing this one!

Untitled by AllyTheOdd featuring Forever21

In other news. Yesterday we had our Wednesday Stepping It Up session at work. I educated the kids on the Grains food group. We have whole wheat bagel minis apples and peanut butter.

They demolished it...which lets me know for sure without a doubt that kids will eat anything that is easy to pick up and eat - especially if its presented well!!!! They ate the bagels plain which surprised me because I had peanut butter on mine!

All in all...I actually love the Stepping It Up curriculum so do the kids. They look forward to it and ask what we will do Wednesday! It is a little bland on its own, Im really glad I have the freedom to add some flavor to the mix!

Better Choices

2009-09-22T17:36:00.001-07:00

So I'm going to start posting the "better" food choices I have made during the course of the day/week. This came out of an idea I had for work. We are doing this thing called Stepping It Up...and I'm really trying to do better...one day at a time.

So today I wanted ice cream or a milkshake. I was going to stop at Sonic...but I knew if I even mentioned it Q would blast me and say I didn't need it...etc etc etc. He would've been right of course but it sucks coming from someone else so I didnt even go there. Instead I came home and made myself a yogurt parfait. I just spooned the yogurt into a cute cup and crunched up some granola bars and created different layers. Soooo freaking good.

I found this great website...it tells you how to remake a lot of the things the average person loves to eat! THERE'S A RECIPE FOR MAC AND CHEESE...I'm going to try it this week sometime!!!

Hungry Girl's Blog

So that was the good choice I made today. I'm proud of myself. Next time I'm going to add some fruit to my parfait...if I'm not feeling lazy!

I Would Totally Rock This!

2009-09-13T17:57:00.000-07:00

Date Night! by Miquette featuring Old Navy

So I found this outfit on POLYVORE and I love the shrug and I love the purple. I would totally rock this just for my husband to come home and see me it. Oooo TMI!!! LOL but he loves it when I dress up all sophisticated and cute. Im going to buy all of this tomorrow!

Smlendid Summer

2009-09-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Dude.

I love saying - Dude. Just. Dude. Emphasis on the first D...but very little emphasis on the last d...like barely say it. Yes. Start saying Dude like me when referencing one or more people male or female and you will also be cool. Like me. Of course.

But dude...seriously. You all are so out of the loop...or are you! How come none of you all told me about this revolutionary concept...this spin on an old classic that combines my love of all things classic and genius and DELICIOUS.

Why the heck have you all neglected to tell me about SMENCILS!

I'm all over the Pineapple!!!

So they are made with recycled newspaper, then these lovelies are soaked in gourmet scented oils. Why didn't I come up with this. I mean this is just what the world needs!

Smencils <---------

Signing off with a picture of me BEFORE Zumba at the Y in Hendersonville...the after was a well a mess. But I love it and I pretty much travel metro Nashville hitting up the classes that fit my schedule. Also a pic of my hair...my transition is going well and its easy to maintain! Twist...roll...sleep...wake...unroll...untwist...shake out work with hands in hair 1 minute clip back...GO. So easy!

Well I hope you all have a wonderful three day weekend. I might squeeze another post out on Monday!

Couch to 5k??

2009-09-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Soooooo can I do this guys???

Couch to 5k

I'm starting tomorrow along with trying to get Zumba in at least twice a week. I have never been able to run. If anyone ever asked me I would always say..."I don't run..I walk." Well I don't run because I am afraid of running. I'm afraid of that feeling that tells me I'm giving my heart a work out...because well it feels like I can't breathe and that's a scary!

But I can run because well I have two feet and I want to be able to run a few miles. That would be huge for me and since I'm making great strides in my life to move in a positive direction I want to try this. Couch to 5k.

So I'm supposed to do this for 3 days Week 1:

Brisk five-minute warmup walk. Then alternate 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

No problem Right!

So the message I need give myself is that this is NOT about losing weight...its about being WELL physically emotionally and mentally. I will not be buying a scale or getting on one. I just want to be able to run for now. One small step at a time, one foot in front of the other and before I know it my goal will be attained.

So I'm working on two of my goals right now.

1. Going natural - Hair care
2. Running

What things are you guys working on right now???!!!

So Thirsty

2009-08-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

So I don't have much to say. Being that I am in the process of transitioning (letting my hair return to its natural state...no more relaxers) I have been having a blast trying new products in my hair and playing around with what will work with my hairstyle of choice. Well I have found that RAW Shea Butter (yeah straight from African by way of my local beauty supply store)...mixed with Hot Six Oil after a Co-Wash is best. I use the Shea butter on my skin too.

I mean personally I think that using a gazillion and one products defeats of purpose of going natural. Conditioner contains enough chemicals to clean the hair and I only shampoo once a week...I co-wash several times a week.

But alas I have found the conditioner of the Gods. I'm not joking folks. This stuff works well for ANY AND EVERY hair type. And to make it even more desirable I can get it from target...which means its affordable.

So yeah...this stuff is truth. Get yourself some and make sure you thank me! Oh and my husband likes it too and he normally doesn't make a fuss about products as I have been going through conditioner like crazy and trying new ones since my journey began.

On another totally random note...my husband is building us a computer. I'm excited...I will pot pics next week when we get everything situated in our little apartment!

Have a great weekend!

Funky Cold Medina

2009-08-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

Sooo I took this quiz on courtesy of one of my most favoritest bloggers (plural its two in one) BonBon Rose. I love their blog because they are always putting me on to steals...which are better than deals!

So this quiz was about "decor style".

And this is what I got:

Erica you are a Dramatic Eclectic

You have wide-ranging interests and influences, and so appreciate a mix of styles, periods, and objects. You would never dream of using matching suite of furniture or could stand a home that seemed cookie-cutter. You are a risk-taker and a trendsetter. You are not afraid of glamour or humor, and you love bold, theatrical statements—a fantastic color, out-there wallpaper or paint treatment, or a wonderfully graphic fabric. Your home surprises and delights others, thanks to your unique vision. Because you embrace an exciting sense of color, art and drama your home makes a happy impact.

You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be.

It's actually quite accurate if I may say so myself! I can't wait until I move out of this apartment to really go wild and design my space to suite me! Even more than that I want my personal style to say dramatic eclectic but I just have to figure out what I want that to be!

Friday Night Lights

2009-08-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

I'm speaking of the light emanating from my television. My husband got Madden10 and took off in celebration of his 25th birthday and the game!

Happy Birthday Babes! I LOVE YOU!

Moving on...

I made Peanut Butter Brownies last week. Threw in some chocolate chips for good luck!

No words...just pictures!

Oh and one more thing.

True Story. (I hate when people say that.)

Willow came up to me today while the kids were playing outside and said, "Can you use your magic to turn me into a Jaguar." I said "Why of course I can. AbraKadabraHocusPocus Turn this Willow into a Jaguar FOCUS!" She crawled away on her hands and knees...through the dirt like kids do at that age. She persisted to MEOW for the next hour. The other kids got so irritated and they kept telling her to stop meowing. Then I told her to stop and she wouldn't. (Stupid magic wand is so temperamental)

I decided to just let her be what she was going to be and eventually she got tired of trying to get me to understand what she wanted and she resorted to English. Moral of the story....as soon as you stop trying to get something to be what you think its supposed to be, you have one less worry. I mean Willow, a 6 year old girl, is not meant to meow for prolonged periods and when I stopped trying to get her to stop, she did it on her own.

Yumm-O

2009-08-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

Sooo I have been taking Apple Cider Vinegar twice a day and Im on my sixth day. Man it's soooo super disgustingly nasty. I mean I smell it and actually feel it burn as it goes down. But it will hopefully help with my swollen ankles and feet...since water pills have not worked since they were prescribed.

I had to seek out alternative options because doctors are not able to properly diagnose my issues. But they are happy to throw me a prescription and tell me to reschedule. DO i look like I want to keep shelling out co-pays for followup visits.

On another note...I started my job last week. Well we had training and I have some trainings next week including CPR. I'm really excited. Im at Hermitage Elementary...and my room is a mess! its not up to my standards so I have alot of work to do before friday morning to get it up to par!

One last thing. I am transitioning to natural! Yes! Yes! Yes...I am! Im talking about my hair...Im done with the creamy crack guys (relaxers)! My husband loves it because it gives me a lot of versatility with my look. So here are some pics from the past week! I have been able to get creative with my looks and do things I have never had the confidence to do in the past! Mostly its me surrendering to whatever my hair wants to do. When its not cooperating I just go with it...lol.

Have a great week guys!

Week in Review

2009-08-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sooo I got a new job! Im so excited. I start Wednesday I didnt bother with the whole 2 weeks notice thing. I want to leave T-Mobile never to return again. And giving that notice means that I would always have that place to go back to and I can't keep looking back. So call it what you want...I purposely burn bridges to give me no other choice to but keep it moving.

Sooo I am going to be working for the YMCA and my site is Hermitage Elementary School. Im the site director so I pretty much determine the day to day activities, before and after school. I will be bringing Carver Creative to life here. I heard that the site needs love and dedication and well...you all know how passionate I am about whatever I do. If you love me I will love you back HARD! (That sounded weird but whatevz)

I am so glad I get to go to church on Sundays. I mean how can a person be on the praise and worship team and work on Sundays. Exactly. My next post I will go into more detail. For now I really want to go to the Mall its so doable at 7:38 PM because its literally across the street. (NO IM NOT WALKING. BLASPHEMY. I would get eaten alive by Nashsquitoes.) I just got this crazy impulse.

I will leave you all with this link..

http://www.bodyshapefashionadvice.com/index.php

It is helpful and info we probably already know but there is nothing wrong with info being beat into your head.

Love you guys!

Did You Miss Me!?!?!?

2009-07-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

So we are back from vacation. The Clay's went on their first official vacation last week and had a blast! I had funnel cake twice and deep fried oreos. Talk about heaven on earth! (leave it to me to talk about the food first but I can only be me...)

We went to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee and stayed in a Chalet on the side of the mountain (literally).

We had a blast! Instead of doing the normal tourist trapsy types of things...we went White Water Rafting and Zip lining!! Yes folks...I said white water rafting and ZIP LINING.

I will let the pics speak for themselves. Q's mom has the video of zip lining and as soon as she posts it I will put it up!

Smokey Mountain Vacation Summer 2009

(click the links to enlarge)

The Chalet above ours...these things are literally on the side of the mountain.

Our chalet was called "A Room With a View"...and here are some views.

My hubby before we went into the cabin.

Our Room...

The Lovely Mrs. Clay (ITS ME FOOLZ!)

Ok that wasn't nice sorry for calling you guys foolz...I got carried away. (Foolz is the word of the week...)

My cute hubby giving the thumbs up! His smile makes me melt!

The view on the way to our White Water Rafting Adventure!

Its me again...ready to go rafting! Q deep in thought...

The Old Mill...whatever. Its lame after going rafting and zip lining. We drove past and stopped for some pics.

We loved getting home for the sunset...they didn't call the chalet "A Room With a View" for nothing!!

This is my absolute favorite!

Noticing You Noticing Me

2009-07-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

So I just finished reading this lovely book called, "The Noticer". May I say I read it in like two days, which for me has become great because I have such a short attention span.

Actually I didn't just finish reading it. I finished reading it like two weeks ago...but I forgot to post about it. I was sitting here and started thinking about how I'm so mediocre and saw the book sitting on the table.

I thought about how I felt reading the book. Powerful. Invincible. Hopeful. My mind wandered back to the excitement I felt at each revelation that was brought forth through the telling of this tale.

I have been saying this since before I read the book but it made it even more plain to me.

"Sometimes all a person needs is a little perspective."

I love that. I don't have much to say...I just know that I need to do things to gain more perspective and build my confidence. Mostly because if I don't know my value how will anyone else. Do you know your value? I mean really...do you know?

Do I know is the only question I can answer. If I did know how much of a gift I am, I would never downplay my impact on the lives of my friends and family. They really do need me in their lives, I am an asset. If I really knew how brilliant I am, I wouldn't feed myself negative messages and tear myself down for no reason but to do it before someone else got the chance to. I don't deserve that treatment from others and I definately dont have the right to mistreat myself.

Well I need to pray more. read more. blog more. save more. love more. risk more. risk more. risk more. dream more. clean more. learn more. praise more. call more. write more. eat more fruit. float more. hunt and gather more. be silent more.

I started typing the list and thought of more things I needed to do. I'm missing the point. Let me pick five things to focus on...

I'm going to pray more. write more. eat more fruit. risk more and love more.

Lets see what perspective I can get in six days!

PS...No baby news Jenna but im going to find perspective on that during this week.

Walla Walla Bing Bang

2009-07-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

Soo...whats going on out there in bloggerville???

You all know I live in Nashville. Let me just say that Knockout Wings has the best sweet tea in the city. For real. Its not that regular syrupy sweet tea...it is sweet but is flavored with lemon juice and plenty of sugar. Its smooth going down. I hate going there though because the folks that are normally hanging around are unsavory. But I speak to everyone none the less because I love people and embrace things that are different from my norm.

My husband always says that my solution for every problem is to try something new. I have this thing with my body where I cant use something for more than three months or I will break out. I'm so serious. Take my deodorant for example. I change brands every few months or I will itch to death. My hubby of course says that I am imagining this condition....and making an excuse to get something else. But I'm serious. The same goes for shampoo and conditioner...if I use the same thing for more than six months it stops working.

Hence my need to always do & have new things, experience new people, and embark upon territories never seen! I think that life is supposed to be an adventure. And everyone knows that an adventure without twists, turns, scares, and dare is not an adventure at all! Do you remember Pippy Longstockings??? Oh my goodness I loved her. I wanted to be her.

"Pippy Longstockings is coming into your world, a freckled face red head girl..." I still know the song. I'm singing it right now.

Anyways..I loved her. And she made me feel like there was nothing I couldn't do. Seriously. Dreams and ideas = tangible. She always did what she wanted to do and didn't let anyone stop her. She always ran into trouble and got into trouble and was trouble. But she still did whatever she wanted and had fun. Things always worked out for Pippy at the end.

But even when she was down and counted out...she still came out on top! When did I stop having that kind of wreckless abandon about my life. When people started telling me i lived in a fantasy world. Well im going back to my oldway of relating to the world...time to get back to my adventure!

Me Fat and Fabulous

2009-06-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Soooo one of my new most favoritest blogs Young Fat and Fabulous had totally opened my eyes to the choices that are out there for me...and my wanna be fashionista self.

Granted I am not the stiletto wearing, attention grabbing type. Im more the low key, not really trying yet stunning type but whatever I am or choose to be on any given day is alright...better than alright actually...more like FABULOUS. I mean the thing I love about the Fat and Fabulous community is that they appreciate and celebrate everyone and understand that there is room for us all!

So Im really excited about getting back into my size 16's soon and just being healthy and in shape (not skinny because its just not me). I know it seems like all I talk about is my weight. Well its just that I have a lot of cute stuff, all of it this size, and I'm going to wear it again!

I mean I have been struggling my whole life to find peace in my own body. Even though my husband tells me how sexy I am all day every day, I still struggle. So when my mom tells me she thinks I need to lose weight, and I end up snapping back with tears running down my face, "that Im trying but its really hard" it helps to find a community that accepts and is aware of the struggle associated with being a plus sized woman in this society. Ok enough with my sob story. ::hopsofsoapbox::

With that said.

Isnt this whole neon thing so cute. I feel as though I am too old to wear it but the shoes and tops I would definitely wear. Lucky I dont look my age anyways!

Back in Business Bay-bee

2009-06-24T14:46:00.001-07:00

Target. Who knew. Go figure.

Went to my local Target this weekend. I went to get Q a King Sized CRUNCH Bar. I walked in the door and decided to go to the Women's (plus sized) section even though I had a feeling I'd be disappointed yet again. So I'm walking to the back thinking "There so wont be anything back here..."

And then there was.

They had Maxi Dresses and Jeans and Cute Tops and the bathing suit I wanted online and had planned on ordering but didn't want to deal with the "what if it doesn't work and I have to send it back" issue. Oh they had skirts and more cute tops.

Well I hope this is not a temporary thing. I can pass the word on to my other curvy bodacious chics that Target is doing better so we can shop there again (even though I never really stopped).

Funny how now that I am working out all the time and have lost five pounds (and counting) Target decides to get a clue. But its cool. I may end up back in my size 14 but there are still other confidently curvy women out there who need to have options!

Thank you Target. I now know that my letters and concerns don't go unheard! As much as I talk about Target you would think that this is what my blog is about.

Anyways I'm feverishly sending out resumes. I have concluded that working out has improved my mood, given me the pep back in my step I so desperately needed and solidified my resolve to search for a company who's values fall in line with mine (or vice-versa).

Signing off...