The Game Needs Change and I'm the Cashier...

TGIF...no really, I am sooooo glad it's Friday. And it's nice outside. And I have Monday off. Besides the fact that my office mate is in a pissy mood and someone outbid me on the camera that I wanted, this day couldn't be any better.  So I'm still without a camera but looking on the bright side of things, that's the reason why I have this nifty IPhone. It comes in so handy in times like these. Please excuse me if any of my upcoming pics are a little less than blogger-ly.

Oh what shall I do this weekend? I don't have anything mapped out as of yet but what I do know is that I NEED to change- I need to stop procrastinating and spend my evening doing something productive, like organizing my house. But beforehand I'm gonna fit in a quick trip to the thrift (try saying that fast 5 times). LOL-didn't I just say I needed to change-that would include eliminating some of my thrift store trips. My excuse is that it relaxes me after a long week of work. You agree? (say yes)

I'm skipping out on FBFF today because I don't really have much to say on the topic of Body Image and what I've learned about it through blogging. Either ya got it or ya don't-that's my motto and I'm sticking to it.

I'm doing this instead (click the link below the pic to participate):

Five ? Friday

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row? Hells yes!! Especially when I have a late night out and need to be up early in the morning to run errands or something. Clean the essential areas, swap out undergarments and keep it moving!

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be? It's a toss up between LA and NY. I'm leaning more towards LA though because for one the weather is always gorgeous and their thrift stores are a shopoholic's dream come true. Can you imagine, all of those celebrities donating their gently used or brand new clothing because it won't fit in their closets.

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation? Oh my goodness, which one would be worse? I think I'm gonna go with flying-even though I don't have kids yet, I just think that their behavior would be a little better in the presence of others.

4. What is your idea of 'spring cleaning'? Purging and getting rid of all of the winter things that went unused; Disinfecting and cleaning things like blinds and windows, Organizing closets, Redecorating with spring colors. I really love this:

Spring Decor

5. What is the best book you've ever read?  The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. Read more about it in my 'Word On the Street Wednesday' feature.

And this too (follow instructions from above to participate):

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. I am an extremely private and introverted person. Creating this blog has allowed me to open myself up to the whole world; it has allowed me to accept that everyone doesn't view things in the same way that I do. It has allowed me to better express myself and serves as a visual journal for me.

2. The bravest thing I've ever done was hold a stranger's man through a heart attack/stroke. It happened so fast. I was coming out of the grocery store and I saw this man sitting on the bench with his eyes rolling back into his head. I noticed he was heaving terribly. When I touched him his whole body felt tense and extremely tight so I checked for a pulse and....nothing! While telling the associates to call 911, I grabbed his hand and prayed while keeping my other hand on his neck as to wait for some sign of a pulse. Moments later, his chest relaxed, his eyes stopped rolling, and he was releasing his hand from mine.  This man was gonna go right on about his business for the day until the ambulance arrived. They had to fight with him to take him to the hospital!

3. I feel prettiest when I put my hair in a wild ponytail on top of my head. I think if accentuates my bold facial features.

4. Something that keeps me awake at night is the BF.  I swear he has a serious issue with getting to sleep at night. Unless, of course, we have 'sookie time' before bed. Otherwise, he's up bumbling around playing the game, making beats, or doing countless other retarded things! Gotta love him!

5. My favorite meal in the entire world is my mother's smothered turkey wings with white rice! I'm calling her right now to request some!

6. The way to my heart is through romance-it's the little things that matter the most!

7. I would like to travel the world...and have a mini shopping spree in each destination!

I wore this:

Cardigan-NY & Co/ButtonUp-GAP/Khakis-NY & Co

And this:

Blazer-NY & Co/Blouse-Thrifted/Slacks-NY & Co

Thanks for reading y'all. Have a great weekend!

I See Your True Colors...And That's Why I Love You...

It snowed and I'm pissed! Not even an inch of freaking snow and they cancelled work! Not that I didn't need the day off, it's just that I don't wanna make it up. I wonder if you can call out on 'makeup' days?  Who the hell came up with 'makeup' days anyway? They should be demoted for such foolishness! I had my outfit all picked out too-so I'll just run some errands in it. It was really a toss up because I figured 'hey it's Friday and I kinda wanna be comfortable' but then I decided 'nah what the hell, it's Friday and I'm feeling a little festive' so I leaned a little towards the colorful side.  And don't you know that today's FBFF topic is all about some COLOR! This is all to perfect timing.

Jacket-Thrifted/Blouse-GAP/Khakis-Old Navy/Belt-Thrifted

Per Modly Chic, the questions go a lil bit like this:

1. What color dominates your closet? RED, red plaid, red skirts, red high heels, red shirts. Red is absolutely my favorite color and it goes great with any and everything!

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis in your closet?  I would buy doubles and even triples of the same item in different colors.  It's more economic now though to purchase neutrals and incorporate bold colored accessories.

3.  What is your mantra about mixing colors? Do the unthinkable...be bold...be flashy yet classy.

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits? Most times I try to combine classic or neutral pieces and add an unexpected splash of color somewhere, whether it be with shoes or accessories.  I love it when people say, "Oh, I would've never thought to put that together." That's when I know I've done a good job.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe? Words and Wardrobes, Kendi Everyday, Miss Vinyl Ahoy, Blog Fashion

Join in on the FBFF fun by clicking here.

1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover or TLC's What Not To Wear? Definitely on the Extreme Home Makeover! My house is a hot mess right now!

2. Do you have any tattoos? 8 of 'em and counting! I want a half-sleeve sooo bad but I'm worried that it looks too unprofessional!

3. Do you tell your kids about things you did when growing up? NO KIDS yet. But I would if I had them.

4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up? This is soooo bad but I definitely speed up if I'm close enough to make it.

5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips? What! Why can't I do both! Ummm, chips-Pretzels and Cheetos, Sun Chips and  Nacho Cheese Doritos!!

Link up to Five ? Friday here.

Until next time, no more SNOW! Thanks for reading!

This is a New Age...You're Like my New Craze...

Happy Friday!!! My first matter of business is to enter into this great giveaway hosted by Kileen at Cute and Little-she also hosts the marvelous Color Brigade series. Go on over and enter yourself...the contest ends tonight at 1159pm.

So as curiosity has it, I'm always dying to know what my bloggirlfriends do to makes their sites look so gorgeous-how they manage to take such great pics and what types of software they use to edit their pics, etc.  Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a technology geek by far, but my interest is always piqued about things like this.  Just so happens, the topic today's Friend Friday post hosted by Modly Chic is none other than Blogger Mechanics.  Here goes:

1. What technology do you use in blogging? I've always loved taking pictures.  My friends sigh in disgust everytime they see me pull this red dodad out of my purse.  They hate that I have to take pics of absolute everything.  It wouldn't be me if I didn't.  For the moment, I just use a regular smegular ole Samsung but I do want to upgrade to a Canon or a Nikon CoolPix in the near future.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? Since I'm still pretty new at this, I use the basic version of everything.  Photobucket stores my photos and LunaPic and FotoFlexer edit them, and my HP allows me to post, check emails, and peruse other blogs.

3. What is your process for taking pictures? I try to take pics first thing in the morning, before I get worn or randomly spill ranch dressing on the front of my shirt (because I'm a klutz).  I haven't found an outside location yet for reasons of cold weather and absence of a photographer.  So I'm currently just shooting my pics at work-before I actually begin working of course and that seems to be doing the job until better options become available.  I usually take about 8-10 shots and choose the best 3-4-making sure to get a close-up, a full body, and an accessory shot if I want them emphasized. I would love to take more 'going-out' pics but our nightlife sucks here in Virginia and I hate going out in the cold.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout location or do you shoot the same spot daily?  Hopefully once the warm weather hits, you can get a better picture of what I look like outside of work.  I would love to find some nice backdrops and locations but then the issue comes up with people gawking at me like I'm crazy while I'm shooting so we shall see what the weather brings.

5.If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?  Definitely a better camera!

On to my next game....Fill In the Blank Friday:

Fill in the Blank Friday

1. If my house was on fire and I could only grab 3 things I would grab my camera, my scrapbooks, and my journals...I believe that memories should last forever...the other things like clothing and shoes can be replaced.

2. A smell I really like is Far Away by Avon. My grandmother used to wear it when I was small and now I can't get enough of it.  I have 3 bottles in my closet!

3. Something you might not know about me is that I won the 'Best Dressed' superlative in high school.  Happened eons ago but it's still relevant because this is a fashion blog, right!?

4. This weekend I will still be organizing and cleaning not only my closet but my whole living abode! It's a hot mess!  I will also be searching for more cool blog hops to participate in!

5. Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family.

6. A bad habit I have is not putting things back where I got them from around the house. Hence the reason I have a crapload of stuff to clean up now!

Beginning on Tuesday, I will be participating in Kendi's 30 for 30 Challenge so in trying to pick out items for that I don't have an outfit post for you today but you may swing by her page and check out all of the items she's chosen to throw into her remix.  This shall be fun!!

Kendi's 30 for 30 Challenge

Thanks for reading!

She's Alright...But She's Not Real...

Happy Friday!!! Today Modly Chic asks us to discuss authenticity and keeping it real!  I say it's the best way to be-100% real!  To become your authentic self begin by knowing yourself.  Understand what you can change and what  you cannot.  Evaluate the events, choices, and people who have contributed to your life.  Understand what guides and motivates yo;u throughout life.  Discover your strengths, and ultimately your weaknesses.  Have the courage to acknowledge your limitations and embrace your vulnerability.  Gain the confidence to be humble.  Choose to be happy with yourself.  Express yourself authentically.  Do what you say. Do who you are...

Source

1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity? Just keeping it real, basically.  Staying true to yourself and not portraying someone that you are not.  When I read other blogs, I like to feel that I can relate on some level.

2. When it comes to your blog how do you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?  I say what I want!! I post about things that I’m interested in.  That doesn’t always mean that everyone else will be interested but that’s what makes us all unique! I love writing also, so I try to make things as entertaining as possible by throwing a some of my sarcasm and humor into the mix.

3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? Wellllll…I’m still considered a newbie! I have a shit ton of blogs that I follow and can only get around to visiting a limited number per day.  I’m sure that once I get more of a feel for things, I will snatch a couple of people off of my list-either because they don’t post regularly or because the content is no longer interesting to me.

4. We can't communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don't live in real life...what are some ways you try to live an authentic life? By remaining loyal and genuine in my everyday relationships, of course. I’m an introvert by nature, so this is kinda like my release, an on-line journal so to speak.  On the flip side, I love planning events, hosting parties, and gathering with my close friends for a good time.  I just try to engage in things that I enjoy most and build relationships/friendships with people that complement me.

5. Give a shout-out...Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why? I haven’t gotten much of a chance to collaborate with a lot of bloggers one-on-one but those that do come to mind are Words and Wardrobes, The Daybook, Modly Chic, Blog Fashion, and Kendi Everyday all because they have great style and appear to be genuine and very down to earth gals!

NEXT UP!!!

Fill in the Blank Friday

This is one of my favorite happens to be one of my favorite linky parties because it gives me a chance to tell you guys more about myself with random and fun facts!!  Come join in the fun over at The Little Things We Do.

1. My favorite quote is....gosh, I have soooo many. I love ALL of them listed here.

2. A bad habit I have is...eating after 8pm!  I honestly try my hardest not to eat immediately before I go to bed but most days-after going to class and running errands-I don't get home until late so I'm not left with many options. I WILL NOT GO TO BED HUNGRY!!!

3. The first time I felt like a "grown up" was...when I paid my very first insurance note and I was forced to make my own doctors appointments.  That's definitely a sign that you're getting up there!

4. Weekends are...supposed to be spent relaxing-maybe cleaning or doing fun DIY projects or maybe even hanging out with friends.  My weekends are usually spent-working. SO BLAH!!

5.  When I was a child, I wished my name was...Lisa!!! I don't know why-it just sounded so grown up and sophisticated. Like everyone with the name Lisa was automatically gorgeous.  I would love to see the response to this question 10 years from now. What with people naming their children Amillion, Heaven, and Miracle, I'm almost afraid of what the answers would be!!

6. I wish...that I could plan huge events, be a stylist, write a book, have an endless supply of money...the list could go on until forever!

7. A secret I have is...that if I told you, it wouldn't be a secret anymore, now would it!?

Welp that's it bloggers and bloggermen.  Thanks for reading!

I Got 99 Problems....But a Blog Ain't ONE!!

TGIF!!! The ode to a wonderful weekend!  I've been searching different blogs and I found soooo much cool stuff to do with my blog-all of which include participating in massive community links such as Friend Friday, Fill in the Blank Friday, Five ? Friday, Top 2 Tuesday, Color Brigade, and one of my favorites, Awesome and Awkward Thursday, which was created by the ever so lovely Syd over at The Daybook.  I'm sooooo excited that I don't know where to begin.  Lemme just start with those things specifically set aside for Fridays!!!

FIRST UP....this week for Friend Friday, ModlyChic is discussing outfit planning-something that I am horrible at! This should be interesting.

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day? I actually try to think about my outfit choice on the night before, that way I'm not creating a pigsty in my room when I go to get ready for work.  This give me at least an extra 15 minutes.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend? I could never plan that far in advance, because what if I change my mind?- I'm famous for being indecisive.

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat? I can usually remember what I wore for the last week but honestly as long as I don't wear the exact same pieces together over a weeks time period, I don't even care! There are sooo many ways to remix an outfit, that no one will ever know the difference!

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?  It really depends on how I feel.  Most times I just go through my closet and pick out my most favorite colors for the day and not matter what it is I roll with it.  I also have an inspiration scrapbook which includes pages magazine photos or articles that display things that I like.  And of course I get inspired from the loads of bloggers that I follow.

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time? Continue to plan my outfits the day before and go one step further and iron them so my outfit is etched in stone-i hate ironing by the way!

NEXT UP is Five ? Friday, created by Jessie at My Little Life.  This will help all of my followers get to know me a little better.

1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of? SET IT OFF-it focuses on friendship, loyalty, and trust, and the whole plot is centered around a bank robbery.

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now?Simple a$$ people that make awkward sounds when they eat!

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say?Hilarious, loyal, beautiful

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living?Event Planning

5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost?A vacation!

THIRD and LASTLY-This blog wouldn't be a blog without an outfit post...sooooo, I'm gonna play a little Color Brigade with Kileen.  Its a super cool outfit feature where all of the participants are challenged to create an outfit using just 3 colors.  Since I'm a color fanatic, I felt that it would only be right if I put my 2 cents in. 

This picture is soooo cheesy!! I work with children so alot of my pics will be taken inside my classroom with random construction paper, projector screens, and glue bottles in the background.  Sorry but it is what it is!!  I love, love, love this cardigan-I got it at least 6 years ago from Old Navy for 97 cents when they used to have their killer clearance sales.  I wear it with absolutely EVERYTHING! Even though this fit looked great on me, it was a little to matchy for me-this must've been one of the random days that we were asked to wear red, white, and blue. OBVIOUSLY!!   

Anywho! Thanks for reading!!