1Q12

First Quarter of the year recap.

Just three months ago, we were all optimistic for a new year of change and new beginnings. We set out to make new year resolutions and goals. And as always, time seems to just fly by. Here we are wrapping up the first quarter of the year and I have to say, although I wonder where the time has gone, for me, its gone to some really good things.

So far, 2012 has been very good to me.

- I wore my heart around my neck, not on my sleeve.
- I've kept up with my goal of reading 15 books a year. So far, I've read 6. I'm averaging 2 a month.
- I enjoyed our beautiful beaches.
- Got to see my beautiful "dogther", Toots.
- Nurtured my friendships. Just like flowers, you need to water them so they can grown and stay healthy.
- Spent 10 amazing days in NYC. Such a memorable trip. Wicked Play and Knick's Game.
- Bought some sexy lingerie for myself. Just because.
- Tried new drinkesitos.
- Added new colors to my nail polish collection.
- Spent time with my Primo and family. Picture of us is going to the Drake Concert. Good times.
- Attended my friend's baby shower. Her baby was born on Feb 29. LeapYear Babies Rock!
- On track with my goal to travel as much as I can. Booked my trip to Hawaii. Maui, I'm coming.
- And just for kicks, played the Lotto so hopefully I can get a piece of the insane $500MM jackpot so I can    continue to have more wonderful quarters such as this one.

How is your New Year coming along?

The Look for Less

Cynthia Vincent came out with some gorgeous wedges back in 2010. They retailed for $300. At the time, I was unemployed so a purchase such as that was a bit absurd considering I had no discretionary income. Soon enough, Target came out with a collaboration collection. I love it (really hate it) when they do that. They created such a buzz as they do with all their designer collaborations. The wedges Target was putting out were identical to the Originals. I set out one morning in the rain to 5 Target's. My horrible luck, they were either ALL sold out already or the store had not and did not receive them. I recall the disappointment like it was yesterday. I've never forgotten about those wedges. They haunt me. Last week, I thought about them so I Googled them. I found a site that sells them, still for $300.00.

With Spring in session, I wanted a new pair of wedges because last season's have been worn to death that the soles are coming off. I browsed Target's site and settled for the ones below.

I know they are completely different shoes and even though I'm still lusting for the originals, something is keeping me from buying them. I don't know what it is. Of course, the price tag is steep, but that's never stopped me before. Hmmm? I think I might be listening to too much Suze Orman.

New Arm Candy

I've been browsing for a new Black Purse. I like them mid size to large because I carry a lot of things with me. I lean towards Marc Jacobs for good quality bags. The ones I've seen lately are still gorgeous but either not big enough or too big. I was really excited when I bumped into this lovely bag at Nordy's.

I love my Designer brands, I really do. I immediately looked for the tags on the bag to see who this lovely bag is from. Well, its from a Vegan brand I've never heard of. Vegan? I was asking myself, really? That goes to show you and me, don't be such a label whore.

I love the hardware, the size, the many pockets, the leather is amazingly soft, and according to my friend Tish, this bag looks like it could be a Chloe. All great things in my book. I loved this bag so much I bought it in a Nude/Blush color as well. Two new purses. Yeay for me.

My Fitness Pal

My personal trainer asked me to download this APP to monitor what I eat on a daily basis. So far, I've logged in most days my new "low carb" diet and I really enjoy seeing my entries. The cool thing about this APP is that you can invite friends too. They can view your calorie intake for the day, your workouts, its pretty cool. Most of all, it makes you accountable not only to yourself but to others. I will be showing my log to my trainer once we meet again. Depending on what phone you have (I have an Iphone), if you're interested in downloading the APP, Its simply called MyFitnessPal. Start logging.

Book Festival

If you are interested in books as much as my Reading Rainbow Book Club and I are, make a fun day out of exploring the LA Times Book Festival. Its held every year around the same time. This year, for the second year in a row, the event is being relocated to USC. Its going to be a fun day of exploring new and much loved authors, food, friends, and some good Cali weather. Hopefully it cooperates.
For more information, visit: http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/?track=la-hp-market-events-fob-panel-passes-before-20120319-mb

Dates & Location

April 21-22, 2012
Sat 10 AM – 6 PM
Sun 10 AM – 5 PM

Spring Forward

Happy 1st day of Spring. I'm craving warm temperatures, pretty dresses, wedges, bright lips, bright nails, and easy flowing hair. I love this time of year. It feels so good to get out of work and still feel like you have time to get into something fun. I love having picnics at the park, lay out with a good book, beach trips, pool parties, weekend get aways. I can't wait. Spring, I'm so happy you're here.

Images from Nordstroms.com

50/50

I watched this movie two nights ago and it got me thinking alot. If you don't know what this movie is about, the plot is basically Joseph Gordon-Levitt  finds out he has cancer and the movie takes him through his journey battling the disease.

A special  scene stands out in my mind vividly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt walks Seth Rogan (his bff) to his apartment after a night of drinking. Seth passes out on the couch while Joseph Gordon-Levitt goes to the bathroom. In the bathroom, he finds a book Seth's been reading, "Fighting Cancer Together".

Given the worst news of your life, a 50/50 survival rate, common feelings would be fear, sadness and anger. I don't blame the guy. I'd feel (have felt) the same way. People deal with these feeling very differently. Its easy to self indulge, wallow, feel sorry for yourself, throw tantrums, lash out, and even isolate yourself. What this movie did for me was think about the other people whom your disease affects. Your parents, siblings, friends, spouse, and countless others. They too have to go through this journey with you. They feel scared too, they get frustrated with the situation, they get tired.

When battling a difficult situation, you get so absorbed in how all this is affecting you but next time you're sick, or going through a difficult time, think about the people around you as well. They too are suffering with you and are trying their best to help you cope while trying to keep themselves together at the same time.

If you haven't seen this movie, give it a try. It will open up your eyes to a different perspective in coping through a difficult situation from the outside in.

I gave it two thumbs up.

Countdown to The Games

I know I'm not alone when I say I am peeing in my pants with anticipation for this movie. My book club Buddies, myself, and company are all going as one big group this upcoming Saturday night. We have our reserved seats, check, enthusiasm, check. I've never partaken in any Big book turned movie sagas such as Harry Potter and Twilight but I must say, I'm glad I jumped on this one. I'm so Hungry right now.

Latest Obsession

Red Lips. Can't get enough.

Revlon's Fire and Ice

Current Faves:
- MAC Russian Red
- Revlon's Candy Apple Lip Butter
- MAC Ruby Woo
- Chanel Dragon
- MAC Dubonet
- MAC Lip Liner in Cherry

Bringing out the Big Gun

I purchased this Bad Boy, Nikon D5000 back in January 2010. I was so inspired to take beautiful pictures by all the amazing blogs I read and peruse daily. I said, if these girls can take gorgeous photographs, why can't I. Well, truth be told, this lovely piece of equipment weighs about a ton and is just not practical to lug around everywhere. That's why its seen more dark days than bright ones.

On my recent trip to New York, my friend Omar bought himself a spiffy new Canon DSLR. The T2i I believe, don't quote me on the model. For an amateur, I was impressed with the result of his photographs. They were of great quality, he captured some great shots using a specific lens that shoots great depth of field shots. I practically begged him to "tag" me with his great photographs.

Since then, I vowed to take out my toy and appreciate it. I need to get familiar with it again and start taking some great pictures of everything and anything. Hopefully I'll have better photographs to share with you all soon.

2nd Day

I almost didn't make it to Zumba class last night. It being my first time and all, I didn't know how it all worked. Turns out, since the class is in high demand, you must get a slip at the front desk and that's your ticket in. I realized everyone standing around me had neon pink and yellow slips so I figured, I need one of those bad boys too. Lucky for me, I walked over to the front counter 3 seconds before another girl came to inquire about the same thing. There was one slip left. We both looked at each other, and nicely enough, the other girl said, "you were here first, you go". Thank God she acknowledged I asked for it first. Zumba was my whole purpose for going to the gym last night. Now that I had my ticket to a full hour of fun, I was excited.

The class was Amazing. We danced to salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, and bachata. These are my top all time favorite music genres. I was elated!! I left there again, soaking wet and happy as can be.

Now, I'm craving a new workout wardrobe.

Hip Hop Success

So, I am finally affiliated with a gym. I never thought the day would come. I am a proud member of 24Hr Fitness. My introduction was very pleasant. The gentleman that walked me through the facilities and explained to me everything I needed to know was very helpful and quite handsome.

Anyway, moving on to the important things. I am in LOVE with the Hip Hop class I took last night. The minute I saw the instructor rush in 3 minutes late through the door, I knew we were going to have a blast. Picture a daker morenita version of Jlo. Miss Lisa Marie is her name and she is fabulous. How cool is her name!! She walked in with the Biggest Gold Hoop Earrings, her hair up in a high bun, a fitted cami, a slouchy oversized cardigan, some loose and baggy sweats hiked up to a bit below her knees, paired with some high top sneakers. OMG... I loved her style. Now if only I could get away with dressing like that daily. I guess I'd have to become a Hip Hop instructor then, wouldn't I? Her vibe is so East Coast and if its one thing I love about the Lovely NYC, its their flair and love for Hip Hop.

I left the gym drenched and with the biggest smile on my face. Who said working out is not fun.

You know where to find me now every Monday night. And I do mean every Monday night. Tonight, Zumba and Yoga. Can't wait.

I'm gonna try

I've never been too keen on working out, the gym, or any real form of physical activity. Its just not something I enjoy. I poop out fast, I have no endurance, and I genuinely just don't care for it. That being said, I am going through a mini detox phase where I want to get back into eating a healthy diet, for me  that would be a low carb diet due to my Diabetes Type II that I've been neglecting, drinking more water, I need to drink minimum 2 gallons a day, again, for certain health reasons, and get at least 20 minutes of daily exercise. So, I said, what can I do that will motivate me to get the ball rolling but also, keep it rolling? Well, the answer for me is always dancing.

Now, this comes to no surprise to all my fit and healthy girls out there but I'm going to check out 24 Hr Fitness for their classes. I love to dance and what better way to get the benefit of being healthy while doing something I love. So, I will attempt this new regime. Tonight, Hip Hop, tomorrow, Zumba, Wednesday, Hustle, Thursday, Yoga, Fri, Strength Training. I know I will like it. The challenge will be sticking with it.

I don't care to loose weight, I just want to feel good and know that I am actively participating in helping my body be strong and healthy. Wish me luck.

Cravings

I don't know about you, but I always have a running list of goodies I'm craving. I obsess over them until they are mine. Some are more realistically obtainable, others are flat out just dreams of mine. Recently, I've had the following 5 items on the brain and can't seem to stop thinking about them.

Mac Book Pro 17"

Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM

Marc Jacobs Natasha Cross Body Bag

Michael Kors Gold Watch

Steve Madden Bethanyy Sandal

Colored Denim

I noticed this trend recently and at first, I thought, not for me. It looks to "teeny bopper". But then, I stepped into a GAP outlet store while shopping in Dallas and said, why not, let me try on a pair of these hideous jeans. I wish I would of taken a picture of them because I fell in Love with them. They were a rich coral orange/red shade, size 4, they fit like a glove with just one huge problem. They were way too short for me and they didn't come in different lengths. They were meant to be cropped after all but they just didn't look right. They were above my ankles so at that point you're either a Capri or nothing. And I'm not really that crazy over capris. I've spotted these colored jeans so far at Target, American Eagle, Banana Republic and I'm sure they'll be every where in no time. They've grown on me but what do you think? Yeay or Nay?

Must find that perfect coral shade in a length that is just right for me. A hunting I will go.
If you're interested in any of the shades shown here, you may find them on Gap's website: http://www.gap.com

To Cut or not to Cut

My hair has gone through a drastic nasty change. Its nappy, dry, dull, and just plain ugly. This all started about 2 years ago. It literally changed overnight. No matter what I did to try to resurrect it, it just wouldn't cooperate so I chopped it off into a Bob. The random hair dresser I went to asked me if I was sure, I said, yes, I'm sure. So she cut about 6 inches. Its has grown back slowly and here we are today, shoulder length and just as ugly as before chopping it off. I wonder if its at all possible for your hair texture to just change? I thought maybe diet, meds, hair cuticle, lifestyle, stress, etc have anything to do with it. I actually did like my hair at one point in my life.

Bob Haircut Nov 2009

I've tried an insane amount of products both high end and drugstore that promise to restore moisture, make your hair shiny, vibrant, bs, bs, bs. I even dropped a whopping $250.00 on a Keratin treatment which was just a temporary fix. Now, I'm faced with the dilema, should I go back to square one and cut it all off again and run the risk of it growing back just as dry and brittle and hate the next two years it will take to grow back, or should I just accept that perhaps this is just my hair now? Frustrated to say the least.

Nappy Hair Feb 2012

Extensions? I've never tried them. Trims don't help much either which is what I've been doing regularly. I'm convinced that my hair has been cursed.