100 Dates for Valentine's Day!

Blazer: Banana Republic, Jeans, Necklace, and Clutch: LOTUS, Bracelets: Celene Stones (EM Krista at CeleneStones@gmail.com or at LOTUS - tell her you saw them on this here blog and get 15-20% off <if you contact her directly, discount does not apply in store at LOTUS>), Shoes: Shoe Ocean, Scarf: Thrifted, Watch: Michael Kors

Greetings Earthlings.

So... perhaps that was a touch dramatic.

I did not leave planet Earth, but I have been completely, 100% out of commission since Saturday night. I got sick with the flu. We were on our way to Fayetteville on Saturday and I started to feel lousy. By the time I woke up on Sunday... BIGGITYBAM... I felt like a train had slammed into my face and body. Headache, cough, body aches, fever, sore throat and chest, overall pain and discomfort... everywhere. THEN... the Manfriend got it too. The only thing worse than being sick, is seeing someone you love sick. Breaks your heart. Even if it's a grown ass man.

This is the first thing I have worn without an elastic waistband in 5 days. And, I'm pretty sure it also goes without saying that this is the first time my hair has been washed in as many days as well. Which, really has nothing to do with me being sick and everything to do with me being a lazy slob. 

Switching gears... remember a few months ago when some friends and I got together and provided dinner for the women and men at the Homeless Resource Center in Charlotte? Well, many months ago I signed up to do it again and that time has come. Oh.... yeah... and I need some help.

Here's the catch... it's on Valentine's Day. Bad timing? Depends who you ask. Maybe it's not bad timing? Maybe it is awesome timing. Time to spread real love to some folks who may not receive nearly enough. So... if you (or even you and your significant other) want to sign up to help, just let me know.

Last time we all met at my house to prepare the meal, but I think that may have been overkill (unless you all want to get together to do it, that's fine too!). Either way, this time we can divide the meal into parts and have everyone make/bring a portion. Then... when we come together at The Center, we will have a complete meal for 100! So... that is why it is absolutely imperative that if you volunteer to help, that you actually show up with what you signed up for.

What you are committing to:

• Making/Buying a portion of a simple meal (probably pasta, salad, and bread)
• Being in Uptown Charlotte with your portion of a meal at 4:30-45 (sharp) on Friday, February 14th
• Being able to stay at The Homeless Resource Center from 4:45 until approximately 6pm to serve
• Being a blessing to strangers, and feeling overwhelmingly blessed all at the same time. Win/Win.

If you are interested, please let me know ASAP. You can donate money directly towards the meal, or donate your time and money to help out. Either way, anything you can do would be UBER appreciated. Please let me know if you can do it (really do it... no back outs) ASAP. Thank you SO much!!!!

Harry Potter's Mittens

Blazer: Ralph Lauren, Skirt: Target, Tank: Lotus, Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Bag: Target, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: LeVian, Gloves: Gift, Scarf: Asos

1. First things first. I look like Harry Potter. I know.

I didn't plan it that way, but it happened nonetheless. Blazer with the gold emblem... plaid scarf... glasses. Nailed it.

Sidebar: Wanna see something adorable? My niece, Kelsea, and nephew, Canaden, as Harry Potter characters for Halloween. Canden is playing his part with the ice grill. Awesomeness runs in the family. Obviously. 

2.  These are my new glasses. They came in yesterday. They look kind of like the little fake ones I have sported before, but these ones have a legit prescription in them and everything. From far away they look black, but they have a brown, tortoise shell look up close. I'm supposed to wear them all of the time. We shall see about that. If history repeats itself, chances are strong that I will accidentally sit on them and break them within a month. Okay... week. Within one week.

3. Did you notice my gloves? They are my new favorite things. They were a gift from my BFF. I love them. I can use my phone, camera, turn up my radio without slipping, find things in my purse, punch in my debit card info at the gas pump... ahhh... the possibilities are endless. Plus... if my fingers get cold, I just curl them into my palms and tuck them in. They are dope and I love them. I want to put one REALLY long string connecting them so I can put them through the sleeves of my coats to prevent from losing them. Old school style. 

Anyone remember THESE? Or is this not a real thing and just something my Grandma Hess knitted for me and then tried to convince me that other kids wore them this way too??? I could only find like one picture of them on all the interwebs. I bet my grandma uploaded it.

You'll laugh about this... some day.

Scarf: Target, Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt: Lotus, Bag: ShoeDazzle, Earrings: Stella & Dot, Watch: Michael Kors

Have you ever done something that makes you cringe with embarrassment throughout the work day, and then kind of laugh when you tell your friends about it, and REALLY laugh (years) later when you think about it again?

I've done a lot of ridiculous things over the course of my career. For example...

• At the start of my career I wore a brand new pair of pants to work, with the tags still visibly on them. Like, it was hanging out the back near my belt loop,  AND the long sticker that they usually stick on the thigh area.. yup... still there. Then, when a guy I worked with asked if they were new "Hey... new pants?" (I had no idea the tags were on them) for some reason I was all like... "Nah, not really?". THEN he pointed out my tags. I was mortified. Not because I forgot to pull off a few tags, OR because I may or may not have told a little white lie, but because I was walking around all morning advertising my effing PANTS SIZE. What a dip shit I am.
• Or... the time when I pulled my black heels out of my downstairs closet and put them on right before I walked out the door, only to realize (in the middle of a big meeting) that I had in fact pulled one 3" navy heel and one  4" black heel out. I thought something felt off when I was walking to my meeting (and my back started to bother me after a couple of blocks), but it wasn't until I was sitting down at the conference table that I looked more closely. Yup... two completely different shoes. Different colors, different heel sizes, one a round toe, the other a pointed toe. Whaaaaat... thhhheeeee... helllllllll. Moron. Capital "M". 
• How about the time I was getting ready for work and forgot to rinse the conditioner out of my hair? What if I blow-dried said hair and it looked like a stringy, greasy, pile of dog shit?  I looked homeless. Fo' Real. All day.

All of those are my stories, but today. I heard a "doozy" and I am STILL laughing about it.  My girlfriend at work pings me (it's like Instant Messaging) and says... "Do you want to hear something funny". Naaaaturally I said, "yes please".

She proceeds to tell me that this morning before work (probably in the 7 AM hour, on what happened to be the single coldest morning in years) she was trying on bathing suits. Weird, right? She and her hubby are going to Mexico in 2 months, but weird nonetheless.... and... wait for it... she forgot to take her bikini bottom off and just put her pants (fitted) on over the top of them. WHAT???? Yup, there she was, sitting at work, looking all normal to the untrained eye, when underneath it all... she was in HELL. I mean, she must have been!?!?! Have you ever worn a bikini bottom? They are uncomfortable enough without a pair of slim-fit trousers layered over them. She had to sit in them for 8 hours. Sweet LAWD. I was dying. I laughed out loud when she told me, and then under my breath every time I saw her. Poor thing. Hilarious. I am so glad she shared though.

OH... and they were the kind with the side ties... THE WORST. 

Oh, and this is what I wore today. Tags off, matching shoes, AND clean hair. BOOM!

Jay Z

Boots: ALDO, Shirt: LOTUS, Vest: Target, Necklace: Lily Wang, Cuff: a gift, Watch: Michael Kors

 YO YO YOU!!! I am writing this right now HIGH...  AS...  HELL. Not off of a controlled substance, mind you, but still riding the  EUPHORIA from last night.

I took my little brother to his first real concert... a Jay-Z show. Anyone who knows Josh (and me) knows that WE.LOVE.MUSIC, especially hip-hop... and that Jay-Z is HANDS DOWN, my FAVORITE rapper of all time. From his first album in 1996 to now.

Yup... I'm that chick with blonde hair, high heels, and red lipstick who knows every.single.word to every one of Jay's albums, has read the autobiography, watched the documentaries, and studies the lyrics like a scholar. The obsession IS real. Don't let a Jay song come on in my presence. I will stop what I am doing, get in my zone, and spit every lyric out with precision. I'm sure it looks absolutely effing ridiculous, but whatever.

I wasn't sure what to wear to the show. It was cold, I was going to be on my feet for HOURS on end, and I wanted to be comfortable. SO... I opted for leggings, boots, a flowy shirt (with sequins trim), and a military vest to "toughen" it all up a bit. It felt a little "Plain Jane" until I accessorized with this gargantuan necklace (which I will now refer to as my "Jay-Z necklace) and my new tiger cuff (thanks, Kimber!!!). Apparently the outfit choice was acceptable, because when Joshua and I were in line for a drink, a girl in front of us turns around, looks me up and down and says... " I wasn't sure what a white girl would wear to this concert, but you NAILED it!" Hahahaha.... WHAT?!?!? Josh and I just looked at each other and then busted out laughing. My perfectly crafted, witty response (accompanied by a blank stare) was... "Ummmmm... Thaaaanks?!?!?!??".

I think she was drunk. Dear God, I hope... that she was drunk.

We had a BLAST at the show. You couldn't wipe the smiles off of our faces if you tried. At one point, Josh looked at me and shouted over the crowd... "AGHHHH... I WANT TO LIVE HERE". I couldn't have agreed more. I wanted to live in that energy, that show, with that music, with all of those deliriously happy people. We were inspired. It was incredible. Best show of my life.

Here are a few Instagram pics from the night. 1. Jay-Z.. and who you ask is that behind him, none other than Timbaland. Yup. Ridiculous. 2.  Josh showed up in an all black, fitted, Yankees cap, so I had him give me his best impression of the cover of THE BLACK ALBUM. Ummmm... NAILED IT! 3. Josh and me, insanely excited when we realized how absurdly dope our seats were.

Bargain Booties and a Bonus Beauty Post

Poncho and Jeans: Old Navy, Shoes: Target, Scarf: Lotus, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: Lotus

1. This is my casual, day after New Years Eve outfit. Hair back, over-sized sweater, and comfortable shoes. I didn't have a hangover after the festivities, but I was beat, and boy did my feet hurt! Shit. 

2. It looks as if I only have one arm in the first photo, but I assure you that I still have two. It was oddly tucked into my poncho. It's cold outside and I hate wearing coats, so I always put my arms inside of my sleeves like a small child and end up looking like am amputee.

3. Yes... those are zippers on my jeans. No... it is not 1988. I never thought I'd see the day that zippers made a come back, but here we are. Welcome back, ankle zippers.Welcome... back.

4. These adorable booties are not TOMS, although they look a lot like them. They are knock offs from Target. I like the TOMS (and I really love the concept of buy one, give one), but the TOMS didn't have a high enough wedge for my taste. Also... and the real deciding factor... these bad boys cost $35 as opposed to $90. Whoop Whoop!

Bonus Beauty Post: 

5. I have written about how I use olive/castor oil on my face before and I got a lot of feedback from that post. A lot of people were intrigued, but kind of turned off by the thought of "oil". SO... I thought I'd share this little gem of a find with you all.  It's a starter kit for those of you who are curious about using oil for face, hair, and nails, but don't want to give up your fun, delicious-smelling "products". It's all Argan Oil based from Josie Maran's line (which is AWESOME).

This set contains:

• Argan Cleansing Oil (55ml)
• Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil (15ml)
• Argan Oil Hair Serum(15ml)
• 100% Pure Argan Oil (15ml)
• Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream in Vanilla Apricot (30ml)
• Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Vanilla Apricot (59ml)

The Products:

Whipped Argan Oil Intensive Hand Cream (30ml) - Full Size (70ml) $26

"An ultrahydrating, never-greasy hand cream infused with 100 percent pure argan oil and shea butter, and lightly scented with a natural vanilla apricot fragrance."

 

Argan Infinity Cream Intensive Creamy Oil (15ml) - Full Size (65ml) $34

"An innovative 99%-natural creamy oil with an infinite number of uses such as hydrating skin, conditioning lips, and illuminating complexion." 

100% Pure Argan Oil (15ml) - Full Size (15ml) $18

"A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair, and nails." 

 

  Argan Oil Hair Serum (15ml) - Full Size (15ml) $16
"An anti-frizz treatment that creates exceptional shine."

 

Argan Cleansing Oil (55ml) - Full Size (55ml) $12
"A gentle, all-natural cleanser with nourishing argan oil."

Whipped Argan Oil Ultra Hydrating Body Butter Vanilla Apricot (59ml) - Full Size (240ml) $42

"A velvety, hydrating body butter that's whipped to perfection."

 So... after I wrote this post I went online to try to find the kit for $39 bucks (the price I paid) and I couldn't. It's a holiday kit and the holidays are technically over, I guess. It's sold out online at Sephora, BUT, if you live near a Sephora I'd call them to see if they have it and ask them to hold it for you.

If you REALLY want all of the products and are cool with paying full price, I found it HERE. If you're wondering which products are the absolute must-haves out of the bunch, my personal picks would be  the 100% Argan Oil and/or the Argan Oil Hair Serum. The line is NOT cheap, but it is ridiculously amazing AND here's a note from Josie Maran, whiiiiiich makes me love it that much more...

"I was introduced to Argan Oil by a woman I met in the South of France -- she was 70, and looked 40 -- and when I saw what pure, organic Argan Oil did for my skin and hair, I knew I'd found the liquid gold that could help me realize my dream.

In 2007 I started Josie Maran Cosmetics, with 100% Pure Argan Oil as my signature ingredient. Today, JMC is a global brand with the motto, "Luxury With a Conscience." We use pure, Fair Trade Argan Oil, grown and harvested responsibly by co-ops of Moroccan women who earn a living wage. We partner with earth-loving, women-empowering organizations, use eco-friendly packaging, and we never stop striving to improve our products and our impact on the world."

HAPPY 2014!!!!

Jumpsuit: Bebe, Earrings: Lotus, Watch: Michael Kors

HAAAAAAAAAAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! 2014! Holy Shit... Twenty-Fourteen. UNREAL. 

Above is what I wore when I got all "jazzy" to go out last night. We went to a swanky party uptown and had a friggin' blast!!!  I have never worn pants on NYE, but I saw this jumpsuit and fell IN LOVE with it. Maybe it's because we just went to see American Hustle last week and I was feeling all 70's... channeling my (wanna-be) inner Amy Adams; wide legged pants... halter top... pluuuunging neckline. This outfit was a risk with "the girls"out... and bra-less nonetheless, but surprisingly everything stayed in place. Which is fortunate for me, considering I was 1 of maybe only 15 women with real boobs at the party we went to. Plastic city. There were more boob jobs and botox up in that party than I have EVER seen under one roof.  Everywhere I turned there were perky, perfectly round bazookas and stunned expressions staring back at me. I'm not hating (I'm all for doing whatever makes you more confident), I'm just sayin'. Whoa.

So... on another note, I realized yesterday while I was out running errands, that I always do blog posts when I have make-up on. I mean, really??? Can you blame me? Do YOU want to see close up photographs of YOURSELF with NONE ON AT ALL (not even mascara)??? BTW - If you answered "yes" to that question, you are a beautiful freak of nature and we are NOT friends. 

It made me think though, that I should do a "real deal, Holyfield... down and dirty... just the way God made ya" blog post right then and there. SO... here I am. 

• Poncho... a.k.a... what you want to wear when you need to hide the fact that you are bra-less. I only wore a tank top yesterday because I didn't want the ridiculous lines in the fat of my back from my minimizer bra to be seen later that night (in my backless 70's pantsuit). If you have never worn a minimizer bra... OR... if you simply have no fat on your back you have no idea what I am talking about. If that is the case, please refer back to the part about being a beautiful freak of nature and us not being friends.
• NO MAKEUP... no mascara, no powder, brows... not filled in... no bronzer!!!!!! Chapstick. THAT IS IT. Look at my eyes... they look like piss holes in the sand. You can barely see them!
• Shoes... I get it... a little much for errand running, but I needed to break them in. I break my shoes in bit by bit, so I don't wear them for the first time during a 12-hour stretch and want to OFF myself from the pain. These weren't bad at all (for the 3 hours I was in them at least). 
• I just realized that there are no real close-ups. I guess I just didn't have the balls. This was frightening enough. I don't know at what point in my life I turned into a woman who didn't feel comfortable w/o make up on (at LEAST mascara), but it is safe to say that I have. Shit.

Poncho: Lotus, Leggings: Marshalls, Bag: Aldo, Shoes: F21, Watch: Michael Kors, Earrings: Aldo