BLOGS. I. LOVE.

The Frugalista Diaries: http://thefrugalistadiaries.blogspot.com/

Megan knows just how to make affordable clothing look fashionable. You don't have to sacrifice your pocketbook with high fashion pieces. And she re-works pieces like I've never seen before. This is something that I am challenging myself to do. I always think one item can only be worn one way but that is NOT true! Plus I've never seen anyone work a pregnant belly better than she does. With the cutest heels and creative belts she makes any maxi dress work!


J's Everyday Fashion: http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/

I craved a blog that helps me learn to dress for everyday activities because I am an everyday girl. And J helps with that with her inspiration photos from high priced items! With cute colorful cardigans and an abundance of belts she knows how to take you from the office to a meeting to dinner and drinks with friends and you'll always have money left over. She taught me how to re-work my closet as well. I like that she shows how much she paid for each item. I have remade outfits that I've seen in magazines but no one does it as well and effortlessly as she does. She even let's us shop her closet! And this is why I check J's Everyday Fashion EVERY DAY!


4aces: http://www.the4acesdate.com/

I came across their (4 friends/family members) blog when someone posted one of their YouTube videos on Facebook. I have been in love ever since. I love that they are immersed in culture. Both their African heritage and the American college/working girl life. They never cease to amaze me with the skits they produce, the commentary on all things CELEB, and their vintage clothing. They make me want to be in college again when it was just me and the girls. All four of them blog from the site and some have their own personal blogs as well.

So, what are your favorite blogs?

Art and Substance

I think we can all agree that the music industry just puts out anything these days. I'm unsure if it is what the audience (all of us) are asking for or if it is ALL the energy that they (music executives) have to give. There is so much PURE talent out there and we would never know because of the people who get signed, get airtime and are awarded for their one-hit-wonders. The bad thing is these songs are memorable! Our brains are being fried to remember the catchy lyrics of songs that have no substance. No meaning at all.

Now this song...this song has substance. Not only do both artist have talent and God-given vocals, but they realize the severity of the songs lyrics. There is no need for glitz and glam and flashy rented clothes, accessories and locations because they themselves are all of that. Simplicity is key here. Minimalism makes us pay attention to the lyrics and other things. Clearly they are both showing skin. All skin. But it in no way makes me think of or feel how the mainstream videos we view online do (since music networks have moved from showing music videos on TV). It is sexy but not sexist. In no way are either of them ashamed. Instead they are proud. Proud of the song, their talent, their bodies, their skin, their heritage. And that in return makes me proud as the viewer. Never in the last few years of watching music videos have I been as captivated. Because I sincerely believe this is art. Nothing else is needed. They. Are. Art.

I know I mentioned the lyrics a lot and I just have to touch on what I got from the song.

How often do men, or women for that matter, think of bearing a child together as leaving their legacy on Earth when they have gone? We have become so consumed with worldly matters that we no longer see the importance and significance of having children. They are not an accessory as many celebs have made them out to be.

And marriage...I wont go there. Just watch.

L.O.V.E.

I'm a cryer. Everyone knows it. My eyes are filled with tears right now.

Why you ask? Because I'm a fixer. And my sissy is hurting and I cant fix HER. So I cry for her. Because if I was her. I couldn't do it. And I've done it. 15 years ago I lost my mother. 89 days ago she lost her soul mate.Who I personally believe was an angel from God.

So this post is dedicated to her and him. Because LOVE...it just isn't the same anymore. Not for them. and surely not in the world. Because if they cant have what they had then how can any of us?

My heart goes out to them. May he rest in peace. My heart goes out to love. May we all find it again. God can you restore the LOVE in the world again?

What I learned today...

I am not a party planner or host. I tried to help my friend with my cousins baby shower and I dont even know how to make a proper cracker tray! I realized that my future husband and I will not be hosting the family get togethers at our house. Maybe they have a class for this? I mean we can be taught anything, right? Until then I'm a GUEST for LIFE!!

CHANGE...

...Not so sure how I feel about it. It can be good or bad but no matter what it takes some getting used to. I am going through a change and trying to get used to it. Now if you know me you know I hate to be told what to do or feel like I'm being undermined (still thinking about the use of this word...hmmm). In the end, most (work related) things end up on my shoulders and I'm looking around like I have no idea because...well...I don't! So with that I understand the need for change because everything has to evolve but I don't like it. Not in this situation. But maybe that's just for today.

The Challenge

Per my conversation with my Sissy. I have decided to write a post.

I still haven't gotten the hang of this. Well I know what it's for and why I made it but I just never find it in me to sit and write a post.

So...I am challenging myself to write one post per day. As distracted as I always am this should be easy but I'm sorta a perfectionist and I feel like each post should sound a certain way. I even stopped tweeting because I was distracted by Facebook. Sigh.

With that, today marks the first day of my seven day challenge to write a post.

Schmooze...my first networking event

I went to a networking event called Schmooze last  night. First time for me. Fifth time for them, as it was the 5th annual event. Where have I been? In Portland living under a rock!

So anyway... I had no idea how these events work. But from my first experience I gathered they go a little something like this:

1. Take business cards: If you don't have any, get some!
2. Get a drink: Don't want to walk around empty handed.
3. Walk up to random people (strangers), shake their hand, tell them your name and ask their name, what they do, and if they frequent these kind of events.
4. After discourse, you shake their hand, exchange cards (if you haven't already) and thank them for chatting with you!

Not so bad, right? Well in the beginning it is. But once your glass of wine kicks in (only one drink. You don't want to be sloppy.) you start to feel like everyone should want to know about you and what you do.

So because I had a good time and felt fairly successful at networking, I will be attending more networking events. The next is the Say Hey event which I hear is the biggest of them all. Stay tuned for details....