Storage & Such

So, let's talk! Am I the only one who has TONS of jewelry/accessories?!?! I'm having a hard time figuring out where and how to store all of my precious gems...LOL! I have a big jewelry chest where I store earrings, necklaces, watches, and more. I also have vintage ashtrays, goblets and other storage items displayed on my bookshelf's but it's just not enough!

(a few pics of my current jewelry storage)

As you all know, I am getting married soon and I am cringing at the idea of finding out where to put my jewelry once I move in with my soon to be hubby. Here is a current picture of how I store my jewelry at his place. I thrifted the items to store my jewelry and my babe liked it so much, I ended up getting him an ashtray for his watches, LOL! Anywho, I turned to Pinterest to ease my storage woes. I found a bunch of inspiration photos that I'd like to share. 

The 1st picture is ideal, if I decided to designate a a few drawers for jewelry only. I love the fact that most of the necklaces and earrings are protected by the lining. I also like the watch tray; very cute! 

The 2nd, 3rd & 4th pics are great as well. The fact that the jewelry is exposed and at arms reach is GREAT! The set ups are both very functional and remind me of a store display. I especially have a ton of necklaces so being able to see them all without untangling them is ideal. 

This last photo is my favorite. I LOVE the different bowls, the easy access to the jewelry and the way that everything looks very organized. I'd LOVE to do this on my bookshelf in my (current) room, or even the dresser in my fiance's room. I'm not sure how he would like my jewels all over the dresser but...LOL. We shall see. This is why I feel I need my own dressing room/office. I'm trying to convince him that the extra bedroom in his place should be used for that purpose. He hasn't given in yet but I've got a few more months to work on him so we shall see ;-) I hope to incorporate one or some of these ideas soon but I definitely plan to once I move. 

Which picture do you like the best? What are you currently using to store your percious jewls? Let me know; I'd LOVE to get some feedback! Take care and ttys!!

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Coming up next is my 50,000 blog view giveaway! Be sure to check back and see what YOU could win!!

Curves Rock!

Hey beautiful people! As promsied, this post is all about my Curves Rock Weekend, Runway Show experience. Most of you know that I won the tickets, thank to Kim over at Curvy CEO. I was SUPER excited to attend, seeing as how this was the first runway show I've been to that caters to women my size. The founders, Tykesha "Ms. Diva Doll" Reed and Chanell "Stallion N' Stilettos" Jones are both plus size models. The ladies brought this Curves Rock Weekend to the DMV and their 1st event was a huge success, to say the least. Both ladies are involved in the community and from what I have read/seen, they're ambitious and extremely talented young ladies. 

(click pic for more info)

Thinking about the event, the first thing that came to my mind was, of course, what am I going to wear??? I turned to my mother and little sister, fashion diva in training, and they gave me a few suggestions. I knew what look I was going for and when I saw this one-shouldered, maxi dress, I just KNEW it was the one for me! I wanted soemthing to accentuate my curves, but above all I wanted to be comfortable. This Allen B. dress fit all the criteria. I borrowed my mom's jewelry, bag and did my own make up. I felt like a million bucks ;-)

So outfit, done! Now onto the event...it took place at the BWI Hilton, which also happens to be the place where I will be getting married :-) I walked in and there were several vendors, participants and fabolous women! I knew I was going to have a great time. As I was eyeing some nice items on a accessory table, I glanced up and saw a gorgeous woman with a head full of hair. I looked again, and realized it was Shanda from the popular YouTube show, Shanda Says! She was so sweet when I introduced myself, she was kind enough to take this photo with me....talk about starstruck ;-) Check out her YouTube channel, HERE. She also has her own clothing line coming out, the Gemini Collection, which she will showcase at Maryland Fashion Week on August 12th. The dress in the picture is a piece from her line. Yes, it looks just as fabulous in person ;-)

These are some of the accessories I saw while browsing the table(s). I ended up purchasing a pair of earrings and they are SO unique. I can't wait to wear them!

The earrings, and the jewelry seen above, are from the House of Mimi. She has some VERY unique and stylish pieces and I can't wait to shop for some more items very soon.

Now onto the show...the show consisted of several designers but my favorite collections were from Baltimore's own Couture Queen, Tru Diva, and the featured designer, Qristyl Fraiser. Fraiser, who has been on Project Runway, had some great designs. I did not get pictures of her looks (unfortunately) but there is a swim suit HERE that I am dying for!! I also  LOVED the bustiers that were showcased. The designer, Alter Ego Clothing, did a great job and my favorite is the animal print on pictured below. I can do some thangs with that right there!!! LOL. Below are other looks from different designers that really caught my eye. Let's just say I can't wait to go birthday shopping in a few weeks!

The hosts of the events, Liris Crosse (more info, HERE) and Chenese Lewis (more info, HERE), were great and really kept the audience engaged. Both ladies who are very active in the plus-size industry and looked great every time they an outfit change throughout the show. 

All in all, the event was one I won't forget. I met a lot of great people, was able to network, and I gained even more confidence. Being a curvy woman in today's society may not be the 'norm' but it sure is A-OK with me. Curves Rock and I intend to flaunt them every chance I get ;-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & DIY!!

Before I start this post, I MUST wish my 10 year-old sister a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I cannot believe that she is 10. I remember the day she was born; I cut the umbilical cord, held her in my arms and knew from that moment on she'd change my life...for the better. She and I have a very special bond and I am so thankful for that. She has taught me so much about life and about myself and I am so proud of the little lady she's becoming. So help me wish my favorite little person a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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Now, onto today's my post....

I guess you can say that I've been bitten by the DIY bug! LOL Last weekend, I spent about and hour in the craft store looking at the different items and I was determined to walk out of the store with a glue gun, and at least ONE DIY project. Well, I walked out with the glue gun and about 5 or 6 DIY projects!! 

I follow a few bloggers (Love Maegan, Rush our Fashion, Consider Me Lovely) just to name a few, who are really into DIY and I've become to inspired. I've even made a DIY album on my Facebook Page, here. To be honest, I've never been an arts & crafts person. I love to write poems, short stories, create photo albums and different collages. But get my hands dirty and sticky from glue and and paint, I'll pass!! However the older I get and the more immersed I become in the blogging culture, I find myself fascinated with the things you can do/make/create yourself. And it makes perfect sense; as picky as I can be, why not make something the way I want it to look???

Well, I've done just that! I decided to start small and work my way to the bigger projects. I made 2 headbands, one for my little sister and one for a friend, a cuff with a lace flower (for my mom), and a starfish necklace for my mom (not pictured). I have a few more projects to go but hey, this is a start. Now that I am in the groove of things, I am excited to see what else I can make. My little sis, mom and friend LOVED the creations. And I know if anyone is going to be honest with me, they will be! So thumbs up for me ;-) I hope to create some more things this weekend. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress.

Enjoy the photos below and let me know which DIY creation is YOUR favorite. Also, what would YOU like to see me tackle next??? Be easy on me tho ;-)

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The Beginning of Summer...

Hey there!!! How was your weekend??? Mine was rather busy, but what's new right?? LOL! I spent most of Friday working and preparing for my my little sisters Princess Party that we hosted at the house. She had all of her friends/Princesses over as a celebratory event. They will be going to Orlando, FL to compete the week of July 4th and needless to say, they are super excited!!! 

Saturday, the fiance' and I spent the Day in Delaware shopping---market, thrifting, and the mall. I must say my babe know me very well because I found some amazing items at this outdoor/indoor flea market called, Spence's Bizzare. I always love to find unique treasures and vintage pieces at flea markets and thrift shops. When I got to the mall, I was more on a mission to find certain items (i.e. maxi dress, skinny jeans, running shoes, and a LBD). I was successful, and then some!!! LOL I found what is easily the most comfortable dress I own, which has to be my favorite purchase. I actually wore it today during my Ladies Brunch. It's SUPER colorful and the fit is perfect! (pics below)

Today, my girls and I met at Rusty Scupper in downtown Baltimore. I planned the gathering because it's been awhile since I've been around all of my girls at once. I promised myself that before the wedding, I would plan events here and there just so we can all hang out continue to build on our great relationships. I have such a diverse and interesting group of friends and when we all get together, its thee best time! I am truly blessed and thankful :-)

Enjoy the pics and I hope you all have a GREAT Monday! Make sure you check back tomorrow for a special guest feature!! If you have natural hair or are thinking of going natural, you will LOVE what's coming!!!

Be blessed! 

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Friday Night

*lil Sis & her fellow princesses....& she and her Director*

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Saturday

*dressing room goodies*

Floral/Pleated Dress: American Rag (Macy's)

*shoe craze!*

Both Men's Shoes: Aldo

Purple & Neon Sneakers: Reebok

(my new running/workout shoe)

Rings: Spence's Bizarre (Dover, Delaware) 

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Sunday

Me & My Lovely Ladies at Sunday Brunch

Maxi: Macy's

Earrings: Thrifed (2nd Avenue)

Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Bracelet: Bakers

Ring: Bakers

Let Me Catch My Breath

Well let me just say that I have had a very busy, eventful and exhausting weekend. As tired as I am, I can't believe that I am able to type this post...LOL! I am actually typing and watching the Miss USA Pageant with my mother and little sister. After this, I am going to pass out in my bed and sleep the night away...

But before I drift off in to Lala Land, I want to share with you a few snaps from the weekend. The first is a pic of some vintage jewelry from my late grandmother. My grandmother, Ma James as my sister and I called her, passed away this week. The last time I saw her was Mother's Day. I actually posted a pic of her wearing a pretty thrifted hat (see post, HERE). I can honestly say she lived a FULL life and was the most energetic and positive 86 year-old I've known. I will miss her dearly, but the jewelry that she left behind, I will cherish forever....

Of course my lil sis was busy doing things this weekend ;-) I too her took her to an acting/audition workshop on Friday afternoon, then my fiance came along with my Saturday to take her. Today was her dance recital (B.Funk Dance Studio) and of course, she did an amazing job. She danced in jazz, lyrical and tap and the outfits were SO cute! The other dancers/dance troupes (ages ranged from 3-18) were phenomenal and the music they danced to was on point!  

Below is a pic of what I wore to the dance recital, and a few other pics from the weekend.Enjoy and I hope you all have a productive and blessed Monday.....TTYS!!!

Pants: Faith 21 (Thrifted)

Tank: Taget

Blazer: 24/7 (Nordstrom)

Shoes: Off Broadway Shoes

Purse: Gifted

Weekend & The Blue Dress, Part IV

What's up good people? I hope we are all doing well!! This post is the last look with me wearing the "same blue dress". My thrifted pink blazer was the staple in Sunday's look for church. I am loving the color combo---what about you? And I have probably shared this before but these Aldo sandals are SO comfortable and versatile. They were gifted last year for my birthday, via gift card. They are definitely a fave purchase of mine!

Dress: Marshalls

Blazer: Thrifted

Shoes: Aldo

Jewelry: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

*worn to church*

I also went to an engagement party this weekend for my friends Bre and Martin. The two are getting married in September and my fiance' and I are MCing their reception. That should be FUN!! I love when I see other couples in love, especially when God is the center of their union. It's quite refreshing. 

Lastly, my babe and I went thrifting and of course, we found some GREAT items. Below are a few snaps of some of my goodies (also seen HERE). Enjoy the pics, and enjoy your day!!! Talk to ya soon...

Turquoise & Black

Short and sweet post today! I hope all of you had a great day and HAPPY MAY 1st ;-) Can you believe its May already??? Jeeze....Anyway, here in MD, the weather was a bit warm so instead of a sundress, I wore my cropped Salvation Army pants (also seen, HERE). I am in love with these pants. They are so soft and they move right along with my body; they're the best! My accessories are really what (I think) made my outfit. All of which are thrifted or from Ebay. Enjoy the pics and ttys!!! 

PS I'm submitting this look to, Work it Wednesday. See other looks and even enter your own, HERE!

Necklace: Ebay 

Express Flats: Ebay

Watch & Braclet: Thrifted (2nd Avenue)

Purse: Gifted

*always laughing at something my babe is saying*

Pants: Salvation Army

Shirt: Old Navy

Blazer: I.N.C.