Growth...{26}

Well, hello! I didn't get a chance to get into my birthday weekend, so here goes!

Whenever my birthday rolls around, I get super excited because I was raised in a household where we celebrated everything! Be it a birthday, anniversary, new job, good grade on a test...it was always a celebration. As a child, I was always expected to do well and be successful, so the celebrations were a bonus ;-)

This year was no different. I decided to spend the Saturday with my love and we went thrifitng, shopped some more and had a nice lunch. Then, we met up with my family and headed to Reston, VA for dinner. While there, we attended a pageant to support a few of my sisters friends and their families. All in all, it was a very nice day. I've said it many times on my blog before but, I am a simple girl. I adore my family and my fiance' so any chance I get to just be around them is fine with me.

Sunday, I took time to sit back and think of all the GREAT things that are coming up this year. I haven't shared this with my blog family but, I've made the decision to complete my B.A. degree at Morgan State University before I get married. The original date of the wedding was scheduled for December 30, 2012 but after much prayer and talking to my fiance', we've changed the date to May 26, 2013. This date is a week after my graduation which is so ironic. To close one chapter in my life one week and then begin another the next week seems crazy! But I honestly feel that this decision is the right one. Graduating and finishing undergrad before I say "I do" is something I am doing for me. And the fact that Darrius understands that and is motivating me makes me love him even more.

Not only will this give me a chance to finish what I've started, but it will allow Darrius and I to grow even more. Marriage is not something we plan on entering into lightly---the union of marriage is important to us. And I feel that once I have achieved my accomplishments, I can then focus on being married. I've seen too many people rush to get married because they're in love and in the end, they're unhappy and wish they'd taken more time to think things through. I don't want to end up like that. Yes, there will be issues and problems that we'll have to face; that's life. But if we work out the kinks and take our time now, a lot of issues will already be avoided.

With all that being said, I want to close by sharing my list of 10 goals I have for this year. Last year I did 25 things I wanted to do, but I realize that quality is more important than quantity. Also narrowing it down to 10 goals will give me a better chance to really focus of one goal at a time. After glancing at my list from last year (HERE), I can smile knowing that I can cross of a lot of things! 

1. Improve my Relationship with God

2. Receive my Undergrad Degree

3. Have a WONDERFUL and FUN time at our wedding

4. Save $$$ for our home

5. Focus on  Starting My Business 

6. Expand my Blog 

7.Live a Healthy Life

8. Take a Dance Class 

(I've always wanted to take a hip-hop class, LOL)

9. Give back to my community

10. Continue Living a PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

Be blessed and TTYS!! 

Giveaway & a Feature

Good morning everyone!! I hope you all are well. I am so excited to share some news with you. If you follow me on Twitter & Facebook, you already know but for those of you who do not...I was featured yesterday as the Fashion Bombshell of the Day!

{Click the photo for the link}

I was super excited that they decided to feature me. It's so funny because I was skeptical at first to even submit my photos but, I finally decided to go through with it. I wanted to share my sense of fashion with others, as well as explain my love for thrifting all in one. There were some positive and negative comments but at the end of the day, I am VERY pleased and happy about the outcome. If everyone likes you and if everyone agrees with your ideas then life would be pretty boring. There are always going to be haters and naysayers but hey, if you don't have them you're not doing something right. So my submission was a lesson in itself and it was a part of my growth as a blogger and as a fashion lover. Thanks to all those who showed me love; I REALLY appreciate your kind words :-)

Now onto this 1Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway that I have been talking about. According to Blogger, My first post was March 25, 2011. Therefore, this coming Sunday is the actual day of my blogs anniversary!!! As a HUGE thank you, I am hosting a giveaway that is pretty awesome if I do say so myself  ;-) Below are the rules and the contents of the giveaway.

Giveaway Rules:

1. You must leave a comment below with your name and an email address stating that you did or have done the following...

2. Be a follower of my blog via-email, Bloglovin', etc.

3. Tweet, "...I just entered Nic's Blog Anniversary Giveaway at, www.nics-picks.com..." 

4. For an extra entry, follow my on HERE on Facebook

The Giveaway Contents:

1. A $25 Target Gift Card

2. A $25 Starbucks Gift Card

3. Ask Beauty Mini Handbook

Giveaway ends Saturday March 24 at 12 midnight. Good luck to you all and talk to ya soon!

~Nic

30 for 30 Wrap Up!

As I wrap up this 30 for 30 challenge, I must thank The Seventh District for the idea. I know I haven't been consistent but nonetheless, I finished. I hope you've enjoyed getting to know me a little better. Thanks as always for reading and for the comments during this photo challenge...be blessed!

~Nic

Day 26: A photo of somewhere I've Been
Rhodes, Greece - the best shopping and the bluest water I've ever seen...

Day 27: Pic of myself last year & How I've grown

This picture is actually one of my favs. Last year, I was in a place of uncertainty; I was all over the place. I was unsure of how I was going to put my dreams and goals into action, I was unsure of what I wanted to do as a career, as well as some other things. I've always known I was going to be successful, and I've always known that I was going to be great at whatever I did. I just needed direction. Thankfully and prayerfully, I've found my purpose, found my desired career path, and I am steadily headed in the right direction. I have a clear vision of what I want to do and what I need to do in order to accomplish my goals. I am more driven, more confident, and I've never been as happy as I am now. The best is yet to come, for sure...

Day 28: Fav Movie(s)

Ok, did you really think I was going to pick just one?? LOL. There are SOO many movies I can watch over and over, and I have shared some of them in my posts before. However, these are some I have recently watched. I can go word for word with every movie listed below, LOL!

 {Love Jones, Crooklyn, The Best Man, Sex & the City 2,  My Best Friends Wedding, and Houseguest}

Day 29: Something I Never get tired of Doing

I will never get tired of (1) spending time with my family, (2) my fiance', (3) my friends, and (4) meeting new people. Simply put, those are the things in life that keep me going and those are the things that make me happy. Family is always #1 & they keep me grounded, the love my fiance' and I share is constant, my friends keep me motivated, and meeting new people just warms my heart---good people in this world are hard to come by.

Day 30: Photo of me Today and 3 good things that happen to me in the past 30 Days

*i'm glowing, lol*

1. I got a bonus at work :-)

2. I spent time with friends

3. We're almost finished registering for our wedding gifts :-)

Blogger BFF's

Let me just start by saying, I've met some of the best people since I started blogging! Be it via-email, text, meet-ups, or whatever I know some pretty fab people ;-) And meeting up with Bisi, Kiah, and Vivi this weekend was NO different! These ladies are all genuinely nice, sweet and simply lovely!

I got a tweet/text from Vivi asking if I was free to meet up with the ladies that Friday and I was so excited! Kiah came up from TX to visit her sister and new nephew and she wanted to get together. I brought my good friend Jessica with me, and we all had a blast! It was as if we all knew one another for years. I felt like I was on an episode of Girlfriends and Sex & the City!! We all greeted with hugs and giggles like school girls, lol and then sat down to enjoy a GREAT dinner!! I had sushi and my fav drink, Lemon Drop Martini as well as tasted some of Jessica's dish--DELICIOUS!! The atmosphere was great, the conversation was HILARIOUS and the company was delightful.

Vivi is so funny and down to earth and her fashion sense is great! She knows how to dress her body, and does it well. This is the 3rd (or 4th) time she and have seen one another so it was great to see an old friend ;-) Bisi, ugh! Just the sweetest thing, EVER. From her blog to reality, her make-up is always on point! I'm glad she enjoyed her first sushi rolls :-) And Kiah, my big sis and the guest of honor...well, she and I are such kindred spirits. Her personality is wonderful, and she is just as gorgeous on her page as she is in real life. I love her! Her sister is a TRIP!!!! I felt like she and I were on a comedy tour--we had thee best time cracking jokes, talking about out reality show guilty pleasures, and doing impressions. My girl Jess is always a riot and when we are together, its always a great time. That's my girl! 

To sum it up, the night = FUN TIMES!!! I love them all and can't wait to do it again. XXoo & be blessed!

~Nic

Me & My Blogger BFF's

My Drink & Meal; HEAVENLY ;-)

Jessica's Meal

She is LOVELY (Kiah)

Me & Kiah

Me & Jess

Bisi & Kiah :-)

Me & Vivi!

I've Been Tagged...

It seems that I have been posting a lot of lifestyle and 'personal' posts lately rather than fashion/style. But I don't mind at all. Between the 30 for 30 challenge and this post, its just another way for you all to get to know lil 'ol me ;-)

So, remember when I posted that I LOVE getting to know people?? Well, I have been tagged by the lovely Tavia from, Nine to Fly. After reading her responses to the questions, I see we have a lot in common. Now, it's my turn to answer her questions. As with most things, I put my own spin on the challenge ;-)  Enjoy the post & be sure to check out her page HERE. As always, be blessed!

~Nic

8 Random Facts

1. I have 2 middle names {Nicholsonne & James}

2. Nic comes from my 1st middle name, Nicholsonne ;-)

3. My "real" name is Whitney and NO, I was NOT named after Whitney Huston

4. I love eating cereal

5. I collect key chains from different states, cities and countries

6. My mother collects snow globes

7. My favorite number is "3"

8. I went to college on a Soccer Scholarship---I was the Goalie

My Answers to Tavia's Questions

1. If you could be any profession besides your current profession, what would you be? A marriage/family counselor

2. What guilty pleasure TV show can you not miss? The Kardashians---I am addicted to anything Kardashian

3. What was the last song you heard? Joe - Time of Your Life

4. Cat or dog? Dog

5. Who is your celebrity crush? My top 3 are Idris, Nigel Barker & Tyrese

6. What is your preferred style of shoe? Flats or Wedges

7. After a bad day at work, what will make you feel better? Seeing my little sister

8. What is one of your bad habits (we all have them)? I tend to over think everything

9. Do you speak any foreign languages? I understand conversational Spanish

10. Have you ever broken a limb? My thumb

11. What is your favorite genre of music? Jazz/Soul/RnB

{Lalah Hathaway}

Day 5...30 for 30

Day 5: A picture of yourself 2 years ago

This picture is SO funny because I am making my famous "are you serious???" face. I think I took this and posted it on my Facebook page because I was irritated that day. Looking a the date, that seems to be about right. Some days/dates you just never forget, you know? LOL. It was taken January 12, 2010, according to my Facebook records, lol. As you can see, I was rocking the short hair and I loved it! I sometimes want to go back to shorter hair but then I remember the maintenance it takes to keep it up and I come back to reality. I was also in my work out gear which is a subliminal message that I do indeed need to get back on my work out routine. Ironically enough, I have an appointment with my Elliptical Machine tonight ;-)

~Nic

30 for 30....Day 4

Hey everyone! I hope you have had a GREAT weekend. I know I have ;-) I relaxed, spent time with the fam and went to church. I also worked with the kiddies this Sunday at church for the first time and it was so much fun! I worked with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders and boy do they have some energy! I love kids and to work with them in a spiritual setting is even better. They really made my day :-) I also watched the Golden Globes and was really impressed by the fashion. Check out my fav looks HERE.

In keeping up with the 30 for 30 challenge, I am now on Day 4. The picture is of me and my best friend, Danyelle. We have been best friends for 14 years (it will be 15 this year)! We went to middle, high school and college together. She is always there when I need her and is the best person to make you laugh. we are opposites when it comes to a lot of things but, it works for us and we just click. Although we don't see one another as often as we like to anymore, we still pick up right where we left off every time we talk/or meet up. She is going to be my maid of honor in my wedding, of course ;-)

The next photo is my cousinTerrence. He and I have been close since birth and everyone says we look  like siblings. I am 2 years older than him, and our parents are first cousins. It seems like we are brother and sister so that's what we tell everyone, LOL! We have been through A LOT together and we even went to the same high school. As we have both gotten older, our relationship has grown and I truly love and appreciate his friendship. He has now become my best friend/brother/cousin ;-)

Enjoy & I will talk to you soon! Blessings,

~Nic

{Me & Danny - Freshman Year} 

{Me & Terrence - Summer '10}

Day 3...Perfect Date

My idea of a perfect date has always been to just go for a walk around a park or something like that. I am a very simple girl so to me, that is perfect. To walk around the park, talk, and get to know one another is priceless to me. Low and behold, my fiance' & I had our first date in downtown Baltimore. We were actually set up on a blind date by our close friends. After our dinner at Ra Sushi, we headed to Federal Hill (in Baltimore) and walked and talked for HOURS! It was the best date and the best day I'd had in years. That is/was my "Perfect Date".

~Nic

*blurry but i LOVE this pic; our first date back in 2009*

Day 2...30 for 30

Another good day :-) I had my first wedding meeting and things went VERY well. I am just so excited to see my visions and ideas come to life. While I felt a tad overwhelmed, I was reassured (by Mommy) that everything was going to work out just fine. Darrius and I start pre-marital counseling tomorrow too; can't believe we are starting already. Whew! Before you know it, Dec. 30th will be here and I will be Mrs. West ;-)

Anywho, I hope you all had a good day also! In keeping with the 30 for 30 challenge, enjoy the pic and short description. Be blessed and as always, thanks so much for reading.

~Nic

Day 2:  A photo of something you ate today

For dinner, I had a turkey BLT (I picked the bacon off, LOL) from The Cheesecake Factory. Delicious and not too heavy. I usually order pasta or a turkey burger but wanted to try something different :-)

I'm Back!!...30 for 30

HELLO everyone!!! I am back from a mini break of posting and blogging. While I still commented and kept up with my fellow bloggers, I wanted to take a "creative break" as I called it. With SO much on my agenda for this year, I had to take a step back to prioritize and plan. In that (short) time, I was able to spend time with family, do a little shopping, work on my vision board(s), do a little cleaning, and most importantly refocus. I think sometimes we get so caught up in the "world" that we forget we need a moment to ourselves to slow down and regroup. So, that's what I've been doing and I am glad to say that I am so excited for my blog this year. I have great ideas I plan to implement, and I hope you all come along for the experience.

Today, I am going to start the 30 For 30 Challange. It's something I saw on The Seventh District's page, (Ashley over at, A Sassy Woman is participating it too). It's basically a 30 day photo challenge. I did a similar one thru my Tumblr page (see HERE) this past summer and it was a lot of fun. So, I am going to join in and share my 30 for 30 with my blog readers :-)

It's funny because I love getting to know people, especially those bloggers I follow. I think that explains my love for autobiographies and biographies and 'reality tv'. I am so intrigued by people and their lives/stories. Everyone has a story, and I for one believe you can learn so much about a person by listening/seeing or reading about it.

With that being said, enjoy "getting to know me" in 30 days. Talk to you all soon...be blessed!

~Nic

                                                                 

Day 1: A photo of yourself & a description of how your day was

{photo taken in Sicily, Italy}

Although this is not a recent pic, this is how I feel my day was. It was a good day; simply put. Work seemed longer than usual but that's because I was tired, lol. But I was able to come home, rest, laugh with my family and catch up on some good tv shows and good sleep. I also started the 2nd week of my personal/spiritual fast and it went pretty well. The purpose of the fast is quite simple; to display self-control and to use my (free/spare) time doing what will help me continue to live a purpose driven life.

Holiday & New Year Reflections...

Well, well, well. 2011 is just about to be over and I for one cannot believe that the year has flown by like this. Nonetheless, I am ready for what 2012 has in store. This year has been crazy for me.While it started off a bit rocky, due to death, sickness in the family and other issues, it ended up taking a turn for the better.

Awhile back I did a list of things I wanted to achieve at the age of 25 (see post HERE). And i just glanced over it and smiled because I can cross out a few things on my list. So then I thought, instead of making a new list for 2012, why not build on what I already have? So, I printed out the list, posted it on my vision board, and will refer back to it thru the year and hopefully continue crossing off things.

As far as the highlights of the year...WOW! There are soo many but, a few things stick out for sure. For one, I started my blog (March 2011) and it has grown MUCH more than I ever realized. I also started networking a lot more and as a result met so many great people. I have even been given the opportunity to speak at an upcoming event to "educate" a group of women on the in's and outs of thrifting. Who would've thought?!? I also grew as an individual and became much more confident and daring....I am now not so nervous to try new things and new looks. And I walk with my head higher because I am very secure with who I have become and who I am becoming.

Another highlight is my career decision. While I have always had a job, I have been back and forth trying to figure out what my career move should be. I've been to school, I know what I am good at, but I have so many things I want to do. After prayer, talking to my fiance', and coming up with a plan, I made the decision to work full-time with my family's company. I must say, that was the best decision I have ever made. No one has my best interests at heart like my family. I realized that I wanted to be apart of the legacy that my Grandfather (Fafa) started; I want to make my mark on the world, while building the family business. Working with my mother everyday is challenging, but its so rewarding. I have never learned so much in any position already and I thank God for allowing me to make the right decision. Nowhere else can I incorporate all of my strengths, interests, and ideas.

And lastly, I got engaged to my best friend. I know I have spoken about him several times on my blog but, i cannot express how much I love him. Being engaged has been a huge puzzle piece to this journey I am on. Knowing that I have someone who is always going to have my back, and who loves me thru the good, bad, and ugly is a testimony. I know God made him for me and I am forever grateful...

So as 2011 ends and 2012 approaches, I pray that I continue to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. I have so much more to accomplish and so much to give the world. I welcome a new year...I welcome a new challenge...

Have a blessed holiday season and a prosperous new year!

~Nic



Favorite "Things" at the Moment

Well needless to say it is raining cats and dogs here in MD. I was going to snap some pics of my outfit but yea; that rain had me in the house and in some sweats quick, fast and in a hurry!! However, I still wanted to share with you all some of my favorite things at the moment. i am thinking about making this a weekly or monthly post. I have so much I want to share, sometimes I am just consumed with "real life" and I can't post as much as I would like. That's why I have my Facebook page. I updater on there like crazy so feel free to check it out.

Anywho, below are my favorite things be it music, clothes, accessories, books, whatever. I hope you enjoy and thanks as always for reading. You ALL have really made me a happy girl ;-) I am now at 102 followers and as promised, I am doing my 2nd give away. On Friday, I will be posting the giveaway and the instructions so check back. I am so excited to be giving away something; I am such a gift/card giver for any and every occasion. I always say, everything deserves a celebration. Life is too short.

Be blessed and I will talk to you soon!

~Nic

{Organizer for my desk at work from, Marshalls}

{Ashtray from, Goodwill---using it for my 'daily' jewelry}

{Black Leather Clutch from, Goodwill}

{Gold Watch from, Goodwill}

{My first "crackle" manicure done myself}

{Robin Thicke, Love after War}

{Bakers Boots; see HERE}

{Kris Jenners Latest Book---I have a fascination with autobiographies/memoirs}

{I have a love and passion for poetry (that's how I started writing) & this is one of my favorite collections}