Purple Pencil Skirt and a "Blue" Mood :-/

I have been SO out of the loop lately. I have not been feeling my best. In addition to feeling a little under the weather, I just feel "unpretty". Ever had those days? Well it is time to snap out of it. I am taking action instead of sitting back feeling sorry for myself.

First...I made an appointment to get my hair done. One thing that has made this second round transitioning to natural hair a little easier is my sew in weaves. In effort to save a little money, I cut back. Well mama needs her mojo back and that I will get Saturday Morning at 9 am.

Second...I am planning to see a dermatologist. My skin reacted terribly to a product I tried in hopes of evening out my skin tone. Not only did the product cause me to break out but the breakouts left even MORE dark spots. So, I am done acting as a dermatologist...to the professionals I go.

Now the last will not be as easy. I terribly need to go shopping. I am in need of boots, slacks and blouses in bright and pretty patterns. I am still trying to create a nice cushion for my family so those shopping excursions are not high on the list anymore. I am not sure HOW I will fix this issue...but in time...I am sure I will be back where I need to be.

At any rate, here I am in my purple pencil skirt, satin floral jacket and favorite Steve Madden Boots. I promise to do better in my photos. I don't want to scare anyone! HA!

Happy New Year!

Happy New year!

I am Looking forward to a year of prosperity and greatness!

Gotta run, but wanted to leave you with this!
Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours.
Swedish Proverb

Love My Animal Print Pumps!

Since starting this plan to document my daily outfits in hopes of enhacing my style, I have noticed a few things. One I shared the other day, I am a little on the country side. HA! Two, animal prints really appeal to me. I hadn't noticed how many animal print pieces I own! The sad thing about this, I want more!

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I am on a bit of a budget. Our wedding was a much larger expense than I realized. Although we did not incur any debt as a result of the wedding, I am STILL trying to bounce back financially. Which means....no shopping. Which TRULY hurts my heart because I am starting to really NEED things. For instance, I have two pair of boots I need repaired. I would really prefer new boots but I suppose I will settle for repairing the boots I own. I am really trying to identify other ways to cut back. I have a goal in mind. Once I reach that goal...I will be headed to the nearest outlet mall!

Fitness update:
I have one good thing to report. I have been consistent with my workouts! With my son out of school, I have been to the gym 2 times this week and I am going again today. The gym is closing early tomorrow..so I will either have to go earlier (if time allows) or settle for P90X when I get home. I do plan to eventually work in two workouts a day. One at home, with P90X, and the second at the gym here at the office. I have discovered that reading (multitasking!) while on the bike or treadmill makes the time..and calories...go by very quickly. I plan to try this on the eliptical today. Let's hope I do not fall off! Ha!

I eventually plan to incorporate weight training as I have gained great results in the past. I am just not sure at what point I want to add it. At any rate... for now...extreme...well for me...cardio to shock my body. I have avoided the scale because I do not want to get discouraged. I will definitely start weighing and measuring to track my progress.

Skin:
It SEEMS as if the new product is finally starting to work. I will update in a week or so.

Well, back to work I go. I am challenging myself to be super productive these days as I try to master time management. That has ALWAYS been a weakness of mine. :-)

Ton


What am I wearing:
Skirt: K&G YEARS ago...actually was a suit
Jacket: Steinmart
Pumps: Jessica Simpson
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Home Decor Inspiration: The Modern Vintage Bathroom

I am still working to develop a plan for the many redecorating projects in my future. Although DH and I were live in's before the marriage, I have not made too many changes to our home. For one, we do not plan to be in this house too much longer. Secondly, all of my time and money has been invested in others things like say..our wedding. :-)

With the wedding behind us, I am ready to dive head first into home decor projects. Yet, I have only found myself overwhelmed. So, I have decided to sit down and create an inspiration board, or sort, to paint a picture of the desired results. Our house is small and yet I am still unsure where to start. Part of this is because there are so many areas that require attention. Another factor in this is my tend to be easily distracted. Which further encourages a plan and visual guide for the overall project.

I have been searching the web for ideas and inspiration. Houzz.com has become a girl's best friend. Today, I stumbled upon some random niche blog with awesome pictures of homes decorated in contemporary and modern decor. DH is partial to the modern/contemporary look. I can go either way but I actually prefer the vintage or traditional look.

When I heard the term "modern vintage" I scratched my head. One would think the term was an oxymoron. However, when I saw these images, my heart skipped a beat.





This one is not modern vintage but simply vintage and it made my heart flutter! :-)


**images courtesy of beinteriordecorator.com**

Whew! What a Day!

Last night, I observed a post on facebook that deeply troubled me. A former classmate got married a month ago. Yesterday, she lost her husband after one short month of wedded bliss. I was moved to TEARS. So many times I get frustrated or irritated by my husband. After I saw that post, I decided to take a new approach to life. Later for all the silly stuff. Life is too short to be concerned with people and situations that are bring you down. I will also make sure I continue to appreciate my husband and not take him for granted.




Jacket: Old don't remember Dress: Dillards Tights:Target Shoes:Nine West

Today was a VERY busy day..but I did manage to get a picture in. :-)


I had a couple of meetings today so I tried to dress conservatively, yet add some style/funk. A little better than before. I am still working to enhance my personal style.

Well let me get to bed....another full day tomorrow!

So I had an Epiphany

First of all, sorry for the short time away. I have been quite busy. I graduated Saturday! YAY me! :-)
Other than that, it's just been work and caring for may family. I did however have an epiphany. While getting dressed for church this morning...I realized...My style SUCKS! HA! Let's just keep it real. I often get compliments on my style but I honestly do not see it! When I look in the mirror I see pure D COUNTRY. So...I am going to start a personal challenge to improve my personal style...so please...bear wit me..

Oh and also, I started using a new skin product last week. It is SUPPOSED to be really good for evening your skin tone and preventing breakouts. Well today my hubby was like "What is wrong with your face?!? I have never seen you break out like this!" Now granted, my husband is very blunt to say the least, but he is right, my skin looks horrid. I am hoping this is just the purging phase... I took a before picture to track my progress. You can rest assured that picture will NOT be shared unless I attain some AWESOME results...then I will share the results AND more information on the prodcut.

At any rate, here is my "country" pic of the day. I wore this AFTER church to run some errands and do a little christmas shopping. I kept pulling my cardigan closed... LOL so uncomfortable. :-/


Here is the first set I tried and decided...NAH I better not! Too much going on...




Let's see how my style evolves...

Wacky Wednesday

Today has been very interesting to say the least. I found out that a family friend passed away suddenly. My mood has just not been "right" since. :-/

I did manager to get pictures of my outfit yesterday but I have YET to upload it. I failed to get a pic today.... My mind is just RACING.

I had a few things I wanted to blog about. One being a new skincare product I am using in hopes of clearing up my skin and evening my skintone and another is The Real Housewives of Atlanta episode from last night...but again. I can not get into it.

Although I did not take pictures of what I wore today...here is a idea of what I wore.

12/2011 by carameldiva77 featuring a leather handbag

But at any rate, I am going to sit here, sip my Riesling and Listen to My Eric Roberson/Goapele mix.