The Week in Review

Monday, April 25, 2011

Happy Easter Monday!

I hope everyone had a great week and weekend! I did!

Last week was a bit of a busy week.

About 3 years ago I was part of the Chancellor's Leadership Academy. It is a hand selected group of people from across campus who learn leadership skills and strategies from notable people in leadership at the University and community at large. I have to say that being apart of this group has afforded me opportunities to interact with those in Executive Administration as well as interact with others across campus. I've served on panels for subsequent academy groups since then (in fact, I'm serving on one tomorrow).

Last week they held a luncheon at the Chancellor's residence on Women in Leadership. Two notable local women leaders, Valeria Lee and Janice Faulkner were the speakers.



Janice Faulkner (seated on the right in the picture above) is a NC staple. She has done everything from teaching to running the DMV. Governors see her as a valuable asset and leader. She has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that supersedes her 80+ year age.

Valeria Lee (seated on the left in the picture above) was the first president of the Golden Leaf Foundation. The Golden Leaf Foundation's mission is to promote the social welfare of North Carolina's citizens and to receive and distribute funds for economic impact assistance to economically affected or tobacco-dependent regions of North Carolina.

Both of them talked about farm life and how it impacted their desire for education and pursuing leadership. It was a lighthearted, fun engaging talk with them.

I walked Mrs. Lee back to her car and we were chatting like auntie and niece. Somehow we mentioned sororities and when I told her which sorority I was a member of she said, "Guuurrrllll! I knew I liked you for a reason!" It was a special moment :) I love making sorority connections like that in the most random places!

Last week was also Passion Week, where Christians celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At church, we held the "Seven Last Words" were leaders in the church expounded on the 7 last words (actually phrases) that Jesus spoke while on the cross.


It was an AWESOME time! It made me so hype to celebrate the resurrection of my Savior on Sunday! To know that someone who did not do anything wrong took my punishment is a truly humbling thought! But I'm glad He came that I might live!

Saturday, my sorority held their 2nd Red & White Gala. I did not want to purchase anything knew for this event, so I "made up" an outfit. My digi cam was tripping, so I apologize in advance for the poor quality of these pics...

The inspiration for my outfit was this Sharon Stone Oscar outfit from back in the 90s.


Here is my interpretation...




 My "front" Catrice
 One of my BFF's Erma



For outfit specifics, you can check my video out below.



I wobbled, slid and shuffled the night away. I even managed to sneak in a cabbage patch (don't ask LOL). Overall, I had a pretty good time!

But let me tell you, I was so hype over Easter Sunday! I was so ready to give thanks and celebrate the one who makes this crazy thing I have called Life possible!

Thankfully, I belong to a church that is somewhat laid back and casual when it comes to its dress code. I don't have to wear "cut glass" suits or "bunded knit" (translation: St. John's suits)...LOL. My friends and I give nicknames to just about everything.

It's weird, because I think I may have done a regression. I used to wear suits and all this fancy stuff to church. But since I've gotten older, I have stopped wearing all that for the most part. I am a skirt and dress church girl...

But even at Easter, I like to ramp it up a bit. My mom bought this suit for me at Stein Mart and I love it! The thing that makes this suit haute is the detailing. The inverted pleats and stitching of the jacket fits right in with my personality. 































And now it's back to this work week grind. Luckily my "Friday" is Wednesday! I am heading to Atlanta for the World Natural Hair Show. I'm soooooooooooooooo excited! Another post about that later.

I am keeping a co-worker waiting so I can finish this post, so I better get going!

Bloggers Do It Better: Color Blocking

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

All the rage in the blogging world is a new community effort, "Bloggers Do It Better." Started at the Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly blog.

The first challenge is to rock the color blocking trend. To be honest, most of my spring/summer clothes are still in crates (don't judge me LOL). So I had to literally pull something together this morning so I somewhat participate in this challenge.




Sweater: I dunno
Tank: Old Navy
Skirt: I Dunno
Bracelet: Body Central
Shoes: TJ Maxx


Guilty!

Great Natural Hair for Maxi Dresses

I love maxi dresses. I do not have enough of them, but I do plan to remedy that in the not so distant future. One of things that I love about most maxis is that they are cool, comfy and appear effortless.


And that same ease of style should translate to the hair.


For my naturlistas, check out these two tutorials by two of my favorite YTers, African Export and Naptural85 for a casual, relaxed and sexy do to accompany your maxi dress. For those of you who are relaxed, you can achieve similar effects by brushing out a roller set done on larger rollers.






I'm Now "That" Girl...

Monday, April 18, 2011

When I go out to events, parties, etc. I do not generally have my picture taken by "Picture Man." I think I have been forever traumatized by the ghetto backgrounds that I've seen at clubs and parties over the years.

This is "my neck, my back" Khia

I said I would never take another photo at a party, unless it was my own. Well, never say never, because I have now turned into "that" girl, that has her picture taken by picture man.

It started at a friend's party during my 35th birthday weekend. His frat brother was there taking pics (oop-roo) and I wanted to have a pic of my girls and I, soooooo....

I hate the fact that our yellow bracelets are showing...ugh!

A couple of months later, I was at a day party during CIAA weekend (everyone should go one time in their life before they die LOL) and had this picture snapped....

Hair: Nia Girl by Freetress
Earrings: Beautiful Destruktion (etsy)
Jumpsuit: Charisma (local boutique)
Belt: I dunno

 Love the pic except for the fact one of my earrings is turned the wrong way. Ugh. Did I mention EV-ER-Y-ONE should go to CIAA weekend at least once in their life?!?!?!

CIAA picture man did have an airbrush city background which I refused to stand in front of. So I asked him to move the background aside so I could take pics in front of these 80 throwback posters. The venue was called "The Breakfast Club" so the 80's throwbacks are appropriate.

The latest pic comes from my college alma mater's alumni party held this past Friday. Shout out to Reco and Markiest. You are the best hosts!

Dress: ebay
Earrings: Beautiful Destruktion (etsy)
Shoes: Paris Hilton Pumps (Marshall's)

I'm not really feeling my pose. Feel like my legs are too far apart for it to look lady-like. I was trying to look kinda casual, like I wasn't trying to hard, but it didn't work. I have to work on my posing. Seriously. And I've just come to realization that I hate my knees. Has anyone ever had a knee lift?!?!? Just saying...

To my chagrin, I've become "that" girl that seeks out picture man to have my photo snapped. Stop giving me the side eye...at least I'm not doing this...


Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Have You Met Drew?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

I have jumped on the Drew by Beshe lacefront wig bandwagon....


I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this wig. This picture does not do it justice. It's big, full with lots of texture. I think it closely resembles natural hair texture with a mixture of defined and undefined areas.

Here is my mini review on it and a couple of tips for those who either have Drew or are considering purchasing.



Sally Hansen Salon Effects

Friday, April 15, 2011

I decided to try Sally Hansen Salon Effects. I don't have time for a manicure before going out tonight, but wanted my hands covered (at least with polish).

Not bad for $10, but I would still prefer the manicure. This color is supposed to be red. But of course you know it is a red made for people a lot lighter than I am. So on me it looks orange.

It is easy to use and they provide a mini file and wood stick to aid. I bought a teal color as well that looks blue. I think I may like this color better.

Hopefully this product will catch on and they will expand the color selection.

Just my .02 on the product. If you have used this product, leave me your thoughts as well.

Enjoy your weekend!


FBFF: An Attitude of Gratitude

This week's FBFF is all about having an attitude of Gratitude. Older people say (and I think there is a song also) "give me my flowers while I am living." That saying essentially says that appreciate me while that person can hear, see, feel, and appreciate it.

When it comes to be personally – I owe a lot of who I am to:
First, God! No brainer there. Secondly, my parents who still remind me that I can do anything I want to do with hard work and prayer. Thirdly, my friends, or as I like to call them "The Council." All of these people and a few others at strategic points have challenged, encouraged, prayed or motivated me in some way.

I think every person needs to have an advisory board, a board of directors, etc. A group of people with whom you can share ideas, ask for advice, seek counsel, etc.

When it comes to be professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to:
Dr. Virginia Hardy. Vice Provost of my division. She is my soror, my boss and my mentor. She epitomizes the professional, down-to-earth, smart, savvy and honest black woman. I love her convictions, her honesty, her forthrightness. She is well-rounded, educated, funny. And knows how to turn "it" (black women know what that "it" is) on and off when needed.

When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots
All the 1,432,094 blogs I read on a weekly basis. I get post ideas, contest and/or giveaway ideas, style ideas, etc. from these great bloggers. I often encounter writer's block or think what I want to write about is silly. But inevitably, I will see it on another blog and it validates my thinking.

But probably the blogger that has helped me most is my BFF Kim at The Stylish Life. I run things past her and she always has a helpful idea or suggestion.

One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was…
I haven't really had one honestly. But that's probably because I'm not as consistent as I should be with my blogging.

To my readers, I’d like to say…
THANK YOU!
You make blogging fun and worthwhile. Your comments, retweets and references make my day. Sometimes you can feel all alone and isolated in this blogosphere, so knowing someone is actually reading your words is gratifying and humbling. I hope you find what I write somewhat entertaining and informative. You and your comments are the reason I continue blogging.

This was a wonderful exercise and reminds me to say "thank you" to a few people in the coming days.

Who are some people to who you should extend gratitude?

25 Songs, 25 Days: Stuck in My Head

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Today's song choice is a song that is often stuck in my head...



One of my personal theme songs...LOL

25 Songs, 25 Days: Calms My Nerves

Monday, April 11, 2011

So, I've been totally remiss in my 25 Songs, 25 days. But I will pick up where I left off. Today's song is a song that calms my nerves. I actually have playlists for this, so it's virtually impossible to narrow it down to one, but I'll try.


Ok, I couldn't...but I'll narrow it down to two. One gospel, one non-gospel.


Right now, the song that calms my nerves is "You Are My Peace" by Juanita Bynum. An oldie, but always a goodie!



The other song that calms my nerves is another oldie but goodie...



As soon as I hear the beginning of this song, I perk up and I start dancing (even if it's chair dancing).

What song(s) calm your nerves?

Natural Hair Tutorial Video: Protective Style

Friday, April 8, 2011

A video tutorial of my most recent protective style...




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