BeautyBrainsLife

Rascal Flatts = Amazing

2012-01-18T09:25:00.002-05:00

I have no shame admitting that I am a country fan... and that I'm a huge Rascal Flatts fan. I listen to country music with the same enthusiasm that I listen to gospel, hip hip, R&B or whatever else I like. Rascal Flatts was the first country music group I really liked so I've wanted to attend one of their concerts for a while. A couple of months ago I looked up their tour dates and when I found that they were going to be in the area... I had to go! So I decided to go for my birthday.

Arriving at the Giant Statiam in Hershey, PA was interesting... I know people must of thought we were at the wrong concert because I didn't see any other black people except those I was with.

The opening acts were good... but Rascal Flatts was great!!!

Hunter Hayes

Lyd, Omoleye, & me

Thanks for coming guys!!

Sara Evans

The crowd

Our view of the stage

The drummer ( he was gettin it!)

Opening song

Rascal Flatts

Jay & Jon Don

Joe Don

Jay

Me about the time I "passed out on the floor in contentment"... figuratively of course

I was on the edge of my seat the whole night. I kept thinking these folks around me are probably like "wow this girl is jamming" and "how does this black girl know ALL the words?!" When I say Racal Flatts is like my favorite group.... believe me people! Anyway... it was definitely a great night and I'm glad a went. Happy to me from me!!!

One of their songs I caught on tape that nights

P.S. If you like Rascal Flatts and have the opportunity to see them in concert....GO!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Day 9: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-17T21:46:00.000-05:00

Do one thing. Do something that you have been procrastinating, that terrifies or inspires you... something that moves you toward your ideal life.

One Thing

My one thing that I've done to take me one step closer to my ideal life is to sign up for a 5k race. It's something I've been procrastinating doing yet I want to do. I hope to gain better workout habits while training for the 5k race and that running will be a regular thing for me. I've given myself from now till April to get my life right and in shape.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Day 8: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-17T20:51:00.000-05:00

Day 8 calls for reflection on the past week.

Reflect

I think the most important exercise this week was creating a personal mission statement for myself. Having a mission statement for an organization is important but you don't necessarily think its important in your individual life. It helped me see where I am and who I want to be and how I want to act.

My favorite was the finished personal mission statement but also writing a personal love letter to myself. Often you affirm other people and express what you love about them, but rarely do we take the time to make a conscience effort to say what we love about ourselves in an affirming manor.

I struggled the most with identifying my values because it was challenging to come up with words that are classified as values that I admire.

All in all this challenge has been insightful thus far. It's challenged me to think about things in a different way.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Day 7: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-15T23:04:00.001-05:00

Day 7 is to create a life plan. The plan should be your vision for each of the 7 areas of your life. Be specific and think big. Once that portion is done then take the key points and extend them from the wheel that lists you as the center and the 7 areas around you that is shown below.

Lifestyle

Have church, social life, home, job and family in close proximity to one another

Living on my own

Throw dinner parties

Work

Branching out and finding my niche

Go into business for for myself

Start an accounting business with two of my friends

Education

Taking classing to further my knowledge in the business world

Study for and take the CPA exam

Read a book a month

Finance

Get out of student loan debt within 5 years

Increase my portfolio

Have an emergency fund for 6months worth of expenses.

Be able to travel at leisure whenever I want

Health

Be fit, eat healthy and exercise regularly

Family

Be closer with each family member

Keep in contact with extended family through texts/calls

Relationships

Establish more meaning relationship with people in my life

Be in a committed romantic relationship

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Day 6: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-11T09:28:00.001-05:00

Today's assignment consisted of taking your values plus values in action and coming up with a personal mission statement for yourself, which should serve to help with making decisions from this point forward. Also, as you change, your mission statement chances as well.

My Mission Statement

I value loving those around me and continuing to improve my behavior to treat each person I come in contact with kindness and respect. Having integrity and the firmness to hold true to my beliefs, principles, and morals. Being a confident woman who isn't afraid to show weakness and where she is wrong. While maintaining the poise and dignity of a godly woman, continually growing in my personal relationship with God.

(This exercise was really good, it forced me to sit down and do something thinking. I can definitely see it being useful as I move forward in life.)

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Day 5: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

Todays challenge was to rate the 10 values from 1- 10 by asking yourself how am I current living out my values. Then list three actions you currently are or should be taking to fulfill that value in your life.

Respect - Respect others thoughts and opinions, living upright and true to myself, and treating others well.

Love - Learning how to better love people by understanding, identifying and speaking their love language.

Integrity - Being truthful, honest, standing firming to my beliefs, principles and morals.

Personal Relationship with Christ - Spending each morning with Him, developing a stronger prayer life and digging deeper in my personal time with Him.

Loyalty- Being there when needed, trustworthiness, and a being a person of one's word.

Confidence - Being strong yet not afraid to show weakness, overcoming apprehensions involving speaking to and engaging with new people and certain individuals. Speaking up more in environments that are outside of my comfort zone.

Family - Being more supportive, kind, and speak to each family member in their love language.

Happiness - Doing what makes me happy and laughing, keeping God first, not listening to other's negativity.

Poise: Not letting my (pissed off) emotions get the best of me in moments of anger, always speaking like a lady and carrying myself like a woman in all circumstance and not stooping to other's foolish levels.

Kindness: Speak in loving/ nice tones, changing my behavior in how I interact with certain people and going out of my way to do small things for people.

Live. Love. Smile Enjoy

2012 Goals...

2012-01-08T17:31:00.001-05:00

It's a new year with many ups and downs, laughs and tears, joys and disappointments in store for me. Who knows what this year holds but I'm looking forward to what the future has to offer. I pray and hope that within the next year I become a better woman and the woman God would have me be.

I'm not one to set resolutions for the year but I do like to set goals. I don't have many goals for this year and some are a repeat from last year. I've also put down some things I want to do/happen during the year that aren't necessarily goals but definitely things I hope to accomplish this coming year.

2012 Goals/ To Do

Be diligent with monthly budgeting and Mint
Be healthier - exercising and eating right
Read More - A book a month for personal reading (I feel thats...realistic... o_o)
Pick and read one Conflict of Ages book to be read between now and June with a second book being selected between July and Dec (Its been my desire to read the whole series for over a year but haven't)

Do a 5k run (1. I need to find one and 2. I need to find someone to do it with me.... )
Take a Motocycle class
Go on a hot air ballon ride
Do a photo shoot with The Fam
Reach 100 blog posts

Lets Get It!!!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Day 4: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-07T23:04:00.001-05:00

On day four of this 31 day reset, we are asked to choose 10 values. First take time to brainstorm on all the things that you value whether it be power, kindness, family, security, etc. Once you have created a list of values choose your top ten.

I Value...

(in no particular order)

Respect
Love
Integrity
A Personal Relationship with Christ
Loyalty
Confidence
Family
Happiness
Poise
Kindness

2011 In Picture Review

2012-01-07T21:41:00.000-05:00

2011 had many special memories, from birthdays, graduations, travels, weddings and spending time with family... all in all, I'd say it was a great year. I picked a few highlighted memories of my year to share.

My twin buying an iPod for my birthday!!

This has been my girl for the past 20 (yes 20!) years.

My sis and me, after reaching the top of the mountain

(Hadn't climbed up there in years)

First time I heard my brother sing (proud moment for me)

Brothers being baptized

My brother's Graduations!

(my dad would have been proud)

First night in Korea

(Don't ask what I'm doing)

Korea. Traditional + Modern

Us and our main tour guides in Korea

(we were at a Cafe that also has fish to clean your feet... interesting experience.)

Korean restaurant. This was one of my favorite meals actually.

Typical "what the hell is this?" face

(I was forces to eat a Lara Bar while there, it's the most

health, dense bar in life!)

In the radio studio watching a live show.

The Fam... Our last moments in Korea

This pic appeals to my inner goon, judge me.

The Bestie and Me

The Roomies at our annual BBQ

Love these girls and the times we can get together.

OU friends for life

Road trip to Toronto with the fellas

GOOD TIME... Jokes for DAYS.

Nothing like your family. It's always nice to see my cousins :)

Grand Central Station in NY, if you talk in the corner

the person standing in the opposite corner will hear you

(I saw it in a movie, as usual my friends that I was crazy*shrugs* but it worked!!)

Got to see my Bestest Buddy ever this year!

Threw my mom a surprise birthday dinner.

My friends the night before their wedding #BlackLove

Being a bridesmaid to this union was definitely a highlight for me.

Family. Love them much.

The Fam.

It was great spending Christmas together and it being just us.

(we are all adults... but this is the kids table, I just.... -____-)

The Fam, Parent Edition

Yours Truly ;)

Even though 2011 had many great moments I'm looking forward to the many different experiences 2012 has to offer. Even though struggles come along, each year gets better in its own way.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Day 3: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-04T14:08:00.002-05:00

Step 1:

Write yourself an inspiring letter about how your life will be improved in the next 30 days. Use the outline below for your letter (or the worksheet in the workbook) or just freestyle your own!
Dear future [your name here],
Congrats on all the progress you’ve made so far! Now you have even more to be grateful for in each area of your life, including :
Lifestyle: You love . . .
Work: You love . . .
Education: You love . . .
Finances: You love . . .
Health: You love . . .
Family: You love . . .
Relationships: You love . . .
Your life is so much better now and it’s all because of your hard work. Keep it up!
[your name here]

Step 2:

Next, type and paste your letter into futureme.org, a site that allows you to write a letter to be emailed to youself at a later date. Set your letter to be sent to you exactly 30 days (or more) from now as a reminder to check in on your progress after the challenge.

I'm in the mist of writing my letter to my self. At first I thought it would be difficult, but once I got started it was actually pretty easy to write a love letter to myself. Maybe I'll share it at a later date...

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Day 2: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-04T14:03:00.001-05:00

Today's assignment assesses your life in the following areas: Lifestyle, Work, Education, Finances, Health, Family, and Relationships. Under each area ask yourself what do you like and dislike?

Lifestyle

Like: I like that I have three day weekends to get things done, relax and travel. That I'm able to see my family every weekend without actually living there full time. I sorta like living in the country and a secluded area even though I wish it weren't so far way. And my rent at my second abode isn't bad.

Dislike: I've come to the point I dislike living in two places and all the traveling and driving so much has me reaching limits. I've been living out of a carry-on for over two years and I'm over it. I want to come home to the same place every night and have my stuff at one location. I also dislike that I have to live with other people that I really don't know. Although they pay rent just like me, sometimes I feel like a guest living there. I would love to be living on my own apartment right right now with space all my own, or at the least living with my mom.

Work

Like: I like working in an Adventist environment and appreciate the fact that everyday we start our workday with worship. I've been blessed with a good work environment and nice coworkers who are easy to work with and for some reason love me. My job has great benefits and is also related to my field of study.

Dislike: My office is located at the far ends of the earth. I also feel that I haven't been able to expand myself, experiences and knowledge base while here and I don't like that. I also want to experience other aspects of accounting besides auditing.

Education

Like: That I successfully earned a degree from OU.

Dislike: That I haven't started studying for the GMAT so I can start Grad school or that I haven't taken a class so that I will be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. I'm confused about which direction I should take.

Finances

Like: That I'm able to pay all my financial obligations without really worrying. For the most part I'm also able to travel, shop and do things that interest me as they come up, even if its not at the capacity I'd like. And minus student loans I have no other debt. I've also been creating a budget each month even though for me budgeting and following my budget continues to be a work in progress.

Dislike: That I'm not where I want to be on the projected goals I've set for paying of loans and saving, nor do I make what I'd like to be making. I also haven't come up with some source of extra income or side hustle. And though it is something that is always lurking in my mind, I have not make moves to work on creating a nice portfolio.

Health

Like: That I'm not sickly, I have my right mind, health, and strength. I'm secure in who I am. And I love myself for who I am. I don't want to be someone else or alter my appearance in any way, I like the body I was created with.

Dislike: I dislike that I'm not in the gym regularly plus it pisses me off my gym intimidates me and that I don't eat as properly or as healthy as I should. And that I haven't worked off my "fat pack" yet to achieve great abs.

Family

Like: That I've been blessed with a good family and that everyone that is still around is alive and well. I appreciate how my siblings and I get along much better now that we are all adults and "sorta adults". The times when the four of us are chilling, laughing and cracking on each other or being outrageous in an entertaining way in front of company are some of the best times.

Dislike: I'm fatherless

Relationships

Like: I have good successful, intelligent, positive, driven friends around me. I have people besides my immediate family that have my back and care about me. That my true friendships accept me for who I am & understand me. I've been bless with good friends that I would move mountains for if I could. On a romantic aspect, there is a part of me that is OK with being single, (that's not to say I want to be single for the rest of my life though, but I'm content in my current position and not pressed) . I can make plans and split second decisions without having to consider someone else agenda or hear displeasure regarding something I want to do and having to face disappointment when its something I want but they don't.

Dislike: That some of my closest friends don't live close to me and I don't see them as often as I'd like. From a romantic perspective, just like there is a part of me that is OK being single, the other half is absolutely over living this single girls life. Having a significant someone would be great. Quite frequently, things come up that I'd love to share/do with a significant other but end up doing alone or with friends. Spending time, doing things and going places with that special someone are things I miss.

Live. Love Smile. Enjoy.

Day 1: 31 Day Reset

2012-01-02T21:30:00.001-05:00

It's a new year with many new and great things in store! One of the things that I will begin the new year with is the 31 Day Reset Challenge. For the next 31 days I'm going to be blogging on this challenge (if I can keep my focus -______- cuz you know I get sidetracked sometimes). I'm hoping that it will challenge, enlighten and reveal some thing to me about myself I might not have realized before. Day one asks us to select a notebook, personal mantra, and theme song.

Notebook

I chose a notebook that I just bought that hasn't been written in yet, and one of the sections will be dedicated to this challenge.

Personal Mantra

(I chose two become I really liked them both.)

"Success doesn't come to you...you go to it" ~Marva Collins
"You are the designer of your destiny; you are the author of your story." Lisa Nichols

Theme Song:

I really like this song and it has been a constant in my playlist for a good month now.

I chose this song because there needs to be less KP and more Jesus. I want people to see not just me but Jesus. It also reminds me that I need Jesus each and every day.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

The Countdown Has Started.

2011-12-20T23:47:00.001-05:00

My birthday is coming! It's a month away and of course I'm excited. I've already started planning and thinking about it! My Bday countdown till Jan 20 has officially started.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

2011-12-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

This. Is. Just. How. I. Feel. (Sometimes.)

Don't fuck with my shit man! Too much to ask?!... #ohok

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

NATURAL HAIR: YO BOYFRIEND DONT LIKE IT??

2011-12-13T09:24:00.001-05:00

I ran across this video this morning in my usual 'surfing of the web before I get outta bed' routine. I thought it was actually pretty good. A lot of black woman have decided to go natural as of late.. some more successfully then others (which is a whole OTHER conversation in itself smh) . However, those that are in relationships may or may not have the support of their significant other. People will not always support you, but sometimes making someone aware can change that and give them a better understanding on where you are coming from.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Just My Thought/Feelings

2011-12-10T20:44:00.000-05:00

(Disclaimer: I actually wrote this a couple weeks ago on my iPod)

Yesterday while sitting around the dinner table death came up. A church member's mother had died and he was in disbelief and couldn't process what had happened. So I asked my mom how long she'd been in the hospital and she said the lady had probably been there a month. My first thought was "they weren't preparing for that after a month in the hospital?" let me just say death is hard by any means! ANY MEANS.... Whether it's sudden or gradual, it's hard. Hell, I have first hand experience so I know. Two weeks ago something trigger memories of my dad and sent me into tears, shaking, anger and bitterness for a good solid hour. I was an emotional wretch, lone and utterly drained.

Death is hard regardless no matter how someone dies, but as I set there and talked with my family, I told them I was thankful it took ten days for my dad to die. I've been thankful for that fact since the beginning actually. That was the hardest most anxious time of my life... But I'm glad it wasn't a sudden death. If my dad had died that first night...especially in your home... I would have lost my mind. That night was a total out of body, anxious, scary experience for me.... Well all of us actually. But those two crazy weeks was a preparation of sorts. Granted we prayer our hearts out but there comes a point you have to face the reality of the situation and you have to let them go. Even though losing someone is never easy I'm glad God saw fit to prepare us for the death of my dad. It's hard... And you never fully get over the death of someone you're close to and love. But when the moment finally arrived and my mom told me my dad had past, the only think I say was " He pasted? Just now? hmm I see... can we leave?", I knew it was coming... So I was "prepared". Granted you're never really prepared for loosing someone... And each case is SO different, but for me personally, I'm thankful that God didn't take my dad right away but gave us time to get ready for what was coming.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

My Thanksgiving

2011-12-05T22:17:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays besides Christmas of course. I guess what I love most about it is that it's a time to be with friends and family, have great food, remember all that you have been blessed with throughout the year and decorate (although I don't do much of that right now one day when I get my own house Thanksgiving will be at my house *whispers* they just don't know yet, and it will be a grand event. I will make my Thanksgiving fantasy a reality).

This past Thanksgiving was definitely a good Thanksgiving. My whole family was home, my god family came over for dinner, my good friend from college come up for the weekend, people that didn't have families to spend the holiday with came over, and The Fam got together to play games.

Throwing the footfall around

Looking a little crazy cookin.

(I'd been up since 4 with an hour nap at this point)

The Peters Sisters

"The Turkey"

Me and the "Turkey"

Turkey, Potato Salad, Greens, Cornbread, Mac and Cheese,

Cranberry sause & Sweet Potatoes.

My other Sibs

The Sibs

Musical Selection

Playing Catch Phrase

I am blessed to have such wonderful family and great friends!

Till next year!!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Fireworks Exclusive

2011-12-05T20:16:00.000-05:00

This is exclusive never before seen...once in a lifetime footage. Every now and then I've been seen in the studio (karaoke) but I post up on the couch to be entertained by all the others that desire to sing and carry on. You MIGHT get me to do a verse from a Biggie song...MAYBE. But since I don't sing... I don't karaoke. Anyway, while in Korea I had to get up and do our theme song with the Fam. I probably shouldn't even post this.... but at this moment I'm like what the heck....

Fireworks

Live. Love Smile. Enjoy

:)

2011-11-04T11:33:00.001-04:00

I love a good love story and a beautiful wedding

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

2011-11-04T10:50:00.000-04:00

So I saw and stole this from my friends over at The Feisty House (hey guys!!). This is a cool video on wearing a scarf because I know sometimes wearing the same style gets boring. You can also click on each scarf to get a full tutorial. Enjoy!

Live. Love. Smile Enjoy

Cornmaze

2011-11-03T21:26:00.001-04:00

So.... this has been sitting my drafts for over a week because I had to buy something to upload my photos:

Yesterday was an eventful day... to say the least but it it was a great day. I saw acquaintances and friends I hadn't seen in a while, had a good Sabbath dinner, saw The Fam and ended the day at a corn mase. My twin and I had decided a couple of weeks ago that we were gonna go to the corn maze. So yesterday before I headed to church I threw a few things in a bag and headed out the door.

My "unprepared is this happening" face

After gathering the troops we headed out to the corn maze. They had bonfires going, a jumping thing for kids, and some booths selling food and snack, with country music playing in the background to help create a country ambiance. They also gave you a piece of paper that allows you to do different activities as you walk through the maze.There was a map by numbers on the sheet of paper that you fill in as you go and also a game where you have to find all the clues.

The crew

The experience was cool... but it was WAY too cold for me and I was not prepared . Somewhere along the way I lost my flash light ( how that even happened I do not know), I got hit in the face by corn stalks, blazed our own path, got slightly muddy and froze my little fingers OFF.

Me and thing

About to enter the maze

Trying to see what clues we were missing

Over all it was fun... but way too cold!!

Live. Love. Smile, Enjoy

A love Language Journey?... (I Don't Know What to Title This)

2011-11-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

I'm in embarking on a new journey so to speak... well... its more so a new experience.

Several weeks ago I took the 5 Love Languages assessment to determine what my love language is. The following are my results.

Receiving Gifts/ Quality Time
Words of Affirmation
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

I found the results interesting, although some it I was already aware of. After taking the assessment I wanted to read the book. I knew we had the book around the house somewhere because I know my mom had read the book but I had not gotten around to looking for it. Last week I was approached by a friend to read The Five Love Languages Singles Edition with her, after asking a couple of questions ( I have to ask questions before I commit myself to things) I jumped at the opportunity because I've been wanting to read the book.

We decided to co-blog our thoughts and finding on the book as well as include some challenges. First and foremost, I'm looking forward reading the book. But I'm also looking forward to the experience of co-blogging and seeing what this experience has to offer. So check us out at http://www.tumblr.com/blog/kpandkk and Follow!

I will still have my blog... I enjoy blogging and even tho I don't blog as often or how I would like, this is still my baby.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Earnest Pugh - I Need Your Glory Official Music Video

2011-10-19T00:14:00.000-04:00

I heard this song Sunday and really liked it for some reason.

Black Love - A Wedding Weekend.

2011-10-18T12:14:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I was in Atlanta for my friend's wedding. The weekend was crazy! I didn't go to bed before 3 a.m. between socializing and getting finishes touches done for the wedding. I'm not gonna lie... even though I was excited about the wedding I was a little nervous because I only knew the bride, groom, and one of the groomsman. And you know I'm not that out going...or talkative lol. But the weekend was great. I met a lot of great people, had some great conversations, had some jokes, and saw some of my dear friends that I miss seeing on the regular.

Here are some of my favorite pics from the weekend.

Fellow bridesmaids and hostess out to eat

Candles lined this aisle the night of the wedding

The stage

Venue: Georgia Freight Depot

The bridal table...

I really like the feel of the long table.

...Girl on one side boys on the other...

Guest table

(I was up till 2 A.M. helping to fold those little pink napkins)

Black Love

Getting dressed

*sings* isn't she lovely

Me and Remy

Always fun to see this guy...he is jokes for days.

( this is the only pic I have of me in my total outfit -_- )

Me and my suitemate!!! Love her!

I didn't even know she was gonna be there. I walked into lunch on sabbath like...

"I know that girl! That's my suitemate!"

Bridesmaids

My new friend.

We had some great convos

Me and my boy E

I miss this dude but I swear one day...one day... we gonna flight.

Me and the bride

The groom, myself, and the bride.

Who ever would have thought two and a half years ago sitting in a Chilis restaurant on Alumni weekend with a group of friends that Antoine and I would become good friends or I would be in his wedding. Or who would have thought a year and half ago sitting in California Pizza Kitchen that first time I met Dana that we would become good friends as well...bbm'ing/talking on the phone all the time. These are two great, crazy, funny, talented, intelligent people who I'm happy to call friends and who are great for each other.

I'm so happy for my friends and wish them many years of happiness!

Love you both!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

From All of Us...

2011-10-07T16:15:00.000-04:00

I stole these from my siblings status on Facebook today...

Two years ago from today my father died, it seem as if it has been an eternity with out him but yet the pain is still as fresh as if it were happening now.I want to encourage all of you to love and cherish your loved ones wether it be friends, family or just your neighbor .take no one for granted because tommorow is not promised . in closing i would like to thank God for the maney years He blessed me with the most wonderful father kenneth ray peters! and May the Lord find me faithful that my father and i may meet again! ~ Adam

Pictures can't describe, and fb doesn't quite justify, all that you are in my life. Your smile, laugh, energy, wisdom, humor, kindness and strength are just a fraction of what you were. And you were mine. For that I am forever grateful. I miss you dad, like every day. And I love, love, love you. Can't wait to see you again, and get the rest of my heart back *kisses* ~Lydia
-Year Two-

I may look like her... but I act and think like him. Everyday I think about and miss him. My daddy gave me not only his name but so MUCH more. One day I hope to see the love of my life again. Tell the people in you life how much you love and appreciate them, and what they mean to you... cuz one day they won't be there anymore... ~ KP

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Go Big...I mean Natural or Go Home!

2011-10-07T09:30:00.000-04:00

Most of the week I had the desire to go 'extra' natural this week. So wednesday night I decided to give it a whirl. I washed my hair has usual then used Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning cream. Starting in the back I sectioned my hair in small sections then two strand twisted my hair (I put in conditioner in as I twisted my hair). My hair doesn't stay twisted on its own so I had to twist them around themselves and secure with a bobby pin. Then I sit under the dryer. I should have set under it longer but.... I had to go to bed * KP face*.

The next morning before I took them down.

They are still damp so I ended having to blow dry them.

Twists...

twists separated...

Separated more...

back view...

ummm.... not sure how I feel about the back

finished look.

Headed to work.... Minus earrings of course :/

So.... I don't think it came out too bad. I should have set under the dryer longer so it could have been totally dry by the time I took them down. Cuz when its not a 100% dry... this crap gets bigger and bigger and you know how I feel about BIG hair -___-. I'm unsure what two day hair looks like cuz... I'm still in bed and haven't messed with my hair today so.... yea lol. I might try this again in the future we shall see.

Out shopping at the end of the day.

Big Hair. Big earrings. Maxi dress turned skirt. Big belt. Button up shirt.

My look for the day.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Random Bits

2011-10-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up. 
     Let It Loose - Wale ft. Pharrell
     Just Gimme the Light - Sean Paul
     Symphonies (Remix) - Dan Black ft. Kid Cudi 
     Don't Leave Me - Blackstreet
     Heavenly - Latif
     Right Above It - Trey Songz 
2) What do you think about most?
     I think about so much... but I'd say money,the lord, guys, my bed, things I need to be doing. 
3) What does your latest facebook message from someone else say?
     Its a message about hair care products  
4) Do you sleep with or without a blanket on? 
    I sleep with two blankets... year round.  
5) Ever had a poem or song written about you?
    lol not that I know of.... 
6) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
     seriously? never... I can't get down. 
7) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose? 
      hell no... who does that? 
8) What's your religion? 
      SDA  
9) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing? 
      Walking to my car... or a building.
10) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it? 
     ummm probably in front... But I would like to have some basic knowledge so I can be behind it cuz I think photography is pretty cool... 
11) Do you believe in karma? 
      lol yep.... and karma is a B**** 
12) What does your screen name mean?
       Its me in words... 
       Beauty -  I'm not too bad to look at.
       Brians -  I'm intelligent 
       Life - This is my life i'm living.
       Combined to together BeautyBrainsLife is the random things I like and do that I choose to blog about.
13 ) Who is your celebrity crush? 
     Don't have one  
14 ) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
      Nope 
15) How do you vent your anger? 
     Lol... that all depends on what I'm angry about it. But usually I go off at the mouth and let the other person have it.  
16) Do you have a collection of anything? 
      No  
17) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online? 
      Depends on who the person is and what we are talking about. I enjoy both tho.  
18) Are you happy with the person you've become? 
      Yes...  I'm happy with who I am, but I want to continue to get better. 
19) What's a sound you hate; sound you love?
      I hate to hear loud breathing when I'm trying to sleep...drives me crazy. I love to hear raining falling while I'm in bed/ sleep.
20) What's your biggest "what if"?
       What if my dad was still here... 
                                 21) Choose:                                                                                               East Coast or West Coast? 
      East Coast 
22) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed? 
      yea... ran into the front porch when i was like 10.  And last year some IDIOT LIAR ran me off the road. But that's it. 
23) What was the last book you read? 
      ummm... How The Might Fall and Why Some Companies Never Give In ( I BS'ed my way thru that actually....
24) Do you like the smell of gasoline? 
      Who the... 
25) Do you have any nicknames? 
      Yea...  Kiki Baby, Ken, KP, Netha, French Fry. Most people call me by my government tho  
26) What was the last movie you saw? 
       Bridesmaid  
27) What's the worst injury you've ever had? 
       When I was 7 or so I cut my leg and had to get like 50 stitches    
28) Ever had a rumor spread about you?                               
      Most likely... who hasn't 
30) What is your astrological sign? 
      I don't know... 
31) Do you save money or spend it? 
      A little of both  
32) What's the last thing you purchased? 
       Gas yo!  
33) In a relationship? 
       nope 
34) Can you touch your nose with your tongue?
      who does stupidness like that?
35) What's your favorite animal?
       I hate animals... 
36) What is your secret weapon to get someone to like you?
      haha thats funny, but I don't have one.  
37) Where is your best friend? 
       probably off in a corner mad at me  
38) What were you doing last night at 12 AM? 
     In bed tweeting!  
40) Are you the kind of friend you would want to have as a friend? 
      I think so...  
41) You are at the doctor’s office and she  has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. a)  Do you tell anyone/everyone you are going to die? b) What do you do  with your remaining days? c) Would you be afraid?
    A. I'd only tell certain people.
    B. Stop working, Do something I've always wanted, have a huge party/dinner with friends and family and make sure my soul was right.
   C. Idk... 
42) How can I win your heart?                               
      lol....ummm....
43) What would you want to be written on your tombstone? 
       My name and years I was alive I guess. 
44) What is your favorite word? 
       Currently... hoe (my favorite word changes every couple of months)  
                                 45) Give me the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word:                                                                                               heart.                               
       Love
46) What is a saying you say a lot?
       I don't know.
       Literally..... "I don't know"  
47) What's the last song you listened to? 
        Lets Start Over by Beyonce  
                                 49) Basic question:                                                                                               what's your favorite color/colors? 
       Black cuz its just so sexy but I love color, so color period.
50) What is your current desktop picture?
       I have four up currently  
       -Me and friends on my recent trip to Canada
       -Me chillin 
       -Me and my roommates
       -The Fam
51) You accidentally eat some radioactive  vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow  you with the super-power of your choice! What is that power? 
     I've always wanted to be either invisible or be able to teleport myself....   
52) You can re-live any point of time in  your life. The time-span can only be a half-hour, though. What half-hour  of your past would you like to experience again? 
      Sometime when my dad was alive... 
53) You can erase any horrible experience from your past. What will it be?
       Do I really even need to answer that....
54) You just got a free plane ticket to  anywhere. You have to depart right now. Where are you gonna go? 
       I'd go to FL...
55) Ever been on a plane?
     Heck yea... I don't believe in this driving foolishness.  

Quotes on Fathers....

2011-10-05T09:26:00.001-04:00

I'm pretty sure I've put something of these quotes up before... But I like them so...up they go again.

One father is more than a hundred Schoolemasters.

~George Herbert, Outlandish Proverbs, 1640

Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.

~Ruth E. Renkel

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.

~Author Unknown

The greatest gift I ever had Came from God; I call him Dad!

~Author Unknown

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Lesson Learned

2011-10-05T08:50:00.001-04:00

I love my 3 day weekends, however, occasionally I'll have to work. And this past Sunday was one of those times. I assisted in putting on a training seminar for church treasurers.

One thing I learned was...

People need to feel someone is there to care for and support them. When they get discourage and lost they need someone who will encourage, speak a kind word and simply lend a helping hand. It can make a world of difference.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

sighs Hair Woes

2011-09-29T12:28:00.000-04:00

I've been bored with my hair for a while. So I cut more defined layers into my hair last week. Somewhere between 1 1/2 inches in some spots to about 4 inches in others. Now... I like cutting my hair. If I could realistically trim my hair every other week or so I probably would. The feeling you get from freshly trimmed hair is the best.

Anyway, for the past week I've been under the sneaking suspicion that my hair cut was off. And last night my suspicions were conformed. The transition in my longest layers are not smooth and on my top layers one side of my hair looks chopped off while the other side looks a litter more blended. The transition between layers could be a whole lot smoother. Also my hair seems a whole like thicker... I don't know what that's about. Could be the humidity, maybe the layers, but it could be something else, I'm not sure. I just know I don't like this cut I got. My only saving grace is that you can't really tell when I actually curl my hair.

So for the next couple of months I'm going to be doing plenty of updos, curls, ponytails, I might even go a month without straightening my hair (yea.... I might be reaching with that one tho LOL) and doing things to promote hair growth so it can grow out so I can cut it again... and properly this time.

Live.Love. Smile. Enjoy.

2011-09-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

Power Puff Girl

2011-09-15T09:49:00.001-04:00

I saw this picture as I was wandering around the internet and for some reason I really liked this girls look.

One Saturday morning before church I decided to try to implement this picture. I'm not a big fan of big, or high hair. But like I said before I liked the picture and figured I had enough hair to give it a whirl. This was definitely an out of the box hair experience for me. Would I do it again? I don't know...maybe... but I would have to perfect it some more cuz I didn't like how my poof came out. I like the girl in the pictures "poof" better then my "poof". To me hers has a defined messy look... and mine is a round uber defined puff ball sitting on top my head -_-. (I feel I can take these risks when I attend a small church.... no one is gonna see me for real anyway *shrugs*.... Well now you are...but I'm back to my #LongHairDontCare self.... so who cares if you see this pics *shrugs*).

Doing this style on freshly washed hair is a challenge. My hair didn't want to act right at all. I think it would work better on hair that is several days old.

Puff Ball Peters

What you see is what you get!!

At the end of the of the day Irene destroyed my hair. I went to the car to get something (the winds were something else I almost got carried away!!) and by the time I got back inside my hair was thoroughly wind tossed haha. Even thought I confidently wore my puff ball... I was glad to let my hair down and put it into something normal lol!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Dear Mama...

2011-09-14T20:03:00.000-04:00

This past weekend my mom celebrated another year of life. I don't know how old she is cuz she barely knows how old she is -___________-.

I'm a lover of birthdays and believe in celebrating in some capacity. This year me and my siblings planned a surprise birthday dinner for my mom. I sent my little minions on the task of finding out what her favorite meal was. And I did my usual planning and cooking. I told my mom I was having a dinner I just didn't tell her it was for her.

She said she wanted a big frame...

And thats what I got...

This cake was actually really good!

Friends :)

Cutting her cake

I believe my mom was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed herself. I only wish her husband could have been around.....

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Chris Young - Tomorrow

2011-09-13T16:09:00.001-04:00

Not too many people know I'm a pretty avid listener of country music. I will literally go from country to hip-hip, R&B or whatever I'm listening to, to country like it's the most normal thing in the world *shrugs*.
Anyway... I don't know why... But I'm loving this song right now! I will roll down my windows, turn up the volume and sing my little heart out with my unsinging self.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Highlights... Lowlights...pt2

2011-09-12T10:49:00.000-04:00

Great:
- Seeing my friends
     - My roommate and girls
     - Making a special trip to DC to see my friend that came into town... lest I be burned at the stake!
     - Going out to dinner with a friend to a vegetarian restaurant (minus when they knocked over a cup of water over the whole table and seat. Bare lotioned skin and wet vinyl seating = the worst) and then getting fresh baked sweet potato pie! I love pie! I blame my dad for that lol!
- Not having to pay for parking in NYC city
- Getting into the Museum of Modern Art for free! ( have I mentioned I don't like museums?... no?... well I don't care for them for real although I will go. So going for free works for me!
- Planning a surprise birthday dinner for my mom.
- Finding a gift for my moms birthday. Asking that woman for gift ideas is so HARD she never knows what she wants.

Not great:

-Parking in Manhattan is stupid and expensive. And the amount of times one spends driving around looking for a spot is utterly ridiculous!
-The fact I can't be in two places at once. I missed out on a great weekend at home last weekend.
- Standing in the shower in my hotel room 2 1/2 hours way from my office I suddenly remembered I had a staff meeting the next morning... talk about annoyed and blown. That's what happens when dates are changed and you fail to update your calendar.
- Not being able to see one of my friend I haven't seen in years and yet talk to all the time while I was in NY.
- My dad not being around for my mom's surprise birthday party.
- Unspoken. It sounds like I'm taking prayer requests!... Anyway I just don't want to share that what it truly is. *shrugs*

I Hate You

2011-09-01T15:59:00.000-04:00

....So... the most dreaded time of my year is here once again... September and October... you took me took hell. I had to fight like hell to find my own way back even still hell tries to grab me sometimes. Especially for specially moments.

September and October, the love of my little life was taken on your watch and for that all I have to say is "Fuck you and the memories that surround you."

Sincerely,
The Fatherless

Live. Love. Smile, Enjoy.

My Favorite Performs of the VMAs

2011-08-30T19:59:00.001-04:00

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Beyoncé

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Adele

Lydia...My sister...

2011-08-29T10:05:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was my sisters birthday. Her original birthday plans got canceled due to Irene. But it turned out to be good nonetheless. We went out to the movies with friends, then everyone came over to our house for a sleepover. Late night, taboo, and brunch pretty sums up the day.

I'm so thankful that my sister has reached another year of life. She is one of the nicest people you will meet, funny, and probably my #1 fan and most loyal subject. Crazy as she is...I love her very much!

When we first started living together in collage

Playing around on the computer

Sabbath dinner at my nephew's bday

Chillin

Smile!!

Our brothers Graduation for church

Also at our brothers graduation

(pre blow up when everyone was still happy lol)

Us and our grandpa

My sister recently ran across this photo

& made it go public smh.

Anyway... this is a pic of us when we were younger lol.

I wish you a great year Lyd!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

No...Lydia...My Roommate

2011-08-27T08:58:00.000-04:00

Today is my college roommate's birthday!!! Love this girl to death. We've had SO many good memories in the last 7 years that we have known each other I don't even know where to begin. She started out as a suitemate then eventually became my roommate to one of my closest friends for life!

Our very first road trip together 6 yrs ago!

(I don't know where I was looking)

Last month in Toronto

Spring Spring

Love you much Lydia and I wish you the best on your birthday!!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Highlights...Lowlights

2011-08-27T01:07:00.000-04:00

Great:

Got my phone back!!!
Going to American Tap Room for dinner. I was starving OMG! Their veggie burger and the ambiance there was pretty good.
Thankful I'm alive after the earthquake. My mother tracked me down to my last known associate to check on me and see if I was ok. Even though she had just missed me, she knew I was fine.
My brother is now a college student!
Hanging out with my sibling today. Funny characters smh lol

Not so great:

Starting the week out phoneless.
Hearing others have sex through the walls of my hotel -____-. And before you say I am green with jealously and bitter... I assure you I'm not. Yo! Do you! Get yours! I just don't want to hear you moaning and thrusting at 1am! It's just too much when I'm trying to go to sleep. #imjustsaying
Dude at verizon accidentally canceling my unlimited data package. Altho he said he would get it back for me... we shall see about that.
My hair turned out horrible this week. I know what works best for my hair...I don't know why I deviate from the path smh. My mom asked me tonight... "did you do your hair this week?" Me: -_________- "yes I did. You just can't tell"

Anyway thats just a few highlights and lowlights from my week.

I'd JUST finished my hair & I had to put it up cuz it was horrid!

My sister says this is a typical face I make... But I don't know about that...

I don't really like the face I'm making to be honest.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Estelle...

2011-08-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

I last week I went out with a group of friends so see Estelle preform. I'll be honest... I'm not a big fan of Estelle, she just doesn't do it for me as an artist. And yet... I went and found myself waiting for... what... 2 hours or so for her to come out? She was full of energy and pretty funny. She seems like a down a** chick that is down for the get down and cool to hang with. I must admit, I really enjoyed her set minus one ballad that was just....

(my pictures from the night aren't good at all! But I tried to capture a few pictures...

On the way to see Estelle

Highlights form the night:

Meeting new people and hang with old friends
Being super close to the front.
Seeing a one woman on the turntables? DJ'ing?... I don't know.... whatever you call it!!

Tiga from the Big Tiga Morning Show

Estelle

I seriously need these shoes in my life!

It was nice to see a woman doing this!

He was just cute * shrugs*

Friends!!

(I look all types of rough tho...)

Lowlights form the night:

Standing in 4 inch heels for a least a good solid hour before I ended up taking off my shoes! Talk about your feet killing! Thats what I getting for listening to the Bestie. -__- That is also the precise reason I don't wear heels when I go out like that.
All the baggage, an umbrella and a purse, I had was just too much. When I got out my motto is "if I can't put it in my pockets or on my person I'm not taking it".

This is not what I planned to wear that night...

But it's not a bad creation from the items I had in my carry on.

(I couldn't hang in those shoes all night tho)

Me and the Bestie...

I just wanted to go home at this point!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton- So In Love (Official Video)

2011-08-25T19:03:00.000-04:00

I'm not a big Jill Scott fan... and I have a few Anthony Hamilton songs in my iTunes library. But I like ran across this video today and really liked song and the vibe of the video!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Earthquakes?! Seriously?!

2011-08-24T19:51:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I was in Fredericksburg, VA in a meeting in the basement of a church weaving in and out of the devotional thought. Suddenly there was a loud rumble and a slight shaking... which grew to an intense shaking. When the ground, building, and people that are sitting still start to noticeably move... I believe in my HUMBLE novice opinion qualifies as intense. Like.... buildings and furniture just don't move like that on its own!

Out of 27 years I've never experience anything like it. My first thought was "ummmm... is this an earthquake?..." then as the moments passed and the rumbling and shaking lengthened I was like "omg this is an earthquake.... this doesn't happen in VA! THIS is precisely why I don't want to live in Cali!" (For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. Mark 13:8) Suddenly someone said we all needed to evacuate and go outside and to walk calmly. Outside everything looked calm like nothing had happened. People milled around giving various thoughts as to what had taken place. Some thought there was an explosion near by or that the boiler or AC had exploded *confused face*. I was like new boss... that had to have been an earthquake.

After about 10 minutes we made our way back inside the church to carry on with our meeting. Eventually, reports started coming in about the earthquake what had been effected and where it had originated. Evidently the earthquakes epicenter was in Mineral, VA which is about 40 miles from Fredericksburg, VA. In the scheme of things... I feel like 40 miles was nothing. We were pretty close. I'm just thankful we were safe.

BTW the way.... not having a phone during intense moments is the WORST!!! I couldn't call or text anyone... or read my TL. I was left somewhere between paying attention to the speakers and playing Sokoku...again. -_______________-

Struggleberry

2011-08-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

Its been exactly one week that I have been without a phone. Anyone one that knows me or been around me knows...I'm pretty addicted to my phone. Texts, BBM's, Facebook, Twitter (I run two twitter apps on my phone at all times) emails, gtalk, Skype, and of course phone calls. Lately though I've just been annoyed with the whole phone concept... I just didn't want to be bothered with it. I wanted to turn it all off. In recent weeks, there were times I'd turn my phone off for hours at a time.

Last Wednesday I woke up and my phone was DONE... evidently the operating software had up and vanished off my phone. That fact was a little annoying since I had plans to meet someone later that day, but I wasn't tripping over the fact it wasn't working. For various reason though (don't ask... I'm not even sure myself) I didn't get around to ordering a replacement till Sunday night.

People have been saying to me " I know you have been dying without your phone" and the god honest answer is... I been good without my phone. Its like an invisible burned had been lifted off my shoulders. Don't get me wrong... there have been times during the last week when the fact I didn't have a phone was highly annoying like when you know someone that you want to receive a text from is texting you and you are missing them! Or you when you want to meet up with someone (you can't be spontaneous that's for sure... you have to set a time and exact meeting place!) or you are out and everyone else is on their phone tweeting and you're are the only fool on their iPod playing Sodoku or you're in a room full of people and you want to text something to the person across the room... in those cases not having a phone is indeed challenging.

However, I felt great. I could come and go as I pleased, I didn't have anyone calling asking questions or where I was. I wasn't constantly looking at my phone every 5 minutes wondering why no one had texted me or who can I text now. I could go to bed when I wanted and not be distracted by my phone going off. When I was out I could actually pay attention to the people around (if they aren't in their phone). The general feeling of freedom was great... I could do what I wanted and not be bothered. Don't get me wrong...If you are reading this and have my number don't feel " oh KP doesn't want to be bothered I can't call or text that chic" quite the contrary I love receiving and texting my friends. I think I just needed a break form all the social media and instant communication my phone provides. And even without a phone... I still managed to stay connected, fulfill the plans I'd made previously as well as make new plans, and saw everyone I wanted and planned to see in the last several days.

I'm back!!

After a week though... I was ready for my phone to be back. After all... I have call to make, texts to send, and tweets to tweet! Oh there goes my phone now!! :D

I'd rather the Struggleberry then be phoneless

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Sequins and Tulle...

2011-08-09T20:58:00.004-04:00

Saturday night was my family reunion banquet. The banquet was themed in the 70's & 80's. My mom had mentioned this a couple times leading up the reunion... But what to wear was the furthest thing from my mind.

Friday morning I woke and was totally confused about what to wear and to pack for the weekend (I hate last minute packing I always forget something or realize I could have done something better/different). Anyway, it got to the point I was just trying random stuff on. Remember this dress that I refuse to wear out? I ended up trying it on just for the heck of it. Then I decided its the 80's... you can't go wrong with sequence and a top that hangs off the shoulder. Then I seemed to think a bunch of tulle would be appropriate as well... LOL smh

Smile!

My cousin said I looked like something and that jumped out of Teen Wolf. LOL!! :/ lol Is that good or bad? I don't really know what that means.... *shrugs*

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Family Reunion - Love is the Main Ingredient

2011-08-09T13:06:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I found myself in Detroit for a family reunion. Although I see my extended family from time to time, I hadn't been to a family reunion in YEARS. So it was nice to see everyone again.

Friday we got in a little late and ended up babysitting my cousins kids. They are the cutest kids known to man and so well behaved. They are the type of kids that make you wish that when you have kids... they are like that.

Baby Sitting

Sabbath my mom took us to some ~~random~~ church and held us hostage for 3 hours after church! [Rant: My mom STAYS wondering why I drive separately. YOU KEEP ME HOSTAGE LADY AND DON'T KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE! *exhales deeply....* Yo! All I wanted to do was go to church, eat a nice sabbath meal, go home take a nap and be merry!!]

Saturday night was a 70's & 80's banquet with lots of socializing, food, picture taking, and dancing

About to head to the banquet

Cousins!

The cousin in black hosted the reunion this year

Father and Son

Me and my sis and the new host for the next reunion :)

And things ended on Sunday with the family BBQ.

My mom and a couple of her siblings

more cousins!

Carters & Matthews (I dont even know who they are) Family Reunion 2011

Love is the main ingredient

Its always nice to see family. Be it immediate or extended :)

[Random: I don't know why... but several people this weekend assumed I was young. One of my younger female cousins who might be around 13 asked how old I was and was sorta shocked when I answered her. She assumed I was 16. Do you know the last time someone thought I was 16?! Yea.. me either. And then some woman at the BBQ made a statement about the children participating in the potato sack race then looked at me and said "You need to grab those your age and go to that". *insert KP face* I just had to look at the women. I responded, I'm not as young as I look. Then she came back like "yea right this is the perfect thing for you to do". I'm setting there looking at this woman with the craziest KP face EVER(I couldn't help it).

KPFacts:
1. I don't play games... I barely like games!
2. I'm not jumping around NOWHERE.
3. I'm Young... But I'm not that young... I'm older then ya think.

Finally the lady must have realized this wasn't going to go anywhere and finally asked how old I was. I told her then she immediately got her "shocked face", promptly shut up, turned around and went back to her seat and set down.

Lol smh I guess it pays to have good genes though]

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

The List

2011-06-29T16:16:00.001-04:00

Somewhere in my readings... I came across doing a Bucket List. Now I'm not trying to kick the bucket and die... but I liked the idea behind a bucket list, which is coming up with a list of things you want to do before you die. So I set out to create my own list. I wanted to have this list ready by New Years (~~and posted~~)... and I did... but its been sitting in my notebook for the last 6 months because I was taking my SWEET time typing it all up smh.

Everyone looks at me strange when I say I have a bucket list so after deliberation with my Twin... we came up with calling it The List. Some things on the list are short term and some are long term. But all are things I want to accomplish at some point in my life.

THE LIST

Things to do:

1. Write a letter to three close friends letting them how much they mean to me

~~2. Go to a Broadway show~~ LOVED Broadway

3. Dance Class (Salsa, tango, ballroom)

4. Learn to play Golf

5. Water Ski

6. Ride a hot air balloon

7. Improve my aim in the in the gun range

8. Buy a gun

9. Take a photography class

10. Learn to play pool

11. Take a specialty cooking class

12. Own a boat

13. Take a motorcycle class

14. Own a motorcycle

15. Join/Start a motorcycle gang

16. Secluded weekend get away in a cabin with friends

17. Attend a concert

18. Eat at a five-star restaurant

19. Do a 5k run (for a cause)

20. Attend an open mic/poetry event

21. Attend a black tie affair

22. Be a bridesmaid <---- I'll be a bridesmaid later in the year, I'm excited about this wedding!

23. Bake a cake (from scratch) and decorate

24. Go to a NFL game

25. Spend a weekend at a lodge with snow

26. Spend a day at the spa

27. Build a walk in closet (huge mirrors, sitting area, his/hers type closet)

28. Donate to a charity

29. Sponsor a kid through Christian education

30. Decorate around the Christmas holiday the way I’ve envisioned

31. Fly a kite

32. Go some place out of town on my own

33. Take a hot air balloon ride

34. ~~Video blog or post a Youtube Video~~

35. Get an international Driver License

36. Go to a dinner theater show

Spiritual:

37. ~~Become a member of a church~~

38. Be an ACTIVE member

39. Read the spirit of prophecy

40. Join an out reach

Personal:

41. Become more outgoing around people I don’t know

42. Get a new look (hairstyle or hair color, clothing)

43. Find my purpose

44. Get my CPA

45. Own my own business

46. Create and design my own home

47. Pay off student loans in 5 years

48. Get Married

49. Get a tattoo

50. Grow my hair past my breast

51. Cut my hair about an inch past my shoulders

52. Own an Audi

53. Have indoor/outdoor pool

54. Get the bed of my dreams

55. All Black SUV (car), tinted windows, sunroof, 4x4, crazy stereo system, etc.

56. Come up with a unique idea and design for tattoo

57. Build a huge walk in closet (HUGE mirrors, with a round sitting area in the middle of the closet)

58. Own a sari (Indian dress)

59. Large top of the line kitchen (stainless steel, black, dark wood)

60. Large dining room for entertaining

61. Have the type of home everyone likes to come to, a type of hangout spot

62. Learn how to apply make up

63. Learn how to play video games

64. Plan a HUGE 30^th birthday Bash/Extravaganza/ Event

65. Expand my accounting knowledge base

Financial:

66. Have some type of passive income

67. Start investing

68. Be in a position to give to causes/people in need

69. Donate anonymously to a charity

70. Pick up the table for the whole table

71. Create a budget and successfully follow it <---- work in progress, sometimes better than others

Love Life: (once I get one)

72. Have dinner cooked for me or me cook for my man

73. Cook a meal as a couple

74. Go on a picnic date

75. Snuggle/Fall asleep in a hammock

76. Be kissed under the mistletoe

77. Go on a picnic date with my significant other (picnic basket, blanket, finger food & sandwiches included)

78. If I ever have kids, to not let them see their parents argue

Travel:

79. Go on a cruise

80. Visit Greece

81. Set foot in all 50states

82. See mount Rushmore

83. ~~See Times Square~~

84. Visit Orlando and its attractions

85. Vacation on a beachfront property

86. Go out of town once a month for12 consecutive months

87. Vacation where the hotel hut rooms are over the water

88. Europe

89. Cancun

90. Korea <--- work in process

I want 100 things on The List... so I'm open for ideas of things to add!

*my list is LONG I need to start knocking these things out!!*

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Bloglovin....

2011-06-29T09:44:00.004-04:00

I just added a new method to follow my blog because there is nothing worse then going to a blog and not being able to follow it. You have to bookmark the website and all that foolishness.... Anyway the link is on the side on the blog :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Daniel de Bourg covers...

2011-06-23T13:22:00.002-04:00

I ran across this guy, Daniel de Bourg today in my usual "surfing of the web". I liked him and wanted to share... I CLEARLY couldn't decided what video to post so I did three -______-.

This would be my fav song of the Miguel album.

Now... I love me some Adele...and I think most people should leave her music alone and let her sing the songs. But I must say I did enjoy his cover.

I just had to post this song because I REALLY like Yo Side of the Bed *shrugs*

Just Go With It ...

2011-06-23T09:48:00.001-04:00

Along with a wedding comes a bridal shower/bachelorette party. I wasn't really sure what the festivities were going to be like for the evening but I was told it was going to be a casual affair. I have no problem grabbing jeans and a T-shirt, I could live in those actually. But it's a bridal shower for goodness sake... you have to dress up a little bit.

Anyway for a while now I've wanted to dress up some shorts. So I figured this would be the perfect opportunity since I have nothing else going on with my life *rolls eyes*. So I put an outfit together I felt pretty good about...packed it (along with a backup outfit lol).. and didn't think about it until it was time to go to the bridal shower.

It wasn't until I was getting dressed and listening to the other girls talk about what they had brought that I started to doubt my choice and wondering if what I picked out was appropriate for the evening because I was clearly the only fool in shorts -_____- lol. But I pressed on, what else do u do when all the clothes you have are the ones you packed? lol. After I got fully dressed I didn't feel so crazy about what I picked. And the fact I got a couple of compliments didn't hurt either lol.

The moral of the evening...

Don't doubt what you picked out to wear...

Be confident in what you decide to wear...

Chances are... Someone will appreciate what you have on and will like it

I don't really like how my hair looks in the pic but oh well lol

but I do like the outfit

Loitering

I got tired of my hair the way it was lol

Jacket: Banana Rebublic

Shirt: Ann Taylor

Shorts: Forever 21

Shoes: Steve Madden

Earrings: Icings.

Sidenote: You can't see my earrings... but I heart them! They are round, COLORFUL and sparkly.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

My Team....

2011-06-23T08:26:00.002-04:00

No matter what is going on, who is around, or the craziness that transpires... if I'm with my team we are going to have a GOOD time and not to be boastful...who ever is rolling with us will have a good time...it's just a fact of life. And this past weekend was no exception.

My girls! I heart these chicks!

My roommate's sister got married this past weekend in DC bringing my friends in town for the weekend (insert KP excitement). I had to work campmeeting part of the weekend so I was only there from Saturday evening to early Monday morning. It was just a day but it seemed like so much longer. So many great moments and jokes happened. From seeing my roommate I haven't seen in almost TWO YEARS to finding myself in the HOOD. To the wedding and reception to piling TEN seemingly intelligent adults in a 7 passenger van to go to McDonald's (one band one voice lol smh) at one in the morning because everyone was hungry and that was the only place open. To me getting 2 hours of sleep (basically a nap) before I made the 2 1/2 hour drive to work the next morning. I'm fairly certain I zoned off and fell asleep at my desk a couple times -_-. Anyone that knows me or been around me for a period of time, knows I like to sleep and have no problem leaving to I can "get in my bed!", but since I only see my girls a couple times a year... I figured I could sacrifice some sleep for one night lol.

Here are a couple of my favorite pics...

Loitering lol

Alli, Lyd & Me hitting in the streets

in the trusty Explorer.

Memories!

Waiting for the wedding to start

Awww

Love a Griffin!

You gotta love that self portrait lol

Mark!

The Team!

Me at work after 2 hrs of sleep -___-

Rough.

All in all it was a great intense epic weekend!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

10 Things I Want To Say To A Black Woman by Joshua Bennett

2011-06-12T21:59:00.000-04:00

I Have Time... But I'm Not Ready

2011-06-07T10:10:00.001-04:00

Dear Blog...

I miss you and think about you often. I really do! But sometimes I get sooo busy and other times I don't really know or have anything to say... so some times you get a little neglected.
KP

lol... I don't know what I've been doing with my life the last several weeks. Anyway, it's June and according to my little countdown clock (on the right side of this blog) I have 25 more days till I head to Korea. Yes, 25 days is a lot, BUT in reality not so much since I do my packing on weekends.

June 11: Chillin hard with the fam and preparing for campmeeting
June 18: Finishing up campmeeting and busy going to a wedding
June 25: Finally Packing

Yes... I know I have a whole weekend to pack and get things together but really something is bound to come up that won't all allow me to dedicate the time and effort I would like to packing. Plus... since I'm going out the country for a while I want to make sure I pack properly with everything I need and as lite as possible lol. So I have created a little do to list for this journey....

Get Ready For Korea To Do List:

Delete Everything on my iPod and start over (Thanks Brian for putting this bright idea in my head -____- lol)
Add new game apps and music to iPod
Get some movies
Get a good book to read (suggestions welcomed)
Plan a wardrobe for two weeks (Two weeks is a LONG time to be away from my closet yo! that means, clothing, shoes, accessories,) I'm about to do some SERIOUS remixing while I'm there...
Buy new suitcase(s)
Find a ride to the airport
Buy a bigger memory card

Umm... At the moment I feel like that's it. I'm sure I'll find more things as time goes on though. Time is gonna be flying by, before I know it I'll be headed out on this new adventure.

Live. Love. Smile. Enough

So Proud of You!!!

2011-05-24T20:53:00.000-04:00

This past weekend I found myself in Tennessee at my little brothers high school graduation. I am very proud of him to say the least. I saw my brother in a different light and was pleasantly surprised by the speeches he put together ( who knew), him singing a solo (my level of pride at that moment was epic), and just the way he carried himself. Yea... He is still my little brother and I will probably always view him as that... although I do see great growth in him .

Here are a few of my favorite pics of the weekend.... (out of 168 photos... I whittled it down to 19 :/ lol)

Me and the Sis

Me and Mom

I really like this pic of the graduate...

Proud Mother and Son

These two...

.....me....

Most of the fam...

You better sang boy!

(I was so proud in this moment)

About to descend into the watery grave in the

muddy river lol

Baptized!

This guy had not planned to get baptized that

day but felt compelled to do so.

A pretty awesome moment.

Both brothers got baptized actually...

The graduate and I

The crew

haha gotta love the walk.

lovely!

My buddy Sam!

Grandpa! :)

I'm extremely proud of my brother. The only thing about monumental family occasions is that my dad isn't around to see him. I know my dad would have been so proud...

All in all though... it was a great weekend

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

We are the Champions

2011-05-12T12:11:00.000-04:00

So.................... I have been delinquent in my updating my blog and uploading video updates from our 21 day raw foods and fast journey. Twenty-one days is a long time and there were times I was tested to give in to appetite but I knew I wouldn't feel accomplished if I gave in to my desires.

I definitely think this is something anyone can do...you just have to put your mind to it. Going raw or fasting is something that allows you to be flexible and start out at a level that is comfortable for you. You might not start out with a 21 day raw foods diet & fast... maybe just one day a week or even one meal. Regardless, it will be a a healthy benefit.

Video 1: Day 15

Video 2: Day 22

Random: Climbing Black Rock is no joke! I hadn't been there in years... its a pretty serious walk. I tried to warn the newbies... but some things just can't really be understood till you experience it lol *shrugs*

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

6 Random Observations

2011-04-28T13:09:00.000-04:00

1. It's funny how someone you were really cool with (worked with, had great jokes and saw darn near everyday) now act like you are someone they've only seen in passing once they are married. Like you are nothing more than familiar face… I understand they are married and the dynamics change... I'm all for and BELIEVE the dynamics of male/female friendships should change once you are married… even engaged. But I think we can still speak and carry on a convo like we know each other... but hey.... what to I know.

2. The best words I heard this past Saturday was Mr. L who has been in the hospital saying my full name. Followed by "KP....KP... KP....." whenever I can I stop by the hospital... It’s more to show my support for my Fam... But I have been avoiding seeing him. I know myself and my limits, and as bad a** as I like to think I am, I don't handle seeing people I love sick very well. It’s the quickest way to bring me to tears (and I ABHOR tears). As I was leaving I said my goodbyes and he said "you are special" & I told him he was too.

I shred some tears did some reflecting... But it was so good to see him and the improvements he has made and I can't help but be thankful for the changes that have taken place over the last several weeks.

3. The weather... Saturdays was such a beautiful day. I expected it to rain all day and be cold. But it turned out to be great. It was the perfect day for a hike or walk.

4. Life is a struggle and everyone has problems. But I feel as though I have surrounded myself with young, successful, spiritual people that are trying to get to heaven.

5. This might be a little conceited... But I’m thankful for (can u even be thankful for this :/) my Oakwood fashion education... That has being supplemented with inspiration by magazines and blogs. But OU... Set the foundation that will be carried through life. Somewhere along the way some people experience this transformation and others don't. They are stuck.... somewhere in the fashion world. Progression that should have taken place… didn’t. I am by NO means a fashion guru or look 100% everyday. I’m not saying that everyone needs to dress the same. I just think as you change, grow and mature so should your wardrobe *shrugs*. Anyway, just something I pondered recently...

6. I think about food a LOT. The list of foods I want to consume after this fast is growing DAILY. I’ve been craving Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmesan ALL week… literally. I also have this urge to get in the kitchen and try a ton of new dishes. But since I have been on this journey I have realized a couple of things.

If I hadn’t started the raw foods fast first… I probably would not have lasted this long on the cleanse.
Although I don’t eat bad or extremely unhealthy I do have a desire to eat better, healthier foods like I know I should and to try different healthy and tasty dishes.
Even though I have cravings for Olive Garden Eggplant Parmesan, CKP Tostada Pizza with Cholula hot sauce, a home cooked mean, haystacks, a burger and a sub…among MANY other things (and although I shall have them) I will phase them back in and not have all those things in one week.

CPK Tostada Pizza

I mean... who wouldn't want haystacks on a pizza?!

Well that’s my random observations for the week.

Till next time! Have a fabulous weekend!

Live. Love. Smile. Enough.

The Truth Without Photoshop by Official P4CM Poet Janette...ikz

2011-04-21T14:58:00.000-04:00

Another powerful and well done spoken word by Janette...ikz...

I could listen to her all day, Here is the first video I posted of her..

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Just Salad?!

2011-04-21T10:21:00.005-04:00

I have been trying to write this post ALL week (literally) but my computer has been giving me problems up loading my videos. I've finally worked out a solution. Anyway, as you know... my Twin and I decided to go on a raw foods fast. This past Sabbath we had our fist raw dinner which actually turned out pretty well. I love putting on a good dinner... but a raw one?... that was something a little out of my element.

After some deliberation we decided to change it from

a 30day fast to 21days.

About to start making my salad

Orange & Olive salad.

It was my first time making that... but it came out good.
Plus its salad... how hard can it be?!

I forget the name of this...but I think its...

Zucchini Alfredo?.... I could be wrong on that tho...

One of our guests lol

Kale Salad

I think this salad was my personal favorite of the day

Cabbage Salad

The different salads

So I'm on day 6 of my raw foods diet, the time has really flown by. I was a little nervous about losing weight...but so far so good. (This raw thing has caused me to go out and buy a scale... I'm not sure if that is good or bad yet).

Anyway, I've been eating fruits, making smoothies, eating nuts & raisins, and salads. Tomorrow with be will be my last day of raw food for a little while. Beginning Saturday I will be ~~attempting~~ to go on a cleanse and fasting for a week. Although I plan to juice things like carrots, apples, greens and whatever else I come up with and continue to make my smoothies the hardest part is yet to come. I heart food and eating!!! I hope next week goes as fast as thing week...We shall see though.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Executive Decision....

2011-04-14T11:20:00.001-04:00

A friend ever come up to you with some bright new idea and adventure and think you should do it with them and then after the conversation is over and you have time to really think about it you are like "what the heck was I thinking?!" And the friend even comes back to you like "maybe I was getting ahead of myself with this idea". Welp... that happened to me with in the last week.

I was sitting at work last week and I got a text from my Twin saying "I'm about to make an executive decision and I want you to be a part of it". So I'm like "ok.......... what is it?". I'm thinking she is gonna tell me she is about to move or something. She responds saying for a month she wants to eat raw foods and go on a cleanse (raw foods for three weeks and a cleanse for a week) and how we need to add more outdoor activities into our life. Now I've wanted to go on a cleanse for a while... although probably not for an entire week! However, since I eat a lot of salads and stuff during the week already, I figure.. doing it for a month? why not... So I was all gung-ho to the idea like "yea lets do it!"

When we get to planning stuff we just get on a roll. So we planned to start off this adventure with a raw foods potluck as our opener to this month long event. But before that we have to have our last meal of cooked food. (I'm still thinking of my last meal.... and my last meal is TOMORROW!!! I need it to be grand! I wanna cook, but I don't know what I want to make).

After reality set in... I realized a month is a LONG time... especially since I love food! When I have my cravings for CPK, Mac & cheese, bread, or whatever or if I go out to eat I'm gonna have to grab a salad. And if I'm invited to someones house for dinner I better pray they have a salad. I thought about having it were Saturday was the only day that I would actually eat cooked food, but I was like naw... if I'm gonna do it... I'm gonna do it right. Although I am a little nervous about it because I don't want to loose weight. I've worked for my current weight even though I really don't weigh that much. But I figure... if I'm eating regularly, juicing and still getting my nutrients plus if I'm working out and turning fat into muscle I should be fine and not really loose any.

Yes... a month is a LONG time and I know it will be hard... but I think this challenge with be good. I still have not totally formalized my game plan yet... I plan to do that over the weekend. But I figure having different types of salads and dressings... and eating different varieties of fruit will keep me from getting bored. I think the fast will be the hardest part, not eating for a week is challenging. The most I've fasted was a day and if I'm on my death bed... I don't really eat.

Yesterday my Twin asked my why are we doing this, lol and I just reminded her that it will be good for us and our health and it will help us reach our personal health missions. I'm a little apprehensive about it... but I'm a little excited to.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Mixing Up The Old

2011-04-14T10:40:00.001-04:00

The other day I was hungry ~~as usual~~ so I went to to the store not really knowing what I was gonna make... But at some point after wandering down the aisle I settled upon lasagna. Usually when I make it I just use noodles, sauce, tofu, and cheese. But this time I decided to be a little creative and add sauteed onions, bell pepper, olives & and griller crumbles to the sauce and put some spinach to the mix as well.

The fixings...

Sauteed onions, bell peppers, olives...

Add some crumbles...

Add a little sauce....

Mix a little bit

Before it was cooked.

I guess a missed some steps of actually layering it

but ah well...

After its cooked.

Clearly in my hunger and excitement I forgot to

take a picture before I got a piece lol

It actually came out pretty good. I might make it this way more often.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

My Tulle & Doves

2011-04-13T10:29:00.001-04:00

I feel like I haven't blogged in ages... but it's really been a little over a week. I've been busy the past week, my life has consisted of late nights and early mornings plus... I haven't even been around the internet to blog. Anyway, this post isn't about whats been happening the past week or my latest revelations (which I might reveal in a later post). It's about my new favorite skirt! I saw this skirt and knew I had to have it.

So.... I have this thing where I name certain clothing

(call me strange) depending on what it reminds me of .... and this is

my tutu skirt. Blame all the tulle!

Truthfully, I should have waited to wear this skirt till

it was warmer but I was too impatient, so I threw on a

cardi since it's still a little cold out.

I heart the tulle, the sheerness, and the length...

It's great.

My dove belt from H & M
( see... I name stuff I have NO idea if those are doves -___-)

Top: Ann Tayler
Skirt: yesstyle.com - Tulle Skirt
Belt: H &M
Shoes: Steve Madden
Watch: DNKY

Welp... I have nothing else to say... you can only talk about a skirt so long *shrugs*... so.... till next time!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Mint

2011-03-31T09:47:00.003-04:00

Budgeting and keeping track of expenditures is hard. I've tried the notebook method and still do to some degree, I've tried using an excel spreadsheet, but most recently I have been using a free online computer program called Mint. Online things makes me nervous sometimes but after reading about it and what a few other bloggers had to say about their experience I decided to try it. Some people find it complex... but I actually like it. The following features are the reasons I like it and will probably continue to use it.

*These picture are small but clicking on them makes them bigger....*

It shows all the transactions that have occurred. Transactions show up just like they would on your online bank account.

It allows you to create a budget. I want to see where my money is going and if I am under or over budget for that month.

It shows trends in spending through a pie graph. You can view trends for the current month, previous month or for the year. And clicking on the graph allows you to see the break down of the different categories and allows you to trace it all the way down the the expenditure that comprise that given category. The trends feature is something I really like.

Goals. It also allows you to set financial goals which its nice but not really a feature that I use.

Net Worth. It gives a view of your net worth is well, which can be useful.

My one dislike so far its that for certain reoccurring transactions every month I have to continue to put certain expense in the categories I would like for them to be in. The program doesn't remember my designation.

All in all I think the program is pretty cool and would definitely recommend it. I think its fairly simple but like anything it requires a little work. I'm definitely curious about seeing a fairly accurate picture of my total expenses at year end. That should be interesting.......

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

I Should Know This By 30 huh?....

2011-03-30T11:58:00.005-04:00

I ran across this a while back or something very similar and thought it was sorta interesting. Anyway, I saw it again today and thought why not... I still have a couple of years before I hit 30 but here is what I fared on this list of things a women should know

1. Hard-boil an egg - ummm nope. I don't even eat eggs .

2. Diplomatically tell Mom to butt out - lol I don't know about diplomatically... but I've definitely told her its not her business.

3. Ace a job interview - Yes

4. Ask a man out - No

5. Send a thoughtful thank-you note - Yes

6. Listen to a friend in need - Yes

7. Ask for help - Yes

8. Effectively end an unhealthy relationship (romantic or platonic in nature) - Yes

9. Beautifully wrap a gift - I don't know about "beautifully" but I think I'm pretty decent at wrapping gifts.

10. Say “no” gracefully - lol I'm probably not always graceful but I don't have a problem saying no.

11. Whip up a great dinner with the five items in her fridge - Umm not sure... I probably could tho, I'd like to think so anyway.

12. Forget pleasing him, by 30 a woman should be able to tell her man exactly how to please her - *skips question *

13. Sew a button - Yes

14. Mix a kick-ass cocktail - No. I don't drink.

15. Take off her bra without removing her shirt - lol Yep, off or on.

16. Apply lip gloss in the dark - Yes

17. Balance her checkbook - Yes. I know how but I don't do it.

18. Create a budget - Yes. I have one.... and I try to follow it. Sometimes more successfully than others.

19. Find the best deal - The best? I'm not sure... good ones? Yes.

20. Negotiate a salary and/or pay raise - No. My negotiation skills suck -____-.

21. Read a map - Yes. I've very directional...But I guess that has nothing to do with reading a map *shrugs*.

22. Hail a cab - Ummm I watch enough movies I could probably do it. But cabs really aren't a part of my life.

23. Say something in French just for the hell of it - No

24. Apologize when she’s wrong - Yes. I will feel bad if I don't.

25. Dress for her body type - Yes

26. Change a flat (or know whom to call to come change it) - Yes... I can change my own tire.

27. Spot a fake (handbag, diamond, potential friend …) - Spot?.... people usually... material things...IDK

28. Feign interest - yea... I'm pretty sure I suck at that.

29. Know what to tip on a $25 dinner bill - No... that's what my phone is for, but I assume somewhere around $3.

30. Hold a baby - Yes

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Ms. Joy

2011-03-28T21:55:00.001-04:00

I'm a little ~~very~~ late posting this but this past weekend was my god sister's birthday. I've known this girl since she was born... literally. She has become quite the young lady and I am very proud of her and what she is doing with her life. She and my sister are like two CRAZY peas in a pod when they get together smh. But I love them both dearly. I really couldn't ask for a better god sister than her.

Happy ~~Belated~~ Birthday Candace!!!

Getting ready for that after church hike

Typical Lyd and Candace

god siblings

Lyd looks mad sneaky right here

Love you much and I'm so proud of you!

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Hakuna Matata

2011-03-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

So I officially crossed off one of the things I wanted to do in 2011. Over the weekend I went to New York to see the Lion King on Broadway. I was a little nervous about it because I didn't know what to expect. One of my girls had seen it and said it was "AMAZING". Needless to say it was pretty amazing (and that is saying a LOT for me because everything is either "good","ok" or "it was fine" words like "amazing" and "great" rarely come out my mouth). By the way... Timon has to be my fav character from the lion king and I guess Pumbaa too, their interaction is too funny to me. Anyway, I've already decided Wicked (kinda like a prequel to the Wizard of Oz) will be the next one I see.

I feel like broadway is one of those things everyone should experience at least once.

*on a random side note*
I could NOT live in NY.... it's WAY to cold for me I'm not down for that foolishness! Its "springs" but I swear it felt like the dead of winter. You can miss me with that weather.

Oh... and I finally saw and walked around Times Squares which is something I've wanted to see for a while now... so that was pretty cool.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

"I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ

2011-03-23T21:28:00.001-04:00

I ran across this video a couple of weeks ago and liked it. I watched it twice actually which is very rare for me. I thought she delivered her piece very well.

*random* I want to attend a spoken word event like this.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Hello Weekend!!

2011-03-17T16:33:00.003-04:00

So... the weekend is here again! (for me anyway). Other than errands tomorrow, I have no plans.... but somewhere between now and tomorrow I hope to come up with some. I realize these days even thought I have three day weekends, my real weekend consists of whatever I do on Saturday(smh... the life I live). I debated cutting (trimming for those of you who have mild heart attacks whenever I mention my hair & scissors -__-) but I think I'll wait till next weekend. I'm seriously thinking about adding layers to my hair cuz I'm getting bored with it again. Anyway, maybe I'll go for a hike on sabbath or alter this skirt I picked up from the thrift store I've been wanting to work on the last couple of weeks or catch a movie, or cook something who knows. I'm sure it will be eventful in some capacity. Anyway... I'm off to start my weekend!

Taking pics of myself

the product of being bored last night after I did my hair..

There aren't enough days in the weekend. ~Rod Schmidt

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Jesus and My Uncle Came Thru For Me

2011-03-15T11:34:00.003-04:00

For the last couple of years (*blank stare* yes... years) I have wanted to add sweet potatoes to the list of things I can cook. And each time I tried it was unsuccessful yet edible but not quite what I wanted. So last week a friend invited me to his birthday dinner and I asked if there was anything he wanted me to bring. He asked could I cook and I told him I could and what did would he like, so he asked could I make meatballs... and my response was "ummmm no, is there anything else". He then asked could I make some sweet potatoes.... frankly I probably should have said "not really" but I didn't want to tell him no twice so he could be like "well... what the heck can this girl cook?!" So I said "yea sure I can make that, no problem" lol smh.

All week the fact I had to make sweet potatoes for Sabbath was lurking randomly around my mind and the fact I wasn't ready. Friday morning on the way to the store my mom asked what I was going for and when I told her, she was like oh your Uncle makes a good one. So she called my uncle for the recipe. And he ended up saving my "cooking life" because I was truly about to wing it and BS my with through and pray for the best!

The recipe was pretty basic:

Sweet Potatoes
Brown Sugar
Margarine
Vanilla
Coconut
Nuts

All my basic Ingredients

All though I would have preferred fresh cooked sweet potatoes, I just bought some cans I didn't have time ~~(didn't feel like)~~ cooking fresh sweet potatoes

The potatoes need to be mashed and add the sugar, vanilla, and margarine.But this is were things started to go awry for me. No where in my moms notes did it say the margarine had to be melted. So I ended up with smashed sweet pototoes with chucks of butter. FAILURE! I had to heat the potatoes on the stove so it could melt.

Worked out my lil problem...

Chopped nuts for the topping

Finished product. It looks mad weird in this picture.

Now I don't like taking dished to dinners when its my first time making something. But sometimes you just gotta roll with it smh. And let me tell you I prayed over this dish... While I was cooking it, when I pulled into the parking lot and before I got out the car, and I sent up one last prayer before I walked in the house for Jesus to bless it. And I think He did... people seemed to like it...*shrugs*

I think next time I will experiment with it since I have a basis to start with.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

Me, You, & Money

2011-03-10T06:16:00.001-05:00

What is the number one reason for divorce? Many would argue that a high percentage of married couples get divorces over money issues. Over the course of dating the topics of budgeting, spending habits, income, credit, & saving never came up? We all know (or we should) that communication is one of the top contributors for a healthy relationship, but I'd venture to say the continual discussion of money and all that it entails should be one of the top contributors for a healthy relationship as well.

Yesterday, I had conversation regarding this topic with a friend and he said, "I used to think it was funny when women would joke about wanting a man to have "good credit". Now I see how important it is but I'm making sure I ask what kind of debt do YOU have sweetie because 'we' aint finna get together and your credit f--- up all my plans".

He made a valid point, you need to be made aware of your partners financial position and habits before you walk down the aisle and say "I do". You see how they might handle money on the superficial level, dates, functions, traveling,...but what do the deeper levels look like. Can they afford the lifestyles they portray and handle financial obligations? Point blank can they handle money?!

Are they in debt? By how much? Do they have a game plan to eliminate their debt or do they not care and instead continue on their merry way racking up more debt? What are their views AND practices on budgeting, saving, spending, investing. Hell, what are their financial vices!

Money is on everyone's mind and yet when it need to be discussed it's considered taboo and swept under the rug hoping the issue will solve itself (which it won't). Just as a relationship needs "open communication" there should be open "financial communication".

There was a women who was to be married to a guy who was probably great but he was a POOR manager of money. He'd spend money on nice looking things and gifts for her but neglected the more important responsibilities to the point the women had to bail him out and help pay his bills several times. When she came upon a large sum of money she had to hide that fact from him for fear he would drain the funds. Not to say she won't have a successful marriage, but that marriage will most likely be a financial headache.

I am by no means a financial expert, but I know the money I have in the bank, I know what I owe towards my debt and recurring bills. I'm trying to pay off my student loans (prayerfully in less then ten years) and not incur more debt in the process. Yes... I've been know to occasionally rob "Peter" to to buy shoes for "Paul". Or I see how I can switch funds around to make a purchase. I believe that money is so important across the board whither you are single, in a relationship, or married, your economic status or race.

I have financial goals and aspirations now and if the day comes some significant other enters my life I want them to also be working toward their financial goals. They don't have to have them mastered but be continually striving. Be a person that together we can be on a similar page and strive to meet financial objectives we have set together. They need to be an asset and not a liability. "We can't get our dream house...naw... not even that... a decent house or roof over our head cuz you got effed up credit?!" #nawboss

Who your partner is, is important but you also have to look at how they handle money. I don't expect everything to be financially perfect, that would be unrealistic, but I am a proponent of continually striving to better one's self. So before you make that serious commitment before God and man sit down and have some serious talks over money, it will pay off.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

My Potato Salad Craving

2011-03-08T20:01:00.001-05:00

I'm sure I've stated on here I don't like to cook...but I can.

I might have also stated that I think it might be my new hobby...

but the jury is still out on that declaration.

But a girls gotta eat.

The other day I woke up and had a craving for potato salad

so I set out a few tweets and bbms for ideas and came up

with this... random... meal.

Potatoes waiting to be cooked

Dry ingredients for cornbread

plus wet ingredients

mixing...

mixed...

read to cook!

Pause: so I don't know what I thinking cuz I didn't

take a pick of the finished product smh

and just so u know... this cornbread was

wonderful.

I wonder what they say about cornbread making you

get a fatty is true cuz I ate half the pan myself....

cubed potatoes, celery, olives for potato salad

Pause: I'm slacking with life cuz I didn't take

a pic of the finished potato salad either -_-

Grillers sauteed with onions and bell peppers

My random meal:

BBQ baked beans, potato salad, some pasta

veggie thing, BBQ grillers & cornbread

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

You Haven't Moved In Yet....

2011-03-08T18:11:00.000-05:00

I have not posted a blog in what seems likes ages! A fellow blogger asked me this morning when I was going to go post again and told them I hoped to post something today....

I've been at my job about a year and a half now and according to one of my coworkers I "haven't moved in yet" because there is nothing on my walls to brighten the place up. I laughed and told them I have some pictures up and a plant. They processed to give me the blank stare and said "sister, you have one week to find something or I'm going to find something and put it up" then walked out my office.

my bare walls

Now, I've been meaning to put something on my office walls and as much I love decorations and pretty spaces .. lets be real... my office walls aren't a priority for me. So a plant and few pictures of friends works. Its boring, I know, but its whatever to me mostly because its not my house.

a few friends... I need to add some peeps up there

Every few days my coworker would look at my walls and comment on how no improvements were being made. To be honest I was surprised they didn't just walk into my office one day with a some type of wall treatment, a hammer and some nails!

About two days after their ultimatum I got a page to go to the front desk. I was gone for 5 minutes (if that) when I came back to my office I sat at my desk and then randomly looked up to see something wrapped in brown paper and a huge FAKE plant in my office and notes attached to each. This individual is a prankster so they had orchestrated the page to the front desk while they lurked around the corner waiting for me to leave so they they could put the items in my office. Needlessly to say I was pleasantly surprised. And I'll be honest... the additions make my office a little more "lived in".

I had to go get the real plant from their office

I'm not supposed to kill this sucker

I've kept that plant alive over a year, hope I can

do the same with the new one

I was a little unsure of their style and taste but I like them, makes the place seem not as baron.

Live. Love.Smile. Enjoy

Random Weekend Recap

2011-02-22T14:41:00.012-05:00

One thing I like about a four day weekend is that I get a three day work week! Yes I'm winning at life over here!

I feel like I had a lot going on but I really didn't.

Friday

I sold the first car I ever had. Bitter sweet moment. Besty (my car) and I had some grand adventures together. I bought my first vintage dress (I've wanted a vintage dress for a MINUTE now). It is a very "bombshell" looking dress. But I need a few accessories before it makes its debut.

Saturday

Made an appearance at church. Had a mini phone photo shoot on the sidewalk outside church, then went to dinner at my god mother's house for good food and a lively discussion. And Saturday night I found myself at the movies watching Unknown. (*random rant* I hate when individuals push the limits of time and end up being late. I ended up missing the first several minutes of the movie -_-).

Sunday

I have not been to a good mall in MONTHS so I went to see what I can spend my few pennies on. H&M treated me well. CPK satisfied my food craving. And then I was off to saw the Bestie for a few minutes before I went to see My Bestest Buddy Ever who was in town this weekend, so I waited around to see him and some other friends.

Monday

....was spent in bed...I might have rubbed it in a little bit that I had yesterday off lol (OK I did *shrugs*). It was all in fun. Although I got my payback this morning -__-.

Anyway the weekend was quite chill, and yet eventful for my boring life.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Trey Songz - Love Faces (Official Music Video)

2011-02-17T15:32:00.002-05:00

I feel like this is video Thursday...

I have a things for music videos it always throws me off when someone says they don't watch music videos. I feel a good music video will make a song even better or it can break a song and make me not as fond.

Anyway I like this latest music video by Trey Songz...

My only small issue is... couldn't they find a better wig, weave or whatever that is sitting up on ol' girls head?! I don't know if its me... or what but I feel the the quality standards of fake hair is less then par these days (with some folks). Anyway... I digress...

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

In The Morning Official Video - J. Cole Feat. Drake

2011-02-17T13:15:00.004-05:00

So I ran across this video this morning.. I've been hearing J Cole's name around for a WHILE but I don't know what I've been doing, I'm clearly not serious. Anyway, I like the song and video. I'm gonna have to get more J Cole to listen to.

Random: I am a lil confused about the girl in the video... does she know him or is she a random groupie chick? I'd like to think she knows him tho lol

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Set in Stone

2011-02-15T20:37:00.006-05:00

Lets be honest... going to Korea was not on the radar of things to do for me. Until last summer. Considering my two god brothers are there, some of their friends that I've come to know over the years, college AND high school friends are all currently there.... I feel this is will the opportunity of a lifetime.

Last month I got the time off from work this month.... I BOUGHT MY PLANE TICKET!!!

Let me just say buying a plane ticket to Korea borderline hurt my heart! Expensive is not the word! Thankfully, I have been saving for this, so when the moment arrived I was ready. This has been my biggest purchase this year. Even though it was expensive it could have been worse. Most tickets cost somewhere between $1500 and $1800. But due to the diligent work of my Twin we were able to purchase tickets for a little over $1100. Still a LOT but better. I told her I was gonna put Jesus on the tickets and I was not joking! I was not trying to pay over 1500 for a plane ticket so I took it to Jesus and prayed about it...(hey, you gotta do that sometimes )

Now that the tickets have been bought, all we have to do it is (patiently) wait for the time to come to embark on this great journey.

Live. Laugh. Smile. Enjoy.

2011-02-14T19:19:00.000-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

I like valentines day... I'm not sure why. Suitors are not knocking my door down, piles off valentines cards, candy, flowers, and surprises don't fill my day. But I still like valentines day. Although... I don't think your love for someone should be reduced to one day of the year were you engage in a few nice gestures. I think anytime is a good time to show your love and appreciation for that special person or people in your life.

"A kiss is a lovely trick, designed by nature to stop words when speech becomes superfluous" ~ Ingrid Bergmen

"The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman's heart" ~ Josiah G. Hooland

"The most eloquent silence; that of two mouths meeting in a kiss" ~ Unknown

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever" ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." ~ Heather Cortez

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." ~ Helen Keller

"When you are in love you cant fall asleep because reality is better than your dreams." ~ Dr. Seuss

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Adam...

2011-02-08T14:22:00.000-05:00

Today is my lil brother's birthday!

Me and this dude have come a L-O-N-G ( you might wanna bold, italicize AND underline that word) way. But I can honestly say I appreciate him more now that we are both older and a little more...mellow. If you don't know Adam... You are missing out on some PURE entertainment.

Adam:

LOVES to talk

typical Adam

Is trying to be more Christ like
Has a kind heart
Is very giving
The stuff he says is pure comedy

Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ad!!!! I wish you the best bday ever and many more come :)
~KP

Me and Adam during Christmas

The boys modeling the clothes I bought them

Out to eat with the family

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Hair Woes

2011-02-03T16:02:00.000-05:00

I'm constantly doing this!

My hair is acting stupid.

Whether others can tell I'm not sure (probably)... but my hair it straight trying my soul. My ends seem to forever look crazy and I'm experiencing a lot of breakage from these crazy ends I have. I HATE split ends with a passion so I'm trying to get my hair back on track.

I've been reading a lot of different hair blogs and some hair products and techniques I can get down with and others I can't.

Here are two hair facts about me

One I do not like oily greasy hair (therefore I don't put product in my hair UNLESS I'm bunning it) so sealing my hair nighty and stuff just isn't gonna work for me.

I like straight hair. Natural styles are cool... but I don't see things that I like that would work with my hair texture. And I clearly can't change my hair texture to match the styles I like.

With those two fact about me and my hair out there... but best I can come up with to solve this... issue is do things to my hair while I'm actually in the process of washing and straightening my hair.

Last night I did my hair and I felt like I was doing the most... But I'm gonna try this for a few weeks and see what happens cause I can't live this way.

Here is what I did:

1. Pre- wash oil treatment with olive oil (under heat)

I bought Extra Virgin Olive Oil distributed it throughout all my hair, bunned it, places it in plastic and set under the heat for probably thirty minutes. (yes... it was a lil weird for me mentally for some reason I felt I was cooking my hair :/ lol )

2. Washed it with L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate Free shampoo

I've been using this (surprisingly) pretty consistently since the summer. And I hear Sulfate free shampoo is good for the hair. In my readings I read that after an oil treatment you shouldn't wash your hair "squeaky" clean. So I shampooed only twice. But my hair was feeling pretty soft.

3.Millennia Mud for about 8 mins

Millennia Mud was a new product that I tried... its a reconstructer. It suggests using it only 2 -4 minutes, but I got distracted playing Words with friends so it ended up saying in there a while longer lol. My hair felt slightly different after washing out the reconstructor... not as soft I suppose

4. Conditioned with both Aussie moist conditioner & L'Oreal EverPure Sulfate Free conditioning mask (under heat)

Aussie Moist Conditioner is my sh*t in the summertime when I'm conditioning on the go. And the conditioning mask is a staple for me too. I started using it in the summer, its kinda expensive so I mostly use it to condition the front edges of my hair. I set under the dry maybe about 30 minutes or so.

5. Rinse with Aloe vera

This was also something new I tried. Doing a final raise with aloe vera juice and not water was totally new to me. But I gave it a whirl and it really wasn't that bad. It's supposed to lower the PH of hair.

and then I straightened as usual...

I think I'm going to start blow drying my hair in smaller sections... that might help me in this hair.............. mission. As well as try to wear more up-dos so my ends aren't out.

Anyway I think I'm gonna try doing these things for a couple of weeks and see what happens.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy

Just a Ponder

2011-02-02T19:22:00.000-05:00

I enjoy a good stimulating conversation. Point blank. Whether it’s with a sole individual or a group of people. There is something about hearing other people’s views and just having a sounding board for your thoughts and opinions.

This past weekend I found myself at the usual spot (my god mother's house) for dinner. And eventually the conversation turned toward being married and just relationships in general. Now I LOVE… love and specifically, black love, and still believe in the institution of marriage.

It all started with me hearing my married friend saying the word "exhibit " which lead me to ask about the types of things they do as a couple. For some reason I find it interesting the things couples do... And not only that, I'm always looking for new cool things to try.

So like conversations go, the course changed and I asked the question "How important is it for your spouse to like your friends?" (as a single individual it’s important to me) and they both readily agreed it was highly important. Then the husband said this, "Birds of a feather flock together... You are basically an extension of your friends" (he said some other things that are evading me)... But it hit, I had a small epiphany and I found myself thinking… "huh that makes so much sense". My mom has always said "association brings on assimilation" and warned us to be careful and selective about our friends... But I guess how he said it made a lot of sense to me. Sometimes hearing something differently can make a world of difference.

Now I'm under the strong belief that whoever I date or marry has to be able to get along with several important groups of people in my life. These are my closest friends, my confidants, the people I know are down for me and have me back and vice versa. I'm not saying they have to be Bff's with these friends... But I would like to be able to have dinner at my house or go out to eat and have my man on one side and my friends on the other. I wanna be able to have the people I enjoy the most in a room together getting along.I am not a caterer... So I'm not trying to cater to some grown man in some pissy mood because they don't want to be somewhere or don't like the people they are around. Been there...done that... and it’s not for me.

It made me think... How can someone REALLY like you or you really be yourself if your significant other does not like your friends? And the answer for me is… you can’t. You are obviously friends with them because you have some of the same interests and similarities (which obviously brought you together) plus you like and enjoy them.

I am by no means suggesting that your friends be placed above your significant other or that they must like each and every person you are associated with or even that they have to always be with you when you are with your friends..

But I'm suggesting if they do not like, NOT one of your friends (family) maybe you should evaluate that situation.... Because if it’s like that now.... It’s not going to get better. That conversation just solidified my... conviction… if you will…of how important it is to me that my significant other and friends get along on some level and enjoy each other’s company. These are clearly people that I enjoy and love being around so it’s important to me that I can be around everyone at the same time

Anyway... Just a ponder...

My Other Brother

2011-01-31T00:10:00.000-05:00

Today (in America anyway) it is my god brother's birthday... in Korea... it's already past lol. I wasn't able to post this earlier...but its never too late for birthday celebrations!

My god brother and I have been running around together for the last 25 years or so and still going pretty strong. I feel it's rare to still be friends with childhood friends these days, so I feel pretty privileged to have mine still around.

we were probably 3 and 2 in this pic

I think this pic is so cute!

god siblings (this summer)

Night before Jon left for Korea

Jon... I wish you the best in this upcoming year and that God will continue to guild you in your life.

Live. Love. Smile. Enjoy.

BeautyBrainsLife

Rascal Flatts = Amazing

Day 9: 31 Day Reset

Day 8: 31 Day Reset

Day 7: 31 Day Reset

Day 6: 31 Day Reset

Day 5: 31 Day Reset

2012 Goals...

Day 4: 31 Day Reset

2011 In Picture Review

Day 3: 31 Day Reset

Step 1:

Step 2:

Day 2: 31 Day Reset

Day 1: 31 Day Reset

The Countdown Has Started.

NATURAL HAIR: YO BOYFRIEND DONT LIKE IT??

Just My Thought/Feelings

My Thanksgiving

Fireworks Exclusive

:)

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

Cornmaze

A love Language Journey?... (I Don't Know What to Title This)

Earnest Pugh - I Need Your Glory Official Music Video

Black Love - A Wedding Weekend.

From All of Us...

Go Big...I mean Natural or Go Home!

Random Bits

Quotes on Fathers....

Lesson Learned

*sighs* Hair Woes

Power Puff Girl

Dear Mama...

Chris Young - Tomorrow

Highlights... Lowlights...pt2

I Hate You

My Favorite Performs of the VMAs

Lydia...My sister...

No...Lydia...My Roommate

Highlights...Lowlights

Estelle...

Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton- So In Love (Official Video)

Earthquakes?! Seriously?!

Struggleberry

Sequins and Tulle...

Family Reunion - Love is the Main Ingredient

The List

Bloglovin....

Daniel de Bourg covers...

Just Go With It ...

My Team....

10 Things I Want To Say To A Black Woman by Joshua Bennett

I Have Time... But I'm Not Ready

So Proud of You!!!

We are the Champions

6 Random Observations

The Truth Without Photoshop by Official P4CM Poet Janette...ikz

Just Salad?!

Executive Decision....

Mixing Up The Old

My Tulle & Doves

Mint

I Should Know This By 30 huh?....

Ms. Joy

Hakuna Matata

"I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ

Hello Weekend!!

Jesus and My Uncle Came Thru For Me

Me, You, & Money

My Potato Salad Craving

You Haven't Moved In Yet....

Random Weekend Recap

Trey Songz - Love Faces (Official Music Video)

In The Morning Official Video - J. Cole Feat. Drake

Set in Stone

Adam...

Hair Woes

Just a Ponder

My Other Brother

sighs Hair Woes