My New Obsession

Leggings are my new obsession! I Haven't worn them since high school, but I can clearly remember my first pair in 1985. Going on a little shopping trip with my friends, riding on the Marta Bus heading to the Underground Atlanta. I was looking for something cool to wear the following week to school, this was a big deal for me. Number one, I was riding on the bus heading DOWNTOWN with my friends ALONE and Secondly, my mother was allowing me to shop for MYSELF. What?! You couldn't tell me nothin' honey!
We casually perused Peachtree street, window shopping. All along, laughing and joking at the interesting activities going on that busy and sunny Saturday afternoon. We finally stopped and eagerly went inside of Lerner's and began looking for outfits, sure that we would find our fashion treasure. I felt so grown up trying on my clothes and awaiting the thumbs up from my girlfriends. Anything was better than Mommy telling me what to wear, and what was "in style".
Any way, I eventually came across my prize. A pair of white leggings with the stirrups and pin pleats down the front . Oh! they were so pretty to me. I thought I looked great. The perfect color ( I was going to wear every color shirt I had with it) and the perfect fit, I was a budding young lady who was just on the brink of puberty and wanted to show what little bit of shape I THOUGHT I had.

Yeah, that was then....

Fast forward 25 years later, I would not be caught dead in a pair of leggings. I thought they were for every other girl except me. Well, almost every girl. there have been a few that might have needed to leave those leggings on the rack! But anyway, I digress. I just did not feel comfortable in my own skin to wear something so close fitting to my body, although at this point I got a lot more shape to show than my early puberty years.

Well something crazy came over me and I bought not one but two pairs of leggings! Oh yeah, I was stepping out of my zone....and I liked it! Not because I been working out like crazy, and have this super toned body. Not because I am at the weight and size that I want to be right now. I bought them, just because the time was right. I. am. comfortable. with. ME.

So now, I am obsessed with leggings. I notice them everywhere I go on everybody I see. I notice them all and imagine myself rocking it out in them. I'm on a mission so maybe I'll get them in Purple...


In Gray...
Maybe Brown.... ( I look good in brown)
This would make me look like a really Hot Momma!

Like I said....I'm obsessed

*all photo credits go to Victoria's Secret*

New things added everyday...

Can someone please turn it off?!! ;)

Visions of growth dancing in my head; My Dream Board

Have you ever tried to create a plan for yourself? You either make a mental note, or you might even decide to write it down in a journal or some kind of paper only to forget or misplace it. Well at least that is what happens to me sometimes. I think about a lot of things, create a lot of goals however because I am always thinking, thoughts get lost somewhere in my head.

I've often heard people talk about vision boards and last year I was planning on creating one but.... I forgot. *sighhhhhh* Well I recently picked this thought back up and actually followed through on it. I actually did a digital vision board through Oprah.com . It's called the O Dream Board. It lets you create a Dream Board that you can keep on your desktop. This makes it super convenient, to see it all the time especially since so many of us are always on our computers. There is even an option to print your Board at Walgreens if you just have to have something tangible. When creating with the O Dream Board you don't have to worry about gathering magazines, scissors, glue, tape, photos or anything. Just simply use the photo images that is supplied or use your own photos that you can upload. You can even choose your color theme and add quotes, and intentions to the board. There is even an option to create more than one board.

I love it. I have no reason to "forget" now. My Dreams are manifesting as I type....

Want to create your own? Go to http://www.oprah.com/spirit/O-Dream-Board-Envision-Your-Best-LifeTM and download it.

**photo credit - Oprah.com
The opinions expressed in this post are solely my own. I was not asked by Oprah and her staff to promote this product, although it would have been nice if they did. :)

Celeste Alexander Design Studios grand opening

October 9th I had the opportunity to celebrate the grand opening of Celeste Alexander Design Studios. I just had to go out to Snellville to show her some support. I first met Celeste at the Trumpet Awards gifting suite earlier this year and let me tell you, she is truly a spicy DecoratingSista! She knows how to bring color combinations together with patterns and textures in such a beautiful way. Having designed spaces for several Celebrities in the Atlanta area, there is definitely experience to be found. Celeste does not only work with big names, she will also work with the average person with a variety of budgets. Educating people on how to live beautifully and helping them reach their decorating goals, she does Drapery trunk shows, decorating parties with wine & cheese and private consults....she really gets it in! Not only is her style fabulous, she is also a beautiful person inside and out.

If you are looking for a fresh new look, please check her out at:
2340 Ronald Reagan Pkwy Scenic Hwy 124
decoratingsista@yahoo.com

A positive step for media: I Love My Hair!

Currently, the Internet is viral with the Sesame Street video "I Love My Hair". When I finally got the chance to see it, my heart was elated. I felt elated because it showed growth on the part of the show. I've always loved Sesame Street, still do. In fact I may occasionally sit down and watch it even now. Of course The show has always had a broad range of people on the show represented, but this hair video just takes it a step further.

I wish when I was growing up that there was more positive media being put out regarding the image of black women. I feel had I seen more of it, I may not have struggled as much as I did with self image growing up. Oh well, it's all water under the bridge now. The most important thing to focus on is that the times have changed and the media is moving forward positively. I was so happy to be able to share this video with my daughter. She has been wearing her natural hair in dreadlocs for 3 years now and how she views herself although being different from her classmates and neighbors is important to me.

I know she nor I are defined by our hair, however the truth of the matter is that when you feel good about what you have on your head your whole self image is improved. Regardless of the hair type, it should be embraced and loved. All girls (and boys) of all races have issues with this at some time or the other in life. Often times though, our little brown ones struggle with it a little more than others. So Kudos to Sesame Street for giving me something else to aid my little girl in loving her natural self.

If you've not seen the video, check it out:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: "No longer a SECRET"

I find it interesting that in today's society people can find any and every reason to celebrate, bring awareness to or have a holiday from work or school. It can range from the silliest thing to a very serious thing. With that being said, there are some people who like to "celebrate" and acknowledge it all. Me? Well, I tend to be a little more selective in my celebrations and acknowledgement's.

I was aware of Breast Cancer Awareness being promoted during the month of October, and I am in support of that movement. However, imagine my surprise when I learned that it was National Domestic Violence month too.
I took it upon myself to investigate this info and I was pleasantly surprised to know that on September 22, 2010 President Obama made it official by signing a Proclamation.

This does my heart good to know that more light is being shed on this very sensitive matter. It is vital that voices are heard. More women and children than we are aware of suffer the ill physical and emotional effects of domestic violence. I speak on this subject from personal experience. Coming from a family both immediate and extended where this is/was common place I have seen, heard and experienced more than I care to openly admit. Trust me....it stays with you. A child never forgets their recollections of witnessing or experiencing abuse first hand. Ultimately the physical child grows up and learns to cope, but it is the inner child that always carries the burden.

I feel fortunate that I had other positive forces in my life to help me counteract such negativity so that I was able to break the familial cycle, and I pray that neither of my children find themselves in it. However, not so many children and adults can say the same. Hopefully the more this is spoken of and against, the less of a problem it will be. It starts with early education, support, honesty and communication. Setting aside the month of October to speak about it is a great start, but it shouldn't end after 31 days.

My stance on holidays & celebrations remain the same, The Day is a great reminder but the practice should be done everyday of the year. My theory holds true to speaking on Domestic Violence as well. #SPEAKUP

If you have a couple of more minutes to spare, please view this video with some insightful facts from the White house website and share it with others...

Change of the seasons

Well, it's that time of year again. The time of year when the nature around us sheds it's physical layers and begin preparing for less activity. I actually really like the fall, it is so beautiful. So many rich colors that warm your soul and cause a person to reflect and give thanks. This is the time of year that I love to go camping with my family, hike nature trails and sit by a nice fire. Oh, and don't forget it's perfect cuddle weather.

I am hoping to get in more reading these next few months going into winter. There are books such as Sula that I have on my nightstand begging me to open it. I hope to also get in some crocheting (yes, I crochet) for my brother's new baby girl to be born this month. I have a list of things that I would like to use this time of the year for. I hope I will be able to scratch them off the list. *Sigh* So much I want to do, better get started 5,4,3,2,1....