(This post is promoted by Target, finally some return on my weekly Target shopping investment!)
Half-way through the month and July has been non-stop and intense in more ways than one! I’m fighting off being overwhelmed with a stick! My introverted self wants to build an adult sized fort, with an iPod filled with indie acoustic music, and read 3 or 4 great books in succession. But alas, I am pretty sure the husband would want to snuggle or something and the toddlers are surprisingly needy for my attention! Meanwhile, my outer extrovert is screaming carpe diem and filling my social calendar to the max.


Jean for DAYZ


It was actually perfect time to wear jeans every day, even to the office -- since they allow casual wear during the warm month of July. I felt crazy excited and a bit conflicted when Target sent me a sample box of their newest jeans.

Excited
because these jeans were freakin’ cute, like REALLY cute – and I am not just saying that because they were free and Target is paying me a little paper money for this post (full freaking disclosure as per usual).

Conflicted
because I feel fat, I seriously don’t feel comfortable in my own skin at the moment. I am so ashamed, I want to scream (and do believe) that every woman should love and accept herself just as she is. I have these days when you could not tell me that I don’t look hotter than a super model. I have these other days where I want to wrap myself in head to toe sweats and become a hermit that yells at passers by.

I gained 35 pounds and my Doctor informed me that I have an insanely high body fat percentage. Muffin top is eating away at my self-esteem and my health. But I realized, after a 2-week long pity party of self-loathing, that this was counter intuitive. I decided (again) that a girl can and should look smokin’ hot at any size. Don’t get me wrong, the self-esteem struggle is still real, but I had to make the choice to try and love myself as I am every morning before and even if I don’t achieve my diet goals.

(Mid-Rise Jeggings)


Celebrated Natural Hair

At the start of this month, I went to Happy Fro Day LA 2015 and met the most gorgeous (true story) afro wearing chicks in the West coast. I brought along my baby girl and my little sister and we snapped a million Instagram photos, sat in the grass, listened to acoustic music and then explored Los Angeles a bit more.




(Ripped Boyfriend Jeans)

Got Geeky

Anyone who knows me, knows that in lieu of being able to have boyfriends or a social life in high school, I watched indie films, studied ancient history, and read tons of comics. My strict Caribbean parents made saying no, a third language in our household. I personally think all this gave me character and made me a cooler adult and made me the dedicated science fiction/comic book nerd I am today.

I got really geeky this month when I went to San Diego Comic-Con! I am so excited for the new season of all my favorite TV shows!

Bookworm Livin’

I sat about and read. The husband gifted me a few no-judgment days and allowed me to binge read. Books are always a priority for me, but sometimes life and career goals do not allow for another great book to be ravenously consumed.



Birthday Girl
Another year, another birthday. 30 came out of nowhere! I feel like it was just yesterday that I moved in to my college dorm. That I let my now husband first kiss me on the dance floor in a nightclub while a Beyoncé song played in the background. Fast-forward and I am 30… I am married… I am Mom!



(High-Rise Skinny Jeans)
A Pair of Target Jeans

I lived all of these days and all of these realizations in a pair of target jeans:




I learned that I love high-waisted cuts, that contrary to my previously held beliefs, I look GOOOD in flare.


I learned that a little stretch goes a long way when you have curves for days.



I learned that I am a hot ageless rock star when I wear ripped jeans.


I learned that there are days that I will love how I look and there will be days when my husband will have to rip the gray sweats out of my tearful grasp! And I learned that even these days are okay if I get back on that freakin self-esteem horse again and own my semi-hotness.




Discover Your Own Target Style
Starting July 26th, you can try on Target denim in the store to receive $10 off! Don’t just take my word for it alone, try a pair in your own unique shape/size and please let me know how you like it or go to www.target.com/jeans and write your own reviews on Target.com.

 


 Find your style @Targetstyle.


14 Days of Target Jeans


(This post is promoted by Target, finally some return on my weekly Target shopping investment!)
Half-way through the month and July has been non-stop and intense in more ways than one! I’m fighting off being overwhelmed with a stick! My introverted self wants to build an adult sized fort, with an iPod filled with indie acoustic music, and read 3 or 4 great books in succession. But alas, I am pretty sure the husband would want to snuggle or something and the toddlers are surprisingly needy for my attention! Meanwhile, my outer extrovert is screaming carpe diem and filling my social calendar to the max.


Jean for DAYZ


It was actually perfect time to wear jeans every day, even to the office -- since they allow casual wear during the warm month of July. I felt crazy excited and a bit conflicted when Target sent me a sample box of their newest jeans.

Excited
because these jeans were freakin’ cute, like REALLY cute – and I am not just saying that because they were free and Target is paying me a little paper money for this post (full freaking disclosure as per usual).

Conflicted
because I feel fat, I seriously don’t feel comfortable in my own skin at the moment. I am so ashamed, I want to scream (and do believe) that every woman should love and accept herself just as she is. I have these days when you could not tell me that I don’t look hotter than a super model. I have these other days where I want to wrap myself in head to toe sweats and become a hermit that yells at passers by.

I gained 35 pounds and my Doctor informed me that I have an insanely high body fat percentage. Muffin top is eating away at my self-esteem and my health. But I realized, after a 2-week long pity party of self-loathing, that this was counter intuitive. I decided (again) that a girl can and should look smokin’ hot at any size. Don’t get me wrong, the self-esteem struggle is still real, but I had to make the choice to try and love myself as I am every morning before and even if I don’t achieve my diet goals.

(Mid-Rise Jeggings)


Celebrated Natural Hair

At the start of this month, I went to Happy Fro Day LA 2015 and met the most gorgeous (true story) afro wearing chicks in the West coast. I brought along my baby girl and my little sister and we snapped a million Instagram photos, sat in the grass, listened to acoustic music and then explored Los Angeles a bit more.




(Ripped Boyfriend Jeans)

Got Geeky

Anyone who knows me, knows that in lieu of being able to have boyfriends or a social life in high school, I watched indie films, studied ancient history, and read tons of comics. My strict Caribbean parents made saying no, a third language in our household. I personally think all this gave me character and made me a cooler adult and made me the dedicated science fiction/comic book nerd I am today.

I got really geeky this month when I went to San Diego Comic-Con! I am so excited for the new season of all my favorite TV shows!

Bookworm Livin’

I sat about and read. The husband gifted me a few no-judgment days and allowed me to binge read. Books are always a priority for me, but sometimes life and career goals do not allow for another great book to be ravenously consumed.



Birthday Girl
Another year, another birthday. 30 came out of nowhere! I feel like it was just yesterday that I moved in to my college dorm. That I let my now husband first kiss me on the dance floor in a nightclub while a Beyoncé song played in the background. Fast-forward and I am 30… I am married… I am Mom!



(High-Rise Skinny Jeans)
A Pair of Target Jeans

I lived all of these days and all of these realizations in a pair of target jeans:




I learned that I love high-waisted cuts, that contrary to my previously held beliefs, I look GOOOD in flare.


I learned that a little stretch goes a long way when you have curves for days.



I learned that I am a hot ageless rock star when I wear ripped jeans.


I learned that there are days that I will love how I look and there will be days when my husband will have to rip the gray sweats out of my tearful grasp! And I learned that even these days are okay if I get back on that freakin self-esteem horse again and own my semi-hotness.




Discover Your Own Target Style
Starting July 26th, you can try on Target denim in the store to receive $10 off! Don’t just take my word for it alone, try a pair in your own unique shape/size and please let me know how you like it or go to www.target.com/jeans and write your own reviews on Target.com.

 


 Find your style @Targetstyle.




It's summer and I am feeling bold, the brighter the better!


I'm wearing old pieces, mostly from my Florida closet, that I just randomly decided to combine.


The shoes are a recent clearance purchase from Target. At $13, I think they are worth every penny.


I purchased the scarf from Zara last summer, so happy I did. I love this durn thing!


The shades are on sale at Loft, only $15.


This little guy rode in an out of half my shots on his new scooter. It was a lovely day for playing outdoors and wearing bright clothes!

P.S. I've been taking care to love my skin through a difficult battle with stress acne! A big part of this has been accomplished by reducing my stress through mindfulness and living in the moment. So I take a few extra moments daily to hold the babies a bit longer and appreciate the small things!

Friday Favorites: Bold Colors and Bolder Headwraps



It's summer and I am feeling bold, the brighter the better!


I'm wearing old pieces, mostly from my Florida closet, that I just randomly decided to combine.


The shoes are a recent clearance purchase from Target. At $13, I think they are worth every penny.


I purchased the scarf from Zara last summer, so happy I did. I love this durn thing!


The shades are on sale at Loft, only $15.


This little guy rode in an out of half my shots on his new scooter. It was a lovely day for playing outdoors and wearing bright clothes!

P.S. I've been taking care to love my skin through a difficult battle with stress acne! A big part of this has been accomplished by reducing my stress through mindfulness and living in the moment. So I take a few extra moments daily to hold the babies a bit longer and appreciate the small things!

Thanks to YouTube, women of from every ethnic backgroud and walks of life have a community and a network to share and learn how to care for our hair. I love watching hair videos, even for styles and hair types that aren't similar to mine. Here are some of my favorites:

We must start with sisterlocks! A little random hair maintenance.



That fro wash and go...



Big hair, don't care.




DIY Marley Twists!



Random weave! I don't personally enjoy straight hair, but I enjoyed watching!



Boxed Braids.



 Styling Boxed braids...



Essentially just a "baby hair" tutorial. LOL



More TWA curls...



Perm Rods!



4C perfection!



Traditional Locs



Ballerina Bun for Straight Hair


  • Tuesday, July 21, 2015

YouTube Videos For Every Hair Type


Thanks to YouTube, women of from every ethnic backgroud and walks of life have a community and a network to share and learn how to care for our hair. I love watching hair videos, even for styles and hair types that aren't similar to mine. Here are some of my favorites:

We must start with sisterlocks! A little random hair maintenance.



That fro wash and go...



Big hair, don't care.




DIY Marley Twists!



Random weave! I don't personally enjoy straight hair, but I enjoyed watching!



Boxed Braids.



 Styling Boxed braids...



Essentially just a "baby hair" tutorial. LOL



More TWA curls...



Perm Rods!



4C perfection!



Traditional Locs



Ballerina Bun for Straight Hair



Face mapping is a concept that has long existed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Face mapping states that the location and type of acne you have is in fact linked to certain internal organs. Though I am not well versed of all the TCM practices and beliefs (and therefore cannot recommend it in its entirety), I can say that many fairly trusted skin care gurus believe there is some validity in face mapping. Please remember that breakouts can be caused by a variety of things – skin care products, hygiene, allergies or genetics.

In TCM and face mapping, if you have breakouts on say… your brow (a liver area), this doesn’t literally mean there is a problem with your liver. It is interpreted as being related to the TCM representation of this organ on either an emotional (anger, irritable, moody) or physical (constipated, excessive consumption of toxins, menstrual issues) level. Complicated, I know. The truth is TCM is based on generations of cultural observation and not exact science. I’m fairly open-minded, so I say give it a try.

Use my little cheat sheet as a guide:

Liver
Mouth corners, around the eyebrow area and under the eyes
Anger, frustration, and Irritability.
Too much beer or junk food and possibly constipated.
Large Intestines
Laugh lines
Feeling stuck or grieving
Similar to Lung area.
Gall Bladder
Temple
Issues with courage and problems with judging others.
Not drinking enough water or food allergies.
Heart
Upper cheeks or nose
Blockage of joy, emotional, and shock.
High blood pressure.
Kidneys
Chin, under eyes and ears
Fear and will power issues.
Dehydration or reproductive issues.
Hormones
Chin
Stressed and emotionally imbalanced
Similar to Lung area.

Stomach and Spleen
Around lips and mouth, between the brows, under eyes, and side of face/jaw line.
Worry and overwork.
IBS, appetite issues, and energy issues.
Lungs
Lower cheek
Grief, longing, or detachment.
Asthma or immune system issues.
Emotional Level (short term issues)                         Physical Level (long term Issues)

I truly believe skin care should be holistic. Though nothing should replace a visit to your doctor and this may not be the truth for everyone, I do hope this helps someone.

For more information see
here, here, and here

Face Mapping and How to Diagnose Your Acne


Face mapping is a concept that has long existed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Face mapping states that the location and type of acne you have is in fact linked to certain internal organs. Though I am not well versed of all the TCM practices and beliefs (and therefore cannot recommend it in its entirety), I can say that many fairly trusted skin care gurus believe there is some validity in face mapping. Please remember that breakouts can be caused by a variety of things – skin care products, hygiene, allergies or genetics.

In TCM and face mapping, if you have breakouts on say… your brow (a liver area), this doesn’t literally mean there is a problem with your liver. It is interpreted as being related to the TCM representation of this organ on either an emotional (anger, irritable, moody) or physical (constipated, excessive consumption of toxins, menstrual issues) level. Complicated, I know. The truth is TCM is based on generations of cultural observation and not exact science. I’m fairly open-minded, so I say give it a try.

Use my little cheat sheet as a guide:

Liver
Mouth corners, around the eyebrow area and under the eyes
Anger, frustration, and Irritability.
Too much beer or junk food and possibly constipated.
Large Intestines
Laugh lines
Feeling stuck or grieving
Similar to Lung area.
Gall Bladder
Temple
Issues with courage and problems with judging others.
Not drinking enough water or food allergies.
Heart
Upper cheeks or nose
Blockage of joy, emotional, and shock.
High blood pressure.
Kidneys
Chin, under eyes and ears
Fear and will power issues.
Dehydration or reproductive issues.
Hormones
Chin
Stressed and emotionally imbalanced
Similar to Lung area.

Stomach and Spleen
Around lips and mouth, between the brows, under eyes, and side of face/jaw line.
Worry and overwork.
IBS, appetite issues, and energy issues.
Lungs
Lower cheek
Grief, longing, or detachment.
Asthma or immune system issues.
Emotional Level (short term issues)                         Physical Level (long term Issues)

I truly believe skin care should be holistic. Though nothing should replace a visit to your doctor and this may not be the truth for everyone, I do hope this helps someone.

For more information see
here, here, and here


The morning of my birthday, I sat in an empty room and sobbed quietly.  There was this work related moment that got under my skin and penetrated my defenses. I was lost to a sea of emotions, vile emotions.

My husband had just left with our son to grab my little morning treats for my 8 AM dance party and my daughter was sound asleep in bed. So I sat in a dim room and pondered all the things I hated about my career or my personal life.

Why did I do this? I really don’t know. I don’t make a habit of drowning in the negative. No matter how bright and shiny your life/career/marriage is, if you try hard enough, you can believe it sucks. So I sat and I cried.

I regained my composure in a few minutes. I made some plans for Monday morning. I decided to throw all my cares and responsibilities to the wind and allow my husband to see all his surprise plans to fruition. My perspective shifted and my day became filled with the wonder of sunshine and joy.

I had an 8 AM dance party in a living room filled from floor to ceiling with a rainbow of colorful balloons.


I went plant shopping and bought beautiful green things to ground my space and my spirit.



We had brunch at my favorite café.

I had a pedicure with natural and organic ingredients from this boutique nail spa.

I saw an indie period drama, IN A THEATER! The husband encouraged me to pick out a film that was just for me. He endured and ended up enjoying Far From the Madding Crowd, a film adaption of a Thomas Hardy romantic drama with a strong female lead. We whispered hilarious commentary back and forth and I even cried a little for a male lead suffering from unrequited love.  For the first time in a long time, I didn’t multitask while “watching” a film.

I took a nap, sipped wine, and then had dinner with a bunch of new and random people. I went dancing with friends and watched a wonderfully vibrant and complex woman celebrate her birthday and enter a new chapter of her life. 


I held my husband’s hand. I kissed his lips. I cuddled with my children. I pondered deeply about the girl I was, the woman I am, and person I wish to become in this next decade.  I accepted the things that I could not change and devised plans to change the things that I could. I finally let go of my 20’s and welcomed my 30’s.

Happy Birthday to me…


  • Sunday, July 19, 2015

Tears, Triumphs and Turning 30



The morning of my birthday, I sat in an empty room and sobbed quietly.  There was this work related moment that got under my skin and penetrated my defenses. I was lost to a sea of emotions, vile emotions.

My husband had just left with our son to grab my little morning treats for my 8 AM dance party and my daughter was sound asleep in bed. So I sat in a dim room and pondered all the things I hated about my career or my personal life.

Why did I do this? I really don’t know. I don’t make a habit of drowning in the negative. No matter how bright and shiny your life/career/marriage is, if you try hard enough, you can believe it sucks. So I sat and I cried.

I regained my composure in a few minutes. I made some plans for Monday morning. I decided to throw all my cares and responsibilities to the wind and allow my husband to see all his surprise plans to fruition. My perspective shifted and my day became filled with the wonder of sunshine and joy.

I had an 8 AM dance party in a living room filled from floor to ceiling with a rainbow of colorful balloons.


I went plant shopping and bought beautiful green things to ground my space and my spirit.



We had brunch at my favorite café.

I had a pedicure with natural and organic ingredients from this boutique nail spa.

I saw an indie period drama, IN A THEATER! The husband encouraged me to pick out a film that was just for me. He endured and ended up enjoying Far From the Madding Crowd, a film adaption of a Thomas Hardy romantic drama with a strong female lead. We whispered hilarious commentary back and forth and I even cried a little for a male lead suffering from unrequited love.  For the first time in a long time, I didn’t multitask while “watching” a film.

I took a nap, sipped wine, and then had dinner with a bunch of new and random people. I went dancing with friends and watched a wonderfully vibrant and complex woman celebrate her birthday and enter a new chapter of her life. 


I held my husband’s hand. I kissed his lips. I cuddled with my children. I pondered deeply about the girl I was, the woman I am, and person I wish to become in this next decade.  I accepted the things that I could not change and devised plans to change the things that I could. I finally let go of my 20’s and welcomed my 30’s.

Happy Birthday to me…




My personal fashion style tends to vary with my mood, sometimes I feel adventurous and other times reserved, but I always want to feel like me. If I am not having fun or feeling authentic, I feel uncomfortable and it will show.




I’ve noticed that this is also true for my kiddos, I have two (just in case are new to my blog). They are polar opposites and have had the most unique of personalities since they were in their cribs. This is the truth in all things, including fashion. My daughter can be extremely prissy one minute and then oddly hipster the next. My son has a fixation with shirts without pants. If he could venture out publicly in his super hero briefs, he definitely would!  (LOL)





 The interesting thing about my individual fashion sense and my identity as a mother is that they can intersect in glorious ways. I think many folks believe that motherhood somehow sucks the life out of your beauty and individuality, I disagree. For me, motherhood has encouraged me to actually boldly express myself in all things!



I bought this jumper from the cutest little hipster boutique in Southern California. It is so easy to wear, very comfy.


We go to this predominately Korean and hipster little church, so I have more leeway with church clothes than my Southern Baptist days.



  • Thursday, July 16, 2015

Play Clothes: Famiy Fashion



My personal fashion style tends to vary with my mood, sometimes I feel adventurous and other times reserved, but I always want to feel like me. If I am not having fun or feeling authentic, I feel uncomfortable and it will show.




I’ve noticed that this is also true for my kiddos, I have two (just in case are new to my blog). They are polar opposites and have had the most unique of personalities since they were in their cribs. This is the truth in all things, including fashion. My daughter can be extremely prissy one minute and then oddly hipster the next. My son has a fixation with shirts without pants. If he could venture out publicly in his super hero briefs, he definitely would!  (LOL)





 The interesting thing about my individual fashion sense and my identity as a mother is that they can intersect in glorious ways. I think many folks believe that motherhood somehow sucks the life out of your beauty and individuality, I disagree. For me, motherhood has encouraged me to actually boldly express myself in all things!



I bought this jumper from the cutest little hipster boutique in Southern California. It is so easy to wear, very comfy.


We go to this predominately Korean and hipster little church, so I have more leeway with church clothes than my Southern Baptist days.



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