Gods Many Blessings

Recognizing what God has done for me is an amazing accomplishment in life. I have made it a habit to end each day with a prayer of praise to God for blessing me with every aspect of my life. From family, friends, work, educational opportunities, bills being paid, food on my table, a bed to sleep in, the blessing of His beautiful son Jesus Christ, and even for the things i don't have. God has the amazing ability of knowing when we are ready to receive his never ending chain of gifts. Having to work my way up to success is a blessing in itself. I now know that I am capable of making it through the hard lonely storms that we each encounter through life. It's awesome to be able to truly identify those who you can count on when time are hard. So my advice to you is to start and end each day with praise to God, He is worthy!! God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!!

It's Pumpkin Time

Here's a goodie to brighten up any dinner table!! It's a thanksgiving treat! (recipe is courtesy of Foodnetwork.com)

Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups shredded fresh pumpkin
1 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together.
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine both mixtures and fold in the shredded pumpkin and pumpkin seeds. Once the ingredients are all incorporated pour into a non- stick 9 by 5 by 3-inch loaf pan. If your pan is not non- stick coat it with butter and flour.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. At this point a knife inserted into the middle of the loaf should come out clean. Cool for 15 minutes and turn out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely. For muffins temperature should also be 325 degrees F., but bake for 30 minutes.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with love and happiness with friends and family!! See ya monday!!!

Black Friday

The infamous shopping day, Black Friday, is fast approaching. The stores are in a frenzy to sell, sell, sell, but will it be enough? The sales are great but if you are on a strict budget like me, is it low enough? Will you be among the midnight crowd at the outlet malls or the 4am shoppers at wal-mart and target? I will be working at 6am (hospitals never close) but even if I weren't i would stay far away from the traffic and parking pains, and the rude people that have forgotten the true meaning of the season. If you will be among the crowd, please be safe!

Rocker Chic

When i think of rocker chic i think Patricia Fields. SATC's famed stylist has impeccable taste and a fearless sense of adventure with style. Travel over to her site, http://www.patriciafields.com/ and see for yourself. Here's a few essentials to clinch the rocker chick look, gloves and statement rings are true necessities:

Patent Leather Half Gloves From $28.00 to $32.00

Silver Leather Spy Gloves $42.00

Patricia Field Perforated Leather Gloves $48.00

5-Finger Half Gloves $48.00

Aged Bronze Half Gloves with Studs From $28.00 to $32.00

Bling Skull Ring $28.00

4 Finger Bling Ring $64.00
Spiked Ring $72.00

WInter Coats

A must have for the season and to stay warm through those snowy days and chilly nights is a structured double breasted coat. It is a must have in your closet that is truly timeless. Whether standing collar or extended lapel, with or without a belt it's a staple! Try it in the classic colors of black, charcoal, cream, or camel. Here's a few of my favorite:
Stay warm!!!

The Nose Knows

One thing I love is a good smelling man!! Nothing is better. I immediately take note when a waft of aromatic delight crosses my path. It's instant sex appeal! Fellas my one piece of advice is ask the women in your life what fragrance they like, buy it, and never, ever overdo it! Don't drown in it! One or sprays for that subtle hint, is all you need! Here's a couple of my favorites:

Very Sexy® For Him Cologne Spray $39-$49
Unforgivable by Sean John Fragrance $57-$74

What scents do like?

Cultural Events

Last year, around this time, I had the pleasure of attending Brown University's African Students Associations Cultural Show which included a delicious meal, music, dance and a fashion show. The use of kente cloth, vibrant colors and pattern were a visual delight.

I hate that I can't remember the name of the fabulous designer but these looks are great for day and night and they are oh so right! What cultural event are happening in your backyard?

I Need Your Help

OK, so I know that you should be happy for those who have found love and happiness but, I am completely heart broken. The love of my life (well, OK, fine that is probably an exaggeration) is in love and happy with another woman. The twist in this love story is I have never actually met this man. I know, sad. I haven't had a crush this big since high school. He is funny, handsome, sexy, intelligent, and incredibly talented. I smile every time I see him, on the computer or movie screen (yes, he's an actor). Anyway, he is rumored to be dating this chick for the past 5-6 months and photos have been taken of them holding hands and now kissing! I just wanna cry! I hate that I feel this way, but I do. I want him all to myself! But I have to come to the realization that we will probably never meet and even if we did the likely hood of the two of us falling madly in love and living a long passion filled life together is practically nonexistent. How do you overcome an obession? Is there a 12 step program for this? You guys, i need help!!

The Clutch

When i want to feel girlie and a little dressed up. I reach for my handy dandy, chic clutch. It can be simple or a statement maker. Whether its a snake skin envelope, a studded rocker chick wristlet, colorful patterned coin purse, or encrusted with crystal, this is a style staple. Get many in every color, shape, and size! I give you permission!!! Here are a few of my favorites:

Ahhhhh.......

Nothing feels better than wrapping yourself up in soft, luxurious fabrics. It just makes me feel fancy! After taking a relaxing, long, hot bath in a room filled with candles, a glass of wine, and good book, wrapping my newly exfoliated skin in silk and/or cotton kimono robe. To achieve the same comfort try these great options:

Kanji Yukata Robe 28.00

Personalized Red Satin Kimono Robe 33.95

Kimono with Obi 45.00 (from The House of Rice Store)

Larger Size Floral Robe 39.95 (from The House of Rice Store)

Premium Floral Kimono Robe $125.00

Accessorize

To jazz up any outfit, never forget to accessorize. It's the fastest and cheapest way to transform any outfit from drab to fab! To begin my accessories series, the necklace is a versatile power player in your jewelry box. Layer or wear alone, it is the perfect option to take you look from day to night or dress up a simple jean, tee shirt, and heels combo or take a great sheath dress from office chic to happy hour ready. Head over to forever21.com or your nearest store to pick up these and many other options.

The Look Book

So everyone has seen the power look, that is quit popular for this season, on your fave celebrities from Beyonce to Rihanna, Kim K. to Ciara. The Power look is fierce and hard to deny.

To achieve this look start with a power blazer with strong shoulder:
Next, pair it with a chic tee:
To give you the long, lean, and sexy leg we all want pull out a pair of leggings. Don't be afraid of pattern or textured leggings. My fave are the liquid legs!
Don't forget the rocker chic booties. Find a pair with metal detail and/or peep toe.
And lastly, don't forget to add your stunna shade! You'll have to block your eyes for all those flashing light in this hot look!

Have fun ladies!!

What Are You Thankful For?

With the big turkey day right around the corner, think about your call to action. We have a lot to be thankful for this year. No matter what you situation may be, it could always be worse! Try to find a way to give back this season and pass on some of the blessings you've received. Here's a few options to get you going:

1. Reading is fundamental! Go to your local library and read to the kiddies, they'll love you for it!

2. Food for thought! Locate you area food bank and donate non-perishables or donate you time by helping them meet the demand for the holiday. I can guarantee they'll be happy to have you!

3. Think big! Organize your own toy and/or food drive at work or school or among friends and families. If cooking is your strength, start a raffle to win a personal chef for the day/week for the person/family the contributes the most. If not cooking, offer your services to do some holiday shopping, cleaning, etc. what ever it takes to get 'em hooked!

4. Baby, it's cold outside! Gently used coats, clothing, shoes and linens are essential to homeless shelters. Unfortunately there may be more people living in these shelters or on the streets this year that could truly use any and all you can give.

When thinking of what you are thankful for, don't forget that many other would love to have all those little things we take for granted each day. If you have any other ideas or suggestion send them in and I'll spread the word!

Finals

Sorry guys, finals are calling. I'l have an up date for you tomorrow!

Smooches

Home Decor

Linden Sofa + Armchair $599-1699

If your anything like me, you bore easily with home decor. Maybe bore is the wrong word, but the urge and need for change or make improvements in your home comes around every three to four months. Well your in luck, a change is simple and easy to achieve without spending a lot of money.

1. Rearrange the room. This can be as simple as angling a larger piece of furniture (ex. sofa or bed). This will allow you to create a new focal point in the room.
2. Add color. This can be achieved by painting the walls or hanging paintings in the color palate you desire. Keep in mind you are an artist, so go to a supply store, pick up a few canvas', and paint til you get it right!
3. Fabric. Change the pillows on the bed or sofa, change your window treatments, frame fabrics you love and display as art, and switch the throws on the sofa and bed. If your feeling extra crafty, make a fabric headboard, it's an easy and fun way add variety to the bedroom.
4. Flower power. Flowers are the easiest way to bring color, life, and freshness to any room.
5. Let their be light. Bring in candles, switch out lamps, and alter your window treatment.

To reinvent the room above I would use these fabulous options:

Floral Scarf Pillow $38.00
Silk Dupioni Window Panel $59-109
Chenille Throw - Brown (50x60")
Infinite Tone IV - 16 x 16 79.99
Ivory Unscented Candles 3.99-13.98
Hammered Copper Vase 49.99

Style Star: Kerry Washington

Very few people in Hollywood live up to my fashion standards consistently. Someone that I applaud with every red carpet event, photo shoot, or just everyday fashion choices. Well, my fashion icon, and the first in my style star series, is none other than Ms. Kerry Washington!! Never fails. She exudes classic sophistication, never fears bold colors and patterns, and seems to achieve flawless fashion perfection without even trying. Words used to describe the style of this women of sophistication: fun, flirty, feminine, sexy, flawless! Who's a star in you book?