This weather has been such a drag (RuPaul reference)!!  But all I ask is it be nice on my birthday weekend.  I mean, it's not for another few weeks, but I'm speaking it into existence ahead of time.  That is all I want! lol

Since my official decision to choose NYC vs. LA, I've been applying for full-time jobs in NYC for the past few days intensely... All I can do is apply and follow-up until I get that interview k!  I will not give up!

Besides that, same routine... Work, working out, socializing on social media venues lol... Oh and I made the Facebook Page.  I hope you like it... LITERALLY.. (leaving the link below)!!

I've also been trying to "juice" more to get my daily servings of fruits and veggies.  I make good juice ya'll!  I can make kale, broccoli, apples, & carrots taste delightful!

The juicer actually does all the work, but hey, I come up with some pretty cool combos!

No outfit post today, but next post will definitely include one :)  I wanted to add some photos that have been giving me life lately:

I'm gna rock the natural hair all summah long baby!

I really want to do dye my hair, but I'm a wuss!

I love me some Julia Styles and I think this top is so awesome haha.  I figure this photo was taken in the late 1990's.

Willy Cartier.  Get to know him.

My mother's HS graduation photo.  She didn't smile because she had braces LOL!  I'm going to grow my hair this large one day!

I really want to try this hairstyle.  It looks hott on her!

I've also been obsessing over gel manicures.  It is a polish that can be applied on your natural nail that is dried by a UV light in like 5 minutes.  And it lasts for a good 2 weeks!  I only get it done every 2 weeks because my nails grow out by then.  Here's a pic of how bomb it looks, PLEASE EXCUSE THE ASH:

Discoveries:

-gel manicures (as discussed).  Uh-mazing.

-gaudy jewelry (I'm loving statement fashion jewelry pieces more and more each day).
-Blogger makes your pictures look like ish and grainy and gross.  I will be uploading via Photobucket from here on out.

-making short-term goals keep me hungry and always striving to achieve something greater than myself.
-I want to change my banner and my whole blog layout, so work with me here while I get it together lol 

-Kris

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(inspiration images via tumblr)

I feel like there is so much to discuss!  First things first.  The past 6 months have been a grueling, strenuous search for a job.  Not just for any job, but a job in my desired career field.  I was so close to an opportunity that I would have dreamed to receive, but it didn't work out.  I've learned that if an opportunity doesn't work out, it's only because there is another opportunity that eventually will.  I've also been contemplating over whether to make the move to NYC or LA by the end of the summer, and I've decided... New York it is!

NYC will be the most sensible and less expensive move.  I won't have to pay to ship my furniture (I live close to the city), and I won't have to buy a car to get around (plus car expenses, such as gas, car note, insurance, etc).  I love LA, and I feel that it is in my future, but for now, NYC will be my present.  I love the city, and am excited to start my career there.  Now all I have to do is land a job as quickly as possible!


My life this past week:

The besties and I went bar hopping then ended at a friend's apt to chill :)

With our friend Rachel

Sorry Lei for putting you on blast, but your facial expressions are beating mine by far this time!

(To compensate for the crazy-faced photos :p)  Isn't she gorg?

We discovered that the bff's were wearing the same exact outfit, only in opposite ways.  How weird haha?!

I also made dinner for the rents this week... Pizza!

I tried making guacamole, but realized (in process) that I didn't have the ingredients necessary, so I freestyled, but it was a #FAIL

At least the pizzas turned out to be delicious!!

New jewelry pieces + Akbar + New hair style I tried out 

It looks stuffy and old, but I forgot to pick it out with my fingers before I took the pic... It looks more 70's glam when I do... I'm kind of feeling it...

I need your opinion on two things: 

1.  Should I change my banner?  I've been thinking about it for a little while, have consulted with a few blog buddies, and want to know your opinion.  Is it too busy?  Should I simplify it, or do you like it the way it is?  I would appreciate the feedback!

2.  Facebook "Like" Page?  I think I'm ready to make one.  I'm finding that it is a little much posting all of my blog biz (blogger + tumblr + twitter) on my Facebook wall, and I'm tired of posting my statuses "check out my new post."  I've recently connected with bloggers through their Facebook fan pages, and I think it would be an easier way to consolidate and interact with fellow bloggers/blog readers.  It's easier to keep up with everyone's posts that way as well.  What do you guys think?  Yay or nay?  Do you have a Facebook page for your blog (if so PLEASE leave me the link so I can be apart of it)?

-Kris

******P.S.  Banner is a temp until I can figure something out!  Bare with me :) ******

Inspiration can be derived from anything and everything.  One can be inspired by the light that comes through their window each morning, the color blue, their family, the trees... I find myself always looking for inspirational things to keep me going, especially when I'm feeling "stuck." Not knowing where I'll be living by the end of summer, or if I'll be hired by a prospective employer can be pretty darn stressful, but I always cope with these emotions by finding outlets to keep my spirit alive and happy!

This shoot was inspired by Malik Sidibe.  Sasha introduced me to this amazing photographer who is most known for his black and white captures of the 1960's pop culture scene in Bamako, Mali.  I read in an article that he was the "Cobrasnake of Bamako" haha!  Nonetheless, I will share with you the photos we derived inspiration from, then show you our translation of that.

Wearing vintage pieces from my mother's personal collection.

I started this blog 4 months ago, and just by having it has exposed me to so many inspirational images, like-minded individuals, people that I never thought I would connect with, beautiful ideas, and more... A community of young adult women and men that are searching for the inspiration that will carry them through the rest of their lives.

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. "  -Helen Keller

Be inspired!  Think about what inspires you :)


-Kris

Friday night was VERY festive.  I ended up going out with Sasha, then meeting up with a couple friends at a local bar.  Now, this bar is known to be on the "sketchy" side.  Not sketchy in a dangerous way, but sketchy as in the people that frequent there.  It's a weird mix of 45+ year olds, college kids, 21-30 somethings like myself, and the occasional 60+ year old individuals whom have no business being out at a bar at midnight.

My friends and I roll up to this place, nothing's going on, but the dj is pretty good, so we start dancing.  I also told the dj that he MUST play some Nate Dogg in honor of his recent departure from this earth (R.I.P. Nate Dogg).  Of course it only takes a few people to start dancing (aka us), then everyone else joins in.  Everything was going smoothly until the first creepster enters the picture:

Subject 1: Short man in scrubs.  Yes, scrubs, like a nurse's scrubs.  As if he got off work from the hospital and went straight to the bar to get his groove on.  My girls and I were the only ones really dancing, so he and his two female friends start dancing, but then he starts dancing with us.  At first it was "Cute, haha, you're older, and tryna get down with some youngsters, get it!"  But then it was like, "Dude, chill, relax, please leave my personal space, thanks."

And he wasn't even into us like that *flips hand into limp position* but it was still a lot.  We literally had to run from him at one point!

Subject 2: Random grimey dude that hit on me, then hit on my friend right next to me, then hit on me again, ending with him literally chasing us down the street asking for our numbers.  I wasn't drinking that night (thank goodness), there was so much going on.

Welcome to my life in the suburbs.

After that we headed to a friends apartment and had a post-bar dance party, which was hilariously funny.  We had such a fun night, one for the books!

Another look from the "Backdrop Series."  Wearing F21 top, vintage jewelry + gold chain belt (worn as a necklace) Blazer from Soho boutique for $10, Gap jeans + belt,  and Dolce Vita boots

I was rapping Nicki's verse from "Monster" in this shot haha.  I really need to monitor the stank faces in my posts.  It can be a lot, I know...

My legs look stumpy in this pic... *Kanye shrug*

This past week I've also come to the conclusion that thrifting isn't for me.  I've tried a handful of times, and it's always a fail.  I have no patience for that kind of thing.  That is why online shopping works.  I know what I want, I search for it, and I find it.  Of course the occasional mall visit is enjoyable as well ;)

Besides that, I've been on the job hunt.  I can say that I'm getting closer, but not quite there.  Hopefully I'll be able to share some exciting news with you soon... (hopefully)!

Peace,

-Kris


P.S. Today is the second day of Spring, and I woke up to an inch of snow  -__-

Yes I'm still here!  I know, it's been awhile since I last posted (almost two weeks).  I've been busy ya'll, I promise!  Don't hold it against me!

What have I been up to lately you ask?  Well, even if you didn't ask... Work!  The truth is, I've been working a lot lately, and haven't had much time for blogging.  But I'm making a vow to stay on track with posting regularly!

What's been up with you all?

Wearing: American Apparel sheer black blouse, Express trousers, Rachel Roy pumps

I've been sticking with going to the gym, and the weather is increasing its temperature each week as well!  That really keeps me motivated because summer is vastly approaching!  Gotta get it right, get it tight!

These pics were shot in my home with a backdrop.  The bff and I had a grand ole' time shooting while listening to Kanye :)

I've also been listening to Bruno Mars's album (I'm late, but I just downloaded it a couple days ago).  I really like it!  What are you guys listening to these days?  I could use some suggestions!

-Kris


P.S. Congratulations to Kat for winning my first ever giveaway!

There will be another one coming soon so stay tuned! ;)

Japan will remain in my thoughts and my prayers.

I don't have an outfit post today.  I looked through some random pics last night, and saw some that I thought were so "gif-able," and wanted to share.

4x4 gif

I thought the Oscars this year was lovely.  Anne Hathaway & James Franco were definitely drinking during commercial breaks lol.  I don't think James's eyes were all the way open once the whole entire night haha!

My favorite dress was Givenchy Haute Couture on Cate Blanchett. You can view it here.

On this day my mom informed me that I looked like Boy George.

I like to chill w my kitty Antoinette and take pics of us whilst still in my rollers.

Lioness

New discoveries:

-Kickboxing class at the gym

-Chobani Greek Yogurt

-Twitter makes the world really small

Let's make it even smaller.

Follow me on twitter

Follow me on twitter

-Kris

What's been going on?  I guess I could say a few things have been popping off, nothing too exciting lately. The snow/ice finally melted away, then the next day we got 3 inches -_- I was NOT pleased.  Can't it just be April already??  I got Adele's new album, and it is SOO good (hence the title, check out that song).  I think she's a phenomenal writer and vocalist.  This album, in comparison to her first, is a little more soulful/old school, a little more mature... She's growing up, and she has a lot to say!  I suggest you guys check it out!

Yesterday was also my parent's 25th year Wedding Anniversary, so I want to give them a shoutout!  Hi parents, congratulations!! lol

These are all the pictures from the Grammy event I previously told you guys about, we all looked so cute!

This is my friend Simisola looking fabulous.  She's wearing a custom made African jacket

I'm wearing a bar III dress, Merona tights from Target, and Jessica Simpson platform pumps

Greg!

This is the lovely Shawna and her date Sam.

Side note: The bathrooms were unisex and it was VERY awkward.  Jay-Z, that is NOT a good look!

I don't know who all follows me on twitter, but I tweet a lot.  Some of you will already know this story from twitter, but for those of you who don't... Let me just briefly say that something ALWAYS happens to me when I go to the gym.  I can't just go to the gym, have a good workout and be done.  There is always an incident.  Last night's incident:

First of all, I went to the gym late, got there around 9:30p.m., lookin' like somebody's grandmama.  I obviously did not expect to see anyone I knew either... 30 minutes into my intense elliptical workout (lol jk) BAM.  My friend's FINE older brother: muscles poppin, skin lookin' right, doing his thang!  I immediately start to freak out, wondering if he has already seen me.  At first I thought he didn't, ducking down behind the elliptical when he walked by, even hiding behind a weight lifting machine until I was out of his sight.  But as I got closer to the end of my workout, I could sense that he was watching me, so I think he did.  

Then we both knew we had seen each other, but neither one of us were saying hello.  It was SO awkward.  Mind you, there was only about 25 people total at the gym (and it's a spacious gym), so you could see everyone who was there smh.  Was he too shy or embarrassed to say hi?  Was he too embarrassed for me LMAO?!  I don't know! 

Not sure if I'll be hitting the gym after work today... If I do, I just hope nothing too crazy happens haha!

-Kris

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Follow me on twitter

Black History Month Fact: On this day, in 1965, Constance Baker Motley was elected Manhattan Borough President, the highest elective office held by a Black woman in a major American city.

Is Winter over yet??  I'm so over it!  Thankfully the snow is starting to melt, and soon I'll see what grass looks like again.  However, it's supposed to be 63 degrees on Friday so that is something to look forward to!  Woo hoo!!

Valentine's Day was a couple days ago, and I had work.  I'm single, but I still like the holiday either way lol.  I actually don't own the color red, so while everyone had on red, I was wearing beige, turquoise, and creme.  I know the color red looks great on me, but for some reason, I don't like to wear it.  Weird huh?  The closet thing to red I own is a red wash cloth!

(These photos were taken pre-winter) Wearing: H&M sweater, F21 maxi skirt, Dolce Vita boots

The Grammy's were also the other night, and as we all know, the big upset was when Esperanza Spalding won Best New Artist over Justin Bieber.  I honestly didn't think she had a chance over those crazy Beliebers, but I was so happy for her, almost in tears!  She went to Berklee as well as I, and she was a normal musician just like the rest of us.  When I got to school she had just graduated and was actually working for Berklee, and I would see her walking around campus carrying her huge upright bass with her.  She was very friendly and always wearing a smile.  If she can make it, so can we!  Let's uplift not demolish!

Frenchie Davis said it best on twitter yesterday:

"Um, not knowing who Esperanza Spalding is doesn't make her a nobody... It makes YOU musically ignorant... Again, I implore you to go sit down."

Justin Bieber fans have been verbally assaulting Esperanza through twitter, hacking her Wikipedia page, etc.  It's really over the top...  Maybe they should check out her music and see all that she's done before attacking her.  At the end of the day she is a human being, and people need to treat her as such, whether they agree or disagree with her winning the Grammy.  I think Justin Bieber is great, and definitely deserved to win just as much as she, if not more... But clearly the artists weren't judged solely on record sales (which is a good thing).  He's like 12, he's got plenty of years for Grammy's to come his way!

I don't know what's going on with the top of my head in these pics but...

What are your thoughts on this years Grammy Awards, especially in regards to the Esperanza vs. Bieber controversy?

-Kris

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Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!!  It ends in 3 days!!

TGIF!!  Is anybody going to see the new Justin Bieber movie today (just kidding... But not really)?

As you all know, I joined the gym and started working out.  At the gym I signed up with, they give you a complimentary fitness "assessment" in hopes that you'll sign up with a Personal Trainer.  I agreed to the assessment, but had no plans to sign up for a PT.  So I met with the guy, discussed what I wanted to work on (abs!!!) and he paired me up with the "abs guy" to do a few workouts.

"Robert" ( the abs guy) and I walk over to this stretching/sit-up machine.  It looked something similar to this, but larger and more slanted, so that you could lay your entire back on the bench comfortably.  Robert has me lying on the bench with a medicine ball, then reaching up in the air to touch his hand, you know, nothing fancy.  We finish the workout, and it's time to get up.  Instead of scooting up to the top of the bench, to easily get my feet from under the rolly thingys, I decide to try to get off the bench whilst still laying down.  MISTAKE.

My foot gets stuck under the rolly thingy and I literally fall off the machine sideways, in a tumble.  Everyone is looking at me.  People take out their earbuds, pause their ipods, stop their workouts to stare.  I was SOOOOOO embarrassed!!!!

I decided not to sign up with a Personal Trainer.  I'll leave it at that.

wearing: Zara gold striped sweater, Gap gold braided belt, Citizens jeans, Circa John & David hunter green boots

On a uplifting note (literally), I took a Zumba class with my Mom two days ago, and absolutely loved it! The teacher was... Ok.  She had rhythm but... It wasn't that instilled rhythm.  You could tell it took her a long time to gather the rhythm that she has haha.  I'm just saying!!

There was also an extraneous amount of booty popping involved.  There was a lady in the front going for blood.  It was as if she was auditioning as a dancer in a music video!!

I did a little organizing of my jewelry and cleaned my room yesterday.  I actually found my favorite lip liner that I thought I lost as a result of cleaning too!  I clearly need to clean my room more often...

Sunday I'm going to the Official Grammy Viewing Party at the 40/40 in NYC with a few friends.  I'll obviously be taking pictures.  It should be fun!!

Black History Month Fact: Nelson Mandela

Born in 1918 in South Africa.  He led armed resistance against apartheid, his native land's entrenched system of brutal legal discrimination that guaranteed political and economic security for White South Africans and disenfranchisement and poverty for Blacks.  As a part of the African National Congress (ANC), Mandela found himself first a fugitive and then a prisoner.  During his twenty seven years in jail, he became an international symbol of defiance against the brutality of South Africa's racist regime.  Mandela was freed from prison in 1990.  He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize three years later.  Shortly thereafter, he was elected as the first Black President of a new South Africa, one now free of apartheid- if not entirely of its legacy- due in part to his efforts. 

source

   .

Amazing.  His book is on my list of must reads.  A living legend.

-Kris

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