Well hello there!  Yes, it has been awhile, and I don't even have an excuse!  Forgive me?  K thanks!

This past weekend was pretty eventful.  I went to the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival in Philly with my bff Leilani.  It's a 3-day, free festival that features a lot of great jazz artists, with various vendors selling art, jewelry, clothing, skin, body, & hair products, basically anything and everything!

We went the first day, on Friday, to see Chrisette Michele.  She performed in the evening, but we arrived there in the afternoon to check out some of the other artists first.

Btw, I didn't touch up my legs in any of these pics, this is all exfoliation + baby oil lol.  When the legs are out, I don't mess around!

Lei killin 'em as usual.  How cute are her shoes!!

Of course we had to take it there...

Wearing an ASOS denim top, Rogan for Target dress, Gap gold braided belt, and Enigma wedges

I've already worn this dress on the blog here, but it's my favorite dress, and I styled it differently this time.  I wanted to look casually cute, since it was a festival.  I couldn't roll up looking too dressy, so I think the denim + b&w leopard print + brown wedge combo gave me a solid "safari chic" vibe, which was the look I was going for :) lol

My plan was to take a lot of street style photos whilst at the festival, so my mom helped me make some business cards to hand out to people once I took their picture.  Thanks Mom!

Does anyone else use baby oil regularly?  I can't be the only one... Right?

Unfortunately I didn't find anyone I felt was worthy of capturing...... Business card #fail 

(I actually did end up giving out my business card to two people.  One to the owner of the artwork below, and some random dude who wouldn't leave me alone.  I need to do better next time haha)!

The first thing we did as soon as we got to jazz fest was eat (of course).  We went to a soulfood place called Victoria's Place, and grubbed on some fried fish, buffalo shrimp, collard greens, candied yams, and mac & cheese.  It was so yummy!  We then walked around to check out some performances + vendors before Chrisette's set.

This woman's artwork is created solely from banana leaves.  How creative is that!  I found her work to be beautiful!

There were also some great clothing & jewelry vendors, but I was so in awe I forgot to take pictures!  That and my Nikon was seeming to attract too much unwanted attention, so that also shied me away from taking as many photos smh...

This is the only close up pic I could find (via a google search), and these back tattoos are Photoshopped on....  Are those supposed to be wings? lol...

You CLEARLY can't see her well from my pictures, since I was far away, and don't have (yet) a zoom lens, but she looked GORGEOUS!  The dress, the hair, and she sounded great!  She is VERY entertaining as well, so effortlessly comfortable on stage.  It was enjoyable to watch and I was jammin' hard because I love her music!  Her band was killin' and her bg vocalists were hilarious.  Get it Chrisette!

Throughout the day at the festival Lei and I kept getting wiffs of baby oil (it wasn't me, promise lol), and saw sight of a LOT of interesting characters, including this one lady who got past the lazy security, basically jumping on stage to get Chrisette's autograph.  Chrisette kept it classy and gladly signed the woman's yellow lined piece of paper this fan presented to her.  The fan was super hype, making sure to wave it in everyone's faces as she walked back to her lawn chair -_-

Sunday was Father's Day, and some of the family came over to hang.  The men played golf, and unfortunately I had to work, but I rushed home as soon as I got off that evening, to spend a little time with the family before they left, and to spend the rest of the evening with my wonderful father on Father's Day.  

My mom cooked up a storm:  jerk chicken, bbq ribs (homemade sauce), potato salad, corn on the cob, grilled vegetables... We had fresh fruit, and Mom made two homemade peach cobblers, homemade coconut pound cake, and even had the nerve to make some homemade ice cream to go with it!  She really outdid herself!!  And of course it was all delicioso cuz my mom is a BEAST in the kitchen!

I've been really trying to stay focused on my workout grind and make my weight goals, but having all this food in the house is a problem!  How am I not supposed to gain weight when I have all this butter, salt, and sugar haunting me everytime I step foot into the kitchen?!?  LOL,  Ohhhhh well.

-Kris

P.S.  Today is the first day of summer! Woo hoo! :)

Twitter/Facebook

Twitter/Facebook

Twitter/Facebook

The title of this post is the direct reference to how my friends and I are ALWAYS LATE when we plan to go somewhere together.  We're not late to everything individually, but when we all plan an outing, and plan to leave/arrive at a certain time, we always miss the mark.  We're. Always. Late.  And I'm not talking about 10, maybe even 15 minutes late.  I mean HOURS late haha!  It's so ridiculous!

So last week, Tuesday to be exact, I headed into the city with my friend Leilani to see some of my college guy friends (who play for Jordan Knight)'s album release party at the Canal Room in Tribeca (If you're unsure of who Jordan Knight is, google New Kids on the Block) lol.  Lei and I, along with some of our other girlfriends were all going to meet up at this album release that evening (mind you the album release starts at 8:30p.m.).

Wearing a Patrick Robinson for Target dress, Enigma Wedges, and vintage jewelry

Lei and I get into the city around 6ish, but had to hit up a Chipotle (food > everything) lol.  We get to our friend Shawna's apartment to change and then plan to head to the party to see the show/meet up with our friend Therlande (4 of us ladies total).

Everyone's taking their sweet ole time getting ready, and I notice that it's already 8:00.  We're not even close to being out the door, so I mention that we should really finish getting dressed because we're going to be late.  I mention this a good 3 more times before we actually head out the door, AT 9:30p.m. SMH!

Long story short, we get there and... THE SHOW IS OVER.  Therlande shows up even later than us!  All we could do is laugh!

These are probably my favorite pair of shoes.  I bought them last year, days before graduation to wear with my grad dress.  So glad I purchased them!  And they're extremely comfortable!

Jordan Knight ended up walking past us so we did see him for all of two seconds haha, and we chatted with our guy friends for a bit after the show as well (sidenote: groupies are real... Smh).  Us girls decided to head to Cafeteria to meet up with some ppl for drinks and conversation.  We had a great time, I even ran into a friend from high school!  The night was really random, but it was a night filled with laughter, fun, and memories to last a lifetime!

-Kris

Hey guys!  I know it's been awhile, but life sometimes takes me out of my regular blogging routine!  I don't have any major updates, I've just been enjoying being a young 20 something, and living life!  The weather is vastly improving and I've been soaking up the sun at every chance I get!  Is it safe to say that I'm naturally in a better mood during the summer months hehe?

In other news, I think I'm going back to school.  I don't know when, but I realize that in today's economy, having a bachelor's degree really doesn't cut it.  I want to get my masters, so I'm lowkey looking into grad schools.  Is anyone else having a tough time getting a job in their desired career field these days?  I'll keep you guys posted on my school search :)

In my last post, I discussed my opinion on my generations lack of proper dating, which seemed to cause a little buzz.  I've been heavily speaking about the subject, and relationships/interactions between the sexes not just on this blog, but with friends and fam, and actually a lot with people via twitter for like the past week lol!  It's interesting to hear people's perspectives on dating, especially in regards to women and men in their early 20's.  I enjoyed the conversation and opinions!  Thanks guys!

Wearing an UO dress, Kenneth Cole belt, Topshop silver cuff, and Nine West wedge slingbacks

I was attempting to channel my inner Beyonce by performing the choreography from her Billboard Music Awards performance of Run the World, but ended up channeling my own craziness. Smh.  Did anyone see that performance?  How amazing was she?!

I love the zipper detail and the back of this dress so much.  And I got it for 15 bucks!  Holler.

I'm headed to an album release party tomorrow which should be exciting, and I'll get to see some of my college buddies, which is always fun!  

Everyone have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, and let us never forget the fallen women and men soldiers who risked their lives to serve and fight for our country, and also the ones that do each day!  We thank you!

Best,

-Kris

Dating.  Or lack there of...

I was talking to a few of my girlfriends about this the other day.  Let me start with the general question:

"Why don't men want to date anymore?"

What ever happened to going out on a date, getting to know someone, having good conversation, and finding satisfaction through that?  These guys seem to want instant gratification, and it's like, just because you bought me a plate of pasta and a mojito doesn't mean I owe you anything other than my time!

Which brings me to my next question... Does traditional dating exist in our generation?

A good night kiss used to be a big deal (it still is for me), but I feel like that's labeled as prude today.  Women may feel they have to submit to certain "actions" in order to keep the interest of the guy they are seeing (which is ridiculous), but sometimes is what happens.  But what about the guys that take you out on a date that seem to be decent men?  Are they going a long with this "dating process" and being a "gentleman" in hopes to eventually get in your pants?  Is that always the ultimate goal?

Wearing a Bar III jacket, Flying A dress, Enigma wedges My eyes are like half closed in all these photos.  I blame allergies!

Does location affect one's mindset when meeting someone they find attractive?  For instance, meeting someone in the club vs. at a family/social gathering, or even a professional setting.  Of course when you're in the club or a bar, everyone's drinking/dancing, juices flowing (lol)... Guys may have expectations of how the night should end... SO I guess if anything, if you go home with a guy from the club, do NOT expect a relationship to blossom out of that!  Clearly!!  As far as meeting someone at a social gathering or professional setting... Is there an unspoken barrier of respect that men will have for you that isn't there at a club or bar type environment?

Furthermore, all the advancements in technology have had a huge influence on how we communicate.  We want to send/receive things in the quickest, fastest way possible at all times.  We spend money for the top of the line, fastest, thinnest, lightweight piece of technology to get what we want, when we want it.  That mentality has crossed over into other aspects of our daily lives, and I feel it is a hinderance to direct person-to-person communication.  If you feel more comfortable texting me than talking to me face to face, you have a problem (lol).

So where am I supposed to meet this gentleman who can speak eloquently (preferably 6'3," abs of steel, corporate, but creative), respectful, kind, funny, a family man?

Do I have high standards?

I know I can't label all men as such, I'm really more focusing on guys in my generation, but I know not all guys in my generation are like the guy I'm describing...

What do you guys think??  Let's discuss this! :)


Peace,

-Kris

Twitter//Facebook

Hi guys!  I'm still on a natural high from the weekend!

I traveled to Boston this past Thursday to attend Berklee College of Music's 2011 Commencement.  I graduated from Berklee last year, but had a lot of friends that were to graduate this year, so I had to go back!  I had such an amazing time!  Laughing, living, being surrounded by friends, feeling like a musician again... It was like a re-boot of energy!

This post has a lot of pictures, as I am showing you guys my whole weekend!  Stay with me, there's a storyline here! :D

Boston is such a beautiful city.

I stayed with my lovely friends Therlande (left) and Tori (right).  I'm pretty sure we didn't stop laughing the whole entire weekend!  We had such a great time!

Boston's not too big, but we definitely have underground transportation.  The T!

The first day I was there we went to a cookout at a friend's house.

Aren't these ladies beautiful?

Of course we couldn't show up to the BBQ empty handed!  Sorry Therlande for making you carry the case of beer haha.  At least you got a workout! lol

We had fun at the cookout, and Tori and I ended up beating the champs at Beer Pong #collegedays  I'm not gonna lie, I was a little rusty at first, but we finished strong!  

Red Sox fans everywhere, all the time.  But this little girl in her princess costume was too cute!

Since Berklee is a music school, we do it a little differently than most graduations.  We have a concert the night before graduation which features music of the musicians being honored that year.  This year they honored Mavis Staples, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Garrett.

My friends are extremely fashionable friends as well.  How cute are these two and their looks!  #style

The three of us performed at last year's commencement concert.  Good times!  Don't tell anyone, but overall, I think our concert was better than this years!  #2010 holla!  Obviously I'm a bit biased.... 

What's up with all of my hashtags?  I clearly tweet too much LOL  

While we're on the topic... 

Therlande: @Tloui143

Tori: @chemise445

Wearing a Bar III jacket and Rogan for Target dress.

I enjoyed the concert, and was able to get a picture of my dear friend who performed that night, Katrina Bello.  She sounded great!  She look gorgeous, loving this cobalt blue!  You can follow her @kbello

My ace Shawna, SHUTTING IT DOWN with her shaved head.  She's so fierce!

After the show, I went with Shawna to her aunt's home before meeting up with friends for drinks.  We had a good time.   I kept myself busy while she got ready lol. 

The next night we went to a graduation party and it was like a huge reunion!  I saw errbody that night.  Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures that night, but it's probably best I didn't haha.  Goood times.

The next day was graduation.  I can't believe it has been one full year since I walked across that same stage!  Ahh!

Therlande's turban game is on POINT!

Katherine

Jaret and Parris.  So proud of all you guys!

<3

This past weekend was irreplaceable, and this trip reminded me of how many beautiful people I have in my life.  I didn't realize how much I missed Boston, until I was back there!


-Kris

(Photos taken by myself and various friends of mine)  :)

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Twitter//Facebook

Twitter//Facebook

I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday this past weekend.  My birthday was May 1st, but I celebrated (for the most part) on Saturday night.  The besties Sasha and Leilani took me out to a lovely restaurant, and afterwards met up with some of our girlfriends to do some bar hopping!

Leilani picked me up, and my mom took pictures of us before dinner.

I called this outfit "Latin Heat" lol

My mom bought me this awesome jacket for my bday :)

I'm basically about to bomb you guys with a slew of pics, but give me a pass cuz it was my bday, k? 

:)

I've realized that I love big hair.  I used to live in Texas, so that may have been an influence hehe

Leilani was shutting it down as usual...

Before Leilani picked me up I...

1. Got lash glue in my left eye which resulted in instant swelling and a bloodshot eye

2. Spilled a bottle of nail polish all over my bathroom floor (and partially on my carpet) because I was rushing to paint my nails

3.  Decided I will never try to apply my own falsies ever again.  #traumatizing 

We met up with Sasha and the restaurant, and I totally forgot to not only take pictures of her (she looked great!!!) but a picture of all three of us!  What the heck was I thinking?  But I also accidentally left my iPhone at home, so I was kind of a hott mess the whole day haha.  Next time we go out, I'm taking pictures of the trio!!

Leilani won't know this until she reads this, but Sasha and I have renamed her "Emolani."  

My lovely friend Tatiana met us for dinner too!

It's time for the food pics!

I didn't have my phone, so I took over Tati's to tweet occasionally lol.  Thanks Tati!

After dinner we went bar hopping.  There were 7 of us girls, we always have a great time together, so it was effortless fun!

Club Stories:

1. I was known that night in all the bars as "The girl in the hot pink pants" haha.  They're RED (but in the club, you couldn't really see that).

2.  There was this random 45+ year old "Rasta Man" whipping his dreads in the middle of the dance floor, in house slippers, at the club all night, who unfortunately kept hitting on me.

3. My hair was a big hit, no pun intended, as many men randomly came up to me to comment on my hair.  The bigger the better!

Yesterday,  (my actually bday), was VERY relaxing.  I just chilled, watched movies with Mom.  Sasha came over for a bit,  I watched my Celtics play in Game 1 against Miami (although we lost... Not sweatin it), and had dinner + dessert with my parents at the crib.  

I am blessed.

-Kris

(Photography: Stephanie M. Floyd Brooks + Sasha Phyars-Burgess

Hey guys!

What's new?  Nothing too new with me.  I've been enjoying these trips to NYC, and am understanding the importance of networking with each established relationship..  Easter was fun, it was great to be with the fam as usual!  It was also my cousin's bday and he turned 20.  I'm still trying to wrap my head around that!!  Of course, the food hit the spot: grilled fish, stuffed oysters, pork, beef ribs, mac & cheese, collards, string beans, dinner rolls, etc etc.  It was so bomb!  I was too full to even eat dessert, but I made myself eat a few bites of the delicious homemade cheesecake my aunt made!  The weather was beautiful, it reached 86 degrees, but did end with a huge storm lol.

I've been freestyling with my hair lately, and I am really liking how it's been turning out!

I'm loving this floral sequined top from ASOS

My birthday is this weekend, May 1st, and I have no idea what I'm doing.  One of my bff's Sasha informed me that dinner was involved with "other people," I guess meaning a group, but I have no idea where.  So I guess I'm just doing as I'm told.  I'm pretty excited.  I love food, and all I really want to do for my bday is to get a mani/pedi and to wear something cute  for dinner of course! 

I was also officially featured (for the first time ever) by the lovely Folake of Style Pantry.  Her site and her style are both AMAZING and I am so honored to be featured on her site!  Please check it out here! :)

Find me on Facebook

Find me on Facebook

Find me on Facebook

-Kris

This weekend consisted of a lot of food, a lot of laughs, and a lot of fun :D

If you follow me on twitter, you know that I tweeted about how I desperately wanted a leather skirt.  I was concerned because I wanted to rock one before it got too hot outside (but at this rate, who knows if the weather will ever warm up).  I brought it up to my mom and two seconds later she busted out with a leather skirt, the one I happen to be wearing in this post lol.  And to think I knew of every article that is in her closet!  Tsk tsk tsk.

It was extremely windy outside, we've been having some crazy weather on the East Coast.

When I bought this shirt a few months ago, it didn't fit at all.  Now it does. #progress

This is my second attempt at doing a heatless roller-set (I let my hair air dry).  I like how it turned out this time.  I tried to channel Dorothy Dandridge, rather than looking like I had on Jennifer Hudson's wig from Dreamgirls pictured in this post.

As you know, my friend Shawna visited me this weekend so I played host/tour guide and showed her around my city!  She along with the besties all had a good ole time.

We ate.

And chilled.

Like my new purse?  I'm surprised I bought it because I don't like to carry them, but this one was too cute!  It's from Target!

Then we ate some more...

... And some more!

I should be ashamed of the amount I consumed this weekend, but it felt good at the time!  I'm currently struggling (my body isn't taking it well haha), but hey, things happen.

I'm headed to NYC again this morning for another meeting.  I'll speak on it if anything comes from it (hopefully)!



-Kris

Facebook // Twitter

Facebook // Twitter

Facebook // Twitter

I find it hard to blog when I don't have any official updates or exciting news to share.  But that's life.  Not every day is an exciting one, and I guess that will push me to be more creative with my posts, right?  Anywho, as you know, I took a sojourn in NYC last weekend.  I was there for a meeting for potential job opps.  I was able to do a bit of networking and am meeting with someone from Universal Music Group sometime in the next week or so.  So we'll see...

In other news, my lovely friend Shawna is planning to come stay with me this weekend from the city, and I'm so excited as I have the whole weekend planned!  I really want to make an itinerary (more so for myself than her), but I'm stopping myself from doing so.  I know.  A LOT.  No worries, I'll be taking loads of pics to make up for the lack of outfit pics from the last two posts.  Thanks for being patient guys!  xo

Here are the pics I took whilst in the city:

I always hit that Dean & Deluca for a quick bite to eat

The lovely Shawna

She lives in Central Park West :)

"Always hold the pole on a moving train." I found this hilarious.  I feel bad for that lady, she was doing her best to act like she didn't notice me taking pictures in her direction.

I walked around by myself for a little bit, vibin to Frank Ocean.  Good stuff.

This is actually not chalk, but sand.  He was dropping it from his hand.  Pretty talented!

The meeting was with a family friend, we met at Republic in Union Square.

I didn't want the person I met with to think I was a creep, so I snuck and took a pic while he was in the restroom hehe

I got to reunite with my lovely friend Arianna whom I haven't seen in like 4 years!  I also got the meet the lovely Anael, after talking through twitter for like... Years!  lol.  They're so fab, love you guys! xo

They both blog and tweet like I!

Ari: twitter & tumblr

Anael: twitter & tumblr

I had the pleasure of meeting up with my boo David as well! He's on twitter too!

I had a pounding headache so I didn't drink anything...

The next morning I met Shawna at work for a complimentary breakfast (lol), then headed home!

Overall, it was a pretty fun trip, and I'll be back for another meeting soon.  I'm keeping the faith as usual! 

My birthday is coming up in about 2 weeks, and I'm trying to figure out what to do... Something lowkey...

I am also having so much fun with the facebook page!  I'm loving the interaction!  Join me here.

-Kris