L.A. Vibes

With only a few weeks left in 2018, I can't help but to reflect on the blessed year that I've had. Many of my 2018 blessings came in the form of travel.  I'm fortunate enough to be able to jump up and go when I please and I did a lot of that over the last year. Now that I'm back on the dating scene, I realize that men ask the same boring questions over and over. Well the one that I hate the most after "tell me about yourself" is "what do you do for fun" ... it's such a boring, generic question. But responding "travel" is just as generic regardless of how true, LOL. So where have my jet-setting adventures taken me this year ... San Francisco, San Jose, Cuba, Seattle, Olympia, Portland, Minneapolis, Madison, Virginia Beach, New York, Chicago, Richmond and most recently Los Angeles.

Sunny, feel good L.A. gave me all the right kind of vibes. It was my first time there (surprising right) and I had a blast. I loved the weather, the scenic views, the food, the shopping but most importantly the people. L.A. folks were super friendly ... from the Uber drivers to the waiters, everyone was eager to give their suggestions on where to go and what to do.

I also loved the fashion sense. Although super trendy, most people were more casual and less avant-garde than New Yorkers. L.A. fashion was bohemian yet chic and sexy yet casual ... so, needless to say I fit right in. The men were also flirty and very outspoken with their compliments ... that's always refreshing ;). I honestly forgot how small "C" conservative D.C. is until strolling the L.A. streets.

Some of the highlights of the trip included the beautiful city views from Griffith Observatory, a mini-photo-shoot at the "Insecure" Dunes Apartment (one of my favorite TV shows), relaxing in the garden at the Getty (I love flowers), seeing Jean-Michel Basquiat's art in-person at the Broad Museum, hanging out with the "stars" on Hollywood Boulevard (LOL), taking in the fun sites and sounds of Venice Beach, walking Santa Monica Pier and of course shopping on Rodeo Drive which reminded me of "Pretty Woman" (one of my favorite movies).

So what did I wear? Well, I heard from locals that the weather can be tricky, varying 10 to 20 degrees from day to night and from town to town. So I made sure I took my moto jacket which transitions easily and pairs well with day and night attire. I also knew I'd be doing lots of walking so I took several neutral color flats that were comfortable and versatile (gold, black, blue). And, my most comfortable wedges for nightlife. Speaking of nightlife, I took several killer dresses/skirt and shirt combos for fancy dinners that I knew would be followed up by dancing. So here are the looks ... by the way, I still kept it frugally fly (most of these fits were less than $100).

Shirt - Rainbow
Sweat Pants - Ross
Shoes - Payless
Moto Jacket - Ashley Stewart
Necklace - Fashion to Figure

Dress - Forever 21+
Shoes - Rainbow
Purse - Clutch Instincts
Choker - Claire's

Crop Top & Pants - Mad Rag
Shoes - Payless

Skirt and Top - Burlington
Shoes - Rainbow
Purse - Steve Madden
Necklace - I made it!

Sweat Suit - Mad Rag
Shoes - Payless

Shirt - Rainbow
Skirt - Ashley Stewart
Shoes - Rainbow
Choker - Neighborhood Beauty Supply Store

Shirt - Rainbow
Jeans - Fashion to Figure
Shoes - Burlington
Necklace - I don't remember...LOL

Ladies, thanks for a great trip!!!

Fall Fun

Well it's only a month into Fall but it has been a busy one. I'm not complaining though, I've had a blast. Unfortunately, I have neglected to update my BBB Fam. So what have I been doing...traveling, partying, eating out and enjoying my life to the fullest. Last Fall was extremely difficult for me. I had only been single a few months, it was turning cold outside and frankly, I just wasn't used to not having a snuggle buddy. Well this Fall, I'm elated to report that it's a new day. I'm not sulking in the coldness of the season, instead I'm embracing my singleness. In fact, I'm so busy that when I am home, I'm too tired to feel lonely. I'm excited to plop down in my favorite over-sized chair, prop my feet up on the matching cushy ottoman, sip a cup of hot chocolate and Netflix and chill with me, myself and I.  Recently, I had someone tell me that I keep myself busy because I'm not comfortable with being alone. I beg to differ! I keep myself busy because I'm an outgoing person by nature. Trust me, I had lots of time to deal with my breakup, I've cried more than one person should ever cry. Do I feel lonely sometimes, well of course. But even when I was in a relationship, I was always on the go and it wasn't always with my significant other.  I have a very large circle of family and friends so there's never a shortage of things going on and people for me to hangout with. My ex was a homebody, I definitely was not and never have been. I actually felt slightly offended by this persons statement and took a few minutes to think about if what they were saying was true. However, I came to the conclusion that regardless of the reasons why I stay on the go or as that person said "in these streets," I do what feels right and good to me and I urge others to do the same. On to where I've been, what I've done and what I've eaten. The highlights: I saw Hamilton at the Kennedy Center and it was amazing; I went to the Wendy Williams Show in New York and had so much fun; I traveled to Chicago to celebrate my friend/business partners birthday; I attended several CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) events and schmoozed with lots of great people; and have tried several new restaurants including two right in my neck of the woods ... Kitchen Cray and Milk & Honey. Both are brunch restaurants, which is the new it thing. I'm digging the concept but as a marketing minded person I'm torn between the pros and cons of the business model. You miss out on potential customers who actually have 9 to 5, non-telework jobs but you also reduce over head costs because you're only open for 6 hours a day. Anyway, the food is bomb at both spots so I will continue to visit them when I can. What have I been wearing? And yes, I'm still saving money on clothes ... #FrugallyFly ... LOL!

Hamilton at The Kennedy Center
Dress: Fashion To Figure
Shoes: Payless
Clutch: Clutch Instincts
Necklace: Paparazzi

Rooftop CBC Party on Capitol Hill
Dress: Fashion to Figure
Shoes: Rainbow
Earrings: H&M

CBC Party at the Marriott
Jumpsuit: Fashion to Figure
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: Charming Charlie
Clutch: Clutch Instincts

New York - Heading to Wendy Williams Show
Shirt: Ashley Stewart
High Waist Pants: Fashion to Figure
Shoes: Rainbow
Purse: BCBG
Earrings: H&M

Chicago - Downtown Hyde Park
Moto Jacket - Ashley Stewart
Jeans w/ Mesh Cutout - Ashley Stewart
Shoes - Payless
Purse - Steve Madden
Earrings - H&M

Summer Lovin

Don't get too excited, I'm not about to divulge all of the inner workings of my love life. Reason one - it's not your business. Reason two (and most importantly) - it's too complex for this blog to handle. So let's get to what Summer Lovin really means ... I'm loving and living life to the fullest ALL summer long. I've had lots of great things going on personally and professionally. Along the way, I've been wearing some amazing and inexpensive outfits to match my Summer Lovin vibe. So what have I been doing, well ... everything. I gave a presentation on the Campus of Georgetown University, I threw my mom a birthday cookout, I attended the Beyonce concert (yes, Jay Z was there BUT I was there for Bey), I spent Fourth of July at the beach and so much more. So what have I been wearing this summer? Lots of dresses, lots of sandals and lots of - wait for it - sleeveless attire. For those of you that know me even just a tad, you know how much I hate my arms. Therefore, me wearing sleeveless attire is pure growth!  So I know what ya'll really want to know ... what did I wear to Beyonce? Well, the entire look cost less than $100 so that's something to celebrate. What I realize about summer outfits, I don't re-wear them from year-to-year as often as my other seasonal attire. Therefore, if I buy cheap clothing that won't last it's not a big deal. Here's the look!

Bodysuit: Rainbow - $10
Bermuda Shorts: Fashion to Figure - $35
Sandals: Rainbow - $15
Purse: Ross - $15

Choker: Claire's - $10
Earrings: Torrid - $5

Hair pins: Beauty Supply Store - $3

Keep Pushing

Let me preface by saying that this post is more for me than for you. I am writing about my weight-loss journey because it's an opportunity for me to hold myself accountable and encourage myself to keep pushing. In the fall of 2016 I was diagnosed pre-diabetic and instantly freaked out. Most of the people in my family have diabetes or high-blood pressure and I promised myself that I didn't want to be the next. However, despite my resistance to the same diseases that plague large numbers of African Americans nationwide I was not doing anything to prevent myself from becoming part of the statistic. Well that Fall 2016 diagnosis was my wake up call.  I immediately began adjusting my eating habits (NOT dieting, it's a lifestyle change) and increasing my activity level (not always working-out, sometimes just moving around). So far, I've lost a total of 35 lb. which for some is no big deal but I celebrate every single ounce because it hasn't been easy.  And more importantly, I am no longer pre-diabetic, my numbers have been normal for a year now!!!!  It has been a very slow process but you know what they say, "slow and steady wins the race."  I have had great weeks when I've lost 2 to 4 pounds and I've had horrible weeks when I've gained 5 to 7 pounds. But thankfully for a year and a half now, I've managed to trek down more than trek up. When I have a bad week I don't throw in the towel for the rest of the month, I work extra hard the next week or two to kick that vacation food or wine fest tasting or Netflix and chill snacking in the butt.  So how have I lost the weight:

1. Eating a high protein breakfast
2. Limiting carbs to one serving daily (ie. 1 slice of break or 1 cup of pasta)
3. Consuming lots of vegetables raw and cooked
4. Eating fruits low in sugar (raspberries, blackberries, grapefruit)
5. Getting 30 min. of activity five days a week
6. Packing my lunch at least 4 out of 5 days
7. Planning my meals for the week
8. Eliminating stress from my life

I have made such great progress but I want to lose more weight, tone my arms, legs and of course my stomach and increase my endurance.  So, I have to keep pushing because the best is yet to come!

Take Me Back

Last month I celebrated my Jesus year, YES 33 and proud of it. The past year has been very rewarding yet challenging.  While professionally, I'm on an upward slope, my personal life took a couple of unexpected detours. So with a vast array of ups and downs, I decided that I wanted to do something big to celebrate me. My success, my challenges, my growth, my life. So, I went to Cuba to support the people and experience the culture of this little island that most Americans have never visited despite it being only 90 miles from Florida. The history, architecture, culture and people have always peaked my interest.  And because of the recent changes in regulations for Americans to visit Cuba, I thought it be best to go now before travel is completely prohibited as it was for decades. So my Cousin Kim and Friend Crystal were elated to take the adventure with me to Havana and I'm so thankful they were.  We had a FREAKING BLAST.  We stayed in a beautiful Air BnB (that was just a block and half from the Museo de Revolucion), to support a local Cuban family.  We also visited many of the historical landmarks, purchased music and art from local artists, learned how to salsa, went dancing with locals and more.  Many people have asked "What was your favorite part of the trip?" Well I have to say, Callejon de Hamel which is an Afro Cuban art and dance festival. It was an amazing experience full of beautiful people (who looked like me), dancing, singing, telling stories of their ancestors, reenacting their history, cooking traditional food and keeping their culture alive. It was an awesome event and I felt right at home. So far, 33 is off to a great start and I can't help but think Cuba was just what I needed to kick off the year.

P.S. A close second favorite was meeting a sweet, kind and humble woman name Marta.  She (mother of five children) was a local vendor who asked for pampers for her baby instead of cash money. As you can imagine, this saddened my travel mates and I deeply and we decided that before we flew back to the States, we would donate anything we could to Marta and her family. And we did. We gave clothes, shoes, baby wipes, toiletries, maxi pads and more. I often think about Marta and the other amazing people that I met in Cuba. They reminded me to be more humble and definitely more thankful. I pray for them and I hope to see them again one day.

As for what I wore ... lots of summery items with a Latin flare!  Most of which now belongs to Marta :)

 

My fabulous travel mates!

Marta excited to be receiving our donation!

California Dreaming

Last month I visited Cali for the first-time and it was SUBLIME! The food, the scenery, the weather it was all perfect.  When one of my oldest friends moved to the Bay Area last summer, I promised myself a trip to The Golden State. We spent time in San Jose, Wine Country and San Francisco.  I did a little relaxation around her super cute crib, a lot of drinking wine, even more eating some of my fav foods (seafood and latino cuisines), and lots of sightseeing. So whenever I travel I reflect and takeaway at least one favorite thing.  Even if I don't like a city/area as much as I loved the Bay Area, I still find one positive takeaway.  Well needless to say, that wasn't hard to do this time around but my fav takeaway from Cali was the beauty!  I loved just riding around and looking out the window to take in the sites. And on a day like today, when it's 44 degrees and gloomy in Washington, I'm "California Dreaming and screaming "take me back."

Comeback FTF

As most BBB Think readers know, I shop at Fashion to Figure quite often.  It's my go to for cute, quick and inexpensive clothes.  It's not always my first choice but it's always the most convenient choice.  There's one located less than five minutes from my home and several others within a 15 minutes drive.  Well until last month.  the one closest to me, closed the week after Christmas.  But not before having one heck of a blowout sale that included $4 and $5 items.  So if you haven't heard, let me give you the 411.  Fashion To Figure was sold in the fall to New York & Co. or if you're an old school fashionista like me then you're still calling it Lerner.  According to my sources, ie. the girls who work in the various stores, LOL ... certain brick and mortar locations will reopen as well as the online store under the same name but with new products in February 2018.  Now of course I asked which locations, that answer was not so clear.  However, they did tell me that the one in Annapolis, MD will not reopen because sales were down at that location.  I was sad to hear that because I often would go to that location when I was having trouble finding what I was looking for at the other locations.  However, I was not surprised for that same reason ... they always seemed to have way more inventory in stock.  But the good news is that while shopping over the weekend, I walked past the one closest to my home and saw a sign on the window reading BRB February 2018.  So, that gave me a little hope.  In closing, I'm ready for February 2018 because I'm already having FTF withdrawal. I'm looking forward to the stores return and seeing how the products may or may not change. PS...I got TONS of great deals during the closing sale including this off the shoulder, lace top!  The black tuxedo pants are also from FTF and the boots are from Ashley Stewart.