Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
TAKING NOTES - Marie Claire January 2014
I'm starting a new series where I want to share my thoughts on some of the magazines I subscribe to. No one has asked me to do this, but sometimes I just feel like sharing.
I wrote an Instagram post here about the cover. The cover I received in the mail is of Katy Perry, but other than KATY PERRY CONQUERS THE WORLD, SHAKE THINGS UP!, the magazine title Marie Claire, and a photo of Katy Perry nothing else was on the cover. I loved it. I've seen a few other covers for this same issue with the same cover filled with what's inside. That can be helpful to some, but it can spoil it for others. There are a few times in which I didn't buy a mag because I didn't particular care for the person on the cover or what was inside. Then later I find a great article I would have loved to have read if only I bought the mag. For me have few words on the cover solves that issue. I may be more likely to buy just to see what's inside. I love mags, but the cover does deter me from buying sometimes.
Image Source Image Source
I rarely read the Editors Note (pg13), but this time I took a moment to read it. Being the first issue of the new year most magazines are likely to be about change and making new habits. In the editors note Anne Fulenwider (Editor-In-Chief) mentions a friend who takes a different approach to making choices. Instead of a grand list picks a goal that is more achievable. One example she gave was to wear more white. I myself set a goal in January 2013 to ear more fruits and vegetables and I did. It's not where I want it to be, but it is much better than it was. I encourage people to consider the steps that it will take to reach your ultimate goal and not just the end result.
On page 50 you will find the 2 page spread on Project Runway season 12 winner Dom Streater. I was so happy when she won. I knew from the very first episode that she'd win. She is very talented and deserved that win.
I was so happy to see page 72. It was a short list of shows that will be premiering their new seasons soon. Why was I so happy you ask? Well because I had been lost in the dark about when three of my favorites were going to return. I didn't read the blurb under the images because it contained spoiler alerts and I hate spoilers. So here are the details on my favorites.
Downton Abbey - returns January 5th on PBS
House of Cards - returns February 14th on Netflix
Orange is the New Black - returns early summer on Netflix (hey I need an actual date lol)
I wrote an Instagram post here about the cover. The cover I received in the mail is of Katy Perry, but other than KATY PERRY CONQUERS THE WORLD, SHAKE THINGS UP!, the magazine title Marie Claire, and a photo of Katy Perry nothing else was on the cover. I loved it. I've seen a few other covers for this same issue with the same cover filled with what's inside. That can be helpful to some, but it can spoil it for others. There are a few times in which I didn't buy a mag because I didn't particular care for the person on the cover or what was inside. Then later I find a great article I would have loved to have read if only I bought the mag. For me have few words on the cover solves that issue. I may be more likely to buy just to see what's inside. I love mags, but the cover does deter me from buying sometimes.
Here are the two covers I've found for January 2014. Katy looks great in both, but I personally love the cleaner version!
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I rarely read the Editors Note (pg13), but this time I took a moment to read it. Being the first issue of the new year most magazines are likely to be about change and making new habits. In the editors note Anne Fulenwider (Editor-In-Chief) mentions a friend who takes a different approach to making choices. Instead of a grand list picks a goal that is more achievable. One example she gave was to wear more white. I myself set a goal in January 2013 to ear more fruits and vegetables and I did. It's not where I want it to be, but it is much better than it was. I encourage people to consider the steps that it will take to reach your ultimate goal and not just the end result.
On page 50 you will find the 2 page spread on Project Runway season 12 winner Dom Streater. I was so happy when she won. I knew from the very first episode that she'd win. She is very talented and deserved that win.
I was so happy to see page 72. It was a short list of shows that will be premiering their new seasons soon. Why was I so happy you ask? Well because I had been lost in the dark about when three of my favorites were going to return. I didn't read the blurb under the images because it contained spoiler alerts and I hate spoilers. So here are the details on my favorites.
Downton Abbey - returns January 5th on PBS
House of Cards - returns February 14th on Netflix
Orange is the New Black - returns early summer on Netflix (hey I need an actual date lol)
Images here are my own
Last but not least, the cover story. Sigh. I did not read the entire story. It starts on page 92 and I stopped on page 96. Ok the article ends on 96, but I didn't finish it. I think Katy Perry is ok. I recently heard "Roar" for the first time and I love it, but that's it. I did learn about Katy and the end of her marriage, but that's it. It didn't improve my opinion of Katy. I think she is a good singer and performer. I hadn't seen her movie, Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012), so it does make me want to see that soon.
In conclusion (giggle) I enjoyed reading the magazine instead of just glancing through which is what I normally do. No major fashion that I wanted to drool over, but one item has inspired a blog post so more to come soon.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
On my way home from work today...
this guy stops me and here is how the conversation went. Then I have a question to ask.
Him - I know you. We met last year.
Me - No I don't know you. We've never met. I think you have me confused.
Him - We did meet. You gave me your number, but I never called.
Me - No I wouldn't have given you my number. (Was that rude? lol)
Him - Why not? Are you married or with someone? You can't have male friends?
Me - Yeah I was in a relationship so I wouldn't have done that.
Him - Why not? People exchange numbers all the time. Women have male friends when they are in relationships. Some women prefer male friends rather than female friends.
Me - True, but that seems disrespectful to me. (I say this knowing full well that my ex was getting numbers while we were together.)
Him - I understand if you've been with someone for 20 years that you wouldn't do that, but for years it's ok. If you don't then something might be wrong with you.
Me - Well I wouldn't have done that.
Him - Ok well I just wanted to say hi.
Ok. What are you thoughts about women or men getting numbers from the opposite sex while in a relationship?
I do think it's disrespectful to that relationship. Nothing wrong with making friends. Let say you are taking a class with someone or you run into this person all the time at the store. You might start conversations and it is friendly. They are probably in a relationship too. You could exchange numbers because ya'll are just cool and enjoy talking. True friends with no motives. This weekend I met this guy on the train and we talked for about half the ride. Him I would have given my number to. Why? Because #1 I think he's gay. (he was talking about doing a drag show) #2 I enjoyed our conversation. He seemed like a really cool person I would love to be friends with. I never meet people like that. However if someone come up to you like, "Hey can I get cho numba?" "No sorry I'm in a relationship." Am I wrong? Opinions please!
Him - I know you. We met last year.
Me - No I don't know you. We've never met. I think you have me confused.
Him - We did meet. You gave me your number, but I never called.
Me - No I wouldn't have given you my number. (Was that rude? lol)
Him - Why not? Are you married or with someone? You can't have male friends?
Me - Yeah I was in a relationship so I wouldn't have done that.
Him - Why not? People exchange numbers all the time. Women have male friends when they are in relationships. Some women prefer male friends rather than female friends.
Me - True, but that seems disrespectful to me. (I say this knowing full well that my ex was getting numbers while we were together.)
Him - I understand if you've been with someone for 20 years that you wouldn't do that, but for years it's ok. If you don't then something might be wrong with you.
Me - Well I wouldn't have done that.
Him - Ok well I just wanted to say hi.
Ok. What are you thoughts about women or men getting numbers from the opposite sex while in a relationship?
I do think it's disrespectful to that relationship. Nothing wrong with making friends. Let say you are taking a class with someone or you run into this person all the time at the store. You might start conversations and it is friendly. They are probably in a relationship too. You could exchange numbers because ya'll are just cool and enjoy talking. True friends with no motives. This weekend I met this guy on the train and we talked for about half the ride. Him I would have given my number to. Why? Because #1 I think he's gay. (he was talking about doing a drag show) #2 I enjoyed our conversation. He seemed like a really cool person I would love to be friends with. I never meet people like that. However if someone come up to you like, "Hey can I get cho numba?" "No sorry I'm in a relationship." Am I wrong? Opinions please!
Bad News First
I didn't intend to share this information, but a conversation spark some thoughts I had. My stepgrandmother recently passed away. I've known since I was little, but I really didn't know her that well. She was very nice though and I know she will be missed greatly by many.
My sister is currently living with my dad and my grandfather will now most likely move in too. She is afraid he might die while she is alone with him. I told her I understood. I had much more to say about it, but I know my sister and she doesn't like to talk about things that make her uncomfortable. Yet I need to get my thoughts out so here I am.
Not many people can say they understand how she feels and really mean it. I unfortunately know from experience. I think I've mentioned before that my mom passed away. It will be 3 years next month. She would tell me for months the she would get better and everything was ok. I think a few weeks before my mom passed things were different. A little back around information, my mom and I were living together. I worked full time, but I spent my mornings, lunch, and evenings caring for her. The last 2 months were very difficult for both of us. Her mom (my grandmother) passed away October 2010. My mom was sad for a few weeks then she was different. Suddenly she wanted to see people and I knew she was going to die. I didn't want to see her go. I'd hope that when I came to help her in the morning she'd be gone, but I don't think anyone wants to die alone. Especially if they aren't feeling well. If possible you want to be around family. So a few days before Thanksgiving I came home from work as usual. I almost didn't go to work. I felt that maybe I should stay home, but when I asked my mom she said I should go. Something didn't seem right and I thought I should be there just in case, but I went to work. When I came home from lunch she called me to come quickly. I dropped my things and ran to the room. She said she felt uncomfortable and wanted me to rub her back. This had been going on for awhile so I knew what to do except she never said she was uncomfortable. She was laying down, but I could rub her back. She said that wasn't helping and asked me to help her sit up quickly. I did as quickly as I could and started rubbing her back again. She was very quiet and after a few minutes I looked at her and asked if that was helping. After that she almost laid back as if in slow motion and she was gone.
For me it was a traumatic experience that I am still trying to heal from, but I know that is probably what she needed. So I understand that my sister doesn't want to experience such a situation, but you don't know what that person needs or what is best for them. I suppose it may or may not matter, but I'd like to think I brought my mom a little comfort. That it helped to see one of her children before she left the earth. I'm not an expert, but those are my thoughts. Please share your thoughts and experiences.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
My Two Cents...
about the 50 Shades of Grey movie. I actually haven't seen any blogs about it. There are probably tons, but I've been watching Wendy Williams and she has been dishing about the recent cast change. She has also give her opinion about who should now play Christian Grey.
I actually have only read part of the first book. I just could not get into it. I actually don't get why everyone likes it. However I love movies and if the preview is good I will go see it. When attempting to read the book I always pictured someone like Christian Bale. Though I feel he isn't young enough to play this character. i do think he can pull it off because I think about how crazy, but cool he was in American Psycho. I would like to see Cillian Murphy play Christian Gray. He is so cute, lovely eyes, and (I think) a great actor. He reminds me of Christian Bales sometimes. Thought he is only a few years younger than Christian.
Doesn't really matter to me. I just wanted to say what I was thinking. I watch movies because it looks good and rarely because so and so is in it.
I actually have only read part of the first book. I just could not get into it. I actually don't get why everyone likes it. However I love movies and if the preview is good I will go see it. When attempting to read the book I always pictured someone like Christian Bale. Though I feel he isn't young enough to play this character. i do think he can pull it off because I think about how crazy, but cool he was in American Psycho. I would like to see Cillian Murphy play Christian Gray. He is so cute, lovely eyes, and (I think) a great actor. He reminds me of Christian Bales sometimes. Thought he is only a few years younger than Christian.
Doesn't really matter to me. I just wanted to say what I was thinking. I watch movies because it looks good and rarely because so and so is in it.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
20 Things I Would Do If I Had No Restrictions and Knew I Wouldn't Feel Guilty About It
If you read my previous post here, then you know I mentioned that I created a list of 20 things. Well here it is. What would you put on your list?
1. Quit my job.
2. Move to New York.
3. Take a trip to a couple of places - Paris being one of them.
4. Start singing in public.
5. Do some voice work or some type of acting.
6. Do more art.
7. Take some sewing classes
8. Language classes - French and Spanish
9. Workout as much as you could.
10. Become vegan
11. Let my hair do what it wants to do and not care about what anyone else thinks.
12. Wear what I want to wear.
13. Save more.
14. Get married and start a family - Revised
15. Stop lending money to your ex.
16. Stop wearing make up. (more to come)
17. Be a model.
18. Learn to play tennis.
19. Open a home decor store
20. Get a motorcycle.
Have You Considered...
getting a life coach? A few months ago my place of employment offered a type of lunch and learn and we listened as a life coach speak to us about finding out what we value, what makes you who you are and how to find happiness. Her name was Jasna Burza and she asked for volunteers and I raised my hand. I was so glad I did. She called me up and asked me a few questions. By the end I was crying. She explained that has never happened before and it wasn't her intention to get me to cry. The tears were worth it because it was the beginning to helping me to accept my true self. The begining of me accepting MY goals and not what others think.
After that event. I really really superdiduper wanted a life coach, but Jasna was about to give birth at any moment and I was afraid she'd be super expensive. I didn't bother to try and figured one day maybe I'll do it. A few weeks later I get an email notification from Twitter that Demetria Jackson was offering FREE life coaching sessions for 3 months. At first I thought, I don't know her. Is she good? And I ignored the email. I got another email. There are only 7 spots left! I thought, this is what you wanted. Why are you playing? I immeditately replied and I got in. I was excited.
Monday, September 9, 2013 was my last session. I learned a lot about myself and that I can have what I want. I discovered that I am an ARTIST. I enjoy using my hands to create (I like things old school, I rarely use of computers to create). I will make $20,000 more than I do now next year. After the first time I said that I thought, can I do that? Well Yes I Can! I can do anything! The thought is a little scary. To think that I could actually do what makes me happy. That I could be happy. Truely happy. We all deserve that.
My 3 months with Demetria was great. I would recommend her to anyone. I recommend a life coach to everyone. She taught me how to think of things differently. That making list are ok (I used to tease my sister for always making list. Now I get it.) She helped me create a list of 20 things I want to do. I'll create another post for that. Some things I've started on and as I work on it I will update the list. Somethings I think I will tweek a little, but you'll see it soon. She helped me to let go of what others thought. She taught me to just take one step. It sounds so simple, but we often only see where we want to be and can't imagine how to get there. Just start. That is all you have to do and eventually you'll look up and realize #1 how far you've gotten and #2 that you reached your goal. I learned that in our first session. It has helped me with some of the goals I've started to work on. I look at opportunities with less of a side eye because you never know what you will learn from them.
Have you considered or used a life coach? Share you expereince. I'd love to hear it.
After that event. I really really superdiduper wanted a life coach, but Jasna was about to give birth at any moment and I was afraid she'd be super expensive. I didn't bother to try and figured one day maybe I'll do it. A few weeks later I get an email notification from Twitter that Demetria Jackson was offering FREE life coaching sessions for 3 months. At first I thought, I don't know her. Is she good? And I ignored the email. I got another email. There are only 7 spots left! I thought, this is what you wanted. Why are you playing? I immeditately replied and I got in. I was excited.
Monday, September 9, 2013 was my last session. I learned a lot about myself and that I can have what I want. I discovered that I am an ARTIST. I enjoy using my hands to create (I like things old school, I rarely use of computers to create). I will make $20,000 more than I do now next year. After the first time I said that I thought, can I do that? Well Yes I Can! I can do anything! The thought is a little scary. To think that I could actually do what makes me happy. That I could be happy. Truely happy. We all deserve that.
My 3 months with Demetria was great. I would recommend her to anyone. I recommend a life coach to everyone. She taught me how to think of things differently. That making list are ok (I used to tease my sister for always making list. Now I get it.) She helped me create a list of 20 things I want to do. I'll create another post for that. Some things I've started on and as I work on it I will update the list. Somethings I think I will tweek a little, but you'll see it soon. She helped me to let go of what others thought. She taught me to just take one step. It sounds so simple, but we often only see where we want to be and can't imagine how to get there. Just start. That is all you have to do and eventually you'll look up and realize #1 how far you've gotten and #2 that you reached your goal. I learned that in our first session. It has helped me with some of the goals I've started to work on. I look at opportunities with less of a side eye because you never know what you will learn from them.
Have you considered or used a life coach? Share you expereince. I'd love to hear it.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Just Watched: Now You See Me
Synopsis:
An FBI agent and an Interpol detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.
If you haven't seen this movie yet it is safe to continue reading. There are no spoilers here. I myself am a little late watching this movie. When I first saw the trailer I was ready to see it right then and there, but unfortunately I had to wait several months before seeing it. When it finally came out I wasn't aware (I don't watch tv so there are no commercials to remind me). I saw that it was out, but decided to see something else hoping the next weekend I'd catch this movie. That didn't happen and I sadly had to wait till it was out on video.
It is now out on video and I quickly went out to rent it. I really enjoyed this movie. A part of me thought that maybe it would be like Ocean's 11 or 21, but it was neither. Again I am will not spoil the movie for anyone. I myself hate that so I try to never reveal anything unless someone asks me to. The tricks were cool and the story was wild. The ending...sigh amazing is all I will say. I give this movie 5 stars!
Image and synopsis sourced from IMDB.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Honestly...
I want to lose weight so I can have a baby. Though there are many things I don't like about being overweight. I've never embraced my plus size body. I know there are some great things about it.
1. I have boobs. I remember when I finally started getting boobs period they were small. Before gaining weight I was a C cup. It wasn't enough to make cleavage or anything, but they were cute. Now they are much bigger and sexy.
2. My already big ass is bigger. Men love big butts and I don't know why lol so I get a lot of attention. Though not always good attention. :(
3. 1 + 2 = an hourglass shape. I have an awesome shape now. I was completely pear shaped before and I felt so awkward, but now it's smokin hot (when I dress for it).
I love babies. Since moving to Minneapolis I see a lot more people than I did in Houston. I see at least 2 to 4 pregnant women A DAY! When I first moved here it make me sad because they had babies and I didn't. Now I am used to it and I try to not let it bother me. I figured maybe my body is broken. If I eat healthy (switch to vegan foods), exercise, and lose weight my body will work again and I'll get pregnant.
For as long as I can remember weight has been a topic I heard a lot growing up. I didn't have weight issues till my junior or senior year in high school, but my mom had weight issues. She would often talk about what was ok and not ok to eat. I remember one time I asked why she uses margarine instead of butter (like my grandmother) and she said the people on tv said it was better for you. I now feel like they were wrong. My butter eating grandmother lived till she was 96 and my margarine eating mom lived till she was 69. This is my theory, but I don't want weight to be an issue for my future children. I figure if I learn to live and eat healthy my children will too and suffer with weight issues as I did. Children shouldn't have to worry about weight, just be children.
These might not be healthy thoughts, but it helps to let them out. I want to love my body the way it is and then I can learn to treat it right naturally.
1. I have boobs. I remember when I finally started getting boobs period they were small. Before gaining weight I was a C cup. It wasn't enough to make cleavage or anything, but they were cute. Now they are much bigger and sexy.
2. My already big ass is bigger. Men love big butts and I don't know why lol so I get a lot of attention. Though not always good attention. :(
3. 1 + 2 = an hourglass shape. I have an awesome shape now. I was completely pear shaped before and I felt so awkward, but now it's smokin hot (when I dress for it).
I love babies. Since moving to Minneapolis I see a lot more people than I did in Houston. I see at least 2 to 4 pregnant women A DAY! When I first moved here it make me sad because they had babies and I didn't. Now I am used to it and I try to not let it bother me. I figured maybe my body is broken. If I eat healthy (switch to vegan foods), exercise, and lose weight my body will work again and I'll get pregnant.
For as long as I can remember weight has been a topic I heard a lot growing up. I didn't have weight issues till my junior or senior year in high school, but my mom had weight issues. She would often talk about what was ok and not ok to eat. I remember one time I asked why she uses margarine instead of butter (like my grandmother) and she said the people on tv said it was better for you. I now feel like they were wrong. My butter eating grandmother lived till she was 96 and my margarine eating mom lived till she was 69. This is my theory, but I don't want weight to be an issue for my future children. I figure if I learn to live and eat healthy my children will too and suffer with weight issues as I did. Children shouldn't have to worry about weight, just be children.
These might not be healthy thoughts, but it helps to let them out. I want to love my body the way it is and then I can learn to treat it right naturally.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Review: Zone Perfect Greek Yogurt Chocolate Bar
Today I had the pleasure of trying the Zone Perfect Greek Yogurt Chocolate Bar. I was a little hesitant in trying this bar. Yes, yougurt is good and chocolate is good, but is it good together. Yes it was. I was pleasantly suprised by the taste. All the flavors blended well and didn't over power each other. Though it was chocolate, it didn't taste like candy. Many bars make the mistake of trying to replace an unhealthy snack by trying to be a healthy version. When doing that it sometimes taste weird. I enjoyed this bar a lot and would consider purchasing it.
Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.
Disclaimer: I received this product complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.
App I'm Loving!
This might be the first time I've written a post about an app. I download new apps all the time. I hear about them through other apps, articles, and people. I also enjoy grabbing the free apps and songs that you can find at Starbucks locations.
This app I was introduced to through Instagram. Someone I follow on there posted that this app was free currently and to go get while it last and so I did. The app is caled WaterMinder.
To use this app you enter your weight and it tells you how much water you need to drink in a day. As you drink water it fills the picture of a male or female and when viewing the app before clicking on it you can see what percentage of water you have drunk for the day. It will also give you reminder to drink water. Usually about every hour and a half the alarm goes off. As you drink water you select the amount and that's it! Simple app to use and a great tool for anyone who has trouble remembering to drink water. Today is the first day I have used it and it has helped me to remember. I try to log in some water before the alarm goes off. It is a nice challenge for me.
How do you track your water?
This app I was introduced to through Instagram. Someone I follow on there posted that this app was free currently and to go get while it last and so I did. The app is caled WaterMinder.
To use this app you enter your weight and it tells you how much water you need to drink in a day. As you drink water it fills the picture of a male or female and when viewing the app before clicking on it you can see what percentage of water you have drunk for the day. It will also give you reminder to drink water. Usually about every hour and a half the alarm goes off. As you drink water you select the amount and that's it! Simple app to use and a great tool for anyone who has trouble remembering to drink water. Today is the first day I have used it and it has helped me to remember. I try to log in some water before the alarm goes off. It is a nice challenge for me.
How do you track your water?
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Just Watched - Unconditional
Synopsis: A woman's idyllic life is shattered when her husband is killed in a senseless act of violence. As she prepares to take matters into her own hands, two unexpected encounters begin to change everything. (Source - IMDB)
I love movies. I love movies with meaning and that make you think and feel. This is one of those movies. It is a movie about faith, trusting God, and knowing that he will work thing out. That despite your past you can make a difference. That is what I got from this movie. Since my mohers passing I found it hard to be spiritual. I was angry at God for taking her away from me. I have slowly let that angre go. God gives us free will to make our own decision. Our decisions brings us to wherever we end up. That include my mom. Whether he intended her life to go that way or not she still live how she wanted to live. I have to do the same. That wasn't the intention of this film, but it has brought me a little close to God. To wanting His presence in my life again. To not wanting to feel lost anymore.
I was not asked to watch this movie or to do a review. In fact I knew of this movie for months. For months it was show on Netflix and for months I ignored it. I didn't want to feel. I didn't want something to tell me what I already knew, but wasn't ready to hear.
This movie is worth 5 stars.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Paris, je t'aime!
I walked by this Macy's window on my way home from work. I had to take a picture of these huge metal and fabric chandeliers and these small Eiffel Towers. I'm obsessed with them. I have several Paris inspired items in my apartment. Paris, je t'aime!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Purple Lipstick!
I love the color purple and have recently become obsessed with purple lipstick. I want all the colors of purple in the world.
My Favorite Thing to Wear!
I know I am late. I know everyone is talking about and wearing them, but I'm a picky shopper and hadn't found the right maxi till now. They are so comfy and can be worn dressed up or down. I love them so much that I am determined to learn to sew so I can create my own. Along with embracing color, I will embrace pattern. The two with pink hearts are my favorites and my inspiration for my personal maxi collection. I want a closet full of them!
Embrace Color
I mostly stick to black and grey with an occasional pop of red, purple, and green. I've decided to EMBRACE color a little more and these are my staples. I'm also a little obsessed with one item that I think most women are in love with. See my next post to find out what that is.
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