I took an unintended break from blogging just to figure out….every single thing! I decided when I hit my quarter life century mark, that I would follow wherever 25 would take me. Whatever obstacles or miracles, I would face them and grow from them and decide who I wanted to be afterwards. Sounds great, right?
So I’m almost 26 and I have a better idea of characteristically where I’d like to go, but I don’t have this great plan for my life like I thought I magically would 364 days later. As a planner and someone who’s somewhat anal retentive about the dumbest things, my idea for this year is to just not have a plan. At all. It sounds similar to last year, but I mean not plan at all. Not a dinner. Not a super bowl party. Not Friday - Sunday. Nothing. I don’t know how I’m going to achieve this because I even plan what time I’d like to be in bed, but like bed time, life never pans out exactly the way I see it. (Seriously, Family Guy comes on from 10 – 11:30pm. Who can sleep?)
But I do have goals! And forgive me for this next part. After the latest Beyonce album dropped, I am in full stan mode so most of these goals are filled with Beyonce gifs. Enjoy!
Forgive: Myself! For the most insignificant things. I replay moments in my head a lot of how I could change things and I should stop. Why? That’s counterproductive and not encouraging to me in the least.
Dance: I really like it! And I find myself trying to stop dancing on the CTA every day. No promises that I’ll look like a pro, but fun is fun.
EAT: I’m never going to forsake fast food. Not ever. I’m just not going to eat it everyday or twice on the weekends. Drunk food doesn’t count.
Simple: Not as in “simple b*tch”, honey; simple in getting to the bottom line. We beat around the bush so much in avoidance, but the faster you get to the punch line, the faster you can take action to solve and address whatever it is you’re facing.
Although it may not feel like Autumn to us Chicagoans (seriously with this 90 + degree weather), Fall is definitely upon us.
With all the Fashion Week buzz and prep for the school year, it seems that Fall is the start of anew. What better way to embrace the cold than with some things to look forward to on a bucket list!
Official notebook for my bucket list
Below are some goals that I think will make a transformative season for me, and hopefully you all can apply them to your season or put a spin on them! Here we go:
Make At Least 5 Recipes From Cookbook
I bought this amazing cookbook as a suggestion from a friend and have tagged basically every page. They have everything from 'Grown Up Grilled Cheese' to 'Bomb Breakfast Wraps'. The best part? They're ALL good for you! I just have to actually make these dishes instead of stopping at the Dollar Menu...
Be EXCELLENT At Work
Seems kind of redundant, but making real goals for yourself at work takes away from the cycle of getting up, going to sit at a desk, going home to sleep and repeat. It makes work exciting and you get to push yourself to achieve extraordinary goals. The bonus? You might actually get a bonus (or a raise) at the gig.
Make At Least 4 Fall Staple Fashions
I keep putting off sewing because of all the things I can buy from a store that rhymes with 'smorever funny one' on my way home. Lazy, right? My goal is to make what I see in the window everyday and put a spin on it! Also, sewing 101 isn't as hard as it looks! I've learned a lot of cool tips on YouTube.
Keep Trying New Forms Of Exercise
I'm in a Bar Method mood as of late, but I've tried running, Bikram Yoga, NTC classes, sculpt and toning at Core Power and more. It's all about finding something to keep your attention and getting you excited to move.
I'm sure my list will get longer as the season passes, but what are some of yours? Share with me in the comments and remember to make attainable goals for yourselves. Once you get in the habit of crossing items off your list, I'm sure you'll feel unstoppable and want to conquer more. ;)
I have started almost every post this year with, "so I haven't blogged in a while...". It's not because I've run out of ideas, or because I don't find a passion in writing for my fellow Curvy women. I still do! I've just found like most things, I've evolved a bit, and the scope of this blog is not just the spot for all things #Curvy (although we will still be celebrating that here).
I've also found that the reason I started this blog, to celebrate our Curves that make us feels good, is not the only thing that makes me feel good. I want to blog about those other things, too!
Some content will still be fashion related (hello, I have 2 closets; full of clothes and full of shoes) but some will be thoughts still relevant, and hopefully helpful, too!
Thank you for being patient and I hope you stick with me through this new transition. You will not be sorry ;)
I have been toying with the idea of writing
a blog post for a while that separates the ideals of TV from real life. As a TV
junkie myself I was sorely disappointed that a multitude of Alanis Morissette
songs didn’t score the most important parts of my life, or the fact that my
High School did not have
cheerleaders! (No really, I’m quite coordinated. I would have been an awesome
Cheerleader…5,6,7,8!) But as we celebrate one of the most influential female
empowerment movements of the millennium in Sex And The City, I thought I would
take this opportunity to capitalize on how we as women can take things away
from the show, but still be sure to live in our own reality.
1.Do Not Wait For 'Big’
We don’t need a Cosmo quiz to tell us that
we all have an inner Carrie.We do! We’re
all lovers and nurturers, and all want the fairy tale ending. We deserve it,
right? What we don’t deserve the is the unwillingness of a guy to choose you and love
you the way that you should be loved. Also, Carrie was 'the other woman'. We don’t
deserve to hurt or be hurt by fellow women. SMH, Carrie!
2.Do Not Go Broke For Shoes
Ever. This one is self explanatory. She had impeccable taste
and I’m still in love with that Newsprint dress. But your friends aren’t going
to wait for you if you can’t afford to go out or take shots with them.
Fantasize about the shoes, heck take a picture and frame the shoes! But don’t
sob over a cup of Ramen while wearing those shoes, because you can’t afford to
do much else.
3.Always Be There For The Friends That Deserve It
Thought Catalog is one of my favorite introspective websites
and they always have articles about how being in your 20’s and 30’s what kind
of friends you have and how you should deal with them if/when you grow apart.
The truth is, friendships aren’t any harder at 25 than they are at 5. If your
friend shares her Juice Box and Fruit Snacks with you, share yours. If not,
still smile and be polite and keep those tasty treats for yourself. Be loyal
and honest with the friend that shares, and keep that going for as long as it’s
good to you! (Note: Juice Box and
Fruit Snacks turn into Wine and Pizza when you’re older and start to deal with
life, so save accordingly).
4.Always Choose Yourself Over Smith Jared
So, Smith Jared was hot and his body looked like Adonis! And
he stayed with Samantha through Cancer. Awww! And then he moved to California with
Samantha she “said his name more times in a day” than her own. That was a
beautiful love story! But eventually Samantha was losing herself and became
unhappy. Don’t be with anyone or do anything that makes you unhappy. You’re
much better than that.
5.Silly: Always Pay The Rent And Don’t Abandon
That Closet
This was the most frustrating part of that
whole movie. Big built you that closet, proposed to you in that closet and you
still couldn’t close and get the house in time?! Ugh. In real life: your house
is your fortress and nothing is worth not keeping it up and not paying on time. For things of value, pay any
and everything on time! And don’t walk away from apartment sized closets…..
In short, for SATC and all the amazing shows that portray the better & bitter parts of life, take what you can and live your own way!
Until next time,
-TLW
Media Credit: AnyClip.com, YouTube.com, MovieSpoiler.com, GiseleInTheCity.Blogspot.com, AmBetterToday.Blogspot.Com
Editor's Note: Thank you to my lovely friend Maggie Oldmixon for the blog makeover! She writes, too, and you can read her drool-worthy posts here. :)
Now, onto the goods. Mrs. Carter recently became the poster child for the new H&M Summer Collection. I was a little skeptical at first, I must admit. We now live in a fashion world where true Couture is lost in the midst of Celebrity endorsement, but I have to give it to H&M on this one!
It's a perfect summer set for us Curvy Girls. Not only are the pieces modestly priced, the silhouettes are very generous when it comes to the sizing. In plain text, there's enough room for boobs and some junk in the trunk in this assortment! I even got a size SMALL in my purchase from today!
My only advice for this: choose your accessories wisely.Mrs. Carter is everywhere these days and everyone will no doubt be adding these pieces to their closet. Think of how you can add your own personal spunk, and add some color. It is summer after all!
Below are some of pics of her collection and possibly a piece I've added to mine. Happy Shopping!
Editor's Note: Parts of this post were written prior to the debut of Mrs. Knowles-Carter's fantabulous documentary, which I am sure has upped the ante for you music lovers.
Now that tickets have gone on sale to the general public and you've asked your cousin, best friend, girl you know from college for the hook up bought them through Live Nation or Ticketmaster, I'm sure you are all doing the 'Single Ladies' wave in prep for The Mrs. Carter Show!
Short story: I don't think Beyonce's website was prepared for the amount of traffic/people who wanted tickets a few weeks ago. Her site was shut down for 40 minutes and at 10:05, the tickets were sold OUT. I looked like this at my desk:
BUT THEN after watching the 'sold out' sign hovering next to the Chicago show, I refreshed the page (x100) and magically 4 tickets became on sale in one of the best sections.... and I got them!! I was all:
I know; going to a concert means you'll be standing most of the time, but this is unfortunately a burden we carry as women. Heels are a must. No Flip Flops, no Flats, no cute Gladiator Sandals. NO! Come as the best version of yourself to this affair, and if you need tips on how to make your shoes comfy before wear, click here.
Hair
Try a style you've never tried before. The pros: it's a dark concert and the only photo's you'll have are the ones you take before you go. The rest will be of 'Crazy In Love' or your favorite Bey performance.
Color
Stand out-- it's a concert after all, and regardless of when this tour hits your city, be a walking Pop Of Color!
I hope to see all my fellow Chicagoans at the July 17th show! You can look for the girl wearing all of the above, and working it out in the United Center seats:
Happy Monday!
-TLW
Photo Credit: BellaSugar, Gorgeous Hair, Fashion Bomb Daily, African American Wedding Hair ,Princess Hairstyles, A Cup of Chic
Happy (Almost) New Year! Aren't you excited the world didn't end?
While we are all busy making NYE resolutions, and vowing to never do some things again, I think it's important to take time to realize all the things that have helped bring you to yet another New Years Eve day. There's a journey every year and even the bad, the horrible times you went through, are the reason you're making new decisions right now.
So! With that being said, below are the 12 things that I am promising to bring into my New Year. Some are fashion related, some are not. I hope they help you with your revelations and resolutions in being a better you in 2013:
Remember- All those bad things that happened to you this year, they happened and guess what? They're not the worst things that will ever happen to you. Again, the things of this year are NOT worst things that will ever happen to you. The worst thing, would be to not have an opportunity to try and do better and since the Mayans were wrong about the world ending, you have a chance in 2013 to do better because you now know better.
Party Nails- There's something fun about not matching and making a fashion statement with arguably your smallest accessory, and this trend won't cost you an arm and a leg ;)
OWN IT - Something so simple that has stuck with me ever since I've heard it! YOU are the only person who can do what YOU do, so do it! Unfortunately this goes for both good and bad things, but if you have the balls to say or do something bold then you better take credit for it.
Peplum - It's frilly and compliments all shapes! It's moved from skirts to jackets, pants, shorts, and dresses. Peplum is the new LBD.
Just Keep Swimming - Dorie had some wise words from 'Finding Nemo' but it's true. Also similar to #3, you cannot do anything but move forward in life. When an obstacle does come into your life, time doesn't stop and you can't either. In time, you may find the answer on how to conquer your problem anyway!
High, High Heels - you saw the return of the platform this year right? You either go High or go Low, and I for one, am not a fan of the Kitten Heel.
Believe in a Higher Power- I respect all Religions and Spiritual Beliefs in the world, but the one thing that truly helped me this year was the understanding that there is a Power greater than myself guiding me with the will to accomplish some pretty hefty goals I set for myself in 2012.
Sequins - No explanation needed.
GO TO THE GYM - No really. You know all the talk: "your metabolism slows down when you get older blah blah blah", and all that might be true. But I feel better when I know I did something healthy for myself (I also feel better that I went for a run while eating a LARGE #1 from McDonalds). Just do it, the hour will go faster than you think.
Wedge Kicks - Let's just all embrace the fact the we live in the new age 80s, and pumped up kicks are here to stay.
Value Your Friends & Family - I don't know what I would do without the awesome support and honesty of all my loved ones, and I think you guys can say the same for yours.
Collars - Peter Pan was onto something, and I'm especially happy since I make them myself! Besides, looking dapper never hurt anyone.
and one more for good luck:
Obviously Number 13 would be my Curves, and yours! It has been an amazing year for me on this blog, and it's because of all of you! I am so glad to write and have readers like you that love to read so thank you for being loyal visitors, and embrace your curves in the New Year because they're apart of you.
Have a glass of bubbly tonight, and I'll see you in 2013 ;)
-TLW
Photo Credit: Pinterest, Evolution Revolution , Christian Louboutin, ASOS, Style Blazer, SodaHead, Castle Blog
I'm happy for many reasons this Thursday, mainly because it's Scandal Thursday and Shonda Rhimes OWNS the night. Plus, the Scandal writers and ABC PR are geniuses because I really have no words.
Seriously!
If you follow me on Twitter you know I live tweet the CRAP out of this show; but there's a reason. Her name is Shonda Rhimes.
The OWN Network just did a Next Chapter on the entire Scandal Show and Ms. Rhimes herself, but here are the main reasons I love her:
She was born in Chicago, IL (whoop whoop!)
She was named one of Time Magazines "People Who Help Shape The World" in 2007
She's also one of the first Female & African American television creators to cast a fellow African American Female in a leading role on network television; a role that has not been in filled in over 30 years.
If you don't feel inspired after reading that, then I don't know what to tell you. Break down those walls, Shonda.
As a viewer, I feel personally connected to her eloquent writing because all the scenarios (minus the shooter in the hospital, surviving a plane crash, or erasing all the evidence of a crime at Pope & Assoc), are pretty mirrored to everyday life. She creates these humanized symbols of anguish, happy, sad, struggle and determination through her casting, and the magic we see as fans on tv absolutely starts with the words on her pages.
I don't know at all what it's like to create a tv show with the world watching, talking, and reacting. I do know that I embrace her all her ideas, regardless of the untimely deaths of my favorite characters. On top of that, Shonda writes for the fans. Every tweet, Facebook post, any opinion of the, Shonda reads and bases a handful of her story lines around them.
Editor's note:I realize this isn't a fashion post in the least, but it is a post about a woman with a vision and the tools to make sh*t happen. I think that's something that we can all embrace. So with all that being said, watch Scandal tonight and live tweet it since she's reading! Let her know you support her craft.
"We are not as divided as our politics suggest" - The Nation's 44th President
*Please Note: This post was written at 11:39 AM on November 6, 2012; that's how much faith I had in our nation and President Obama.
As an African American, Citizen of the United States of America, a Woman, a resident of Hyde Park, and a 24 year old, I couldn't be more proud of our President and the effect he's had on a generation of Millennials who want their opinion to matter. Take that Grandma's/Grandpa's of the world: we may be spoiled with technology, but we sure know how to vote.
This year I was more tight lipped about my choice for President and all the conversations surrounding the election. Not because I was embarrassed of my love for the President (isn't he dreamy?), but my choice is my own and not up for debate or criticism with anyone who disagrees with me. I'm also not on the bandwagon to hate anyone who voted for Mitt Romney. That's stupid; it's not my place to judge you or think anything less of you because your educational or economic background is different than my own.
I'm not here to get too political, fact check the debates and statements by either candidates, or address the "Celebrity President" we've come to know for the last 4 years. Although I will say, the man is a genius. If it weren't for his media tour on Jay Leno, The View, The Ryan Seacrest Show, 106 & Park and more, I don't think very many 18+ year olds would feel a connection to The Obama's, and truthfully his desire to appeal to my crowd makes me even prouder to be a young American. I'm here for my neighbor, a man, a father, a leader who genuinely cares about the progression of a nation [regardless of color], an advocate for health care and coverage for those with preexisting health conditions, the 'crazy' idea that Women have the right to choose what goes on inside their own bodies, and the idea that the LGBT community has the right to love and be loved in the world. I'm here for President Obama, our leader of the Free World.
Thank you, Mr. President, for bringing me back to blogging.
If you are as elated as I am at the outcome of the election, feel free to show your pride with the memorabilia below. Erika Pena, I will get these earrings as soon as you make more!
Forgive: Myself! For the most insignificant things. I replay moments in my head a lot of how I could change things and I should stop. Why? That’s counterproductive and not encouraging to me in the least.
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