Blog Thoughts

For the last couple of weeks I have been reading about ways to improve your blog. I know that I am new to the blog community and all it has to offer, but I am very eager to learn.

I started this blog to document my life with the possibility of others enjoying my life stories and the events that happen in it. So far its been pretty good, but there are definitely some things that I have realized over the last couple months.

* The number of page views does not determine if my blog is interesting or not...it could just be how I am "marketing" my blog. I've only been on here actively for about 3 months so I'm not going to instantly have 300 followers! It takes work and patience. And since I currently don't have a full time job (yes I keep saying that) I should be able to be consistent on here!

*Blogging should be fun and as soon as I find it work and a pain I should take a step back and come back to it. I should blog about my life, not my life be all about the blog.

* I think I am looking most forward to getting the to know more bloggers. I love reading about such fascinating people even if they don't think they are. I don't just follow anyone for numbers. If you are interesting I want to read you every week so I follow. I just hope to get to that point with some fellow bloggers one day.

* These meet-ups and exchanges are such awesome ideas and I am hoping to get the chance to participate soon! Growing up in a military family I moved around a lot and got the opportunity to meet different people. Now that I'm older and not traveling with my family as much its nice to have a chance to do the same thing in a new way. Everyone has their best friends, their acquaintances; but not everyone has blog friends!

So some things that I plan on improving on my blog...

1. Replying to comments: I love that some people take the time to comment on my blog. I see them I promise! I want to respond and possibly continue contact!

2. I eventually will make a button. In order to dive head first into this swapping thing I first need to create something to swap!

3. Add more tabs. I noticed that it would be nice to have an "About Me" section!

Is there any advice you have for me or any tips that have worked for you?

Yolo Mondays #1

Being that this is my first time doing this link-up I decided that I would explore Polyvore.com. I have come to the conclusion that it is not conducive to my shopping addiction!! I want EVERYTHING!!! But i narrowed it down to one outfit that I am determined to get and decided to use this for my post.

This outfit is so cute!
 I usually don't wear stripes (because I have a large chest) but I like the cut of this shirt and it looks really comfy. I also like shirts that hang on my shoulders and is not so structured.

Blue has been my color this summer. Teal, Royal, Navy, I have been wearing it all! I'm interested to see what my color this Fall with be. I tend to gravitate towards black in the Fall (i love boots!), but maybe something will pop up and Ill find a lot of Red...or hopefully Purple since that's my favorite color.

I am really into smaller purses and I am trying to build up my clutch collection. This handbag is small enough to carry but also comes with a chain for shopping! I love that...

For the last couple weeks Old Navy has been talking about their colored jeans and even though they have been the thing to get all summer....I have not really picked it up as quickly. The only pair I have are Royal Blue. But I want more! Red, Black, and Dark Blue are on my list!

I am very simple when it comes to shoes...heels and chucks! I have about 8 pairs of converse and these Navy Blue ones are going to be my next purchase!

I have seriously been on a mission to get some white pants and I'm still determined! I have about 12 things in my closet that would look awesome with them.

But is that whole "no white pants after Labor Day" still true?

Sunday Confessions #5

I know its Monday but I didn't get a chance to do my Sunday Confessions.  1. As much as I like low key weekends, I find myself always wanting to get dressed up and hit the town. I did NOTHING this weekend and it really bugged me. 2. I love reading blogs; its my wind down time everyday...but its so much easier reading blogs on Bloglovin than on Blogger. I don't know if I am doing it right but I like getting to see the full blog when I read. The Blogger Dashboard is so boring and makes reading a pain. Is it just me?? 3. So You Think You Can Dance makes me feel like I should have stuck to my dance classes back in the day and not switched over to gymnastics and cheerleading. The dancers on this show are so awesome and I wish that I still had the athletic body from high school to get back into dance. Despite how I feel its still a great show! This just means that I may end up a "pageant" mom. Yikes!
Hope everyone has a great week!

Olympics!!!

Today is the start of the Olympics and since I am not working a full time yet, I do have some time to watch the sports I actually like. Last night I watched the opening ceremonies with Nicole and I have to say I got pretty hype.

Guyana has 6 people representing in the Olympics this year :) How awesome is that? Being a Guyanese-American I think its cool that I get to cheer on 2 countries!! I hope that Guyana gets at least one medal. But I will say that the USA teams this year are pretty awesome. I am currently watching the Women's Volleyball team kick major butt!

What are the teams to beat this year?

I'm rooting for USA Women's Gymnastics, Track and Field, Tennis, and of course Men's Basketball.

But back to the real reason behind this post...

I know its really been about a week since i have really posted. I have been busy working my part-time and trying to get back on a schedule. But i promise that this weekend will be an overload of posts. 

*shrugs*...I need to catch up.

So today will be spent watching the Olympics, doing Laundry, and post prepping. I still need to post about my awesome weekend in NYC and my experience working at a Kids Sports Camp this week.

Have a great Saturday!

Friday Letters #3

Dear Summer....Its time for you to go. I am ready to hang out with Fall. We are super tight!!! I love fall fashion and everything about the weather. Plus my birthday is in October :) Fall come quicker!!

Dear NYC....please look over me and my traveling sister as we embark on an event filled weekend in the city. I hate public transportation but I am sucking it up for the sake of a wonderful experience. Be nice!

Dear Bank Account...make sure you don't give out on me. You know I cant pass up a good drink special or food truck so make sure I don't empty you out so fast!

Dear Iphone...just wanted to say a quick I LOVE YOU. Its so crazy to think that this time last year I was still with my Blackberry talking about how much Iphones suck and that I would NEVER get one. Never say never I guess :)

Does anyone have any awesome plans this weekend? 

Anyone going to be in New York?

Random Thursdays #1

I'm excited to be participating in this link-up this week!

So this weeks topic is: Find Your Doppelganger.

Over the years I have heard that I look like several people, most of which I don't even see a slight resemblance; but others I do see it a little bit and when more than one person says it, the confirmation is kind of clear...

I have 2 possibles that I have heard more than once...

#1 Jazmine Sullivan

I have heard several times that I look like her. From Gregory and his friends, to random drunken strangers downtown. LOL One of my friends who works at a bar was even able to convince a few people that I was her and they actually got excited! For the record I think I have moments but I could never be an impersonator or anything.

#2 Sanaa Lathan

Now even if no one thinks I look like her. I think she is GORGEOUS! She is one of my favorite actresses and if I had a movie made about my life she would definitely play me!!!

So what do you think?

I'm excited to see what other people link-up as their doppelgangers!

Hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Blogger 411

Since today is going to be spent packing and cleaning I wanted to post something quick but also informative. I love doing posts about me! Most of this is stuff my close friends should already know about me, but I love getting to know new people and vice versa! So here goes!

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed? 

I have been blogging for over 2 years, but I started a completely new blog in April 2012. I wanted to have a new hobby that I could be unique with and it has turned into something more that I didn't expect. Meeting new people and relating to other women (and men) over the Internet. This community is so neat! I expect my blog to change the longer I do it, but the new blog I started is more positive than the last and shares the fun parts of my life.

2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study? 

I went to UNC Charlotte in Charlotte, NC and studied Public Relations. I would love to be an event planner

3. Where have you traveled? 

My father is in the military so I have been all over the US, but my favorite places that I have lived are Hawaii, California, and Japan.

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy? 

Pay off all the pending debt of my family!

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?

* The noise flip flops make when they hit the back of your foot so sloppy (it drives me nuts!)

* Impatient people

* Inconsiderate people (that's a broad one, mostly inconsiderate of time and feelings but the list goes on)

6. What is your favorite movie? Clueless is a classic hands down!!

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?

Can I choose all of the above? LOL  

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?

I love to read when I have the time. I am finally on the 3rd Hunger Games book. So late as usual!

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?

A store where I would be guaranteed to find something. Probably Macy's

10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.

Id rather save this for another day....that's a whole new post!

11. What day would you love to relive again?

The day I graduated college. It was such an amazing feeling to accomplish something neither of my parents got to do. Both of them joined the military after high school and never went to a University. 

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?

If age doesn't matter Sanaa Lathan, but closer to my age Zoe Saldana :)

13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?

I worked for UNCC while going to school so all my jobs consisted of working Orientation and I was also an Resident Assistant (or Resident Advisor i forget what we were called) I love jobs that require me to interact with students.

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

Oh yes I was hardcore in the world of show choir in high school...this is pre-GLEE everyone!

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?

Definitely to Italy. I have been obsessed with that country for awhile. Better yet, just make it Europe so I can see several places like London, Ireland, Greece, etc.

16. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 

Most recently I was home celebrating my moms birthday. I hadn't been home for that in 8 years! It was great spending time with the folks! Being an only child I am really close with my parents and being away from them is hard.

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now? 

Turning 30 and hopefully starting/started a family. You can throw marriage in there too :)

Alright that's all for now! Happy Hump Day!

Bourgie Recap so far in July...

I realized today that it had been almost a week since I last wrote a post and that I was about to head to NY on Thursday...that would have meant I wouldn't be at a computer to write until MONDAY. So i wanted to be able to get something out now! This is merely an update on my life, my weekend and details about my upcoming travels :)

So first off...I want to say how excited I am about 25 followers!!! Yay for people who actually read my blog. I mean I would still write here even if no one read but still its exciting. Thanks to all who read and comment. I'm trying to be like all you guys when I grow up in the blog world!

July has been a crazy month so far....

Diving head first into my part time job...

Searching for a full time job...

Reconnecting with my friends here in NC...

Traveling to visit friends and family...

But all in all things are really good in Charlotte.

I am starting to miss Orlando and I'm already planning my trip back to visit. But first I gotta make stops in Georgia and Virginia.

So a couple of recaps through photos...

I was finally able to obtain a coral color for the month of July that I love. Its Wet n Wild of course called "Heatwave" its great and I even found an accent nail color called "Through the Grapevine" which I will probably be using for August!

If you didn't know purple is my favorite color and I have been finding sheer shirts all summer. I love the way they feel but they do show everything that comes in contact with it (sweat and drinks when you are in a club. yikes!) But I ending up purchasing these collared shirts in Purple, Coral, and Tan. I really want a Royal Blue and a Black one. Would that be too many?

My best friend Nicole has been everywhere with me and letting me get reacquainted with Charlotte. We headed to a bar called Prohibition and had a blast. But it was soooo hot because it rained before we arrived so humidity was at a all time high! But we danced the night away and it was a great Saturday night!

Friday night I went out with "the girls" Tiffany, Nicole, Lauren to celebrate Laurens Bday. Margartias and food at Texas Roadhouse and the movies to see TED. I highly recommend their Margaritas. They are HUGE and so delicious. My go to is always frozen strawberry.

Since I cant be near Gregory we have gotten used to skyping for hours. Its so nice to talk to him like hes actually here and we listen to music and watch TV together lol

My two favorite purchases this month have been my leopard shoes from Off Broadway and my Aqua purse from ShoeDazzle. So cute and comfy!

Well thats all for now...Im off to start packing for NY!!!!!

Ill be back!!

So its already been a hectic couple of days so I haven't been able to give the time and effort I want to my blog posts. But i will be posting all my shenanigans and updates later this week. Job hunting and interviewing takes a lot out of you! Of course there has been some shopping thrown in there too. I am soooo looking forward to my girls night this weekend!

Hope everyone has a good week!

Sunday Confessions #4

1. I really am over this heat. It makes people grumpy, irritable, and snappy. Or maybe that is just the people I have been dealing with. Thanks God next week it will be in the 80s. Its also supposed to rain so that will be a nice change.

2. I am addicted to Instagram. I am constantly refreshing the app looking at what people are doing. Its annoying when one persons account is only filled with pictures of just them. The point of it is to see your life; not just profile pictures. But I still look lol. Follow me @missnewbourgie (shameless plug lol) but I also post some of those pics on here too.

3. I want to try the Insanity workout. I saw the infomercial today while watching TV and I got pumped up (like I always do) and really considered ordering it. But then I stopped. I knew that if I got it the DVD would just sit and collect dust without someone yelling at me to do it. I need to find some motivation for these 20 pounds I'm trying to lose. Insanity seems a little bit more doable that joining a gym. Anyone ever tried Insanity?

Hope everyone has a great week!

Pinterest steam running low...

Today I really didn't have anything to write about, but I decided to take a trip to Pinterest since it had been so long since I last was on there. I feel like Pinterest is getting a bit redundant.

Does anyone else feel that way?

I have become really picky about my Pins and my boards are filled with stuff I really enjoy. Here are some of my favorite funny quotes that I found today that made me smile.

I wish I was having an eventful Saturday but alas plans have fallen through. 

*sigh* I need this not to be a re-occurring thing.

Fridays Letters #2

Road Trip Edition. I'm finally home from a week in Virginia with my parents. What a trip! The weather was ridiculous (storms and heatwave) but I got some great shopping in, delicious home cooking and quality time with the folks for Independence Day!

Dear Construction....why do you have to be on the major highways only i take? I get aggravated because it makes people rubberneck the construction!! Do you really have to drive 2 miles an hour?

Dear Dunkin Donuts....I love you. You prevent me from getting sleepy looking at the same road for 6 hours. Thank you.

Dear Cops....stop hiding behind shrubbery and causing my stomach to be in knots every time I drive past one. Clearly I am not going the speed limit and you are causing everyone to suddenly slow down which may or may not cause an accident if they see you in time. Just a heads up.

Dear Air Conditioner...our relationship is wonderful right now. Let it never change. I promise to get my car serviced and change your filter if you keep preventing me from sweating my life away on long trips.

Dear Ipod...please do better playing the songs that I like to sing along to to keep me awake. Listening to neo soul is NOT what I need to here to get through the last 2 hours of NC.

Hope everyone had a good week!

Happy 4th of July!

Hope everyone is having a great holiday! I love driving around town seeing all the flags and decorations and since my father is a Marine its nice to see all the love and appreciation increase for him serving his country.

One of my favorite parts of the 4th of July is fireworks...but would you believe I have never shot off fireworks? Like buy from the side of a gas station, light in the middle of the street, hope that we don't blow off fingers fireworks lol

But my parents will not allow fireworks in or around the house...yes and even though I am 25 and home visiting I still listen to their rules. Well most of them anyway. So maybe next year,, *sigh*

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Today is my mother's birthday. It was such a nice day!

*Dinner at BoneFish Grill. Delicious food! We left sooooo stuffed! This Bang Bang Shrimp looked so tasty. But I'm allergic to shellfish so my mom had to try them by herself.
*Shopping spree (i got a couple items too)
*Reality TV time! I got my mother hooked on all the trashy shows I like so its great to watch them together!

 It was a great day and I am so happy that I get to be home for her birthday and spend time with my parents this week. Tomorrow should be a great day of BBQ, movies, and more pics to come! Lets hope the weather holds up.

Is that Normal?

I love finding new link-ups! This one is from Allyce at Chalk in the Rain. 

Im trying to keep some variety in my posts so I shall definitely continue to do this link-up! 

Feel free to do it too!

1.  Is it normal to live with your parents past the age of 24?

In this economy yes. Its tough times these days an sometimes you have to swallow pride and move back home or stay put until you get a good opportunity.

2.  Is it normal to leave your house and/or car unlocked?

I don't think it is because no place is safe. I'm not a country girl so I cant speak for those who live in areas where houses are really far from each other but for me just to be safe I lock everything.

3.  Is it normal to prefer using your a men's razor instead of a women's?

Lol I don't know about normal but it sure is practical. I find men's razors to get a better shave and it lasts longer before I have to shave again.

4.  Is it normal to go back to bed right after showering for a quick nap?

No. Its a little strange. I take showers to wake me up :)

5.  Is it normal to eat chocolate chips straight from the bag?

Hell yes! I will eat as many as I want and not feel bad about it. 

6.  Is it normal to check behind the shower curtain or under the bed before you get in?

I always check behind the shower curtain but checking under the bed is a little odd. Unless its a child's bed for monsters ;)

7.  Is it normal to talk to yourself?

Yes. I am talking to myself right now answering these questions!

8.  Is it normal to bite your nails?

Yes. Not everyone walks around with a nail clipper or file on them. Gotta do what you gotta do.

9.  Is it normal to go to bed without brushing your teeth?

Not so much normal but more frowned upon :( But stuff happens and I have passed out from exhaustion (or drunkeness) once or twice not getting to brush my teeth. I KNOW everyone is guilty of at least once.

10. Is it normal to "baby talk" your pet?

I think it is definitely normal. Most don't even realize they do it. I know I talked to my dog Dolce' all the time in a baby voice because she always looked at my so happy!

Photo Fun Monday #1

1. I reunited my line sisters finally and we decided to go to this restaurant called Pinky's. It was this funky little dive that had amazing food and crazy drinks! I tasted this Green Chile Pork sandwich and their waffle fries rival Chik Fil A (dare I say) and I definitely have to go back again. The honey cilantro coleslaw was amazing!
2. My girls Melissa and Sabrina :)
3. The menu of crazy drinks. They had some outrageous names like Kraken Krunk and Dirty Blonde and my favorite Mr. Miyagi!!
4. I went crazy at Forever 21 the other day and got some really awesome things to wear for my trip to New York in 2 weeks
5. Back in VA this week visiting my family for 4th of July and my mothers birthday!
6. Relaxing at home finally getting to read Hunger Games (don't judge, I haven't seen the movie either) and enjoying the air condition as it cooks people outside lol

Hope everyone had a great Monday!