Things that I have realized at 27

My birthday is 2 months away so I got to thinking about all the things that have changed. I thought that by this time I would be married or at least planning on it, and more permanent in a career. Currently none of those things are happening. Now as I get closer to 30 I am not as scared as I once was and I have decided to embrace my life as is. I've been telling all my friends that 30 is the new 20. Any else believe that? I have learned quite a bit over the last couple years and I have written down a few that I am willing to confess about.


1. Hangovers. They are the absolute worst. But they are more deadly now that I'm not heading to college night every Thursday. Senior year of college I was an absolute champ. Partying 3 days a week and going to class the next day no problem. I can still party into the night, but the recovery time is longer painless and fixed with a glass of water and some Advil. I need time to re-evaluate my life, roll out of bed, and eat something immediately. And now that could take hours! That means if there is any weekday shenanigans, I have to think very carefully how to approach my next day. I do work in the classroom after all.

2. The junior section of stores is 90% of the time not suitable for me. It makes me sad seeing women forcing themselves into clothes they have no business wearing. Partially in my defense the store is called Forever 21, and I am 27; but if they make my size and I wear it appropriate whats the harm? Buuuuuut not everyone can wear anything just because it comes in your size FYI.

3. Living paycheck to paycheck has become an art form. I have a full time job yes, but that does not mean I always have money. That just is not realistic. Bills Bills Bills rule my world. I certainly know how to make 20 dollars stretch for a whole week.

4. Metabolism. Oh I miss the days of devouring empty calories and staying the same size. Now to counter balance I focus more on the empty calories of alcohol mixed in with eating healthier. Yes that sounds  like a good plan. I also got myself a personal trainer and he makes all the difference. No binge eating for me.

5. Keeping up with friends in high school gets tougher every year unless you live in a small town. It's to the point where I only speak if it's their birthday, or a new baby, or a wedding. Which by the way sucks because 9 times out of 10 I'm too far away to be invited to the wedding, baby shower, or birthday party. Womp womp.

6. My love for fashion has increased ten fold. My desire to be more daring and dress for appropriate occasions have gotten better. Or maybe its my love for shoes. Yes. I just love shoes. Outfits are only necessary in order to wear certain shoes. If I could, I'd go naked and have some hot shoes on. Guess I need to move to a nudist colony.

7. I am no longer dating for fun. Lol I mean it still needs to be fun, but I'm starting to get the itch for settling down...maybe it's because of all the damn weddings and baby showers I've been seeing. I think I'm ready for someone to make an honest woman out of me.

8. My increase in jealousy has come to the forefront. This might be due to social media and the parade of "new job" and "I'm engaged" and "bought a new house". Facebook/Instagram/Twitter breeds the jealousy but I can't look away. I know it's not my time and it's okay for me to feel this way. This just means that when it happens for me I'm going to have a freakin parade. Okay maybe not that much pomp and circumstance. But there will be a party.

XOXO

Confessions of a Blogaholic Link Up

Weekend Marathon

I had a pretty hectic weekend. It has been awhile since I've had plans everyday. From Thursday to Sunday. No stopping. But it was all a good time. I'm still getting back in my "take pictures of everything in anticipation of blogging" mode. But for now check out my jam packed weekend.

these crazy kids...

Thursday: Spent the day volunteering with Nicole's church Elevation. They have something called "Love Week" every year where everyone goes out into the community of Charlotte to give back and spread the "love". I've known about it for awhile but this is the first year taking part. Me and the roomies all decided to volunteering renovating a house in East Charlotte. Painting, yard work, etc. Good times.

The evening was really long and exhausting. But so much fun. Met up with some friends to see a Michael Jackson cover band...but it rained out and no performance. So what do you do when that happens? Bar hop around the city and try to avoid the rain (the weekend ending up being so gray and rainy). Highlight of my night. Eating some amazing Queso at VidaVida. Good food moves me to photograph it, so it only makes sense that this is the only picture I have of the night.

Friday: Had a friend in town so I mustered up the energy to go out again. Hit uptown to Cosmos. Thought I was really being creative with my Snapchat right here. Plus my makeup looks on point. 

Saturday: Early morning work. This time; Senior Basketball 3 on 3. I'm talking 50 and over running up and down the court (well half of the court) and shooting 3 pointers better than a lot of guys I see my age. They've still got it and it goes to show you that even though you get to a certain age, you can still do what you love. Just take care of yourself.

I spent my night with some of my favorite people. I met up with some of my best friends from college who are in my sorority with me for dinner and drinks afterward. It was so nice to catch up! The Plaza Midwood area of Charlotte is pretty nice. I had been to a couple places but not on a weekend. I love the casual atmosphere even though my attire didn't match. I wish I had gotten a full picture of my outfit that night. I was channeling the 90s with my high waited acid wash jeans, white pumps, and black blazer. I was taking it out for a test spin and it was a hit! Anyone else getting more into 90s fashion? Or just taking more risks in general?

Sunday I started my Job #3 as a hostess (more on that later), so my morning was spent training. And in the evening I watched the Giants play in their first game of the season. Its preseason, but still a win is a win. My GMen were looking pretty good out there! Lets hope that its a preview of great things to come. Anyone else overcome with joy that its time for football????

Hope everyone has a great week!

Monday Morning Gossip Weekend Recap

August Goals

Hope everyone is having an amazing Thursday!

Today is the first of August and I wanted to get out some goals I have for this month.

I am very hopeful that I will accomplish this list!

1. Complete at least 3 things on my 101 in 1001. 

I'm really trying to go to the shooting range and finally have my Harry Potter Marathon!

2. Get A Full Time Job!

I will always have this on my goal list until is gets accomplished! I'm constantly interviewing I just need someone to take a chance and hire me!

3. Obtain some furniture for my room.

I think its a sign that I received the IKEA catalog in the mail yesterday!!!

4. Finish books on summer reading list.

I don't have many left!

* Gone Girl

* Midnight and the Meaning of Love by Sister Souljah

* Girl in White Dresses

5. Accomplish making some Empanadas! 

If you didn't already know I am obsessed with food from cultures other than mine. Latin food (whether its Puerto Rican, Peruvian, Brazilian) is so yummy and I miss having constant access to it like when I was in Florida. So I am determined to AT LEAST learn how to make some empanadas on my own. I tend to craze them at the most random times! Anyone have a good recipe?

XOXO

Football Faves

In lieu of football season starting I wanted to put up some of my favorite NFL men right now. Don't get me wrong I love my football (Giants all the way!!!) and I am looking forward to a great season but off the field these men are so nice to look at!! 

Preseason isn't really that interesting, so until the regular season starts I thought I would enjoy the eye candy....Its not like basketball where you see their face all the time. 

Which makes it all the better when you see pictures without the helmets and are pleasantly surprised! I sound like a hormonal teenager lol

Today's selection is CAM NEWTON!

He just recently did a spread and was on the cover of GQ mgazine.

Even if you aren't a Panthers fan you really can't help but swoon!

I love nice teeth!!!

Seriously...I'm so glad I live in North Carolina :)

Im still confused about why they would do such an amazing photo shoot for a Men's magazine! 

Could I have these shots in my Cosmo or InStyle please??

Even if you aren't a fan of watching football....Who is your eye candy in the NFL?

Random Thursday #3

OBSESSIONS!

Here are mine...i have quite a few. 

When things get introduced in my life, I take them and enjoy it until I cant anymore.

1. Bad Girls Club

It is very well known that I am a Reality TV junkie. Like, I may need rehab for it, but my all time favorite show is Bad Girls Club. After about 9 seasons (and ive seen every single episode) it has gotten pretty predictable, but I cannot resist watching 7 girls constantly fight and try to be the alpha-female in the house and overall try to "change" lol. Its so trashy its good!

2. Instagram (these are not my pics)

This app was the FIRST one that I downloaded as soon as I got my iphone and i've been in love ever since. Along with Twitter, I check Instagram everyday. I love taking pictures and enjoy looking at all my friends seeing all the cool things they are doing. Plus i like how the filters make me look! :)

3. MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Somehow being the multiple hour sleeper I am (we are talking some days almost 9 hours when i'm not working) I still wake up with bags under my eyes. So to combat it I use MAC Studio Finish Concealer. It is fabulous and blends well. I don't like to use is everyday, but when I am going out...it is my go-to!

4. Simply Lemonade

Sooooo yummy! And my favorite is the Raspberry Lemonade. 

Mix it with a little raspberry vodka and its amazing!! 

But by itself I could drink it everyday. 

Plus its all natural. Nothing wrong with that :)

Happy Wednesday!

7 Questions!!

Today is my first time doing the 7 Questions so i'm really excited!!

(dont ask...lol)

1. It's back to school time! Are YOU going back to school? I graduated from college in 2008. I am definitely considering getting my Masters but that requires M-O-N-E-Y and i'm still paying off my loans from my bachelors!! But I would love to get my Masters in Higher Education. We shall see in the next year.

2. Speaking of back to school... You receive 10 pts if you can name this movie:
"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms."
I confess that I had to look up this movie. You've Got Mail is such a cute movie though. I haven't seen it in forever so I may dig into NetFlix and see if they have it!

3. Who did you hang out with in school? Cool kids, jocks, nerds, were you a loner, etc? (all are welcome here- btw) I would say that I was a floater....I was a cheerleader so that was considered a "cool kid" and a "jock" (cheerleaders were big time competitors at my school) but I was also Student Body Vice President so I was frequently around "nerds". I hung out with everyone so everyone liked me. No problems there. I think thats how it should be. Everyone can find at least one common interest you just have to take the time to find it.

After School Beach times were frequent!

4. What was your favorite subject in school? Anything that required my creative juices to flow. I loved English (i was able to write about whatever I wanted) and Theater (I was creative director) and Event Planning (planning a department banquet for my College). I tend to not do well in math or science....ZZZzzz

5. (I've asked this question before, but it was a while ago) If you had to go back and redo one of the following, which would you choose and why? Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School, College? I would definitely do Middle School over again because I might have become interested in other sports. Or I might have taken more opportunities in activities and experiences. Everything happens for a reason but I think I might have a different outlook on sports or maybe not have wasted time doing certain things.

6. Home/ Packed Lunch or School Lunch? School Lunch!! Going to school in Hawaii was a great experience and one thing that I lucked out on was amazing and delicious school lunch! Okay well maybe not amazing but most of it was really tasty! Chicken sandwich and Kalua Pork (yummy) Days were the most popular and we had a salad bar and Nacho Day and great things. Not as healthy as it should have been but it kept us happy.

circa 2004

7. What's more exciting? The first day of school or the last day of school? Definitely the first day of school. I love getting new clothes and new school supplies (yes getting new pens, paper, and notebooks) and the anxiousness of new classes and people. The last day of school is more of a relief and excitement to just be done! But the first day is kind of awesome because you get a fresh start.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Pics Pics Pics

Here are a couple of pics from last week. 

I was pretty busy and was able to take quite a few. 

But I only posted a couple to Instagram :(

I love TARGET. No, love is an understatement. I'm Head over Heels for Target. Especially when it comes to clearance. I cant help but stop and look at every clearance shelf to see what treasures I can find. You never know. I'm always looking for things I can add to my already full cart. I found Salon Effects for 3 bucks! Which is such a bargain because normally 9 its such a splurge to buy a pack every time you want to change your nails. And this eyeshadow was such a pretty blue and gray I had to get it. All shades of blue has been my color all summer and I most likely will carry Navy into the Fall!

I always love getting packages, but I get a special kind of giddy when I get a Shoedazzle box. I am ordering from them every chance I get! One day I will post all of my shoes so you can see the awesomeness first hand. I love shoes! They always fit!

This is Lexi. She is awesome and going to be Gregory's new housemate when he moves down to Charlotte. She was so cute and liked to cuddle on the leather chair! 

My sorority sister Sabrina came to Gregory's Poetry Slam and it had been so long since I had seen her. 

Her husband came to but I cant remember the last time we took a nice pic just the 2 of us!

 A diner Uptown served liquor and beer along with diner food. I definitely had breakfast with a 2 dollar Yuengling. Don't judge me. It was great!

I loved the way my nails came out. Salon Effects in Snake Rattle and Roll and Sinful Colors in Rise and Shine. Instead of one accent nail, I did 2 on each! Trying to be different and I like the way it looks! 

My fortune in my cookie. Hmmm...I still have some time.

I am Thankful for...

Today has been really crazy and chaotic so because of that I thought I would write a quick post to really focus on what I'm thankful for these days. I thought this link by Felicity was really cute so I'm doing it today!!

I am thankful for...

1. My family: They have really helped me out and supported me during this "summer of change" as I like to call it. My cousin took me in to live with her (rent free) to find myself back in Charlotte and to really get my groove back down here. Not that groove lol but more about starting a new chapter in my life. My parents have also been really supportive and even though they thought I was nuts for leaving a job and life in Orlando they can actually see the happiness that has come back since I moved. 

In more somber news I am truly thankful that my grandparents are still with me. My grandfather had serious heart surgery last month and has been recovering and battling complications since June. I have tried not to write about it but it has really put me in a mindset to really appreciate my family and get closer to them and do better. I am visiting him in a couple weeks and I have heard over the last few days that he is starting to get back to his old talkative self so I hope this keeps up. The idea of losing him really hit me hard and I'm not ready to let go yet. I think i will have to do a post about my awesome Caribbean family soon :)

(just a small portion of my awesome family on my college graduation day!)

2. My friends: Moving back up to NC has let me be around my best friends from college again. We are all in very different places in our lives but when we are together it is just pure fun and enjoyment. I missed these ladies so much when I was away but it nice to know that coming back into town has not stopped our love of each others company. The only thing that has stopped is our ridiculous night events and hangovers and dance parties. They have calmed down quite a bit but since my birthday is coming up in October I think that may be the time to relive the good ol' days ;)

3. Having a part time job: Point blank. I was lucky to be able to find a job when I first got to NC but now it has really picked up so I'm getting decent hours and can still pay the bills that I still have. Gas in my tank is always a plus! Its still difficult because with a shopping habit as bad as mine I am quick to spend all my money on some shoes and eat Ramen for 2 weeks until the next paycheck. But the shoes I buy are always awesome and I look good on that couch rocking them! lol But yes I do hope that a full-time presents itself and gives me a chance to truly save money. 2013 I WILL be in my own place. I have to speak it into existence!!

4. Chicken Marsala. I have realized that this is my new favorite dish. My cousin cooked it last night and I have literally had 3 helpings!!! I am determined to make it in my own place and I will even spruce it up and make it my own but for now my cousin's cooking is the bomb.com. I didn't get a pic for obvious reasons!!

Have a great Tuesday!