The Workshop at Macy’s

I wanted to share something pretty fantastic going on at Macy’s. Surprisingly enough, no, I’m not talking about a sale. But, if you’re one of those girls who made a promise to herself to take a leap of faith and venture into entrepreneurship this year, keep reading.

 

[click logo for more information]

The Workshop is a comprehensive retail vendor development program designed to give select high potential multicultural women business owners the tools to better succeed in the retail industry.  As we all know, especially in this day in age, success (not to mention – sustained success) is hard to come by in the retail industry.

This once a year program is a 4 1/2 day training course for up to 20 women selected through an application process.  The workshop includes information in the areas of strategic planning, branding, merchandising and assortment planning, sales and marketing and access to capital. 

Here’s a glimpe of last year’s gallery…

I know you’re probably saying to yourself…well I’m not ready to start my business yet…I don’t have the money to start my business yet…I can’t take 4 days off of work…and the excuses go on and on.  Look at it this way, it’s free to apply so it couldn’t hurt. Head on over and take a look at the eligibility requirements and get that application in.  The deadline is January 22nd! 

sunnies: MimiBoutique | necklace: thrifted | top: {similar} | jacket: {similar} | jeans: {similar} | flats: DSW {i think} | watch: Michael Kors

Week One: REVIVED!

Here we are, the first week of 2012 has come to an end…almost.  I’m always curious to know if those who made NY resolutions are sticking with them.  Did you make any resolutions?  How did week one go?  I tend to believe that whatever you resolve to do, if it’s not God’s will for life, you’ll ultimately not find success in it.  You may have a little success for a little while but sustained success is not likely.   Whatever your hopes, plans and goals are for 2012, I wish you all the best in reaching them.

How was my first week of 2012?  I can honestly say I have not a single complaint.  I like to categorize the areas of my life into buckets.  I have a family and friend bucket, a work bucket, a Me bucket, and a God bucket.  When I look at my family bucket, I’m happy to say that I got to spend the pre-2012 holidays with my family over some home cooked meals and enjoyed some funny remember-when conversations.  My grandfather isn’t in the best of health and so it’s something that I thinking and praying about, but I am leaving it in God’s hands.  Also, and this may sound inconsequential, but I was glad to be able to buy all the Christmas gifts I wanted to get for my family without having to put anything on credit.  Not to mention the hubs just told me my last credit card has finally been paid off. 

My work bucket was great.  I usually feel like I could be doing more, but this week, I felt like a lot got accomplished and I was able to meet the goals I wanted.  There were one or two emails that I didn’t get to, but I’m okay with that.  Our big convention is right around the corner and I feel really good about how the areas I’m responsible for are going to turn out.  

My Me bucket is filled with my blog, health, growing baby, that kind of stuff.  I’m glad that I got to post recently and also that I got to add some items to my shop  one of which is now sold.  I got quite a few emails this week about various sponsorships and such.  I received some really really cute tees, a sweatshirt for Hubs and rubber bracelets from God Can that I can’t wait to show you.  I have a project that I’m working on with MimiBoutique.com that sadly I haven’t posted pictures for because, well, in all honesty, I don’t feel like I’ve done MB justice in the outfits I put together around the items they sent me.  I’m determined to figure it out this week.  I haven’t uploaded any videos to my YouTube channel which was something I wanted to do this week, so that’s a bummer, but I haven’t forgotten. 

My God bucket is overflowing!  Every year my church hosts a week- long revival to re-energize and remind us all of the real reason we’re here.  We have church nightly.  This year our revivalist was Elder Jeremy McDonald, from Alabama.  We were very blessed by the Word he brought forth.  He spoke encouragement and strength into our lives.  We were revived.  It’s kind of like that feeling you get AFTER you’ve worked out.  It’s a rush of renewal and refreshment. 

So long week one, it’s was great!

sunnies: MimiBoutique.com | jacket: DKNY {similar}| pin: DIY from an old church hat | tee: Target | pants: {similar} | shoes: Carlos Santana {similar}

BEST OF 2011!!

I admit it’s been a while…a very. long. while since I last posted and if you really want to know why…well, I’ve been lazy. I know, I know…poor excuse. But, it’s the truth. I guess you can say it’s laziness coupled with complete and utter exhaustion after a long days work coupled with this chick in my belly zapping every ounce of energy from my body coupled with…laziness. Oh, and the fact that I haven’t been feeling very blogworthy lately.

Enough about me, I have to thank you sweet girls for all of your emails and Christmas cards. It’s such a warm feeling knowing that I have such a great support group, is it okay if I call you that? I should also tell you that the baby is fine and I’ve been feeling much much better. That first tri was a mess, but I made it through and I feel a bizillion times better.

So, here we are, New Year’s Eve. While I don’t have extravagant…huge…fun, any plans I do plan to be with my little family and maybe pop some bottles of Martinelli’s. I love apple cider. Honestly, I haven’t even thought about new year’s resolutions. I think I shared this with you about this time last year that I don’t typically make resolutions to ring in the new year, instead I make resolutions when I’m ringing in MY new year, my birthday. So, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Instead of a list of New Year’s resolutions, I thought I’d do a special New Year’s Shoutout to my girls. Find your initials and read my little note to you!

MH: I’ve said it before but your soon to be mister is a very lucky guy! You’re such a sweet girl times infinity and I thank God that we met through this here blog. XOXO!

JY: So you’re not Young yet but you’re soon to be and that’s all that counts. The woman of a thousand talents, you can do it all! I want to be like you when I grow up. For now, just teach me how to cook some GCC. LOL I love you, Sis!

JEEZ: I see you started a log. I’m looking forward to your posts soon! Thanks for the love!

ANYA: Is it okay if I call you DIY queen, because I think I just did! On top of that, you’re stunning! Thank you for following, my dear!

KER: I love a mom that keeps it FUNKY and you do that in your sleep! I love your look. Thank you for all your sweet comments.

HODAN: Thank you for sharing pieces of your life with me. I enjoy knowing that in spite of it all we can share FASHION and other fun stuff.

SHANNA: Just as cute as you can be. I love your beautiful smile and your sense of style. Keep doing what you’re doing! We’re watching!

VM: You, young lady, are a peach! You always have something kind to say. I’m still waiting to see the debut of that shirt. LOL

MB: Thank you for following my blog. It’s been such a treat getting to know you this season. Thank you for welcoming me to the team and being so great! I’m looking forward to next season!

DR: You’ve been following for quite some time, lady! Thank you for your comments and love!

SHA: Living life in style is SO true. You look great and I loved featuring you!

GOD: What shoes will she have on today? That’s what I say to myself when I hop on to your blog. You never cease to amaze me.

PRI: With a crazy shoe collection like yours, who needs friends! LOL Wishing you all the best your sweet little heart can take. Thanks for rocking and rolling with me!

SC: I’m glad to have had the chance to meet you and my sweet little Elijah! I’m looking forward to our mommy time soon! I still need to give you your Christmas gifts.

TIFF: I hear wedding bells and I’m so happy for you! Thank you for your encouragement and always having something kind to say. You’re a gem!

JD: I often think of you and remember your post about your past medical challenges. I still think it’s only by God’s grace that you are with us today and looking amazing! You are an inspiration to many, especially myself.

AL: The yummiest, healthiest food on the web. I love looking at the concoctions you come up with. Happy New Year to you the hubs and family.

TYNA: Thank you for your kinds words especially about my little chick. I don’t know if we’re having a boy or girl. I hope to find out on January 13th.

MAYA: I love your Fashunbee style! Especially “in the fog”. Continue to keep us inspired.

NP: Thank you for all your prayers. I love seeing your comments. Happy New Year Mrs Rogero.

MARQ: I can’t promise that I won’t have any more JiB tacos, but I’ll try. LOL Thanks for the love, girl!

CHAR: Georgia Peach, yup that’s you! Thanks for rocking and rolling with me.

JOH: I’m still learning Spanish, but I love your blog anyways.

AG: I love checking you out on youtube. Everytime I watch, my Cali accent turns into an Alicia accent. LOL

H3: There aren’t enough words. You 3 girls are the tops in every sense of the word. You’re beautiful, funny, smart! You’re parents are very proud, I’m sure. I’ve honored to know you! Muah! Deac. Man-man’s alright too.

ESE: My little Atlanta fashionista next door! I can’t wait to see you in San Diego!

LEX: I continue to be amazed by your ability to post outfits, post meal ideas, post beauty tips. You’re the bomb.com!

TC: Keep on “posen” girl! You’re so gifted, talented and smart. I love who you are and laughing with you. You crack me up!

MYJD3: You always have a loving and reassuring word to give. You’re heart couldn’t be bigger. I love you, Momma!

CG: Mommy of the century! I admire you! I don’t know how you do it. You just had twins and you look amazing! You’re a great mommy! Looking forward to our next study!

JON: I love you to no end. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine and my heart. Thank you for putting up with me and for giving me 3 beautiful babies! Team Young Rules!

I know I’m leaving some of you off this list, but charge it to my baby brain and not my heart. I pray you all had a wonderful Christmas with you friends, family and those who matter most. I love you my dears and I’ll be upping the post volume soon.

My Baby Boy and Me

I know I’m being completely presumptuous but something tells me my little chick is as a boy.  Although, I won’t find out for several more weeks, I just have a feeling.  We’ll see what happens.

It’s 3 am they’re all asleep
And no one’s here to see
As we rock slowly back and forth
My Baby Boy and Me.

His little head is feather light
tucked up against my chin
I hold his tiny hand in mine
and stroke his baby skin.

The house about us creaks and groans
the clock hands creep around
He snuggles closer to me still
and makes his baby sounds.

I love these quiet hours so much
and cherish every one
store memories up inside my heart
for lonely nights to come.

All too soon he’ll be grown up
his need for Mama gone
but until then I still have time
for kisses and for song.

Time for quiet hours like this
with him cuddled in my arms
where I wish he’d always stay
protected safe and warm.

And yet I know the day will come
when this tiny little hand
will be much bigger than my own
he’ll grow to be a man.

But until then he’s mine to love
with no one here to see
as we rock slowly back and forth
my baby boy and me.

Love this!

vest: gifted Old Navy {similar} | top: Thrifted {similar} | jeans: Levi 501 | shoes: UrbanOg | DIY cuff: LV luggage strap| sunnies: MimiBoutique

10 Weeks Tuesday

These pictures are at least 3 weeks old, taken some time before Thanksgiving!  I’ll do a better job of keeping up with when I’m taking these pictures.

So, I had my big preggo test yesterday.  It’s when the doctor does a physical exam where you are weighed, your blood pressure is taken and your lungs, heart and breasts are checked.  The doctor also conducts a pelvic exam, which includes a pap to screen for cervical cancer and then culture swabs to test for STDs.  The doctor will also conduct a bimanual internal exam, where she checks to see the size of the uterus and pelvis.  She also detects any abnormalities with fallopian tubes, ovaries or uterus.   The last check she did was an internal ultrasound to see the size of the little chick.  Based on this size she can give a more exact growth status.  As of yesterday, I’m 10 weeks and my due date is still about the same.  Instead of June 25-28, she said it looks more like June 23.  It’s funny because June 25 is my older brother’s birthday and June 23 is my niece’s birthday.  After all this, I left the office a little relieved to find out that I’m not having twins. For the past several weeks whenever anyone would ask my son, Jaxon, if he wants a sister or a brother, he would say two a brother and a sister.   I don’t go back to the doctor for another month, but I have some normal screenings that I’ll need to take and then in a few weeks we’ll be able to find out if we’re having a boy or a girl.  Can’t wait!  

P.S. Whoever said cravings are all in the head, hasn’t met me.  I have been craving 2 tacos from Jack in the Box in a real way.  Pray for me. LOL

jacket: {similar} |top: Express {similar} | leggings: {similar}  | boots: Charles David {similar} | ring: Target {similar}