So Long Summer '17

Well dmn, if you blinked the summer was over and we are headed to saying Merry Christmas any minute!! Sheesh!! I can't complain, the summer has been good to me. My time was mainly taken up with MY LAST...AND FINAL...BON VOYAGE MATH CLASS **cue standing ovation with flowers thrown to the stage** I am officially DONE with MAFF!!! I struggled yet passed with a strong C I proudly accept (yet don't recommend for the standards of my own kids) and now I can breeze through these next 8 classes I have left to achieve my degree next year #Graduate2018 :) I'm now doing 3 classes for Fall and I feel like although I'm so close I'm still far away :7 I know, I know, I know...5 more classes and I'm done but I'm so tired n over school **le sigh** this is the first time in a long time I've consistently stayed IN school since high school. Thanx for the support and encouragement <3 I appreciated the motivation of stories for students over 30 lol. 

Top: @goldenbirdboutique on IG
Bottom: TJ Maxx
Shoes/Clutch: DSW
Shades: Boutique in Downtown Annapolis

If I wasn't busy with Maff and work, you could definitely find me in Annapolis on the weekends. I managed to snatch a weekend up with my ever so "busy" son and forced him to spend time with me since he doesn't like to hang with his mama anymore he was more than willing to tag along with me :D Mason is 10 and has 8 more years until he's released into society as an adult n it is then the shackles will be removed from my ankles n responsibilities relinquished lol. He will always be my baby, my first born and all that mushy stuff mother n sons have BUT one thing I refuse to do is coddle n not teach him responsibility. With that being said....we took a trip to the Naval Academy because I want to start showing him OPTIONS! 

We did a tour and walked around settling near the waters and convo'd. He actually enjoyed the visit and is quite interested in learning more of the experience of cadets. I know we push college a lot buuuuut let's be realistic here...it's not for everyone. I will support him in which ever path he chooses...ALL I KNOW IZZZZZZ **randy the roach voice** he's getting prepped quite early and becuz I know MY child, he can handle it. Some people may not agree or think he's too young but MY BABY has been quite advanced for some time now **pops collar**

I enjoy watching him grow up and although I sometimes miss his baby days BEFORE he could talk n have replies that require me to snatch his lips off his face **eyeroll** I wouldn't rewind it for the world. LIFE!!! 

Brunch!! Brunch!! Brunch!! I love me a good brunch and I attended when I could of course becuz I love food and good ol' get togethers. Plus it's a good way for me to utilize all this makeup I know I don't need n play dress up :) 

  

Another great highlight of the summer was visiting one of my besties, Kim, in ATL!! We had such a great time. Mason enjoyed the plane ride and I enjoyed Kim Kuisines (I miss her cooking), as I literally lounged, caught up on girl talk n vintage shopped. We took the kids to the Coca Cola Factory (I don't even drink soda haha) which was quite enlightening learning the secret formula, histories and trying out different cola products from different continents. We enjoyed our stay n will definitely be back sooner than later. 

So Loooong Summer 17' and Hello Fall/Winter :D I'm looking forward to snuggly sweaters, oxblood-mustard-and olive shades and cozy sweater dresses. 

What are you looking forward to this season? Are u getting a head start on New Years Resolutions already lol...yes it's OCTOBER which means 2 more months we head into....2018!!!!

Smooches

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Work Couture

After being caged in uniforms for so long, the best part I enjoy about the 9 to 5 world is playing dress up. My mother was an excellent example of dressing professionally in the workforce and she always told me to look presentable. I try to play it safe with being classy but with my own twist of style. Over the years the office world has become a tad bit more 'lax. No longer do I see women wear suits everyday (remember Designing Women n Tootsie lol) and has come to be more casual. I'll let you in some secret, tips n tricks on how I shop for work.

Very RARELY do I wear black. I know its a good default color for people to go to but majority of my closet is color of some sort. I do have the black essentials: dress, skirt, trousers n top but I save those for the days I might've overslept or just really don't feel like entertaining the kids. On rainy n gloomy days I am the sunshine of the office. I feel like when I wear color I exude a greater energy that's contagious and keeps me in a good mood :) My co-worker challenged me to be "basic" and needless to say I failed lol. 

gifted by my brother from Thailand

$5 from Ebay

One thing you'd be surprised with is how cheap economical I shop. I normally head right for the clearance rack. I don't shop trends (betcha regret those heel-less shoes n wedge sneakers eeeeh) and I am not above clothes from eBay (which is tricky in itself). I do pay full price for things but it has to really mooooove me and hit me like a must have type of item for me to consider it. My biggest thing I've come to love more n more is thrifting!!! 

Dress: @blazinvintage on IG ($20)

Dress: @divaexpress on IG ($14)

When thrifting and shopping Ebay (BooTeek) you have to be leary of sizing. There wasn't a lot of stretch going on back in the day lol. When I say vintage I mean shyt from like 80's n early 90's (70's if u lucky). I ordered a pair of shorts that were a size 12...well errrr uuuuh apparently I am NOT the size 12 from the 80's n I was unable to button em lol. If I see something listed in my size range I have to consider how vintage it is becuz it might be too small or tight. For the most part I play it safe with dresses, caftans or tops. Now shopping at Ebay is definitely taking a chance to get ur feelings hurt. Most of the time it's coming from China which means whatever size they list u need to go UP 2-3 sizes and don't expect the material to be top notch quality either...after all the dress IS under $20 w/free shipping....sometimes less than that. You will possibly need a slip of some sort under em. I got this one dress that feels like it was made from pillowcases :7 The pants I got in my fat girl days cuz it said 2XL. Needless to say I couldn't fit em til I dropped 100 lbs soooo if u are thick wit thighs n also TALL u might wanna skip Ebay lol. 

One thing I don't think women take into consideration of the workplace is our body shape. This is where I will speak for myself....

I am not against body cons in the workplace. HOWEVER...we must know the difference in FIT that's appropriate for work n play. Body cons on a thin mint doesn't look the same as on me (same goes for mini skirts) becuz I'm a tad thicker WITH curves it looks a tad more provocative on me vs the thin mint. With that said...I don't wear overly tight shyt to work. For one I'm already body conscious, I don't want to walk around tugging n pulling nothing down and I just don't think it's a good look to walk around the office like I'm at the MTV Awards. I know we all see questionable attire especially once the weather breaks n we shake our heads but I can only be accountable for myself lol. I have 2 options when wearing form fitting dresses to work: Blazer/Cover up or I get it a size or 2 bigger so I still get the form fit but it u can't see my heart beat n food travel down my esophagus (plus I can't get away with no spanx).

2 piece set: @goldenbirdboutique on IG

One thing I almost second guessed myself on was wearing my turbans to work. I started wearing turbans in my early natural hair days becuz I refuse (and hate to see) wearing a scarf in public. U know them scarves u tie ur head up in at night not a head wrap type scarf. I can get away with bad hair days n sneak in a DC treatment while wearing turbans so I got more comfortable with them n been collecting ever since. My boss loves em, I get plenty of compliments while wearing them BUT one of my elderlies approached me saying it wasn't "professional" looking but this was according to how SHE grew up which is clearly waaaay more generations before me so I could understand where she was coming from. Referring back to offices being more laxed now I've seen folks with purple n pink streaks round the building O_O as much as I miss those days I would nevaaaaa but I shall continue to wear n match accordingly my turbans to my outfits **twirl**

My favorite places to shop:

• Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack-it's my favorite place to shop period n they're like my 2nd family anyways. Anniversary Sale starts this week n I'm ready to go ham!!!!
• JCPenny-is soooo slept on and I am not complaining. This store is perfect for work clothes for good sizing and reasonable prices. They always have sales n coupons to use n u can easily pick up 5 outfits for under $100. 
• Forever 21-I still shop their plus size section for jeans yet can get away with the regular size for dresses, tops n jackets. They always got a good sale/clearance section. 
• ASOS-I am....OBSESSED!!!! I utilize my student discount (10%) quite often, they don't do 20-30% off sales too often but either way the discounts only applies to full price stuff. They have cool, edgy n feminine styles that match me perfectly. They cater to us tall folks (although I think I'm shrinking) and their asos brand runs big which is perfect for me. Brands that have UK sizing can be trial n error cuz they run small. I throw stuff in my "save for later" cart n clock the prices then go in for the kill when it goes on sale. 
• Random stores-anything that catches my eye. Boutiques, thrifts, market places, I don't discriminate. I've just started shopping outside of Annapolis mall n ventured to their downtown area to find some hip side stores that appeal to my liking. 

At the end of the day...I dress matching my personality. I hate when people say "I wish I could blah blah blah like you" Ummm you can!! I encourage folks to step out the box n push em out the comfort zone. Mix prints, rock some color, wear short sleeves even if u got fat arms; you'd be surprised. I'm all for reinventing myself. There's nothing I wouldn't try within reason. When I say within reason it has to compliment my frame. There's some styles that don't flatter my body. I love jumpsuits buuuut it's always tricky cuz I'm tall n I don't want camel toe in the crotch n the seams gotta be right. 

I am no stylist although I would love to take someone on to bring out their potential. I get inspiration from new styles mixed w/an old school flair. Polka dots, snake print, stripes and anything with a bow tickles my fancy. Sometimes I'll leave something behind n I can't stop thinking bout it. That's when I know I gotta have it whether on sale or not. I even take chances myself n step out the box....

There was something about these I couldn't get off my mind. Weeks went by n I kept thinking I should've brought em home...despite the price tag **le sigh** but their comfortable n I'm up for the challenge of bringing these out :) Until next tiiiiiime.....

Smooches

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Cuba For The Cult-Cha

How lucky am I to be whisked away to be apart of bae's dream vacay to Cuba :) Don't mind if I do!! I've been getting a lot of questions on my trip so i'll try to sum it all up in one post. This will prolly be a lengthy post esp due to pics but I'd like to think I'm pretty entertaining so it'll be well worth it. Let's seeeee where do I begin...

We got our visa's from Cuba Visa Services and yes it's for "people to people" which arrived in like 3 days-thank goodness cuz we got em last minute **eyeroll** As far as the monies, I went to a money exchange place in Alexandria and got Euro's then we converted to CUC's once we got to Cuba. I would recommend ur driver taking u to an exchange place OUTSIDE of the airport to avoid high azz fees and long lines. I wouldn't recommend using credit cards (i think a few places to eat n shops accepts them) and keep in mind the American dollar is worthless there.

Cuba is fairly inexpensive. The most you would need to budget for is taxi rides which on average was about $15-25 but we stayed in the middle of Old Havana so we pretty much walked everywhere. Speaking of stay, we enjoyed a really good Air BnB spot which was perfect within the location. Close and within walking distance were places to eat, the cigar factory, museums, hotels and the cruise ports were down the street. They docked overnight. Our host, Hector was really good and his niece fixed us breakfast every morning (5 cuc pp).

Stairway to Heaven

Views from the Balcony

Soon as we touched down we hit the town. The weather was HOT but not sweltering miserable hot. You can feel the energy in the air as you see the mix of tourists n locals around. There's music playing everywhere. We found a spot for lunch and deliberated on what to scratch off our "to do" list:

Mojito's-CHECK!!!

I don't even drink buuuut I knew I was looking forward to an authentic Mojito which they're so famously known for. It was sooooo good. The food was pretty good for the most part. Their "seasonings" are a tad different than here so don't look to find no Lawry's Season All sprinkled around lol. They mainly do sauces for flavor and the typical dish consists of rice (n beans), root veggies, cabbage, chicken, pork, shrimp or lobster. It wasn't until the end of the trip I remembered I never recalled a collard green on the menu!

The locals are excited for tourism and rightfully so lol. They are really helpful and willing to give you tips on where to go-hooooowever, just be aware that by saying your from America they instantly hear **cha-ching** You might find someone who directs you to their "favorite" spot to eat and say "it cost ju nothing" then start to call a taxi for u (knowing they not paying for it) to "help" u out. They mean well as they start off with some history of Cuba and what they think they know about certain places in America (which is mainly what the media portrays) but be smart and use your gut instinct. 

Wifi is something I know dmnnnn well we take for granted. We are so connected to hopping on n off to post on social media and to stay in touch with the world. Wifi is a rarity there and you can mainly find it around hotels. I chuckle as I watched teens finding a cozy spot around the building for some strong wifi pull. In the hotels you can find 5 hour wifi cards for about 10 CUC's. On the streets someone will try to sell you an hour for about 3 CUC's. 

My first impression upon arrival was how stuck in time they are. The vintage cars I loved tho. I appreciate the authenticity they have with their buildings but I can already see within the next 10 yrs it'll look different. They're already building new swanky hotels that'll cater to us and looking forward to tourism making them a hot spot to visit. 

I noticed a lot more people are starting to travel solo. I've always wanted to do so. Easier, less headache and you are more reliable than anyone when it's time to roll. I feel I could safely venture out solo in Cuba. Even at night. The party really gets going once the sun goes down and they get all the way liiiiiive!!! People are everywhere and you can see kids out playing pass curfew (toddlers have hella energy after 11p that's for sure), there's plenty of bars and clubs with live bands and my favorite after dinner snack was Cholo's found on the streets. 

Good Wifi Spot

There's plenty of great art work found, mainly in the streets but also museums around the city. They have stores that sell vinyl's and books (u know stuff that's obsolete here :7) Next up on my to do list was to find some Cuban cigars. Me thinking my spanish was on par kept asking for Cohiba's thinking it meant cigar in spanish :7 There was a cigar factory not too far from the house, however, I didn't find it cuz I couldn't really comprehend the directions :( So I found a plug at the nearby hotel who led me over the river n thru the woods to the connect **cue random trap music** 

  

#Authenticity

Again, folks on the streets will try to sell u some BS for a few CUC's but I was lucky enuff to find my plug and grab a box of 25 for 80. I went to the nearby cigar spot near the downtown area and they're priced at 325 (13 a stick). Had I researched these more BEFORE getting there I would've made more room to bring more back becuz there's no longer a limit. 

Aaaaaah The Beach!!! At first I had Varadero in mind but didn't want to be in the touristy spot nor did I wanna ride almost an hour to get there. I'm not that much of a beach bunny so we went to one that was closer called Santa Maria. 

For those interested in traveling to Cuba be open minded. The luxuries we are afforded here are not there. We stopped in local corner store n seen how little the shelves were stocked. They sell toilet paper by the singles. Ain't no rows of can goods on the shelves. I seen like 5 "stocked". It's a humbling and teachable moment to be amongst the people. Take time to listen to the locals (some of the english is broken but after awhile u can catch on n keep up) as they tell the difference of how Cuba was then and now. PAAAAACK LIGHT **Badu voice**and practical. During the day it gets hot, at night it's cooler (light jacket needed type cool). This is my first trip I've done carry on ONLY and I must say...it's the only way I prefer to travel now. I ended up having to check my bag anyway (at the gate) and it took forever for them to unload n toss on the carousel...like over an hour! One thing i did wish i packed was comfortable walking shoes. I am a flip flopper but even too much walking in those cause blisters n wreck havoc. Oh...toilet paper...I suggest packing a roll and carrying tissues as some un bano's (bathrooms) don't have any. Also, don't forget bug spray cuz those mosquitoes are ruthless!!

Water: We brought our own bottled water. The restaurants do of course only serve bottled water. The place where we stayed had a filter of some sort outside of the home which makes it safe to brush ur teeth and shower in. Although I did appreciate the hot water (i love scorching hot showers) the water was a tad hard for my skin but thank God I moisturize well afterwards. Nonetheless, stay hydrated as much as possible with all the walking and sun!

Quite sure this is the most i'll drink all year
from a non-drinker haha

I caught this little girl posing for the cam n reminded me of something my daughter would do

Overall, it was a great trip indeed! I'd love to go back and really get into some salsa dancing cuz they party HARD. If your on the fence of going...just do it. Scratch it off ur bucket list asap. I'd even take Mason next time around becuz there's plenty of kids around that play WITHOUT controllers in their hand which was refreshing to see. Laydeez...nevermind the cat calls lol like the typical construction worker type advances. They loooove voluptuous women!! I've even made a friend who keeps in touch for next time ;)

My 2017 is going phkn fabulous, how bout urs?? I had Cuba on my vision board and I can now cross it off thanx to my boys!! Where to next fellaz???? I'm down :)

Smooches 

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