May Vacation 2013 - Day 5

Yet another chill day and when I say I did ABSOLUTELY nothing I MEAN THAT WITH ALL MY HEART! I didn't even work out but what I have started doing is playing with my t.w.a. (teenie weenie afro). It's long enough to plat, twist and braid which makes for great twist out/braid out hair styles! I'm loving how the twist make my t.w.a. look after I take them out. The curl pattern is more noticeable and that "nappy" look is SO sweet to me!

I 2 strand twisted them and this time I did it as my daughter instructed with MORE detail: 2 strand twisted wet hair! DONE! I will oil my hands tomorrow when I take the twists out because she said it will decrease the frizzies. I am a bit excited to now be able to do some of the neat natural hair styles that I've waited so long for. Next month I am getting a braided up do ... this one to be exact

My auntie Shelly has been braiding our hair for as long as I can remember and when I sent it to her she sounded as if I insulted her when I asked could she do this style. *laughs* Its not much she can't do when it comes to braids.

Well, that's all for day 5 ... did I mention I've not packed yet and I leave for Orlando tomorrow? Humph ... it'll get done! TOOTLES!

May Vacation 2013 - Day 4

So it's Wednesday now, good ole HUMP DAY which means my vacation is half way over BUT I won't harp on that. I have been invited to a weekend in Orlando and a day cruise out of Vero Beach. I'd never heard of that before but it sounds like it's going to be fun in the sun on the beach ... oh I'm all FOR that!

As a result of this invitation I had to do a little shopping. I have a tankini (tank bathing suit top and boy short type bottoms) but I don't want to wear that so I had to find a nice 2 piece. *shivers at the thought* I've always been plus size so this whole 2 pieces of little material thing is not setting too well with me BUT I will get conquer this! I've come a long way so I should be proud to be able to flaunt a 2 piece ... yea right!! *in Reverend Adnoid voice* ANYWAY ... time to shop!!

There is a mall about 10 minutes away from me but I chose to go all the way to Rivercity Marketplace, where my job is located. I have to take 2 buses to get there instead of 1 shuttle ride to the mall near me. *shrugs* Oh well ... to Ross, Body Central, Rue21, Old Navy and Maurices I go! I love bargain AKA cheap shopping because losing 50 lbs and having to replenish an entire wardrobe is COSTLY!

Sister girl found a $5 dress for the beach out of Ross and bikini from Wal-Mart. That OP joint was $6.49 for each piece, I couldn't pass that up EVEN THOUGH I am not secure in wearing those little bottoms.

LORD BE WITH ME!! Those pictures may not EVER make it to the world wide web but oh well and that ended the shopping. OH and some new undies, can't travel with old joints. *laughs*

NOW to get to what I do and love best ... HOSTING and tonight I had to do just that! Some of you may or may not know but I used to be an on-air personality for HOT 105.7 FM here in Jacksonville, FL and I also emcee/host events. I used to be the co-host for Nokturnal Escape's SOUL RELEASE Poetry/Live events. Tiffany Duhart and Emmanual Washington did an AWESOME job bringing the best artists to Duval as well as showcasing artist from Duval. Ask anybody about Black Erotica ... man oh man, well anyway a tribute in their honor was put on and I hosted.

It felt like old times seeing some of the poets and musical artist show up and show love to the longest standing live/poetry event to date in this area. There was poetry, singing and even miming to some good ole Marvin Sapp at the event. It was definitely an event to remember and I am so glad I could be a part of it. So sorry I haven't any pictures but I was too busy enjoying the night which ended after midnight! Oh what a day and now its on to Day 5 ...

May Vacation 2013 - Day 3

Now today was a TRUE chill day ... I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! NOT ONE DAMN THING and I was totally content with that. Good morning world!!

Yea I was told I wake up pretty EVEN in my pink satin bonnet! *laughs*

I spent time with my grand-daughter Miss Daysha and this is how we get up ...

There is nothing like the love of grandchildren, it's something SO much different than the love for your own children. I truly understand why my mother let my children get away with EVERYTHING we couldn't get away with as children ... its DIFFERENT!!

I did decide to flat twist my hair to see how a twist out would look on short hair. I usually see my natural sisters with more length rocking twist outs ... ... so tomorrow we shall see how this turns out!

Oh well, nothing more to really report here. I had to catch up with my vacation blogs and day 4 is here. SEE YA!

May Vacation 2013 - DAY 2

It's actually Memorial Day now! Most folk are in Miami, Myrtle Beach for Black Bike Week or just gone but not me. I'll get away NEXT month for vacation even though there's a nice trip at the end of this week in store! OOOOOOH I CAN'T WAIT! Anyway, it started out as usual, I worked out to burn those calories I added over the past 2 days ...

A holiday and vacation doesn't mean you break from taking care of your temple, it means GO HARDER since you have more time! I've been focusing on my core and inner thighs a lot, my most troublesome areas since losing the 50 lbs. It's coming along but not as fast as I'd like (internal voice says patience not so young grasshopper).

After an awesome cold shower it was nap time and that's just what I did. I had to rest a bit because I knew tonight was going to be OFF THE CHAIN fun! I was claiming it in advance as I sit here trying to remember how to act in the club. *laughs* Although it's been 17 months since joining the VI-LIFE I still don't have a 50 lbs down, size 6 closet and I was CLUELESS as to what I was going to wear! To wear one of my wigs or my natural t.w.a. (teenie weenie fro), jeans/skirt/dress, heels/wedges *SCREAMS* ... THIS is why I don't go out. This is frustrating, extremely frustrating. I am not big on wearing make up but I wanted to enhance my looks just slightly so I had to figure out what to do there too.

Several dresses and shoes pulled out, to add color or not?

After adding a little volume to my eyelashes, a very small amount of foundation and eyeliner was a applied AND the final decision ...

I think I did pretty darn good! An awesome blue open front, tie waist dress purchased from Meow and Barks Boutique last year that'd never been worn accented with animal print accessories to include the shoe. Since I'm not big on clubbing I had no idea where I'd wear this short little lady of mine but I had to have her and here was the perfect opportunity! I wanted to go bright with accessorizing but something in me said no ... glad I went with that something in me. Upon arrival to Square One for Martini Monday I saw several friends which was my assurance I'd have an awesome night. We entered right before Special Formula took the stage for the second time and they were AWESOME! They should have definitely been a part of the Jazz Fest!

And of course, I goes NO WHERE without a mini photo shoot ...

Great way to end the night, with my 2nd family, a few friends, acquaintances and newly met folk! HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY EVERYONE!!

May Vacation 2013 - Day 1

It's Sunday and LORD I THANK YOU!! Yet another day and another chance at life to get it right! I woke up late BUT I still got to church EARLY and as always Bishop Zamekio Jackson fed us as he brought forth the word! **Don't have a church home? Come see us at THE HOSPITAL CHURCH ... WHERE HEALING BEGINS**

The Hospital Church 103 Century 21 Drive, Jacksonville, Fl 322 904-257-3GOD (3463) Email thehospitalchurch@gmail.com Website http://hospitalchurch.info

After leaving church, I came home and took a nap because I knew I had a long day/evening ahead of me with Jazz Fest activities and time with my 2nd family eating and enjoying life. Just as I did on Saturday, I hit the skyway and jumped off at Hemming Plaza. where Natalie Cole's uncle, Freddy Cole, was performing with his quartet. I love easy listening music ...

This is true strolling music and that is exactly what I did as I made my way through the streets of downtown blocked off for the festival. It was truly a beautiful, breezy day and I felt/looked MARVELOUS! **yea I said it ... LOL** I hadn't looked at the schedule so I was clueless as to who all was to perform today but something led me back to the Landing and upon my arrival Akia Uwanda was pleasing the crowd with her smooth, sultry voice performing Ledisi's ALRIGHT followed shortly by Jill Scott's GOLDEN!

She had us getting down!! Here's a little of Akia to give you an idea of what we enjoyed.

After enjoying Akia's performance I headed back to Hemming Plaza to prepare for departure. I have to give BIG PROPS to the Jacksonville Jazz Fest for the out pouring of love given to so many Duval artists. On Friday night I missed Elisha "Atlas" Parris which included appearances from good friends Kia Nicole and Chris Williams. Duval County is so full of talent so way to go Jacksonville for allowing those chosen to share their talents on a much larger scale! Here's a little of Elisha Parris to groove to ...

Time for me to leave what has become a wonderful part of the Jacksonville downtown experience this weekend and enjoy some grilled food but not before I had a large waffle cone of pralines and cream mixed with snickerlicious ice cream. NO it's not VI approved but I know what I have to do to burn it off.

NOW it's family time! I have an AWESOME relationship with my 1st granddaughter's mother Ashlee and other nana Danielle. Every holiday they make sure I am not alone and for them I am ever so grateful! Miss Daysha, the DIVA 3 year old, makes sure she monopolizes my time when I am present doing whatever she feels like we need to do. SEE!!!

And THIS is how you end a Sunday night! Food, drinks, family, LOVE!

CHEERS!!! Ready for tomorrow! We're heading out for a night on the town! It's been a LONG, STRONG minute since I've stepped foot in a club! *crosses fingers, hope I have fun*

May Vacation 2013 - Jazz Fest

WOOT WOOT ... May 25th at 6 pm began my 1st vacation of 2013!! It just happens to fall during the week of the Memorial Day holiday AND the weekend of the Jacksonville Jazz Fest! I couldn't have planned this more perfect, there's so much going on!

When I left work Saturday I went directly to the Jazz Fest, landed in Hemming Plaza where Euge Groove was going IN on stage performing one of their most known hits to date (for me anyway) ...

I strolled to the music as I made my way to the main stage where the lovely Rachelle Ferrell was doing what she absolutely does best ... ENTERTAIN! Her facial expressions make what she does all the more FANTABULOUS! I wish Will Downing could have been on hand for this one ...

As I walked and moved my body to the sounds of Ms Ferrell I found a few friends which led me to the Landing where THE KATZ DOWNSTAIRZ were performing. This was my first time seeing my good friend Christopher White AKA The Professor and the band DO THEIR THANG and that is INDEED what they did!!

... Yep, that's The PROFESSOR killing that saxophone solo! GO CHRIS, GO CHRIS ... they played this at the Landing. Oh what a great time I had listening to them. PHENOMANOL JOB KATZ!!!

Left the Landing and headed back to Hemming Plaza where I enjoyed time and photo ops with good folk ...

And THIS is how I ended the beginning of my May 2013 vacation! So ready for tomorrow!!

Summer Body is coming along JUST fine!!

Today was a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!! It was a 'PAMPER ME' kind of day! After an EARLY morning work out, one quite different from the norm, I was ready to start my day ... ... Why was it different you ask? Normally I am either on the bridges OR WALKING AT HOME with Leslie Sansone but today I chose to devote my entire workout to my core. I have to say that 45-60 minutes which included stretching, jumping rope, use of the body ball and hand weights as well as the ab challenge of which I did an extra 20 for the day ... ... HAD ME TIRED but I'm a super trooper so I kept it moving!! NOW to get the real fun started ... here's my outfit of the day This little black and white asymmetric BCX halter dress was given to me by my grand-daughters, Daysha, other nana Danielle who is a size 0. It's a size SMALL, never thought I'd see that letter on a clothing tag that belonged to me. *UBER PROUD*

First stop of the day, SALON NAILS for my manicure and pedicure ... so I thought. It'd been a month of moons so they had some work to put in but before I could make it to the nail shop I passed by a Rainbow. Now usually that is NOT where I shop but a few items caught my eye as I passed by, they knew how to get us in there! Put all the extra cute items to the front. I'd seen this awesome black and white 2 split, high neck maxi that I just HAD to try on ... what do you think? I'd love it if it were just a little bit longer so I could wear it with heels but if push came to shove I'd wear some cut flat sandals as I did today.

Second outfit, black and white one side high cut out/split that I simply adored and I added a little splash of color to give a POP! I simply LOVED the fit and look of this entire outfit BUT once again, the struggle of the taller than average chick, the length of the skirt was a turn off. There is NOTHING like a skirt or dress that sweeps or flows across the feet when in heels! SO sexy!

Last outfit, I decided to be a referee! Black and white striped peplum top and cotton leggings. This is SO form fitting and shaping! It worked every curve I had and I loved it! You don't truly appreciate your new body and the hard work it took to get there until you put on something that you'd never wear in your old body. Keep in mind I will be 43 years old next month.

I absolutely LOVED my self today and was motivated even the more to keep on with my work out regimen. I want to push myself even harder for the next 20 days as I will be returning home to VA for my 43rd birthday and 25th class reunion. I have to be ON POINT!

Loving life and loving yourself is the best thing you could ever do, that starts with taking care of yourself. You only have 1 life to live and 1 body to do it in ... TAKE CARE OF IT!! I challenge you, are you up for it?

AWESOME WEEKEND!

So this past weekend was the absolute BEST weekend I'd had in FOREVER!!! I've not been out with old friends in quite a while, especially not since losing my 50 lbs. Saturday, I enjoyed time at the 1st Annual Poetry vs Hip Hop Basketball game where Team Hip Hop took home the GOLDEN MICROPHONE TROPHY!!

**there are a few Team Poetry mixed in the pictures**

I was able to spend some moments with my beautiful sister, Love Reigns (she is SO much more than just a poet ... get to know her)

And some folk I'd not shared space with in forever ...

The sun was high, the gym was HOT but it didn't stop the fun which ended up transitioning to a warehouse party a few hours later...

OH ME OH MY ... this was a MUCH needed outing! I hadn't had a real reason to put on heels and SHOW MY NEW FORM but here it was!! Time to get out, mingle, dance and enjoy life ... that's what I did too! I had such an awesome time doing so ...

... I was FINALLY able to take touching Mal's beard off of my bucket list ... YES! (laughs)

BIG UPS TO MR/DJ AL PETE ON A WELL PUT TOGETHER, GROWN FOLK GATHERING!! TO THE TOP!!

Now as usual, I have to spot light my cute AFFORDABLE outfit: $19 skinny jeans from Old Navy, $14.99 sheer crop top with open back from Rainbow and $34.99 wedges from Olive Ole' in VA. Did I think I was cute? NO ... I KNEW IT but it wasn't even about that to be honest. Well just a little but once we arrived to the warehouse and I saw all the people "I" went out the window and "WE" having a great night came in! Yes I get into myself sometimes, can you blame me though? I've shed 50 lbs and maintained a healthy lifestyle for over a year now with no weight gain. I am more than proud of the blood, sweat and tears I shed and continue to shed so every now and again to feel myself is warranted I think but ANYWAY, that warehouse party was the perfect ending to my Saturday followed by a Sunday that was just as great ...