Monday, August 10, 2009
Reinvention
I haven't posted much as of late but am planning to reinvent my blog over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
My 2009 (Life)Style Resolutions: 2Q Update
* Develop my own signature style. My taste veers towards the classics but I am looking to add a trendier twist. Lipstick Jungle is a major inspiration.
Status: I still need to invest in more basic pieces, accessories and undergarments. I would like to buy more camera-friendly tops and need new dress pants for work. Would also like to buy some more summer and lounge wear.
* Sex up my shoes. I have decided to stand by my Converse (no pun intended) but my snow boots have to go as there are some cuter alternatives out there.
Status: I need a pair of brown heels for everyday wear as well as some black sandals. That completes my basic footwear, which means I can invest in trendier shoes such as a red pair of heels. Still need new snow boots for the winter but have invested in some stylish boots for the fall.
* Finish cleaning out my closet. I did a major hatchet job in November but there's more work to do as it is time to part with some old friends and forgotten pieces.
Status: I haven’t done much since November. Not sure if I should wait until I buy more clothes or just toss, toss, toss.
* Transition from a relaxer to natural hair. I may end up straightening my natural hair but would at least like to give myself the option of being a curly girlie.
Status: It’s been six months since my last relaxer. Yippee!
* Schedule a makeover every six months. I am a recovering beauty addict who is now stuck in a makeup rut.
Status: Not sure what the hold-up is. If I don’t get around to doing it before my Memorial Day visit home then I will make it a priority once I return.
* Revise my Sunday evening beauty routine. I occasionally wash and set my hair for the week but am probably going to go the blowout route every other week. I am instead going to focus more on at home spa treatments. Nothing fancy, just a neat-and-nude mani and pedi, body exfoliation and enjoy a glass of wine.
Status: Hit or miss but trying to make more hits.
* Dust off my cookbooks and head back to the kitchen. I am sooo tired of eating out and would like to cultivate better eating habits.
Status: I have been cooking more regularly but tend to get tripped up by days that I have (last-minute) auditions.
* Do more downward dogs. I would like to go to yoga, and maybe some cardio, at least once a week. I miss my gym. Sigh...
Status: I had a major breakthrough a couple of weeks ago when I went to that early Tuesday morning Pilates class. Making it a part of my weekly schedule.
Status: I still need to invest in more basic pieces, accessories and undergarments. I would like to buy more camera-friendly tops and need new dress pants for work. Would also like to buy some more summer and lounge wear.
* Sex up my shoes. I have decided to stand by my Converse (no pun intended) but my snow boots have to go as there are some cuter alternatives out there.
Status: I need a pair of brown heels for everyday wear as well as some black sandals. That completes my basic footwear, which means I can invest in trendier shoes such as a red pair of heels. Still need new snow boots for the winter but have invested in some stylish boots for the fall.
* Finish cleaning out my closet. I did a major hatchet job in November but there's more work to do as it is time to part with some old friends and forgotten pieces.
Status: I haven’t done much since November. Not sure if I should wait until I buy more clothes or just toss, toss, toss.
* Transition from a relaxer to natural hair. I may end up straightening my natural hair but would at least like to give myself the option of being a curly girlie.
Status: It’s been six months since my last relaxer. Yippee!
* Schedule a makeover every six months. I am a recovering beauty addict who is now stuck in a makeup rut.
Status: Not sure what the hold-up is. If I don’t get around to doing it before my Memorial Day visit home then I will make it a priority once I return.
* Revise my Sunday evening beauty routine. I occasionally wash and set my hair for the week but am probably going to go the blowout route every other week. I am instead going to focus more on at home spa treatments. Nothing fancy, just a neat-and-nude mani and pedi, body exfoliation and enjoy a glass of wine.
Status: Hit or miss but trying to make more hits.
* Dust off my cookbooks and head back to the kitchen. I am sooo tired of eating out and would like to cultivate better eating habits.
Status: I have been cooking more regularly but tend to get tripped up by days that I have (last-minute) auditions.
* Do more downward dogs. I would like to go to yoga, and maybe some cardio, at least once a week. I miss my gym. Sigh...
Status: I had a major breakthrough a couple of weeks ago when I went to that early Tuesday morning Pilates class. Making it a part of my weekly schedule.
Wear makeup and heels
My progress towards my Style Resolutions has picked up again.
I have been rather disciplined about my 7a Pilates class on Tuesday and picked up some new makeup from MAC. Also bought a couple of blouses from H&M in camera-friendly colors. And before I forget -- I bought a couple of pairs of new shoes.
I find that whenever I want to dress up my look the two things that make the biggest impact are makeup and heels.
And that's what I most need style-wise -- small items with big impact.
Fashion is about experimentation and I realize that I need to do more of that. I also realize that I don' t like to "fuss." I don't need five hours to get ready for a party nor do I want to take that much time to do so. I like to look good and be out the bathroom door in five minutes as a I a toddler waiting right outside the door to get a hug.
I have been rather disciplined about my 7a Pilates class on Tuesday and picked up some new makeup from MAC. Also bought a couple of blouses from H&M in camera-friendly colors. And before I forget -- I bought a couple of pairs of new shoes.
I find that whenever I want to dress up my look the two things that make the biggest impact are makeup and heels.
And that's what I most need style-wise -- small items with big impact.
Fashion is about experimentation and I realize that I need to do more of that. I also realize that I don' t like to "fuss." I don't need five hours to get ready for a party nor do I want to take that much time to do so. I like to look good and be out the bathroom door in five minutes as a I a toddler waiting right outside the door to get a hug.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
A New Day
I was in a bad bad mood yesterday. Very bad.
I would like to say that I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning, however, my toddler son spent most of the night curled up in the middle of my bed after a failed pillow-hijacking attempt. So to answer that first part: No, I didn't sleep very well nor did I wake up on the right side of the bed.
I scurried into the shower shortly after his dad whisked him away in anticipation of trying a few goodies I had picked up yesterday from the Body Shop.
I am not a fan of the Body Shop as I don't think their products are quite worth the money, but I do have some sort of nostalgia for the place. I remember cooing over their products in high school and even worked at a local store during the summer.
Still, I found myself in a nearby store while killing time on my lunch break. I figured that trying a new scent would deliver a quick pick me up. It did.
The products weren't any better than what I could have found in the drugstore but I took advantage of a fairly decent sale and also nabbed a free body cleanser. I'm already looking forward to taking my next shower tomorrow morning, if not tonight.
I would like to say that I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning, however, my toddler son spent most of the night curled up in the middle of my bed after a failed pillow-hijacking attempt. So to answer that first part: No, I didn't sleep very well nor did I wake up on the right side of the bed.
I scurried into the shower shortly after his dad whisked him away in anticipation of trying a few goodies I had picked up yesterday from the Body Shop.
I am not a fan of the Body Shop as I don't think their products are quite worth the money, but I do have some sort of nostalgia for the place. I remember cooing over their products in high school and even worked at a local store during the summer.
Still, I found myself in a nearby store while killing time on my lunch break. I figured that trying a new scent would deliver a quick pick me up. It did.
The products weren't any better than what I could have found in the drugstore but I took advantage of a fairly decent sale and also nabbed a free body cleanser. I'm already looking forward to taking my next shower tomorrow morning, if not tonight.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Spring Cleaning
I am actually looking forward to doing some spring cleaning next week. I am most interested in creating a more tranquil and relaxing environment for myself and my son.
My first step is to declutter, declutter and, well, declutter. Maybe I don't have that much decluttering to do -- just need to better organized my "stuff."
I am proud of myself for tackling the vast majority of my clutter and for understanding why my apartment looks like a paper tornado swept through.
I normally put things off whenever I am stressed or overwhelmed. So that magazine that I've been meaning to read ends up sitting on my kitchen table for at least a month or those personal finance articles that have been sitting around for much longer.
Not sure what's left to do once I declutter. It's still a bit chilly in New York which means candles are still in season. I love candles but feel odd about burning them in the middle of summer so I try to switch things up by buying fresh flowers instead.
That said, I am looking forward to burning a candle tonight as I just want to sit and bask in its warm glow. Sometimes it's the littlest things that matter most.
My first step is to declutter, declutter and, well, declutter. Maybe I don't have that much decluttering to do -- just need to better organized my "stuff."
I am proud of myself for tackling the vast majority of my clutter and for understanding why my apartment looks like a paper tornado swept through.
I normally put things off whenever I am stressed or overwhelmed. So that magazine that I've been meaning to read ends up sitting on my kitchen table for at least a month or those personal finance articles that have been sitting around for much longer.
Not sure what's left to do once I declutter. It's still a bit chilly in New York which means candles are still in season. I love candles but feel odd about burning them in the middle of summer so I try to switch things up by buying fresh flowers instead.
That said, I am looking forward to burning a candle tonight as I just want to sit and bask in its warm glow. Sometimes it's the littlest things that matter most.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
New developments
I have been rather busy as of late launching a couple of new projects. I should be more open, I suppose, but I am a bit superstitious. Will share more once I'm up and running.
Let's focus instead on my 2009 Resolutions as this quarter is coming to a close.
I am hoping to use some of my tax refund to update my wardrobe. I have a long shopping list but am planning to prioritize my purchases as most of that money is going towards paying off past purchases, i.e. my credit cards.
I should probably finish cleaning out my closet before I go shopping as I can better see what holes I need to fill. Waiting until after would also me to see if I can match some old treasures with new finds, but my closet pretty much needs an overhaul. So I will start on that this week.
I have to pat myself on the back for standing by my decision to go natural, ignoring the temptation to relax, relax, relax.
Haven't done the makeover yet but will put that on my schedule for refund week as I want to buy a couple of items.
My Sunday evening beauty routine needs to be more consistent. Let's say that this is an on-going work in progress.
I have been cooking more this past week but overall, this too could use some work.
And last but not least, I am hoping to take some belly dancing classes once I pay off some of my debts. Need to figure out how to work that into my schedule.
Let's focus instead on my 2009 Resolutions as this quarter is coming to a close.
I am hoping to use some of my tax refund to update my wardrobe. I have a long shopping list but am planning to prioritize my purchases as most of that money is going towards paying off past purchases, i.e. my credit cards.
I should probably finish cleaning out my closet before I go shopping as I can better see what holes I need to fill. Waiting until after would also me to see if I can match some old treasures with new finds, but my closet pretty much needs an overhaul. So I will start on that this week.
I have to pat myself on the back for standing by my decision to go natural, ignoring the temptation to relax, relax, relax.
Haven't done the makeover yet but will put that on my schedule for refund week as I want to buy a couple of items.
My Sunday evening beauty routine needs to be more consistent. Let's say that this is an on-going work in progress.
I have been cooking more this past week but overall, this too could use some work.
And last but not least, I am hoping to take some belly dancing classes once I pay off some of my debts. Need to figure out how to work that into my schedule.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Slacking Off
It's only February but I have already broken or am about to break a couple of my beauty resolutions. I am ashamed of one but surprisingly nonchalant about the other.
I haven't been so good about going to the gym on the regular. That's a walk of shame.
Sunday night beauty routine? Hahaha! Who has time? Well, I am going to make the time this evening. Another walk of shame.
Schedule a makeover every six months. Another, who has time type of question but I consider my latest beauty purchases an attempt at redeeming myself.
Transition to natural hair from a relaxer? Hmmm...well....hmmm....
The truth is I like convenience, maybe too much so. I just feel as though I only have so many hours a day and is it really worth it to fuss with my hair? I tried to wash and flat iron my hair Friday but it didn't come out half as nice as it would had I went to the Dominican salon across the street. So here I sit with a nappy head of hair...
I have a Tuesday appointment for a relaxer. Perhaps I will find the strength the carry on with a natural 'do. No, that's not looking to likely at this minute. I tried.
I haven't been so good about going to the gym on the regular. That's a walk of shame.
Sunday night beauty routine? Hahaha! Who has time? Well, I am going to make the time this evening. Another walk of shame.
Schedule a makeover every six months. Another, who has time type of question but I consider my latest beauty purchases an attempt at redeeming myself.
Transition to natural hair from a relaxer? Hmmm...well....hmmm....
The truth is I like convenience, maybe too much so. I just feel as though I only have so many hours a day and is it really worth it to fuss with my hair? I tried to wash and flat iron my hair Friday but it didn't come out half as nice as it would had I went to the Dominican salon across the street. So here I sit with a nappy head of hair...
I have a Tuesday appointment for a relaxer. Perhaps I will find the strength the carry on with a natural 'do. No, that's not looking to likely at this minute. I tried.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Be Red
Red is a daring, sensual and passionate color.
It's also the symbolic color for two very good causes: Product Red, which supports AIDS programs in Africa, and Go Red, a movement started by the American Heart Association to educate woman about heart disease.
The American Heart Association hosted its annual "Wear Red Day" this past Friday and I proud to say that I wore, er, burgundy. Okay, it's not quite red but close enough.
Visit http://www.joinred.com/Home.aspx and http://goredforwomen.org/ to learn more about both organizations.
It's also the symbolic color for two very good causes: Product Red, which supports AIDS programs in Africa, and Go Red, a movement started by the American Heart Association to educate woman about heart disease.
The American Heart Association hosted its annual "Wear Red Day" this past Friday and I proud to say that I wore, er, burgundy. Okay, it's not quite red but close enough.
Visit http://www.joinred.com/Home.aspx and http://goredforwomen.org/ to learn more about both organizations.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My 2009 (Life)Style Resolutions
I picked up this idea from the Chicago-based "A Life of Style" blog and am hoping that posting my resolutions will help me stand by them.
* Develop my own signature style. My taste veers towards the classics but I am looking to add a trendier twist. Lipstick Jungle is a major inspiration.
* Sex up my shoes. I have decided to stand by my Converse (no pun intended) but my snow boots have to go as there are some cuter alternatives out there. I have already splurged on three pairs of tall boots for the fall and a couple of pairs of stilettos for the summer.
* Finish cleaning out my closet. I did a major hatchet job in November but there's more work to do as it is time to part with some old friends and forgotten pieces.
* Transition from a relaxer to natural hair. I may end up straightening my natural hair but would at least like to give myself the option of being a curly girlie.
* Schedule a makeover every six months. I am a recovering beauty addict who is now stuck in a makeup rut.
* Revise my Sunday evening beauty routine. I occasionally wash and set my hair for the week but am probably going to go the blowout route every other week. I am instead going to focus more on at home spa treatments. Nothing fancy, just a neat-and-nude mani and pedi, body exfoliation and enjoy a glass of wine.
* Dust off my cookbooks and head back to the kitchen. I am sooo tired of eating out and would like to cultivate better eating habits.
* Do more downward dogs. I would like to go to yoga, and maybe some cardio, at least once a week. I miss my gym. Sigh...
* Develop my own signature style. My taste veers towards the classics but I am looking to add a trendier twist. Lipstick Jungle is a major inspiration.
* Sex up my shoes. I have decided to stand by my Converse (no pun intended) but my snow boots have to go as there are some cuter alternatives out there. I have already splurged on three pairs of tall boots for the fall and a couple of pairs of stilettos for the summer.
* Finish cleaning out my closet. I did a major hatchet job in November but there's more work to do as it is time to part with some old friends and forgotten pieces.
* Transition from a relaxer to natural hair. I may end up straightening my natural hair but would at least like to give myself the option of being a curly girlie.
* Schedule a makeover every six months. I am a recovering beauty addict who is now stuck in a makeup rut.
* Revise my Sunday evening beauty routine. I occasionally wash and set my hair for the week but am probably going to go the blowout route every other week. I am instead going to focus more on at home spa treatments. Nothing fancy, just a neat-and-nude mani and pedi, body exfoliation and enjoy a glass of wine.
* Dust off my cookbooks and head back to the kitchen. I am sooo tired of eating out and would like to cultivate better eating habits.
* Do more downward dogs. I would like to go to yoga, and maybe some cardio, at least once a week. I miss my gym. Sigh...
Om Shanti
I went to yoga yesterday for the first time in, er, six months or so. I was rather surprised to find that my body still knew when I should push further versus when to rest in a child's pose.
I, however, was more surprised by how uplifting it felt to do a headstand. It was both the challenge of doing something that so out-of-the-ordinary with the confidence knowing that I pulled it off that made it feel so good.
I sometimes think that I love the idea of taking care of myself more than the actuality of doing so as I often find excuses for why I can't do things. Nearly missed my yoga class because I had gotten so caught up in my errands that it became yet another "task." I also needed to come home immediately afterwards to pick up my son so there was a time constraint as well.
That said, I knew that if I missed this class I would miss the next one as well and that would put me in default of the commitment I had made to myself to go to the gym at least once a week. My penalty for two missed classes -- barring emergencies -- is to cancel my membership. Gulp!
So I went and am trying to figure out how I can make it to the gym next Tuesday. I am seriously eying a 7a pilates class as yoga conflicts with the inauguration. My then-infant son and I campaigned for Obama so I am very excited about watching him take office. Gotta prioritize!
I started writing my beauty resolutions over the weekend. Need to make a few revisions before I post that one.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A New Start to the New Year
I finally had the chance a few nights ago to catch up on some of my favorite television shows. The Game has certainly stepped up to the plate the past season even though Melanie's immaturity is, at times, rather grating. Love actress Tia Mowry nonetheless.
I also love the episode "Side Part Under" as the advice one of Melanie's patients gave her probably rings true for far too many women. The patient told her that she likes to wear her hair with the standard side parted under as it is safe -- it keeps you from standing out. It's also a metaphor for not truly living and enjoying life.
Hmmmm....that struck a bit close to home. I say "a bit" because I am willing to take risks and often do, but I usually falter under the weight of my fears after taking that initial step. I found ways to excuse myself rather than to challenge myself.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom -- Anais Nin
I thought that I had come to that point a few years prior but it wasn't until I became a (single) mother last year that I truly found myself, or rather allowed myself. My son will soon celebrate his first birthday as I look back on a bittersweet year knowing that I have made my peace.
I also love the episode "Side Part Under" as the advice one of Melanie's patients gave her probably rings true for far too many women. The patient told her that she likes to wear her hair with the standard side parted under as it is safe -- it keeps you from standing out. It's also a metaphor for not truly living and enjoying life.
Hmmmm....that struck a bit close to home. I say "a bit" because I am willing to take risks and often do, but I usually falter under the weight of my fears after taking that initial step. I found ways to excuse myself rather than to challenge myself.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom -- Anais Nin
I thought that I had come to that point a few years prior but it wasn't until I became a (single) mother last year that I truly found myself, or rather allowed myself. My son will soon celebrate his first birthday as I look back on a bittersweet year knowing that I have made my peace.
My blog
I have many interests: beauty and fashion, international travel (would like to do more of that one), experimenting with different dishes, yoga and belly dancing (need to get back into class) and finding the right smart phone (my Blackberry Pearl just doesn't cut it anymore).
My conversations also include the serious: politics, community service and charity. Nope, hate that last word. Let's go with volunteering.
That leaves me wondering why I can't have it all, or at least attempt to?
Living the good life isn't about owning priciest gear but enjoying life's experiences. Not that there's anything wrong with picking up a few goodies to enjoy along with way.
So my blog, much like its author, encompasses many areas of interest. We are both a work in progress.
My conversations also include the serious: politics, community service and charity. Nope, hate that last word. Let's go with volunteering.
That leaves me wondering why I can't have it all, or at least attempt to?
Living the good life isn't about owning priciest gear but enjoying life's experiences. Not that there's anything wrong with picking up a few goodies to enjoy along with way.
So my blog, much like its author, encompasses many areas of interest. We are both a work in progress.
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