In Vogue

Vogue has just made my day, or perhaps my month, with a feature on the new White House social secretary Desirée Rogers. She is captivating and will certainly bring a new "flava" to the position. Check out her profile at Style.com.

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...

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.

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.

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.