Maybe I'm a Dreamer...

Maybe I'm a Dreamer... by anessa1105 featuring gold plated jewelry

So it seems like lately I think this all the time , "maybe I'm a dreamer." I often imagine my life how I "want" it to be, and then I am thrown back into reality and it is not like that at all. I guess those are the times when I get a little sad. Oh well...

Hope you like the set.

Until Next Time...

Confession: Romeo and Juliet

So...I have a confession. I am one of the few people who really really admires and respects Shakespeare. I especially like Romeo and Juliet. I am not sure when my fond admiration of Romeo and Juliet began, but it still continues to this day. I remember in 9th grade, even though I thought it was crazy dumb, but we read the entire play out loud in class. Of course this took several class periods to read it, but looking back, I now know my teacher didnt want to come up with a lesson plan. lol. Anyways, I love the story, I love the play, I love the movie, I love it!!

Do I think it is crazy romantic? Not really! I mean they do end up killing themselves, but you don't really see it coming. The play has been adapted so many times. And I love every version of it. Even the corny 1990s version that had Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes

I would think highly of a guy who took me on a date to a Romeo and Juliet play. I just thought about this because for some reason, the line, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"... Thats when Juliet is lamenting that Romeo is indeed a Montague and how she wishes he was not so they can be together. oh le sigh...lol.

I like a lot of Shakespeare's sonnets too! He probably didn't like black people. But oh well. ::shrugs::

Until Next Time...

Book Worm Pt 2: No Girl Needs a Husband 7 days a Week by Nina Foxx

So this book was definitely a good one. It was an easy read, but also very entertaining. I got it from the public library a couple days ago (yeah its a recession). I liked it mostly because there were so many twists and turns that you really couldn't predict how the book was going to unfold. It follows three friends who happen to be sorority sisters and how they maneuver through the love and relationship world. I liked how all of the stories appealed to a different type of woman. The book was not overly cliche' or filled with lots of slang words (which many black books tend to be). As I said before it was indeed a pleasant read. Below is the description:

A husband can be good for a number of things:

• Companionship (when he's home)
• Household repairs (if he's handy)
• Good loving (if you're lucky), but . . . no girl needs a husband seven days a week!

A spouse is fine as long as he doesn't screw up the rest of your life. Now three lovely ladies who think they have this "husband" thing all worked out are about to learn that, when it comes to love and marriage, "perfection" can always be improved upon. And it's going to be one wild ride! 

Until Next Time...

Book Worm Pt 1: The Ideal Wife by Jacquelin Thomas

So as long as I can rememeber I have always liked to read. Maybe it is the "hooked on phonics" that brain washed me at a young age. Anyways, I just read 2 books in 3 days. Yeah I am not even sure how that is possible, given that I started one of the books 11pm that night. Both of the books dealt with black love/dating/marriage. So there were times in both books that were agonizing and frustrating.

The first book was called "The Ideal Wife" by Jacquelin Thomas. It was basically about a young woman who gets married to a wealthy man and her husband pressures her into becoming something she is not. Yes the storyline is unsettling and even from the very first page of the book I was very hesitant. If you have time for a quick read you can definitely check it out. There were parts of the book that seemed a little far fetched and contrived, but other parts that could very well be true in many marriages. Below is the description from the back of the book:

Marrying a handsome, wealthy lawyer and living in a Hollywood Hills mansion...it's a dream come true for twenty-four-year-old Jana, from the moment Lawrence Collins swept her off her feet and into his luxurious world. True, she put her studies at a local Bible college on hold in order to wed after a six-month whirlwind romance. Beautiful and vivacious, with a stunning body, Jana knows men like Lawrence don't come along every day, and she vows to be a perfect companion -- the ideal wife -- to this sexy, powerful man. But at what price?

From her wardrobe and hairstyle to her friends and her choice of church, Lawrence seems to want to change Jana into someone she's not...and soon, the man Jana thought she knew will test her values and her faith with a shocking revelation that goes against everything she believes. 

The first thing that shocked me is the fact that he asked her to drop out of school and she did it... wow. A man should be encouraging you to further your education. He was also very selfish and unwilling to compromise on many things. Which made for a sad situation on her part. He was insensitive to her feelings and needs and before she knew it Jana started doing things and being someone else just to make her husband happy. I fully agree that you should try and make your significant other happy, but not at the expense of who you are and your own happiness. Thanks to my Line sister for participating in the book exchange.

Until Next Time...

Love is the Movement

Love is the Movement by anessa1105 featuring diamond jewelries
So I looked at some tutorial videos and I really like this one... What do you think?

Until Next Time...

A how to tutorial for Polyvore

I have been saying for quite some time that I was going to post a couple of tutorial videos on how to make "sets" on Polyvore. It really does take some time to "perfect" your skills. Each set takes me a while, mostly because I am indecisive and there are just so many options. This is helping me get my urge for fashion/shopping out of the way without spending precious money. Hope you enjoy the videos and if you create a profile be sure to add me.




Until Next Time...

Music in the Soul can be Heard By the Universe

Music in the Soul can be Heard By the Universe by anessa1105 featuring tube dresses

Kalanchoe Blooms Dress
$245 - modcloth.com
Dresses »

Five Amazing Dresses Made of Food - Lemondrop.com
$95 - lemondrop.com
Dresses »

Sequin Tunic Tube
$79 - ardenb.com
Tube dresses »

I Love You Envelope Brooch
6 GBP - monsoon.co.uk
Monsoon brooches »

Chrysanthemum Crown Headband
$218 - anthropologie.com
Hair accessories »

Amazon.com: Antique Gold with Ivory Victorian 41 1/2" High Wall...
$340 - amazon.com

YS Beauty - Costume #GH (Mask) 1 pc
$23 - yesstyle.com

Music in the Soul can be Heard By the Universe by anessa1105 featuring tube dresses

I love all three of these dresses. The first for afternoon tea, the second for a night out (New Year's Eve) and the third for an upscale cocktail party. LOVE IT

Until Next Time...

Some Shirts I have Been Digging...

So I'm not much of a screen tee kind of person, but there have been a couple shirts that I have eyeing for a while, but I just haven't brought myself to buy.

#1- Brown Skin Lady Tee

 I just really like this shirt. It's simple! I like the font, the mustard shirt with the brown writing... Love it! I am brown skin and I'm a lady!






#2- I love my hair

 So I saw this shirt today and I absolutely fell in love!! But what I'm wondering is why do they have a white girl with straight hair modeling it. lol. If you haven't seen the video, I did a quick blogpost on it a couple weeks ago here. If you go to the website they show a zoomed in pic of the actual shirt.

#3- SoapBox Theory

They have a lot of cute shirts!! These are 3 of my favorite ones. 

Oh yeah, just in case you didn't know click on the link to go to the websites!

Until Next Time...

Snow +Finals = Cold

In keeping with my goal to reach 110 blogposts before the end of the year, I figured I would squeeze another one in. I just got in from taking my Monsense (Monocular Sensory Processes) Final.. It really kicked my butt. Some of the questions, I really don't even think were in our notes. Sigh... Oh well, what can you do. I have two more finals left and then I'm chucking the deuces to St. Louis... The snow outside is ridiculous. It took me 45 minutes to get to school, not counting the time, I had to warm up my car, get all snow and ice off of it, wait for my windows to semi defrost. Oh and my front door has been doing this thing where it is extremely difficult to lock and open and it is even worse with gloves on.

So I studied/ flash cards while stuck in traffic. Yup.. Well glad that final is over, I have two more left, Ocular Motility and Ocular Disease. Yeah... I have a really borderline grade in Disease so I'm really going to bust my butt and keep praying for a miracle. So my initial reason for getting on here was to mention the cute t-shirts that I have been lusting after, but I just can't bring myself to buy. Now that this post has gotten longer, I am just going to make it a separate one. Oh yeah have you checked out the sets that I have made on Polyvore.com... Love it!! I've been meaning to find that youtube video that shows how you do it. Oh well, I'll search for it soon.. Tata! Stay warm out there.

Until Next Time...

Pure and Simple

Pure and Simple by anessa1105 featuring a pearl bangle

I truly believe simple is beautiful. So often we spend our time trying to make ourselves into something we are not... Isn't it just easy to be what our heart desires.

It is snowing outside and I am in the midst of studying for a super big final tomorrow and I just needed to take some time for myself before I scream out loud.

AS the background says,

" Pure Happiness, Pure Joy, Pure Grace, Pure Bliss, Pure Elation, Pure Excitement, Pure and Simple."

That is how I want to live my life!

Until Next Time...

The Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit by anessa1105 featuring leopard print handbags
There is beauty in everything. I plan on explaining how and why I picked certain pieces and why I placed them where they are. So each design has taken me about 20-30 minutes to design. It may appear a lot easier than it is...lol. I think that takes me the longest is the layer.. To make certain things pop... haha! It may just look like a bunch of haphazard jumbled stuff thrown together, but trust me it's not!!

Until Next Time...

A Day Without You is Like a Year Without Rain

A Day Without You is Like a Year Without Rain by anessa1105 featuring wellies shoes

Gosh I can't stop making these things... I keep getting random inspiration. Like a rainy day. Love it!

Until Next Time...

Button Up Your Overcoat

Button Up Your Overcoat by anessa1105 featuring a cashmere shawl
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but you can still be glam!!

Until Next Time...

School it is!

School it is! by anessa1105 featuring seven for all mankind jeans

I am having so much fun with this!!!

Until Next Time...

Take Me Out

Take Me Out by anessa1105 featuring peeptoe shoes
So I just got introduced to Polyvore.com ! And I am in love, the options are endless!!!

Until Next Time...

Vanilla Chai Tea: A few of my favorite things, Pt. 2.

Originally I was going to make this one long post but since I am working towards my goal of knocking out 14 blog posts before the end of the year (wait when did I officially set that goal?). I figured it would be best to divide it. And plus I really don't like reading one long post..

Anyway, so this favorite thing is Vanilla Chai Tea. I have definitely had Chai tea before, but never brewed it myself. The way I bought this box of tea was so random, I have to share. So I was home last weekend and I wanted something warm and with caffeine, but I didn't want coffee.

Then it occurred to me that I didn't have any tea. So the original plan was to head to 7-11 because it is on corner and pick up a small box of tea, to satisfy my cravings. Well I got there and all they had was a 16 count pack of Lipton tea for $5!! I couldn't believe it. So no way was I going to pay that...You guys still there?? Well then I headed to Walgreens, and only had nasty teas and Decaffeinated teas left, I couldn't believe Walgreens was sold out of most teas..who drinks teas like that? Anyways, so then I was forced to head to the real grocery store. Lol.

So I went to the tea aisle and I was so overwhelmed by the choices. So I immediately grabbed a box of Earl Grey tea, it's a classic. But I wanted to switch it up, because I like trying new things. So I grabbed the box of Vanilla Chai Tea. And ever since then it's been love. Oh and an extra side note, I grabbed two more boxes of Petit Ecolier (and they were on sale, whoop whoop).

So the aroma of the Chai tea is to die for. Let me grab the box and write some of the descriptions they have on there.


Explore the mystery of Chai: For centuries, the drink of the Maharajas has been equally myserious- an ambrosia called Chai. Chai is a delightful blend of tea and exotic spices. It is often brewed with milk, which gives Chai a wonderful, creamy characteristic. In Bigelow Vanilla Chai we have added vanilla, offering a whole new dimension in Chai. A sure way to please your senses and enchant your taste buds.


Yup. So I am pushing this product extra hard...lol. Too bad they aren't giving me a cut. Also too bad I couldn't be like Oprah and give out free samples to the audience/readers. lol.

Oh and one more thing that I thought was interesting, on the side of the box they have a caffeine meter. So as you know, I'm pretty much addicted to coffee, but this is what it says, and FYI Chai Tea is Black Tea:


Caffeine Content
Coffee= 100-120 mg
Black Tea= 30-60 mg
Green Tea= 25-50 mg
Decaf Tea= 1-8 mg
Herb Tea= 0 mg

So I guess my body has gotten sensitive to that serious boost of caffeine in the morning, so the few days that I have had Earl Grey/Chai Tea in the morning, I've still been a little sluggish, so I reserve for drinking it mid afternoon/evening. Well as you can tell, I love love love it! Try it out!

Until Next Time...

Petit Ecolier (A chic little biscuit): A few of my favorite things!! pt 1

So those of you who know me, know I LOVE to try new things, especially when it comes to food.
I discovered Petit Ecolier cookies about 2 weeks ago and they have completely changed my world. I had a craving for black and white milano's so I headed down that aisle, but I wanted to do something different. So I saw the cute little box and I was intrigued. I threw it in my cart and kept going and who would have known that it would have swept me off my feet lol. Ok that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I love love love cookies, and these are just so delightful.

So the they are European (French) tea biscuits to be exact, and as the website says, "Lose and find yourself in one bite (A chic little biscuit)" so...true! I would describe it but the website does such a good job, see below:

Our "signature" design invites admiring glances: glossy, rich, european chocolate, paired with the oh-so buttery French biscuit. A luxurious biscuit and chocolate experience like no other!

So they sell it in many varieties, I first bought the Milk Chocolate and am currently eating the Dark Chocolate one (its made with real cocoa). SO if you browsing down the cookie/biscotti aisle, pick up a box you won't be disappointed.

Until Next Time...

Ceiling Fan Direction in the Winter

About a week or two ago I completely spazzed out because I found out about this whole  ceiling fan reverse direction business. So... once again I guess I must be late, but you can reverse the direction of your fan depending on the time of the year.


Most people think of ceiling fans as a way cool rooms during the hot summer season. However, ceiling fans can be just as useful during winter months. By changing the direction of your ceiling fan's rotation, you can direct the blades to force cooler air upward, towards the ceiling. This will displace the warm air that naturally rises, forcing it down into your living space. While the heating properties of a ceiling fan aren't likely to offset the need for a conventional heating system, it can reduce your dependence on heaters and lower your energy bill.During winter months, it's best to set your fan on a low speed setting. It doesn't take a lot of force to displace the warm air that collects around your ceiling.


So once I changed the direction of my fan, it was amazing...one thing I love about my apartment are the high ceilings and my sky light in the living room, but that has come to haunt me because I feel like all of the warm air gets trapped up there, but with this whole ceiling fan thing, my warm is circulating a lot more.


I was so excited when I discovered this I immediately picked up the phone and called my mom and told her and she was like "yeah...I already knew that." I was like why didnt anyone tell me!!! haha. So try it out!


Until Next Time...

Broil : To cook by direct radiant heat

Hey there Kiddos! So it is the midst of finals time and I decided to come home for lunch. I figured it would be a nice time to rejuvenate and take some time before I spend the rest of the afternoon/evening in the library.

All has been well over here in the midwest, well besides the fact that it is bitterly cold, but for the most part I will say that everything is good. 4 more finals to go and I'll be headed home woohoo...

So I have been getting creative with my meals. Just trying new recipes, most of them I think of myself... I'm sure they arent that original, I just think of things I have in my fridge and try and put them together.

I just put cut some chicken breasts into chicken breasts, put some garlic, lemon pepper, adobo seasoning on it, put some Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce and put my oven on the broil setting. Well call me late, but I just discovered the broil setting on the oven... the last time I made BBQ chicken wraps with the broiled chicken and it was absolutely delicious. The rest of the chicken breast that I cut into strips, I poured some Balsamic Vinagrette in a bag and some other spices and I'm marinated it until dinner time tonight. Yup!! So excited about that.

Ok that was definitely a random aside... I've been tweeting quite  a lot, and I usually say at least once a week how I've been neglecting my blog. So as of now, I am 14 blogposts short of how much I blogged last year. Last year I did 110 posts. Yup! SO maybe I can crank out about 13 more posts, I guess we will see. Anyways, that's all for this one, just have to think of a clever title...

Until Next Time...

America's healthiest Pleasures: 10 vices that are good for you

So just to show much I have been slacking on my blog... I have had this CNN article for the longest that I have been meaning to post on here for some time (since August), but I just haven't.. anywhere here is the 10 top vices that are good for you.

1. Getting your zzz's

Our experts unanimously agreed: Sleep is free and has virtually zero health drawbacks, making it the one treat no one should skimp on. Pillow time gives you energy, bolsters your immune system, boosts your memory, and even helps you get (or stay) slim.

2. Playing Hooky

Studies confirm that time off -- whether on a trip out of Dodge or a 24-hour staycation -- relieves stress, lowering your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease.

3. Sexual Healing

Getting frisky is, hands-down, the most pleasurable form of physical activity there is. Having sex releases feel-good endorphins and oxytocin, the hormone that promotes attachment.

4. A daily chocolate fix

Dark chocolate and cocoa may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and provide other cardiovascular benefits, multiple studies have shown.

5. A girl's night out

But there's little question that strong social ties can bring a host of benefits: fewer colds, better brain health, and a longer life, to name a few.  

6. Full fat dressing

For years we were trained to reach for low-fat everything, but there's no need to deprive yourself of the real deal. Full-fat foods not only taste better but also serve a real health purpose, as long as you get the right amounts of the right kinds.

7. Your morning java

A wealth of research suggests that coffee doesn't just pick you up -- it fights heart disease and some cancers, and it may even help you push through harder, longer workouts.

8. Getting a rub down

Women in a 2008 study noted less pain, depression, anxiety, and anger when they were massaged twice a week by their partners -- and (bonus!) their partners reported better mental health, too.

9. Basking in the Sun

Bright days really do lift our moods -- sunshine is the ultimate natural antidepressant, triggering our bodies to nip production of the sleep-stimulating hormone melatonin so we're alert, energized, and ready to face the day.

10. Wine with Dinner

Its antioxidants may keep blood vessels flexible, or alcohol could boost HDL (good) cholesterol.
They have a great explanation for all 10, I tried to provide a quick one sentence excerpt check it out here or click the article subject for the link! I completely agree with each and every one.

Until Next Time...

Scope- 11/29- 12/5

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Indulge yourself, as the pressures hanging heavy over you are lifting and it’s time to exhale. Celebrate your accomplishments and know you make a direct difference to the world around you. Yes, this is your moment to toot your own horn and love it, as you’ve passed all your tests with flying colors. Plus, you’ll need this last hurrah before entering your next phase of challenges.

Until Next Time...

No Stress November

Yo! So I'm in the computer lab, typing a paper for a class... So I have a lot going on, my to-do is overflowing (my cup runneth over), but those seem to be the times that I find time to write on my blog. It is the 2nd to last day of November. Overall, I will say that November was indeed a lovely month. As you all know, Autumn/Fall is indeed my favorite season. Not only is it the only season with 2 names, but it is just beautiful. I treated myself to a mani the other day, and I got this cute orange color!! It makes me smile every time I look at my nails.

Today is the first day back from Thanksgiving Break. My break was wonderful, it was nice to get home and spend time with family and friends. A much needed hiatus from all of the hustle and bustle that school presents.

Also happy belated birthday to me. Lol. I'm 23 now... weird! I don't feel old or young...I just am. So I used to post my weekly "frisky"scope, but I stopped that many months ago. I think I am going to resume that. Once I get over these next 3 weeks, I will have a WHOLE MONTH off.. I won't know what to do with myself.

So I declared this November as being "No stress November" and for the most part, I will say it has been rather stressful, but I have managed to turn all of my distress into eustress. Yay for me! So I'm still chipping at the side of the huge iceberg (caught a glimpse of Titanic the other night..love that movie).

Until Next Time...

McRib is Back

So I really don't get why people go so crazy over the McRib... then again I have never tried it.. lol. What I think is even more hilarious is the fact that McDonalds always has it out for a limited time.. lol. Anyways, it's coming back, November 2nd to be exact, and there is a pretty hilarious video thanks to the Colbert Report. Enjoy.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The McRib Is Back
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

Until Next Time...

Happy Halloween

Until Next Time...

List of Common Food/Drink Items with HFCS

As I said in my last post, as I started to really take notice of HFCS it started to seem like it was in everything. Some of those stuff I am really going to make a concerted effort to cut back on, others will be really hard. The first thing that will suck is my morning Yoplait Yogurt...that I love love love! aaah...we will see. lol. But this website, lists a list of 100s of items that has HFCS, I will just take about 20-40 items that most people eat or I eat and put it on here. (The * will indicate foods that I eat, **stuff I love, - other common foods.) Prepare to be shocked!

**Stove Top Stuffing: Chicken, Cornbread, Turkey, Pork, Homestyle Herb
- Capri Sun: Pretty much all flavors
*Coca-Cola
*Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice
**Powerade
**Starbucks Frappucinno
-Thomas English Muffins
-Kellogg's Cereals: Cornflakes, Frosted Flakes,Apple Jacks, Raisin Bran, RiceKrispies, Special K
-Eggo Pancakes
*Nestle Baby Ruth
**Heinz Ketchup
-Pop Tarts
*Rice Krispy Treats
**Nutri Gran Bars
*Oreos
-Chips Ahoy
-Lorna Dornes
-Robitussin
-Vicks Nyquil
**Wheat-thins
**Yoplait Yogurts
-Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
*Kraft BBQ Sauce
-KC Masterpiece
-Oscar Meyer Lunchables

Remember by no means is this a complete list, there are way more on the website and other websites. It's important to be aware.

Until Next Time...

What's in a Name? (HFCS/ Corn Sugar)

So for those of you who have watched Food Inc, you have already heard of High Fructose Corn Syrup. For those of you who have not, then this post is for you. This has been something that I am really starting to be cognizant of since I read the ingredients label for pretty much everything I eat. Because I am a firm believer in not reinventing the wheel, below is an excerpt on the wikipedia entry for High Fructose Corn Syrup

HFCS comprises any of a group of corn syrups that has undergone enzymatic processing to convert some of its glucose into fructose to produce a desired sweetness. In the United States, consumer foods and products typically use high-fructose corn syrup as a sugar substitute. In the United States, it has become very common in processed foods and beverages, including breads, cereals, breakfast bars, lunch meats, yogurts, soups and condiments.


In the U.S., HFCS is among the sweeteners that have primarily replaced sucrose (table sugar). Factors for this include governmental production quotas of domestic sugar, subsidies of U.S. corn, and an import tariff on foreign sugar; all of which combine to raise the price of sucrose to levels above those of the rest of the world, making HFCS cost-effective for many sweetener applications. Critics of the extensive use of HFCS in food sweetening argue that the highly processed substance is more harmful to humans than regular sugar, contributing to weight gain by affecting normal appetite functions, and that in some foods HFCS may be a source of mercury, a known neurotoxin


Here is the link for the article that was ran in the NYTimes about the "name change" of High Fructose Corn Syrup" Keep in mind that this very current and pertinent to today. This request/approval happened as late as September of this year. 


So basically what do I think? Yes.. I think there is a serious epidemic in the US, from staggering rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure to the "inactivity" of our population, all of that starts with our diet. It is the consumers responsibility to know EXACTLY what is going into their bodies, and it is also the manufacturer's responsibility to make it clear to the buyer what is in their product.


For those of you who know me, I do NOT like artificial sweeteners. Well let's start with the obvious... they are nasty. Why give me something fake when I have the real thing?? It doesn't weird anyone out that a single pack of equal/sweet n low/splenda is way sweeter than 2-5 tablespoons of regular sugar. I believe all of this food engineering is having serious effects on our bodies and we are unaware of it. 


The long range studies of the effects couldn't possibly be that conclusive. First of all, Splenda was introduced in 1999, which is a little over a decade ago. So there is no way to even know the long term effects. Equal has been around a little longer, while Sweet n' Low has been in existence since the 50s. I don't know, maybe I am just suspicious.. but I'd rather my desserts NOT have any artificial sweetener. I don't care if I am consuming more calories; I will just eat less of it. Ok I just went off on a really long rant. I am a major coffee drinker, and I faithfully put my "regular" sugar in my coffee every morning. 


If you are really interested, here is another NY times article about "the worries that americans feel when it comes to sweeteners" This entry is getting a little long, I will post a follow-up one. 


Until Next Time...

Quotes to Live By

So I really love quotes... I came across a few today that I really enjoyed, I figured I would share them... I really need to work on all of my blog slacking.

“Out of intense complexities intense simplicities emerge.” - Winston Churchill

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”  -Winston Churchil

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” - Carl Jung

“Difficulties mastered are opportunities won” - Winston Churchill

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” - Pericles

Until Next Time...

My 200th Post!!

I can't believe I have written 200 posts!! I hope for 200 more!

Until Next Time...

Giving Credit When It's Due...SheaMoisture

So a couple weeks before I moved back here, I was in Target with my sisters, we were hunting for products for my sister who was deciding to go natural. (Yup all three of us are natural now!!!!!!!!!) Anyways, I decided to try out a new shampoo and moisturizer, because although I love Miss Jessie's products they are way too pricey and the amount of ingredients/chemicals in them are unheard of!

So I decided to try out the SheaMoisture products, I remember someone saying they were pretty good, and since they were only $9.99 a pop (pretty cheap in natural land) I decided to get them. I ended up buying the Organic Coconut Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Brilliant Curl Smoothie... both for Thick Curly Hair (whew that was a mouthful)... And so far I LOVE THEM!!!!

The shampoo and curl enhancing smoothie leave my hair feeling so moisturized and hydrated!!! It's so soft and just overall amazing! Miss Jessie's better watch out because I might have a new Holy Grail product.

Not only are they both organic and all natural but they have:
-No parablens
-No sulfates
-No synthetic color
-No animal testing
-No synthetic fragrance
-No mineral oil
-No gluten
-No paraffin
-No propylene glycol
-No paba
-no dea
-no animal ingredients

Whew that was a long list, and best of all it is affordable, I don't have to sell my unborn child to afford it.
If you are looking for a new relatively inexpensive product to try out, give the SheaMoisture a try, a little goes a long way!

Until Next Time...

Oh You Fancy huh?

So even though Drake gets on my nerves and STL has taken it upon themselves to make sure a song of his plays at least once every 10 minutes...this song is catchy.

Ok so what does the post title have to do with anything? Well it's weird that whenever I get on here, I am unsatisfied with my template design and I always change it...it's kind of weird because as much as I would like to be consistent there are so many different combinations, that it is hard to just choose one.

With all that being said, I have actually gone back to the autumn leaves background. As some of you may know, Autumn/Fall is my favorite season!!! First it is the only season that has two names, so that automatically makes it cooler. And I love the smooth transition that everything seems to undergo. You teeter (is that a word?) between warm breezes and cool nights. I love walks at night in fall, simply romantic!! aaah!! Also I love the way the trees change colors...some trees change faster than others, so you have a medley of deep auburns, to burnt oranges, to minty green leaves!! Once the leaves start to gently fall....it's so beautiful.

Wow I got off topic, don't even remember what I started this post about. Oh I think I was going to discuss changes, more technology orientated changes. I like the new template for Twitter... it just seems to make sense, you can actually understand what some is replying to now. Also it aesthetically looks better. Blogger has also made it easier to upload pics, so that's cool. I like new ways of doing things.

In a weird turn of events, I actually don't really have TV right now. So I still have the same TV I have had since college, but I have no cable and since the "digital migration" you can't just stick the cable cord into the wall anymore and get cable if you have an analog tv. So in an attempt not to spend $70 on a stupid box and antenna thingy, I have tried everything possible. Also I tried getting satellite, but the way my apt faces won't actually give me a signal...yeah and I am not really trying to come out of the pocket $50 for some cable. So I have just been watching movies and watching the staples (Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, and RHOA) on hulu. Thank goodness for HULU! But I am considering just getting the stupid box thingy... so we will see. Until Next Time...

Ode to Fall

Submitted by: TiffanyK

Author: Melody Wallace

Cool days, cooler evenings
Time for sweaters.
Chop the wood, stack it high
Get out the leathers.


Trees of yellow, orange and red
Mums in full bloom
Roses bending, lilacs sad
Skies of gloom


Chili on the stove, stew at a simmer
Aromas fill the room
Apple pie, hot cocoa sweet
Just a good time before...
Winter's gloom

Until Next Time...

You know what I love...that's right, my hair!

I absolutely love this video!!! My line sister sent it to me earlier today. I heard about it through twitter, and I am glad that I finally got to see it. This is extremely important for young black girls. Our society, especially black culture really needs to start accepting each other for who we are. It is almost ingrained that at a certain age you should get your hair straightened or permed, but why can't you just love your hair the way it grows out of your scalp?

Anyways, positive affirmations are great and can do so much for women/girls self-esteem. I am glad that people are really starting to be more open minded and accepting. Black women can be beautiful in so many different ways!! Love it!

Until Next Time...

Eek!

First let me start off by saying I have NOT abandoned my blog. I just have had a "writers" block this past month. I can't believe it has been a month. Wow. This semester has really flown by. Maybe it's my "count up" that I have implemented. Currently it is Week 8, Day 38...woohoo! And for those of you that don't know, there are 16 weeks in a semester, so I am more than halfway.

So far this semester is wayyy better than last year. I guess I don't hate St. Louis as much and I made it out of the "hood"...lol. But I feel like I am becoming more and more like an optometrist everyday. For the most part all of my classes are really interesting, some teachers are more boring than others. And it sucks when teachers "dim" the lights to look at powerpoints...ugh. Good thing I sit on the front row, and I have my handy dandy coffee right next to me, faithfully every morning.

So hmm...why haven't I written, don't know. I said I was going to be better about it this semester also, because I didn't really write much this summer either. In other news, I am approaching post 200!! Yes...almost 200 posts. I plan on having a post/blogging explosion tonight, because I don't feel like studying, so at least I will have something to show for the next half hour or so. Also it's kind of weird, but I think the more I tweet the less I blog, so I am going to have to work on balancing the two.

Yes the temperature has started to drop, but it is up and down, like today I studied outside...Which was great! Gosh so much has happened in the past month it will be almost impossible to share everything. Well I will share as I think of it. There are a few posts that I am itching to get out though. So enjoy!

Until Next Time...

INFJ- Myers Briggs Type Indicator

So this weekend, I had to go to a mandatory leadership retreat... It was all day, but there were some parts that were pretty informative. The rest of it they could have saved. Anyways, one of the part I enjoyed was we took the Myers-Briggs Test. It is a really famous personality test. This is the 2nd time I have taken. The first time was in high school (AP Psychology). So when I took it in high school I was an ENFJ... But now my personality has shifted to an INFJ.

So basically what do those letters mean?

I: Introverted or E: Extroverted
N: Intuition or S: Sensing
F: Feeling or T: Thinking
J: Judging or P: Perceiving

So basically I am "Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging"
Again you can ask what does that mean?

Well on the outset, those people who know me might be a little baffled that I am Introverted... That is the only thing that changed since High school. I must say that Optometry school has made me a tad bit more introverted. I definitely enjoy my private space a lot more and a lot of times I can really sit and be alone in my thoughts and that is alright.

It is so weird because as I read read the description it was me exactly...so WEIRD!! But apparently only 1% of the people in the world are INFJ. Hmmm....

As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types. 

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, 

INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.
 
INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.


Yup. So I have to run off to lab. Until Next Time...

The Danger of a Single Story

This is another great video from TedTalk.

Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.



Until Next Time...

Half The Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

This is a follow up on the post I just wrote about Sheryl DuWann. I just checked out her website, and I figured I would continue to do my part and Spread the Word.

Half the Sky lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. We know there are many worthy causes competing for attention in the world. We focus on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference.


The best way to fight poverty and extremism is to EDUCATE and EMPOWER women and girls.

Until Next Time...

Stop Abuse of Women Worldwide

So any of my "faithful" blog readers know that I love Ted Talks. Last week I started watching a talk by Sheryl DuWann. She is the author of the book, Stop Abuse of Women Worldwide. I had to stop and take the time to create a blogpost on this, not only because the video was moving, but I think it is essential information that people need to know.

I have found myself many times having heated debates/discussions on gender inequities in America and around the world. Honestly the people that I usually have these debates with are men. Sometimes I leave feeling so defeated because I don't know if "male privilege" is really operating that much or do people refuse to see the gender inequalities that span worldwide.



There are some highpoints from this video that really stuck with me.

She talks briefly on Female Sex Trafficking (also known as "modern day slavery", which is at an all time high around the world. This topic has really had an eye opening transformative effect on me, for several reasons. In undergrad my sorority held a Symposium on Sex Trafficking, that was extremely informative. Things are things that often go unlooked and thought about, mostly because it doesn't involve the every day person (or does it?). It's also important to know that many of these women are in fact young girls. As young as 6 or 7. Lisa Ling has also done a wonderfully enlightening documentary on sex slavery.

She also talks about childbirth and how around the world a woman dies every 1.5 minutes while giving birth.

Infanticide is a large issue when it comes to girls, because around the world, even in America...male children are often looked at as being more valued than girls.

DuWann's solution to these problems are to educate girls. Often girls are not given the opportunity to be educated, but instead they are married off at young ages and forced to be domestic servants to their husbands. She also reiterates that when a woman is educated, she tends to have fewer kids, get married later on in life, and also educate her own child. Which would inevitably stop the vicious cycle.

Overall the video is extremely informative, and it is something I think is worth taking a look at, especially for men, who think that we have reached gender equality.The specific stories she gives are so moving and dynamic. For me, it is especially touching as I sit here in my apartment and take a break from studying. I have been blessed beyond measure. There are girls around the world who will never go to school, let alone college and a doctoral program. It gives me strength and motivation to keep going, so that I can help those that are less fortunate.

Until Next Time...

Food! Healthy Eating..

For some reason, whenever I write a blogpost I have the urge to do another. So here is my other blogpost, just about randomness, which I haven't really done in a while. Right now I am waiting on my shrimp to be done. I am making Shrimp Tacos with Corn and Black Beans...yummy!!

Since I have gotten back to St. Louis I have resumed my healthy eating. I am all for healthy eating without having to cut out things that you like or eat NASTY fat-free, low-fat or low calorie things in general. Just eat in moderation. I think today I had a close to ideal food day. I had a Carnation Instant Breakfast Essentials in Classic French Vanilla, some trail mix, Spring Mix and Spinach Salad with Shredded Chicken pieces, apple, yogurt, and now the Shrimp Tacos. I was kinda "blowed" cause I forgot my coffee mug on the kitchen countertop.

Tuesdays are my ridiculously long days too...So no coffee and limited sleep did not make a happy camper, but of course I held it together... hmmm...

Oh just a tidbit about Carnation Breakfast Essentials. This drink is a miracle! It has a ridiculous amount of Protein, Calcium, Antioxidants, and B Vitamins so you can start your day off right. (I sounds like they paid me to say that). But for real, in the morning when I am on the go (most days), it only takes a second to mix it up and drink it. I enjoy the Classic French Vanilla, but I also have a variety pack with Strawberry, Malt Mocha,and Milk Chocolate. This really is "essential" to my mornings!

So much to talk about...umm, but my food is pretty much done, so I'm going to have to cut this short.

Until Next Time...

National Trail Mix Day!

So this morning one of my classmates told me that today is National Trail Mix Day!!! I was immediately excited, because Trail mix is one of my favorite snacks. It's that thing that gives you an instant boost of energy, it's tasty, healthy for you, and it gives me something to do while trying to stay alert in class.

So I figured I had to dedicate a post to that great thing that helped get me through my first year of Opt school. Of course I had trail mix this morning. The blend is so lovely...! mmm....my favorite would have to be either Planter's Sweet and Nutty(Peanuts, Raisins, Chocolate Candy Pieces, Chocolate Covered Peanuts, Almonds, Cashews, and Cranberries) or Nut and Chocolate (Peanuts, Chocolate Candy Pieces, Raisins, Almonds, and Cashews). Oh and I also enjoy the Nature Valley, Fruit and Nut Trail Mix Bars (I usually buy a huge box from Sam's).

The crazy part about it is I don't even like Raisins, but for some reason I will eat them in moderation when they are mix into Trail Mix.

What exactly is trail mix? Let's see what Wikipedia has to say:

Trail mix is a combination of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and sometimes chocolate, developed as a snack food to be taken along on outdoor hikes.

Trail mix is considered an ideal snack food for hikes, because it is tasty, lightweight, easy to store, and nutritious, providing a quick boost from the carbohydrates in the dried fruit and/or granola, and sustained energy from the mono- and polyunsaturated fats in nuts.

So when you are in need of a convenient and delicious snack throughout the day....think TRAIL MIX!

Until Next Time...

Learning Style Characteristics-Diverger

So my Monocular Sensory Processes (MonSense) professor is apparently interested in our learning styles... Basically his class is hard and people rarely get A's so not sure how this is going to change anything. Anyways...but there are 4 basic learning styles.

1. Accommodator- Doing and Feeling
2. Diverger- Watching and Feeling
3. Converger- Doing and Thinking
4. Assimilator- Watching and Thinking

So based on the characteristics it described it basically came as no surprise to me that I was a Diverger. It pretty much describes me...kinda weird.

Diverger (Main Question: Why Am I learning this?)

• Empathetic and people oriented
• Sensitive to peer group
• Has a vivid imagination
• Has diverse interests
• Recognizes problems in the environment
• Needs emotional inolvement
• Listens and shares ideas well
• Collects information using all senses
• Is artistic and creative
• Likes to participate, collaborate
• Enjoy brainstorming

Yeah that's me... The environment thing caught me off guard...I was like wow..that's me.

So the main question that Diverger's ask is "Why am I learning this"...it's so crazy because I asked that almost every day my first year. I just needed to know how some of that stuff would tie into my optometric career. Now that it is my 2nd week, I am already seeing my many things being tied in so that makes me a lot happier. So the other questions for the learning types are as follows:

Accommodator- What if I did it this way?
Converger- How am I going to learn this?
Assimilator- What am I going to learn here?

I thought it was also interesting to note that, majority of the class were Converger's... (yeah our prof made us raise our hands) and he said in previous years, most, if not close to all of the class were converger's... hmm...makes you wonder. Let me know if anyone is interested in seeing more characteristics for the other learning types. Well that's all for now. "Sundays are for relaxing"

Until Next Time...

Double Rainbow- What Does this Mean?

So week one is down and I'm feeling like I've been in school for about a month now...eek. I was in my Ophthalmic Optics class and my professor showed us the double rainbow video. Apparently it has been one of those youtube hit videos, but watching it early in the morning was hilarious... But then I watched it again, and I just couldn't stop laughing. Of course this optometry related, don't get me started on the visual spectrum and my Visual Perception textbook has a huge rainbow on the front. Well basically the video is funny you have to watch it...it's below:


Until Next Time...

Classes Fall 2010

2 semesters down, 6 more to go...Geesh. Doesn't really feel like I'm making much progress. Oh well..Here are my classes for the semester:

1. Ophthalmic Optics w/ Lab
2. Ocular Motility w/ Lab
3. Foundations of Ocular and Systemic Disease and Management 1
4. Monocular Sensory Processes
5. Clinical Optometry II w/ Lab
6. Interpersonal Communication

Clearly it should be a fun filled semester.

Until Next Time...

Here We Go Again...

 So I told myself I wasn't going to become one of those bloggers, who gets all excited about blogging initially then starts to do the slow drop off. Yes the summer is officially over. My second year starts tomorrow...serious WOW! I would say I don't know what to expect, but I have a pretty good idea...

So many people have asked me if I am excited to be starting again...and my honest answer is no. It kind of catches people off guard, but I'm good at doing that.

I moved into my new place last week. And I love it. It's very me. Not too small, not too big. Just right! So I'm pretty happy about that. I am still looking for a desk chair. I guess in the meantime I will stay on campus and study. Oh study...Yikes!

There has been quite a few things that I've wanted to share on here, but I was just lazy. I am going to try and write two blogposts a week...and if that doesn't happen..I'm not going to stress it too much. Hopefully I will write more. But blogging is kind of like working out. The hardest part is starting, ie. making it to the gym, once you get there you feel like you can exercise all day. I just need to start a blog entry and then I'll just keep going.

I need to make out my budget for September. I have been putting it off, but gotta whip out the excel document and make sure I have enough money for anything extra. Yikes! Can I just win the lottery already? Geesh... I am going to post my classes for next semester in another post.

Until Next Time...

The Story of Cosmetics and Story of Bottled Water

So earlier this year, January 31st to be exact, I did a blogpost on the STORY OF STUFF... It was through this great website that I stumbled upon. Well since then The Story of Stuff has become a Project and more informative videos have been released.

With over 12 million on-line views, The Story of Stuff is one of the most widely viewed environmental-themed short films of all time. Since its release in December 2007, The Story of Stuff has been shown in thousands of schools, houses of worship, community events and businesses around the world.
The Story of Stuff Project was created by Annie Leonard to leverage and extend the film’s impact. We amplify public discourse on a series of environmental, social and economic concerns and facilitate the growing Story of Stuff community’s involvement in strategic efforts to build a more sustainable and just world.

 I recently watched two more videos which were the Story of Cosmetics and the Story of Bottled Water.
The Story of Cosmetics was only 8 mins long, but in those very short minutes I was enlightened
so much. She discusses how a lot of the the beauty products that both men and women use such as shampoos, conditioners, shaving cream, lotions, lip sticks, etc are actually really hazardous to our health. Also she talks about how the FDA really has no direct policing policies on these industries.. Prolonged use of these products are actually detrimental to our health. She even talked about how perms (relaxers) are so very bad for you and how the harsh chemicals can be absorbed into your body and mentioned that it can also be detrimental to beauty standards...she really "hit the nail on the head."

The other video was on the Story of Bottled Water...amazing! Very concise and she really unearthed the "Conspiracy" that these companies have used to brainwash soo many American consumers. For example, both Dasani and Aquafina have admitted to bottling filtered tap water. I must say since last year I have gotten a lot better with reducing my consumption of bottle water and just using my Filter and a reusable water bottle (check out this blogpost that I did on "Doing YOUR Part")...sidenote: but it seems as though since I've been home for the summer, I havent been doing so well on that because the fridge in my house is full of bottle water....Anyways.. Annie does a remarkable job of coming up with effective solutions and just informing you on how using and buying bottled water can be detrimental to the environment and each other.

Below are the videos..ENJOY!





Oh and I decided to use the above picture because I think it really made a statement...we shop and then we take out so much trash...If we had less things, we would have less trash...oh Consumerism.
Until Next Time...