A Welcome Break

I am thoroughly enjoying my Christmas Break. I stayed a couple of days at my home away from home (Houston, for those of you who didn't know) which as usual was filled with lots of laughs, good times and bacon (mustn't forget the bacon!) I'm now spending a few days at my mom's house and kissing on my niece.   

   

Here are some of my thoughts as of late....

 

Love and Kindness

As I've been furiously writing in my journal about my goals, hopes and accomplishments for the upcoming year, I have been reflecting on the past year of my life.

Go Juanette, It's Your Birthday!

It's my birthday today yall! I am a fit and feeling fabulous 41! I was thanking God this morning for another birthday and was overcome with how grateful I feel! I haven't always been in a good place emotionally with all of the things that I have been through but I am oh so grateful for all of those things because I am so much stronger for the experience.

I like to use my birthday as my own personal New Year so I make a list of goals that I revisit throughtout the year. I was looking at my journal from last year and I am reminded of how far I've come.  I also looked at some old blog posts and laughed at some of my outfit pics. Why didn't yall tell me that I (sometimes) looked like a sister-wife?!? #YallWrong

But I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading my little bit of blog and leaving your comments, yall are my 'friends in my head' too!

Jacket: H&M

Turtleneck: Banana Republic

Scarf: Random store in the mall

Now let the rachetness begin! Just kidding...but not really....ok, ok...yall know me so well......Rachet it is!

The L Word

I have been besieged with questions, conversations and thoughts about the L word over the weekend so I took it as a sign for a post. 

No not THAT L Word, the L word known as love... 

#PeopleBe

I was minding my own business watching The Cleveland Show and Rallo said "People be tall." And iDied.

That was SO hilarious to me! 1. because I use that hashtag a lot #PeopleBe and 2. Because I dig Rallo. So I thought I would tell yall some other stuff that People Be.

Sophistirachet: An Ode

Here's an excerpt of an online article that I found and thought it was hilarious!

Imitation of Life

(I couldn't decide what to wear to church so I took pics to decide. Which do you prefer?)

People get on the internet and start thinking that they winning.

What they fail to realize is that the internet is NOT REAL LIFE.

The Sweet Life

 

Went to Houston over the weekend and got my life. I'm still recuperating...

Why Worry

"Look me in my face: I ain't got no worries!" ~Lil Wayne

 

Dating Defined

According to Wikipedia (so you know it's true if it's on Wikipedia) Dating is defined as a form of courtship consisting of social activities done by two people with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse.

I Be Representing, Representing....

I am still in Mike Jones mode, it's actually lasting a little longer than usual this go round.

So what does that mean for you? A blog post of course!

Pink & Pampered Pedicures

I have been slacking....

Mike Jones

 My love life goes through cycles. Right now I'm in what I like to call the "Mike Jones cycle."

To Do List:

Things on my To Do List:

Takers

I am of the opinion that there are two kinds of people in this world, "Givers" and "Takers". I would like to fancy myself as a giver (who doesn't?) but I know that I have also been a taker at times, not giving enough in return. I have been praying the prayer that I want to be a blessing to others, I want to live my life as a giver. I believe that people give in different ways; we give with our knowledge, our service  and our hearts.

2Kool4Skool ~ Playlist

You guys know that I love music. I listen to everything but lately my musical taste leans toward the

" urban contemporary"...

Sweating and Soirees

My hip hop dance instructor had a birthday party on Friday and when I say that we were in there dropping it and getting bodied like we were Beyonce, pleeeeeaaassseeee believe it!

Undercover DMX

I REEEEAAAALLLLYYY want to talk to yall about something else but I'mma let that marinate for now. Let's just say that I'm feeling like DMX right now. "Yall Gone Make Me Act A Fool" mode. Me trying to hold my tongue is like asking Stevie J. to treat women respectfully. My trying to hold my tongue is like asking Joseline to speak clearly. Me trying to hold my tongue is like asking Fantasia to dress for her body type. This is REEEAAAALLLLLLYYYYY HHHHAAAAARRRDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the meantime let's discuss fashion shall we?

Just a quick outfit post to show.....

The Fast & The Furious

Things have been crazy busy in my life as of late.

I Did It! Until I Didn't.....

I have been wanting to get my hair cut for over a year now....

Empire State of Mind

"In New Yorrrrrkkk. Concrete jungle where dreams are made of!"

New York was....everything. I feel as though I have met a new friend, I can't get it off my mind.

Let The Sideshow Begin!

Getting ready for some big things in the next couple of weeks!

Marinate on This Mindset

I have recently been reminded of how our mindset affects our actions.....

New Beginnings

All good things are coming to an end. Yesterday was officially my last day of my summer vacation and next week is the finale of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta. Speaking of Love and Hip Hop, I have many issues with this week's episode...

Growth Spurt

I have been trying to get my head wrapped around a lot of things that have happened in the past two weeks. I guess the recurring theme is that people are fallible. We all mess up, we make mistakes, we act out when we feel vulnerable or afraid and we sometimes hurt people that we care about.

Video Part 2: Trends, Towels and Tangents!

Here it is, Part 2 of the video that Reiko and I made! Please disregard some of the shenanigans that ensue and yes I'm still using my towel!

We really need to learn how to edit because that whole husband business needs to be edited out!!!! (But yall still pray for him, lol.)

ENJOY!

I Guess I AM Here For That

Remember my "I Ain't Here For That" post?

I Am Not A Model, And I Don't Play One On T.V.

I am a real woman with curves. I am not a size 2. I have hips and a butt (that I have grown to love, this wasn't always so.) I used to get embarassed if someone mentioned my "big ole butt."

But now I love my booty. I check it out in the mirror all the time. Especially at the gym....

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Did you ever wonder what Reiko and I sound like in real life? I personally dislike my voice but Reiko threatened, cajoled, encouraged me to participate in making a video with the two of us while I was visiting Houston last weekend. I think I sound like Delta Burke as Suzanne Sugarbaker from Designing Women but what are ya gonna do?

This video is the essence of us and our relationship, a little bit zany, very unpredictable and loads of laughter. We are the Laverne and Shirley of bloggers!

Watch as Reiko and I discuss 3 things that you may not know about the other and feel free to weigh in (nicely of course, this is our first video..I apologize for my craziness in advance, Reiko did vey well....)

What you expected? Not what you expected? Any questions?


Stay tuned for Part 2!!!!

Pajama Jam!

I scored these pants from the thrift store. I think they are pajamas. But I don't care. They make me feel like I'm on vacation in a tropical location. Or one of those ladies who lunches. Which is where I wore them. To lunch, not a tropical vacation...*sigh*...

Quick Change Artist

I started off wearing one thing....

I Ain't Here For That

I was reading Awesomely Luvvie's blog (and laughing hysterically of course, if you don't know her, check her out) and she wrote 5 Things She Wasn't Here For based on Steen's Tumblr post so I thought I'd tell yall 5 Things I'm Not Here For too.

(I've wanted these shoes ever since I pinned them on Pinterest.)

I Confess Your Honor

I have a confession to make....

In The Fashionista's Closet: Small Town USA

"Choosing to be positive and having a grateful attitude is going to determine how you're going to live your life." ~Joel Osteen

I ventured to my hometown to visit my family for the 4th of July holiday. I am from a small town and now I can appreciate the smallness of it, it reminds me of why I believe that people are inherently good. And it's always a good time when I can spend time with my family, they had me in stitches from laughter...but then I gotta get back to the metroplex, the shopping there leaves something to be desired, lol.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Pete and Repeat (2 Outfit Posts)

Running errands outfit, planned on doing lots of walking so I needed *gasp* flats, lol. I do wear flats more often in my real life lately, some days call for flats.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Hope Floats

Thanks to everyone for the kind words in regard to my last post, I appreciate it so much. I was feeling some kind of way last week but I loved the comment that Chioma left for me:
"Leave it with God and move on, remember whatever He has for you is already yours and nobody can take it away."

 I agree with this....

In The Fashionista's Closet: Maya's Words

I was going to title this post "No Words" because I don't really feel like talking right now....But I figured I would use some quotes from Maya Angelou to describe what I'm feeling.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” ~Maya Angelou

In The Fashionista's Closet: Regret Nothing

I saw an ex-boyfriend recently and he told me that us breaking up was one of his biggest regrets. He said that he hated that he didn't appreciate what we had when we were together and that he took me for granted.

(I agree with him, lol.)

In The Fashionista's Closet: Facebook Follies

Here are some reposts of my recent Facebook status updates:

In The Fashionista's Closet: Expectancy

I was told recently that I am used to getting my way. I've been told that before but I disagree. I'm not used to getting my way, I just have expectations. Someone once told me that if you don't have expectations then people can't disappoint you. I think that's a cop out. I don't think that there's anything wrong with having expectations, expectations are your way of letting people know what's required of them.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Judge Not

This pretty much sums up my weekend. Food, friends, drinks. Repeat.

Dress: H&M

Bangles: InPink/Forever 21

Earrings: Beauty Supply

Clutch: Rampage

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Have you ever been ashamed to admit that you like a song? A song that you would be mortified to play in front of your mom? I have one. I've been playing it all weekend. Constantly. I can't even link the video I'm so ashamed. The song is called "Ayy Ladies" by Travis Porter but it's not for the feint of heart. The lyrics are terrible but the beat is awesome. I've been told that I have hood taste in music but I prefer the term "well-rounded", I listen to everything. From the Dixie Chicks to Nas to Robert Glasper to...well, Travis Porter. So if you see a woman dancing really hard in her car and clapping her hands on Interstate 20, that's probably me listening to Ayy Ladies. Don't judge.

In The Fashionista's Closet: Thanks For Everything

So apparently Oprah (my Aunt O in my head) has launched a

"Thank You" Game Challenge.

 I love the way that Oprah has a way of making you think of things bigger than yourself.

So I thought that I would play along:

Thank someone who gave you an opportunity. That one's easy. Definitely the principal at my school. She took a chance on me when I was looking to prove myself to anyone who would give me a shot. She has been such a great example of leadership and I love working with her.

(P.S. She doesn't know about my blog that I know of so I'm not kissing up!)

Thank someone who taught you something. My students. They have taught me to (try) and be patient and to be resilient. Kids don't hold grudges but plenty of grown-ups do!

Thank someone who probably thinks you’ve forgotten all about them. My ex-neighbor and friend. She was a constant of strength for me when we lived near one another and although we no longer live near one another I think of her often. I can never repay her for all that she has given me. She seemed to have some type of Juanette ESP because she always knew when I needed a friend and would call or pop up when I needed her most. Her advice to me about anything that I was going through? Pray first before you make a decision. *I tend to react first.*

Thank someone who forgave you, or gave you a second chance. God. For Grace. Over and over.

Thank someone who taught you something. To C. For teaching me to enjoy the moment. And to chill out (my brain works overtime I've been told.) I'm still working on turning it off.

Shirt: Thrifted
Necklaces (2): H&M
Skirt: H&M Conscious Collection
Bracelets: Sam Moon, Forever 21
Clutch: Can't remember
Shoes: Jessica Simpson

I love this concept, I think that it is important to be grateful and show it to others.
Who would you like to thank today?

In The Fashionista's Closet: Golden Corral

Earrings: Nappy Rutz (You may see a familiar face on her site!)

I think that I've mentioned before that I'm not a good dater. I am more of a relationship type of girl.

I really don't like to play games, if I like you and you like me, that should be it, right?

Top: Marshalls

Bracelets: Forever 21/InPink

Jeggings (Yall know I hate that word): H&M

Shoes: Aldo

At least that's how it was when I was in 3rd grade....But the game done changed!

I think of dating like a buffet. Some people want a buffet all of the time, they want to pick and choose and eat whatever they want. *Insert joke here.* This is also why people tend to overeat and end up sick. 

I don't like buffets. In dating or as an eating option. Partially because I don't know the people who have been there before me (the jokes are writing themselves, people.)  Did they wash their hands, did someone sneeze over everything, did they let their kids touch the honey butter rolls and then put them back? And most of the time, I want a specific thing to eat because it is made specifically for me.

(See the analogy? Ummmmm hmmmm.)

A guy told me recently that he has a hard time with women because he is too simple. Sir. Simple is what we want.

Well I can only speak for myself. What I want. Simple. No games. A man who is decent. Dependable and kind. A man who can recognize a good thing when he sees it. And who doesn't have to eat everything at the buffet in order to know what he really wants.