Weekend Excursion

As much as I am in love with this city right now, I took the opportunity to get outta dodge this past weekend. A co-worker suggested we head to the LIRR and head to the beach. I admit that I wasn't overwhelmingly excited as I should have initially been because, well, let's face it, North Carolina has some of the most beautiful coasts in this country. How could the beaches here be as lovely? Well, they are.

We got up early Saturday morning and met at Penn Station, bought tickets and were on our way to Long Beach in no time. We hit the coast after a short and easy 45 minute train ride. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I got off the train, but it was definitely magic to my nostrils. The salt-watery air hit my lungs and I drifted off for a brief moment to my own corner of heaven.

We spent a leisurely afternoon basking in the sun acquiring a nice glow to forego the near transparent tone originally acquired at birth. Well, that was just me. My girl friend has gorgeous, olive skin and could be a relative of Sofia Vergara from Modern Family. She has a great personality as well. Dang her! By this time of year, the locals were tan and leathery and tipsy by 4:00. Their New Jersey accents were flying by then! It was a wonderful cultural experience! HA! I can't wait to go back.

Catwalk & Cartwheels

In this city, you never know who you are going to see just moseying down the street at any time of the day. So far, I have seen Ivanka Trump (stunning and the perfect shade of blonde hair), Keri Russell (gorgeous and seemed very down to earth - she was doing her own grocery shopping), Emeka Okafor (former Charlotte Bobcat), some other basketball star (I have no clue who he was. He was coming out of the Four Seasons, he was super tall, and looked like he could've been a baller), and Kate Hudson. I am sure I am leaving someone else off the list.

Today, on my way to work, I nearly passed out! I saw THE Betsy Johnson! Her signature dread-lock hair gave her away (not that she was hiding) and her blue, leopard-patterned dress confirmed that it was her! Her designs are never dull or drab. It was so strange that no one else seemed to notice. OR, if they did, they just didn't care. Dang! I should have talked to her! She didn't seem like she was in a rush. She was just strolling down Madison Avenue with a bag in tow. My friend over at Polka Dots and Protein Bars and I spent a good 15 minutes this morning trying to figure out where she was going. In the end, we decided she was going to a meeting. Not super glamorous, but that summation was a safe bet.

Betsy Johnson designs really fun clothes in a myriad of colors. Her runway shows are upbeat and full of life. She has even been known to down a cartwheel on the catwalk at the end of the show. I think I might want to be her when I grow up.

Cookies!!!

I L-O-V-E food. I have an obsession with food...good food...fresh food. Given this statement, you would think that I would enjoy cooking as well. WHOA! Let's not go overboard! Food tastes so much better to me when someone else prepares it and I truly appreciate the skill that went into creating the end result. In addition to this, it is innate to any member of my family that you will think about the next meal even before finishing the one you are currently consuming. HA! You must also discuss how "fresh" everything is. Nothing much is said if the food isn't "fresh."

Tonight I made cookies and burned them. I don't care. They were the best cookies I've had in a little over 21 days. You see, I've recently finished a fast which was pretty strict in the food department, although there were a few days when I wasn't as strict. Foods not included in the fast include:

• Sugar and sugar products (desserts, soft drinks, etc.)

• Drinks including caffeine (coffee, tea, etc.)

• Bread, grains, and rice

• Meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs

During the fast, I focused on what God was trying to tell me through what I was reading in the Bible each day or when I was craving sugar. I also prayed when I was going through caffeine withdrawals or when I had an incredible urge to go with my friends for a milkshake. In the end, as I dunk my burnt cookies in a cold glass of milk to celebrate the end of a 21 day fast, I feel more focused and have a rejuvenated mind, body and spirit. I know my challenges from this world are never going to end, but at least I feel more prepared to handle them. Keep in mind that we all face challenges, but they make the victories sweeter and the race worth running altogether.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great

cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that

hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance

the race marked out for us.

Hairball

I am trying to grow my hair out. Enough said.

Actually, let me expound upon that. I love having short hair. It's soooo much cooler in the summer and it's so easy to style. I literally have wash and go hair right now. My biggest gripe is with the color. I have either highlighted or dyed my hair since middle school so I really can't tell you what color it naturally is anymore. Also, I went from platinum blonde to a deep-dark brunette within a year's time. I love dying my hair, but I'm searching for the natural shade. I think I am close now. I am brunette with a splash of red. Yep. Red. Oye. I used to have the prettiest blonde hair.

Question: What caused this desire to grow out my hair...again?

Answer: Buns

I really like the new messy bun fad.

I like the polished ballerina bun.

I like the low, nape-of-the-neck bun.

I enjoy the high, loose bun.

I have cut my hair and grown it back three times for Locks of Love and each time was more rewarding than the last. The hair is donated to make wigs for children suffering from cancer. It's such a small thing anyone can do for a child in need.

I have a long way to go. Say a prayer for me. I need my locks to grow, grow, grow. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to make this process go faster?

Until then, bottoms up and keep bringing the fresh O.J.

Weeeeeekend

Weeeeeeeee! What a great weekend! My Hero and I enjoyed a wonderful weekend visit from my aunt and uncle (a.k.a. The Nomads - they can't sit still!). For as long as I can remember, my aunt and uncle have enjoyed traveling mainly within the U.S. and they love trying new things. Also, I was fortunate to go to college only 20 minutes away from them. It was nice to have the occassional family meal. They also made sure that I was still alive and studying for four years. After my My Hero and I graduated and moved three hours away from them, they would charter a plane and fly to have lunch with us for the afternoon. Oh yeah, did I mention that my uncle is a great pilot! They just love to travel.

We managed to squeeze in a ton of things in just a few days. Here is a pictorial entry of our fun! ENJOY!

We ventured toward Madison Ave. & saw the huge purse (a.k.a facade)

covering the entrance of Dior.

Uncle Rick - The IBMer

St. Patricks Cathedral

Inside St. Patrick

Taking a break outside St. Patrick

Dragon made of Legos inside the Legos store

near Rockefeller Center

Wall of various colored Legos

Great view of the city from the top of Rockefeller Center

We had such beautiful weather! You could see the entire city!

A visit to Grand Central Station

A visit to the NY Public Library

Such beautiful lighting and architecture inside the library

Ralph Lauren's daughter's candy shop

Aunt Beth trying to make a decision. There was so

much to choose from.

We saw this play Sunday afternoon - PHENOMENAL!

We visited the Pop-tarts Pop-up Store in Times Square

Chocolate Fudge Dipped Chocolate Chip Cookie-Dough Pop-tart! YUM!

Neck Lace

I've always had quite a fascination and slight obsession with jewelry. My metal of choice is primarily gold, but I have gone through phases enjoying silver as well. I have always loved a good silver lining in life. Thanks to my incredibly smart mother and grandmother, I was taught to love things in small packages. Something shiny might be inside.

Now that I work for a very prestigious jewelry company, I am consumed with jewelry. I have never been one to spend money on good (a.k.a. non-costume) jewelry unless I truly love it. That generally means that it has to have lasting potential. I take more risks when it comes to my clothes than I do with my jewelry. I want to be able to wear my jewelry for a long time instead of simply for a single season.

I have been longing for a new necklace for a while...specifically one similar to this one:


I love the way the letters are so elegantly laced together and, of course, I love the monogramming. Monogram+Gold+Jewelry=LOVE!

Latest Love

Fall is just around the corner. This is so hard to think about since the weather has been HOT HOT HOT! BUT I know I must start saving for fabulous fall finds because the colder weather will be here much quicker and last longer this year for me. Being from the south, I am used to Fall extending nearly into November and Spring kicks back into gear in late February or March. Now that I am in the north, I better get used to longer winters and plan accordingly to extend my wardrobe that far as well.

There are several things on my list in the apparel department, but would love a new handbag as well. Considering how much I tend to cram into my bag on a daily basis (i.e. phone, make-up, iTouch, work heels/shoes, lunch, pens, various work related papers, wallet, umbrella, etc), I need a bag that is large enough to carry all of this, durable enough to outlast the elements and fashionable enough to carry with numerous outfits.

After making a recent purchase of a vintage Dooney & Bourke bag at a flea market, I have become a fan of the brand and have realized that this is a well underestimated bag maker by younger generations. I feel that this brand used to be WAY more popular, but other brands have taken the lead over the past few years. I recently visited a D&B store in the city and fell in love with the juicy spring/summer bags now on sale and the rich colored bags made for fall and winter that are landing on the shelves. Here are a few of my picks: (Juliette Bag: You can literally load everything in here! It comes in a gorgeous green as well that is perfect for adding a pop of color on a drab winter day) (Cosmetic Case - Every girl needs a cute cosmetic concealer. How cute are the ducks!) (Multi-Functional Zip Around - Perfect for carrying your ID, Credit Card,
Metro Card and Phone. Cat prints are so in this season.)

(Classic Satchel - This is such a classic style, but the orange gives it a modern edge. The bag comes in classic colors as well in case you want to use this more of an everyday bag.)

I believe...Part 2

This post is a continuation of yesterday's post....

I believe that everything happens for a reason.

As I have mentioned in a previous blog post, I know without a doubt that My Hero and I are in New York for a reason. We prayed hard about our move from Charlotte especially since we truly love the south and love Charlotte even more. Despite the fact that I was really ready for a shift in my career path, we were primarily prompted to move due to a higher calling. We strongly feel and believe that God has bigger and better things for us in New York so that's why we are here.

I must admit that it's been a challenge from the start. Being away from my husband for nearly 4 months while he finished his job in Charlotte was a huge challenge. We saw each other sporadically throughout that period of time, but that was no consolation for not living under the same roof. Learning a new job in New York was and has been the most difficult challenge for the both of us. This got me thinking...everyone faces difficulties and bumps in the road in their job whether they are the boss or the boss' employee. The easiest way around this is to learn how to find favor with your boss or employees. The hardest thing to do is put aside differences. This situation may not always be in the cards, but it does happen. I know this situation all too well, but that story is for another day and another post. Regardless of your differences, we, as Christians, are here to further God's kingdom just as Esther did.

"So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. And the king said to her, 'What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!'"

Esther 5:2-3, NKJV

Here are 3 points as summarized from a daily devotion by Beth Jones to further explain how to gain favor in the workplace just as Esther eventually gained favor from the king:

1) Be a person of prayer and humility - Those in authority are not often impressed with—or responsive to—those who are mavericks, cocky, over-confident, smart-mouthed or puffed up.

2) Find out what your supervisor/employees likes and dislikes - Know how to approach your supervisor/employees and learn to work with each other's style in order to get the task at hand accomplished.

3) Know your supervisor's/employees' pet peeves - Know them and just don't do them. Period.

These principles seem simple. They are. But...sometimes they are easier said than done. Practice these points to the best of your ability. Once you do, you will have found favor from your supervisor/employees, good things will start to happen, the workplace will be a MUCH better place and new doors of opportunity will begin to open. Always remember that someone is always watching you and they may decide to follow your example. Take a moment to think about and consider what kind of example you setting and what kind of example you want to set.

Stepping off the box now.

I believe...Part 1

I believe that everything happens for a reason.

As I waited for a train this evening to join my girlfriends for our first official supper club, sweat beads dripping down my back (Ummm...EWE!), praying for an air-conditioned train to come soon, I had a fleeting thought that I was probably waiting for a reason. The thought quickly escaped my mind as another sweat bead rolled down my neck. (Seriously, I sweat like a boy! GROSS! Thank goodness I am married, otherwise no one would have me! HA!)

The train finally arrived and it was PACKED. Oye! "OK," I told myself, "Be a New Yorker, suck it up and just cram yourself in there." So, I tucked my purse under my arm and shoved my way through the doors and into the aluminum car full of people. Despite the fact that we were all crammed in there like sardines and I wasn't the only one sweating...thank goodness...there didn't seem to be any foul odors. Phew! A few stops later, a really tall guy got on the train and stood beside me. I was reminded of a commercial shoot I did for my previous agency while in Charlotte, NC for the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA team) staring Emeka Okafor.

Thought bubble: The campaign was titled "Okafor in '04." (OH. EM. GEE! That was 6 years ago!!!) Okafor had recently graduated from college and the pro teams were vying for his attention. In the end, Charlotte drafted him and he became a Bobcat. I aided in the commercial shoot for a half a second and got to stand beside the rising star. I barely came up to his armpit. He's a basketball player, of course he's going to be tall.

Back to the train: I wasn't standing beside Emeka Okafor, but wait a second! He was standing one person away from me! WEIRD! I tried to be polite and not call him out on the uber crowded train. I was giddy. No one else noticed who he was. Seriously. There were other guys on the train who must've known who is was! He got off the train a couple stops later and I had to say something. This was all I could think of, "Hi. Aren't you Emeka Okafor. " He said, "Yeah. " I said, "I thought so. I'm from Charlotte." He ended with, "OH! Cool! Ok, see ya. "

I stood there on the train super excited to tell someone and wondered if anyone in New York would really care. Nope. Not really. Oh well. My Hero was really excited to hear my tale of two cities. He also made my day by sending me this picture...

Do you see the Raymond Felton jersey??? EEEEK! So exciting!!!! It's official! My favorite basketball player is no longer a Charlotte Bobcat. He's a New York Knick!!! He missed me and moved to New York. Yep, that's what I'm gonna tell myself.

Lesson learned: I worked for my last agency to work on the Emeka Okafor commercial to learn who Okafor is to one day recognize him on my train tonight, but I wouldn't have been on that train if I hadn't waited for SO long. Having Ray-Ray Felton come to New York is just icing on the cake!

Monogram Me!

I love living in Manhattan, but I quickly realized that there are several things "Southern" that just aren't as appreciated in the north as they are in the south. I came across a blog today that made me miss the south more than sweet tea itself.

I have been hunting for the perfect shower curtain to monogram for the past 2 months, but to no avail. Well, I take that back. I have found several shower curtains, but I refuse to pay an arm and a leg for any of them. As I was sniffing out the perfect-monogrammed-shower-curtain trail, I landed on Magnolias Marriage and Manhattan's blog. This blogger truly loves monogrammed materials, polkadots, preppiness and everything in between that is considered "southern." After reading several of her entries, I also realized that she has followed a similar path as me. She moved to the big city from the south a couple years ago and somehow managed to bridge the gap between everything north and south of the Mason Dixon line.

Looking at her site made me realize there are several things I miss about the south:

• Charlotte, NC
• Sweet Tea
• People who say "Y'all"
• Elevation Church
• Bojangles
• Chick-fil-A
• My Jeep Wrangler
• Sweet Caroline
• Monogrammed EVERYTHING!
• Biscuits
• Fresh vegetables straight from the garden
• Family
• Everyday Pearls
• Driving
• The Beaches (Myrtle Beach)
• True Friends
• A friend named Happy (Happy Birthday, HAPPY!)
• My beautiful old neighborhood
• Big Trees
• Manners

What are your favorite SOUTHERN things?

P B & J

Despite the fact that I had to work this weekend, we still managed to salvage it and have a great time.

P is for Photo shoot - I was asked to assist the merchandise operations team this weekend for our holiday photo shoot. To be quite honest, I was kind of excited to help out. I enjoyed working on photo shoots when I worked on the agency side so this was a chance for me to do something I know about. Basically, I aided in the transportation, set-up and breakdown of Tiffany merchandise for our Holiday shoot. I never had to travel with armed guards for furniture/awning/marine fabrics so this really put perspective and value on the items I was transporting and working with. At the end of the day, the location was perfect (a townhouse in lower Manhattan), the models were gorgeous (unable to disclose their identities at this time), and the Tiffany props and jewelry were stunning.

B is for Peanut Butter and Co. - I love love love peanut butter. One of my absolute favorite sandwiches is peanut butter with banana and honey on wheat bread, so naturally I got the peanut butter and honey shake. My Hero is a coffee lover so he ordered the coffee shake with a shot of peanut butter. YUM! YUM! I initially read about Peanut Butter & Co. on The Lil Bee's blog and knew I had to try it. We ventured out to Greenwich Village today with nearly empty stomachs and protein deliciousness on the brain. The estimated time to reach our destination was only supposed to be 37 minutes. HAHAHA! Well, no. That wasn't the case. Approximately 1.5 hours later we were finally there. The train we were supposed to take wasn't running and the train we ended up taking switched lines before we realized it. Whatev. No biggie. We struck up a conversation with another Christian on the train and got a few suggestions for churches to try out. A-MA-ZING! We have been praying about finding a new church home and maybe one of these suggestions is it.

J is for Jonathon - I am married to my perfect match. Seriously. I am not an easy person to put up with and he just gets me. We've been married a little over 7 years and every day gets better and better. After all this time, he still takes my breath away. Seriously. I forget to breathe when I am with him sometimes. Some of that may have to do with the bits of blonde still left in my hair, but I think it's really 99.9% all his doing. Sure, we have our ups and downs, but (A) we NEVER go to bed angry with one another and (B) we always pray out loud over our family, ourselves, and the plans God has for us. I also keep him around because he makes me laugh everyday...like, genuinely laugh. I am the person who laughs to be considerate so there aren't awkward situations. I mostly do this because I know I am not a funny person and tell really bad jokes followed by "That was funny!" so I like it when people laugh for me to avoid awkward situations. Thanks, God, for sending me an incredible husband.

What a great weekend.

"5 Commit you way to the Lord; trust inhim and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,

the justice of your cause like the noonday sun."

- Psalm 37:21