Thrifting with xKLusive...on a PARTY BUS!!!

Hey there Rose Heads!  On Saturday, I went thrifting on a PARTY BUS with xKLusive by Tiana.  I'm going to review my entire experience with you all!  I was excited about this little trip for two reasons, first, I wanted to go thrifting with my friends and enjoy not having to drive and second, I raffled off some cards from my handmade card business Two Tears in my Bucket!

When we got on the bus and it was so roomy and comfortable!  I was truly surprised.  Check it out!

As soon as we got on the bus, we got our xKLusive wrist bands that let the shop owners know we were with the group and needed our DISCOUNT! :)

Everyone on the bus was so friendly!  We enjoyed mimosas, ice breakers and raffles! Some of the raffles were from: Never Dessert You, Two Tears in my Bucket, xKLusive by Tiana, Trendi Confessions and so much more! It was great.

The first store we went to was SACK'S Thrift Avenue (is that not THE cutest name of your life?).  I loved it!  It was so organized and had both high and low end items.  Our group discount there was 20% and they also had pastries, coffee, OJ and bagels waiting for us. I got three blouses and a belt there.  I spent $7.50.

The next store we went to was the Junior League of Atlanta's Nearly New Thrift Shop.  Our discount at this store was 15%.  I got one blouse.  I forgot to take a photo y'all my bad BUT...the blouse is short sleeved, it has a gold shell applique on the pocket and gold shell buttons.  Cuteness.  My friend got a vintage Neiman Marcus party dress there.  Fab store.  I spent $5.50 here.

The last store we went to was Back by Popular Demand.  This is the same store we went to a couple of weeks ago for the $1.00 consignment sale.  It has a lot of nice items including a great formal wear section. I bought one blouse here.  Spent $7.25.

Afterwards, we were all tired and ready to eat so, we ate at a Mexican restaurant for more laughs and good times.  I will DEFINITELY be doing part two next month on the 20th!  Here is the flyer:

I Can't Be THAT kind of Blogger...

Alright.  I admit it.  I'm a Blog Stalker.  I'm talking die hard, creeping in the blog shadows, secretly living vicariously through other folk's bloggy lives, reading a million posts, commenting on like two...stalker.  Yep, that's me.

But, here's the thing...In all of my stalking I realized that I have been feeling bad about not being the kind of blogger that attends networking events, hosts parties, has a million cool friends that all agree on their collective coolness and looks FAB like all day errry day.  That ain't me y'all.  That's NEVER going to be me! 

PAUSE: Okay, I did go to one event that I heard about on the "Two Stylish Kays" blog.  I actually met Keren and she was super sweet.  I wanted to connect more and have more of a convo but, I was scared man.  I got a pic though! LOL!

Okay, press PLAY:  Let me tell you why I have event phobia....(You know there's a list coming right?...don't act like that!  You know how I do!)

1.  I work a full-time job.
By the time I get to work and finish work and commute...I'm spent.  I don't have the energy to go out to a mall, restaurant or boutique talkin' 'bout some daggone "networking".  Basically, I'm scared.

2.  My family comes first.
All joking aside, I can't be away from my guys all day and then, turn around and sacrifice the few hours after work/daycare we have with each other just to "be seen" and hobknob with folks.  Well, maybe once in a while.  This is for real, for real...but, Basically, I'm scared.

3.  I ain't got no money mannnnn!
Gas is precious like gold these days.  Even though I have a pretty gas efficient vehicle, we still have to conserve.  Additionally, who can go out of the house and not eat, or purchase a thing or three?  My money is fun-nay!  And plus...I'm scared!

4.  I'm shy...'nah mean?
I'm shy! I don't know what these folks are going to say or think of me when I show up in my $15.00 outfit...INCLUDING THE SHOES.  And I don't want to hear that "you shouldn't care what others think stuff" because I can't help it...I do.  See man...that's why I'm scared!

5.  I'm stuck between two blog worlds.
On the one hand, I have this blog which is all about me, my family, our home and whatever miscellaneous things I decide to discuss.  On the other foot (lol)...I have a crafting blog which is all about my paper crafting.  These two groups of people are extremely different.  Crafters are so open and accepting.  There are always crops and blog hops and so much togetherness.  Lifestyle/Fashion/Hair and Beauty bloggers are savvy and know how to work their blogs for that moola.  I don't really feel I "fit" anywhere...sigh.  I'm scared damn it!

So, my hat goes off to all these fly ladies out there networking, making moves and creating their brands.  I think I'm going to go slow and just let this blog carry me where ever I'm supposed to go.  I think my voice has a place in this blog world now my entire self at some event...I don't know 'bout all that!

Some OOTD's...

Hey Rose Heads!  I haven't been posting too many outfit pics on here lately.  The main reason is because I'm busy y'all.  I forget!  I mean, I take pictures with my phone and Instagram daily but, as far as true outfit posts...I need to do better.  So, here are some pieces of what I've been wearing lately.

Have y'all ever shopped at an online thrift store?  Well, you should damn it!  I bought this FIERCE blazer from ReINstated and I received a plethora, ney, a DELUGE of compliments on it!  Check it out...

The blouse is from Old Navy and it is O.L.D.!  I got it like four or five years ago.  The slacks are from New York and Company.  They have the best pant sales of all time.  The shoes are from NY&Co too!

Now, this outfit below is a fave because I got that blouse for FOUR QUARTERS!  *Boom*  I got it from the Back by Popular Demand $1 Consignment sale (P.S. those ladies were off the damn chain at that thing!)  The dress underneath is from H&M.  It was $12.00 I think.  I got it a couple of years ago.

The shoes are Gianni Binni from Dillard's.  Y'all already know how I feel about the GB!  Welp, those are my two fave 'fits from the past two weeks. 

I'm making a vow to be better about taking WHOLE outfit photos to share with you all.  My bad, my bust, my fault!

Enjoy the rest of your week y'all!

Babies NEED Boobies

Did you read that title post correctly?  Yep, you did. Babies need boobies y'all!  I'm talking BREAST MILK!  I don't know how many times I got teased and even ridiculed for breast feeding Picard for 19 months.  Yes, he had teeth, yes he was walking and NO...none of that matters!  I was doing what was best for MY child.

What's so crazy is, folks used to look at me all ignorant in public but, breastfeeding is NATURAL and we shouldn't condition society to look at it as gross or inappropriate!  That gets on my last coo-coo hair! (Yep, I said that)  I never whipped out a boob for the world to see, I used my cover but, if I did...SO WHAT!  I'm feeding a baby...not making porn! 

Argh!  I digress...

There were several pros for breast feeding him:

• It helped us to bond.  As soon as he was born, I latched him and started feeding him.
• It helped usher me back to my pre-pregnancy weight.
• It helped Picard fend off some yucky bacteria and diseases.
• It saved us A TON of money.
• It ensured he was receiving all the nutrients he needed.
• It made me eat well so that he could continue to get the nutrients he needed.
• It soothed and calmed him.

Now, everything has a down side. It wouldn't be fair to insinuate that there were no cons.  Of course there were!:

• I had to pump and freeze milk.
• I had to clean my pump.
• He was so attached to me, that often times, he didn't want a bottle.
• My boobs leaked.

 For you people that need research based validation here you go straight from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics):
Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. Given the documented short- and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages of breastfeeding, infant nutrition should be considered a public health issue and not only a lifestyle choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant.

So, if you're pregnant and you're considering NOT breastfeeding your child, I understand and I respect your choice.  However, please READ and EDUCATE yourself.  Don't decide against it for superficial reasons that have nothing to do with the overall health and well being of your child.

I implore you.

I ran a MARATHON...Okay, okay...I walk/jogged a 5K

Hello my lovely, gorgeous, sexy, vivacious, intelligent and classy ROSE HEADS!  How are you all?  I hope you're feeling lovely today! 

Listen, I know the mark of a good blogger is consistency.  You can be a consistent hot mess, goddess, jerk face or fashion plate but, consistency is key.  Soooo...in that regard...I suck.  But, I'm endeavoring to make it up to you. I want to catch you up on what's been going on!

Can you guys believe I walk/jogged my way through my first 5K!  Let me tell you...I don't think I have EVER, EVA, EVA sweat that much in my LIFE!  The race was sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. They used the proceeds to support different organizations like the Atlanta Food Bank and Back on my Feet.  Last count I heard, there were 16,000 walkers and joggers My company had a small team and we all worked it out!

My finish time was 1hour and 40 seconds.  BUT...I know it was less than that because it literally took me 15 minutes to be able to move and break away from everyone!

So, this was me before the race.  Cute, and itching to get started!

The team shirt was designed by a guy in my office who I have affectionately dubbed "Young Jereme".  He's 24 and he is a great young architect and graphic designer.  He ran circles around me during the race too!  It was quite funny.  Oh to be 24 again!

As you can see, this was no joke...it was a full on PAR-TAY up and through there!  Companies had their tents, refreshments, entertainment and so much more!  It was good to see so many people letting their hair down and working together for a good cause.

One of the things that made this race so much fun was to participate with my co-workers.  When you're in the office all the time, you tend to forget that these are real people with real lives.  These kinds of activities help you to appreciate and bond with your co-workers.

Okay, so, yeah...I don't like being around so many damn people and there was NOTHING BUT people!  I was having a moment!  But, this is a shot of all the walkers lining up to get started.

When the Olympics was here in Atlanta in 1996, these rings were erected next to the torch.  They're a symbol of that time in my beloved city's history.  It felt good to be starting my first 5K underneath them.

This is half way through the race.  I was hot as hell!  BUT...motivated.  I was power walking and jogging like I was going to get a million dollars at the finish line!

The sky was so pretty.  It was just confirmation that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing that day.  Creating a bond between exercise and my soul.

Smiling 'cause I'm almost there!  Hot, tired, worn out but, proud of myself and happy!

This is me finishing.  I.DID.IT!  I was overjoyed and elated that I had pushed myself towards a goal and accomplished it.  Thank Moses, Vishnu and Jesus that I made it.

Now...I'm motivated.  Boom.

The Deets on the Pleats!

Hey Rose Heads!  Today I'd like to share a OOTD post with you.  I've been thrifting and not taking any prisoners do you hear me? I'm talking serious, get down witch-cho bad self, uh-uh heffa don't you even look at that 'cause Imma buy it serious thrifting! LOL! 

Since pleats are so in, I really wanted to see if I could buy a vintage pleated skirt because I just didn't have the money to invest in the trend at a retail/re-hell store.  Lo and behold while I was shopping at the Value Village on Highway 5 in Douglasville, I found one!  *Boom*  What I love about this skirt is that it's long, it's navy and it's a light material so my legs and coo-coo don't get too hot.  I'm serious...don't like it when the pocket book gets too hot! Lol!

So, check out the 'fit!

The belt and shoes are also thrifted!  The blouses are from New York and Co.

When a Friendship Dies...

Hey there Rose Heads!  You'd be glad to know that I've finally figured out the direction of this blog!  It's the TRUTH direction.  I want to share everything with you all that's going on me.  Well, you know within reason.  'Cause I KNOW that someone can benefit from my experiences.  I know I benefit from all the info out there in the bloggosphere!

So...that leads us to today's topic...

Recently, my "best friend" (I don't know how I feel about that title at age 30...hence the quotation marks) and I had a blow out of epic proportions.  I mean EPIC.  Honestly, in my mind, I thought that she and I would be able to work through our issues and still remain friends but, THEN...

got involved.  Apparently, when she vented to her friends they decided to support her by posting unflattering comments about ME, MOI, YOURS TRULY on her FB wall.  Y'all, that hurt me so bad!  I couldn't believe it!  It didn't hurt because their loyalty is to her and they should support their friend.  It hurt because she not only "liked" the comments but, allowed them to stay on her wall as opposed to hiding or deleting them...so I deleted her.

But, now that I've had time to reflect and appreciate the good times that we shared during our friendship that was OVER A DECADE long, I've come up with some rules for disagreeing peacefully.

RULES FOR DISAGREEING WITH FRIENDS PEACEFULLY:

1.  Don't disagree via text.

This is how it all started.  She text'd me this long message, I responded and all hell broke loose.  Voice to voice or face to face are the best options for discussion.  Then, you can hear the tone and inflection in the other person's voice.  You are also more willing to come to a resolution.  It's very easy to be bold in print but, face to face or voice to voice...not so much.

2.  Remember the good times.

When you're upset with someone, it's really easy to think of all the things that they ever did to upset or hurt you and link them all together.  Even though you're angry, take a moment to remember all the supportive, fun and awesome experiences you all had together.  That will quell your temper and allow you to think more rationally.

3.  Don't be a kudos seeker.

If you're genuinely someone's friend and you do something to support them emotionally, financially or otherwise, don't expect to receive a pat on the back every time.  Sure, you want your friends to appreciate you BUT...they don't have to tell you how awesome you are all the time.

4.  Don't take it to social media

If you can help it...which you totally can... Don't take your feud or disagreement to FB or Twitter.  First of all, that's not classy or lady like. Second, the situation is between you and your friend not the whole world.  Third, that's just mean.

5.  Set realistic expectations for your friendship.

Everyone has different friends for different things.  All of your friends aren't going to be hang out, go shopping, go to church, clubbing, visiting your house friends.  Diversify your friends so that you don't put too many expectations on any one friend.

6.  Make up your OWN mind.

No matter how easy it is to get your friends to turn against someone you deem an enemy, don't listen to them.  Make up your own mind as to how you feel about the person you're disagreeing with.

7.  Don't part ways on bad terms.

Even though you may not be able to salvage the friendship, don't part ways on bad terms.  Life is so short and so fragile and you never know when that person could be gone.  So, swallow your pride and move on in peace...not rage.

Now, I'm going to be honest, I haven't reached out to her YET...but, I plan on it.  Because to me, out of all of the rules, number 7 is the most important one.  We may never be friends again but, we don't have to walk around hating each other. 

So, I hope this helped you!  Just typing it out helped me!