Feeling Froggy - Who is THIS CHICK!?!?

Who is this chick?  The one that makes it all seem so damn easy.  The one who has men drooling over her as she casually sachets her way through the crowded walk ways of the mall.  Yeah her.  Why is she always fly?  Why is her face beat, her wig whipped and her outfit snatched?  Heffa.  I don't like this chick.  I don't like the way she makes me feel.  She makes me feel guilty for buying craft supplies instead of make-up.  Guilty for buying dish towels instead of bangles.  Guilty for spending time blogging and making shit when I need to be jogging and shaking shit.  Does she have a house?  Is it furnished and decorated?  If so, how?!  It looks like all her money is...well, on her.  I know she ain't got no kids and a husband.

I'm agitated that I tried this outfit on...

BUT...didn't buy it because the sweatshirt was $22.00.  The skirt was $11 something...I should have bought it.  Miss Thang would have bought it.

This outfit would have been like $40.00.  I spent $40.00 but, I got a few things.  Gotta makes those dollas, holla...i'm just saying.

BUT...then I sit and think.  I am who I am.  I have what I have and I'm grateful for that. I snap back into reality and realize what is for her is for her; and what is for me is for me.  I don't know her story.  How and why she has what she has.  I'm happy to be myself with my limited budget and my unlimited creativity, love and FLYNESS!

So, I'm done hating on this chick and coveting her look...

That is until I see her ass again.

Thursday Random: Bright and Bold at work!

Hi Rose Heads!  I have a girlfriend that says that she hates rules.  I always laugh when she says that because our lives are governed by rules.  Rules bring order and ensure that everything will run smoothly.  But, that's not really what she meant.  She meant, that she doesn't like LAME RULES!

Here is an example:

*No visible piercings or tattoos at work.
*No skirts or dresses above the knee.
*You must wear stockings.
*You must wear your hair off of your neck.
*You cannot wear locs, braids or afros.

Those kind of janky ass rules.  See where I'm coming from?  I truly believe that a lot of rules are meant to suppress, oppress and pigeon hole people in to little manageable boxes. Sooo...I'm grateful that my job allows me to dress how I feel and express myself.  I don't think I could manage at a place where I had to be an android and not a feeling, growing, expressive and multi-faceted human being.

Check out what I wore to work today...

Fit Facts:

Cheetah Print Cardigan:  Thrifted

Orange Dress:  Forever 21+

Cap Toe Tan and Black Flat Shoes:  NY & Co.

What I Want to Wear: Red Wide Leg Slacks

Hey Rose Heads!  I don't know if you shop at New York and Company.  BUT...I do!  Once or twice a year they have a buy one, get one free pants and jeans event.  Today is actually the last day for the event this go 'round.

I wanted to show you my slacks I bought from the sale.  I'm saving the "free" pair for a later post.

I would not normally wear red slacks but, hey, I'm 30 and in the happiest place I've ever been in in my life!  I'm not shying away from ANY color or style I want to try!

These are a size 14 and they fit like a glove.  They have a little stretch to them but, not too much.  Oh!  And since I'm in the "Noassatall" club, they make my booty look GREAT!!!  Boom! Pow! Splack-cow!

Fit Facts:

Red Wide Leg Slacks - NY & Co. (sold out..bummer)

Tan and White Stripes Top - Banana Republic (thrifted)

Red Platform, Slingback Pumps - Target (here)

Red Skinny Belt - Dillards (old)

What I Want to Wear: Floral Joggers

Hi there Rose Heads!  I bought these floral joggers from Forever 21+ and they are so comfortable and FLY (to me that is).  I had only worn them once before today and I wore them to work and I wanted to pair them down so, I wore a black cami and cardigan.  That combo didn't really do them any justice and I should have waited for a more "together" look.  So, I had purchased this blouse from NY & Co. and I thought...oooh, wouldn't it be nice to do a nude look with the blouse and nude shoes?  That's how it all came together.

My hubby wanted to take my picture before I put on my make-up and pinned my hair so, this is really raw but, at the end of the day, I'm glad he did it this way.  It enables me to embrace and appreciate Rochelle without all the "extras".

I LOVE this photo!  It screams I am EFFIN' WOMAN...hear me ROAR!  Plus, I didn't know my hair was that long!  Goodness!

Fit Facts:

Floral Joggers - Forever 21+ (similar)

Silky Blouse - NY & Co. (here)

Nude Pumps - Target Mossimo (here)

Black Skinny Belt - Dillards (old)

Thanks for stopping by!

Manor Managing - My son has a side chick...

Hey Rose Heads! My son, Picard will be three in a couple of short weeks.  I can't believe time has flow by so quickly!  It's insane.  Sometimes I feel like a bad mom because I'm not with him more.  I mean, he's at daycare almost eleven hours a day!  THEN...you know what I do?  I let him watch Dora when we get home so that I can have some peace to cook and get our evening life together.  He. Loves. That. Damn. Dora!  Don't get me wrong.  I don't let the TV babysit him...all the time.  Since "school" is back in, we're limiting his TV time but, if I need some peace I whip that daggone Netflix on in 2.2 seconds!  As a result, he is IN LOVE with Dora!

It's unreal.  I feel like I fanned the flames of this love affair by using the TV to keep him occupied in the first place!  I'm definitely not going to eliminate it but, we need a lot more creative play minus any gadget - ie.: cellphones, tablets, etc.

In addition to that, I'm trying to work with him more on his pre-literacy skills and I think he needs to learn HOW to sit still and read and learn.  I think too much stimulation is just not good for the babies.

Sigh...what's a mommy to do?

Friday Random: Casual Fridays and I made some FUNKY shoes...

Hey there Rose Heads?  Any good weekend plans?  I'm going with my girlfriend to get measured for my bridesmaid's dress for her wedding!  I'm doing her Save the Dates, Wedding Invites and Programs!  EX-CI-TING!  I wanted to show you the shoes I made (well drew on) and my thrifted top that I wore to work today!  Check it!

I drew some designs on these pumps because they were scuffed and need a rebirth.  What do you think?  If you want to send me yours, I can hook them up for a nominal fee of course.  E-mail me at: sodipo13@gmail.com if you're interested!

I love the looking down pose.  It's kinda like my trademark just sayin'.  I know I'm wrinkled but, this was on my lunch break.  If I had been thinking I'd have taken these this AM.

Boyfriend jeans are essential!  My friend gifted me these lived in pair and they're so comfy!  Love them!  They're from New York & Co.

I got this top from the Thrift Store.  It's Banana Republic.  So comfy and light for summer.

Well that's it y'all!  Enjoy your weekend!

Feeling Froggy - A Job Rant

Hey Rose Heads!  I hope you're having a great prelude to your weekend!  Do you  have a day job?  I mean something that you do when you're not blogging lol!  Well, I do.  I'm an Administrative Assistant for an Architecture firm here in Atlanta, GA.  I'm not ungrateful for my job.  I actually like most of the people, I get paid a good salary and I can take off when I need to take care of my family.  That's a biggie to me...the taking off part.

BUT...this is NOT what I want to be doing with my life.  I started this job five years ago.  My goal was to finish school, become a teacher and live happily ever after.  When I had Picard (almost three years ago...wow), I realized that I don't want to teach.  What I really want to do is pursue crafting and parlay that into a CAREER...not a job like a view everything else.  You see, I love to be creative and think outside the box.  I THRIVE from that.  So, I KNOW that's what I should be doing.  I mean, have you seen my cards?  www.twotearsinmybucket.blogspot.com  I live for this stuff!

BUT...then I sit and think about the security of my 9 to 5.  I think about how comfortable it is here and how there are a lot of resources here for me.

Maybe I should create a PROS/CONS list:

PROS of staying at my okay JOB:
1.  Financial security.
2.  Opportunities for personal and professional development.
3.  Chance to learn from my co-workers.
4.  Coming to "the city" everyday.

CONS of staying at my okay JOB:
1.  Being out of the house 11 hours a day.
2.  Not having enough time to enjoy life daily.
3.  Not having enough creative time.
4.  Playing the "politics" game on a daily basis.
5.  Being someone's subordinate.
6.  No creativity for a straight 9 hour time period M-F.

Sigh...I'm not quitting today but, I'm doing something about this.  I've got to come up with a plan...

Thursday Random: Fashion Focal Point with Tailored Wardrobe

What's going on Rose Heads?  Today, I have some FUN-NESS for you!  My "Good Judy" (great friend), Renee of Tailored Wardrobe and I are doing a fun challenge!  We're using one fashion item to build an outfit around.  This go 'round we're using this a faux suede, cobalt blue, platform pump.  I scored these from Target!  They're $29.99.  I was like whaat! LOL!

You most certainly can play along!  Just link a blog post using the FFP for the week and the outfit you create in the comments below!  It's THAT simple! :)

Okay so here is the shoe...our FASHION FOCAL POINT... 

My style is classic eclectic.  So, that's what I'm going for.  Check it.

The Pants

These pants are from Forever 21+.  The chevron pattern is popular and trending right now but, I feel as though it's classic like hounds tooth or herringbone. The fact that they're black and white makes them incredibly versatile. The pants sale for $22.80.  A great price on a budget.

The Blouse

This blouse is from ASOS.  It comes in a size 14 which is great.  The muted earth tone colors remind me of the 90's when this style was very popular.  It's not that much of a bargain at a price point of $76.64 but, it's silk.  I'm sure a comparable blouse can be found else where but, for the sake of this post...we'll take it.

The Belt

For this outfit, I would lose the belt on the pants, tuck the blouse in and belt it with this beauty.  This is from ASOS too.  The price is almost $40.00 but, you'll get a lot of compliments with this baby!

The Earrings

These are from Forever 21 as well.  They fit perfectly with this look.  And...they're like $4.00.

The Purse

This purse would definitely do the trick! It's from this trendy plus size shop called Fashion to Figure.  Check them out for sure!   It's only $26.99 and the silhouette and the hardware make this bag good for Fall and for your collection in general!

So, there you have it!  Don't forget to stop by my girl, Renee's blog Tailored Wardrobe and check out her spin on our Fashion Focal Point...the Cobalt Blue suede (faux suede) pump!

What I Want to Wear: Flowers and Denim and Size 14

Rose Heads!  Hey!  Welcome back to "WRRS"!  Today I want to show you an outfit that I wore for casual Fridays at work last week.  I found this denim Polo shirt at the thrift store in the men's section.  I knew it would be nice belted or even open with some leggings and a tank.  So, I threw it on with this floral body con skirt I got from Forever 21.  The shoes are Jessica Simpson, a Christmas gift from the hubster a couple of years ago.

I recently discovered The Nearsighted Owl.  She is a wonderful blogger and photographer.  She has this linky party that is called "I'm Proud of my Size".  Basically, you link up a blog post of yours that has a photo of you with a graphic on it displaying your size.  You don't have to be +sized either.  It isn't about that.  It's about being proud of who and what you are right now, today.  Not after you've dieted or reached your "ideal weight".

So, right now today...this is me...a 14.

I know the photos are THAT great!  I'm new at this so, you'll have to give me a moment to figure my camera out.

I also found those earrings at the nifty thrifty store!

I wasn't going to include this photo but, this is so REAL!  It's me getting an attitude with my husband/photographer because he's trying to get me to be a thick, loc wearing version of Naomi Campbell.  I'm pretty sure some expletives were being used during this shot! LOL!

Alright y'all that's it for now!  Thanks for stopping by!  Follow me so we can keep in touch!

'Fit Facts:

Denim Polo (brand) - Thrifted

Necklace - Charlotte Russe

Earrings - Thrifted

Floral BodyCon Skirt - Forever 21

Jessica Simpson Sandals - Dillard's (old)

Tuesday Random: The Claire Huxtable Affect

Sup Roseheads?  I know like me, many of you were glued to your television sets when the Cosby show was on back in the day.  Hell, you may even be glued to them right now to watch the Cosbys in syndication.  While I enjoyed the antics of Rudy, Theo, Vanessa, Denise and Sondra, it was Claire Huxtable, the matriarch of the family that I connected with.  She was not unlike my own mother educated, driven, witty, savvy, fashionable, fierce and one hell of a wife and mama! 

When I think of what I want to be as a mother and an all around renaissance woman, I think of Claire.  She was the consummate professional, ultimate mother and ever loving and supportive wife.  I remember feeling like she was so TOGETHER.  My own mother created that facade too.  It seemed effortless for them.  Navigating the turbulent waters of womanhood all while looking and behaving like a Queen with a deeply rooted royal lineage.  I say facade because that is so far from my reality. 

(SN:  Those necklaces are thrifted!  I love them so much!)

I struggle to dress nicely - I'm so on a budget and so over my weight.

I'm an Admin for an Architecture firm.  I'm finishing an education degree that I don't want to use.

I want to be creative in our home and for a living.  You know how much energy that takes?

BUT...

That damn Claire Huxtable creeps into my mind and I'm reminded that she's a fictional character.  I'm real (I have the stretch marks to prove it).   I've got this.  I'm handling my life with the grace and elegance of woman inspired by her family and her surroundings, motivated by her drive to keep her family happy and propelled by goals and dreams. 

After all, isn't that what Claire was meant to do?  Inspire.  Motivate.  Captivate. 

I am not Claire.  I'm Rochelle.  And, I am grateful for the Claire Huxtable Affect.

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Manor Managing: Fruit bowl and Crate and Barrel Vase...THRIFTED!

What's going on Rose Heads?  Are you sitting at your desk at work flipping through blogs?  That's what I would be doing if I wasn't writing this post!  I don't really get started at work until after lunch...on Mondays of course!

I wanted to show y'all this fruit bowl and this vase I bought at the Good Will this weekend!  I couldn't believe this bowl was just sitting there!  I mean, was I the ONLY person that thought it was effin' phenomenal?  Apparently so. 

Look at this thing!  It's amazing!  I know that obviously there are a plethora of these in the world but, this is the first time that I've ever laid eyes on one!  It was only $4.50! 

There is a piece missing but, honestly, I don't think it takes away from it.  It actually looks like it was meant to be that way.

Okay, so, I'm going to decorate our kitchen with mint green, mustard yellow, lime green, forest green, and turquoise with pops of orange and blue!  This is kind of what I'm talking about.

Moving on...

Here is the Crate and Barrel vase that I bought for $2.75.

Here is the tag for authenticity! :)  Can you believe this was so cheap!?!?!

This is going somewhere in my kitchen and it's going to be effin' awesome!

I also bought a large mirror and I spent $14.00 in all!  THEEE best haul EVER!

Manor Managing: So much grass and sh*t!

Hey Rose Heads!   When we were searching for a house to buy, I looked at our house for about three months.  I knew it was the "one".  Two things piqued my interest with this home.  1.  The floor plan and 2.  The lush vegetation...

This doesn't even BEGIN to show all the yard!

Now, let's pause on #2 for a minute.  I love trees.  So many homes (in metro Atlanta anyway) are in subdivisions with little or no trees!  That shh cray (in my Kanye West voice)!  So, I craved a heavily wooded area to live in/around.  Well I got it and all the landscaping wonderfulness that accompanies it!  I never thought about how much work it would take to get this yard in good shape and keep it that way.  We are starting from square one.  There are unkempt islands around the oak trees in the yard (there are five very large ones...trees, not islands), a lot of hedges, monkey grass and large patches where runoff has virtually eliminated the grass.  Sigh...there's just so much grass and sh*t!

So, this weekend we bought all kinds of yard goodies like a spaded shovel (to dig up the HORRIBLE cactus in the front...who plants a cactus in Georgia?  WTF!), Round-Up for the weeds, shears, a nice heavy duty rake, etc.  I IMMEDIATELY went to work!  I mean...straight up...our yard is the bastard child of the neighborhood.  I'm light weight embarassed by it.

These are the hedges that line the sidewalk.  They're right under our bedroom window.  They had grown UP the doggone side of the house and into the walk way.  I trimmed those bad boys!

I had to rake all this up and bag it.  But, they look much better now!

So, needless to say, I have a sh*t ton of yard work to do but, I'm proud that we're doing it ourselves and it means so much to me to even have a yard to work in!