Three's Company

Early Saturday evening, Tre and I were able to catch up and enjoy the company of one of his former chiefs (whom over the years has become more like family) at a relaxed home dinner. Afterwards, we went to watch the movie, “The Help” which was one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time! It was an especially enjoyable evening during which I became aware of the complimentary hospitable personalities Tre and I have. While generally similar, our styles are distinctive-- he’s especially great at steering conversation and provides precision in balancing conversation between politics and humor, and I love playing the role of dinner hostess and creating atmosphere! We had been looking forward to spending time with our dear friend for a while so it was great that we were able to see her!

When hosting a dinner with a specific guest in mind, it’s always courteous to keep in mind the food preferences of your guest. In this case, Tre had reminded me that Ms. Shelia was from the Carolinas and enjoyed your typical southern/homestyle foods, which helped me determine what dishes to prepare. I am happy to say that before, during, and after the meal I received compliments on all the dishes. With the exception of the Stovetop stuffing, everything was prepared from scratch down to the chicken gravy! Below is a list (and pictures) of the 3 course meal!

Appetizers:

Thin Crisp Triscuits with Creamy Spinach & Red Pepper Dip

Sliced Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Seedless grapes

Main Course:

Stuffed Pepper Onion Whole Chicken wrapped in bacon

Sweet Potato Casserole topped with marshmallows

Whole Cut Southern Style Green Beans

Stuffing

Fresh Green Mix tossed Salad

Cornbread

Dessert:

Fudge Brownies topped with Tin Roof Ice-cream, Chocolate Syrup, drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with whole peanut M&Ms

Beverages:

Peach Orchard Juice

Wine

Sweet Tea with fresh sliced lemon 

New Style Series Coming!

As anyone around me knows, I love finding and sharing a great bargain. When it comes to beauty and fashion related purchases I especially love using products and styling outfits whenever I’ve found a jaw dropping ‘design deal’ that looks like I paid more, when really I paid less….waaaaaay less! My fellow beauty bargain fashionistas will know that when shopping on a budget it’s the thrill of the hunt through discount stores, and the clearance racks of designer department stores that makes the job of stealing high priced style truly an adventure!

Below you’ll find pictures of several clothing/accessory items I picked up during several shopping trips at the mall during the month of July. Virtually all of the items were either sale, clearance, or just reasonably priced. Because I am a huge advocate of beauty on a budget, I wanted to not only show you pictures of items I picked up during shopping hauls, but go one step further in showing how easily and effortless it is to style these items to achieve trendy, chic looks. Over the next several weeks as I incorporate these items into my existing wardrobe, I’ll show how I styled the item(s) using the blogpost title, “How I styled it” to give you an idea of how these items can be styled according to occasion, season, body type, and personal style preference. So, if you’re curious about how to recreate fashion trends, need some style inspiration, or slightly curious about how to find and style ‘looks for less’ items stay tuned!

(purchased at H&M, $7.00)

(purchased at Wet Seal, $4.99 buy one get one free)

(purchased at Forever21, $ 4.99)

(purchased at Charolette Rouse $0.99)

(purchased at H&M $10.00)

(purchased at Forever 21, $5.99)

(purchased at Forever21, $1.50)

Weekend Adventures in Virginia Beach

Although I rarely look forward to the 4 hour (and sometimes longer) drive to Virginia Beach to visit Tre, I have to admit it’s a great place to explore as a frequent visitor. The city and surrounding towns host an abundance of attractions which include historical Williamsburg, amusement parks, museums, fabulous shopping, one-of-a-kind restaurants, chic downtown life and of course…the beach (which boast the most impressive northeast boardwalk as far as I’m concerned)!

Several weeks ago, we went out to brunch at an independently owned neighborhood bistro, aptly named, “The Broken Egg Bistro” which serves delicious and authentic breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections in a fresh, hip environment with stellar service. Saturday morning we just had to go back and enjoy another entree from our new favorite eatery. The food was so good I forgot to take a picture of our plates before we ate!

After breakfast we drove downtown to do a bit of shopping at the McArthur Mall which is the city’s top-rated mall boasting over 100 shops with everything from Nordstrom’s, Coach, and specialty stores. Compliments of my boyfriend I found a gorgeous fitted grey blazer from H&M, along with a black braided belt and several hair accessories which I’ll need for my growing locks! After dropping him off at the Apple Store (actually I spent about 20 minutes browsing in the store as well…I can’t wait to get an iPad) I had almost 90 minutes to independently browse through several shops.

Later that evening we went out for smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Café and attended a pool party at his apartment complex. I ate the best chicken and steak flatbread tortilla prepared by a local vendor! During the raffle giveaways Tre won 2 free tickets for bowling which we used Sunday afternoon. I’m a decent bowler, and can typically break 100, but due to my weak wrists, if I use a ball that’s over 5lbs my writs start hurting. I mention that tidbit as a contributing factor to how Tre won all three games (boo, lol!). He sensed my disappointment and tried to make me feel better with an offer of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

With the heat advisory warning we decided against going to the beach, or being outdoors for too long so we didn’t take a trip to the beach this time. Great food, shopping, indoor entertainment and a poolside party made the weekend very enjoyable indeed!

(1 scoop of snickers and 1 scoop of vanilla)

(1 scoop of snickers, 1 scoop of praline and cream, 1 scoop golden ribbon)

Lunch Idea: Grilled Chicken & Bacon Mixed Green Salad

Summer is definitely “salad season” and as one of my favorite foods, I’m always recreating menu salads at home. What’s great about salads is that the combination of dressings, fruits, cheese, vegetables, meats and greens are virtually endless throughout the year making the preparation of this entre a creative one! And if that weren’t awesome enough, salads are a great low-calorie way to fill up on tons of nutrient rich vitamins such as vitamin c, iron, calcium, and vitamin k with very little effort. They are also a rich source or carotenoids, lutein, and provide lean protein and dietary fibre and are an excellent meal or snack option.

Here’s a quick “Grilled Chicken/Bacon Mixed Green Salad” I prepared for lunch today.  This is definitely a salad that “eats like a meal” and one that my “meat-a-tarian” boyfriend has approved! This salad is a quick prep for a day-time guest lunch or family dinner meal.

Ingredients:

Four Cheese Mix Blend (shredded Monterey jack, cheddar, quesadilla and asadero)

Red and Baby green romaine salad blend

Cucumber

Tomato

Purple Onion

Bacon

Chicken Strips

Salad dressing

                                       

Preparation:

Cook chicken strips and 2 slices of bacon in skillet using medium heat. Slice vegetable toppings to preference. Allow bacon to cool and crumble into small pieces. Add salad toppings onto plate of mixed greens. Add favorite dressing and enjoy!

From fridge to feast, this salad takes less than 20 minutes to prepare! I like to use the nutritional calculator at http://nutrition.saladworks.com/nutrition/CYO  which allows you to enter your ingredients and calculates the nutritional information of any personalized salad you create! Salads are a quick, accessible, and healthy way to compromise on calories, not flavor. Seconds please!

Bargin Beauty Buy: L.A Color Candy Shop Eyeshadow Palette

Earlier today I dashed into Dollar Tree to grab a few items, but before I headed to the checkout lane I had to stroll through the cosmetics isle. I'm glad I did because I found a gorgeous eyeshadow palette by L.A Color Cosmetics. The pigmentatin, beautiful color-coordinated combinations and smooth texture rival any department or drugstore color selections. This observation brings me to one of the fabulous things I love about makeup;once its on your face no one knows what the brand is (Mac or Maybeline? Revlon or Makeup Forever?) so its not necessary to always spend big money on "high-end" products, especially because eye shadow colors are easily duplicated, so why pay when you can just look like you did?

Here's what you'll get and what I love about this product:

1. It's a 12 color eyeshadow palette (10039 Candy Shop) featuring a balanced mix of medium sheer to bold matte colors and varying hues of pinks, blues, and greens and neutral colors. This palette can easily create natural yet flirty daytime looks and transition you to a gorgeous night time smokey eye or color grabbing look!

(indoor florescent light)

(outdoor, natural light)

2.  The colors are extremly pigmented and easily picked up on a synthetic brush. Given a eye primer, the powder glides on smoothly and lasts all day. The colors are buildable and can easily go from subtle sheer to bold and brassy!

3. Packaging is light and sturdy and each of the shadows sits securely in the compartments.

4. Comes with a duo sponge eye shadow applicator and "snap-shut" container.

For $1.00 this is a true beauty bargin buy that shouldn't be missed. Keep your eyes out for this ultra fun mix!! I'll be running back to my Dollar Tree asap before they're gone!

Summer Book Review: "Pro Makeup: Salon secrets of the professionals" by Kit Spencer

To be sure, my number one reference for all things beauty and make-up are the numerous and talented beauty gurus on YouTube, followed by a number of fashion blogs like dulcecandy.com, carahamelie.com, and fashionbombdaily.com. Although I’ve learned a lot from these sites, I’ve been curious to consult a publication from a professionally trained point of view, and “Pro Makeup: Salon secrets of the professionals” caught my eye.

As a reference guide, one of the features of the book I found especially useful were the detailed photography and annotations which gave thorough review of equipment, product placement, and technique. Because makeup application is “hands-on” I liked that the author didn’t overwhelm you with paragraph after paragraph of sophisticated industry lingo, but opted to use the layout of every page with clear step-by-step visual organizers.

The book is a total of 246 pages divided into 4 chapters. Preferencing the three chapters on “Essential Techniques”, “Developing Looks”, and “Applying Makeup to others” is a guide to skin care and facial features which offers generic product suggestions and régimes for all skin types and tones. If your someone like me who just had a general understanding of skin care basics, this section is very thorough, but again, reader friendly in conveying helpful information.

The following chapter reviews essential techniques for equipment (such as brushes and curlers), foundation, concealer, powder, contouring and highlighting, blush, lips, and eye shadows. This section was my favorite part of the book because the author provides tons of ‘pro-tips’ for common and unique application glitches to help create flawless, featuring enhancing looks. The third chapter on “Developing Looks” gives very simple, natural, everyday looks for all skin tones but were illustrated on models that appeared to be at least 30 years and older; a feature I found a bit odd. A special feature of this chapter is that there is a section for developing bridal looks too. The final section of the book provides helpful suggestions for applying makeup to others using costume paints to create theatric looks ranging from animal designs to period looks.

I would recommend this book for someone looking to apply makeup to others, such as aspiring makeup artists. But, for more individualized makeup looks I would recommend a more specific book that caters to specific skin tones and styles. However, I would definitely purchase this book as a makeup reference to have on-hand. The limitations of this book are that the looks are extremely basic, feature older models, and don’t experiment with color or transitional looks. And while there are variations of looks depending on age/skin tone, noticeably absent are more trendy/glamorous guides which could’ve added to my repertoire of looks. Overall, I give “Pro Makeup” 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

 

The Haul of them All!

While I enjoy the adventure of shopping just as much as the next girl, I am unashamedly a budget fashionista! Virtually all the contents of my closet are purchased on clearance, at discount/thrift clothing stores, or at yard sales, yet my style is just as trendy and chic as department store looks! Today I had a shopping escapade that rivaled some of my best discount shopping deals and I just have to share. Here’s how it happened:

(look at all those orange "markdown" stickers, love it!)

I had just finished my third consecutive day of working on my research paper at the library and was walking out to my car when I initially thought of perusing the nearby shopping center merely to “window shop” for items that I might pick closer to the end of the summer season. I especially wanted to browse in “Rugged Warehouse” a discount name brand clothing store that I can typically find items for my smaller frame and cutesy shoes for my narrow feet. As I meandered through the racks of summer fashion on my way to the clearance section, one of the store associates called out, “Ya’ll know everything on clearance is an extra 50% off today and tomorrow!” Already on my arm was a gray Mossimo brand cotton/rayon blend top for 3.00 I wanted to purchase, which with the new discount would be 1.50? WHAT? In less than 8 minutes I had acquired 5 more shirts ranging in price from $1.50 to .50 for a long sleeved top! Afterwards, it was on to the shoe and jean sections were I lucked out on finding the last item(s) of each in my size!

I was able purchase 6 solid color WetSeal/Target brand short sleeve shirts, 1 pair of athletic shorts, 1 pair of skinny leg Forever 21 brand stonewash jeans, and 2 pairs of dress flats for a whopping total of $10.50! I left the store feeling like I stole something! My price per item averaged out to one dollar per item which included dress shoes and jeans! All of the items were great basics I can easily integrate into my existing wardrobe and can be worn over several seasons. This shopping haul was amazing to say the least. You know how advertisements swing jargon around like, “prices so low you won’t believe its real”-yup, this was definitely it!

Day Trip: Great Falls Park

Early yesterday evening, Tre and I drove to Great Falls, Virginia national park located about 30 miles from Washington, D.C. As a historical site, the park was initially a canal system effort during the early 1800s, however, most visitors (like us) visit the park to view its dramatic falls, jagged rocks, and stroll the hiking trials. Last summer I had visited the park with my friend Cama and mentally noted that I would have to visit with Tre once he returned from deployment! Actually, the idea had almost escaped my mind until I randomly happened upon the brochure as I was cleaning out several of my purses earlier this week! I suggested the idea to Tre and we were on our way!

From home, the trip was about 40 minutes. Immediately after exiting the George Washington Parkway and about several miles before you arrive at the entry gates of the park, the industrial scene of the highway transforms into a single lane winding road shaded with lush emerald and lime canopies, charming cottage and farm-style houses, and extravagant castle-style mansions. Even though I was driving the speed-limit I purposefully slowed down so that we could sneak a longer gaze at the architecture of the homes. There is definitely a very commanding, yet cozy feel that the landscae evokes which certaintly primes you for the impressisve views of the falls! Once we arrived at the gate, I was pleasantly surprised that we paid a reduced entry-fee of just $6.00 for the both of us! We quickly found a parking spot, grabbed our water-cooler and cameras and I led the way to the trail.

 

During our one hour outdoor excursion we hiked about 2 miles of footpaths through the woods enjoying amazing views, cooling breezes, listening to the sounds of nature, viewing the cliffs and amateur climbers, and stopping along the tour to read the informational plaques. Being surrounded purely by the handiwork of God pales in comparison to anything man could ever make, and quite frankly, all we can ever make is either a poor replica of what God has already done with the tools he has already given to us! Although I was able to take several pictures, this is truly a scene you have to experience in real-time to appreciate!

Our first trip to Great Falls was so enjoyable and I’m sure it will not be our last! Tre enjoys outdoor/historical excursions as much as I do so we really had lots of fun! He let me indulge being his “tour-guide” as I led the way through the trials racking my brain to recall trivia facts I vaguely remembered from my last visit! By the time we decided to turn back to the parking lot, we both felt the soreness from a good hike, but would you know that this MAN had the audacity to throw his sweaty sock at me in the car? Lol! Overall, this was a great day trip! Of course we worked up an appetite which I satisfied with brownie sundaes sprinkled with chocolate chip cookie crumbles, drizzled with fudge and chocolate syrup once we got home…hey, it’s the weekend, right?!

Summer 2011 Book List!

With the completion of my Master’s Program just weeks away, I have become increasingly anxious to get back into the hobbies and routines the choleric side of me held hostage for the past year due to the demands of juggling an accelerated graduate program, teaching, and tutoring part-time! One of such routines was bi-monthly trips to my local library which was a tradition I initiated 2 New Years Resolution’s ago and absolutely loved! Nearly every two weeks I would check out books, videos, magazines, music, and attend seminars which have truly added to my personal repertoire of baking, cooking, gardening, health and beauty care know-how! Compliments of my library card, I had total access to tangible resources I used to accomplish a lot of my personal and professional goals-and it was all free!  

And so, after completing a few morning errands, I went to the library were moments later that familiar feeling anticipation returned (its kind of akin to the feeling you have as a kid Christmas morning when you don’t know what’s wrapped in some of the boxes but gauging from the décor/size/shape of the packaging you know its going to be good!) As I walked up tiled steps of the library to the second floor, I became emboldened that I didn’t have to refer to card catalog in search of a specific find, but could enjoy the process of roaming in a Book-Lover’s paradise! After spending the last year engrossed in academic reading, it was refreshing to once again experience the library as a creative visit as opposed to a scholastic endeavor! I love the journey of strolling through the isles ticking the spines of well-worn books with teasing titles vying for a place in my Barnes and Noble tote bag. Or, the crackling sound of glossy laminated book jackets after I’ve opened the pages and, twenty minutes later find myself perched against a case of shelving well into the second chapter of a book.

It’s an eclectic mix, but the titles I finally settled on are as follows:

1.      Pro Makeup: Salon Secrets of the Professionals by Kit Spencer

2.      Write Better Essays in Just 20 minutes a Day published by Learning Express

3.      The Questions Christians Hope No One Will Ask by Mark Mittelberg

4.      Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

5.      The Search of our Roots- How 19 Extraordinary African Americans reclaimed their past) by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

6.      Football for Dummies by Howie Long

I can’t wait to read each of my new books! As is typical of my ADD reading habits, I’m already in between three books! I’ll be back with a personal review and rating of each book, so stay tuned!

The Journey Begins!

With this blog I hope to document my participation in life as I journey to live an authentic, intentional life devoted to personal growth in relationships, work-life balance, and mind-body. My primary intention is to provide inspiration through a collection of blogs and vlogs that will explore topics ranging from motivational stories, social justice issues, health and lifestyle, mainstream media topics, and a collection of other odds and ends.

The inspiration for my blog name is from the biblical passage Ephesians 3:23 which says, “God works together all things for good.” Whether or not you subscribe to this particular religious view, its message is extremly encouraging because it reminds us that the seeminly mundane, unexplainable ironies, and devestations of life are all working together for our benefit and leading us to a place of wholeness, growth, peace, strength, and love. The time is now, and we all need to learn to trust and open our hearts, to see the magnificence, to take time for what is really important. "All Things Work" is about expounding our  pesonal capacity to live intentionally, in harmony with ourselves, our surroundings and others. While there may be a particular type of post that attracts your eye, that's fine and I encourage you to explore away; just know that you'll never know what you find when you visit!