1st Blog-aversary

This is the day... the day that I was "truly inspired" and I wanted to share it with the world.  I started this blog earlier (2008, I think ), but on this date last year I was ready to go full steam ahead with my blog.  I had no specific plan for my blog, other than a daily log of my fashion.. somewhere along it morphed into a daily log of my thoughts on those days as well. And as the year progressed, tragedy striked in various ways, and I blogged about that too. I still ponder about the content of my blog. And I still have some of the same feelings that I have read of other bloggers - how to draw more followers? how to have content thats interesting and what people will want to read? blah blah.. but in the end.. I always come back to the same resolution.  This blog is for me. All are welcome, but if they arent interested, thats fine too!

I have learned alot of different things through my blogging, including how to take a great picture. Im still working on it.  I know what I want the pics to look like, but they dont always work out. Im still a work in progress on this one. My creativity has elevated through my bloggings as well. I have a strong creative side, and this has been a perfect outlet.

Through this blog, I have met some really great people.  So to my new followers, I say - Welcome! And to my "trusty, stand by me, followers", I say thanks for staying connected.  I appreciate all of you. And I enjoy your comments.

On to the beginning of another year! Enjoy the journey with me.

GO RAVENS!!!

What's your content??

I had a chat with a friend yesterday about blogging.  She wants to start a blog about celebrity gossip and she was asking me some questions about content.  My initial response to her was " ... focus, Your blog needs to be in a category or a style or a format, for example - fashion, lifestyle, gossip, diary."

BUT then, last night I was reading a few blogs, that I would categorize as "diary style/format" and it hit me. Your blog is YOUR BLOG. You can write about as much or as little as you like. But if you want the traffic and the followers you need one good quality of a blog - genuine! Thats it. Be true to you in your blog. Self aware and sincerity are the best formula. There is no need to copy what someone else is doing.  Even with the celebrity gossip blogs, what makes them fun and interesting is the commentary.. because the content is all the same on the different sites. But the commentary is what wins over the crowds.


dress shirt-lane Bryant; brown cords-OldNavy; grey cardi-Ashley Stewart



After the snow

Im always amazed after a first snow. I love how it looks and how beautiful it is outside.  I had to pull over and take a few pics of the magnificent beauty along the way.

I was inspired by this color combination - "cranberry and khaki" from Literal Gemini. She has been combining some really nice colors lately, so I thought I would give it a whirl. Its not really my best work... but I do what I can in the snow. I like how it came together and Im sure I will be pulling these colors together again really soon.

My sweet "snow angel" cleared off my car and shoveled the walk this morning. That was nice. Especially since I was already running late.

Preparing for the snow.

So its not much going on over here.  We are all just preparing for this snow thats about to bare (sp?) down on MD.  Ofcourse with out my snow boots, Im not all ready.. but I have my trusty construction boots that will get me through, lol!

Today I did a color combo that I saw a few weeks ago - Yellow and Grey. I actually like this color combo alot. It calls spring. But im not rushing it.. Spring can take its time. That's fine with me. Im just enjoying the journey.

yellow jacket - from BookClub Member; waffle tee - Old Navy; grey jeans - Ashley Stewart; snow boots - still waiting :)

Since I am posting late today, I had to mention that I got alot of compliments on this jacket. That's nice!

City Chic : Virtual Shopping

I've been doing a little virtual shopping on City Chic. They have an awesome selection of plus size items that are very fashionable.  I decided to put some looks together of what I liked most. Enjoy!

First up was the "DRESS OBSESSION!"

City Chis has some really cute dress for a variety of occasions from day to evening.

Then I fell in love with this skirt... this looks says "Sexy and Sultry"

The top was the main attraction in the next group. Take a "walk on the wild side"

I adored the pants in the next collection.  I thought they had a real safari feel to them. And I think Part 2 is my favorite.  

I loved this jacket.. and I looved the long lines of the tank. So I put them together.

 If you know me, you know I love denim and lace. I would definitely add a string of pearls to this look.

 I adore this dress. It screams comfort. And the jacket was a cute topper with a bit of whimsy.

I submitted a few of these looks to City Chic. So let's see if they are interested in any of them. 

Which is your favorite?

The week in REVIEW

Well I've tried to post all week.. But just getting back to work makes it difficult. I need to get my flow going and get back into the groove of things. Since I did take the pictures.. here they area, all together for the week!

TUESDAY

This was my first day back to work after a two week vacation.  The holidays were wonderful and I really enjoyed the relaxing days while I was off. But it was still nice to see all my coworkers when I got back.  I was surprised at how fast the day flew by.. I had 175 emails to read, so that kept me busy.

rose cardi-Macys: black pants-FashionBug: boots-NineWest; red rose necklace-Aldo

WEDNESDAY

This look is inspired by A Pretty Penny oops, it was actually Kendi Everyday. She wore this look as part of her 30 for 30 Remix. I swapped out her fab tweed jacket for a denim jacket.  Just another of my straight to plus looks. Tell me what you think.

How did I do?
(I'll update the link later.. check back tonight or tomorrow)UPDATED on 1/8/2011

brown sweater-Target: denim blazer-Ross: red jeans-from Aunt Rita: boots-Avenue: necklace-from Grandma

THURSDAY

Meetings all day today. I wanted to be comfortable. So I grabbed my new dress. I knew this was a great purchase when I got it... and it has pockets! One of my Christmas gifts was a sewing machine. I really may shorten this dress as one of my first projects. Although I am a little intimidated by the sewing machine. I'll conquer it soon!



dress and boots-Avenue: long necklace-from my niece: crown necklace-gift from Hubby

PURPLE FRIDAY

ofcourse I had to represent for my Ravens today! But I have a meeting, so I had to be "business Raven chic"

Ravens tshirt-from Hubby: black pants - Fashion Bug: purple long cardi-Avenue

 And please dont mind those uuuugly boots.  I need a pair of snow boots really bad.  I have been wearing my construction boots everytime it snows. And I've had these boots almost 10 years. YUP.. I dont get much wear out of them.. I had snow boots on my Christmas List, but I think I waited to long to tell Santa. Cuz he already had all my gifts. Oh well..

Here are a few styles that I selected:

http://www.naturalizer.com/
I absolutely love this pair. They would be my first choice if I were gonna run out and buy a new pair today!

http://www.6pm.com/
This is a safe bet. But I dont really like the suede (or faux suede). I dont like it. Thats why UGGS arent on this list. I think they look ugly when they get old. And snow boots are made for snow!



http://www.6pm.com/
I really think this pair is nice! But I would definitely need a new coat for these babies, lol!



http://www.amazon.com/
This is just a plain ole regular pair. But I like them.. and they are versatile. Im just not sure if they come up high enough to cover my ankles. That's an important factor in the snow. I dont want to end up with wet socks, lol!

And after all that virtual shopping.. I still might end up getting a $20 pair from Burlington. I dont really wear them that often. And in this case, I need something for function. cuz, baby its cold outside! My aunt bought a pair for my grandma, and I have been searching for them ever since. Imma go out today after work and see what I can find. The weatherman is predicting a few inches of snow next week Tues and Wed. I need to be prepared!

Have a geat weekend!

The New Year is HERE!

As I said I would, I am posting a few pics from our over night stay at the Gaylord National on the Patomac. Hubby and I had a really nice time.  We didnt do the normal partying, although there were a few parties going on in the hotel. We just got dresed .. and went to a nice dinner. There isnt much to do in this area other than sleep (at nice hotels) and eat (at a few nice places). But that was fine with us. We are easy to please and we just wanted to be away, but still close.. and National Harbour, MD is the perfect spot for that feel.



Dress-Macys : shoes-Avenue : necklace-Lane Bryant : bracelet-NY&Co



 Dinner at Old HIckory Steakhouse was really nice. Top Notch - very High quality.  We were certainly pleased.  and I had a delicious cheese plate appettizer..mm mm mmmm!

The next morning we went to visit one of my sorority sisters, Robyn and her Hubby. If you recall we went to their wedding in July (see this post for photos of a lovely wedding).  Well they just bought a house and it was very nice.  FAR.. but nice, lol! We live in Baltimore, and they moved to Waldorf... which is only about 20 min or so from where we stayed for New Year's .. so Mr and Mrs White invited us over for a New Year's Day Brunch. It was divine.. and the "hostess with the mostest" even made homemade coffeecake (her mother-inlaws recipe). Delish!