I Got My Eye On You: Forever 21 Plus

Hi All, long time on talk to, lol!!!  Guys I'm trying to really update my blog more but again time is very little and so is things I want to post about :-( but I'm still going to keep at it!!! :-) Now since the weather seems to be stabilizing here in the Atlanta Metro Area because it has been a little crazy here (not as crazy as some places), if it wasn't raining it was cold and I mean late fall type cold.  I really haven't been inspired fashion wise because I literally didn't know from day to day (even watching the weather because that changed too) what to expect.   I've been so ready to wear spring/summer clothes but couldn't.  I was still wearing sweaters, long slacks and jackets (maybe a scarf).  Some days I wanted to break out my boots because it was that cold (to me), SMH!!  

Now that things seem to be looking up and according to weather reports are suppose to be on track with where we should be for this time of year, I can break out the spring/summer stuff YAAAAAY!!!   So with that , I started back on my hunt for cute spring/summer clothes and of courseheaed to one of my favorite stores Forever 21.  I've said this before, I really like their clothes; they are cute, trendy, stylish and at a really great price.  I especially love that they have carried that over to their plus line so that we curvy, thick ladies can wear fashionable, cute, fun clothes at a price that won't break the bank.  I'll never be anything other than plus size (at my smallest I'm a size 12) because of how my body is built, I wouldn't look right being smaller than a 12 which is still considered plus.  I'm great with that because with the options that are out there it makes is being a thick (healthy and fit) madame ok!

I Am Still Here: Suggestions Needed

Hello everyone, I just wanted to stop by and say high to everyone, I know it's been a minute since I posted but I wanted to let everyone know that I am still here.  I have been busy being mommy/wife, with my regular job and my dessert/baking business (which I am sooo happy about) so I haven't had much time to put together a post worthy post.   But I do plan to get back to posting  a little more soon.  I am finally gonna break down and get a new camera, my old one is almost done, once I do that I will be able to take some outfit post.  Well that's if the weather here acts right.  If it's not raining it's really cold,  not so great weather for taking pictures.

I was looking forward to bringing out all of my cute spring/summer stuff but it's so cold in the mornings here and trying to wear a dress with my legs out uhmmm no ma'am, LOL!!!!  I won't complain too much because we could be getting that usual very stormy/severe Spring weather so I guess cool temps and a little rain/thunder showers it will be!!!  ANYWHO!!!

As I stated I am looking into getting a new camera finally and I want to know what you all use?  What do you suggest?  Now my budget right now won't allow for a wonderful DSLR camera that cost $300 + but I do want a nicer digital camera (not compact).  I have seen a couple of digital camera's under $300, that have really good optical zooms (which I want) and the pixel size is nice so I can get nice size photo.


Here are 2 I found that I like:

Nikon CoolPix L810

Music To My Ears: JoJo

This artist isn't a new artist, she has actually been around for a while.  JoJo came on the scene around 2004 when she was about 13 and I remember first hearing and seeing her and thinking WOW!!!  The voice that was coming out of her was outstanding!!!!

I haven't really heard alot from her in the past couple of years except for a couple songs released here and there, but no full album and she has done some acting.  She hasn't put out a fill album since 2006 and that wasn't due to her not wanting or not having material to put out.  It has to do with on going battle with her record label Blackground Records that is either now bankrupt or lost their distribution deal (different stories out there).  Now for those not familiar with the label, this is the label that was home to the late Aaliyah and it was owned by her Uncle Barry Hankerson.  JoJo like any artist is in a contract where she has to put out so many albums before she can be released from her contract, but the label can't and won't allow her to put out an album so she is stuck.  She has been fighting to get out of the deal, but hasn't been able to because of how the deal/contract was written.

Anyhow, this post isn't about that, you can Google her and her on going fight with Blackground Records.  SO, sometime late last year JoJo dropped a new song and video called "Andre" which she said was inspired by Andre 3000 (of Hip-Hop group OutKast) and I stumbled upon it while hanging out on YouTube one day bored.  JoJo is all grown-up (22 I believe) and I must say her voice has gotten better with age.

JoJo - Andre

 

This song is said to be on her mix tape "Agape", I believe it was available for download last year (the end) but not sure about now.  But this is a cool song and has a nice little groove to it.

There is another song/live performance I stumbled upon that JoJo did not to long ago that I loved and wanted to share.  Her version of Andre 3000's Prototype is great and again her voice is outstanding!!

JoJo - Prototype/Night & Day

Well I hope you enjoy these songs/videos and I hope your weekend is going well!!!

TTYL!!!

Autism Awareness Day/Month

Today April 2nd 2013 is World Autism Awareness Day (support by wearing blue) and April is Autism Awareness Month!!   Being a mom and aunt of a son and nephew with Autism this is something  very close to my heart.  My son was diagnosed when he was about 3 years old and yes it has been a struggle but we have seen so many GREAT VICTORIES.  His speech/understanding is developing like no one thought it would and he is the most affectionate little boy!!  He is everyday overcoming his diagnosis and I am SO GRATEFUL to God for that!!

This little guy right here is my everything, he brightens my day everyday, no matter how tired or down I feel seeing his face and his mile makes me forget all about that!!!  He like many other children, teens and adults they need your support in the fight for a cure and for more support from out leaders on this.


Facts about Autism

Did you know ...

• Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys
• Autism prevalence figures are growing
• Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
• Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
• Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
• Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
• There is no medical detection or cure for autism

National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation

• Total 2012 NIH budget: $30.86 billion
• Of this, only $169 million goes directly to autism research. This represents 0.55% of total NIH funding.

 More needs to be done;every states need to add Autism into their EHB (Essential Health Benefits) benchmark plans, I believe only 22 out 32 states have done so.  That is great, but still not enough. Our leaders need to realize that this disability is affecting more and more people everyday. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States with an estimated 1 of every 88 children now diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. That's too many for out leaders to keep ignoring.



The only way they will listen is if we (the people) take a stand and push them to make changes to laws and insurance policies in support of helping to fight against and maybe one day find a cure for Autism!  To learn more and to lend your support go to Autism Speaks .

Another way to support the cause (and maybe get a little exercise in) is by participating in and donating to the many walks for Autism that are held around the US, so to see if and when one is happening in your state go to Walk Now For Autism Speaks to register and sign up for a walk or to make a donation.  The walk here in Atlanta is going it be May 19th 2013 at Atlantic Station, so again click on the "walk now for autism speaks" to get more information.


For all those that already support and those that will, WE ALL THANK YOU!!!!


TTYL!!!

Polyvore: Spring/Summer Chicness

Hi Everyone and HELLO SPRING!!  Yesterday was the official first day of Spring (yaay) my celebration was short because today here in Atlanta is feels like a very cold Winter day.  It was near freezing this morning on my way in to work and it's not to get higher than the upper 40's to low 50's today.  They are forecasting that in the Mountains here in Georgia tonight there will be snow flurries, yeah so much for Spring!!! Weekend forecast doesn't improve much so..........................

Okay, so I was bored during lunch so I decided to hop on Polyvore and play around a little and see what I could create. Now I say this often and that's because I really mean it; I love maxi skirts and dresses, especially pleated ones, so when I found this one I decided to build an outfit around it.   I knew I wanted to do some kind of crop or short top so I decided on a bustier.    Seeing as though Tribal print is in (has been for a while) I decided to use this one cute one when I found it.  Don't you love this bustier with this skirt, it's not matchy/matchy, the 2 go together great. 

 

Spring/Summer Party Chic by cglass76 featuring print tops

I am loving that they brought back the cute, strappy high heel sandal without the platform (started last summer) because even though I love a platform (helps to balance out a high heel) I think sometimes an outfit calls for  a cute, simple, dainty shoe/sandal without the platform.  Now  I couldn't see this outfit with anything other than this VERY popular Zara heel, I think this shoe really set this look off!!!   I finished the look of with a, gold watch, envelope clutch, a cuff bracelet, kind of tribal style earrings and necklace, along with a funky pair of shades and one of my favorite perfumes.

I think this outfit would be perfect for a night out (girls outing or date night) or a Spring/Summer party or gathering.   What do you think, would you rock this look?

Don t Ask Amanda print top
$21 - generalpants.com.au

Long pleated maxi skirt
$30 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Zara high heel
zara.com

Faith oversized handbag
$44 - debenhams.com

Oasis stainless steel watch
$53 - oasis-stores.com

Cuff jewelry
express.com

Long earrings
simplysoles.com

With Love From CA triangle necklace
pacsun.com

ASOS cateye sunglasses
asos.com

Fragrance
99perfume.com

Nature photography Spring flowers pink wedding decor shabby chic...
etsy.com

I Like Your Style: Natalie of The Tiny Closet

Hello Everyone, I do hope you are having a great day today!!  I am anxiously awaiting the weekend because it is going to be amazing weather here in the Atlanta area, WOOT WOOT!!!

Now today I am bringing you another feature from another amazing blogger I discovered not to long ago.  Her style is as just as fun, free and cute as her personality! Anyone that knows me (reads my blog post) know that I am a girl that loves being comfortable, but still cute/stylish so Natalie of The Tiny Closet style is right up my alley.  I call it effortless, comfortable chic.  Her outfits are never overdone but she still looks great!!  And can I add  how much I love her natural hair, shes rocks is fiercely!!

This is the kind of outfit I need to wear during the week to work when I don't want to bother with heels, slacks and button downs!