December 31, 2014

Thanks, 2014

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Looking back, I think I became a real adult in 2014. I've matured as a mommy, marked my fourth year of marriage, made some significant strides in my career, and learned a whole lot along the way. I expect to put what I've learned into action and accomplish even more in 2015. Cheers to the new year.

December 29, 2014

Bonjour

Banana Republic Top | MadeBy Skirt | River Island Shoes via ASOS | Love,Cortnie Clutch

Something about blue and white and a pleated midi skirt makes me think of Paris. I've never been, but I imagine many of the ladies dressed classically and ladylike saying, "Bonjour," to each passerby on the street. It could just be my imagination, but it's a visual I will hold on to until I get the chance to visit the city of love for myself. 

At the moment, I'm still in the city that never sleeps  NYC  for the Christmas holiday, and we're about to go hit the pavement. Have a good day, friends... Or should I say, Bonjour.


December 25, 2014

Christmas Greetings

The Limited Dress | Ninewest Booties | Steps Bag (local boutique) | Charlotte Russe Belt

Christmas greetings to you and your loved ones! I hope you've had the merriest of days.



December 16, 2014

Adam Turns 1


Dear Adam,

Today, you are one year old. 

As I am writing this, you are sitting in my lap hugging me and snuggling with me like your life depends on it. That's actually how you hug me all the time. It's amazing how your little arms can give such big, strong, affectionate hugs. And your little kisses... priceless. I pray your intentional displays of affection never get old, or that you never get too old, rather.

After just the first year of getting to know you, I can already tell that you are going to be a man whom I will be proud of one day. I'm already so proud of who you are now. You are smart, loving, friendly, intelligent, perceptive, care-free, curious, resilient, forgiving, trusting and hilarious! You are more than what your father and I could have ever thought to pray for, undeservedly so. You have an amazing gift of quietly commanding the attention of a room or capturing the heart of anyone with just one smile, making each and every person you come in contact with feel oh so special. It truly is a gift. You are a gift.

Adam, I speak for your father as well when I say that we are amazed that God has chosen us to be your parents. I love that we each have our own unique relationship dynamic with you. We've learned so much in the past yea too much to list here  about true love and gratitude, and you came just in time to teach us. We are forever indebted to God and you for those lessons here on this Earth. Thank you, baby.

Enjoy your day today, your first birthday. Laugh and have fun as we cherish, celebrate and thank God for you. I've already shed a few tears of joy, and I'm sure there are more to come. I'm so blessed to be your mom...

Today, you are one year old.

I love you.

Forever,
Your Mommy

Click here to watch clips from Adam's 1st Birthday party.

December 15, 2014

All Black Everything

Zara Dress | H&M Blazer | Zara Bag | BCBGeneration Shoes

Yes, it's me in black again. Surprised? Me neither. #SorryNotSorry

My "back to the basics" wardrobe is now complete after an impromptu Black Friday haul adding this LBD and this perfect bag to my collection of black staples (blazer, blouse, pumps, etc.). The dress makes it's debut on the blog, but to be completely honest, I've worn it twice (maybe three times) already  and I've only had it for a week. Again... #SorryNotSorry

Speaking of all black, it was refreshing to see so many people in unity over the weekend in support of #MillionsMarchNYC and the #BlackLivesMatter initiative. The struggle doesn't end until we see one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL.

Acts 2:44

December 6, 2014

Twenty-Seven

H&M Shirt | ASOS Skirt | Forever 21 Heels | Love,Cortnie Clutch

I don't usually post on Saturdays, but... it's my birthday! I'm never sure how one is supposed to feel on a birthday, but for me, the dominant emotion is always gratefulness. I'm grateful for life, family and the blessings that are too many to count. My 27th year was truly a great one. 
Looking forward to what next is in store!



December 3, 2014

Blurred

H&M Dress | Forever 21 Cover | Zara Heels | Forever 21 Clutch

Just a few shots from a photo shoot gone wrong. But, you know what? I like them. Everything doesn't always have to be perfect. Quite often there is beauty in imperfection. Sometimes when our perspectives are blurred by society's rules for beauty, we don't take the time to look close enough for what we were meant to see and appreciate for ourselves.



December 1, 2014

30 Before 30


It's my birthday week! I will be 27  not 30 as the post title probably misleads. However, because I will be marking the close of another blessed year of life, I thought it fitting to share a personal list I developed in my early 20s of thirty things I hope to accomplish before I turn 30.

  1. Live alone    I had the opportunity to live alone at a young age up until I was married, and I am very grateful to have had the experience. I learned so much about life and myself which came in handy for marriage.  
  2. Earn my Bachelor's and Master's degrees  I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Sometimes I think about going back to school. Right now is not one of those times.
  3. Fall in love, plan a wedding, and get married  I have a wonderful husband of 4.5 years to prove it!
  4. Be actively involved in at least three church ministries    I'm actively involved in the hospitality ministry and the media ministry at Pentecostal Tabernacle as well as a staff member of Apostolic Camp International.
  5. Be a bridesmaid in a wedding  This seems like a silly goal, but it stems from cherishing the value of and feeling cherished in a friendship. Thanks to my good friend Karian who got married last year, I was able to cross it off of my list!
  6. Invest in a quality black handbag  Again, thanks to Karian, she invested in one for me. Gotta love her.
  7. Train for and run a half marathon  – Yeah.
  8. Lose 10lbs 20lbs – All credit belonging to my son (OK, and maybe a little bit to my horrible eating and workout habits), I totally backtracked on this one.  
  9. Hang up photos from my wedding in my home  Long story. But long story short, 4.5 years later this goal still has not been reached.
  10. Redesign my blog  Reflecting on my old design, I'm so glad I took care of this goal sooner than later.
  11. Go on a 40-day fast  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
  12. Develop a better/stronger relationship with my husband and family  I am SO happy to report that I have grown leaps and bounds since creating this list. Of course, there is always progress to be made, but trust and believe my relationships are not where they used to be.
  13. Do something spontaneous  I'm still working on this one. I am NOT the spontaneous type.
  14. Move to a new city (even if only temporarily for a job or ministry opportunity)  My husband and I were on the verge of making this a reality several times, but now that our son is here, this may be a tough one. We'll see!
  15. Have a baby  This totally happened. Check my Instagram.
  16. Grow my hair passed BSL  My hair is at BSL now, which seems to be its plateau. However, my goals have changed. I'm going more for strength and thickness than for length. I've never been disciplined enough to keep up with a hair regimen, but I started one last week. Let's see how well I do.
  17. Learn Spanish (again) – I was fluent in Spanish throughout undergrad as a result of several years of high school and college Spanish classes under my belt coupled with working in a largely Hispanic community. I'd really like to regain my confidence in the language and pass it on to my son. I believe it would be one of the greatest gifts I could give him.
  18. Go on a European Tour and/or visit South Africa – As of right now, I'm leaning towards setting the firm goal to do both. I'm hoping to tackle Europe in 2015 (previously, I've only been to the UK) which may leave room for me to visit South Africa the year after or definitely before I'm 30.
  19. Volunteer and get more involved in my community – Within the last month, I volunteered to become a mentor with Women of Tomorrow, a not-for-profit mentor and scholarship program for at-risk girls in the public high school system. I was actually a beneficiary of the program myself when I was in high school, so I consider it a great honor to now be numbered among the elite group of WOT mentors.
  20. Reach personal financial goals I almost crossed this one off, but after giving it some more thought, there is just one more financial goal I'd like to accomplish before I do.
  21. Complete 14 bible classes – To-date, I have completed 8, but I haven't taken a bible class in over a year. My schedule is so hectic right now, but it's a desire of mine to get back on track with bible classes. I must make time for the Word of God, and I found that taking bible classes was the best way for me to do that.
  22. Reach personal blogging goals – My goals used to be numbers-based, but they aren't anymore. Now I want to focus on quality over quantity. Stay tuned.
  23. Try a signature dish from all 196 countries – My husband doesn't think I can do it. I admit, I have doubts myself, but I'm positive that I have the appetite for it. 
  24. Go skiing – Since I'm absolutely not going to sky dive, this will suffice.
  25. Earn a senior level position at my place of employment – Woop, woop! You're reading the blog of a Senior Account Executive of a public relations firm, ya'll! It was a challenge to get to where I am, but it's definitely made me a stronger, more focused person and a better employee. Now, I have even higher professional goals to reach.
  26. Do something fashionable or artistic that I’m proud of and will last forever – Thanks to my collaboration with Made By, I was able to design a dress! Love it.
  27. Own a home (with a yard) with my husband – We. Are. So. Close.
  28. Host a holiday dinner – We hosted Thanksgiving for 22 people last week! It was A-MAZING!
  29. Vote in a state or city election – I missed the last one, but don't judge me. I'll have another chance before the big 3-0.
  30. Read 30 books – See, what had happened was... I need to get on this one. I think I'm on book number two. Readers are leaders, and I do read. I have to read the news and articles to stay up-to-date on my clients' industries. However, reading for leisure is important to me, and I vow to make time for it.
There you have it, folks. This list was very personal to me, but I'm glad I shared it. It inspired me to hold myself accountable and reach the 17 goals that haven't yet gotten crossed off. Maybe I'll check in next year and update you all on my progress. Wish me the best!

November 17, 2014

Straightened

Top from Marshalls (similar ASOS top) | JCPenney Skirt (similar Ann Taylor skirt) | BCBG Heels | H&M Clutch

I haven't worn straight hair in ages. I used to wrap my hair religiously and despise any trace of body or curl; but for the last several years, I've embraced the fuller look and found it easier to style when I finger roll it at night. For the weekend, though, my hair was straight, and I quite enjoyed it.

Speaking of the weekend, I had an awesome one having attended power-packed services at my assembly's Youth Empowerment Summit. (Shout out to my husband and his team for doing an outstanding job at planning it!) It was an encouragement to stay on the "straight and narrow," for there's no other way.

Be blessed!