Christmas Photo Card

For the last few years, I've been slacking with sending out family Christmas photo cards, but NOT this year.  Thanks to Shutterfly, Cyber Monday deals, and my mom's willingness to snap our photo I was able to get our Christmas cards done!

I'm so happy!

Tell me what you think!

Merry Christmas!

Faith Love Family Religious

Modern shower invitations and holiday cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Just Fabulous Debacle

I'm not much of a shopper.  I've got better things to do with my time and money like: go on a tropical vacation, fine dining, going to shows, and helping others in need.  However, I do like to web browse at various online retail sites, just to see what's out there and how much it costs.  I like to at least be aware of what's on trend.

One day I stumbled across Kimora Lee's latest project, Just Fabulous.  I thought, "What a genius idea!  The most fashionable shoes, boots, purses and jewelry for only $39.95."  This price point is still a little high for me, but I could see how it would be just right for the modern day fashionista.  I was so compelled by the business model, that I went ahead and signed up and took a fashion quiz so that they could recommend certain styles according to my taste, and I logged off the site and went about my day.

A few days later, I got an e-mail saying that I could get anything on the site for only $19.95, no tax and no shipping fees.  I couldn't pass up a deal this great, and would help me update my look and it would help me to look halfway trendy.  I really don't like buying shoes that I can't try on, touch, and see, so I opted to get a purse (pictured below).

I mean it's cute, but definitely NOT the quality I was expecting, but it was only $20.  So, I went about my life as usual, when several months later there's a $39.95 charge on my account from Just Fabulous.  I'm like, either the hubster's has purchased a surprise for me (which is totally out of character) OR someone has stolen my account information, because I knew I didn't make a purchase.  I talk to the hubsters.  No surprise purchase from Just Fabulous.  So, I call the company and the little girl explains that as part of signing up for an account with them and after your first purchase your account is automatically charged the $39.95 if you don't make a purchase and you don't opt out for that month.  Huh!!!???!!  Why didn't I know this??!!??!  What a racket!  A genius racket, but a racket indeed.  I explained to the little girl that I don't even shop enough to justify spending $40 per month with the company.  She explained there was nothing she could do.  So, I was forced to use the credit and pick out something from the site.

I settled on the wedge booties above, because they closely resemble the ones from Nordstrom that I was considering in this post.  However, after reading the very mixed reviews, the quality is not good and the sizing is very off.  I'll have to take pictures on the boots once they arrive, but never again!

Lastly, if you've ever heard of Shoe Dazzle, their business model is pretty much the same as Just Fabulous.

Have you ever been hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray, or run amuck by an online retailer?

Teeny Bopper Store

Okay, I don't know about ya'll, but at my age and place in life, I definitely think there are certain styles and stores, that are not for me.  Have you seen the knee-high Chuck Taylor's????  Uh yeah, not for me!

Jersey dresses???  Definitely a no.

Long gone are the days where pajama pants were worn as real pants, and I dared someone to say something about it!  This is why I was so super shocked when I walked in Aeropostale to buy clothes for my 16-year-old niece, but I actually found things I would wear too, and at the right price!

Let me take a minute to talk about how you even pronounce the name of this store.

My mom says: Air-o-postal
I say- Air-o-po-stall

Whatever, tomato/tamato!  It's just funny to me!

A few weeks ago, I bought my niece some cute shirts, camis, jeans, and sweaters and I was given a $10 coupon to come back and shop some more.  That's really all it takes to hook me; I will find something!

I originally wanted this sweater, but they only had it in black and white, instead of this fabulous red and white version.  So I passed.

Then I saw this!  Which is definitely just my style, I've been saying that I need more cardigans, and it would've only been about $3 after my coupon.

The hubsters and TrentMan finally helped me decide on this plaid, very trendy button up.  When I first saw it, I thought, "Cute....but too trendy and teeny bopper like.  Will I be wearing this even 2 years down the road???"  In the end, I love it!  I just may have to stop in Aero a little more often!

What trends or stores do you find yourself shopping in that are usually unlike you???

eShakti Dress Review

Out of the blue, I was contacted by the wonderful people at eShakti to do a review of an item from their site.  I was so honored, and it was just the boost I needed at the time; I've been so up and down and all around.

They have a wonderful site full of the latest trends in dresses, skirts, outerwear, and more.  Many of the item have a contemporary vintage feel to them too; I know that style is really popular now.  The best part is that they even do custom orders, where you can send in your measurements, change the neck line, length, and more.  I enjoyed browsing through trying to find an item that I would want to review.

I settled on this little black dress because the hubsters and I typically go to at least one or two semi-formal/formal events per year.  I'm a petite, curvy, busty girl, not too big, but not little either; so it can be kind of difficult to find dresses that fit perfectly.

I'm very satisfied with the look of my dress and how it fits.  I like how it covers everything up!

What do you think about this dress?  If you could choose any piece of clothing to add to your wardrobe, what would you choose?

Style Files: High/Low

Soooooo, when it comes to clothing, I'm usually very cheap, but boots....that's a whole nuther story!  I LOVE boots, and I typically go with a well known brand.  My boots last a LONG time!  

I don't think you understand; the hubsters bought me a pair of black knee-high Nine West boots 10-11 years ago, that are in great condition, and I wear them every fall and winter.  I also have another pair of boots that I've worn for the past 4 years.  I typically like classic timeless styles, that never go out of fashion.  I still get compliments on those shoes; I dust them off, shine them up, and take really good care of them.

But ladies, I'm in a dilemma!  I'm preparing for a lot of upcoming life changes, and really don't want to spend a lot of money for some boots this season, but I hate buying cheap shoes that fall apart after one season.  I am really feeling this season's boots, and I can see myself wearing them for years to come.  Should I just go ahead and put the money out there, and buy high, or should I go ahead and buy low to stay more in my budget?  And of course, who can buy new shoes, without at least a few new clothing items.  See!  My tab just keep getting more expensive!!

Here's some styles I'm really feeling right now!

I could see myself wearing these for years to come.

Franco Sarto "Spike" Bootie- $139.95 at Nordstorms

I know Payless is super chic these days, but I still have a problem spending this kind of money there.  These are still cute snow boots for standing on the side lines while watching my men go snowboarding and sledding.

Women's Zip Winter Boot- $49.99 at Payless

I could totally see myself in these!  Too bad they're out of stock!!!

Women's Mila Lace Up Boot- $59.99 at Payless

These are not the cutest boots I've seen, but they're cute enough, and they're definitely in my price range.   

Leatherette Stiletto Boots- $27.80 at Forever 21

VERY cute, but not timeless.  Plus way out of my price range for what it is.

Adi Designs Safari Boots- $64.99 at Kohl's


Me not helping to shovel 12 inches of snow because I don't have proper shoes is getting real old to the hubsters, but it's the truth!  I don't have any snow shoes.

Cushe Diva Bootie- $124.95 @ Nordstroms




What shoe brands/styles do you like?

Why Haven't I Been Healed

I've seen and heard of my own friends being supernaturally healed.  One day they're discussing which cancer treatment to pursue, the next day there is no cancer.  Large tumors have disappeared, hearing has been restored, and spinal problems just cleared up in the name of Jesus.  If you've never had the chance to be a witness of Jesus' miraculous healing problems; it is a true faith builder.  Many people wonder why miracles don't happen today like they used to in the Bible days.  I think it's because we lack the faith to see it, and we always give credit to science, technology, luck, etc., when God is the author of it all.

Almost four years ago, I was diagnosed with a non life-threatening issue, but it has made life harder for me nonetheless.  I'm constantly bothered with fatigue, pain, mood swings, and let's not mention the added medical costs because of this issue.  For the last two years, I've had a handful of pastors pray over me, I have friends praying for me, I've been anointed with oil, I anoint myself with oil on a regular basis, I pray, and trust in God that I will be healed.  So why haven't I?????

Over the summer at my church, we had a wonderful prophetess who is gifted in the spiritual gift of healing, as spoken about in I Corinthians 12:

⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. ⁵There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. ⁶ God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
   ⁷ A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. ⁸ To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice^[b]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.^[c] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. ¹⁰ He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,^[d] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. ¹¹ It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

She was there for three days, and at least 50 people were called out to be healed or discovered spiritual gifts that they didn't even know they had.  I was praying that she would call me out  so that I would be rid of this issue that has been plaguing me for years.  Then God reminded me that I didn't need someone else to heal me, and that I could heal my own self.  Verses like Matthew 9:29 came to mind: "According to your faith will it be done to you." and Isaiah 53:5 "But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.  He was beaten so we could be whole.  He was whipped so we could be healed."  Lastly, Matthew 17:20, "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth.  If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there.' and it would move.  Nothing would be impossible."

On her last day there, I had an overwhelming sense of peace.  I had an overwhelming sense that she helped, healed, and built up everyone that God sent her there for, and I was not among them.  It was God's way of letting me know that I would be just fine, and I was already on the way  to my blessing.  I reflect back on this time when I get discouraged and down and out about my health. 

I'm not going to lie, my faith has faltered in the past, but I wouldn't say that I am lacking faith.  What if God is trying to use me to bring glory to His kingdom.  Every so often, I get a reminder that people are watching me to see how I will react to certain situations.  I believe people are excited to see Christians succeed or fail so that it reaffirms whatever it is that they believe.  When I returned back to work after the death of my second child, I had so many people come up to me and say "thank you".  They just wanted to thank me for being strong and being an encouragement to them.  After such a tragic event, they were unsure where I was going to land.  I was unsure where I was going to land, but He always had me.

Another thing that I learned is that some times we go through a storm because we're doing something right, NOT because we're doing something wrong.  When Ed Traut of Prophetic Life Ministries came to my church he spoke about how the Israelites were lost in the wilderness for 40 years and had to defeat several tribes, including giants, to get to the promise that God had given them.  They faced so many uncertain situations and the future looked bleak and impossible, but they kept pressing forward.

I, too, have been given a promise, but it seems as if this medical issue is standing in my way.  I honestly don't know why I haven't been healed, but I know I serve a God that stands by His promises.  Maybe He intends to use this issue to bring glory to His kingdom, or to teach me about worry and doubt, or maybe bring me and the hubsters even closer together.  I don't know, but I do know that I'm laying it at His feet every day.

Last Minute Paradigm Shift

Excuse my lack of posts and randomness, but I am going through a lot of changes.  Everyone seems to love Fall, but I don't enjoy shorter days; it really throws my beauty rest off.

Since I haven't been able to post regularly, I have a lot to say, so excuse my stream of consciousness writing style.

For our Light Night fun fair yesterday I was supposed to be Princess Peach, BUT I wasn't feeling very princessey, I didn't feel like wearing a dress, and I was pressed for time and unsure of how I was going to turn a pink maternity dress and pink tulle into a princess dress.  I felt more comfortable with being the....King of Pop; we kind of look more alike, I was in a playful mood, and I knew I had to be on my feet all evening running the Cake Walk and cleaning up.

Here's me and TrentMan as M.J. and Toad!!!!!  I glued his vest together myself....as you can tell!

My wardrobe change leads me to a revelation about my future writing career.  Several months ago, my little cousin wrote a post on her blog asking if you have to be able to relate to characters that you read about in books and does your life need to mirror the lives of the characters.  For me, the answer is a resounding NO, because I love learning about things outside of my own realm and there are some human conditions that transcend gender, race, country of origin, and many other things.  Conditions like love, hunger, war, raising a family, and much more are so much bigger than being a black female who lives in the Midwest.  I believe that is a universal story.  This thought process leads me to the next situation.

My son has the distinct pleasure of attending a school that goes from Preschool to Highschool, all on the same campus.  About a month ago, it was Homecoming, which they allow the younger kids to participate in the week of dressing up and the Coronation Ceremony.  One of the dress up days was to dress up as a book character.  TrentMan and I pondered over at least a dozen characters: Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Horrible Harry, Flat Stanley, Nate the Great, and some others too.  He finally settled on Phineas from Phineas and Ferb, which is not really a book character, but he was close enough.  We just put an orange and white striped shirt on him and some jeans and he was good to go.  We were both happy, he was able to portray one of his favorite characters and I didn't have to work too hard to make it happen.  Then it hit me....out of all the characters we thought about, none of them were African American.

Add caption

TrentMan designed this character himself

Let me set the record straight; I am not one of those "power to the people" has to be all black or I'm not down kind of people.  We embrace pretty much embrace everything and everybody that is in line with our Christian values.  However, I thought/think it is shameful that there was not one black book character that we could choose from.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Phineas and Ferb, and we love watching the show together; those boys are too creative and it gets TrentMan to thinking and inventing all kinds of craziness.  However, I think it does our society a huge disservice not to show people of other races and cultures in the same/similar situations.  Think about all the big name children's books: Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Where the Wild Things Are, Jumanji, etc.  These books can have the same exact plot BUT with a main character that just happens to be African American or Latino or Asian American.  So this Ah-Ha moment led me to my next thought!

I should develop a book series that primarily appeals to young boys and has a main character who is an African American boy.  My thoughts haven't led me to what the series should be about, but I know I don't want it to be specific to African American culture; I just want a book about a family who just happens to be black.  I have to come up with the backstory, plot, and the thing that will draw people in.  I'll get to that part later though.

I know this post was all over the place, but hopefully you could keep up.  I am my mother's child; what can I say??!!??

So, what do you think...are we lacking every day stories with characters that just happen to be minorities or does it really matter?