Future... TOTALLY UNCERTAIN!

So the semester has hit me like a ton of bricks from a 10 story building. And if you've ever had bricks fall on you from that high, you know what I mean. OMG! Why in God's name did I ever think it was ok to take THREE english classes, economics and ITALIAN II. My life doesn't belong to me anymore. Those ghastly books have my full attention and it is in no way, shape or form as FUN as I thought it to be. Don't get me wrong reading has and always will be something that I love, *something that I'd rather do than watch TV, which is my second love*. But I mean come on, Walt Whitman is a psycho. I bet you he did not even know what he was writing when he wrote it. Other people just read so much in between his lines and now they magically have so much meaning to them. GEEZ, and don't get me started with Emily Dickinson. That crazy lady... what does a loaded gun have to do with feminism. You get assigned these readings and somehow you are expected to know what it means, I mean come on. That would have gone completely over my head.

My new Italian professor is the head of the department and you know how they can be. They feel that their class is the most important and that they rule over you in a sense. I wish I had my other professor, I can't remember his name, come to think of it, I don't think I ever knew his name. Oh well, that's beside the point, I want him back.

So getting to the point... I don't know when the next time I'll be posting, but I know I'll have a lot to say. Do you ever notice that school is like the breeding grounds for so many stories? Well for you guys it might be your jobs, I know TM always has a story from her job...Anywho, have a lovely day in blog world.


Until next time,

MM

Catching up from catching up!

Sooooooooo... I wonder if anyone even noticed I was gone. This last week as been a testament to the fact the procrastination is the Anti-Christ. It creeps up on you and consumes your every waking moment. I won't bore you with the details but I literally have been waking up early and going to bed late because I have so many backed up errands that needed taking care of before school started back. 

So a little recap of the passed week.

I tried styling my hair with bantus but it came out horrible. What hurt the most was that I was so looking forward to wearing my hair in that style and then it let me down big time. I took out pics but they look terrible so I'm opting out of sharing them.

I'm still using the below products that I went over in a previous post. The moisturizer is really great and I have yet to see a split end since my trim.

Also I bought a new polish...

I'm making up my owm name for it since my dear sister took off the name sticker at the bottom of the bottle...so I dub this color Pink Rose. Pretty color don't yuh think.

Oh before I forget, I have really been doing a lot of reserach into the best way to get my hair to the healthy point that I want it. After seeing a fellow blogger post about cleaning her hair with an organic soap rather than shampoo...bulbs went off in my head. You put so many good things in your hair to help it out then you break down that process with a shampoo that strips out everything. Kinda like taking two steps forward and one step back, don't ya think. Anywho, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap in the Almond scent has been added to my haircare routine. I'm going to try it out tonight, then moisturize and seal with an oil mixture containing Olive, Peppermint, and Rosemary oils, the smell drifts you to sleep.

Ummmmmm.... I lost three more pounds. Yay me, I guess, my pouch is still poking out. I'm getting serious about exercising though, aiming for a concrete schedule of 5 days a week. I'm drinking water ONLY, and trying to eat whole wheat everything. Try it, if you find a great way to dress is up with healthy condiments I garantee you won't miss the refined whites.

My sister and I went shopping for engagement party things and we are coming up with a lot of ways to have fun at this party.  I have yet to let people know that they are cooking but how long do they actually need. Jeez... one month to go to get all the details under wraps. 

So what's been going on out there in the blogging world. I'm going to be catching up on everyone's posts tonight.

Until next time,

MM

Blogger Trouble and Update Thrusday

SO I donno what's up with the post from yesterday it's not posting and my pics aren't loading soooo because I'm irritated, Will Power Wednesday will be X'd until next week. 

I hope you all had a fun but safe New Year. 

A little story from last night... I was walking home a little after 12 and this family decided to light fireworks in their backyard. Mind you I live in a not so friendly neighborhood, meaning people get shot. Not only that as I was walking home police cars had cut off a particular street (for what, I don't know exactly, but it had me worried). Anywho two blocks from being inside my safe home these blasted people light their blasted fireworks...I heard the noise, I saw the light and I seriously thought my life was over. I screamed out "OMG, NOOOO", only to hear my boyfriend laughing at my attempt to save my life. Hey man, I'm too young to die.

Update Thrusday

I've been promising you guys a look at the dresses. Now I was very optimistic about searching for dresses because I mean come on, I have great taste. I've seen 27 Dresses and that movie opened my eyes to the fact that no matter how ugly the dress (or the costume) the bride always asks if you're gonna wear it after the wedding...Yeah right, not his chick. So I sought out to look for a dress that the bridesmaids could indeed wear after the wedding. Needless to say that did not happen...Bridesmaids dresses are not that cute. I mean there are some cute styles but it is hard to choose a uniform look for different girls with various body shapes. This isn't my wedding but I refuse to have my sister's pictures ruined because we failed to take into consideration how everyone would look in a particular design. We have girls that are small and some that 

are thick, some that are tall and some that are short. It's hard guys, it's really hard. So here are some of the dresses that I saw something in, not particularly the entire dress just pieces of it.

Is there anything that you see in any of the dress? I would appreciate any suggestions/ thoughts. The basic styles of the dress es are what we are looking at because we will have to alter the tops to suit every individual but still try to maintain a uniformed look altogether. If you like different designs from different dresses let me know because we have having the seamstress who made my prom dress make all the dresses for the wedding. I've seen her work on bridal party dresses and she is great. The best thing she charges very little for top quality work. So YaY me for keeping her number stored in thy phone!

Until next time, 

MM

Review Tuesday

So what's new with all of you? I'm trying hard to fit everything into everyday, time just seems to be flying very quickly as of late.  I'm enjoying my time off from school but the wait for my grades to be submitted is killing me. I don't have any reservations about failing any classes, there were just some classes that were trying to kick my butt. I hope my fight back did the trick and I don't end up with any C's this semester, that would be a real bummer. I won't be able to show my father my transcript if that's the case. 

Moving on to something interesting....Makeup

Review Tuesday

...is upon us once again. I was meaning to talk about this from the start of this blog, I just never got around to it. It's Sheer Cover, a mineral makeup that I've been using for the past year. I was up late at night sneaking into my mother's room to get the lotion (her door creaks like nobody's business) and the infomercial came on. Now I was never the type to grab the phone and call for anything on those infomercials but this one got my attention. You see, my sister had recently bought herself BareMinerals, another mineral makeup and it seemed to be working well for her.The application looked so natural, it required very little work which is what I'm all about. The mineral fountaion is actually what drew my attention out of everything. Growing up, I always remembered seeing my mother smearing this liquid brown gook across her face to achieve an even skin tone. I swore that I would never do that, it just doesn't seems comfortable to me. It seems to weigh down peoples faces. I see women all the time with liquid foundation on and it is so obvious. The lines and cracks look ridiculous. Now don't get me wrong, the professionals know how to hook it up, but let's get real, no one has a professional in their cabinet to help with foundation application on a daily basis. 

I digress...So this mineral foundation actually covers up your imperfections without the cakey feel? I was on board the next day and beleive me when I say that I am happy with the results that have come from this purchase. 

Like any other cosmetic line they offer various shades, and because of the powder formula you're able to mix different shades to achieve your desired look. The coverage is amazing and literally lasts all day. My sister exercises in her makeup and it is still intact even after all the sweating. 

The other products that I get with the foundation feel great on my skin as well. 

Here are a couple of photos:

Here is my beloved Buki Brush, I use it for the foundation application. Soft like a baby's bottom.

Here is the Sheer Cover Eye Collection. Very sheer, very beautiful.

This guy here goes everywhere with me. You fill one end with your powder and it comes through the brissels. So cool.

These brushes are equally as soft as the previous two. I use the larger one for blush o nmost occasions and the smaller two for eyeshawdow and contouring.

This toner is so refreshing. I sort-of-kind-of feel that it works better than my Rx for BS one.

This moisturizer really moisturizes. No joke. I don't have to put on a lot and I feel smooth all day.

This cleanser is great for me because it actually takes off a lot of my makeup at night, unlike other cleansers.

Here is the foundation that I was raving about. It gives twice as much in the container than Bare Minerals, which lasts me about two months if used daily.

THE DOWN SIDE: The foundation is made of natural products...but the other products (excluding the toner) contain parabens. Now I was researching and it seems that some parabens aren't harmful and others are. Do you guys know a lot about this? I was wondering if I should discontinue my use of them...but they work so well? What do you think? Are there bad ones and good ones, or am I mistaken?

Until next time,

MM

Backed up & Mane Monday

I truly apologize for missing out the past two posts. It seems that since I'm available to run errands for the family, that is exactly what I have been guilted into doing. Thrusday was hectic, running to Queens, back to Brooklyn, and doing it all over again. Talk about taking advantage! Friday was no better. I had to cook and clean and clean some more. I don't mind cleaning I just don't look forward to it. What about you? Do you look forward to cleaning up the humble abode? Or would you rather wish you could hand down the duties to someone else? My parents made it very clear that our purpose in the world was to clean their house. LOL, as my father says,"Why get a dish washer when you have five running around the house?".

Update Thrusday

So really quickly, sad but true news... My sis has the unfortunate task of cutting out some of her friends and family from the bridal party. It was a really hard decision to make but it had to be done. They still will be a part of the wedding in some way, I'm sure it will turn out beautiful in the end. The girls that we have left in the party are great girls, really dear to both of our hearts actually. I'm really happy with the way things are going other wise...I know I promised the dresses would be up last week but definitely this Thrusday. Stay tuned!

Fashion Friday

Short and sweet...Ruffles and Tiers are sooooooooo in right now. So many designers are incorporating them in their collections. I'll look for great pics and post them later. Try to dive into the fashion scence and see where you can stick them into your wardrobe. A flirty dress and whimsical blouse, you find a way . I promise you won't be disapponted.

Mane Monday

So my ends are clipped and I'm very happy. My eds were more damaged than I thought but I'm dealing the cut. Right now I'm protecting my ends with Strength of Nature Profectiv Healthy Ends. It has been recommended by a number of sources so I'm trying it to see what results will come about. I'll be sure to post my update. As a mositurizer I'm using a Jane Carter Solution product, the hair nourishing cream, a ultra light hair dress. I am definitely making my way to get my oils to seal the moisture in. If you were wondering I have been following a fellow blogger getting great advice for my hair care. Her URL is http://www.keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com/. Check her out if you get a chance. You'll get great advice and even greater ideas.

Happy Monday everyone.

Until next time,

MM

Will Power Wednesday complete with Daily Consumption

SO last time I neglected to tell you guys my height and weight...drumroll please... I stand about 5 feet 7 inches and I weigh a solid 145 pounds (when I came back from Trinidad I was weighing 153). I say solid because as anyone that has seen me, I do not look it, the weight seems to be concentrated in my breasts and in my bone mass, so says my pediatrician (and yes I still go to the same doctor from when I was born). Anywho, because of that I try not to measure myself by pounds, rather I go by how I feel physically, how my clothes fit, whether or not my grandmother mentions that I'm getting FAT, she has an eye for these things. Do you weigh yourself constantly or do you just do it when you go in for your annual checkup?

I was suppose to start the pilates exercise routine since last week but you know how the life of a procrastinator goes...I made excuses about having finals last week, now I'm making excuses about resting up from all the hard work those finals put me through. I am definitely starting today though. My mother has agreed to be my motivation.

*As grown as I think I am and as independent as I try to be, I rely on my mother for so much support. Words of advice from her makes me hop to it whatever the case may be.*

Are you self motivated to eat right and exercise or do you need peer motivation? With me eating right, I'll do that on my own, exercise, which requires movement and drive, oh no, I'll watch TV instead.

I've found that if you are a self motivator, starting out at the gym isn't the best idea. Begin at home, do a couple of tapes (Billy Blanks, Gilead). When you feel more comfortable exercising in front of people venture out in to the world of the pumping iron. Me personally, I hate gyms. It's so stationary. I'll rather hit a boxing bag, go jogging, go swimming, or just run around a park with my little brothers for exercise, but that's just me.

On the other hand if you need motivation and you are not recieving it from home then the best thing to do is join a class. Don't go to the gym by yourself thining you'll find motivation in all the other people working out. You'll see them with all their disgusting energy and want to walk right back out whence you came. Joining a class gives you peers that will look forward to seeing you every week (however frequent the class is), a support system from people who are also trying to get in shape and time for you to worry about yourself and nothing else.

Think about it, let it marinate a little in that nuggin of yours, plan your form of attack and execute. LOL, I think I heard that from somewhere, sounds cute.

Daily consumption:

Morning (8:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.) Eat breakfast, it's a must. I usually eat a fresh fruit, banana is my first pick. Drink water.

Mid morning snack (11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.) I'll take a Kashi granola bar where ever I'm going. You know, the seven whole grains on a mission...I really like the Peanut Butter and the Honey Almond Flax flavors, they don't taste like healthy snacks. Drink water.

Lunch (1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.) Maybe a turkey snadwhich, a salad, a slice of pizza if I'm feeling good. If I'm home I'll eat whatever my grandmother cooks, always in small portions. Drink water.

Mid day snack (anytime until dinner) Another fruit, handful(s) of nuts, Fruit Snacks. Drink water.

Dinner (5:00 p.m.- 7:00) Once again, whatever food my grand mother cooks, in small portions. Drink water.

After that time I'll monitor myself. I'll note when I'm planning to go in my bed and stop eating two hours before that. Yes, if you are planning on going to sleep at two in the morning you can eat until midnight. Two hours gives your body time to digest and break down the food even if you are just up watching the tube.

If I'm extremely hungry at night I'll make myself some toast with cheese and tomatoes, yummy by the way, and of course wash it down with water.

Some say that it is not wise to count calories but I say that it is important to estimate. Adults are suppose to consume on average 2,000 calories daily, so make adjustments where needed. Small but frequent meals does the trick for me. I'm watching what I eat without going hungry.

*Side note- Salty snacks are always better that sugary ones. Now don't go binge on a bag big bag of chips and say to yourself at least you're not eating a carton of ice cream. They are both bad ideas.*

Do you have a routine that you normally stick to? What's your favorite thing to eat when you know you have to watch your caloric intake?


Until next time,

MM

Finally it's happened to me dah da dah da dah dah dah...Who sings that song? & Review Tuesday

So I think I forgot to mention that last Friday was my last day of school ...backtracking...

I started college the end of August 2007. The semester lasted until the week before Christmas. The day after New Year's I was back in school for a 2 and a half week session and completed two classes. Four days later Spring semester started and then ended May 22. I enrolled in two summer sessions, the first from June 2 to July 3. The second, from July 7 to August 14.

This semester began August 27....

Now I finally how time off from school for an entire month and a half , a first since I began college. I slept until 12:00pm today...talk about feeling well rested. I don't have to worry about assignments, projects, presentations and 10 page papers. Woo-hoooo...I am beyond words right now, NO MORE SCHOOL, it's time to lay up in the house and just chill. My brothers and my mom are going to be home for the next two weeks so we are planning on going out as a family a couple of times before they head back to school. Bowling one night, movies another, possibly paint balling........I have been dying to do that but everyone I know are scaredy cats. So sad.

Hopefully I get all the fun and rest I need out of this vacation. When school starts back, it'll be no joke. I'll be taking 3 English classes, economics and Italian II. I really need to knock out these classes because as of late my GPA has been suffering. :(

I blame TV. Reality shows and ABC's dramas are so addictive.

Review Tuesday

What is your favorite restaurant? When you dine out, do you gravitate toward American cuisine or International delights?

Growing up my family was really big on Red Lobster. Trini people are in to their seafood, whether it be shrimp, crab, lobster, it was on that table. When I started going out socially, hanging with friends, family or the Mr. we would head to the regualr places...Olive Garden, Boulder Creek, T.G.I.Friday's, Applebees, IHOP (for those lazy nights)... and I was quite satisfied. That is, until I was introduced to this hideaway spot in Williamsburg, a Thai restaurant called The SEA. This place is like a heaven sent. Great food, even better prices, delicious drinks (not that I would know, I'm only 19 years old),beautiful ambiance, and wonderful service. I love that it is not far from home, either jump in the car or hop on the train, 20 minutes later, you are being captivated with all your senses.

This is a view of the front of the restaurant, so sexy and seductive.

This is a view of the reflective pool surrounded by seats for two...romantic, i know.

I get excited every time I walk in this place. There is no place like it. The food is so good that I have dibs on having them cater my wedding. It's a while off but I'm sticking to them. I know everyone at the wedding will be expecting culture food but I think they'll be pleasantly surprised with THIS CULTURE'S food.

YUMMY...I can taste the Tim Tum Fritters right now. Come to think of it, I think I'll be making a stop over there sometimes over the vacation, the Mojitos are calling my name...um, I mean the iced tea?!?

BTW, this is the restaurant where my sis got engaged. Great memories.

Until next time,

MM

IN LOVE !!! and Mane Monday

High school sweethearts are so very cliche/taboo but I feel like we are the original. Now I know for a fact that we were very young when we started dating...against our parents wishes and all... but I felt as though I was old enough to carry on a serious relationship.

*Side note- My little brother is 14 going on 15, the age I was when I started dating Mr. Young, but I can't see my brother being old enough to have a serious relationship at his age.*

Five years later I still feel as though I'm falling in love. I still get butterflies when I see him walking up the driveway, I still smile when I see him looking at me from afar, I still feel giddy when he tells me one day I'll be his wife..........I'm so in love.

Mane Monday

Now today my post isn't that interesting or that long...I'm going to the hair dresser later today to get a wash and set and trim my ends. My ends have been killing me and I am truly terrified to cut them myself. I always envision messing my hair up, cutting it shorter than required. Lately my hair has been growing faster, thanks to those lovely flaxseed oil tablets, but I don't think I've been seeing the fruits of my labor (I hate swallowing tablets) because my ends have been terrible for a long time now. As my hair is growing, my ends are spilting up, up and up the hair shaft. No longer will I be the one with the luxurious hair complete with ends that seem to be throwing up gang signs every time they get combed. My hair lady says that if I trim regularly and do all that I can to keep my ends healthy then by this time next year I could reach my goal of having MBL hair. YAY me and my determination not to be lazy when it comes to my hair.

She also mentioned that it would be easy for me to reach WL but I don't think I could handle all of that hair. What I have now already makes me tired even before I begin to tackle it.

BTW, I am no longer going to use the Aphogee line for damaged hair, instead I will be investing in more expensive but more natural products. You have to put out the money in order to see the results you want, don't you agree? How much of your weekly/monthly budget do you spend on hair care? Do you spend a lot of time taking care of your tresses or is it just touch and go for you? What are your favorite products to use in your hair, how has it benefited you?

Until next time,

MM

FASHION FRIDAY IS HERE...so is the snow...

The weather outside is ridiculous. I like snow but I admire it from afar. It's really pretty looking out in the backyard and seeing it coat everything gently. Looks like a picture out of a magazine. But when it comes time for me to walk outside, I'll dread it from start to finish. I don't like coldness and when snow gets dirty it reminds me of diarrehea. So gross.

On to the topic of the day...

Fashion Friday

Who are your style icons? Is there one particular person who is smothered in fashion, reeks beauty and exuberates sexiness? Well I follow two lovely ladies, every time they step out in front the cameras they never disappoint. Just beautiful....

Drumroll please....................

Presenting Mrs. Sarah Jessica Parker Broderick and Mrs. Beyonce Knowles Carter.

I hate matching everything...when things just GO TOGETHER I feel my best.

Short and sassy, a staple in SJP's wardrobe. If only you guys could see the shoes she banged out with this dress. TO DIE FOR... I'm holding my heart right now.

Ms. B, Ms. B, Ms. B... you look fabulous in gold, all the time, every time.

I can't deny that Zac Posen's creation on B. is fierce.

I adore their sense of style. Subtle but yet very sexy. Their confidence while wearing the clothes shines through...and talk about their taste in SHOES, the thing most dear to my heart.

This leads me to my next question...What is your favorite footwear? You can be specific or general. Where do you shop mostly for your shoes, high-end retail or $10 shops? Do you buy shoes for a specific occasion or do you shoe shop just because?

Until next time,

MM

Embarrassing Moments & Update Thursday

I don't do well in embarrassing situations. Whether it's me or someone else, it makes me so very uncomfortable. I mean as others start laughing when someone has an embarrassing moment I feel obligated to ask if they are ok, is there anything that I can possibly do for them? I don't know, that's just me.

Embarrassing Moment #1: Background Info-My boyfriend and my future brother-in-law have this friend, really sweet guy, named Danny. Now Danny is the type of guy that is very playful, does things on an impulse, very spontaneous. Because of this he has many friends, I mean who wouldn't want to hang out with a guy like that, right? Well, this also has its down side. If you want to warn Danny about something or the other you will always be too late, because he is just too fast, always on the move.

Context- So we were parting ways this past Sunday afternoon, the four of us were getting into the car and Danny was heading to his. We had to be careful getting in because there was dog mess in the grass (this is nasty NYC I'm talking about). So we get in safely and smell free and as we were waiting for the car to warm up Danny runs up to the car. We see him and let down the window to warn him about the dog mess, but of course he is too fast. All of a sudden he is up under the car moving around trying to stick his hand in the window. It seemed pointless but they ended up telling him to check his shoes. Sure enough, brown gook was smeared under his shoe. As everyone went wild with laughter I could not help but feel sorry for him :(. I tried to stick my head out the window to ask if he was ok but the space was too small. Poor Danny, they are still making fun of him.

Embarrassing Moment #2: I am on the train going to school today and everyone seems to be dosing off or in lala land. I look to my left and this woman, about 35 years old, dressed to kill, is knocked out. I wonder why she was so tired? Anyway, it must have been a sweet sleep because dribble starts making its way from the corner of her mouth to top of her red coat. Gross right?!? People start giggling to themselves and when the poor woman wakes up, talk about the color rushing out of someone's face. She felt so bad, she rushed out the train and you could tell it wasn't her stop. She walked up and then stopped behind a pillar waiting for another train. Poor lady, she probably would never forget this morning.

Embarrassing Moment #3: Ok this is a personal moment, one that makes me cringe every time I think about it. I was rushing home one day from school, I wanted so bad to be home in my cozy bed, watch Everybody Loves Raymond and drift off to sleep. Instead I was embarrassed in front of many people and messed up my entire evening. I was crossing the street heading for the train station, I heard the train coming and ran down those steps quicker than I thought possible. For some odd reason I thought I was special because I did not even think to take out my Metrocard to pay my toll. I ran straight into the turnstile and banged myself up really good. *Back tracking a little bit, as I was running down the stairs this guys was coming up and he was trying to chat me up, so much so he turned back down the stairs behind me*. OMG! I heard people scream out OUCH!, and That's not good! I watched as the train pulled out of the station, still stuck behind the turnstile. You can only imagine what that jerk was saying about me getting what I deserve for not being polite to stop and talk. If I had a shell I would have srunk into it. Man, that poor girl, I bet you she hopes she nevers sees that guy again.

What is your most embarrassing moment? What was your reaction/reaction of those around you? Are you a laugher or do you inquire about someones well being before letting out a chuckle?

Update Thrusday

So the budget is set! Fifteen grand for the big day. Now I must admit, this is very cheap considering we live in wedding central NYC where everything is super expensive. My dad has committed to fixing up the backyard and pitching in five grand. So they are basically only responsible for ten. The groom's parents are giving the honeymoon as a gift which I think is mucho generous. I hope I'm that fortunate when my turn rolls around. So I can start calling up vendors and making appointments since I have the budget, I'm super excited. OMG! Am I kidding myself, I'm planning an entire wedding.

We ordered the invitations for the engagement party on Monday. My parents are jumping on board getting excited about the little details as well. Even my grandmother mentions the engagement on a daily basis, it's so out of character for her.

We have picked out a bridessmaid dress but I'm thinking that maybe there might be something better out there so I'm not going to stop looking until I have to. I'll be posting pictures of everything we choose. Maybe you guys will be able to help us make certain decisions.

Until next time,

MM