New Year's Affirmations

I don't usually do the whole resolution thing; I believe in being great 365 days a year not just on January 1.  But since 2013 is the start of some new changes in my life, I decided to share my resolutions affirmations with yall this year.

1. Do something that scares me.  Like sky dive or drive a NYC cab.
2. Sing.  I'm pretty amazing and I shouldn't let this gift go to waste.
3. Pay off my student loans (I just put that up for the feds....them loans are going to my grandchildren).
4. Take advantage of all that New York City has to offer, below 110th Street.
5. Tell people what I think.  I tell yall what I think all the time.  I told my last boss what I thought too (and you see where that got me).  But, I wanna do better with telling my friends how I really feel.  No more Mr. Nice Div.
6. Travel more.  2011 was Aruba, 2012 was Costa Rica, who knows where 2013 will take me...
7. Wear less leopard.  I'm kinda over it.  (Ahh hell, there goes a third of my closet.)
8. Write more.  Admit it, yall miss me when I'm not here.
9. Lose weight, yada yada yada. 
10. Do something GREAT!  Not sure what that is yet, but when it hits me, I'll know.

What are yall's New Year's Affirmations?

Merry Crystal Meth-mas

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! (Isaiah 9:6)

Black Friday

So I haven't done one if these in a while for a few reasons. 1) I was laid off & had no reason to get dressed every day. 2) Well, I guess there is no number 2.

Anyways, I wanted to share this outfit with yall cuz it's pieces I bought on Black Friday.  I don't really DO Black Friday, I'm much more of a Cyber Monday gal.  But my sis and I generally go out on Friday around 4 PM, after the chaos.

First, let's start with this blue leopard print trench coat.  It's pretty adorable.  And I got it for 50% off.  (SAVINGS!)  Then I paired it with this fuchsia shift dress.  Now, as a curvy lady, shift dresses look turrrbile on me, so I belted it.  Finally, I paired it with my old steady turquoise necklace.  PS., I'm in LOVE with bright colors and turquoise together.

Ok, there you have it.

Dress ~ Old Navy
Coat ~ Target
Necklace ~ Forever 21

Christmas Countdown: My Grown Up Christmas List

Since I'm damn near 30 (excuse me while I throw up), what I wish for for Christmas is very different then what I wanted as a child.  So, here's my grown up Christmas List:

1. Chris Brown to get a publicist.
2. Bacon to be fat-free
3. Elmo to keep his tickles to himself.
4. Allen Iverson to get back in the NBA.
5. Lose 40 pounds without sweating.
6. The BCS to change to a playoff system.
7. Bobbi Kristina to get adopted by Iyanla Vanzant.
8. Rhianna to stop making music.
9. A husband. (Whoops, did I say that out loud?)
10. Babysit Blue Ivy.
11. And of course, world peace.

So what's on your grown up Christmas list??

Book Review: Kitchen Confidential

Since I watch the Food Network pretty regularly, I already think I'ma chef.  But after reading this book I realize I don't know a damn thing about the food industry, but it is incredibly fascinating.  This book is kind of the holy grail of culinary manifestos.  I'm sure every chef in the last 20 years has read this book and can relate to his book.  As for the layperson, I'm not sure you want to know what's actually going on in the kitchen of your favorite restaurant.  I did learn to not order fish on Mondays!  (Why you ask?? Ehh, I don't wanna spoil the surprise.)

Anthony Bourdain isn't a writer but he does know food.  The book started slow, got good, then got slow again, then good, then slow.  So, it's up to you whether or not you want to read it.  If you want to enter the culinary world, then this book is a must.  I will say this, after reading this book, you'll never look at a restaurant the same again.

Next Up: Mogul by Terrance Dean