Just a few thoughts.....

I'm sick and tired of all these commercials informing the public to "save more". Why does it take for the economy to be all f*cked up for us to realize that saving is actually much better than having $15 until your next paycheck? Of course, each situation is different, but the fact is I see more of these ads now more than ever (for obvious reasons) and I'm just so annoyed!

I mean as a teenager, I would buy things I couldn't afford just to look like I CAN AFFORD IT! Those 3 pairs of jeans? Do you really need 3 or a really good, reliable pair? I'm not saying walk around with holes in your shoes or clothes, but if it isn't a necessity then don't buy it.

I suppose most people have yet to grow up from their materialistic ways. C'MON?!?! Why does it take for you to max out all two or three of your credit cards to understand YOU CAN NOT AFFORD whatever it is you're buying!

Please don't get me wrong. I'd like to indulge once in awhile - whether it's been a hectic day or week at work or home. I can find the best sales out there (I've been dubbed the SALE QUEEN by some), but I wouldn't dare spend more than $30 - $40 dollars on an outfit. Let me repeat that: on an outfit! You just need to use the old with the new and work it!

As soon as I have reached my limit, I know I need to step back and pay it off. I've created a strict budget for myself. I try to bring lunch to work as much as possible. I consider anytime I eat out as part of my "indulgence" for the week. I don't allow that to exceed past 1 - 2 times a week or a total of 4 per month.

Let's admit it: We've become a "borrowing" nation as opposed to being savers. Just think two, three, maybe four times about that next purchase. Is it more a need or want? Start to save more than you spend on your next pay. It will definitely be worth it!

Funny Pics .....

How else would you start your Monday morning?!

I've combined a few funny pics from Summer '08 and January '09. LMAO @ Delano & Evan's facial expressions and Ghai & Larry's "pose"......

Got Frizz??

I've had wavy/curly hair since I was a young, chubby cheeked little girl. It becomes more evident when I'm in a hot & humid place.

Case in point, last year's trip to Jamaica. It was sticky hot and as you can see in the pics above, it can get unmanageable.

When I'm in a frizzy rut, I use the following products: Catwalk TIGI Curls Rock shampoo, conditioner, and amplifying cream.

Let me know what hair products you use! I may need to try some new stuff .....

Sean....Sean!!!

My sister, Sandra and her hubby brought Sean over the weekend since there was work being done to their apartment. I've been putting some Auntie time and decided to take some pics of him before they left. How adorable is he?!

Wish he, I mean they, could've stayed longer! Now back to studying (primary reason for lack of posts so bear with me).....

Heart-healthy Foods

This post is for all of you out there who are health concious. It's also especially for my friend, Karley who's on a weight loss plan. Check out her blog: www.shoppingusedtobefun.blogspot.com.

According to CNN, here are the top ten best foods for your heart:

Oatmeal - This fiber-rich superfood can lower levels of LDL (or bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clear.

Salmon - Super-rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can effectively reduce blood pressure and keep clotting at bay.

Avocado - Packed with monounsaturated fat, avocados can help lower LDL levels while raising the amount of HDL cholesterol in your body.

Olive Oil - Full of monounsaturated fats, olive oil lowers bad LDL cholesterol and reduces your risk of developing heart disease.

Nuts - Almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are all full of omega-3 fatty acids and mono- and polyunsaturated fats.

Berries - Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries -- whatever berry you like best -- are full of anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Legumes - They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and soluble fiber.

Spinach - It can help keep your ticker in top shape thanks to its stores of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.

Flaxseed - Full of fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a little sprinkling of flaxseed can go a long way for your heart.

Soy - It may lower cholesterol, and since it is low in saturated fat, it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet.

I love salmon, berries, spinach, and nuts! Oatmeal is something I don't mind having as long as there's fruit to go with it. It honestly tastes a bit bland. If you love Italian food, then you're already getting a dose of olive oil. For more information, here's the link to the article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/23/best.foods.for.your.heart/index.html

Spring is in the Air

I LOVE SPRING!!! Flowers blooming, closet re-organizing, and Rita's Italian Ice eating time! The only thing I dislike about springtime is the smell of fresh mulch. Honestly, it makes me feel nauseous.

Spring brings me back to my younger days when I used to get on my bike because it was warm enough that I didn't have to worry about icy paths. It makes me feel excited knowing that my birthday is 3 months away. It makes me incredibly ecstatic to see less of black and more of the happy colors like yellow, coral, and turquoise!

No more coats, boots and 3 layers of clothing! Bring out the nice pedis! I also love the fruits in season like watermelon, peaches, MANGOES, and honeydew!

Anyway, today at participating RITA'S, they're giving away a free cup of Italian ice since it's the 1st day of spring! If y'all are going and aren't really fond of Rita's, please save me your free cup (preferably Mango or Twisted Melon with vanilla custard). I'll come pick it up wherever you are in the DMV hahaha....

Not Quite FIVE GUYS

Family and friends alike know that I like to try everything at least once. And that my appetite can be peculiar at times.

Even though I'm trying to lessen my beef & pork consumption - I love steak, burgers, and pork chops! I'd like to cut it from my diet completely, but instead I've decided to indulge every other month. I wish I could say the same for ice cream or Italian ice. I AM EXTREMELY OBSESSED WITH RITA'S!!! If it were up to me, I'll just buy my own franchise and call it a day. That way I can have it whenever I damn well please!

I went to Crossfire Burger in Bethesda (about a block away from Bethesda Metro) for lunch today. I got my usual cheeseburger with green peppers, fried onions, and barbecue sauce w/ a side of regular fries. Upon my first bite, I thought hhmmm not bad. But I have had better. See, some people complain that FIVE GUYS burgers are greasy. What they fail to realize is that it's a damn burger! The greasier the better! I LOVE IT! Although, the Lime-o-nade and fries were surprisingly good! They also have sweet potato fries which I'll try next time I go. And who doesn't like their burger with wine or beer? Maybe you do, but it's something I could do without.

NOTE: The steak dish above is from Georgia Brown's. Delicious!

Chanel's Birthday Party @ Josephines

Aaahhhh, month of the Pisces!!! According to www.astrology.com they are empathetic, openhearted, intuitive, sensitive, daydreamy, and creative - prefers to go with the flow rather than fight the current. Love 'em all!

I used to be so obsessed over astrological signs and horoscopes, but I've toned down a bit. I've realized that it may be pure coincidence. Or that it may apply to everyone else - like for instance, I am also intuitive & creative - all of the above if you should know. But I still enjoy reading it every now and then.

As for Josephines, I LOVED THE PLACE! It is located on 1008 Vermont Ave. NW near Lima and Lotus. We had so much fun!!! Chanel drank a whole bottle and a half of MOET Rose while I had 2 glasses & Nat had cranberry juice per usual.

Ladies Night indeed: Angie, Krystin, Sharon, Monica, Nat, Chanel, and I had the best time! Of course, until the "barf fest" courtesy of Chanel hahaha. She's now a certified lightweight like myself.

Some people don't know what VIP means though because there were trespassers all night in our area! Had to take my shoes off after awhile (I hate heels!) and danced all night - woke up with a sore body, like I worked out for hours....

Living the Dream, ENT.

It's been awhile since I've been to one of their events but one thing is for sure: THEY KNOW HOW TO THROW A GREAT PARTY!!

Fun times indeed whether it's at Muse Lounge, The Gallery, or Lounge 201. Seth Grosser and Rob Oates may be friends of mine but if an event is lame, I'll be the first to let you know about it. Though, this has never been the case for me.

My S.O. and I were just telling Seth that he needs his own spot like yesterday LOL.

So when you all hear about an event by the LTD, Ent., you already know it's going to be hot fire! Can't wait 'til the next one....

Happy Birthday Nizzle

Happy Birthday to another old head - Chanel M. Gloster! Older by 3 months still makes you, Nat, and Tim the old heads LOL!

I wish you all the best and would like to let you know I'm proud of you....

Can't wait to party @ Josephines tonight......we're gonna have sssoooo much fun!!!

Birthday Weekend Festivities

For Evan's birthday weekend, we hit up Georgia Brown's for dinner around 9:00 pm. Then headed over a few blocks away to Ozio's. It was really a couple minutes drive thanks to Seth LOL....

Mission accomplished!! He was surprised!!

Update: Coldstones Review

I sent Coldstones Corporate an email about that ill-mannered supervisor. Here is my official review and a response from the franchisee:

Just saw your comments and agree with you completely. Very surprised with Katie's reply and will discuss this with her. Thanks for your comments.

Fason Purnell
Franchisee


Customer Comments:

I'd like to express how this specific visit really upset me. I LOVE COLDSTONES ice cream and normally go to the OLNEY, MD location. Their customer service is excellent! During this visit, however, I gathered that it would be the last time I would ever go to this Germantown location. My sister-in-law and I bought a birthday cake & some cupcakes. I asked the cashier if candles usually come with the cake. The supervisor at the time, Katie, asked ''Well, when you go to Giant, don't you have to pay for candles?'' I thought this was very inappropriate and unnecessary because not only did she NOT answer my question, her remark was very offensive to me. I told her that she didn't have to be like that with her customers. I imagine with the economy the way it is, Coldstones or any other store would upgrade their customer service to retain their customers.

Needless to say, this visit convinced me to NEVER go back to that location EVER again! Your customers should not be subjected to that kind of behavior.

Lexi's Birthday at Chuck E. Cheese

Lexi is such a cutie pie! She turned 2 yrs. old on February 22nd. We went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate and had a great time! I took this pic of her and mommy Courtney as she covered her face with chocolate icing. Too funny.

I beat everyone in basketball: My S.O., Seth, and Khellia!!! If you must know, I'm a beast in basketball! LOL

Ozio's Restaurant and Lounge

I've never been to Ozio's before, but have always heard that it was a fun spot. The calamari & martinis were sssooo good! We have our threads on from that Urban Outfitters shopping spree during Valentine's Day weekend.

I was particularly sick that day, but decided to go out for my girl Nat's birthday weekend celebration. Too bad it didn't work out like we thought it would, but for some reason I knew from the moment we stepped foot inside, she was not going to like the place. And the music they were playing that night didn't help either. I would be remiss if I don't give props to Courtney for the free passes. Honestly, I like the place and would probably go back.

Valentine's Day Getaway

Valentine's Day Weekend - Aaahhh .... wish it didn't have to end. It was like a mini-vacay. We went to our "secret" place (which was really a drive to another state) and had a fantastic time!

For dinner, we went to this Italian restaurant called Cesco Trattoria in Bethesda. We had the worst time! Overpriced food and crappy service equals a bad start to such an incredible weekend. The awful part? Our tiramisu was more like a sponge cake.

Moving on, I had no idea the top part of my dress was sheer! I mean, I knew it was a bit sheer, but did not realize that the slip wasn't pulled up all the way! Duh! Anyway, come to think of it I should've changed from booties to yellow pumps but it was very cold that night. I look good regardless....

My S.O.'s Birthday Dinner

I am kind of late posting these pics. But here are a few that were taken at my S.O.'s birthday dinner. We all went to the Cheesecake Factory at White Flint: Delano, Denise, Mr. Peter Mullings, and us. And it was fun times! I'm still trying to retrieve my "album cover pose" picture from Delano....LOL

New Shoes

I got some new shoes yesterday - thanks to my S.O.

I thought the saleslady was hilarious though! After she rang us up, she addressed me as "Mrs. Mullings". LMAO!

I didn't know whether to be embarassed, but I felt my face getting red and my heart beating fast. I could not stop laughing though. I suppose if your man bought you some shoes - COACH shoes at that - you are presumably the "wife". Lol I guess .....

Happy Birthday, My Love!!!

Happy 23rd birthday to My Love, my baby, my best friend, and more!!!

I hope that you get EVERYTHING you wish for, which may be true for some things already (wink, wink hehe). The pictures shown above are from last year's great events such as Lucky Strikes Downtown (kind of surprised him there, thanks Ghai & Delano!) with the delicious cookies and ice cream, Jamaica trip, and Benihana's dinner with none other than Dad. Ahh, fun times indeed and more in store! This weekend shall be one of the best. Ever.

I LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS WISH YOU THE VERY BEST!!!

Coldstones @ Germantown, MD

Stitch 'n Bitch Cookies
Originally uploaded by Look at my photos

I don't remember ever being so irate & annoyed.

The last time this happened was Christmas circa 2007. I was finishing up on XMAS shopping for my family at Montgomery Mall with my S.O. We went to Things Remembered and the "manager/supervisor" was such an asshole! I returned an item, which clearly had the wrong design & info on it, but the blame was put on me! I still remember to this day what he said.

After I explained that it must have been a mistake, he says, 'No, it's not our fault. It's yours. You're the one who put the information on the form.' Both he and I have a copy of the actual form and nowhere on that damn form proved I was at fault. I was so mad, I started getting teary-eyed. Has this ever happened to you?

Well, yesterday was not that much different - aside from my reaction. I simply felt that this "supervisor" named Katie at COLDSTONES Germantown was being a smart ass for no reason. My sis-in-law and I bought a cake for my S.O. and I asked, "Don't candles come with those?" Her reply was, "Well, when you go to Giant, don't you have to buy candles?"

I quickly turned around and said, "That wasn't my question. And she answered it for me already. Thanks." The "she" being the very nice and courteous cashier. I thought about what she said and felt like she was being a disrespectful beyatch. We then asked for her last name. She asked why, but I interrupted her and said, "It's alright. We'll get it. And you don't have to be like that with your customers!"

Now, I love COLDSTONES Creamery and almost always receive the best customer service. Obviously last night's incident does not reflect this. The next time I go to that location, I may not be so nice.