Sinful Saturdays: A Day @ the Festival

I love going to any type of festivals or fairs.  I had wonderful time at this annual festival in the town in which I live.  I dragged along my friend so that he can enjoy festival as well. We enjoyed the sights, vendors and of course the food.  There was so much to choose from that I couldn't make up my mind.  Though it wasn't real food, we settled on funnel cake (yum yum), fresh cut french fries and a large lemonade.  It was so good. 

So, across the street from the parking lot where we parked, my friend noticed a old time school bus painted in grey.  On it, it said Go-Go's Retread Threads- clothing, vintage & miscellaneous things.  My friend said, "you know you have to check them out" and I said " you know, it"!!!  On the way back from the event, we approached the school bus.  In front was a table with jewelery and a rack of clothes.  The women said "make sure you go on the bus and check out my other items".  So with that invitation, we boarded  the bus. To my surprise, it was a store on wheels. How genius was that. And to top it off, it was a thrift store. I was in heaven. 

The bus had the first two rows of seats on each side.  As you headed towards that back, on each side there were two long racks of clothes where she removed the additional seats that the bus originally had.  Above the racks were shelves in which she had shoes, clutches & pocket books. She also had shoes underneath of the racks of clothing.  She also had a dressing room in the back. I was truly amazed and excited at the same time.    She had something for all size ranges and her prices were not high.  It almost felt like you were in a store.

My purchases:

Butterfly ring $3.00

Skirt: $7.00

Bat wing shirt: $6.00

Naturalizer Shoes: $16.00 ( I love these shoes because it's like a bronzy, brownish green color)

Good day people....

Freestyle Fridays: Have a back up plan

 Help me understand...... I came home from work today and it looked like someone was moving. But to my surprise, the person was evicted. I've never seen this before. I knew people got evicted, but I have never seen the process nor knew that they just put your sbelongings on the street.  Maybe I did see it, but just didn't think it was an eviction, but thought it was stuff for bulk trash day. Call it naive.Whatever.

I've always been a planner.  I know that sometimes things happen that causes a set back, but you can't wallow in your own pity.  You have think about what your going to do next. So, through an eviction process, a couple of things had to have happen.

- A person hadn't paid rent for a few months
- The complex or landlord takes you to court
-You have  thirty days (if not more) to pay the back rent or vacate premises
-Then they (complex/landlord) lock you out if no payment was made.

So, while all of this is happening, your back up plan should take place. 
-Put belongings in storage (which is way cheaper than rent) or give away
-Seek rental assistance from state agencies, churches or organizations in your community
-Stay with someone (of course offer money) or rent a room or even a shelter if needed, until your back on your feet

Now I say this because the person (s)  was evicted and his/her belongings are now on the lawn in front of the complex. Why would you want some stranger (complex/landlord workers)  go through your belongings?? Belongings that you work hard for over the years to obtain, just because a plan was not in place. I saw another eviction (in my complex) where a women was sitting in her chair on the front lawn just so no one would steal her belongings.

Always have a back up plan. There are going to be bumps in the road  of this journey called life. You might swerve, turn around, jump over or even get a new map in order to find your way.

To Do List Thursdays: Smile More

Today, someone asked if I was ok. I said "yeah, why?" They said, it looked like your were mad at someone or something.

A smile by definition is:

1. A facial expression characterized by an upward curving of the corners of the mouth and indicating pleasure, amusement, or derision.
2. A pleasant or favorable disposition or aspect.

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/smile#ixzz1LEgNKEOm

This is not the first time I heard that type of statement from people.  I've heard, "smile baby girl, it'll be alright" or "you look mean".  Surprisingly, the times that these statements were made, I wasn't mad at all.  If more than one person is saying it, it must be true.

 So, for my-To Do List Thursdays-- I will smile more and smile often.

How is this????

                                 

 Say cheeeezzzeeeee...

Sinful Saturdays: At home Facial Mask

So today was a lounge day. As I was surfing the internet & you tube, I came across a you tuber commenting on her skin care regime for acne. In her video, she stated that she uses an aspirin & honey mask to calm down any  flare ups that she may have. The surfer that I am, I looked it up.  There are so many benefits to this mask. The honey is a moisturizing agent and the aspirin contains salicylic acid which helps aid in reducing future outbreaks by getting deep into the pores.

Aspirin-check, water-check- honey check. Let me try this, I couldn't lose.  Let me begin...

I took two un-coated aspirin and sprinkled just enough water to dissolve them. Then I mixed alittle bit of honey  to get the right consistency (you be judge as to how you want it). I then applied it over my entire face and waited about 30 minutes. I washed the mixture off with warm rag and viola- smooth supple skin. I'm hooked.

The next time you want to exfoliate for cheap, try this at- home mask. It's amazing.  If you don't believe me, google it and find out what people are saying.

Today was a good day.

FreeStyle Fridays: Very Small Bargain Haul (VSBH)

  I love a good deal.  I am a conscious shopper and use coupons to get the best deal. Some people sleep on stores like Dollar General & Family Dollar.  I don't discriminate. I'll shop anywhere. Especially if there's a bargain to obtain. So, here's what I got:

 Airwick Freshmatic Holder- Dollar General- On sale $4.50 (ea) less $4.00 coupon = $.50cents (ea). Score

 Niva Bodywash for men- Walgreens- On sale $3.79 (ea) less $3.00 coupon =$.79 cents (ea) Another Score.

 I love these odor eliminators for the car. My car may not be clean, but I get compliments on the way it smells  These were on sale at Dollar General for 2/$4.00. No coupon (never scene one either). If you want your car to smell good (and for closets) I highly recommend these. I got the lavender & fresh linen as well as the mandarin orange & fresh lemon

 Now, these were on sale at Dollar General for $4.00 less $1.50 (for white container) and $1.00 (blue container) = $2.50 & $3.00 for final sale ($5.00)

Now this thing, Frebreze set & fresh was not on sale (@Dollar General), but I love this little thing. It's small, but packs a nice sent.  This was $2.79. I saw it at Walgreens for $3.79 (way too much). You can find cheaper if you have a coupon or maybe at the flea markets for $2.00. It really smells good. Put in on your night stand by your bed and  you will catch a sniff of something wonderful.  Sometimes when I watch television, I catch a whiff and I have to look around to see where the scent is coming from. Then I say " Oh, that's my frebeze smelling all good".

To Do List Thursdays: Get acquainted with your own backyard

There are times when I fantasize about jet setting around the world or wining & dining at the fanciest restaurant's, but then reality sets in because guess what- I can't. Well, I won't say can't, I'll say- can't- right now.

 Some people are driving a Benz, but are on a Ford Focus budget.  All of this to what- keep up with the Jones'. NOT!!!!.  Let me tell you something, I'm not going broke for no one.  I grew to understand what my "living means" are and are not. And guess what, It's not much.  But I also realized that you can do some of these things without breaking the bank.  It's called "exploring your own city". 

In exploring your own neighborhood, you'll be amazed at how much it has to offer.  By doing this, you can accomplish a few things: (1) Learn something new about a neighborhood you haven't been to (2) Recyling the dollar within your community to help keep businesses afloat & (3) Take advantage of the free to low cost entertainment that's being offered.  There's a variety of things to do to fit any budget. All you have to do is search.

As a resident of this city/state for 9yrs, I need to explore more.  So, this summer, I am challenging myself to get acquainted in my own backyard while on a budget. Are you up for the challenge?

To do list:

(1) Black Wax Museum
(2) A new local restaurant
(3) Old Ellicott City
(4) Other malls in the area.

Good night people.....

Warm Wednesdays: Thrifting

I went thrifting today. Unexpectedly I might add. Here was my  alleged after work agenda: (1) drop off mail at post office, (2) get ice cream from Baskin Robins and (3) do laundry.  So out of those three tasks, I did two, dropped one and added another.  It still equaled three, but not the original three planned.

The post office where I dropped my mail off is in a small strip mall. I dropped my mail off and started walking past Baskin Robins in a trance like the Slee Stacks from the Land of the Lost (who remembers that).  When I awoke, Good Will Industry was directly in front of me."  Now, how did that happen?" I said. Since the store was in front of me, you know I had to go in. There,  I found some nice pieces while I was there. You want to see what I purchased......

 A polka dot blue & white with orange handle clutch from the gap. This bag is so cute.

 A skirt that is so cute. I can't wait to wear for the summer.

 This white shirt from Talbots.  This is a cute shirt because it's cinched on the back with elastic and the  sleeves are kind of balloon like. Very cute on.

The Loft printed v-neck shirt. Cute in person. It's a little tight in the bust area, so maybe I will wear a blazer with  it (and begin my diet).  Oh, I got two pair of Clark's comfy shoes in black & brown. They were in good condition.
 
So needless to say, I didn't wash clothes, but ate my ice cream which was gooood.

Warm Wednesday people.....

Therapeutic Tuesdays: Shut your mouth

Let me give you a little insight about how I operate. I am the type of person who can read a magazine /newspaper/brochure/pamphlet and if they mention something of interest (blog, website, phone number to call whatever), I will jot down the information and look it up. So I say this to say, as I get older, I am realizing that I need to be quiet-more. I say this because I find myself reminding people of things, telling them of something I came across or just information in general that maybe useful.  You may say, "what's so bad about that"? There's technically nothing bad about it, it's just that the information or reminders (let's say) are not reciprocated.  People may not do these things intentionally, but I just feel some sort of way about it. Crazy right. Yeah, I know.  Here's an example... it had already been twenty minutes into a television show, when I called this person to say, hey-such and such is on.  The person responded, "oh yeah, I'm watching it already". I felt some kinda way because was he going to remind me that the show was on if I didn't call him? Probably not since the show was only on for a half an hour and we were already twenty minutes in.

 I wonder if people think I'm coming across as bragging- like- I know more information than them.Or is it me worrying way to much about other people? Or am I taking this way to personal? IDK. So for right now, I think I will just shut my mouth and do me. If someone asks me about something, I will tell. Otherwise, I'll  keep it moving.






Good night....

MaNic MoNDaYS: Volunteer

I wish that every weekend was a long weekend. I have a hard time getting up on Mondays. I just want to lay in the comfort of my warm bed and stay there until my internal alarm clock wakes me. But since I have  this thing called "rent" to pay, I have to make my way to the office.

Every Monday, I take my clients to volunteer at a soup kitchen. There, we serve meals for anybody in need.  Though my job is to supervise the clients, I end up volunteering myself. It feels good and honestly, my soul really needed it this Monday morning. 

It's amazing to see the people that come through the line needing or wanting food. It makes you wonder about their journey in life. Some are on drugs, homeless, recovering or just in need of a meal. It makes you grateful for what you have as well as to complain less when you can't get those shoes this week.

 I encourage you to donate your time. It doesn't have to be long. Just do something to help someone else that is in need. You'll feel good, I promise.

Everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?

Good night

Look At Me Now - Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes (Cover by @Karm...

UUmm this girl is laying it down......

Mint Condition - Caught My Eye (new single 2011)

I love this song.....

Sinful Saturdays: Just another lazy day

Sometimes you just need time to yourself.  Well, today was my day. I slept on and off all day. I finally got up and got myself dressed to go to the supermarket at 3:00 PM. I got some good deals- you know I'm a bargain shopper. With tornado watches and warning along with rain, there's nothing else you can do, but to chill out. I guess that's why I call it- Sinful Saturdays...

Try to enjoy your dreary day.

FreeStyle Fridays: Aries Rock

7West Bistro Birthday gathering

All Aries Women

Me (left), the birthday girl, Jocelyn (right)

My friend Jocelyn, had her 30th birthday (get together) at 7West Bistro in Towson, Maryland. It was a time to celebrate her day as well as the new chapter in her life. We had a blast. She was surrounded by the people who cared and loved her. I wish her the best in all her endeavors as this new journey in her life will begin.

For those who don't know, here are some characteristics of Aries women: We are..........
1. Fiery
2. Energetic
3. Intelligent
4. Independent
5.Trusting.

Don't get it twisted... if you cross us, we are through with you


HAPPY NEW (YEAR LOL) BIRTHDAY JOCELYN.......



Good Night people

To do List Thursdays: Get a life

 There are times when I think that my life is just passing me by. They say that money is not the key to happiness, but the way I'm feeling, it sure helps.  There are several lessons in life that I will continue to learn and maybe this life lesson is to be patient.  There's a lot of things that I would like to do: travel, buy a house and getting the things that I desire. Instead, I window shop through life along the way.  Don't get me wrong, I am someone who is very aware of the difference between need vs want.  I save my money and shop wisely with coupons and bargains. Some may even call it being frugal, but being frugal is not a choice, it's my way of life in order to survive.

If you know me, you will know that I take books/DVD/CD's out from the library. I buy on clearance & sales racks, clip coupons, stockpile items, search the website for coupon codes and downgrade if needed on certain things like cell phone or cable television.  But there comes a time when a sista just wants to buy what I want- when I want it or go on vacation without having to plan it a year in advanced.

 But for now, I guess I have to learn my lesson and make do with what I have. Maybe life isn't  just about exploring the world (all the time). It's also about  taking advantage of what's going on in my own backyard that GOD created. When it's my time, it's my time. God knows.

Good day people

Warm Wednesdays

This blogging thing can be very enlightening. You get to express the way you feel behind the screen of a computer. Genius. We tend to go through life not taking notice of our everyday surroundings. I'm gulity of this. Not taking heed to what the greater has given to us.  Since blogging, I am trying to become more self aware of this.  Warm Wednesday is not just about the readers getting to know me, it's also about ME getting to know ME.

 As a child, I never really expressed myself. I was (and to some degree- still am) shy. I was the kid who just went along with the flow. Didn't want to ruffle to feathers so to speak.  Silent. Verbal, but non verbal in since.  When I came up with Warm Wednesdays, I realized that I really wasn't exactly clear on what I liked (or disliked) officially. By when writing it, it becomes my reality on the things that I like- in life and in general. Here are five more things about me...

1. I am  a fake vegetarian. Fake meaning, I don't eat meat only fish, but I picked up the habit of eating a lot more junk. I might as well eat a big mac for that matter. That's not being true.
2. I love taking baths. No really... I can stay in the tub for upwards of two hours then let the water out and take a shower for another thirty minutes. No wonder I've developed eczema on one finger..my hands are always in water.
3. I have eczema on one finger
4. I don't like bugs.
5. I am afraid of thunderstorms ( I think a childhood imposed fear)

Well this is my self awareness  check of the week..

Goodnight people

Therapeutic Tuesdays: Let's talk about it

 My name is Vanessa and  I have an addictive personality. I think. When I get fixated, I go at it full steam especially when it comes to a bargain or food.  For example, Kmart was having a sale on clothing items for $4.00. I went to every Kmart in the area for a week straight to see what they had.  Then, when the sale went down to $2.00, OMG it was a wrap. I was at all of them for the next week. Then I got on a kick of the granola parfait from Panera.  I was at Panera's almost everyday buying one. So you see, it is an controlled addictive personality. Controlled meaning, I'm on a kick, then off of it within a week. But anyway, I'm on this blogging/blog surfing kick. I cannot wait until I get home to get updates on the blogs I like to follow.  I learn so much from these blogger's and their lifestyles.  They have really inspired me to step up my game in life and in fashion.  I'm by no means a" fashionista" by any sense of the word, but looking at these blogs has made me more aware of what fashion can do enhance your look and self esteem.  When you look good, you feel good. Period. So, during my blogging kick, I'm learning to take more effort into the way I look as well as develop more experiences to have a fulfilling life. I continue to be a WIP (work in progress) and through reading my fellow bloggers, will help me continue my journey of trying to become the best person possible.

Let's talk about it
Good night people

MaNic MOndAyS:

I was super excited today because the weather was going to be 82 degrees (only for it to be in the 60's tomorrow). I am so ready for at least Spring to be here. I think I am a Spring lady because me and the heat of the summer, really do not get along. I tend to get really moody when it's hot. Don't bother me..please.  Anywho....I need to take my camera along for more photo's. I got a new camera (well in December) it has cool features and everything. I practice around the apartment, but never post them. So guess what.. I will start.  I think it makes the blog more enticing to the reader. Don't you think?

Enjoy

Soulful Sundays: Relaxing

   After my non thrifting Saturday, my plans were to go to the flea market to make-up for what was missed the day before.  But as usual, plans changed.  I ended up going to Ross (underwear), Rugged Warehouse (men's v-neck t-shirts), Gallo Stores(exchange a shirt), the mall (gift card) and to the bookstore (browsed). Yes, it was a fulfilling day.

 As you know, my loves are earrings, but I'm starting to get my collection up of bracelets.  Check out the bracelets I got from Sears (yes Sears) for .99-$1.99. They are super cute.

That was my SoUlfuLL sUNdaYs event.

Peace

Sinful Saturdays: Thrifting...NOT

 I had major plans to go thrift store shopping today. All last night I was dreaming about what treasures I would find. I couldn't wait. So this morning I got up and had my list of errands to run before making my way to the bargains that I would find. I made my way to Village Economy Thrift Store. The lot was full, I thought "wow... there must be some good stuff in here today"- (I haven't been there in a while). I opened the door to a very clean, well organized thrift store with lots and lots of stuff.. I grabbed my cart ready for my hunt to begin.  Pocket book, shoes and shirts oh my!!!!At that point, I went to the shirts (I always seem to lack shirts) and started flipping through the racks. That's when I saw IT!!! IT you ask??.. yes IT!! The PRICES.  Those dag on prices were higher than Jerome Biggums on Dave Chappelle lol. What in the world???? Shirts $6.90, pocket books $8.00, dresses $9.90. Who is pricing these items??? Do they know you can get a shirt new on clearance for cheaper than that?? It's ashamed that they are jacking up the prices on donated stuff.  Whatever happened to those days where stuff was .25 cents. SMDH @ Village Economy. Needless to say, I walked out empty handed. Tomorrow is a new day and I will be headed to the flea market to see what I can get.  For real this time.

PS... I found some cute earrings from the beauty supply store. I guess this brightened my day because if you read my post on getting to know moi, you will know that I HEART EARRINGS (galore).

Good night....

FreeStyle Fridays: I'm A W.I.P.

So, this segment is called... FreeStyle Fridays.  I might ramble, vent, post pictures, talk about stuff I like- whatever. So my quick topic... I'm a WIP (work in progress). After my birthday last week, I realized that I  need to make a change. I read a lot of self help type books, but have difficulty putting those words into actions. It's time. I really need to focus on what's going on in apt. 202 and stop worrying about other folk as much. It's called-distraction from what you really need to focus on.  When I went to this empowerment conference a few weeks back, Steve Harvey said that women need to put their gifts to use and stop waiting for these men to fulfill you. Those "gifts" should be your passion in life and  you should be living your life-passionately. So what's my gift.... organizing and putting people together. I love getting people together in a positive environment. Now, I just have to get off my butt and get to organizing.

"Hard to Get" by Akua Allrich

You know I try to introduce to you new music and/or artist. I like under-discovered artists. They have to best music. Check her out.

To do List Thursdays: Emotionally Unavailable Men (Not to Do)

 So, I fake dated this guy for a little over a year. I call it that because it was by no means real.  To the outside world, he looked good on paper. We were in the same field of work, he liked music, he coached girls high school basketball, knew a lot of people and had a knack for always being there for others when they needed him.  This was all a fantasy, an illusion, a wolf in sheep's clothing and a phony.  To know him only on a friend level, he was a good guy, but to really know him, intimately, he was selfish, negative and manipulative. His conversations were dominated by him and his endeavors. He never asked about me, my goals, my future. When I did get a word in edge wise, he seemed like he wasn't paying attention.

While dating, he would always put others first. At the drop of a dime, he would be there for his "boys" or any of his friends that needed help. They would call on him, he would be there in a heartbeat. But me..nawww, I was second ,who am I fooling, 20th.

 My eyes were opened last year when I had surgery.  I was out of work for  six weeks and was not allowed to drive. Did mister care about my well being or recovery? Not really. He wasn't there like he should have been- even when he had a key to my place. Now I understand that men think differently than women, but at least a "friend" would see you needed anything (from the store), maybe take you out for fresh air (because you were couped up for a minute). None of this was done by my so called man (with a key might I add).

 I painfully came to the realization that he was emotionally unavailable- to me at least.  This is very much a real phenomenon amongst people, men  in particular according to comments, topics and discussions from a page I "liked" on face book called-Baggage Reclaim. I learned that I am not alone on this topic. There are a lot of men who just don't know how to give emotionally.  We as women have to take the stance of knowing when our gut is talking. It's called  red flags and we have to start taking heed to those uncomfortable feelings inside.  When something doesn't feel right, 9 times out of 10, it's not. My lesson- to ask more questions while in relationships and let my inner self guide the way.

Dating an Emotional Unavilable guy is Not a to do....on my list


Good night people

Slakah the Beatchild - Enjoy ya Self (Official Video)

This is a cool song to play at a lounge. "Enjoy yourself" why don't ya.

Algebra & Anthony David- 4Evermore (LIVE)

I love this song. Maybe one day I'll have a "4EverMore".

Warm Wednesdays....

 I know, I know. It's been awhile folks. I think all blogger's have their dry spells, but I "The musings of apt. 202" have an excuse.  My family came down from Jersey to visit for my birthday. YAY!!!!!!  They stayed in this itty, bitty apartment- yes I know. If anyone knows Aries people, we like love our space. But it was cool. We had a good time. My family is truly comical.

Now getting back to moi.... 1. I love to sleep 2. I prefer reruns over new shows (except reality shows of course) 3. I have an addictive personality. Once I like something, I get fixated on it (bargains, thrift stores, certain foods) 4. I still eat old school cereal (Fruity Pebbles, Cap N Crunch, Corn Pops) 5. I shop clearance at all times.

In future posts, I will be starting a series for each day of the week. I have to think of some clever names to match the days of the week. Stay tuned for that. I will have pictures to follow so you can see who lives in the itty bitty apartment. lol

My family



Enjoy your day