Pin-spiration

I (like many other social media fanatics) am addicted to Pinterest. From outfit ideas to recipes to make-up demonstrations, Pinterest is one of my favorite social media apps right now. So one morning at 3:30AM, I woke up out of a dead sleep and couldn't fall back to sleep and of course got on Pinterest and found my outfit for the next day. What do you guys think??? I'm on the right and the Pinterest pin is on the left. I highly suggest that if you need inspiration for anything: home, travel, fashion, etc....check Pinterest out!

New Year: Living a Life of Abundance

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(From top to bottom...shades: Dolce and Gabbana, Necklace: Loehmann's, Sweater: AnnaLee + Rose, Jeggings: Express, Shoes: Bandalino from DSW, Handbag: Brahmin, Nails: OPI Russian Navy)

I hope that everyone will have a great and abundant 2013.  While we have entered a new year, it is never too late today or tomorrow to get on the right track if you falter.  We shouldn't wait for the New Year to adopt resolutions as this should be something that is continuous and ongoing as we mature.

A big shoutout goes out to my lil' sis Ashleigh Ray (again) for the awesome photos!

In 2013, I will continue to smile and to instill a beacon of hope to those who feel hopeless. In doing this...I will continue to put God first. I may not be the "conventional" fashion blogger, but even in fashion God will go first.

In 2013, I will continue to become a better me in Christ.

CHEERS TO A FULFILLING AND PROSPEROUS 2013!!!!

Christmas Giveaway

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." ~2 Corinthians 9:7~

'Tis the season for fantastic giveaways and pampering sessions!  One lucky follower will receive a complimentary hair blowout at the newly opened Hair Bar in Dallas AND another lucky follower will receive a complimentary micro-dermabrasion treatment ($89 value) OR dermaplane treatment ($69 value) at Facelogic Skincare and Spa.

All you have to do to be eligible to win is leave a comment with your email address and fill in the blank.  "All I want for Christmas is ________."  

Winners will be chosen at random and notified by 12/23/2012.  Cheers!

Free Hair Blowouts and Make-up Applications This Week

It's the holidays and if you're as busy socializing like I am, you have multiple holiday parties scheduled.  Who has time to get a different outfit, hairstyle and make-up for each occasion?  Well lucky for you guys, the newest and hottest in hair salons (The Hair Bar Dallas) is offering free hair blowouts and make-up applications for this entire week!  All you have to do is set up an appointment online and show up....it's that easy!  (Sign up for a date and time of your choosing at www.dropinblowout.com.)  Not only does The Hair Bar offer child care services while you're getting pampered but guests will also get to relax and browse the web on a complimentary iPad while receiving the best in hair and makeup services.

The Hair Bar is located in Dallas' Preston Royal Village and Southlake Town Square.

Pause for Reflection

So often we get consumed with life and everything that we have going on.  I myself am guilty...guilty of letting my mind continuously wander as to what all I have to do for the day while someone is talking to me.  Guilty of taking on too much at one time.  Guilty of perfectionism (is that a word?).  But when you take the time to pause....what is God really trying to show you?  On my recent trip to DC, I saw this pic of JFK and wondered what exactly was going on in his mind as he posed for this portrait.  A man deeply blessed, with deep responsibilities, paused for what I can only imagine as deep reflection...

December 2012 White House Tour - Portrait of JFK - Washington, DC
"I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions." ~Psalms 119:55~

If I would only take the time to get outside of myself and my crazy life, I would reflect on the Lord, the path he has paved for my life and truly come into grips as to what life is really about.  As I sat on the Supreme Court steps (below) and watched as my mom beamed as she took my photo I realized (in reflection) that life doesn't get any better than this.  29 years of age, three licenses to practice law...two licenses received in one year...one before the highest Court in the states...man God is good!  To have my mother travel to D.C. with me to get sworn into the Supreme Court was a blessing in itself.  We had the time of our life...and because I was able to put everything aside and to be in that moment with her...it made the experience that much sweeter.

December 2012 - Supreme Court Steps - Washington, DC; Photo Credit: my mama :)

December 2012 - Library of Congress - Washington, DC; Photo Credit: Leah Frazier

So in the midst of life...no matter how crazy it gets, no matter how wrapped up in the "little things" we consume ourselves with...pause for reflection and realize just how blessed you are.  Relish in the smiles of your loved ones...in their laughter...in their joy...and leave tomorrow to take care of the everyday tasks that can wait.

Smile...even when no one is watching

"A glad heart makes a happy face..." ~Proverbs 15:13~

There's something to be said when the light from within can't help but to shine all over one's face. That's how I felt when I took this photo today.

My day didn't start out so great. I woke up today consumed with thoughts about work and other things that easily stress me out. I wore "army" green today purposely because I knew today at work would be a battle for me. Who does that? Yep, that would be me...

When I truly thought of my blessings...how blessed I am to have a job to go to, a family to relay my stresses to and a place of my own to lay my head down at night...I couldn't help but just to smile.

So if ever anyone catches me smiling...even when no one is watching and at times when they can't understand why...I'm smiling because He has blessed me beyond measure.

*For those who always ask me about my hair/clothes.....I did a wet two-strand twist for my hairstyle using Curls Unleashed leave-in conditioner, Entwine styling cream and a setting lotion.*

*For the look (even though you can only see me from the neck up) Classic green button-down army inspired top by Express with gold-button details, tassel necklace by Lia Sophia*

Cool, Confident and Collected

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about what we cannot see. ~Hebrews 11:1~

I took these pics fresh off of learning that I had passed the California bar exam. Knowing that all of the odds were stacked against me but that I had God in my corner was just a light that was beaming from inside of me and ready to shine upon the world.

The odds were NOT in my favor...I had to continue to work full-time and study at night. My bar study course administrator pretty much hinted that I would not pass during our first conversation because I continued to work full-time.  I had co-workers who doubted and other horror stories of individuals who took the bar 3 or more times only to see another "FAIL".

I did the best that I could, prayed about it, gave it up to God and rested assured that in my faith, I would pass.  I also had many amazing women from my Covenant Church group who prayed every hour on the hour for two days while I was taking the exam to see me through. 

All that to say, you can do anything that you put your mind to.  This phrase is not cliche'....it's the absolute truth.  Imagine how many people shy away from their desires and dreams because they listen to other people who doubt them.  Surround yourself by people who will support you and your dreams...who will uplift you when you're feeling down.  I guarantee that you will be steps closer to achieving your purpose here in life and experiencing your dreams.

I guess I should talk a little fashion, huh?  In my celebration, these pics were taken.  Are we loving the infamous Angelina Jolie leg action?

• Jewelry - Red[i] by Chelsea
• Belt - NYC and Company
• Skirt - Urban Outfitters
• Black Mesh Cuff - Lia Sophia

Blissful Black Friday

So let's face it...who REALLY likes Black Friday?  I know that I personally despise the crowds and all of the hustle and bustle just to save some money.  Over the years it seems that Black Friday has become nothing more than just a circus and overall just plain stressful!

Well lucky for you, eBay is putting on a "blissful" online shopping experience at Bliss Spa at the W Hotel in Dallas for Black Friday from 9AM to 9PM.  Drop in on your own time and enjoy a free mani, pedi or foot rub while you shop eBay's online app for all of your Black Friday sales and goodies.

Visit www.buyinbliss.com for details and sign up for your free spa service today!  Download the eBay app on your smartphone for unbeatable deals AND just between you and me, eBay is making their Black Friday deals available to all who download the app exclusively at 5:23PM EST on Thanksgiving evening.