Design Your Look Contest Entry

I found out about a contest from a fellow blogger, that another blogger (and Wolverine) is hosting.  Jessica of Jess LC Jewelry is hosting a Design Your Look contest for Spring! Jess designs jewelry that I would describe as classic, unique and special. Everything is adorable!

To enter the contest, I had to come up with a look for Spring for myself. Knowing that I'll be huge this spring, I was somewhat limited to what I could pick. However, I still managed to find some pretty awesome pieces that are right on trend, that I would definitely wear. Check it out below.

I plan to tie the scarf around the purse for a little extra POW! I can imagine this looking absolutely lovely this spring accompanied with a big, fluffy afro. What do you all think?

I'll post an update to how you can vote for me later this week. While I would love to win (who couldn't use $200 and two courtesy items from Jess LC), I really just thought it would be a cool contest to enter. And another way to help me sharpen my Photoshop skills - POW!

DIY: Studded Belt

This is my first DIY of all time!!! FYI, I'm not the most creative person when it comes to making anything non-food related. Now that I'm preparing for another person - I've really taken a hiatus on shopping, outside of the necessities (diaper bag?). I've been eyeing a handful of DIY projects, but never had the actual motivation to start the project...until now! My first project was a really easy one. My inspiration came from this oufit from the April 2011 J. Crew catalog.

I love the entire look, however I totally zeroed in on the studded belt, which is retailed at a whopping $98. I recalled that I've had a studded belt in my wardrobe since 2004. The belt is from The Limited, and is black leather with gold-plated "diamonds." I rarely wear the belt, but I have yet to donate it. I also recalled the February 2011 issue of Lucky Magazine, that talked about dyeing fabrics. Putting two and two together, I thought - I should dye the belt a metallic silver color and I'll get a lot more wear out of it. So that's just what I did! I couldn't find the tarrago dye used to dye leather, so I actually used a Sharpie paint pen, and a concealer brush that I never use - don't judge me!

The Sharpie cost $2.99, and the concealer brush was free :). I didn't color the inside of the belt, because no one will see it. I used the Sharpie and filled in the spots, I used the paint brush for the hard to reach spaces. The entire project took me about 2 hours. Here are the before and after pictures:

I love my "new" belt - I'm sure I'll get a lot more wear out of it now. I love that this total transformation only cost me $2.99 - HOLLA!

New Page for Pregnant Style

I decided to create a Pregnant Style File page as a reference point for the future. I'm a fan of streamlining - so this is my way of doing that. Check it out - I've compiled all of my Month 5 pictures.

And in case you're wondering, I'm currently 24 weeks - that's 6 months in pregnancy world... only 4 more to go!

Triple D's, chicken legs, and a potbelly

Dress - Urban; Sweater - Anthro; Boots - Urban; Earrings - Anthro; Necklace - Gift

Date: Sunday, April 3, 2011

I have to be honest in this outfit post. Lately, I feel like I either look HUGE - minus my chicken legs - or like I look like a HOOCH, due to the length of my dresses. It's funny, because I always thought I had long legs growing up, however they seem to have disappeared. Now, my legs are appearing to be extra long with this growing belly of mine. I think I keep forgetting that non-maternity dresses WILL be shorter in the front. When I look in the mirror and leave the house - the length is fine. Then, I see my pictures and it's like, "WHOA MOMMA - who are you trying to impress?" Basically, I'm very self-conscious when I go out now, and I feel like I look crazy, and I've shared this with friends.

Maybe it's just me and my crazy pregnant mind. However, I must keep it real and just let you all know how I've been feeling. Or maybe, I just have to get accustomed to this new body. I mean, it's hard to properly dress triple D's, chicken legs, and a growing (pot)belly. I wonder what Stacy and Clinton would do with that!

PS - Ya'll would let me know if I look crazy right? If not, let me open the door to honest constructive criticism and tell you: PLEASE let me know if I look crazy. Mmkay - thanks!

The "Cool Teacher"

 
Blouse - Anthro; Skirt - Anthro; Sweater - Anthro; Shoes - Urban; Necklace - Anthro; Frames - Urban

Date: Saturday, April 2, 2011

When I was in school, there was always one "cool teacher." You know, the teacher who shopped at J. Crew and Banana Republic and Tiffany's...the teacher who was super stylish and down to earth...the teacher who NEVER did the breast tuck.

DEFINITION: Breast tuck - When someone, typically a teacher or maternal figure, pulls her pants (or skirt) up so high that it's almost as if she is blousing her breasts into her pants. Thus the name - breast tuck. I made up this definition in high school and haven't found a better fit for it.

Well, I felt like I could totally get the "cool teacher" stamp of approval today. I mean a silk blouse with an a-line skirt is CLASSIC "cool teacher." It was very fitting too considering that I led a workshop for one of my sorority's mentoring groups on Saturday. Hi-five to all the well-dressed teachers, this one's for you!

Instant Chocolate Cake

Remember Easy Bake Ovens? I never wanted/had one because we always made cakes from scratch at home. It caused me to have an aversion to any box desserts. However, there is one appeal that I miss from the easy bake quick desserts - the fact that they are quick :)! This recipe whips up a chocolate cake for at least 2 people in under 15 minutes. It's made from scratch, and pretty good. I made this for my mom and brother because I don't like chocolate all that much. Enjoy!

Instant Chocolate Cake
Source: Food Network, April 2011 Issue, "10 Minute Desserts"
Serves 2

Ingredients & Directions
Whisk 1/4 cup flour, 5 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 egg, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and a dash each of vanilla extract and salt in a large mg until smooth. Microwave until puffed, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with more cocoa powder. SS: The container I used was too small - the cake almost puffed out of the container, be sure to use a large mug!

Smile

Three things from my week that made me smile...

1. Late night at the Waffle House with new and old friends. The scarf is covering "the evidence" = the food.

2. Honey's Sit n' Eat. Pictured Below: Enfrijoladas - 2 flour tortillas filled with scrambled eggs and beans, topped with salsa verde, black bean puree, sour cream, queso fresco, red onions, radishes and mixed greens. I also added some vegan sausage - this was AMAZING!!! FYI, they only accept cash.

3. Autism Speaks TODAY and TOMORROW so "Light it Up Blue" and wear blue. For more info, click here, or click the picture below. I have a close family member who has an autistic condition - it affects more families than we sometimes know. Check out the link for more info.