Wednesday, July 6

Christmas in July

Is it too early for a christmas wish list? Just want to put this out there for my fellow loved ones…hint hint. As my sister has once put it “you’re really easy to buy gifts for; you just like anything that is pretty.” This could not be more accurate. I appreciate and love anything aesthetically pleasing. Oh- and anything on my Etsy Favorite List is highly recommended. We must support the crafters.











































Happy hump day my lovelies!

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Guest post: Kinsey in the city

When one thinks of New York, you think Broadway, shopping, taxi cabs, busy streets. When I think of New York, I think of dreams coming true.






New York is a melting pot of different cultures, personalities, and beliefs. JayZ and Alicia Keys sing about New York quoting, "Concrete jungle where dreams are made of there's nothing you can't do." I never understood how powerful those words were until I recently spent a week in New York with my sister. Upon arriving we took a walk to Columbus Circle, I was amazed to see so many people out and about at what I thought was late- 11pm. There were teens riding skateboards, mothers and kids walking the dogs, lovers who couldn't keep their hands off each other. Every restaurant and convenient store was open and ready for business- quite the difference from small-town Greenville, SC. I looked at my sister and said, "see this is what I love about New York- there is always something for everyone" later on throughout the week, I realized just how true this statement was and just how amazing this city was.






Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon. Alone in some way to tall heels I borrowed (without asking) from my sister, I made my way to Broadway to see Mamma Mia. This is my all time favorite Broadway show- the costumes, dancing, music, and overall genius of the play has always enthralled me. I left the play thinking- I would give anything to move to New York and be on Broadway. I sent a text to a friend saying would u think I was crazy if I moved to New York in order to pursue a career in Broadway- he responded why not!? I then proceeded to explain how my musical career has been limited to Sheryl Crow karaoke at the Garden City Pier and Clarence Carter at wedding receptions when I force myself upon the mic. Once again my friend was encouraging saying go for it. The more I talked with my friend I thought why not move here. Frank Sinatra sings, " if I can make it there, I can make it anywhere. You know what frank- you may be on to something! What have I got to lose! Of course, I blame my friend entirely for boosting my self esteem enough to think I'm the next Broadway sensation- but if I ever do make it big- he has first dibs on being my agent.






Fast forward to Friday afternoon. My sister was able to take off work so we went together to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the met. Talk about a dreamer! Alexander McQueen has designed some of the most outrageous, intimate, intricate clothing I have ever seen. He has designed for the likes of Lady Gaga, Sara Jessica Parker, and many many more. McQueen had some of the most talked about Fashion Shows. It was said he grew his inspiration after casting the models, giving each one their one story on the runaway. One of his most famous models was Kate Moss. McQueen's designs were truly inspirational and a site to see- complete outfits out of Conch shells, plastic discs, duck feathers- there was no limit to his designs. McQueen is proof that with enough determination and a lot of sweat and blood your dreams can come true.






Fast forward to Sunday afternoon. Brunch. 16 bucks for bottomless screwdrivers, mimosas, sangrias, and bloody marys. I ate with my sister, her boyfriend, her friend Sam, and a plethora of Sam's friends. Conversation shifted towards the major events of the weekend- gay pride parade and same sex marriage. I found it refreshing to see so many businesses show their support for gay pride- even the empire state building was lit up in rainbow colors! What a statement made by the city of New York- just recently New York senate passed the law to allow same sex marriage in its state. Gay pride meant so much more that particular weekend knowing that awareness was being brought to the issue of equality. It was exciting to hear Sam and his friends talk about the parade. I began to think once again, New York is helping to make others dreams come true as well. It was eye opening to sit at lunch with a group of gay men and lesbian women and hear them talk about gay pride. When it comes down to it they are just like me (except they look way better in bf shorts but that's another story)- we are all dreamers. And New York has made some of their dreams come true. No wonder Sinatra speaks so highly of New York saying "I want to be a part of it New York, New York". Who wouldn't want to be a part of this great city? Kudos New York, until we meet again!







Friday, July 1

Results are in: clean & clear.

Well people- after a week of NO squeezing and applying Clean & Clear gel twice a day- I am happy to say that the entire time, you couldn’t actually see the zit (even though I could feel it) and it shrank in size daily. This product (even says it on the label) won’t over-dry your skin- and it did just what it advertises; no flaking or crusty skin surrounding zit. Clearasil has always over dried my skin as well as Pro Active- so if you have very dry skin – this is the best stuff I’ve found!



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Monday, June 27

What a weekend.








So my lover/roomie was out of town this weekend and while I miss him VERY much- I had the most amazing girly weekend EVER. Every week in college was like this weekend; endless girl talk, poolside lounging, bottles of wine, and just some good bonding. I’ve definitely missed that about living with ladies but I am SO thankful to have been able to experienced four years of that at Clemson and now I get to be a wife.

I had my first experience as a photographer for my featherband summer photo shoot- TOO much fun. Annnd I accompanied my girl Brittany to the NKOTBSB (new kids and backstreet boys) show last night. Their energy level is insane. Sexy as ever. Never seen a boy band ever before so it was pretty cool to see the original ones rocking it 25 years later.

I definitely don’t like staying at home alone (at night) but I am rather proud to say that I was just fine taking the trash out myself and preparing meals for one- haha. That sounds really lame, but I feel like one of the most important things about keeping a marriage alive is being independent within your relationship. If you lose yourself and rely on the other to provide all your happiness you’re eventually going to break.

Happy Monday pretty ladies and random dude friends that read my blog (and I thank you).

PS- blog’s getting a makeover (obviously)…more to come.


Thursday, June 23

Clean and Clear?





I am one of those people who craves zip popping (gross, yes but I know there are others). I am VERY lucky to have clear skin most of the time except for the occasionally massive mountain that grows on my chin and takes over my ability to smile correctly. Well people- I’ve got one in the works right now. It’s painful; 50% because it literally hurts and 50% because I want to squeeeeeeze it soooo bad. It’s been 2 days now and I have successfully not even touched it except by accident when in deep thought. I usually over dry these suckers and then get a nasty scab that looks worse than the actual zit. This time around I’ve been applying Clean and Clear Acne Spot Treatment
and then slightly smoothing some moisturizer on top after the gel has absorbed into skin. The swelling has definitely gone down so far and you really can’t even see the zit! It still is under the skin though…I’ll report back with my results in a few days. My goals- no popping and no over-drying.


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Wednesday, June 22

HBO go & True Blood





A year ago we canceled HBO to save money. However- when the Lady Gaga special debuted in May, and I HAD to watch it, I subscribed yet again. It was a good excuse. And I have now found an even better excuse for paying that extra $$$ a month…HBO go & True Blood.

Nicholas downloaded HBO go on our iPad last week and while we were visiting his family in Little Rock, it became quite useful. EVERY season of ANY HBO show you can watch wherever you can take your iPad. After deliberating on which amazing series to start, we both agreed on True Blood.

People have been telling me for the past year that I need to get obsessed with this show. Well it only took about 10 minutes for me to declare my love for it. Nicholas as well. FYI- this show is not for you Twilight Tweens…for real. What we both found amusing was that before watching one episode of True Blood, Nicholas and I did not find Anna Paquin to be the hottie Hollywood was raving about. After hearing her sassy little southern accent (its not even real)- we’re fans! She’s so adorable.



Highly recommend the show and HBO go.


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Thursday, June 16

Fun in the sundress

I look forward to summer for 3 main reasons:

1. Excessive sunshine resulting in tan lines & freckles.
2. Drinking blue moon garnished with an orange on any given day of the week.
3. Sundresses & wedges


I love me some sundresses. I own way too many of them but always find a reason to buy more every season. It’s just too simple- throw on a sundress and wedges (accessorize with a featherband of course- duhhh) and you walk out the door looking fly. Lulus’s has only made this obsession grow.

Here are few fabulous finds currently on sale at www.lulus.com :









































Tuesday, June 14

in the red.

I love to browse through celeb magazines and admire the gorgeous Gwyn Stefani always looking chic and ALWAYs rocking RED lipstick.
It makes her “look” complete and unique.

Gwyn inspired me; it occurred to me one day- I don’t have to want it, I can just do it. So I did. Around the apartment at first. Then out on special occasions. Then out to the bars. Then I just started putting in on with daytime outfits to run errands around town. Now I find myself wearing it all the time. I don’t know why I find it so fun and invigorating.
It’s weird that something so superficial can do that- but sometimes a little confidence is all we need as women.

Red lips are bold enough to be your outfit’s accessory. Lipstick is one of the most highly advertised products in magazines and television. Almost every back cover is an advertisement for a lip stain or lipstick. Yet- I NEVER  see ladies wearing any in my day to day life OR even going out on the town. So I challenge you to go buy a tube and see what it does for you.

Current favorites lipcolors from Revlon:    

Siren (BRIGHT and BOLD coral)

Nude Attitude (many of yall have purchased this already and told me you love it)

Boots No. 7: cherry; recommended my some lady promoting products in Target, she said Anne Hatheway wore this one in Devil Wears Prada, I just bought it to get her off my back but it really is $30 lipstick for a third of the price just like she said.

Thursday, June 9

My first dance recital in 3 years.

For me- that’s like a decade; I haven’t gotten nervous like this about performing in probably a decade either.

I’m doing a contemporary dance and hip hop dance. I’ve been very blessed to have two of the best instructors I’ve ever had in my life at Denton Dance Conservatory. Chris Koehl (hip hop instructor) is actually in VEGAS for the finals of So You Think You Can Dance right now. Only 30 contestants left and they are picking a top 20- I am SO anxious to hear the results tonight. Jose Zamora (contemporary instructor) has been so inspirational. I’ve never taken a contemporary class so I’m dancing with a group of 15 year old tweens; they rock though.

Found this old photo in my grandmother’s house when I was home last month. Thought yall would get a kick out of it.



My mom, a little older than I currently am, danced in this recital with me in the “big girls” class. She made me realize that you’re never too old to do what you love.

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Saturday, June 4

Get slim quick.

Overindulged at lunch?

Need to fit in a little dress by this evening?



A quick way to get your bloating to go away is a quick10-30 minute walk, elliptical exercise or jog to get things moving through your digestive tract.
I tested this piece of advice (from Women’s Health Magazine) on Saturday when I was somewhat hung-over and going to a barbeque to indulge in a lot of grilled delicious steak. I just did 12 minutes on the elliptical before the barbeque and 12 minutes the following day. It really did work.


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Thursday, June 2

Mind tricks to curb cravings




Visualizing eating a piece of food you are craving can trick your mind into thinking you have already consumed it. This was tested on subjects with M&Ms and found that they at 61% fewer pieces when applying this mental exercise. Sweet and smart. Thanks Women’s Health.


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