tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11000129960831542502024-02-20T17:16:03.239-08:00The Curvy Girl ChroniclesJust a curvy girl living this straight world trying to find her way. Fashion. Food. Travel. EncourgementT. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-23205152283893710612023-01-15T07:00:00.001-08:002023-01-15T07:00:00.187-08:00The CGC Cooks: Zuppa Toscana Soup <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VT64ux3oizk3pOeY6ZsG8KUoRa698XYAWJwonNsX3eHcubTpB32blV8j0YI5hJa9Co8qSz_nR9KhYxgfRQ4tVTQhq_ai_FnlcVHdt5Cf_MyTrkJtUda-copmh-x4QQDPEZTuGx1GdFC4NY9wng_yutqOleN2-9YV4TuNnKlyo1E8lq317mhX0SJIAg/s3879/IMG_9629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2182" data-original-width="3879" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VT64ux3oizk3pOeY6ZsG8KUoRa698XYAWJwonNsX3eHcubTpB32blV8j0YI5hJa9Co8qSz_nR9KhYxgfRQ4tVTQhq_ai_FnlcVHdt5Cf_MyTrkJtUda-copmh-x4QQDPEZTuGx1GdFC4NY9wng_yutqOleN2-9YV4TuNnKlyo1E8lq317mhX0SJIAg/w640-h360/IMG_9629.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>If it's one thing that I will do quick, fast and in a hurry it's make a good ol' pot of soup when the temperature drops and this week in Atlanta the temperature has dropped! Listen, it was so cold today, I promise my edge control froze. I love all type of soups and I even have a recipe for my <a href="http://www.thecurvygirlchronicles.com/2018/12/the-curvy-girls-kitchen-classic-winter.html">creamy tomato soup + grilled cheese</a> on the blog but today I am sharing one of my favorites. </p><p>One of my favorite soups has to be the Zuppa Toscana soup. I was first introduced to it at Olive Garden many, many moons ago. Be just like a lot of restaurants sometimes it hits and sometimes it doesn't. However, one thing that can consistent is when you make something at home. You can perfect the recipe to your liking. </p><p>Now I love to make Zuppa Toscana which translates to Tuscan Soup (Zuppa = soup, Toscana = Tuscan) on the stove in my dutch oven but you can get the same delicious favors in a crock pot. Simply dump the ingredients in and go. Let me tell you how I make mine.</p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><u>Ingredients:</u></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>Zuppa Toscana</u></h3><p>- 32 oz of chicken broth </p><p>- 1 to 2 cups of water</p><p>- 3 - 4 medium russet potatoes (cleaned well and slices into 1/4 circle slices)</p><p>- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot; which ever you like)</p><p>- 1/2 yellow sweet onion (chopped)</p><p>- 5 - 8 cloves of garlic (minced)</p><p>- 4 slices of bacon (I like thick cut)</p><p>- 3 - 4 hand fulls of kale (cleaned)</p><p>- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half and half (which ever you prefer)</p><p>- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (more or less for your taste)</p><p>- 1 teaspoon garlic powder</p><p>- 1 teaspoon onion powder</p><p>- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese + plus extra for serving</p><p>- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste</p><p>- Salt and Pepper to taste</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>Garlic Parmesan Croutons</u></h3><p style="text-align: left;">- 1/2 or whole French baguette</p><p style="text-align: left;">- 2 to 3 table spoons olive oil</p><p style="text-align: left;">- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder</p><p style="text-align: left;">- 3 teaspoons of grated parmesan cheese</p><p style="text-align: left;">- Optional Italian seasoning</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h2 style="text-align: left;"><u>Recipes:</u></h2><div><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cut strips of bacon into bite size pieces and fry until crispy. Remove from pan, drain off extra grease and sat a side. </li><li>(OPTIONAL) Sauté onions in bacon grease until translucent and add in garlic and saute until tender. Remove from pan and sat a side. </li><li>In the same pan add Italian sausage. While cooking be sure to break it up (I like to call this scrambling) with your spatua or spoon and cook until done. Remove from the pan and drain off extra grease. </li><li>In your crock pot (this is the easy part) pour in your chicken broth, add your potatoes, onions + garlic, and Italian sausage. Plus garlic powder, onion powder, red chili flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Add enough water to cover the top of potatoes. This could be 1 or two cups. </li><li>Close the lid and cook on high until the potatoes are fork tender. This takes about 2 to 3 hours or so. </li><li>Once potatoes are fork tender (meaning you can easily pierce them with a fork) add heavy whipping cream and let cook for another 20 minutes. </li><li>Add in parmesan cheese, bacon pieces, and kale after the 20 minutes. The hot soup will cook the kale in about 5 to 10 minutes so I do this right before it's done. </li><li>Serve with croutons and parmesan cheese if you would like. </li></ol><p></p><h3 style="background-color: white; color: #444444; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><u>Croutons:</u></h3></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cut baguette into 1 inch pieces</li><li>In a bowl mix olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings if desired</li><li>Coat baguette pieces into olive oil mixture</li><li>Spread on baking sheet or air fryer rack</li><li>Bake or air fry on 400 degrees until crispy and golden brown.</li></ol><div><br /></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">A few tips and tricks:</h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Cooking all about doing what you like so feel free to add more and less seasoning depending how you like it. I tend to taste mine once the potatoes are fork tender and adjust seasoning from there.</li><li>On the same lines of seasonings, I like to take it easy on the salt because a few ingredients in this recipe have salt in them so be careful.</li><li>You can also cook this low and simply adjust the time. </li><li>The croutons are not necessary but I promise you wont regret it. </li><li>If you don't eat pork try substituting for a ground chicken or turkey Italian sausage. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div>That is it, that is all y'all! Let me know if you give this recipe a try or what you would add or change to it. I am always looking to update my recipes. Until next recipe, everybody can cook if you can read the recipe. </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Playfair Display"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><o:p></o:p></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Playfair Display"; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-45507008538119184162022-09-29T19:03:00.006-07:002022-09-29T19:03:54.112-07:00The CGC Weekend Miami Travel Guide <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpgR2PexKXg1CI8pVewaoCpYLoWf1zQ865BgDnU9v92541sZlREaQQ85ePqWF83TDcBG0jcuRLuXIMHE69TdZ_aQkm9dxJUIkK14B_dYXFuJJZTeJPj3DTA-gAxWhyL5DuRwdZ5tkQWGYnjQV9qBNGaMCbV-Xw24V29IM5h-7wLcFnI6zQ9yh5lFOPA/s4032/FD03277C-DF48-42E3-B68D-C870C09BB6A8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpgR2PexKXg1CI8pVewaoCpYLoWf1zQ865BgDnU9v92541sZlREaQQ85ePqWF83TDcBG0jcuRLuXIMHE69TdZ_aQkm9dxJUIkK14B_dYXFuJJZTeJPj3DTA-gAxWhyL5DuRwdZ5tkQWGYnjQV9qBNGaMCbV-Xw24V29IM5h-7wLcFnI6zQ9yh5lFOPA/w480-h640/FD03277C-DF48-42E3-B68D-C870C09BB6A8.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Would you believe me if I told you I have only been to Miami twice and this the first time I really stayed to explore? Well, believe it sis. This was my time in the turn-up city of Miami where I really got to walk around, explore and enjoy the sites and I did it with my Momma. This was our first solo mother-daughter trip that did not involve visiting family and I when I say we had a time, we had an amazing time together. My mom and I are super close and to be able to spend this time with her especially during my birthday week was truly priceless. <p></p><p>This was the second leg of my birthday week celebration and I really just wanted to put my toes in the sand and my feet in the ocean to conclude my 32nd complete year around the. What better place to do that than Miami, Florida.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Where We Stayed</u></span></h2><div>When looking for a hotel there were a few things I wanted to keep in mind. I wanted to be close to the beach, close to shops and restaurants, somewhere clean, and somewhere that would not break our pockets. While searching the internet highways and byways for weeks I came across a cute boutique hotel that checked off those all boxes plus it was a newer hotel opening only earlier 2022. I was sold.</div><div><br /></div><div>The hotel you ask, Uma House by Yurbann South Beach. Uma House is located on James Ave right behind Collins Ave. The pros of this hotel definitely outweighed the cons. Let me give you the cons because there are two major ones and it concerns the room itself. First, the lighting in the room was TERRIBLE yall. My mom hated it! There were just not enough lights and it was constantly dim, especially in the evening. Second and most important, they would not allow the air to go below 69 degrees. Now yall are probably thinking that's not too bad, right? But it is. The temperature never dropped below 71 degrees in the room it was 100 degrees outside. Was it unbearable, no but this heat we have been having this summer is different and it was warm at times in the room but it would cool off but not as cool as my mom or I like it. Neither of these were total deal breakers but definitely affect my overall rating.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now you are probably like why would stay there again because the pros outweighed the cons. All of my boxes were checked out. It was about a block away from a beach entrance and they provided beach towels in your room, a beach bag, and two chairs at the beach. As noted above it is located one street over from Collins Ave, a few blocks from Espanola Way, walking distance to Lincoln ceneter. In short the location is prime! It was very clean, it's new, and they cleaned the room regularly all of which rank top for me. The best part, the price was goodt! All in all out of 5 stars I would this place a 3.8 which is good and I would definitely stay again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fPnXFOEFsE1sV2RpSy58xOzOdqWV44Trozm8cs4BHkzJbst0Zc0Rh9BCcDI2WWfImOpxfubbRDTnezf0symaDh-RZBhiqYIFGqqB-yEc5YfJeJBUC3H_x0CgKBFdHn1BzdoAWKNSOtnYmBR_JbL1eWczEQLkFllZtXn3fSv3jdxu3f4IZVI3LHvBkg/s4032/A7BCD81B-D811-4E42-8598-B990E6BDCE8D_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1fPnXFOEFsE1sV2RpSy58xOzOdqWV44Trozm8cs4BHkzJbst0Zc0Rh9BCcDI2WWfImOpxfubbRDTnezf0symaDh-RZBhiqYIFGqqB-yEc5YfJeJBUC3H_x0CgKBFdHn1BzdoAWKNSOtnYmBR_JbL1eWczEQLkFllZtXn3fSv3jdxu3f4IZVI3LHvBkg/s320/A7BCD81B-D811-4E42-8598-B990E6BDCE8D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);"><u>What We Did</u></span></span></h2><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);">I hope you didn't come to this post to hear about the turn-up spots because unfortunately this won't' tickle your fancy. I went to Miami to relax honestly. I was coming off of a 4 day trip to Disney World (don't worry that blog post is coming soon) and I already knew I would be be dog tired. I just wanted to hit the beach and relax plus I was with my mom who likes to have a good time but the club is not her scene and I might be getting a little old myself. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);">If there are two things that my mom and I enjoy doing together though, it is shopping and exploring so we did just that. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpqCYZUwdtvuh6rEM-1UhaK2IGvsbcstShSVRdPM9Ea9hHLZQ15jFrTOTXNEEgoLWiMYTLY6m31BbqB6bHk6DKBS79IAoBOjdXjLRb2GFJhqkg98sM_4WUSFNysU1z36pPA10rQDLD2Fqj8Vt0dce4ewmMABKGkPxuvM8lnIt2ZTcAqhzG7fr8hlhfA/s4032/FE29F756-1D6C-4D5E-B325-CE75EFE6E43F_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpqCYZUwdtvuh6rEM-1UhaK2IGvsbcstShSVRdPM9Ea9hHLZQ15jFrTOTXNEEgoLWiMYTLY6m31BbqB6bHk6DKBS79IAoBOjdXjLRb2GFJhqkg98sM_4WUSFNysU1z36pPA10rQDLD2Fqj8Vt0dce4ewmMABKGkPxuvM8lnIt2ZTcAqhzG7fr8hlhfA/s320/FE29F756-1D6C-4D5E-B325-CE75EFE6E43F_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDjc8vZ1-G51JJ8jvKohncN_PIOz0imHRIrdzkTHhu1cR-mRSciqrbr2Ydl8crY5OwLK6Zpv3B1rk4y2SxnINrxvUhOPmzkB3OI1KWTnFCI5mF5WtttpNRRHvfafs0snjjUTupkKnEHisXcuHaH8AR2BFbzNkuAc_GcHxaPiC6X8sPPFlCsZoOOouYg/s3888/25BF0494-FBB3-4F2F-9CE7-DC580D3992C2_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="2916" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDjc8vZ1-G51JJ8jvKohncN_PIOz0imHRIrdzkTHhu1cR-mRSciqrbr2Ydl8crY5OwLK6Zpv3B1rk4y2SxnINrxvUhOPmzkB3OI1KWTnFCI5mF5WtttpNRRHvfafs0snjjUTupkKnEHisXcuHaH8AR2BFbzNkuAc_GcHxaPiC6X8sPPFlCsZoOOouYg/s320/25BF0494-FBB3-4F2F-9CE7-DC580D3992C2_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);">Where We Shopped</span></span></h3><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);">If you are looking for a good shopping area Lincoln Center is what you are looking for. You have your Nike, H&M, Forever21, Macy's Zara plus an Apple and so much more and please take it from me and my mom, if you have an iPhone you should always know where the nearest Apple is when traveling because you never know when you will have to make a quick trip in (don't ask how I know). Now if you are a luxury girl that follows me, (Hey girl hey) Bal Harbour is going to be for you. Now we did not make it there because we are yet luxury girls but I know from sources that's all yall. </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128);"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;">Where We Explored</span></h3><div>Depending on how long you have been following me you probably know that if there is one thing that I am going to when I travel it is find the art walls, the art galleries. I love a good art wall and Miami did not disappoint! By recommendation from my cousin we visited the Art District and the Wynwood Walls. The Art District itself is filled with tons of art walls, graffiti and just overall a vibe. <a href="https://museum.thewynwoodwalls.com/main" target="_blank">The Wynwood Walls</a> is a a wall art museum that does cost to enter. You can find walls painted by different artist depending on the time you visit and even sculptures designed by artist. During our visit one of the walls was painted by Shepard Fairey who is the artist that created the famous Obama Hope photo. All in all my heart was full with all the art. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbfN_fB_eButqxkH7SyIzfnQuRM-sdhLyQLVLupnH4q9bMFhAQHJk9xLEQy0A2Q2RfvIQLuqz25bt11M_NNjFj6hg2cOyjxS5bl3rhSq0e-Ga0J0cEmOwS7Q2CoTVmAR4SFlY1ySfdIGiGhwM1ApjvF1DsxmckBPhKVk94Hmu3rVXtJ5vOU-fqnKSQg/s3088/9B1F6538-4B45-4663-8F99-3D5B8DC81A99_1_201_a.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVVvUyfA7NvtQeEd88k2lhPXkPM0uW5tNQ_eXNMz9lAi7jiGxT70ah45p87UqMeIRjjcQF_8RXz40qKblmDTnrvRNNvcVv9P7FxNUs7M3RL7OcYOC0xN3b88ofZ0PxFcZ2ZAXCMDIrEbwE4maJ_FnMgF1l14iG4M7vTfvnBsaM-CaMzfe-FoFcsojGA/s4032/4910A908-E0B2-4FA9-95ED-CD71901020A4_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVVvUyfA7NvtQeEd88k2lhPXkPM0uW5tNQ_eXNMz9lAi7jiGxT70ah45p87UqMeIRjjcQF_8RXz40qKblmDTnrvRNNvcVv9P7FxNUs7M3RL7OcYOC0xN3b88ofZ0PxFcZ2ZAXCMDIrEbwE4maJ_FnMgF1l14iG4M7vTfvnBsaM-CaMzfe-FoFcsojGA/w240-h320/4910A908-E0B2-4FA9-95ED-CD71901020A4_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbfN_fB_eButqxkH7SyIzfnQuRM-sdhLyQLVLupnH4q9bMFhAQHJk9xLEQy0A2Q2RfvIQLuqz25bt11M_NNjFj6hg2cOyjxS5bl3rhSq0e-Ga0J0cEmOwS7Q2CoTVmAR4SFlY1ySfdIGiGhwM1ApjvF1DsxmckBPhKVk94Hmu3rVXtJ5vOU-fqnKSQg/s3088/9B1F6538-4B45-4663-8F99-3D5B8DC81A99_1_201_a.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtQbDvmXnXqBwUFExwpBhSVAo58jarw1KlnXOCArOZjebKh-W5P4DJl_eeZt6_Eu8iYklysfMvkAizthGkmnzfcPQCzvoeLjgePZmI_t9zK9q9XlUyUY3ZKmc5Ip0BF19-Jso9ExlDMnbinIsqdDy6nqJAIG8kc94vJP5TO8IdcqLDW5TyHlFFd5Pvg/s4032/61537FAD-CD87-4BC0-B193-AF5547398472.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtQbDvmXnXqBwUFExwpBhSVAo58jarw1KlnXOCArOZjebKh-W5P4DJl_eeZt6_Eu8iYklysfMvkAizthGkmnzfcPQCzvoeLjgePZmI_t9zK9q9XlUyUY3ZKmc5Ip0BF19-Jso9ExlDMnbinIsqdDy6nqJAIG8kc94vJP5TO8IdcqLDW5TyHlFFd5Pvg/w240-h320/61537FAD-CD87-4BC0-B193-AF5547398472.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbfN_fB_eButqxkH7SyIzfnQuRM-sdhLyQLVLupnH4q9bMFhAQHJk9xLEQy0A2Q2RfvIQLuqz25bt11M_NNjFj6hg2cOyjxS5bl3rhSq0e-Ga0J0cEmOwS7Q2CoTVmAR4SFlY1ySfdIGiGhwM1ApjvF1DsxmckBPhKVk94Hmu3rVXtJ5vOU-fqnKSQg/s3088/9B1F6538-4B45-4663-8F99-3D5B8DC81A99_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbfN_fB_eButqxkH7SyIzfnQuRM-sdhLyQLVLupnH4q9bMFhAQHJk9xLEQy0A2Q2RfvIQLuqz25bt11M_NNjFj6hg2cOyjxS5bl3rhSq0e-Ga0J0cEmOwS7Q2CoTVmAR4SFlY1ySfdIGiGhwM1ApjvF1DsxmckBPhKVk94Hmu3rVXtJ5vOU-fqnKSQg/w240-h320/9B1F6538-4B45-4663-8F99-3D5B8DC81A99_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><u style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128); color: #800180;">What We Ate</u></h2><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128); font-family: inherit;">If you have been around long enough then you already know that if it is one thing your girl is going to do, it is eat good rather on vacation or not. I am a self-certified foodie. Whenever I travel there are at least 2 places that I have done full work up on's. Meaning I read reviews on multiple sites, study the menu, check the location and see if the drins are strong. Baby, I do not play about my food! With that said, please believe that your girl will never shear you a restaurant not worth your month or time. </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128); font-family: inherit;">While in Miami to say that we ate good is honestly an understatement, we GRUBBED y'all! I know that everybody has different tastes but I promise all these places are worth a good rather you are looking for a quick bite or a sit-down brunch. </span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128); font-family: inherit;">Here are all the places that we ate, my rating from 1-10 (1 being alright and 10 being absolutely delicious), the location, and a brief review:</span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(128, 1, 128); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: inherit;"><u>Bodega Taqueria y Tequila 1220 16th St. Miami Beach, FL 33139</u></span></b></h3><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tacos my love language and Bodega feed my heart! The all tacos were delicious and definitely more on the authentic side. The food was fresh and hot and came out rather quickly. The service was good and the margaritas was tasty. I would suggest getting an extra shot in the margarita for an extra hit. The yuca fries were hot, the guacamole was fresh and perfectly seasoned. All in all I give Bodega a 8.9/10. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlNmbpaReKGweg7ZWFc8Ph1thXtyflo5d-IFY8Fh7DxnV9-wRIsyw4XnT8i_xpIh3lQQEbO2Sg7ujaBBjTGeZwSjLlTUKuMBCqEdlazVE4bdvJZdBTKZom5OjFpmI2EYrKSrYIr7ZmRhlc2WSk9e2hDKOErzfFIQBQ-d1-w-5s6oKW_tnRQ8TSEwnkw/s3660/96B28218-A0E4-492F-A895-23E65A955BE3_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3660" data-original-width="2782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlNmbpaReKGweg7ZWFc8Ph1thXtyflo5d-IFY8Fh7DxnV9-wRIsyw4XnT8i_xpIh3lQQEbO2Sg7ujaBBjTGeZwSjLlTUKuMBCqEdlazVE4bdvJZdBTKZom5OjFpmI2EYrKSrYIr7ZmRhlc2WSk9e2hDKOErzfFIQBQ-d1-w-5s6oKW_tnRQ8TSEwnkw/s320/96B28218-A0E4-492F-A895-23E65A955BE3_1_201_a.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><u><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Nostimo Greek Kitchen 170 NW 24th St. Miami, FL 33127</b></span></u></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><u><span style="color: #800180;"><b><br /></b></span></u></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While in the art distract we were looking for dinner and stumbled upon this little greek place. They were in the process undergoing a menu makeover by a woman fresh from Greece. I have the lamb skewers and my mom had the greek chicken both were AMAZING!!! The chicken was sweet with tons of spices and the lamb was seasoned to perfection and perfectly grilled. This place gets a 8.6/10. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLNGxJ_h5nU0vOxYDB4MHaHU7OMLbEwgJ4cvK-VlSITJxIC4QLcr29idpBT9g0wlaocaqayZBCi_I9XVdR_mot9AgW6JSeMq9Jhvye18LX9Qo9dst6xtW3M_PnRjL6unPN0FuknBVbhflr-gwxN_Z1e7mLF8Bc15fA1HCBapqiVVAb5EWtCiA4-u2Ww/s4032/0D7162F1-A415-4806-BD63-40B8250DBFB5_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLNGxJ_h5nU0vOxYDB4MHaHU7OMLbEwgJ4cvK-VlSITJxIC4QLcr29idpBT9g0wlaocaqayZBCi_I9XVdR_mot9AgW6JSeMq9Jhvye18LX9Qo9dst6xtW3M_PnRjL6unPN0FuknBVbhflr-gwxN_Z1e7mLF8Bc15fA1HCBapqiVVAb5EWtCiA4-u2Ww/s320/0D7162F1-A415-4806-BD63-40B8250DBFB5_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></u></div><u><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></u><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Bacon B*tch 1001 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139</u></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #800180;"><u><br /></u></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #800180;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes you have to be careful of the Instagram popular restaurants because they could be all vibes and terrible but food. Bacon B*tich however, gave vibes and absolutely delicious food! The croissants are homemade and so fresh and buttery! The bacon is some of the best tasting bacon I have ever had. The drinks are hella strong. I would go on and on y'all. Just go. Make a reservation and go. 9.4/10 is the rating! GO!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWKmF6SGLQCJiCmbByzjhmEGQ-lo9wBEZ7SXy_M-eKvpDWD4I23lYx2oog0QQ_hnckQqX5J59oUsD390DL65u4TTJvtI7ct2G3wBUxvUha1_jnHyLGYC_p6qbdHX3eCh_r86iyZKxPpSNWJ0b3E1wpaZmEKC0kiheJQJuLGVIL8GaDB9KWV87BRsBtQ/s4032/0B46D73F-F129-46ED-8F8D-45B3123CEA28_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWKmF6SGLQCJiCmbByzjhmEGQ-lo9wBEZ7SXy_M-eKvpDWD4I23lYx2oog0QQ_hnckQqX5J59oUsD390DL65u4TTJvtI7ct2G3wBUxvUha1_jnHyLGYC_p6qbdHX3eCh_r86iyZKxPpSNWJ0b3E1wpaZmEKC0kiheJQJuLGVIL8GaDB9KWV87BRsBtQ/s320/0B46D73F-F129-46ED-8F8D-45B3123CEA28_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></b><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #800180;"><u><b>Havana 1957 405 Española Way Miami Beach, FL 33139</b></u></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #800180;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #800180;"><u></u></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Havana 1957 was a whole vibe! The one on Espanola Way sits at a corner of the alley with other restaurants. You hear music playing, people chatting and enjoying their meals. The ambiance feels like Cuba (and believe me, I know since I visited in 2019). The food here was good as well. The food was seasoned, the drinks strong, and they even sang happy birthday to me and brought me cake. I would give it a 8.0/10 and I would definitely go back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ira0jpOVuYHd7ZJWMNSDsyoWsXrxcw7BXTEJ2wiysonYIfmvNVRiJ7w5jKblP_aiip2O27Sk7BlZiqu9dbqVV2zszgmp1xXlr04DJsVlZxg8SRyrea0Ncl_jQxbri9F1diBEYYlXfqT9DPfGDZ8RTOLP0G78f3VCXe05EwmPr8lk1VKE1c0_qfSj0Q/s3712/DC0E1A39-CFA8-457F-8155-4EE635FF280D_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="3023" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ira0jpOVuYHd7ZJWMNSDsyoWsXrxcw7BXTEJ2wiysonYIfmvNVRiJ7w5jKblP_aiip2O27Sk7BlZiqu9dbqVV2zszgmp1xXlr04DJsVlZxg8SRyrea0Ncl_jQxbri9F1diBEYYlXfqT9DPfGDZ8RTOLP0G78f3VCXe05EwmPr8lk1VKE1c0_qfSj0Q/s320/DC0E1A39-CFA8-457F-8155-4EE635FF280D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="261" /></a></u></span></div><span style="color: #800180;"><u><br /></u></span><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Maxine’s Bistro & Bar 1756 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139</u></span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>On our last day there we needed a close restaurant to grab breakfast before a little more shopping and heading to the airport. A quick Google search brought this place up which was literally around the corner from the total. This is one of those restaurants on Collins that has drink specials and decent food. Out of all our meals these would be my least favorite. Would I return yeah but I would not break my neck to go. 7.0/10 is the rating take with that as you will. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV3SMK3PizMhcEODHRMhykCPkKiCph43PKntZUCWe606o0acoHYqwX4nZNsxsERMOXvAa3O4oM30MuaU9qmqLjC91L4oRAI2vLf1X0e_WA4k-iY-aKQt3anN1gdqMae0u1LmIO56hWvUwv9vpvuf0yj_tbq_5xNMsCca1vE0EJUwqBTWZLOPF8BGddg/s4032/DAE8035F-A787-49C0-BE0E-FBF11245CA77_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjV3SMK3PizMhcEODHRMhykCPkKiCph43PKntZUCWe606o0acoHYqwX4nZNsxsERMOXvAa3O4oM30MuaU9qmqLjC91L4oRAI2vLf1X0e_WA4k-iY-aKQt3anN1gdqMae0u1LmIO56hWvUwv9vpvuf0yj_tbq_5xNMsCca1vE0EJUwqBTWZLOPF8BGddg/s320/DAE8035F-A787-49C0-BE0E-FBF11245CA77_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></u></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #800180;"><br /></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #800180;"><u>Rosetta Bakery 929 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139</u></span></b><p></p></div><div>The whole trip we were looking for something sweet. Just something to hit the sweet tooth and Rosetta's bakery did just yall! They had pastries and sandwiches. We just went for the pastries. They were not too sweet, fresh and delicious y'all! Give them a try. I would rate them a 8.5/10. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7PBy2LHj3eXSvrnAu5MmOfZCgtXBm6RXJRb-ivcZ9WB_eV8FYmG9b7NIlme6QgstHiUdWF90UtjM3AfONn33nNgeJ3-toS19L4b6jD8YqvHVC-xPpeUsT7HCmryD3cBLn5tPtidVukzsfTtxmnf_G0R9OJ_jKqJTxsnfzx4d3VpOwj0P3BUTq99bLA/s1777/IMG_8327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1777" data-original-width="1196" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7PBy2LHj3eXSvrnAu5MmOfZCgtXBm6RXJRb-ivcZ9WB_eV8FYmG9b7NIlme6QgstHiUdWF90UtjM3AfONn33nNgeJ3-toS19L4b6jD8YqvHVC-xPpeUsT7HCmryD3cBLn5tPtidVukzsfTtxmnf_G0R9OJ_jKqJTxsnfzx4d3VpOwj0P3BUTq99bLA/s320/IMG_8327.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were in Miami for a good time, not a long time and we had just that, a good relaxing time. It was hot, we experience the random Florida rain and we enjoyed some quality mother-daughter time. All in all this was one of the best tips I have ever taken and spending my first week of 33 with my mom, at the beach was PRICELESS! If you are close with a parent(s), this is your sign to make memories with them and love on them. If you have never been to Miami or have been considering revisiting, this is your sign to book the trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know in the comments some of your favorite Miami eats, places to stay and to-dos. </div>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-30024942609214835982022-03-26T20:54:00.014-07:002022-09-29T19:12:16.827-07:00SNEAKER CHRONICLES: Air Max Day 2022<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm6Ls2ze5b8L7CPFV_o4QBoYEfCLD7pBSbme3ac2OMzf1_aSa37fjzxVPO0P_XAXRtCDX5t7WPAPmfvU6i7YCmy0FW0q4yGw6Kzc-70KVqUgwRaCqSKBFR7lWbAMYxUkCfkv46tcHqMVdnHSfAd2CgqElDjyHWQoI0Va5gMVDYe-GllfWT5naxbPdkg/s6285/DSC_5760.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5028" data-original-width="6285" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm6Ls2ze5b8L7CPFV_o4QBoYEfCLD7pBSbme3ac2OMzf1_aSa37fjzxVPO0P_XAXRtCDX5t7WPAPmfvU6i7YCmy0FW0q4yGw6Kzc-70KVqUgwRaCqSKBFR7lWbAMYxUkCfkv46tcHqMVdnHSfAd2CgqElDjyHWQoI0Va5gMVDYe-GllfWT5naxbPdkg/w640-h512/DSC_5760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As I was browsing Beyonce's internet this morning I came across a meme that said, "Air Max Day is the super bowl for sneaker heads." And my immediate response, "Where is the lie?" I promise if I could have double tapped 1000 times I surely would have. If you are unfamiliar on what Air Max Day is, allow me to learn you something right quick. </span></p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;">What is Air Max Day?</span></h2><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Air Max Day is the day that we, sneaker heads and sneaker lovers alike, give the Nike Air Max styles their flowers. The day that we put away our Jordans, our Dunks, and any other Nikes to shine light on the Air Max. March 26th is when you find your sneaker friends switching up their show game.You maybe asking yourself, "Whats the fuss surrounding this shoe?" Well the Air Max is the first <a href="http://www.nike.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">Nike </span></a>shoe to feature visible air pockets in the sole of the shoe. Today there are about 20 different styles of Air Max. I told you it would a quick lesson. Now this year the celebration was one for the books. </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVPckrdfhhXzUh40mkU81Fp58Y_R2bnoU5e9-QLm3bDpXKf0Ax7H0rsfxEkY1jZ_P38_Jpdgt33yesYK_Del4Pv1_4lyJKGG2uY-v5070YYwXft5hk5dNMw-8Z5ytHZMq4DOg2tVGiMSwjem8yUh7MaN8tLvTE_IfnMQVmTtEtAYcu3DHPLhwbKkheg/s5782/DSC_5743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4625" data-original-width="5782" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVPckrdfhhXzUh40mkU81Fp58Y_R2bnoU5e9-QLm3bDpXKf0Ax7H0rsfxEkY1jZ_P38_Jpdgt33yesYK_Del4Pv1_4lyJKGG2uY-v5070YYwXft5hk5dNMw-8Z5ytHZMq4DOg2tVGiMSwjem8yUh7MaN8tLvTE_IfnMQVmTtEtAYcu3DHPLhwbKkheg/w640-h512/DSC_5743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;">The 2022 Air Max Day Celebration</span></h2><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My good sis <span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fabglance/">Melissa</a> </span>of <a href="http://www.fabglance.com" target="_blank">FabGlance </a>extended an invitation for me to join her <a href="https://fabglance.com/2022/03/26/style-file-air-max-day-2022/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">Air Max shoot</span></a> which takes place in Nashville, TN. For the past couple of years she has gathered up some of her favorite sneaker loving content creators to produce amazing visuals. This year we did just that! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I took the short 3 or so hour drive up to Nashville (which if you been around, then you already know that's my second home) and myself, Melissa and my other good blogger sis <span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/crownedcanesha" target="_blank">CaNesha</a> </span>of <span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="https://www.crownedcanesha.com/" target="_blank">CrownedCaNesha</a> </span>took over the Tennessee State Capital with a brunch of black girl magic and cute sneakers to create something amazing. Of course we didn't do it alone, Melissa enlisted the services of an amazing videographer, Silas of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shotsxsi" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">ShotsXSi </span></a>and amazing photographer Desarae of <span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/momentsbymamabear" target="_blank">Moments by Mama Bear Photography</a>.</span> Between their skill and our personalities, magic was created. Take a look for yourself...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABsU8whtrN5xnVM67OSZv8O0hR1DEPjds7d8_71Jm07uyMXRkCDbC0iyrFOIOwfA_FnD9-TwEtDxxucZAWeotaEU4Tgixx4lOsjzow0rlKw5R9q_XCKp1gIDqU9QUt4B1_fK8IPvSMjZKxE7iXWkI9evlwHcqONQbVvjPYHhEelXvmM0ybn6MDDiZrg/s6000/03309203-7BDF-4734-A1FA-9284409891AD.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABsU8whtrN5xnVM67OSZv8O0hR1DEPjds7d8_71Jm07uyMXRkCDbC0iyrFOIOwfA_FnD9-TwEtDxxucZAWeotaEU4Tgixx4lOsjzow0rlKw5R9q_XCKp1gIDqU9QUt4B1_fK8IPvSMjZKxE7iXWkI9evlwHcqONQbVvjPYHhEelXvmM0ybn6MDDiZrg/w208-h311/03309203-7BDF-4734-A1FA-9284409891AD.jpeg" width="208" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L44n7gi8KEiZvM9m64bqugykcxVr1x4KlEgBYmQU1reH1GYewwDk1-NBmtRVqvQvog7tuwhwe7DM_QR7B3wfvbPrCzFL1UshjVu-PMSW6BVYyjcQdBq2mbhmWtDj-8irwqmNt7UhJjeis0GWHzJ-RzDMUV2yoOyVHF_TCB5GQYADynfKSR3PR7j49g/s6738/A684AAC4-4BBD-4969-9CA6-A8C666D4028C.jpeg" style="clear: right; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT8h2Wg6w1SEe57eL6Tdm_seKBQe4GOkCfQf00AmJeIgKfdmw3guU9O4ohoeQi-ipPii-fcCcQ6_DS0OvalQrZwfoslrPZeiwg4zXRZnwrA8vWS3a2iKxMGg8toUxZaJDhxD51T3sGUZKmrZqt98npt_t6KIFQk4FbMgbNIDXXt3Tb5YCZxW4LnUXSw/s8055/DSC_5774.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8055" data-original-width="5370" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuT8h2Wg6w1SEe57eL6Tdm_seKBQe4GOkCfQf00AmJeIgKfdmw3guU9O4ohoeQi-ipPii-fcCcQ6_DS0OvalQrZwfoslrPZeiwg4zXRZnwrA8vWS3a2iKxMGg8toUxZaJDhxD51T3sGUZKmrZqt98npt_t6KIFQk4FbMgbNIDXXt3Tb5YCZxW4LnUXSw/w214-h323/DSC_5774.jpg" width="214" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj366gXRQof-ifxJWXC6QydJL-4N8ql-6wEEvAEJSQ-IaMveafWqim3qBKQQNvO3kOok3JBUD2GjACqw_TZU46Ukxi42H4j3natUZlIi8LpuM1PFXkM-BlWXuErMXcaowUF23hr6QprrbJ60_6SRk1IGfe-S4AkHxDJrCuF2Beop6q5CXRWASy7IvFYlQ/s6632/DSC_5816.jpg" style="clear: right; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fM2cIY-Zk93RuLWPr4AcGa7OUxrVIClkitufI_0kG842sg657VScHQA9v-oQmQ3EmxjyC26WlFO3dI8b2TgSGkmQXgfRNNa7LVlxTymhdere7W9SqYMT77daz-GNGqQSrwr45KDF3cEzIKW_vnMBmmAinn-By4Ysa8G2DW9Ka0tnhUAY0p_eXrc6Gw/s7956/DSC_6233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5304" data-original-width="7956" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fM2cIY-Zk93RuLWPr4AcGa7OUxrVIClkitufI_0kG842sg657VScHQA9v-oQmQ3EmxjyC26WlFO3dI8b2TgSGkmQXgfRNNa7LVlxTymhdere7W9SqYMT77daz-GNGqQSrwr45KDF3cEzIKW_vnMBmmAinn-By4Ysa8G2DW9Ka0tnhUAY0p_eXrc6Gw/w400-h266/DSC_6233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">LISTEN! I told y'all, MAGIC! And if you don't agree then you are on the wrong corner of the internet. For me, this is part of what this blogging journey is about, creating over competing. Meeting these two amazing women from Nashville has been one of the highlights of my blog career. We keep each other sane in this world of content creation which if you allow it will take you OUT! I can talk to them about life, influencing, sneakers plus more. I am grateful to have met them and even more grateful that Melissa extended the invite for me to take part of Air Max Day 2022 shoot. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Be sure to check out each of our instagram pages and blogs because y'all already know we have more content to drop from the shoot. This Air Max Day was one for the books and I can't wait until next year. It's the Super Bowl for sneaker lovers and sneakers heads and everybody won!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-38232455788678085512021-08-12T15:35:00.002-07:002021-08-12T15:38:49.196-07:00ATHLETA:THE 411 ON THE EXTENDED SIZES<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XbSXKr1_5d6s73ZitkTy1DPdKbJEe7qc_lDf9b6OgHecw4wIH8cxVwNKqEBkL4pFSBDmja8Phy3T1aQUYq9drMB3Th_njZGvc2btT76dKk_lcRWYzHEG3qsFpUdXVxaql334RxWHYLDy/s2048/IMG_1773+2.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2048" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XbSXKr1_5d6s73ZitkTy1DPdKbJEe7qc_lDf9b6OgHecw4wIH8cxVwNKqEBkL4pFSBDmja8Phy3T1aQUYq9drMB3Th_njZGvc2btT76dKk_lcRWYzHEG3qsFpUdXVxaql334RxWHYLDy/w640-h580/IMG_1773+2.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I don't know about y'all but if there is one thing that I have added more of to my closet over the past year it is athletic wear. With being on lockdown for months and working from home there was less need for going out clothes and more need for comfy clothes and as we have started going back outside, there is now a need for some new workout clothes if you catch my drift.<p></p><p>As a plus woman that has worked out for years I have my typically places that I shop for my leggings, sport bras and tops but I am always looking for new options. Finding brands that are size inclusive can be difficult so when I heard that Athleta would be extending their sizing to a 3X (24W - 26W) I was pretty intrigued since I know that they are a higher brand of athletic wear. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIYzt3N60r6wYhwkOGJt27rJ00cdwXaWP4UV8frZw1mOl3yw66prtMBj-e66wpDf5ZQVJRkmUyc2PmpgZQQRyNryoNS7BeU5cXmaaGXUpkN2EbG6N_ofdbfIWqruvrncvEyAKnkSDNYaw/s2048/IMG_1783.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIYzt3N60r6wYhwkOGJt27rJ00cdwXaWP4UV8frZw1mOl3yw66prtMBj-e66wpDf5ZQVJRkmUyc2PmpgZQQRyNryoNS7BeU5cXmaaGXUpkN2EbG6N_ofdbfIWqruvrncvEyAKnkSDNYaw/w300-h400/IMG_1783.heic" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQYKu8NQkdbkvoYnrXQZ2eKW7i6dAAbM0cu0viAqjjl4okZrmRBqYeansmsEw9_fhol-LXC9monCm91BAeuLZw4XIzxuJxo_e1EWAAsHKb5eILhZoteK5voUo8_cEOVDganzbeQGvcZdf/s2048/IMG_1852.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQYKu8NQkdbkvoYnrXQZ2eKW7i6dAAbM0cu0viAqjjl4okZrmRBqYeansmsEw9_fhol-LXC9monCm91BAeuLZw4XIzxuJxo_e1EWAAsHKb5eILhZoteK5voUo8_cEOVDganzbeQGvcZdf/w295-h393/IMG_1852.heic" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>I was afforded an invite by my local Atheleta location located in the Avalon shopping center in Alpharetta, GA to have a fit section of some of their plus size options and let me tell you, there were plenty in store (not just online because we know how brands love to limit us big girls to online only). Looking for athletic wear as a plus size woman there are certain things that I look for. The perfect fit, the options offered, and the quality. I need to be sure the sport bra is supportive, the tights stay up and the shirt is long enough. Let me tell y'all, Athleta did not disappoint in any of those areas and y'all know I give it to y'all straight shot no chaser. Athleta's plus size athletic wear really impressed ya girl. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNFiVsygz2qFOnKvaxoiNU46swwTWsNsCnDf4IyguTuEOJ2lEHTGnG1WlsX7vaQgH5ivpOXrNHmDJlAaAD5yKqr7YAu8IlVzpKyE4xQ9TxrYQ7bcKmoRV8mKy4KEClWwOUHnBZDqiO_8N/s2048/IMG_1769.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNFiVsygz2qFOnKvaxoiNU46swwTWsNsCnDf4IyguTuEOJ2lEHTGnG1WlsX7vaQgH5ivpOXrNHmDJlAaAD5yKqr7YAu8IlVzpKyE4xQ9TxrYQ7bcKmoRV8mKy4KEClWwOUHnBZDqiO_8N/w300-h400/IMG_1769.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>Here is the 411 from my point of view:</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">SIZING</span></h3><p>The sizing pretty true to size. I am a size 18W and I was able to get all pieces in a 1X besides sports bras which I had on in a 2X and the jackets pictured were oversized fit so I was able to wear a XL. With athletic wear, I think that it depends on how you like it to fit honestly. I am looking for a comfortable fit which some compression and all the actually workout gear gave me what I was looking for. I would say that if you can, go into the store and try on your normal size first that way you can get a feel for the sizing. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">QUALITY</span></h3><p>Quality is a big one for me because nobody wants a pair of leggings that's so thin you can see through them. You also don't want something that is going to fall down while working out. Athleta gave me an unexpected quality and it was perfect. From the pants, to the tops to the leggings the quality is worth the price.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">SELECTION</span></h3><p>I was very impressed with the selection that was offered in-store for their extended sizes. I was able to look around myself and found multiple items that were in my size that was not selected for me to try on. I also enjoyed that the sizes are mixed in. You don't feel like you have to go a certain section where the big girls shop. This is store that you and your smaller friends can all find something. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYJ-SpY2XCpVLZzuMr-9TzQ9WboJQMscY9nBPJ0rExwqqaxoBWdX0v15oiKXEWBeXC6u2R_SKZIWJSDyOz9SY-ViHnsr04jH7Qqx-3ttfV61dkBCHDCJ150TMRqaYQYbpuisojQab40VS/s2048/IMG_1829.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYJ-SpY2XCpVLZzuMr-9TzQ9WboJQMscY9nBPJ0rExwqqaxoBWdX0v15oiKXEWBeXC6u2R_SKZIWJSDyOz9SY-ViHnsr04jH7Qqx-3ttfV61dkBCHDCJ150TMRqaYQYbpuisojQab40VS/w303-h404/IMG_1829.heic" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRggwWr7FJ43RIyfffAndMNqMjzv6-aCiWGXdCbJlLTjsj-h9KsyBRdf_uzj_NUBw_GCX6-lMDmtFkfYKszOvlPPJDiDI0wfstBsODvThcJfRJEpL7VZ7ss0R4-YvFO6sLHJ8wnRu64NnD/s2048/IMG_1800.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRggwWr7FJ43RIyfffAndMNqMjzv6-aCiWGXdCbJlLTjsj-h9KsyBRdf_uzj_NUBw_GCX6-lMDmtFkfYKszOvlPPJDiDI0wfstBsODvThcJfRJEpL7VZ7ss0R4-YvFO6sLHJ8wnRu64NnD/w300-h400/IMG_1800.heic" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>I hope that helps you pick the perfect piece from my friends at Athleta. I suggest something from the Allyson Felix Collection considering my girl just became the most decorated track and field Olympic athlete. All in all, Athleta has new customer for sure and I hope y'all will give it try as well. If you catch this post by tomorrow, August 13th 2021 then be sure to head to my Instagram and enter my giveaway and there is a code for 20% off of one item that you can use. </p><p><br /></p>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-86455785523996381742021-07-29T15:06:00.003-07:002021-07-29T15:07:44.167-07:00SUMMER BUCKET LIST 2021: ATV RIDING <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspJ7nVqOq2Yl-0bLNrl8Lrf-YCe20kDZxaXbxPHXyvuICmzKlVm0_I-pu3n-Sgs3LkoqtrFHlPU00HZo4Qu5nfCt1jk27Lszsesx2qbC5aKkWI8Ggb9qBGil63lU6GKRY5OK6FRxaylcb/s2048/5B61B31D-1F49-4030-8513-24582C86400A.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspJ7nVqOq2Yl-0bLNrl8Lrf-YCe20kDZxaXbxPHXyvuICmzKlVm0_I-pu3n-Sgs3LkoqtrFHlPU00HZo4Qu5nfCt1jk27Lszsesx2qbC5aKkWI8Ggb9qBGil63lU6GKRY5OK6FRxaylcb/w640-h480/5B61B31D-1F49-4030-8513-24582C86400A.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br />Have y'all ever decided to do something and then when the time comes you start to rethink everything that is about to transpire? That was me when it was time to hope on the ATV's. ATV riding has always been something that I have wanted to do. So when I created my bucket list ATV riding was one of the first items to hit the list. For me, once it's on the bucket list, it HAS to be completed. Writing it down makes it permanent, you know?<p></p><p>Before we continue, I hope you read my <a href="http://www.thecurvygirlchronicles.com/2021/06/summer-2021-bucket-list.html">Summer Bucket List 2021 post</a> if not go ahead and backtrack to it after this post so you get an understanding why this is so personal to me and my reasons for wanting to make this summer one for the books. The summer of LIVING LIFE REGARDLESS is what I am calling it. </p><p>Let's continue. One of my good, good girlfriends is a travel nurse and when I found out her next assignment was going to be in Asheville, NC I immediately made plans to take a trip up to visit her. Asheville has always been on my list of places to visit. I had heard great things about the city. So knowing what I know about Asheville, I figured why not knock off ATV riding off the bucket list plus I would able to hit two birds with one stone because taking a road trip was also on my bucket list. Plus she is always down for anything fun and crazy.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzPhNkUo3yJONXAVGEPsFM5Y-oa9keMuHSyK8driX0cBoAqweEcVLt3sroI_f1BvP-BryNLIArN5N_KZxKkrCPv4ngVbfleA9wNiF2wTjuIam021cfdV7AZ3Y4Q0Xc6NFXOImJXAobL8G/s2048/5AE84B79-5702-44F0-93BC-F1577BD026DE_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzPhNkUo3yJONXAVGEPsFM5Y-oa9keMuHSyK8driX0cBoAqweEcVLt3sroI_f1BvP-BryNLIArN5N_KZxKkrCPv4ngVbfleA9wNiF2wTjuIam021cfdV7AZ3Y4Q0Xc6NFXOImJXAobL8G/w400-h300/5AE84B79-5702-44F0-93BC-F1577BD026DE_1_201_a.heic" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have done some pretty adventurous things in my life but one thing I make sure I always do before is my research. Subconsciously, as a plus size woman, I am always checking the weight limit for all activities. I am I am checking to see if there are safety concerns I need to be aware of. Conducting thorough research on the company that I will be participating in the activity with and so much more. During my search for a ATV riding in Asheville, I came across <a href="https://www.boonlifeadventures.com/">Boon Life Adventures</a> which was located about 45 mins outside of Asheville in Lake Lure. Their price was really good compared to others in the area, the weight limit wasn't a problem and I was more than satisfied with their reviews. (I even left a 5 star review myself)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtwgwmhc8FVBP9EDdrx9iRCPflrsaKsnEhChUzbOGGIE-5t0Y4ELpdcm2pOBbU7nrenUCu8bvIJOUDSKlQzuS-yrimw1YjFHYs410S4xlITH35HKsRaOK1debOk9cQqOCgzEGe0lu0S0z/s2048/9E542FAF-3E3B-4A31-94CF-617C6A637B20.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtwgwmhc8FVBP9EDdrx9iRCPflrsaKsnEhChUzbOGGIE-5t0Y4ELpdcm2pOBbU7nrenUCu8bvIJOUDSKlQzuS-yrimw1YjFHYs410S4xlITH35HKsRaOK1debOk9cQqOCgzEGe0lu0S0z/s320/9E542FAF-3E3B-4A31-94CF-617C6A637B20.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>The day comes for us to ATV ride and I am fine up until we get to the actually facility and I realize that we are literally going to be these 7,000 pound 4-wheelers in the actual Blue Ridge Foothills. In the mountains y'all! My anxiety goes from 0 to 1000 in 5.3 seconds. I am freaking out silently but still excited to go. As we are going over the safety rules and learning about the ATV's we will be on I am saying a prayer to God asking him to just let me and my riding partners make it back down this mountain in one piece. There was one moment that I thought I was going off the edge but after that, a relaxing feeling came over me and I was really able to enjoy my ride. If you have never been ATV riding before then here are a few tips that I have for you:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Be sure that you do your research on the company you are planning to ride with. Boon Life Adventures was like a match made in heaven. </li><li>Listen to all the safety instructions and rules. They are for your safety and let's remember that ATV are heavy machinery.</li><li>Know the environment of your ride because that will determine your clothing attire and your shoes. There was mud where we were. </li><li>Have fun and let loose. Once I was able to claim my anxiety and just ride it was one of the most exciting things I have done.</li></ul><p></p><p>I hope these few tips help you out if you decided to go ATV riding or do anything outside of your comfort zone. I absolutely can not wait to go ATV riding again, maybe this time just not in the mountains. Even though we are still living in uncertain times be sure to make time to do something adventurous or do something that you have had plans for years to do. There is no time like the present. </p><p>If you have any questions about my experience please leave them in the comments or even hit me up on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecurvygirlchronicles/">Instagram</a>. Until the next bucket list check in, LIVE LIFE REGARDLESS!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7Q-oko9x62UAdbbfqLcU0k-zf4P0KvqmMPj6jJB_LJGdIdctVLG80oY-oLQklV6iYi4_k9Im9YMrHfPCXPgDSsnfKKXWRI0spiV3-h1Zv72UcWEd6a9hV_Y0sZ3Cf4-x0XNRGz9ixBjo/s2048/665E3979-7FD2-4841-8F10-D7E5E44DEB77.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7Q-oko9x62UAdbbfqLcU0k-zf4P0KvqmMPj6jJB_LJGdIdctVLG80oY-oLQklV6iYi4_k9Im9YMrHfPCXPgDSsnfKKXWRI0spiV3-h1Zv72UcWEd6a9hV_Y0sZ3Cf4-x0XNRGz9ixBjo/w480-h640/665E3979-7FD2-4841-8F10-D7E5E44DEB77.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIrlXb7hNosBuutxl-Sss2Liaes4a6_uEfeMaI3XuGWTki5trV7FxQL_8dLdG5WT0go1V8kGOqLB2fAHDUBzzhNdhyckdkBzzOPWNIZiA3EZqZV9jAuV5wWOJIC_eNhcUWup5vs3YmsYZ/s2048/D447A3D8-AFEF-49AA-9C2F-CC23E12C3110.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIrlXb7hNosBuutxl-Sss2Liaes4a6_uEfeMaI3XuGWTki5trV7FxQL_8dLdG5WT0go1V8kGOqLB2fAHDUBzzhNdhyckdkBzzOPWNIZiA3EZqZV9jAuV5wWOJIC_eNhcUWup5vs3YmsYZ/w480-h640/D447A3D8-AFEF-49AA-9C2F-CC23E12C3110.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-25954062912274012732021-07-15T23:43:00.005-07:002021-07-16T14:21:13.678-07:005 Ways to Celebrate this Summer<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWeSOEBzacEy0N40xwfRpNDzV4qktMueCqjSTt1FF4KWdC1bPaEsvoBXu8DcpkvbdzxqeDdOFrOBpUL6yW54SckyyLBphgy6-UU92aTnU-YSBX3udNXArLZmF_JUr2xLZzM5XVUHjv-lS/s940/Green+Blue+and+Pink+Illustration+Organic+Sale+Quick+Create+Facebook+Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWeSOEBzacEy0N40xwfRpNDzV4qktMueCqjSTt1FF4KWdC1bPaEsvoBXu8DcpkvbdzxqeDdOFrOBpUL6yW54SckyyLBphgy6-UU92aTnU-YSBX3udNXArLZmF_JUr2xLZzM5XVUHjv-lS/w400-h335/Green+Blue+and+Pink+Illustration+Organic+Sale+Quick+Create+Facebook+Post.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Summer time to me has meant spending time with those that bring me joy. I love planning and host events rather large or small because I feel that they show a level of caring that a lot of people don't get. The thought and time that goes into planning events can be difficult but trust me, it doesn't have to be. Today I am sharing with you 5 different events that you can host in comfort of your backyard or inside your home. <p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ea9999; font-weight: normal;">1. Picnic with Friends</span></h3><p><span>I believe that food and drinks are the core of what brings together family or friends so why not plan a cute outdoor picnic with some of your closet friends this summer. Everybody bring a dish and a drink to share. Pack a few blankets and/or lawn chairs and hit the closet park or even hit the backyard for a grand time. Be sure to bring alone a bluetooth speaker and some games to keep the entertainment going throughout the gathering. If you are looking for some great picnic snacks, I suggest a pasta salad, mini sandwiches or a fruit tray. All scream summer and are great to share. For drinks maybe a homemade lemonade or even a nice summer wine. I promise this will be a good time. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">2. Sip and Paint</span></h3><p><span>Sip and paints became really popular a few years back and I have loved them ever since but to keep things small and sweet host a sip and paint at your home or even in your backyard. This is such a cost effective event to throw. You can get most of the supplies such as paint, brushes and the canvases from your local dollar store or craft store which always have sales and coupons. If you look up coloring pages you can even print them to the canvases making it easier for your guest to paint. Ask everybody to bring a snack to share and their favorite bottle of wine. I am planning to host one this summer and can't wait to see how it turns out. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">3. Outdoor Movie Night</span></h3><p>This one is good for families or friends. Rent or purchase an outdoor protector which can be found on Amazon for a reasonable price. Ask your guest to bring lawn chairs or if you are feeling fancy you can provide sitting. There is super cute blow up furniture that you can find on Amazon as well. You want to take it to the next level, of course snacks are needed. Pop some popcorn and serve in the popcorn containers you can find online or your local dollar store. Pick up candy boxes and even serve nachos and hotdogs from a self made concession stand. This really have the neighborhood talking for sure!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">4. Happy Hour</span></h3><p>If it is one thing I miss the most about going into the office it is after work activities with my favorite co-workers better known as HAPPY HOUR!! Happy hour is how I use to get through the week sometimes being to have tapas and drinks with my work friends was everything that I needed after a long stressful day so just because we aren't in the office, it doesn't mean we can't happy hour! Don't feel like mix and serving the drinks, I have just the thing for you. My friends over at <a href="https://www.tippytap.co/">Tippy Tap Co.</a> will have all your mobile drinks needs covered. Tippy Tap Co. is a <a href="https://www.tippytap.co/packages">mobile bar service in the Atlanta area</a>. They offer a 6 tap vintage mobile bar that will services your party or event with your choice of beer, wine, champagne, mix drinks, custom mixed drinks or even iced coffee. The possibilities are endless! This is perfect for an happy hour event after you book them all you have to worry about is light snacks or your favorite tapas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDjjVDYyz8kN7O3ZjMvHZ4r91yG4JWyXxXQYgUHqtYxz5WWcQ-jr7kdb6b5sQDmTFoDSvoMzPUMoVZOG6yDxiCmzz1EXfrcg7zBaNRw3pNCy6aj5bPoDF_cS96vluGTCnYvf6PwPNSQv1/s1440/90768349_198012174960024_5189921945138757632_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1440" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDjjVDYyz8kN7O3ZjMvHZ4r91yG4JWyXxXQYgUHqtYxz5WWcQ-jr7kdb6b5sQDmTFoDSvoMzPUMoVZOG6yDxiCmzz1EXfrcg7zBaNRw3pNCy6aj5bPoDF_cS96vluGTCnYvf6PwPNSQv1/w640-h492/90768349_198012174960024_5189921945138757632_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">5. Taco Tuesday</span></h3><p>Who doesn't love tacos right? And even though tacos are great everyday, they are extra great on Tuesday so why not plan a Taco Tuesday for a few friends. Tacos and margaritas for everybody. For me, tacos are so customizable which is why I love them so much. You can have vegan, vegetarian and of course meat filled options for your guest. All the fixings can be easily picked up from your local grocery store or if you have a favorite taco spot they might supply the fixings and their salsa for a gathering. This can be done inside or outside which I still appreciate during this times. </p><p>There you have it! 5 ways to take the party outside (or inside if that's your thing) this summer. With us being inside for a year, I want to be sure that I take full advantage of summer 2021 and the rest of year. Spending time with those that I love and care for the most. If you have any other ideas please leave them below in the comments because I would love to hear them. </p><p><br /></p>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-55329449353687266722021-07-01T07:56:00.004-07:002021-07-01T07:56:32.401-07:00Finding a Therapist Takes Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iBu4jApq3xFuyZhbFxEFM8O7y5ufdelqSFjl1uU5reyLw5i6ZVzjFc2t49Ef8wGXHBo3GM2jL_mF1d0xmnO3CM7hNxqdMhuUmBkkugCeDbathpHfpIjMnpGn5Aq_CY3czJ5YihZ6HmIr/s942/E4763B76-FED4-4F59-ACF9-EABDE276E107.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="942" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iBu4jApq3xFuyZhbFxEFM8O7y5ufdelqSFjl1uU5reyLw5i6ZVzjFc2t49Ef8wGXHBo3GM2jL_mF1d0xmnO3CM7hNxqdMhuUmBkkugCeDbathpHfpIjMnpGn5Aq_CY3czJ5YihZ6HmIr/w400-h335/E4763B76-FED4-4F59-ACF9-EABDE276E107.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>If you have been here for a while then you might have read my, "<a href="http://www.thecurvygirlchronicles.com/2019/01/the-last-outfit.html">The Last Outfit,</a>" post. It was a post a wrote about 2 months after a life altering car accident. That car accident not only changed how I drive, who I allow my car but it unfortunately changed my mental state. I was diagnosed with PTSD which is post traumatic stress disorder. For me, I alway equate PTSD with our military veterans. What I never realized was that any life altering event can cause trigger this disorder.</p><p>Let's fast forward to 2020. What I like to refer to a, "The Year of the Quarantine." The year that the US and most of the would was introduced to a pandemic that would keep us in the house for house. It would cause us to wear a mask (for year or so later), it would change the world as we know it. That year, I experienced something mentality that I had felt before but not very often, anxiety. </p><p>I couldn't even step outside of my house because my anxiety triggers. I would have mini panic attacked, I would wash my hand excessively, I didn't want to go to the grocery store and the list goes on. Let's add the fact that black men and women were being gunned down in the streets and the videos were circulating social media. To top all of that my job started to become overly stressful and intense, I felt like I could not breath. I had no idea to function in this new world with my anxiety episodes and my PTSD so I know it was time to make a big change.</p><p>I decided that it was time to start looking for a therapist. It was time that I took my emotional, mental, and physical health into my own hands. I needed to fill like myself again or at least close to it. I had no idea where to start though. In the black community, therapy can be such a taboo topic. We are told to pray about it or just get over it, especially as a black woman. Let's be honest, it's sometime we need to talk it out with somebody that doesn't know use and get the tools we need to continue on. Therapy is a judgement free zone and we need that. </p><p>When I was looking for my therapist I wanted to be sure that they would match up with my personal needs and the concerns that I needed relief from. Looking for a therapist is just like looking for a doctor or a hair stylist. You want the best person for you and you want to be sure that they are able to effectively help you find ways to cope with your needs. I have five tips to finding the perfect therapist or therapists for you.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u>5 Tips to Find that Perfect Therapist</u></h3><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Check with your friends for recommendations. </b>You will be surprised at how many of your friends or family member are already in therapy and would recommend their therapist. This way you know that the person is trusted by somebody close to you.</li><li><b>Look at the therapist's specialities.</b> When you are searching the website be sure to check what that therapist specializes in. You might have childhood trauma but you are going to a marriage therapist. You don't want that.</li><li><b>If at first you don't find a match, try and try again.</b> I went through 4 different therapist until I found my current one. You have to be comfortable telling your therapist, "Hey, this is not working but thank you." You are paying for it so you need to get what will help you.</li><li><b>Check with you current employer.</b> A lot of companies offer life assistance programs where they help you deal with life. One of those ways would be with a counselor or therapist. </li><li><b>Ask you primary care physician.</b> When I told my primary doctor the ways I was feeling she suggested therapy and even had a list of potential therapist I could give a call. I trust my doctor so I know I could trust her recommendations.</li></ol><div>There you have it. 5 tips and tricks for finding the perfect therapist for you. The therapy process is a big step and takes a lot of courage to even consider. It is a healing process and a tool to help you understand your feelings and be able to deal with them. I commend you for even the thought of taking the step and just know if you need any information or want to talk about it, you can send me an email.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdBae781K4gqO6rntMmvMKOhkQ3gcJCqeMm0ZPBuCOiIcqLPai1jrMnhasqXp9plZKl2eKPtBrG5JtrDq8Ca_G1SUd-LvM9QSZFl2bVkQBq3UGycZ_JZLm__0KiJpnR34DqTzwLZAzhI4/s2048/4335DFFD-6BA8-4FA6-AF0A-DB3923E91E94.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdBae781K4gqO6rntMmvMKOhkQ3gcJCqeMm0ZPBuCOiIcqLPai1jrMnhasqXp9plZKl2eKPtBrG5JtrDq8Ca_G1SUd-LvM9QSZFl2bVkQBq3UGycZ_JZLm__0KiJpnR34DqTzwLZAzhI4/w400-h400/4335DFFD-6BA8-4FA6-AF0A-DB3923E91E94.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>If you are in the Atlanta or surrounding area and are looking for a counseling service check out <a href="https://www.rhcounselingservices.com/">Ray of Hope Counseling Services</a>. They offer an array of services such as individual therapy, couples/marriage therapy, family therapy, child therapy plus much more. They offer their <a href="https://www.rhcounselingservices.com/individual-counseling/peachtree-city/">therapy service in Peachtree City, GA</a> but don't worry they have online services as well which is convenient in today's world. If you decided to check them out tell them I sent you. </p>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-36852548883679450822021-06-17T20:02:00.003-07:002021-06-17T20:02:56.291-07:005 Tips for Making and Saving Coins<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-McyfRX3x4JdQ9FBxhEqL9pn0iS2NSh7K0MxpXdt3JRKmS23ilbQh-gj8_2zDoM-gWzW412dE1vXN1mEBqthnFCwOu8-EsRkTbVcq0Pwg8YKm78P4_TeP9XXIAwrOBWLSnRNvWwpCMUS/s940/Blue+Greeting+National+Tell+a+Joke+Day+Facebook+Post.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-McyfRX3x4JdQ9FBxhEqL9pn0iS2NSh7K0MxpXdt3JRKmS23ilbQh-gj8_2zDoM-gWzW412dE1vXN1mEBqthnFCwOu8-EsRkTbVcq0Pwg8YKm78P4_TeP9XXIAwrOBWLSnRNvWwpCMUS/w400-h335/Blue+Greeting+National+Tell+a+Joke+Day+Facebook+Post.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />If you are anything like me then you are always looking for ways to save and make a little extra money. As some of you may or may not know, I am in the process of looking for my first home and with that money seemed to become the main focus of my days. Suddenly I was tracking every penny that left my account and every penny that come into my account. I wanted to be sure that I had a decent savings for new furniture and new household items. I also wanted to be pay down some of debt and still be able to live the lifestyle that I was comfortable with. This meant I would need to find some extra income and new ways to save. <p></p><p>I am not a stranger to working two jobs but let's be honest, with an already stressful full time gig adding the stress an official part time job just did not sit right with my spirit. After counting out applying for part time jobs, I decided that I needed to find easier ways to meet my money goals. Today I am going to share with you 5 ways that I have been able to save more and make more money.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">1. Start a Savings Account</span></h3><p>Now you all are probably thinking, sis that is a no brainer but this is the catch, you actually open a savings account that is not connected to your primary checking/bank account. You read that right! Go open a savings account at another bank (I suggest a credit union). Why you may ask and the answer is simple, out of sight, out of mind. By opening an account that you don't have a debit card to or that it not your primary account you are liking to send money over there and leave it over there allowing it stack up. Trust me, try this it helps. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">2. Find Accountability Partners</span></h3><p>For me, I have to let somebody know my goals which is normally my mom because I know she will hold me to them. So find some body that you trust and let them know your financial goals and ask them to hold you accountable. They may even join in the saving fun with you which when you have a partner makes everything easier. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">3. Start a Side Business</span></h3><p>This one is for my people who may have thought of starting a business but haven't, this is you sign. Start a small business creating a product that you love or that you are good at doing. Are you good at writing, start a blog or do you like to bake, start a baking business. The options here are endless. I believe now is the time to step out and work on that small business. I started a small crafting and customized gifts business and it has definitely generated a revenue that I was able to put into my savings. If you haven't already be sure to check out Crafts by T. Danni.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">4. Sell Those Used Items</span></h3><p>When it comes making extra money this is one of my go to tips y'all. We all have items laying around our house that we no longer use and probably never will. Those clothes and shoes that haven't seen the light of day since the 99 and the 2000s, take them to a consignment shop. That old furniture or bike that's taking up space in your garage, turn it into coins and list in on one of the many online resale stores. If you really want to make the good coins, head to your jewelry box and even those older luxury purses that you have had for years and resale them. My friends at <a href="https://chapesjpl.com/">Chapes-JPL</a> located in Atlanta, GA can help with that. They have been in business for over 40 years and they can help with everything from <a href="https://chapesjpl.com/sell-your-jewelry/sell-watches/">how to sell a rolex watch</a> to that diamond ring your ex-boo thang gave you. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-vi5r4cYxQx9XYCnVqeTBPG3c8xooXWXBTq6PaR4gm7qnrKienVUZfrC3fu-sFUy3vrAqWsSVJM6K5lBoTVqxSGoUhOE1yDOF0mIzy0vJADm7uHl55nx71IdcF2YgRZQbznxh908BZ45/s640/watch-pawn-shops.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-vi5r4cYxQx9XYCnVqeTBPG3c8xooXWXBTq6PaR4gm7qnrKienVUZfrC3fu-sFUy3vrAqWsSVJM6K5lBoTVqxSGoUhOE1yDOF0mIzy0vJADm7uHl55nx71IdcF2YgRZQbznxh908BZ45/s320/watch-pawn-shops.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;">5. Give Yourself Grace</span></h3><div>Saving money can be difficult and making extra money is sometimes for difficult so always grant yourself some grace. There might be setback or you might not always meet your first goal but keep going sis! It will be worth it in the end. If you find yourself feeling defeated, step away from it for a while and then when the time is right get back out there and save those coins and make that money! I know you can do it! I am rooting for you!!</div><div><br /></div><div>There you have you! 5 tips and tricks to saving and making a little extra money in these streets. I have a to more but I will save those for a part two. Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips or tricks. I would love to hear them. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-55854029921331535962021-06-04T10:38:00.000-07:002021-06-04T10:38:05.440-07:00SUMMER 2021 BUCKET LIST<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapi7Hcf4d_NdpPUH4zdRVswVXcX0PXotN3IChtB-SsdzpOKfpoPCQoPKA8aJhOAxuT505X3ivHA5XHvFYsUVvBow2PO7E-7l8DlQ7c54cxWecfjI0BoXm62sxwDNqiHAbdDmUnOT-rmmf/s2048/84F3392D-9ED6-4D6B-9264-85CB09A33860.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapi7Hcf4d_NdpPUH4zdRVswVXcX0PXotN3IChtB-SsdzpOKfpoPCQoPKA8aJhOAxuT505X3ivHA5XHvFYsUVvBow2PO7E-7l8DlQ7c54cxWecfjI0BoXm62sxwDNqiHAbdDmUnOT-rmmf/w426-h640/84F3392D-9ED6-4D6B-9264-85CB09A33860.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We all know that summer 2020 did not give what it was suppose to give. There is no need for me to go into details, the Rona came in and acted a fool. The summer was hers and not yours. For me though, 2020 bought a lot more than house arrest and masks, I lost the person I use to be last year. I was mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually in a place that was very unfamiliar to me. It was a place that drained me of the person that I was and drove me straight to therapy. To this day I am still working on getting myself back to the person that I use to be and I'm honestly not sure that I will be the same Tierra per 2020 but I for damn sure am going to say deuces to the girl that 2020 tired to make me. <p></p><p>With summer literally kicking down the door, what better way to get back to me then therapy (still) but also doing things I planned to do in 2020 and doing things that I have always wanted to do. For this reason I decided that summer 2021 is going to be my summer to remember. I have created a summer bucket list filled with 15 things that I am going to venture out and do. Check it out below:</p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">☀️🌴<b>Summer Bucket List</b>☀️🌴</span></p><ol class="ol1"><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take a road trip with friends</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visit a winery</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ride a ATV</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Try 10 new restaurants</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Picnic in the park with friends<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Buy a new bike</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visit an amusement park</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get a tattoo</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Host a Sip and Paint for friends</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go to the beach</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Visit the Botanical Garden<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Master skating backwards<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Go Parasailing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make homemade French macaroons<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li class="li2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Try a new fitness class (aerial yoga pilates, row class, etc.)</span></li></ol><div><br /></div><div>There is it y'all, my summer 2021 bucket list. Why am I posting it here you might ask? Because I need for you all to keep me accountable. As I said I am still actively in therapy and sometimes I feel like giving up on things but these 15 things are all things that I am going to give 110% to checking off. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the extra step of accountability, once I complete an item I will be sharing my experience right here on the blog and on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecurvygirlchronicles/">Instagram</a> of course so if you are following me click the link and do so. The only rule I am giving myself is that this has to be completed by September 22, 2021 which is the last day of summer. I know summer hasn't officially started but my bucket list is in full effect!</div><div><br /></div><div>Let the games begin! Also if you decided to create a summer bucket list tag me in it so I can see what exciting adventures you will be getting into this summer. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o4NN-esOJfxJ_Ak5DkMsOYMsgz6VQhY2VtSqe_xqqkn5bhwdg8ra3KpnpdyL5gIAeu86YZ2Y0NshA-EECT08s5Dxn8jL9UzjZzhH7UPm4ikxLojCS8cHYAhLctEgMOBVY_QUXTTx6M8I/s2048/4250E5AF-8D2A-4E88-86CB-F2645F271BA3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5o4NN-esOJfxJ_Ak5DkMsOYMsgz6VQhY2VtSqe_xqqkn5bhwdg8ra3KpnpdyL5gIAeu86YZ2Y0NshA-EECT08s5Dxn8jL9UzjZzhH7UPm4ikxLojCS8cHYAhLctEgMOBVY_QUXTTx6M8I/w426-h640/4250E5AF-8D2A-4E88-86CB-F2645F271BA3.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">OUTFIT DETAILS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-22567381487829545802021-06-02T13:10:00.001-07:002021-06-07T19:17:39.657-07:00Tips For Finding the Perfect Home<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja51-434molBrpHYnChE8ScBUPKVvxwnOmzIWCq1OuAhNnlgy3wZYHCq8_0UgKLnKc15iCDCU3uRM7RUoU6GLFxVUhcbuSi15Ppgz9gScKMXiQoM14rGbkSyBE5lK0l3RZ5fr0nE5X2zJf/s940/Teal+and+Yellow+Stripes+Father%2527s+Day+Facebook+Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja51-434molBrpHYnChE8ScBUPKVvxwnOmzIWCq1OuAhNnlgy3wZYHCq8_0UgKLnKc15iCDCU3uRM7RUoU6GLFxVUhcbuSi15Ppgz9gScKMXiQoM14rGbkSyBE5lK0l3RZ5fr0nE5X2zJf/w400-h335/Teal+and+Yellow+Stripes+Father%2527s+Day+Facebook+Post.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have saved every penny for a down payment, found a realtor you appreciate and can trust, and put in your research, the time seems to look for your dream home. This is the fun part but it does come with its unique challenges. Even if you love the entire process of house hunting, the options can be overwhelming. Do you want to live in the city or the suburb? Are you looking for a colonial or a victoria home? Do you think you want a townhouse or an apartment? There are many exciting things to look into and it’s hard to not feel as if you are drowning in the possibilities as well as the options to look for the home that makes you feel as if you made it.</span></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6cc42065-7fff-9b7d-2657-5540166da860"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Talk With Your Agent</span></span></span></h3><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, only you know which home is going to fit your lifestyle need, however, your agent will have a good idea of what is available for that on the market. Your realtor is always keeping an eye out for newly listed homes that you might love, the neighborhood you’ll adore but they can also go through a wish list and help you understand what would be a good fit or what might not be realistic or not. Be sure to talk to your agent about all the information that you are wanting but also why you are moving too. Are you looking to moving closer to work? Are you wanting to look at growing your family? These matter for your home and what you are looking for. A realtor can point these out or maybe you didn’t consider such as the importance of an on-story home if you are thinking ore retiring or a home that offers a function for your growing group. </span></span></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-77359c5e-7fff-ec65-bb3b-b81fb7640a7f" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look Beyond Decor</span></span></span></h2><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most people are not the best decorators so don’t feel as if you are being turned off by how they decorate. While the orange paint in the dining room might not be your style, don’t let that affect your judgment of what a home could be. Look beyond those garish drapes to the bones beneath. Is the picture window hidden behind them? Do you want hardwood upstairs instead of the stained rugs? If the deck of the new pool area you love needs help, already begin to research various businesses that can help you. For instance, </span><a href="https://www.bwdepot.com" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">B</span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">razilian Wood Depot</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can assist you with some great hardware for your deck. They offer a variety of hardwoods that can make your deck pop including a popular favorite, <a href="https://www.bwdepot.com/hardwood-decking/massaranduba-decking/">Ma</a></span><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.bwdepot.com/hardwood-decking/massaranduba-decking/">ssaranduba decking</a></span><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Massaranduba is one of the hardest woods in the world which lends to its incredible durability and longevity. It is also naturally resistant to insect attack, mold, rot, fire, and decay. Due to the wood’s fine texture, Massarandba offers great slip resistance.</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img height="299" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/W58dwm7w_dnxpXSWLOms9dctwqz8QachHbmdMDxKT7-8o4D4EA9xnMbCJeJ0suwus2b1aekxVvrKSXLG6xtxfOr6NY0fC-3I-hiDqD3euXbyLThMNEz68RI8pQIza1UfcSHkznnA" style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;" width="450" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Image: Brazilian Wood Depot</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Look At Timing</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></h3><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Patience is difficult but you want the home to be the right way. Waiting for something to fall into place can seem endless but that also doesn’t mean you should rush into the home buying process. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with finding a great home but it’s best to look at timing as well. Do your best to take your time, look at every option and see if you can envision yourself in the home for years to come. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Take Pictures</span></span></span></h3><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While looking at multiple homes it can seem overwhelming. Thankfully your phone has an option to take pictures so take as many as you want, especially because the photos online might do the home justice. Look at what you love, what you don’t love, and file them into your phone to look over later before you make a decision. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #0e101a; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to finding the perfect home, some advice I can offer are the tips above as well as take your time, write a pro and con list of each home you see and go with your gut. The bigger, better house may not always be the best option too. Sometimes the perfect home for you offers more of a character and TLC care that you can give it. There are also home’s out there that are ready to move in, offering your new and inviting looks that you have been looking at. Whatever your option, take in each moment and enjoy the process. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-79393132589672612942021-05-27T20:26:00.007-07:002021-06-02T13:09:07.773-07:007 Tools to Make Crafting Easier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyshRouaDOjDbKn0-UxWBBNzuNZIVW9__GNGJtSx6A3Qa5FeujFx0kQh8l-gggflqs2XBdTDb_LLJE-eczCwDusirN8h1zKKgMMbwQ9bsPbm8dO11wwoj1RAoUlTcJ5JcU5Yy1PgAZU79v/s940/Teal+Pink+Simple+Post-it+Dad+Appreciation+Facebook+Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyshRouaDOjDbKn0-UxWBBNzuNZIVW9__GNGJtSx6A3Qa5FeujFx0kQh8l-gggflqs2XBdTDb_LLJE-eczCwDusirN8h1zKKgMMbwQ9bsPbm8dO11wwoj1RAoUlTcJ5JcU5Yy1PgAZU79v/w400-h335/Teal+Pink+Simple+Post-it+Dad+Appreciation+Facebook+Post.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Crafting and DIY-ing (do it yourself) has always been a major part of my life so much that I decided to start a small business called Crafts by Tdanni. For me, being able to create a craft or a home decor by hand for somebody's home fills me with a spark of joy that can't really be explained. It allows me to be able to express my creativity in a way that makes others smile and I love that feeling. For as long as I can remember I have been a crafter. I remember being assigned those take home projects in grade school and always having the most elaborate ideas that I would have to make come to life which always the part that brought out the side of me that helps Crafts by TDanni run smoothly. </p><p>Being able to craft and create DIY projects is something that I pride myself on so much that even in the home searching process, in each house I visit, I think of ways that I will be able to customize that home and make it my own with my personal projects. From updating the paint, to redoing the floors, to even complete renovations of the bathrooms my mind always running on crafter mood. </p><p>One question that I alway get from others about crafter is what does it take to start crafting or what tools do I recommend. This is a questions that I think varies depending on the crafter or DIY-er that you ask. Today I thought that I would share 7 tools that I think every person should have for those small projects to those larger than life projects. </p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u>7 Tools for Every Crafter</u></h3><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>1. GLUE GUN</b></span></div><div>I would say that more than 80% of my home projects, I turn to a quality glue gun for bonding materials together. I own 5 different glue guns at the moment and I have been considering investing in a cordless glue gun for projects that I complete not near an outlet plug. There are many different glue guns that you can purchase whether they are high heat or low heat, small or large, plus the hundreds of brands out there.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">2. NAIL GUN</b></div><div>If a tool could be label essential this would be the one y'all! It makes those bigger nail projects so mush easier than a hammer could never do. Now I don't use this one as often in my smaller business crafts but around the house large DIY renovations and crafts, it is a must! You do have to be extra careful with this one though. Safety is always first so get you a pair of protective glasses when using this one. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>3. SANDER</b></span></div><div>The convenience of an automatic sander is unmatched truthfully. After spending hours on end sanding a down wood for a stove cover I decided to take the plunge and purchase an automatic sander from Amazon and let me tell you it was the BEST investment I have made towards my crafting and DIY lifestyle. Being able to sand wood within minutes verses hours allows you to speed up your crafting process. Sanders can be used for much more than wood. I sand paint off of items or even use it to distress items as well. </div><div>Moral: GET YOU A SANDER!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>4. DRILL/DRAWER</b></span></div><div>Even you aren't a crafter, I believe that every home should have a drill/drawer. Using it for those projects around the house such as changing out the door nobs or putting together furniture or even changing the fixtures about the house this is a must have. As a crafter that does a lot of wood crafts I use it often for my business a will. A drill makes things that much easier, trust me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>5. JIGSAW</b></span></div><div>A jigsaw is a great starter saw for any household. It gives you the ability to cut small in your projects either big or small. You might decided to renovate your kitchen or bathroom need to make a cutout for your sink in the countertop, this would be the tool for you. Maybe you are redoing your hardwood floors and need pieces cut to fit that small space, this could be your tool. Believe me when I say you will be using this tool more often than you know. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">6. PANEL SAW</b></div><div>This the big boy right here! This is tool is the one for when you decided that you are taking your DIY-ing and crafting to the next level. Those big renovation projects around the house that you have decided to take on might require some heavy duty wood cutting. A panel saw is just what you will need. This saw is going to give you ability to cut those large pieces of plywood and other pieces of lumber to do a multitude of project. I have always wanted to build my own kitchen table and after I purchase my first home this saw will be on my home warming gift list. Check out my friends at <a href="https://www.sawtrax.com/">Saw Trax</a>. They are awesome company based right in Atlanta, GA. They offer a variety of tools and saws to get those home projects and crafts completed around the house as well as <a href="https://www.sawtrax.com/product/scoopdolly/">dolly door</a> for moving those heavier items around the house. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1fedc9e8-7fff-e170-1073-a65f3db0ed10"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 490px; overflow: hidden; width: 524px;"><img height="393" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/zNgC-3xyVuAY-o8zdwJBHqC5FkTW2Q5iD-Bi9ptp7mdh0ZlWvFDC4nQUieXF3VCR2CQo9JzxZnIXQPh7N3lVb9nEiTkQSZ0LwqSml88P_5pF4WY7pDauNILmEVsyyg=w420-h393" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="420" /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #800180; font-size: medium;"><b>*BOUNS: PATIENCE </b></span></div><div>If crafting has taught me anything it is patience. Some projects will be quick which is why I suggested tools that have made crafting easier for me and cut down on the time it takes for certain steps. Other projects thought will take weeks or maybe months to complete. You will miss up and you will have to start over at times but do not give up. Keep pushing. You can save money and get the job done the way you want if you complete it yourself. Now let's be honest, some things you might have to hire help but you can definitely do some the work yourself. </div><div><br /></div><div>There you have it. My 6 tools needed to get you started with any project big or small. Do you think you are ready to start crafting and doing hone project? I think you are. I believe in you but the key is to believe in yourself. Just know that crafting takes times but the joy and sense of accomplishment that you will get once the project is complete is unmasked, trust me on that one. But now if you decided crafting is not for you be sure to check out Crafts by TDanni because I will get you right because is crafting is wrong, I don't want to be right. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to my friends at <a href="https://www.sawtrax.com/">Sax Trax</a> for sponsoring this post. Be sure to check them out for all of your saw needs. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-16995541290592739762021-05-14T07:14:00.004-07:002021-05-18T10:57:14.485-07:00House Hunting During a Pandemic <div class="gs" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; width: 784px;"><div class="ii gt" id=":sb" style="direction: ltr; margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="a3s aiL" id=":sc" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5; overflow: hidden;"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XpB_Zwj_oZ42WwuBXUArD382W23wTpRIEOt-FiI1bWGYyqJQvxEfo41hpHYtElyHo_HJ7Skan0uenXNxCPl33sD7ix72no1tV5xom_rvPzPX6j6-K8AKLcGP2PaWNVjBsPlht9pTnCRB/s940/Green+Blue+Carnival+Brazil+Facebook+Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XpB_Zwj_oZ42WwuBXUArD382W23wTpRIEOt-FiI1bWGYyqJQvxEfo41hpHYtElyHo_HJ7Skan0uenXNxCPl33sD7ix72no1tV5xom_rvPzPX6j6-K8AKLcGP2PaWNVjBsPlht9pTnCRB/w400-h335/Green+Blue+Carnival+Brazil+Facebook+Post.png" width="400" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>If you have been following me at least the past year then you know that I have been on the hunt to find my dream starter home since right before Covid hit. I had been considering purchasing a house for about 6 months prior but after a rent increase I decided to jump in and give it ago. I looked at least 40 houses, if not more, and only put in five offers that all ended in heartbreak. Back in October of 2020 I decided to take a break from the dog-eat-dog housing market and focus more on the foundation of finding my perfect starter home. <div><br /></div><div>Once I decided to put the house hunting on pause, I wanted to be sure that once I did pick it back up that I would be more than prepared (as one can) for the to-do’s that would surround me once ready. I am a person that appreciates lists being able to visually see what needs to be done. Thus, my house hunting check list was born. One the first orders of business that I put at the top of my list was to set up a saving account for moving expenses. </div><div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u>Take the Burden of Packing and Moving Off Your Plate</u></h3><div>Besides finding the perfect home, moving has to be the second toughest part of the whole ordeal. In my life time I have moved a good number of times from a child up to an adult and if there is one thing, I know makes moving a breeze is find the right moving company. In the past I have used my friends to help move me but as we are aging that might no longer be an option. That's where <a href="https://gamedaymoving.com/">Gameday Moving Services</a> comes into play. They offer so many of the core services needed to take the stress out of moving. Rather you are moving into your new commercial space for your small business or finding your home, this <a href="https://gamedaymoving.com/long-distance/">long-distance moving company in Athens, GA</a> has you covered. One of the best services that they offer is packing your items for you. That is honestly the worst part for me, Having to ensure that all the glass is wrapped safely and securely, playing Tetris to get items to fit in boxes or even taping up boxes are all items that Game Day will handle for you with their packing services. Be sure to check them out! The list of services is endless. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl03gvYvS0ep3oqi8BTCkXfiSicJPunRfmNVfQ44XpUGsmQHYd75c_nJRKXlZUMWuMtwl29n7P6Te_Wn_CEyjbObGopvKVrxM8g_uzOsXuSAhJZdPpF-7r1kdHm1l3sk3xTL1mNpuiVf6b/s1080/Gameday+Moving+Services+9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl03gvYvS0ep3oqi8BTCkXfiSicJPunRfmNVfQ44XpUGsmQHYd75c_nJRKXlZUMWuMtwl29n7P6Te_Wn_CEyjbObGopvKVrxM8g_uzOsXuSAhJZdPpF-7r1kdHm1l3sk3xTL1mNpuiVf6b/w400-h400/Gameday+Moving+Services+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u>Stay Financially Ready So You Don’t Have to Get Ready</u></h3><div>I started house hunting at the start of Covid but I knew that I wanted to prepare myself financially back in 2018 for this major step. This meant making sure that my credit was A1 and that I know what my budget would be so I wasn’t shopping above my means or potential setting myself up to be house poor. A few ways that I planned financially was to reach out to a mortgage lender. This is such an important step! Even if you don’t think you are financially ready, the lender can tell you the steps you need to take to prepare yourself but you might find out you are already set to go. They also will let you know the amount in which you qualify. For me I told my lender the amount monthly I wanted to pay which then allowed them to decide the total amount I would qualify for.
When you think finances you might think just the amount you can afford and your credit score but one of big items to look at is going to be your debt-to-income ratio. This is literally the amount of debut you have to the amount of money you make. Friends, let me tell you this will get you especially if you have student loans so be mindful of this. For me once I realized what my debt to income ratio was I started tacking this items. Paying more on my car payment, actually paying my student loans, paying down credit cards and not using then again, All of these things will start to help you in the long run just as it did me. Also, don’t stress yourself about this one. We all know that things happen so you have a setback just prepare for your comeback. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><u>Remember that Your Home is Out There</u></h3><div>If I have learned anything about the house hunting it is the value to patience, especially during the Covid house hunting Hunger Games but that is what it feels like. It is tough out here in these streets and that’s the main reason I took a break from it all. Being outbid or not seeing the house that spoke me soul was starting to take a toll on my mental health. I needed to give myself some grace and realize that the house that is for me will be for me. It will be there at the perfect time. Now writing this is easier than believing it but I have become much more understanding to this concept. Your house is out there, you just have to give it time. The last thing I wanted to do or that you want to do is to buy a house you kind of like and be unhappy. A house is a major purchase so take your time and find the one that speaks to your soul. I know that is my plan. If owning a house is not your goal don’t feel bad about that either. You deserve what makes you happy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me know in the comments if you any house hunting advice. I could truly use it!
</div></div>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-61309543025548705342020-09-16T14:20:00.002-07:002020-09-16T14:25:38.658-07:00Quarantine Summer, I'll Holla<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxtQBtaKbmqh_LPpDbUCSmTV7L5orZC2El-40-db4IJ8zbVY8DyAjqLqC6jRjpa-zRqsOOd4I27lB4L-rwVqrXwZAS8C5dswiUsAiGcScQbPNOltlvGcSCMg7EaHprPtPYb0mKKB9idOs/s2048/IMG_7723.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxtQBtaKbmqh_LPpDbUCSmTV7L5orZC2El-40-db4IJ8zbVY8DyAjqLqC6jRjpa-zRqsOOd4I27lB4L-rwVqrXwZAS8C5dswiUsAiGcScQbPNOltlvGcSCMg7EaHprPtPYb0mKKB9idOs/w426-h640/IMG_7723.png" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, y'all, we are nearing the finish line of Summer 2020, and my what a summer it has been! It's the summer that will go down in the history as the quarantine summer. I don't know about y'all but I'm still in udder disbelief that we have been in a pandemic for over 7 months and counting. I was for sure that we would be over Covid-19 by summer and on to living life a little more normal by now but the lie detector determined that was a lie. So what do you do when the world has been flipped upside, you make upside down cake.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once I realized that Rona had booked a one-way ticket and didn't plan on leaving anytime soon I knew the next step would be learning to navigate through this time as sanely and safely as possible. This has been an extremely difficult time for ya girl though. If you follow me on <a href="www.instagram.com/thecurvygirlchronicles" target="_blank">IG</a> (and if you don't then you should be), you know that with COVID brought intense anxiety, skin breakouts from the mask-wearing and a bit of depression. It has also brought renewed spirit, creative flow and some memories to last a lifetime. In short, it hasn't been that bad.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today I want to share with you 5 ways that I have been fighting to keep myself sane and finding normalcy during these uncertain times. </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> Call and check up on your family and friends more. During this time I have been able to reconnect with some old friends and learn more about my current circle. If COVID has taught me one thing it is to love on your loved ones more and more. My aunt who is 76 even got an Alexa Echo so we can call her and see her face and check on her. It's been one of the best things since she lives miles away.</li><li>Remember that thing you love to do but didn't have time to do it, DO IT SIS! I use to love cooking! My mom and I talked about when I was younger and Food Network use to actually be cooking shows, I would watch them all and then ask my mom if we would make a recipe from Emeril or a cake from Gale Gand or a 30 Minute Meal from Rachel Ray. During the quarantine I have gotten back to my love of cooking and let me tell you, I could have been a chef. Lol. </li><li>Take a staycation or a safe trip somewhere. Even though some of the world has locked us out, try traveling to your neighboring state or to see family or to a close city that you have never visit. Just od it safely. Take your mask, hand sanitizer and Lysol and keep your distance. You can still relax during this time. I have been to see my Nashville family twice and will be heading to Illinois in the next few weeks to see some other family. </li><li>Try something new. I have been playing around with different crafts. (You can follow my crafting IG here.) And let me tell you I have fallen in love! I have even made a few dollars from it which is ways a great thing. Try yoga (which I love too), or painting or journaling or even cooking. It will keep your mind clear for a time and allow positive energy to flow. </li><li>BREATHE! Allow yourself the time and space to just breathe and meditate. Allow the negative to be exhaled and the positive to be inhaled. I haven't been able to meditate as much as I would like but I will be working on setting a new schedule for myself that will allow me the time to do so and I think you should too. </li></ol><div>How are we feeling about those tips? Have you started doing things differently during COVID that has allowed you peace and positive vibes? I think for me I expected to come out of this foolishness a brand new person when in fact I just want to be a better version of my current self. Not putting too much pressure on myself but putting just enough pressure that a diamond produces.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Covid has also allowed me to get back to blogging and creating content which I have always loved. Here's to the ending of Quarantine Summer and the beginning of Fall. A new season will bring new blesses. </div><div><br /></div><div>OUTFIT DETAILS: Dress: Chelesa & Theodore Shoes: <a href="https://rstyle.me/+gD1rRMz-sMtwexduwyCANA" target="_blank">Here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qTvkbyCQUaq8s_m1rUSRXsc_369iooLc3h7VYzWhcENeIm7_FAd4i9xl_XBBOBMjfJUT2TB42XEXLbN7qc3x5E-pHxyJ8K51sN7qUpW40KaCp56SR0OL1ze7u6SGdJKP38XsMTbesudO/s2048/IMG_7725.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qTvkbyCQUaq8s_m1rUSRXsc_369iooLc3h7VYzWhcENeIm7_FAd4i9xl_XBBOBMjfJUT2TB42XEXLbN7qc3x5E-pHxyJ8K51sN7qUpW40KaCp56SR0OL1ze7u6SGdJKP38XsMTbesudO/w426-h640/IMG_7725.png" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe6pLh-eoaMuEhisgpBmZJVyjmvfUZVq9SSxAwKBfG9JGci932fIGePZq-ca02RlSHjtmjsQgF4302LspRNjwgzoh6BVtQTeUzEDtwPNaw3oF-b3Dm6F2AyjeMoFWi3DIO4a806hiKXNc/s2048/IMG_7761.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe6pLh-eoaMuEhisgpBmZJVyjmvfUZVq9SSxAwKBfG9JGci932fIGePZq-ca02RlSHjtmjsQgF4302LspRNjwgzoh6BVtQTeUzEDtwPNaw3oF-b3Dm6F2AyjeMoFWi3DIO4a806hiKXNc/w426-h640/IMG_7761.png" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQm1M7b4km091aiUp6o1b2SSA5Bx0loS9ELRUZVPBOm38w3r10VohumSFAwugWUHsoEPahexNFTbA3hPE8QKXjuF6vinWYV5U0gmm0lvXUtBPD_Qs46Wyw-IR71CVoFMcrihAXdFC6ja8/s2048/IMG_7718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQm1M7b4km091aiUp6o1b2SSA5Bx0loS9ELRUZVPBOm38w3r10VohumSFAwugWUHsoEPahexNFTbA3hPE8QKXjuF6vinWYV5U0gmm0lvXUtBPD_Qs46Wyw-IR71CVoFMcrihAXdFC6ja8/w426-h640/IMG_7718.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outfit Details:</div><br /><div><br /></div>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-78976880287594457732020-06-10T11:48:00.000-07:002020-06-10T11:48:22.402-07:00Did That Really Amplify Black Voices?<div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First and foremost let me start off by saying #</span><span style="font-size: large;">BLACKLIVESMATTER!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the current state of the world, black people are not only having to worry about COVID 19 taking us out but also police killing us over $20 bills (George Flloyd), white supremacist hunting us down and killing us while running in our neighborhoods (Ahmaud Arbery) and police mistaking our homes for that of a criminal and firing off rounds from their weapons killing us (Breonna Taylor). This time it feels different though. We have begun calling out brands, companies, our non-black friends and family and co-workers to take a stand with us. Not FOR US because we have been standing for quite some time now but to stand WITH US. This brings me to why I am here today...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here we are about 9 days after white influencers/content creators/bloggers decided that they would #apmplifymelantedvoices to try and give black influencers the floor in the content creator world for a whole week. A whole 7 days. One week. This act of privilege, I mean support was an attempt at supporting black lives and black voices in the community of content creation. Some decided to go silent for the 7 days and others decided to not promote themselves but to use the week to promote and introduce black creators to their audience. This sounds decent to say the most right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Myself though, being a black blogger, I had some concerns. Allow me to explain:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Being a black micro-influencer (under 5k following), I found it interesting that most white influencers shared the voices of large black influencers. Those with well over 10k following. Don't get me wrong I did see some sharing of smaller influencers, myself included but the majority were influencers with larger platforms. My outlook on it was if you are amplifying black voices, amplify those that the IG algorithm.plays on a daily basis. Amplify those voices that you have never heard. All black platforms need to be seen and heard. Micro-influencers are some of the hardest working folks out here in these streets. I need to also practice what I preach here (another blog soon to come).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> For me personally, I follow accounts that speak to me. Ones I can relate too and as a blogger, I tend to appeal to an audience that relates to me. The young black women who work in corporate America but tries to stay fly, make her coin, hustle and travel. That's my audience, the make coin to fly and stay fly girls. The few followers I did receive are white young women so....are they going to stay around and engage in my content or not because it won't interest them. How do I appeal to them? Did they follow me to mend they conscious or because they truly find interest in my voice? Just some food for thought.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Now that the 7 days are over, what happens now? Will white influencers go back to their regularly scheduled program or will this engagement in the black voice stay relevant? I'm asking for myself because as black people we have fought the struggle all our lives and for some of the white influencers this is their first time testing the social injustice waters and sharing black stories and struggles with their audience. How will they adapt in the future? I ask these questions out of love for the fact that people want to be involved and see change but also out of concern that black voices will be used to gain popularity. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are just a few of the concerns that I had about #amplifymelanatedvoices. I do think that every little bit helps in the fight that we are currently (and have been) in but this just seemed like a way for white influencers to announce that their voices are heard more than black voices and show their privilege. Now I could be in my feelings, (which I totally deserve to be and please don't try to tell me any different) but I just didn't understand the movement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's talk about it though. Leave me a comment here or on IG or Facebook. I want to know your feelings about everything going on and how you are dealing with it. </span></div>
T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-79022222139534337392020-02-14T15:38:00.002-08:002020-02-14T15:38:58.958-08:00To All the Boys I've Loved Before: Happy Valentine's Day!<div>
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Another Valentine's Day and your girl is still (say it with me) single as a pringle. The difference this year is that I am truly ready to mingle but not until I get a few things off of my chest. For the past few years on V-Day, I have shared tips on loving yourself, hanging with your girlfriends, how to get over being single and a whole bunch more but I have never dived into the actual topic of relationships. Let me be honest, I haven't had a multitude of "relationships but trust me when I say I have had enough. Lord knows I have had my fair share of good, bad and ugly male interactions.<div>
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Going into 2020 with an open mind and heart for the opposite sex I figured why not let the boys that I've loved before know how I really felt. Lay it all out on the line on a "Thank You Next" type vibe.</div>
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My open letter to my ex's (no names will be used to protect the guilty and innocent):</div>
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To all the boys I've loved before, </div>
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Let me start out by saying thank you. Thank you for showing me how a woman should and shouldn't be treated. Thank you for the laughs, the conversations, the joy, and the pain. Thank you for the gifts some amazing and some trash. Thank you for ruining some of my favorite songs and still putting a smile on face when I hear others. Thank you for the late-night conversations and the morning arguments. Thank you for being there when I needed it most. Thank you for breaking my heart because I learned to grow from it.</div>
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A few of you showed me nothing but good times and love but we both knew it wasn't meant to be. On that same note, some of y'all put me through so much (insert curse word) that I can call bull-ish in the drop of a dime now. I still roll my eyes thinking about the plans we made and the text we sent. No matter the boys I've dated there has always been one in particular that crosses my mind from time to time...</div>
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To the southern gentleman, we weren't really together but we were together you know, that I still question to this day. I had to choose between school or you and at the time school was more important. I always wondered where we would be if I stayed. Sometimes I hit your Facebook page just to see how you and your family are doing. The timing was just off though and I had to grow through it.</div>
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From the boy in kindergarten that broke my heart when he told me I was too tall, to the guy in high school who was always there from junior prom to my best friend's birthday party. The guy from Detroit that I met by chance and the guy from Memphis that introduced me to Yo Gotti. My high school crush who should have stayed in 2007 and the online dating cutie that had no romance. All the guy's I've loved (or at least dated) before made me the woman I am today. Prepared to meet my forever love. I am grateful and thankful that we didn't last because I know that God has my Boaz.</div>
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To all the boys I've loved before, thank you and I wish you happiness and joy!</div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-43402676514432326752020-02-07T14:11:00.001-08:002020-02-07T14:30:32.645-08:005 Ways to Save Your Coins and Stay Fly<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-bottom: 8pt;">
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2020 is the year of saving and being more intentional with our money. At the end of 2019, I was forced to take a hard look at my finances and really comb through them to see where I could cut costs and save money. After days of reviewing my bank statements, credit card statements I realized that shopping was taking a big chunk of my coins. I needed to make some changes for 2020.</div>
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To know me is to know that shopping is my coping mechanism. When I am happy I shop, when I am sad I shop, when I am excited I shop, to celebrate I shop! Ya girl just shops and it got out of hand last year. Even though I am in a better place financially then I have been in a while, I have also been responsible with my money. I've always set a budget and kept track of spending but in the past few years, I have been a little lax on doing so. This year that all will change.</div>
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The goal this year is to cut my shopping habit by half which honestly is off to a really great start. I started in December of last year really watching my spending. Having a strong foundation of being money smart has definitely helped me with this new journey which has lead me to share with my girls (y’all) some tips and trick I have picked up when it comes to shopping, spending and saving coins.</div>
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Tips for Saving Coins:</h3>
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Tip #1: If you are an OG follower/reader then you know that I started off on YouTube and my favorite videos were Thrift Hauls. I was the queen of a good thrifted look. So my 1<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: 7.3pt;"><sup>st</sup></span></span> tip is to go thrifting instead of hitting your favorite retail store. You can save tons of money that money. Trust me. I started thrifting because I was a very broke college student but was still able to stay fly.</div>
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Tip #2: Set up a separate bank account from your primary bank account and deposit your spending money into that account. This works great for me. I only take that card to my second account out with me so once the money is gone from that account for the week then it’s gone. Give it a try or maybe get a gift card, like a Visa gift card refill it with your spending money. This tip takes willpower though. You can’t sneak and use another card because that defeats the purpose.</div>
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Tip #3: Find another hobby that’s not very expensive or find another source of income. For me that has been creating crafts which can get expensive but I have turned that into additional income. (Brown Skin Girl sweatshirt are available for purchase and you can follow my craft page <u>here</u>). This keeps me busy and keeps me out of the stores.</div>
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Tip #4: Find ways to sell your old items. I sell old items or items I no longer love on Poshmark (shop my Poshmark closet <a href="https://posh.mk/5hN8Q84xT3">HERE</a>) all the time. I have also started using OfferUp for some furniture pieces and décor pieces that no longer match my interior home style. Shopping these sites also will help with saving money since normally the items are listed at a discounted price.</div>
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Tip #5: Something I also preach about and have a whole month of content coming soon about, SHOP YOUR CLOSET! Sis you shop enough that you can create a thousand looks, I know it! The look for this post all came from my closet and minus the shoes were all thrifted. I had each piece in my closet for over a year before wearing it. Look in your closet, I promise it’s there.</div>
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There you have it ladies! For my early millennial women on the go! My finances became more important to me when I started looking for a home to buy and started focusing on fulfilling more goals. As somebody that likes to travel and experience the finer things in life I also want to set myself up for success. I hope these tips help somebody out. If you have any tips to share please leave me a comment because I would love to hear them.</div>
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Remember, “Do everything for the experience because what else is life about?”</div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-18002267101457196002020-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:002020-01-21T08:00:02.952-08:00LIFE CHRONICLES: I am Loving on Myself More<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever woke up one random morning and decided to do something crazy? Something spontaneous? Something that you have wanted to do forever and a day? Well, that's how I woke up feeling the first Friday of 2020. I was in Dallas, TX on a vacation with a few of my closet friends. We had been there for a week at that point and Friday was our last day there. It was a new year, a new decade and I was feeling some type of way.<br />
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I woke up that morning pretty early without reason. I never understand why even on my vacations my body wants to wake up at the crack of dawn meanwhile during the workweek, I have to drag myself out of bed. Anyhoo, I remember reminiscing on 2019 and how tough of a personal year it was for me. I experienced so many curve balls and I choose to go through it all silently as a personal choice. In the words of Diddy, "I tried to call but my pride wouldn't let me dial." My pride wouldn't allow me to share and open up with my support system. I made a promise to myself at that moment that 2020 would be different. I would allow those around me to encourage me more, I would let them in more and I would allow myself that because I deserved it.<br />
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After that, I felt that I needed to commemorate the moment. I wanted to do something crazy without thought so what did I do, I looked up a piercing shop and decided to get my nose pierced y'all! Yes, I went under the needle! Not without fear and debate though. I have wanted to get my nose pierced for YEARSSS!! and for some reason that day, it just felt like it was time. I had made a promise to myself to let myself be who I want to be in the now. I was with some of my closet friends who I have bugged to death about getting my nose pierced and I was in a city that wasn't mine. Why not do something crazy? Right...<br />
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Sis, I was nervous as all get out. I talked myself out of it 20 times before I told anybody what I planned to-do and even after telling my friends I talked myself out it but my friends pushed me right back into it. We went to Deep Ellum just for fun and happened to run up on the tattoo shop that I had looked up and I knew it was go-time. I walked in with 4 piercings and came out with 5. I couldn't have been more excited. Something I wanted 5 years in the making but made every excuse not to do, I had finally done.<br />
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This year, 2020, I want to do just want I did that Friday in Dallas. I want to make promises to myself and keep them. I want to do things that I have always wanted to do but haven't. I want to share not only my ups but also my downs. I want to celebrate my wins which I never do. I want to do all of this for me and nobody else. This decade is going to be one of wins that I never dreamed up and I can't wait.<br />
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I want all of y'all to do the same. It's our decade to win. Do the things you have always wanted to do! 2020 the decade of living!<br />
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<br />T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-37015946753693428592019-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:002019-12-31T05:00:09.838-08:00Follow Your Intuition: 2019, Closing out a Decade<div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Child, I have officially lived through 3 decades! Can you all believe that we are here? Not just the end of the year but the end of the decade?!?! Personally, I can't believe it. I remember when the millennium hit and folks thought the world was going to end and here we are 20 years later. In 2019 a lot of great things happened. I turned 30, I started a new position at work, I traveled my behind off, and I paid off some debt. Now don't get me wrong, 2019 was not all champagne popping and confetti though. I had my fair share of trials and tribulations this year but I refuse to focus on the bad as we end the year. 2020, we are leaving all the heartache, pain, sadness and hurt in the old decade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I prepare for the new year and the new decade, I have decided that there are some lessons and words that I can do live without and have to go with me in 2020. Typically I share things on the blog to help others and that still remains true but today this is for me too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 5 words that I am taking into the decade:</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">FAITH. Without faith, I am not sure I would have made it through some of the things that happened to me. Remember you just need faith a small as a mustard seed to make it through.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">GROWTH. This year I felt very stagnant and refuse to feel this way in 2020.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">EMPOWERMENT. I honestly feel that this is why I was placed in this world, to empower and I want to take that to the next level.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> LOVE. Simple as that.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">COMPLETENESS. Finding that part of me that I am missing. I fill whole in some areas but not in others. Completeness is the word for 2020. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> * Bouns word: SACRIFICE. I asked on The Curvy Girl Chronicles IG page what words you all were taking into 2020 and one that I really felt was "sacrifice" which came from my blogger boo <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chasijernigan/">Chasi Jernigan</a> from <a href="https://sweatinmascara.com/">Sweat and Mascara</a>. Be sure to check out her blog and give her a follow on IG. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 5 lessons that I have learned in the past decade:</span></h2>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">You have to keep yourself first. Sounds selfish I know but when it comes to making sure you are your best self it's ok to be selfish. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Follow your intuition. Ladies, they always say out intuition is A-1 right? Well, follow it, ok? I haven't always done this but if I would have, a lot of headaches and stress could have been saved.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Things don't always go as planned but you know to keep pushing. I know it can get hard when something doesn't work out but just know has bigger plans and everything happens for a reason</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Things could be worse than they are. No explanation needed. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Just because it's on sale does not mean you need to buy it. Be intentional with your money and purchases..</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am expecting great accomplishments, amazing growth and blessings like I have never imagined for myself. I know that there will be some times that won't be so good but the goal is to grow through them and not let them steal my joy. Can I ask you all to do me a favor? Write down 5 words of affirmations and 5 lessons you have learned in the past decade. If you are a vision boarder attached these to your vision board or write them in a journal. At the end of the year come back to them and reflect on how they affected your year. I bet that without even knowing it you will have used them and reflected on them to enhance your year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year's! My bonus lesson and bonus word: STAY <u>CONSISTENT</u>! Anything that you want to do. You never know when the next time will be THE TIME!</span></div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-17528453078645792962019-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:002019-11-07T05:33:38.601-08:00I Hate Sweater Weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWNmHU0Zfi35JGhVd614RRnSUxKC4ntx2e9CYE8dL1UBjaCAEA_tAUqhe4e7YQ_GS-wCqd6iCOttWjNWsh8VCSe46N5w5X8GnhiEydpifwdiDJlatrqbQ3kaXLcfEBDdKtzWkFMPCHRXM/s1600/Leather+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWNmHU0Zfi35JGhVd614RRnSUxKC4ntx2e9CYE8dL1UBjaCAEA_tAUqhe4e7YQ_GS-wCqd6iCOttWjNWsh8VCSe46N5w5X8GnhiEydpifwdiDJlatrqbQ3kaXLcfEBDdKtzWkFMPCHRXM/s640/Leather+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Loves and Lovers! What’s really good? It’s been a long time,
I shouldn’t have left you with a dope post to step too. (Leave me a crown emoji
on my IG page if you read that in Timbaland’s voice.) I was going to come back
with a long and insightful post about why I took a break but it’s not really
needed. Y’all already know what happens in this blogging world. You feel
uncreative, you start comparing yourself to others, the IG algorithm starts to
play you and the reasons go on and on. I made a promise to myself though, as
long as I know this is my passion and my calling I will keep going and keep
pushing. With that said, what better time to come back on the blogging scene
then fall? Right!</div>
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Fall is the time when you can express your fashion freedom
and not pass out from the heat. Spring will always be my favorite time of year,
probably because it’s my birthday season, but fall is a close second. The
leaves magically changing colors, the crisp wind in the morning, pumpkin spice
EVERYTHING and sweaters and boots to slay the lower temps. For me though, I
have a love-hate relationship with one of those things on the list, sweaters.</div>
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For as long as I can remember, I have hated sweaters. Mock
neck, turtle neck, cable knit, thick, thin, they all have been on my “worst fashion
picks,” list for myself. This year though, I am determined to turn that around.
I realized the potential of a sweater. They can add a chicness and classic feel or edgy flare to your look which are all up my alley. With this new discovery
I have been on the hunt for sweaters to fit my style. Today I am sharing my top
5 places (in no order) to find the cutest sweaters:</div>
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<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Old Navy. For my preppy girls who love a classic
look I have found that Old Navy gives you just what you need. A sweater to last
over the years.</span></li>
<li>Forever21. My relationship with Forever21 has
changed drastically over the years but I still find those trendy pieces at a
reasonable price (for the most part) here and sweaters are no different.</li>
<li>Asos. I mean Asos is one of my go-to places for
everything! SO why wouldn’t I check them for sweaters first. I would say also
check their outlet section first because I found a beautiful cable knit sweater
for $26 there.</li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Discount stores such as Ross, TJ Maxx,
Marshalls, and Burlington. I group these together because they all fall under
the discount store label to me. You can find trendy pieces or classic pieces with ease at these stores for good prices. These are stores I fill like
anybody can stop at and find something that they are looking for. Sweaters are
no different.</span></li>
<li>Thrift Stores. If you followed me from Youtube
to the blog then you already know that thrifting has always been my jam. You
can find dope vintage sweaters or new sweaters at amazing prices. I consider
stores like Plato’s Closet and Rag-a-Ramba (Atlanta based) thrift stores also. With Thrift stores you can find any thing for a great price. Don't have the patience for thrifting? Try online thrift stores.</li>
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*Bonus: Ok sis, don’t @ me with
this bonus ok. H&M. I know, I know but listen. H&M has some great
sweaters at reasonable prices. Trendy, classic, edgy, chic, you can find it
all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now for my plus girls, online is
the best option but it’s always worth a shot in-store as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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These are the places that I have had success with lately. I know
there are tons of others out there and as I keep on my sweater hunt I will keep
you all updated over on my IG <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thecurvygirlchronciles">@thecurvygirlchronciles</a>. This mustard yellow mock
neck sweater from Old Navy won my heart over. It’s comfy and classic. Paired
with a leather skirt (very on trend) and my favorite fall color, maroon, I
can’t get enough of this look. Do you have a sweater store or website that you
shop at? Let me know in the comments. Until next post, y’all be blessed and
remember your favor! It isn’t meant to be fair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Sweather: <a href="https://rstyle.me/+5Sb71zV4TS8vMnE4R5pzKQ">Similar Here</a></div>
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Skirt: <a href="https://rstyle.me/+7GOJiWDoXE5Y2jztkkU9YA">Similar Here</a></div>
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Boots: <a href="https://rstyle.me/+pkoXW56iLEy-L7JaMtM-3g">Similar Here</a></div>
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Hat: <a href="https://rstyle.me/+dq7k0nWq85iF3bZc3hOo1Q">Similar Here</a></div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0Atlanta, GA, USA33.7489954 -84.387982433.5377969 -84.7107059 33.9601939 -84.0652589tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-14640503879170583562019-04-01T05:00:00.000-07:002019-04-01T05:00:04.999-07:00Time to Try Something New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other morning I was on a daily roadtrip to my 9-5 #atlantatraffic and everything was business as usual. I was running a few minutes late but that’s nothing new but something felt different. I felt different. I got to a certain intersection and I started thinking to myself, "maybe I should take a new route to work today." I typically take the same way to work because it’s the easiest way. I know that route like the back of my hand. I could easily travel it my eyes closed. On this morning though, your girl was feeling like shaking things up. It was a feeling in my gut telling me to get out of my morning road trip comfort zone. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s put some excitement and adventure into my morning! Who's with me? </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I’m driving along with the feeling in my gut and the voice in my head, "Switch it up, switch up," chanting louder and louder. I am getting closer and closer to the ramp that is going to shake up whole morning and I'm getting nervous. I'm about eight minutes from my house so I give myself a pep talk. "OK sis do you take it or do you not take? It’s coming up and quick because naturally, I'm driving a little over the speed limit right so I am literally debating with myself. 21 questions running through my head. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if I’m late for work? What if I get into an accident by going this other way? What if I forget how to go this other way (because GPS is not a thing right)? What happens if everybody decided to go this way this morning? This could be a very bad decision.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the very last minute I’m like you know what life is about taking chances and I swerve over and here I am on this new route, this new journey to work. Let’s pray that everything goes OK. Let’s pray that we make it to work on time!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I’m driving along I have realize how comfortable I feel there’s no more questions there’s no more anxiety I’m just now taking this new route and I’m doing perfectly fine and then I get to his lunch Street and I’ve turned off of the 11 Major St. onto another major street and I am starts hitting no that is that your girl doesn’t have any cars behind her and she don’t have any car there for the heart this is the open street there’s there’s some lights on and it’s a major street there is a Stabley Schmidt‘s along the street and I’m kind of like where buy a sad by guy I go to work at a reasonable time other people are going to work also at this time so I’m like where is everybody yet and did I miss the memo are we not supposed to be on the street this morning and another sense of calm comes over me and I’m decide girl do you on the street already so we going to keep going</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This all got me to thinking about life and the choices we make, the decisions we make and how it affects our journey to get to where we want to go. There are probably 100 different ways for me to get to work from my house but every day I take the same way because I’m comfortable with it. I know it very well so there is less chance of surprise. In life we tend to get so comfortable doing the same thing that it becomes repetitive and keeps us in a box and we might be limiting our chances of shining.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are 1 million different ways for us to achieve our goals and to reach our dreams, we just have to be willing to take different routes and trust the process. Also trusting that higher powers that may be. As for me and my house we serve the Lord, I might cuss a little but I keep a mustard seed of faith which I believe gave me the courage to go a new route. that morning. Finding a new way to achieve my goal. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever you read this blog post whether it's the day or week I post it. The month I post it or a year from now I want to do three things for me: </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do something that makes you uncomfortable today. If you eat the same thing for breakfast switch it up. Take a different route to work. Listen to a different type of music. Send that text message you have been waiting to send. Maybe there's something you do at work on a daily basis that you can switch up a little bit and get different results. Just do it and take that chance.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Write down how you felt once you do something uncomfortable. How did you feel in that moment? Would you do it again? What results would did you get from it? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The next day, repeat the same steps. Doing something else uncomfortable and write about it.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s get into the habit of making those changes. Let’s get into the habit of living our best lives. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s get used to not doing the same thing over and over and over again. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New experiences lead to new lessons learned. I bet you are wondering about how my road trip to work went. Funny thing, I actually got to work 10 minutes earlier. I’ll switch it up and keep switching it up until I am comfortable with the uncomfortable and I challenge you to do the same. et’s get comfortable with being uncomfortable.</span><div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting new results is considered insanity. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. L</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eave me a comment below and let me know if you switched up your journey or if you plan to switch up your journey or just leave me an encouraging word because your girl would appreciate it</span><div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I leave you all with the wise words of Mary Mary from my favorite song, "Go Get It," "If you wanna get what you never got do you got to do something that you never done."</span></div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Dress: Shein</div>
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Shoes: Nine West</div>
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Tights: Target</div>
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Jacket: Old Navy</div>
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Chain: Thrifted</div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-4041151711594911062019-03-22T11:40:00.002-07:002019-03-31T19:44:13.653-07:00But I am Dope Though...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">How often do we get caught up in comparing ourselves to others? In today’s society, it’s kind of hard not to right? When we turn on the television we see shows where people are living lavish lifestyles and we might think why not us? We go to social media and there are meme’s asking, “which is better or who wore it best?” Comparison is everywhere we look. Cardi vs<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> Nikki, sugar grits vs cheese grits, Waffle House vs IHop, Beyoncé vs everybody and the list could on. The key is how not to get caught in comparing yourself so much that it steals your joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have always compared myself to other people’s journey and I’ve done it without even thinking about it. “She found her husband at college, what did I do wrong?” “She graduated college in 4 years, why didn’t I?” “She brought her first house and I live with my mom.” Literally, 21 questions comparing my journey to other people’s journey. The thing is though, I have graduated college, I pay rent and could buy a house, now the husband thing is being evaluated but that’s another story for another day. Most recently, comparison stuck up on me with these Christian Omeshun wide leg pants. I took these photos back in January and was looking like a WHOLE SNACK okurrt! Then, I saw Shainna Tucker from Thick Girls Closet KILL the pants and instantly started rethinking my whole look. Like, “Sis, maybe you should have styled them this way and maybe you need to reshoot the look,” then all of sudden I realized three things: </span></div>
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I am the person that God created and God doesn't make any mistakes! Comparing myself to others won’t make me them or even make my journey like theirs.</div>
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My style is just that, MY STYLE and I am a whole meal if you ask me! I like what I like and I can post what I like.</div>
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I am DOPE as sh*t!! I started looking back all my looks and projects I have completed and realized my dopeness is undeniable!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was at the moment that I knew comparison would steal my joy, make me doubt myself, and want to give up on myself but the key is to find that mustard seed of faith and inkling of greatness to allow you to push forward. You are only as great as you believe you are! Now let me be real, have I stopped comparing myself to others? Not 100% but what I have done is took those 3 lessons learned and applied them when I’ve felt down from comparing myself to others. Call it my “Compare No More mantra.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Stop comparing yourself to others, they aren’t you. Stop feeling as if you are failing, you are winning. Stop thinking that you can’t do something because so many others are doing it, you can do it too. Keep pushing sis! Keep striving sis! Keep believing in yourself. Your journey is going to be one for the books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Comparison is the theft of all joy and I am choosing to keep my joy!</span></div>
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OUTFIT DETAILS:</div>
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Top: Here</div>
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Pants: Here (tell them I sent you)</div>
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Shoes: Call it Spring</div>
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Belt: Ready to Stare</div>
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Glasses: Forever21</div>
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What happens when you don't break in your heels before your shoot. LOL.</div>
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<br />T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-48144263993289847712019-02-14T12:11:00.001-08:002019-02-14T12:11:22.730-08:0010 Single Lady Lessons Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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First off, how is it February already y’all? Second, how is Valentine’s Day already? *insert slow blink* 2019 is already flying by but that’s a subject for another day. Today, it’s all about the international day of love, #singlesawarenessday, or as most people call it Valentine’s Day. Me personally, I participate in #singlesawarenessday and I have for the past few years. Have I been on dates, yes girl. Have engaged in flirting, absolutely. Have I had any success, nah. Honestly though, being single has been an interesting ride y’all. Being single has thought me so many things, some good and some bad. Allow me to break 10 of those lessons done for you. 10 lessons I learned while being single as a Pringle:</div>
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<li>Going out to eat alone is all fun and games until an appetizer, burger and fries and 2 Jacks and ginger ales later the bill comes and you realize the bills on you.</li>
<li>Watching Netflix and chilling is cool to do by yourself. Kinda…</li>
<li>Being single is not a crime. No matter your age.</li>
<li>You can get tired of Single Ladies by Beyoncé.</li>
<li>Every break up song<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> on the radio becomes an anthem even if you haven’t been in a relationship in years</span></li>
<li>Texting <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">your ex is ALWAYS a bad idea. They aren’t the one for you, Move on!</span></li>
<li> <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you are going to go to the movies alone pick a children’s movie. The </span>Incredibles<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3 was pretty damn good.</span></li>
<li>Pumping your own gas is cool until its 15 degrees outside.</li>
<li> <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Going out to eat with your guy friends can be awkward especially when the check comes. "It's separate." "Oh, it's separate..." </span></li>
<li>There is nothing wrong with drinking a whole bottle of wine on a Saturday night as long as you’re at home.</li>
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Being single has taught me so much more and I am still learning. One of the most important things I have learned though<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> is how to exist in my own space and not feel as if I have to be in a relationship. After a certain age, the world around us makes us feel less than as women if we aren’t married with kids by 30. If you are feeling less than just know that you are worthy and beautiful and enough just as you are. If a relationship is what you desire, it will happen </span>as<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> the right time. Valentine’s Day is about more than about love for a partner, it’s a day to love yourself, you’re the ones around you and wear cute outfits.</span><div>
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Happy Valentine’s Day loves and lovers!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Outfit Details: </div>
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Skirt: Forever21</div>
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Top: TJ Maxx</div>
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Shoes: Call It Spring</div>
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Earrings: Burlington </div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-78707845330198553982019-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:002019-01-17T05:00:05.757-08:00True Life: I Have a Shopping Problem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“Hello, my name is Tierra and I have a shopping problem.” Whew chile, they say the hardest part is admitting it but honestly, the hardest part is trying to correct it. My love for shopping started at a young age. My mom and I would get up early on Saturday mornings and hit our favorite stores. We would shop from morning to evening with a nice lunch in between. We never went overboard and sometimes we just windowed shopped but it was a bonding time that I enjoyed. As I got older shopping became a past time and I would use to relax and calm my nerves. This quickly turned into a problem that I am finally ready to take head-on.</div>
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Last year, I realized that I was becoming an emotional shopper. BIG PROBLEM! After my car accident, I started spending money whenever I felt like it. My bills were paid but any extra was going to buying myself nice things. My excuse was, “I deserve it after what I have been through,” or, “It’s on sale, I have to have it.” At the start of the year, after peeping my bank account statements from 2018, I realized that the last quarter left my pockets touching, y’all. After making some returns and doing some recalculating I decided that I was going to put myself on a 90 day shopping fast. Yes, 90 whole, long, days!</div>
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After mentioning it in my Instastories, I was showered with encouragement and prayers (legit, some of y’all were like, “Sis, you are going to need my prayers”). I even received messages where others wanted to join me in the fast. Others asked me, “Why?” Now don’t get it twisted I am great at managing money but with the fast I am trying to correct a habit. When I am bored, sad, angry, happy, celebrating, I want to shop when I don’t need to. The 90 days are to allow me to find other ways to go through my emotions (I am also trying not to turn to food). I figured in 90 days I should experience all types of emotions and be able to coop in different ways. Here are my rules and regulations:</div>
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<li>I can buy the basics such as toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, feminine products, tissue, laundry detergent etc. </li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I will allow myself to purchase one other item a month. So 3 items outside of the basics.</span></li>
<li>Food will be bought because I need to eat. This is interesting because I am also trying not to turn to food as a safe place.</li>
<li>When I want to shop, I will find other ways to spend that time. Workout, work on my blog, hang out with friends, go to a museum or movie or something.</li>
<li>I will attempt to save $350 during these months.</li>
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Simple as that. My 90 days have already started as of January 1<sup>st. </sup>It runs until April 1<sup>st</sup>. The last reason I know I needed to lay off shopping, my closet is becoming a whole mess. Can y’all believe that this shirt was tucked away in the back of the closet? I can... This is why the shopping fast is necessary. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are joining me, welcome. Let’s keep each other accountable. Follow my Instagram for updates and laughs for my struggle (because it has been real already). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy No Shopping! <o:p></o:p></div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-67987116081327825812019-01-03T12:17:00.000-08:002019-01-03T12:43:59.477-08:00The Last Outfit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Believe it or not, I have tried to write this blog post 4 times and this is the first time that I haven’t broken down in tears. Maybe it’s because I switched up my thought process or maybe I left a little of the pain in 2018. Who knows? What I do know though, 2018 tried to take ya girl out in the final quarter so I couldn’t be happier to see her leave. It hurts me to say that because so many amazing things happened to me in 2018 that I am sad to see her go as well. The last two months though, they were enough to make me pull an Auntie Angela from, <i>Waiting to Exhale, </i>“2018, GET YO SH*T, GET YO SH*T AND GET OUT!"<br />
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If you follow my Instagram then you already know what popped off but if you don’t follow me what are you waiting for? Anywoo, two months ago today, I was in a horrible car accident that could have left me lifeless but in the words of the old Kanye, “Thank God I ain’t too cool for the safe belt.” The God I serve and my seatbelt saved my life on November 3<sup>rd</sup>, 2018 and I am so blessed to still be here!<br />
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This is actually the outfit that I was wearing that day. It was taken literally 20 mins before the accident. This was the last outfit. Since that day I have been struggling to find myself again and find my purpose then I realized one thing: God brought me through that so I can keep living and keep following my dreams. I am not quite done yet and more greatness is to come. I took away 3 important life lessons from my accident:</div>
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<li> <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s ok to not be ok. I was (and still am) experiencing PTSD from my accident. I can’t drive by the intersection, my anxious has been through the roof, depression set in and I didn’t want to admit any of this. I had to realize that even the strongest folks aren’t ok all the time.</span></li>
<li>You have to talk about it at some point. You have to find somebody to talk to. Rather it’s family, a friend or somebody professional. If you keep it bottled up you will explode. It took me a good month before I really talked about the accident and how it made me feel. I honestly think that I need to talk about it some more (one reason I wanted to write this post) because there are still days that I don’t feel ok. I still cry,<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> I have sleepless nights and all that. Talking about gets it off your chest and you start to fill lighter.</span></li>
<li>God got me! Simple as that. I can’t explain that because it is what it is. As for me, I do believe in God but it<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> you don’t, just know whoever you believe in got you. God kept me here. God has helped me through the process. God is that one.</span></li>
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Here I am crying again, literally, tears streaming from my eyes. I'm not so much as sad anymore but just still feeling the pressure and thought of it all. This experience was one of the most terrible things I have ever experienced and I can still feel how I felt that day. For my people who have been through something like this or another traumatic experience just know that you aren’t alone and you made it through. You are going to be alright! We are going to be alright! We made it through our experiences we can make it through anything. Let’s take 2019 by storm! Give it everything God has given us. </div>
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;">S/N: Sorry if this was sad. I just wanted to share what happened to me because somebody might need it to. </span></div>
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Outfit Details:</div>
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Top: Target Style</div>
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Skirt: Forever21</div>
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Jacket: Target Style</div>
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Shoes: Burlington </div>
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Sunglasses: 99cent Store</div>
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T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1100012996083154250.post-56111432583470154072018-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:002018-12-31T05:00:18.108-08:00Goodbye 2018 <br />
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Like every year, 2018 had some ups and it had some downs but
y’all, it felt like one the roughest years me, especially the last quarter. The
holidays are literally my favorite time of year but this year it felt
different. In November I had a terrible car accident and after that everything
kind of went downhill. My emotions were all over the place, I was eating terribly
causing my weight to shoot up, my spending was out of control and it was just a
mess y’all. I just couldn’t get myself back on track and feeling like T. Danni
again. Well, a few weeks ago I finally got a little into the spirit of the
holidays and started feeling better. I was having more good days then bad days.
Now, never mind that Christmas was in a week and then NYE, I was feeling better
and could pull myself together enough to be holly and jolly. I learned one of
my biggest lessons (and taking notes on it) during this rough time that will go
with me right into 2019. </div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
The last quarter of 2018 taught me that being strong and
independent doesn’t mean that you aren’t invincible. You are allowed days to
cry, to grieve and to just not be yourself. The key is to be sure that you don’t
stay in that place to long and be sure you are able to ask for help and take
time for the word of 2018, “self-care.” I plan to take this lesson right into
2019 with me. No resolutions for me this year but I have 5 key words I am
taking into 2019:</div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
Love</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
Strength</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
Vulnerability </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
Consistency </div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
Faith</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
The list could go on but these are the 5 words I am focusing
on in 2019. They are all words that allowed me to make it through the last quarter
of 2018. In the blink of an eye I could have not been here but since I am, 2019
I am taking no prisoners. Living each day to the fullest and living with no regrets.
Let me know in the comments what are some of your words or resolutions for
2018? </div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
(P.S.: I hope y’all don’t mind this late, late, holiday post…lol.)</div>
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Outfit 1: </div>
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Dress: Thrifted</div>
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Boots: Lane Bryant</div>
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Vest: Rainbow</div>
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<br /></div>
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Outfit 2:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dress: Target</div>
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Necklace: Burlington</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shoes: Lane Bryant </div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>T. Dannihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01776759960684658970noreply@blogger.com0