Busy, busy, busy!

Hello all!
How are you? I am good! Just staying busy, as you have probably guessed. I always think summers are hectic, but once the weather cools down, I am reminded that I have lots going on at the end of the year too! Do you find it's the same for you? Between the move and such, there's also friends and family visiting (or us leaving to visit), shopping, weddings, holiday parties... Not to mention we have opened up our home to all our friends, family, and neighbor's every Wednesday night, for what we call our "midweek mingling sessions." I make a bunch of food and pull out the party games, and we just enjoy each other's company. It's been such a fun way to get to know people and form new relationships or strengthen existing ones. I have definitely felt an abundance of love these days.

To add to the mix, I am cohosting a baby shower next month, and a holiday housewarming party in December, too. Plus Chris' birthday is the same weekend as Thanksgiving, and we will be going to Myrtle Beach to see his family.

Just this past Saturday, I hosted a Stella & Dot Trunk show. Have you seen their stuff? I had never heard of it until my friend became a stylist for them, but I guess I am just out of the loop. They have been featured in all kinds of magazines, not only for their amazing, fun jewelry and accessories, but also because of their business model. I called the trunk show our "Bubbles & Baubles Brunch". It was so fun! Really casual, and just a good way to introduce friends to my friend's new business, while catching up over snacks. And I think I did an alright job as hostess, if I do say so myself! First of all, our new place is perfect for entertaining. The food was close to the jewelry, which was close to the sitting area. Nobody was separated from the group. I served champagne and various juices (mimosas!), coffee, apple muffins, chocolate muffins, fresh fruit, croissants, and fig brie. Yum!


This was a great way to get a bunch of ladies together for a chill morning of girly things. We talked about our kids, tried on jewelry for each other, and laughed a lot. It was a small, intimate group- less than 10 of us. I had so much fun and would do it again in a heartbeat. Plus everybody loved the jewelry. I wish you could have been there. It was the perfect way to start off a busy weekend.

My friend, Allison is the stylist who sells the gorgeous jewelry. She always looks great, and only partly because of the jewelry! She did a great job styling up the ladies. Allison is not only a fabulous stylist, but also a wonderful mother to her son, and a great friend. She is also a breast cancer survivor. She is so active in all kinds of things, and I wonder how she does it all. I was so happy to help out her side business by having a great time with my friends! Check out and "like" her Facebook page!

If you are interested in checking out the jewelry, go to http://www.stelladot.com/allisongresham and take a look! There are lots of great styles, and this is a great time to look. Not only will you probably find great gift idea, but you'll probably find something perfect for that upcoming holiday party! If you shop this week (Before Friday 11/18), you can even select my name as the hostess at checkout and give me referral credits (which, would give me more towards free jewelry, and I would be so grateful!)

Here are a few pictures from the trunk show, and some of me, too, so you can see where my hair is at.

don't you love these?!?!

some of the jewelry

shopping

and mingling

 After the brunch, a bunch of us went out to eat, and then that night we attended a housewarming party in the neighborhood. It was a fun filled Saturday. Here is me later that night. Can you tell I was tired?!

So, my hair is doing something... but I'm not sure what. It just looks like curls, but I think you can at least tell I'm attempting to loc my hair, now. Lol. I am seeing April's sister this Saturday to finally get groomed. I need it. I have beds creeping, and also just want to look like I have nice, groomed hair right now. I have to have a change, cuz I am getting in a FUNK about it! I will be sure to take some pictures and post them next week.

 I know one thing, it's definitely growing! Remember this? Back in April?

 Doesn't seem that long ago, does it?

So, looks like this pace of one post a every week or two may be where I'm at for the rest of the year. Please bear with me! I haven't forgotten about you. Once I feel like my hair is doing something, I will have more hair posts to write about, too.

 I absolutely love this time of year. I love layers and sweaters, scarves and boots! I love hot drinks and warm desserts. I am so looking forward to decorating too! And lots of time with friends and family. I hope you all are staying warm and happy. What are your favorite things right now?

I'm alive! again....

Hey all! I am so sorry I've been MIA. I tried to post earlier last week, and it didn't go through, and then I completely forgot about it. I was kinda shocked when I didn't see the post here today, lol. I really apologize. I have been super busy with the move, a ton of work stuff, dinners, visitors in town, going out of town, going away parties, a sick husband, and finally a sick me. It's been crazy, and I am a hot, worn out, tired-of-being-sick mess. I have barely been online except for work. Please forgive my poor blogging as of late.

I'm sitting here, trying to think of what to tell you, but my congested head is not letting any of my thoughts through clearly. Well, let's see. The move went really well. We are fortunate enough to have been blessed with lots of amazing friends and family who were able to come help us out and get us moved very efficiently. We're in, settling down, and really starting to enjoy the new home. We're already building great relationships here in the neighborhood, and are excited to see why God has called us here.

And that's about all I can really think of to update you on- life wise. We are really blessed. Unfortunately, we have both been sick, but we're on the mend. Just looking forward to continue to build our future together. I'm excited about the fall weather, too. And pumpkin spice everything. :)

So, hair. I don' have much of an update here. I was freeforming for most of the last few weeks, finally retwisting last week with nothing but water. It was super frizzy in no time. I think because it had been used to doing it's own thing for the previous couple of weeks, it was resistant to my twisting and manipulating. I'm not feeling it right now. But I'm not really feeling much of anything in the state I'm in, to be perfectly honest. I don't really know what my hair is doing, besides taking it's own sweet time to mature. Ha. Well, anyway. That's what's going on. I have not even taken any hair shots since the move, but I did snap a couple this morning for you.

Here you go:

where the cat liked to hang out before we put a stop to it.

another one of her spots

view from the kitchen on a rainy day

our home made art work

So that's it. I hope you all are staying healthy and happy as the seasons change, and I won't let it go so long between posts in the future. Take care!

O.M.Geeee. Chescaleigh likes meeee!

So, I recently found, watched, heard, laughed with, and obsessed over Chescaleigh. How many of you already knew about this amazing personality, embodied in a beautiful woman with a gorgeous head of dreads- and didn't tell me? And you call yourselves my friends. (shaking my head.) Lol. I am so just kidding. I love you all.

If you haven't been exposed to the awesomeness that is Chesca, prepare to lose yourself. This chick is fun! I totally want to be her for like, any amount of time possible. I love her hair, I love her style, and that piercing is to die for. Why won't my hubby let me have one??? Argh! Plus this woman's got jokes and she can sing! I mean, is she perfect??? She says no and references baby hairs and weak spots in 2 or 3 locs to prove that she's not. Hardly convincing...  ;)

I have gotten lost in her blog instead of being productive, and have spent so much time watching her youtube videos, that my husband probably thinks I've been abducted by aliens and replaced with a cooler chick. (I always get on him about spending too much time on YouTube.)

Anyway, I found her on Facebook, shared a picture, and not only did she comment on my picture (she loved it!) she also "Liked" my Chinky Kinky Blog Fanpage! I sqealed with excitement and may have wet my pants a little bit. Haha. No, really. Ok. Not, really.

Anyway. Here's my newest love. This is an old video, but kind of introduces you to her and displays her gorgeous crown. Enjoy!

Thinking is a verb ....?

Good morning all. I came across something this morning, and suddenly needed to write about it, so here I am. Let's jump right in, shall we? Busy day ahead.

So, on Facebook this morning, I saw a status that went something like, "...please keep Xxxxx in your thoughts and prayers (if applicable)."

I'm sorry, what?? I hate to rip apart a status that I know is important to someone, but there are so many things wrong with that request. I am shaking my head, but need you to know that I have abundant love for the requestor. I respect her very much, even though I'm blogging about her- gasp! The way I look at it, I am not blogging about her, but about this statement. Anyway. Two things.

First of all, do we need to be so PC these days that we have to put "(if applicable)" when we ask for prayers? I am sure that nobody on your Facebook is going to rip you a new one if you left that out. Especially on a status like this one. That would be extremely insensitive. I think the "if applicable" statement just calls out that you are trying to be respectful of everyone, but is completely unnecessary. Do you really think that someone who doesn't pray is going to read a status that leaves off the "if applicable", and balk? Do you think that you will make them pray, against their will, because you didn't tell them that if it doesn't apply to them they don't have to? I mean, come on. Really?

Secondly, why ask someone to think about another person. I know that "think" is an "action word", but is there really any action behind it? That's like thinking "I'd love to have a turkey sandwich right now" and not getting up and making one. Or "I think I my son should stop pulling his sister's hair," without doing anything about it. I don't get it. I'm not trying to be insensitive. I know that when someone tries to console you, by telling you they are thinking of you (or your dad, granma, goldfish, etc), that it can be comforting. But the message there is different. You've been on their mind. Totally legit, in my book. But why would you ask someone to think of you (or your dad, grandma, goldfish, etc), when the act of thinking does nothing. Even if you, personally, do not pray- if you are going to mention it at all, why bother doing it half heartedly? Are you not sure if you want someone to do what you're asking? Get behind your words, people! Ask for what you really need. If you're too afraid to ask, then how will you ever get what you want? We need to be people that "do", that act. Thinking without action produces nothing.

Ok, that's all. Jumping off my soapbox, and into my day.

And praying that somewhere, someday, something that I write here stirs something in one of you. Make it a great day, y'all. Don't expect it to just be handed to you! But that's a post for another day....  ;)

you LIKE me! You really LIKE me!! {sniff.} :D

Well, at least, Thandi does. ;)

Where do I begin?

First of all, many thanks, Thandi, for bestowing this award on me. I am really honored that you think so highly of me and my little blog. I hardly feel stylish (right now I am in workout clothes, and still have yesterday's make-up on), and I don't think my blog has much pizazz either. But, I do what I can, and am humbled and giddy that someone appreciates it. Especially someone that I admire and love. And I do love you.l I love that you're not perfect, and don't pretend to be. I love that you are honest and real, and that you have deep empathy and are unashamed to share your feelings. Keep doing what you're doing, lady. You inspire me to strive to be a better wife, Christian woman, and someday, mother. You inspire me to love, to write, and to acknowledge my feelings. Even though we've only connected over the magical waves of the internet, I feel like you have made a difference in my life and my way of thinking. I cherish your blog, and I thank you for opening yourself up to the world, and to me.

Ok, so, back to the award. I couldn't track down the origin of it, but this chain letter type award is passed on from blogger to blogger. I think it has moved on from being an award given to those who are "stylish" to being given those who's contributions affect us. And if that is the case, I will take it! There are some rules that come with the award, and they are:

1. Thank and link back to the person that awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

Now to share about myself. I was trying to think of fun, interesting things that you don't already know. I think I will have succeeded in surprising many if you, but if not, oh well. No big deal.

First things first. I'm a Harry Potter fan. And not just any Harry Potter fan. I'm one of those Harry Potter fans. Yes, I get dressed up and go to all the premiers- including the book premiers. So what?? I can't get enough. And my cloak is so awesome that kids always ask me where I bought my costume. Haha. I wish I had some pictures to share. Maybe after the next (and last!) movie....
~
I love anime. That was one of the first things that my husband and I found we had in common. My all time favorite anime is an old, slightly girly one, called Saber Marionette. (My favorite character is Bloodberry. She is awesome.) I have an autographed box set of the entire series. :) I also am current on the longest running anime series of all time- Naruto. It is so good. And just the other night, we found the first episode of a brand new series, Ao No Exorcist. Usually it takes a few episodes to get into a new anime, but this one grabbed my interest from the first one. I'm eager to see more. It has so much potential- I just hope the animators and investors stick around. Yes, I am a dork.
~
To reveal even more of my inner dork, I will tell you that I love sci-fi. My cat and (parent's) puppy are named after Star Wars characters. I actually played a character in a no budget, online series that ran for 7 seasons, The House Between. I loved the cast and crew of that show, and though it was grueling work, I miss it and wouldn't hesitate to go back.
~
I love event planning. From swanky parties to casual dinners, Christmas parties, to my own wedding, I love all the details that go into making an event special. I love planning the menu, picking out decorations, and even finding the right napkins. My wedding was a perfect combination of me and my husband, and it was perfect. The only glitch was that nobody could see the fortune cookies where the event staff placed them at the exit. Other than that, the centerpieces (which Chris and I designed and assembled ourselves the week of the wedding) and bouquets (which my mom, sister in law, and grandma assembled), and the flavor of cake (which we paid for. lol) were perfect. The wedding went off without a hitch, in part because of our careful planning, but also with the help of the staff. I want to do it again! That was definitely the most fun party to plan, cuz there are so many details.:)
~
I am a serial hobbyist. Ok, maybe that's a little extreme. I go through phases where I have no desire to do anything, but when I do, it takes up much of my time, energy, and sometimes money. I seem to be in a circular pattern where I'll drop one hobby for the next, and the next, and then come back to the first hobby. It was jewelry making, then knitting, crocheting, scrap booking. One of our scrapbooks (yes, Chris actually scrap booked with me) is what helped us win first place in a competition we did here in Charlotte, called the Amazing Race. No, not that Amazing Race, but a scaled down, cheaper version. I've been knitting again, though now that the weather is warming up, I've been out in the dirt putting plants in the ground. I have to stop that, though, since we are moving away and I won't get to enjoy their beauty. So, I also spend lots of time looking at homes and designing the furniture layouts, etc in my head. And of course I write. It used to be poetry (maaaany moons ago), and now it's a blog. Don't worry, I don't think this is just a phase, and hope to be blogging away for a long time.
~
I love dessert. So much. I could eat it for every meal, ha ha.When Chris and I first met and joined the Amazing Race, our team name was Love and Dessert. Our motto was "All you need in life is Love and Dessert." Corny- yes. Us- very much so. :) My favorite dessert is Tres Leches, a dense, moist wet cake that is sweet and sinfully Delicious. But I love desserts of all kinds, from puddings and custards, to cakes and pies, to ice creams and sorbets. Yum!
~
The seventh and final of these fun facts about me is that I have always, and will always, love Michael Jackson. When I was a kid, my classmates used to call me Alicia Jackson. Then I grew up and married someone who can dance much like the man. I saw him live at the taping for American Bandstand's 50th anniversary show, and the man was such a perfectionist, that he performed twice. I got to see him twice. And I swear he pointed at me... in a sea of faces that I'm sure he couldn't see into. I will miss the man, but his music will live on in my soul!

Ok, that's definitely enough about me. Now for those that I nominate to be recipients of this award. There is no way I'm naming 15 bloggers. That is a lot of work, half have probably gotten this award already, and that large of a number just seems impersonal. I don't want to just pass them out to every blogger out there. So, I will award a handful.

For some loc love, I check out Beautiful Me's blog. She started her locs just before me, so I can travel on over there and see that I am in fact, pretty much where I'm supposed to be, even when I feel like I'm not. Plus she puts up pretty photos for inspiration, and shows off her styles.

I love reading Sara's blog. It is always littered with beautiful pictures. She captures awesome moments, and usually speaks straight to my heart.

I love the life that Bonnie leads, and the love she shares. Her thoughts make me think. Check her out at Bonnie's Luminous Thoughts.

I get house inspiration (and encouragement) from the Chic Little House blog. Even though their house, and much of their style is different from my own, I love seeing the DIY projects, and following their journey. I can appreciate their style and their finds for around the home. I love keeping up with this one.

I adore the Expanding Beauty blog. I love the positive vibe, the adventurousness, and the drive behind this amazing and beautiful woman. And her locs are gorgeous, which is how I found, (and instantly got hooked on) her blog.

Ok. That's enough for now. I am pooped! Thank you to all of you that have been keeping up with me. It means more to me than you could ever know.

In peace, and with love,
Alicia