The cutest dog in Seattle @Khaleesi_GSD

Photo: James L.

I'm one of those annoying people who will listen to a story about your kids, then compare it to what I'm experiencing with my dog. Not only do I embrace the life of a pet parent, but I also believe wholeheartedly that my dog needs an ad campaign lol. A few days ago Khaleesi and I were in the park and approached by 2 photographers wanting to capture some images of us. I was like, "Khaleesi... this is your big moment to be a star! Don't mess this up." Armed with her favorite tennis ball and Chuckit!, I was able to hold her attention and help the photographer get some great shots.

I know everyone thinks their dog is the cutest, but I truly think Khaleesi is one of the cutest dogs in Seattle. She's beautiful, full of personality, has a tongue that gives Gene Simmons a run for his money, and her floppy ears are really working for her. Kinda like a model who works that tooth gap or insanely thick brows. Her floppy ears and long tongue are her signature looks. On top of that, her name is Khaleesi (dopest name ever) and she's basically a real life version of a dire wolf.

A big thank you to James L. for capturing all of these amazing photos of Khaleesi and I. Be sure to visit his page and see the rest of his awesome Seattle photography. Follow the latest pics of Khaleesi on her Instagram page!

Photo: James L.

Photo: James L.

Photo: James L.

Sidebar: Similar to how I got caught slipping back in March when the camera crew interviewed me while I was rocking that jacket with the stain (also walking khaleesi), this time the photographers approached me when I had a semi struggle bun and this unflattering shirt I've been meaning to throw out lol.

1st Trip to NYC + Wand Curls on Natural Hair

What's funny is that I meant to post this on March 3rd explaining my brief blogging hiatus -- but fast forward to today, April 4th, and it's like wow! Time popped a molly. Wait, do folks still do that? I can't keep up with the latest designer drugs. Anyways...

I haven't blogged in a long time. Why? The normal stuff -- life, work, moving a million miles a minute and not making the time. Actually having the time and then realizing I don't have the energy, creative juice, or desire to put my feelings on paper. It's crazy how an overcast day in Seattle can zap you of your motivation to do anything and everything.

As I'm writing this the sun is peaking out and I'm trying to seize the moment before I once again lose an inkling of motivation to write. The vlog below is a month old, but I still wanted to share. It's kinda funny because my "NYC High" has worn off and I've realized that the city that never sleeps may just be full of assholes and jerks. I don't know if I could actually live there, be happy, and productive... or if I'd turn into an asshole/jerk/workaholic. #KanyeShrug

In other news, I still am obsessed with wand curls lol. They're the BEST go-to hairstyle if you want something guaranteed to look cute in like 15 mins.

Prioritizing my Mental, Emotional and Physical Health

A few months ago I decided to make my mental, emotional and physical health a real priority in my life... and I mean actually doing something... In real life... Not just talking about it lol.

In the past I've had a tendency to get an idea, get excited about it... then fast forward a few weeks (or even days) later and I'm already failing big time. This time around I wanted to approach things from a more practical standpoint, identify goals, put together a plan for success, and set monthly benchmarks to measure my progress.

Now that I have a few months of success under my belt I feel comfortable sharing my experience thus far. I'm excited and hoping to encourage others to take the time and effort to prioritize all areas of their health: mental, physical and emotional.

It's not just about looking good in clothes or hitting the gym for endorphins, but truly taking stock of your life, any residual issues you may be carrying, and saying that you'll make the investment to be the healthiest version of yourself possible.

I'm excited to share my progress and continuing journey with everyone. Remember, you don't have to wait for January 1st to roll around to make change.

Why do we spend so much money in Target?

It happened to me. I went to Target over the weekend to make a return on one of those fancy eco-friendly light bulbs... and walked out of there having dropped another $77. Yes, you read that correctly. I went in to make a RETURN. That means I was going to return something and get money back - - walk out of there with cash in hand... BUT I went in, made the return and in turn donated another $77 to the cause.

I am still trying to wrap my brain around Target's marketing scheme and how they manage to suck each of us in. I mean, I know I'm not alone in having these struggles. Target is like this magical place where anything and everything you want, need, and just gotta have exists under one roof.

Yes, I went in to return a light bulb... but dammit, I'd been dying to make some peanut butter cookies and I totally needed to grab those peanut butter candies... and why yes... I did need a random bottle of red wine, and some new lace thongs... and shit, while I was at it, I grabbed some tooth paste, an air freshener... and well, the list goes on and on! Oh, Target... you little temptress...

So, when's the last time Target got you for your coins?

Side Effects of Generic Birth Control

I never understood the value in choosing the brand name medicine over the generic... that is until I switched my birth control and had pain in the ass side effects!! Breakthrough bleeding/spotting, acne, oh my... I didn't have time for those childhood games and quickly made the switch back to my brand name Ortho Tri Cyclen.

Having Faith in God's Timing (video)

"To have faith in God, is to also have faith in God's timing..."

God will 'Make it Rain' on your Life Force (video)

It's extremely easy to get overwhelmed by the challenges we encounter on a daily basis. You look up and feel like God is somewhere laughing at you... like, do you really think I can handle anything else? With the negative it can feel like "When it Rains, It Pours...." but the same applies for blessings.

When God hands out blessings he can make it rain on your life force. The favor that he shows can be overwhelmingly positive and bring you to your knees. The type of blessings that make you acknowledge that it's his doing...

Breaking Bad Habits: Grumpy Bitch Struggles (video)

I blogged about my 1 week challenge to encourage and inspire others, but I also decided to focus on trying to improve some of my bad habits. When I'm not radiating happiness and good vibes I'm pretty emo/moody and can be quite a bitch. Not like the type of bitch you wouldn't be friends with... but more like the friend you adore that has occasional fits of bitchiness lol. Nevertheless, I wanted to check my grumpy bitch struggles and do better.

How did you encourage and inspire others this past week, or work on yourself?

1 Week Challenge to Encourage and Inspire (video)

Following up to my blog post yesterday, I had the idea to try and challenge myself to encourage and inject life and hope into those around me. Now, this is something that I'm trying to do for the entire year, but over the next week I will make it my primary focus. I want to invest time and energy into actively uplifting those around me in ways I may have not done before.

To kick things off, I'm planning a brunch with some girlfriends on Sunday that will focus on us all sharing our goals and seeing how we can help one another get there. We all make time to twerk and party, but when's the last time you sat your circle of friends down and made an invested interest in what they're currently working on and asked how you could help? I'd like to think of it as a Female Fellowship Brunch full of Encouragement and Inspiration! Yeah, it's a mouthful lol... but my challenge to you is to do the same.

Challenge yourself to spend the next week actively encouraging and inspiring those around you. There's nothing better than lifting up your friends and in turn having them lift you up. We'll all be flying high on the shoulders of one another. Let's get high on this friendship peace pipe! lol... 

For those that feel like they are shoulders deep in working on themselves, choose you!! Consider it a Life Force Resuscitation. You can commit to spending the next week encouraging yourself, changing some habits, and injecting your life force with some much needed TLC.



** I filmed this video right before I hopped in bed... thus I look the part lol **

New Year, New Me: The Cloud of Divorce has Lifted (video)

I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to start this year off with ZERO baggage and in a truly balanced state of mind. I spent the entire year of 2012 going through a legal separation and divorce, and while it was one of the most difficult things I've ever experienced in my life, I feel better for having successfully weathered the storm. I've learned so many lessons about love, life and myself... but what is ringing most true and loudly for me right now is this:

New Year's Eve 2013

Your life and the current state of everything in it is a reflection of the choices you've made. It's up to you, and you alone, to create your own happiness. I believe God has a plan for all of us, but we're charged with making sure we wake up each day and are proactively taking steps towards getting closer to our dreams.

We should never be void of dreams and goals. Every moment we're blessed with breath we should spend it striving to fulfill something.

Yes, it's safe to say I'm on cloud 9 shitting sunshine and glitter. Life is short and when you've made it through something you never thought you could handle alone, it puts everything in perspective. Nobody ever said life was easy and each day you have to fight for what you want... but know that no matter what life is throwing your way, you can and WILL get through it. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, but nothing worth having will come easy. There will always be work and some level of sacrifice that must be made.

I don't want to sound preachy or stay on this rant for too long... but having my marriage fall apart and being faced with the reality that all of "our plans" were no longer going to happen was a tough pill to swallow.

No shit... this was draining, emotional, enraging, enlightening... it really shook me to my core and now that I've gotten past it I have so much clarity, happiness, joy, perspective... wisdom! Life throws you lemons and sometimes you have to say fuck that, I wanted La Croix lol. A total life force remix!

My close friends and parents were an amazing support system for me, but at the end of the day when I was left with my own thoughts I had to weather this storm alone. I feel like I fought for my happiness and peace of mind and there's nothing anyone can do to minimize this period in my life or how impacting it was. I know that I'm better for having this experience and hope to share joy and encouragement with others out there.

So yeah... I'm pretty much radiating happiness!! I know folks don't like happy people lol, so I at least wanted everyone to understand the source of my joy... and umm... this shit has been over a year in the making so please know that I have zero fucks to give for those that continue to live struggle lives with no intention of doing better.

Otherwise, Happy Freaking New Year!!!

'Tis the Season

Remember how I said my neighbors were really annoying? Like super duper next level annoying! The type of annoying people that sing and play instruments at all hours of the night. Well, just in case you thought I was being overly dramatic, exaggerating or just a smug bitch that hates noise... I have proof! lol...

Tis the season to be jolly and that includes belting out negro spirituals at the top of your lungs. I came home on Sunday and low and behold they were holding a choir practice. Of course they were - - because they sing. and play instruments. ALL.THE.FUCKING.TIME. Yes, they don't sound that bad and it was a Sunday, so the gospel music was, timely... but umm... notice how quiet the hallway is and the ONLY thing you hear is them? Yes... that's a problem.




I live downtown. In a condo. On a major street. I'm not anal about noise by any stretch... but I hate obnoxious ass people that are just ape shit about making noise all the time with no regard for others. Like, bitch... you DO have neighbors. You know that, right?

Before your panties are bunched up, know that I didn't file any complaints, stomp around, or knock on her door. I just filmed this video to prove how much sound actually comes out of her apartment and the way it carries through the hallway.

It's the holiday season and I'll count my blessing because I could live next to d-boys or worse - - RAPPERS! Oh, the horror. I'd probably kill myself if rappers lived next door.

Do you have proof of your neighbors making annoying noise?

Unrealistic Beauty Standards (video)

I'm starting to feel that the beauty standards for women nowadays are not only out of control, but disgustingly cookie cutter. A quick scan of many fashion blogs or Instagram will show you that the ideal "beauty" is exotic, long hair, caked up face, small waist, big ass, top notch fashion... and that's just the outside... on top of that she needs to be smart, successful, not a gold digging bitch, have a good family, education, like sports, and not be annoying. She should cook, pop that pussy in the bedroom, and win your mother over with her smile and grace.

** insert crickets here**

Now, having the full package has never been a bad thing... for a man or a woman... but the standards of beauty for many women are just unrealistic. Stick with me for a moment...

I love makeup and hair. It's fun to play with your look and change things up, but I think people are starting to believe their caked up, weaved out look is authentic... Nah, son...

I was at a day party on Saturday and doing a quick scan of the room I thought most chicks brought their A game... but doing that much for a casual party at 2p? lol... No wonder men have it all wrong. The "done up" beauty has become the standard and what many people think is the minimum criteria. Yes, I've heard some men say they like natural beauties with no makeup... but guess what? Those same guys stay falling for the Okey Doke chick in the club "caked up and ready to get chose." How long can you really be with a person that avoids sweating, water activities, or anything that might ruin their makeup or cause their hair to sweat out! Enjoy the facade, but trust and believe that this is NOT how women look at the end of the day.

Maybe this is a PMS driven rant, but I think it's important for women to truly embrace who they are w/out the makeup and hair tricks. Yes, take care of your appearance and be proud... but when you wash your makeup off at night, love who is looking back at you. I feel like we're almost to blame for this shit. Folks think Kim K wakes up looking like that, failing to realize she has a 24/7 Glam Squad.

Sidebar: I prefer Kimmie Cakes without the makeup and high fashion. I think she's a naturally pretty girl that doesn't need the extra pomp and circumstance.

What are your thoughts? Are the female standards for beauty out of control and unrealistic?

Is there Life after Twerking?

I have a soft spot in my heart for the Twerk Team and their hypnotic ass shaking, but what happens when the twerking comes to an end? Is it possible to have a life beyond twerking? I'm probably putting too much thought into this, but unlike strippers that hang up their clear heels in the dark abyss of a club, YouTube Twerkers have embeddable memories left on the Internet for everyone to see. Can you take a former twerker seriously?

How to wear a Satin Bonnet in Public

When I first heard that chicks were rocking black satin bonnets in public I didn't believe it. I mean, it's one thing to rock a scarf outside the house... which can be hit or miss... but a black bonnet? Like the type you sleep in? I mean, hell... nobody even really wants to sleep in them because they're so hideous! But wearing it outside, willingly? Hell no... I was extremely baffled and perplexed. My brain ached.

When I moved back to Chicago last summer and actually witnessed girls roaming the streets with their bonnets on full display, I wasn't sure whether I should laugh, tweet a pic, or stop them and ask why. Well, I've decided to do one better and show everyone the correct way to wear a satin bonnet in public - - covered THEE hell up! lol...

I totally understand that #BlackGirlHairProblems are real in these streets and as a chick with natural hair, there can be tons of prep work involved in getting a style the way you want. If I have something to do that night it's not uncommon for me to twist my hair up and allow it to "set" during the day at work. However, you will not CATCH SIGHT of my satin bonnet. Instead, I opt to wear my satin bonnet underneath a cute, black beanie. This allows for my hair to not get frizzy due to friction from the beanie, but you also don't have to see the satin bonnet because let's be real... it's ugly.

I usually pull my bonnet and beanie back just a tad so you can see the front twists, a small effort to make this look like an actual style... and then the rest is covered up. I've never been clowned for this style and it actually looks kinda cute. I feel artsy and introspective.

For all of the women out there actually wearing satin bonnets in public, please stop... Go to Forever21, H&M or even Target and snag a few beanies. I promise this will be a major fashion save for your life force.

Vote!!! (video)

Get out there and vote today, folks!

Why I Hate Chase Bank (Video)

Saturday night I had the chance to get out with my girlfriends and just let loose. Drank a bit too much and ended up paying for it all day Sunday. Nothing reminds you that you're getting older like realizing how much longer it takes to "bounce back" from a ratchet night out.

But on to the topic of this post - - why I hate Chase Bank!

After leaving the club we went to Bijan's, one of my favorite late night spots, and decided to grab some Pinkberry while we waited for our table. Keep in mind that I was faded by this point, so I'm just rolling with the punches. I get to the register and the dude tells me my debit card came up declined. No biggie b/c I have money in my account, but he just gave me my FroYo gratis! Mucho Gracias... I kept living my life and didn't think anything of it... until I tried to pay for my bill at Bijan's and it came up declined again.

Had to give Chase a call because I knew I had money in the account and this was ridiculous. Spoke to a rep and was told they were having a system outage and my card wouldn't be available until 8a. Umm... excuse me? It was like 3a and I was sitting in a restaurant needing to pay my bill. Chase, please do better. I didn't receive any type of email alert, or notification of ANY kind saying my account would be unavailable for X amount of hours.

I've done numerous cross country road trips and the first thought that entered my mind was what if I was driving and needed gas... I couldn't get it for 5 more hours? Fuck that. Chase is such a sham of a company. They really grind my gears. So, not only was my account with fucking money in it unavailable, she also told me that if I went to an ATM my card wouldn't work until 8a. Well, damn...

Luckily my girlfriend had some extra cash on her and was able to give me some money for my bill, but I think Chase Bank did a shitty job handling this matter.

My Period: A Monthly Gift (Video)

While some people view their period as some sort of sadistic curse, I think of it as a monthly gift from up above! There is nothing more exciting then getting my period each month ... because guess what? It means I'm not pregnant!! Yay for being able to continue living my ultra fabulous, child-free life!

I know very few people that are in a situation where they'd welcome a pregnancy with happy, outstretched arms... and it's not because they're leading ratchet lives. Believe it or not, not every woman is going baby crazy. For those of us that are completely content not being called "mom," this Daily Vlog is for you!!!

Corporate Woes (Video)

Yet another installment of my daily YouTube vlog series...

As a member of corporate America I know how to play the game, fall in line, and stand my ground. When it comes to lunch meetings I'm usually on board and don't mind my company stuffing my face for free 99... however - - when this is intended to replace my actual lunch hour that's when I have to put my foot down and disagree.

Maybe the issue is calling our lunch hour a "lunch hour." I'm down for calling it an hour to do whatever the fuck I like. I work extremely hard and like to use my lunch hour as an opportunity to decompress, get away from my desk, get some fresh air, eat, run errands... whatever it is that I choose to do with it. It's an extremely small fraction of time to have to myself.

So, for all of my corporate folks out there, how do you handle lunch meetings that cut into typical lunch hour times - - noon to 2p? Do you still take your lunch after the meeting? Go before? Suck it up and take a longer lunch on another day? I'm curious to see what corporate protocol calls for... and if anyone is in HR please feel free to give me some insight.

Litter Box Woes (Video)

Smudge, my 2 yo Russian Blue, uses the litter box 100% of the time... but only covers up his shit 50% of the time. I never know what little surprises will be waiting for me when I pass by the box... and I'm tired of living my life in that type of agony. I want to send him off to some feline finishing school to help him get his life together... and give me some peace of mind.

I think this is a male cat issue since Misty (my female tabby cat, also 2 yo) doesn't EVER do this. She's actually my little angel. For those with cats do you have any advice?

- Stressed out Pet Parent