The Bridge

If you want something, make it happen.

I've wanted to take pictures on this bridge since I moved here.

It is such an interesting feature as it connects two small housing subdivisions that run parallel.

There is a grassy knoll that runs under the bridge and down the middle of the small streets (lined with houses) that's like a highway median lined with palm trees.

It steeply hollows out and sometimes I see people running from one side of the vast concave to the other.

Some runners just sprint along the sides.

There are parts of my neighborhood are quite rough.

But if you drive one street over, the area turns into this charming suburban town. ...with lots and lots of character!

This dress was one of the things I found on clearance at Target this weekend.

I love knit.

And I love print.

So for less than 15 bucks, it was a WINNER!

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd the dress is from Target's Maternity Line.

That's right! A maternity dress! [You wouldn't have known that if I told you now would you?]

Made me feel good cause I could size it down and it fit me swell!

This sweater is getting TOO BIG!

It's a bitter sweet thing because it fits looser because of weight loss. I've bought sooo many pieces this sweater compliments so well.

Maybe I'll find another favorite yellow sweater.

Black and Silver Hoop Earrings: Charming Charlie's

Bright Yellow Sweater: Old Navy

Blue Print [Maternity] Knit Dress: Target

Black Canvas Pointed-Toe Wedges: THRIFTED Merona for Target [turning out to be my favorite brand by Target]

Black Leather-Band Gold-Toned Watch: THRIFTED!

This color, Sinful's :"HAZARD" looked soo good with this outfit! It was a good choice if I do say so myself!

Sunday Cookin' ... 09.25.11

Cookin' is one of the ways I say, "I love you Tammie."

No recipes today.

I just wanted to share a picture of my dinner plate.

'Scuse the Styrofoam, but I don't want to wash any more dishes than I have to.

The older I get, the more I am willing to admit that I do a lot of things like my mother.

It's because I have her and my grandmother's genes that I took to cooking more than my siblings.

It relaxes me and gives me a since of accomplishment.

To this day, my momma still cooks big on Sundays.

She always believed in getting the work out of the way so she could take some time to do the things she enjoys; watching the Cowboys, having a nap or talking on the phone.

After years of watching her put the finishing touches on dinner on Sunday mornings, I now cook big on Sundays as well.

Like momma I do so, so I can have a meal waiting when I get home from a long day's work.

Today's no different.

Today's Menu:

Mixed Collard and Mustard Greens

Fresh Green beans

and Crock Pot Roast

[the end]

OMNI Brunch...

It was really breakfast, but Brunch at a hotel sounds more elegant!

Yesterday I went to breakfast with a homie that needed a ride to the bus station.

He was on his way to see family.

I am ALWAYS up for getting cute, finding new places to shoot and exploring new surroundings.

I knew just the place to go, which was LIERALLY a block from the bus station.

The food was great, (not over-priced), and the service was impeccable.

We got the breakfast buffet due to time constraints, as we arrived at the restaurant a little over an hour before he had to leave.

My friend got to the bus station as they were boarding , (which was probably a relief because he probably wasn't up to waiting in the lobby anyway).

It was only after I got him on his way that I was able to go back and take pictures (without being interrupted)...

It was a good day in Tammie land, as I am proud that I'm learning the in and outs of my city...

As non-directional as I can be in a new place, I NEVER thought I would learn my way around, (even if this IS a rather small town).

Gold-Toned Frame Sunglasses: The Avenue

Pop of Green Earrings: Charming Charlie's

Strapless DRESS: Merona for Target [one of my THRIFTED! finds]

Mustard Sandals: Old Navy [actually too big and make my feet look SUPER FLAT, but comfortable]

Multi-Colored Tribal Print Bangles: Forever 21

Gold-Toned Leather-band Watch: THRIFTED!

Confession: I was supposed to go to church this morning but went into a cleaning frenzy and missed my cut-off for walking out the door to be there on time...I'll make it up next Sunday...For real this time.

K.I.S.S. 09.21.11...

"Fashion doesn't have to be Fussy...It can be FREE!"

 

-Me

 

Since I took my last self-portraits at the HEAT of the day, I thought it'd be good to do some shots before work.

I picked this interesting spot not far from my apartment and started my shoot.

I got some cute poses, but they came out quite shadowed.       

They looked good on my camera's LCD screen but when I uploaded them....

All I can say is UGH! Even with the editing.

I'll get my mojo back one day.

Anyway...

This is another KISS 'Fit.

K eeping

I t

S o

S imple

I threw on this Hawaiian Print Top,

These Flared Trousers,

And these WONDERFUL Taupe Suede Wedges!

They were PERFECT with the flared jeans for a Retro look.

I can see myself changing out the top for a nice chiffon button down.

I am a Stigler for belts matching shoes.

I grabbed this out of my belt basket at the last minute and to my surprise, it was REVERSIBLE!

The other side is the same print as the buckle!

Because of the captivating coral and the contrasting off-white, I kept my accessories so simple too.

Just some gold-toned stud earrings and my THRIFTED! watch.

Gold-Toned Stud Earrings: Forever21

Coral Floral Shirt: Forever 21+ [got it when they first came out with their plus-sized line, Faith 21]

Dark Denim Flared Trousers: Old Navy

Taupe Reversible Belt: Target

Taupe Retro Peep-Toe Wedges: Catos

[the end]

My first bout with GRAD School Drama...

I've come to a point in my life where I'm going to NO LONGER keep my mouth shut just to keep the peace!

I do not like working in groups.

When I have to depend on others to accomplish a task for me, it makes me uncomfortable.

But in school it is inevitable; as professors tend to frequently give you group assignments.

Sometimes the assignments are done in class.

This is less painful as they only last for a little while...then they're over.

The WORSE are group assignments like term papers.

My approach to school is getting the smaller assignments done and turned in so I only have to focus on the tests.

It's what makes sense to me.

Why wait until the last minute to complete something that can be done in couple of hours, when you can just get it done and get on with life?

Other students thrive on a shorter deadline.

Because they can complete the assignment in an hour or less, they wait until closer to the deadline to turn it in.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd, working with a group of people that seem to think like that is hard for me.

We were given an assignment on a Tuesday.

Since it was a one-paged assignment and it was a group effort, we were given until the next Tuesday to collaborate with our group members to complete it.

I wanted to take a little time after class to exchange information and collaborate ideas.

Everyone else seemed ready to go home.

So, we all gave our email addresses and phone numbers to one person and she was supposed to send out a "test email" to the rest of the group.

That email didn't come until Saturday.

Subsequent emails followed during the weekend with a template of the project and soliciting everyone's ideas.

By then, I was turned off.

Why were we waiting until the last minute?

I wanted to speak to my group members on the next Tuesday, (the day my assignment was due), but I was super late for class.

We had a non-traditional format where a lot of people got out early, so a lot of my group members were gone when I got there.

When I tried to address my lack of participation and my true feelings about how we could have been better organized, I was met with resistance.

I got the most resistance from the person whom dropped the ball on distributing the contact information.

I admit that she did make up for it by assigning everyone duties, but this was too little too late for my taste.

The initial email should have went out a week before the assignment was due, not only days before.

We also could have come up with the concept of how to distribute the work amongst the group earlier as well.

Since there seemed to be tension about how to proceed with the project in an expeditious manner, I thought it would be necessary that the professor mediate the situation.

My group members didn't feel that way.

One girl almost shouted at me that we weren't going to go "tattle-tailing" to the professor about what's going on in our group and we can just email each other about the assignment.

The others said nothing, packed their belongings and left.

So I guess they agreed.

They also didn't hesitate to point out the fact they have been in Grad school longer than I have.

I was insistent on talking with the professor but of course, the lady whom was responsible for getting the ball rolling stayed after as well.

I couldn't get a word in edgewise for her making accusations, excuses, and cutting me off.

It was clear that by the time I was able to tell my side, the professor's view of the situation was skewed by the loudest and most obnoxious.

After venting to my friend about it, (and now on here), I decided to practice humility.

I tried being straightforward and I offended the group.

They took it as if I were saying their work wasn't good enough.

I didn't even thank them for giving me credit.

I just went in with the complaint that it was done last-minute.

So instead of proving a point, I put my sword down to express my gratitude and apologize, and offer my assistance as the assignment progresses.

If I am still met with animosity, so be it.

I know that I am not a slacker who puts my work off on other people.

I just work better when I have time to prepare.

[the end]

(Sunday) Cookin'...

Blog written yesterday...

My microwave went on home to be with the Lord last week.

Since then, I've been doing moderate eating out... (tracking points for everything of course).

When I rose this morning, I said to myself, "Self, what can you cook that doesn't need cookin'?"

Mind you, it needs to last ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL week.

And it need not run into too much into my pocketbook.

It also has to coincide with my Weight Watchers goals.

What better to have for dinner than......

Sandwiches!

Tips for a Filling, Flavorful, Low-Fat Sandwich:

1. Use sliced deli meats.

When I consulted my Points Plus Counter to plan my grocery shopping list, most deli-sliced meats are only 2 points plus values.

That doesn't mean to pile the sandwich with them though, (you still have to account for the bread, cheese, and dressing you use).

I used:

1 Slice Roast Beef: 2 Points

1 Slice Ham: 3 Points

1 Slice Turkey : 2 Points

2. Use a Lower Fat-Cheese.

In my dieting experiences, I've tried Low Fat cheese singles.

While I liked the shredded varieties, the singles were just....OK.

I found myself melting the singles to make them more appetizing.

This time around I MAY sacrifice some points for regular cheese slices.

Let's see how some of my favorite cheeses add up:

Provolone: 3 points

Cheddar: 3 points

Swiss : 2-3 points, (depending on the brand)

Or, I could just leave off the cheese.

[I ended up getting the store band mild cheddar...2 Points Plus Values! Score!]

3. Pile on the Vegetables.

They are virtually 0 ZERO point plus values so you can add as many as you want!

Some of my favorites are:

Romaine Lettuce

Spinach

Tomatoes

Red Onions

Bell Pepper

Banana Peppers (like pickles with a kick)

You can even add Avocado for 2 points a slice.

4. Skimp on the condiments.

I know we like our sandwiches with lots of flavor.

Thus, we find ourselves adding dressings like mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, vinegar, oil, ranch and the list goes on and on.

No one likes a dry sandwich, so we tend to pile on the condiments.

That's not good.

If you look on the bottle of most foods, there is a recommended serving size.

I like Kraft Chipotle Mayo and the recommended serving size is :

1 tbsp for 40 calories.

That equates to 1 Points Plus Value.

5. Pick Smart when choosing Breads.

1. Look at the ingredients: Multigrain breads are an optimal choice...but whole wheat is good too

2. Mind your calories: There are some GREAT-Tasting Breads out there. My personal favorite is potato bread!

But at 6-8 Points Plus Values for two Slices...may not seem much, but it adds up.

The brand above is only 90 calories for two slices.

That's 3 Points Plus Values...

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

An awesome sandwhich that doesn't bust your gut! It does SATISFY though. ...YUM!

Rock on Baby...

When I passed by this wall on the way to work:

I knew its destiny.

Colorful, funky, easy-going, and fun was what caught my eye.

This can be said about this outfit, down to the color on my nails and toes.

I know I could have played it safe with a gray tee and black accessories with subtle POPs of color.

But honestly, I didn't feel like it!

I wanted to wear my mustard shirt and when I bought thus skirt, that's what I had in mind to wear with it.

I'm a little disappointed that my photos came out kind of distorted.

I'm also not feeling the scrunched-up, the sun is in my eyes! ...face I'm making on most of these pics.

That's EXACTLY what it was though.

Maybe these pics could have benefitted from my shades.

In a way, the look of these pictures remind me of stills from a music video.

So the distortion may be right on point.

Silver Button Earrings: Catos

Black Leather-band watch: THRIFTED!

Silver Bangle: Wal-Mart

Light Denim Jacket: Old Navy

Mustard V-Neck Tee: Wet Seal

Leopard Belt: Wet Seal

Blue-Printed Skirt: THRIFTED!

Tan Lace-up Sandals: MIA Brand

A Day in the Life of a Shopaholic...9.17.11

I got up with thrifting on the brain.

I am fairly new to the process, but I am catching on quickly if I do say so myself.

I was in a Goodwill with one of my clients and saw the cutest men's watches in their lock-and-key jewelry case.

Kind of like this one.

I ALMOST got the silver colored, large-faced beauty for full price, (all of $20), but the cashier let it slip that the store sells everything at 50% off every other Saturday.

I was to go home for Labor Day on the next 50% off day, but I vowed to go back today.

I didn't get the watch I wanted, but I came away with my second choice which is similar to this:

Pretty cute huh?

And classy.

I made off like a bandit with the watch, $10, and some other finds I can't wait to wear.

Red Buttoned-Down" High Tea" Dress: $2.00

Black Elastic Jeweled Belt: $0.99

Black Maxi Dress/Fold-Over Skirt: $2.00

Red Clutch: .50

Tribal Print Wrap Skirt: $2.00

Blue Exotic Print Full Midi Skirt: $2.00

My Grand Total was $20.00 and some change.

I've heard so many grand things about K-Mart, so that was my next stop.

I tried on some really cute things, (including a cute kaleidoscope print knit jumper), but they didn't fit the way I'd like.

I ended up with three pairs of shoes instead.

Two of them were leopard print.

My last stop was Catos, which I bought a GRIP of cute shoes from them too.

Since my feet are flat, I found that heels and wedges do them more justice than flatter shoes.

I especially like those low wedges that linger from 1.5 to 2.0 inches.

I also bought a LOT of accessories, which were on clearance ranging from $.99-$3.00.

Annnnnd some things to wear to work that I couldn't help but to infuse with other stuff I bought and pieces already in my closet.

Here is what I came up with:

 




 

The Neckline on this dress is one of my fav. parts!

 




 

Snow Leopard Print Dress

Black Snake-Print Belt

Multi-Colored Cheetah A-Line Dress

Brown Boot-Cut Slacks

Which were all purchased on clearance!

The challenge will be winterizing most of the pieces I bought today.

I'm sure layers and boots will do the trick!

Ravishing Red...

[The Back Drop]

[[The inside Scoop...]]

This outfit consists of things I wanted to wear today...

Go figure.

But I can't say how I was going to put them together or what would be the common thread.

The first thing I grabbed was these jeans.

I'd never worn them at work and they are some of the best-fitting jeans in my closet, (which is bad 'cause even they have their flaws...they just have the least amount of flaws though).

I was going to throw on my mustard tee, but something was just off about it with these jeans.

I decided to throw on a gray tee, (my go-to color), and it was PERFECT...

I hadn't worn my striped espadrilles in a while so I dug them out of my mountain of flats.

The belt was a natural choice, even though it barely fits around my waist in these jeans.

I think I subconsciously chose touches of red so I could carry this AMAZNG bag!

I can't wait to pair it with muted winter tones for an interesting POP of color during the cooler months.

Annnnnnnd... this vest?

Sso last minute...

Grabbed it just as I was ready to head downstairs and start my day to add some dimension to an otherwise one-dimensional look...

TADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Sleeveless Sweater Vest: The Gap

Gray Tee: The Gap's "Perfect" Tee

Jeans: Melrose

Red Belt: Target

Striped Espadrilles: Old Navy

Large Red Bag: Thrifted!