My Second Birthday!

As I previously wrote, I had planned another party for myself after I arrived home for Labor Day Weekend.

Only when you reach grown woman status can you have two parties for your birthday...

So I did.

And the turn-out was fabulous...

The Theme: Pool Party

The Venue: The Gracious Home of my Cousins The Johnsons

The Food:

Various Chips and Dips, Fresh Fruit, Grilled Hot Dogs, Turkey Burgers, Links, Grilled Tilapia, Ranch Style Beans, Chicken

Dessert:

Pineapple Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cocktails:

Margaritas and Long Island Iced Tea...(My Favs!)

The day started kinda rocky, but it ended well! I bought and catered my own food, which turned out well may I add...

I honestly thought I was going to have left-overs to take home but I didn't...

They were GONE!

I was glad because I put a lot of love into cooking and it felt good that people enjoyed themselves.

What I Learned:

1. Even though things don't go as planned, you can still get everything done by organizing.

2. Prep-work is KEY when grilling foods.

3. Watching someone that has more experience than you helps when it's time to fly solo.

4. Drink responsibly; know your limits and respect them when drinking...(you don't have to get PISsY drunk on your birthday)

5.  Ask for help.

6. Budget and bargain shop.

7. Plan ahead.

8. When you least expect it, people will come through for you.

9. Wearing Make-up makes for awesome pictures... My expressions were much more readable with it on.

10. When you play hard, working hard is much easier to face!

Earrings: Catos Fashions

Necklace: Walmart

Yellow High-low Hem Dress: Forever 21+

Silver Sandals: Beauty Supply

Zebra One-Piece: Old Navy

White Cover-Up: HEB Plus Grocery Store

Orange Maxi Dress: Old Navy

Mz Funky Pants...

Part of the reason why I BLOG is self empowerment through self-exploration.

...Well, that may be the ONLY reason.

I say that to say I have learned this week I am a Fan of Funky Pants.

ü  Wide Legged/Palazzo

 

ü  Floral Printed

 

ü  Brightly Colored

 

ü  Funky Printed

Pants!

They are ALL the RAVE for my springtime wardrobe.

And easy peasy when I want to KISS...Keep It So Simple.

Don't get me wrong, I love dresses.

Throwing one on is a no-brainer for me.

What's sometimes difficult or out of my comfort zone, is styling pants...

So I was thrilled at myself for taking this outfit that could possibly be used for drinks with the girls, and making it work appropriate.

And by shedding some layers, it can easily become casual.

PS: I felt totally weird seeing myself without my glasses while editing these pics.

I lost them and didn't have time to look for 'em this morning.

Large Black Studs: Can't remember because I've had 'em so long

Fuchsia Blazer: Sears

Lime Tank: Old Navy

Leopard-Print Jumper: Kardashian Kollection via Sears

1 1/2 inch Canvas Wedge Espadrilles: Thrifted (they were in mint condition too...)

Neon Green Clutch: Charming Charlie's

Black Leather Bag: Coach

Sixty Forty...

Only when you reach GROWN WOMAN STATUS can you move your birthday up to fit your schedule.

I planned an impromptu dinner and drinks/dancing for my 31st birthday this weekend.

My official birthday is ACTULLY the 31st (Is that my Golden Birthday?).

And that always falls during Labor Day weekend.

But this year I am not off work during the actual day I graced the earth with my presence, so I planned a get-together here.

As well as my home town...

The title of this post reflects that sixty percent of my big day/night was AWESOME...

Forty Percent...Not so much.

What I Learned:

1. Things sound good to people at the time, but a LOT can change on D-day...

2. Fun is what you make it...

3. Wearing shape wear is OK on special occasions... (Helped a lot with my food baby last night)

4. It's HARD to get even a handful of people in the same place at the same time...

5. I OFFICIALLY learned how to take a Tequila Shot Correctly...ANNNNNNNNNNNNNND the more expensive the stuff is the smoother it is... But the cheap stuff can get the job done!

6. QUALITY in friends is BETTER than Quantity...You don't have to know a lot of people to feel special.

7. Putting yourself out there with the RIGHT PEOPLE makes all the difference in the world.

8. I think I like being pictured with Fire Arms...

9. Try new things; you might be surprised how well they turn out!

10. Home Made cake tastes BETTER...Thank you Nora for my cupcakes!!!!

11. I look DAMN good for 31! (Gotta keep that goin)

Glasses: DKNY

Earrings: Bakers

Dress: Forever 21+

Clutch: Charming Charlie's

Suede Pumps: Bakers

In the Navy Baby...

As I was getting dressed today, I noticed that I am dressing more and more like my momma when I want to be conservative.

She would not have picked the lime green pants that I wore...(Another way that I took some otherwise edgy bottoms and made them work-friendly)

But,

ü  The tucked-in shirt,

ü  Stripes,

ü  Navy Loafers (she actually has a pair),

ü  & Bootcut Silhouette of the Pants,

ALL Her...

I could vividly recollect an instance in grooming my style where I was FREAKING Out, (as an early teen), when I didn't have an all-white pair of shoes to go with this formal dress.  I had remixed the look from Easter to go to a Debutante Cotillion.

My momma told me to wear a pair of Navy and white church flats instead.

"It'll break all of that white," she told me.

That's what I thought about when I was getting dressed this morning...Breaking colors to make an outfit more diverse...

...Taking color and strategically placing it throughout the look to add contrast, dimension, and variety!

Thanks Mom!

Navy and White Striped Top: Old Navy

Lime Green Twill Pants: QVC

Navy Loafers: Old Navy

White Belt: Wal-Mart

Stark White Carry-All: Bakers

Navy Blue Saddle Bag: Dooney & Burke

K.I.S.S. The Weekend Edition...

This weekend marks the second that I got domestic with it, doing much-needed chores and cooking dinner today instead of picking it up...

After tackling my domestic feats, I didn't feel the need to get prim and proper with my attire.

Thus I threw this on.

No Muss...No Fuss... Just Kiss

Keeping It So Simple.

Then I was out the door to do what I do best...SHOP! And monopolize on those Mother's Days savings!

Don't get it twisted, I kicked my momma a shout out today as well as another awesome mom I have the pleasure of knowing.

I didn't get to see momma today 'cause I live 5 hours from her and I'll be going home to visit at the end of the month.

She know I love her though...

This was my dinner.

Lima beans, meatloaf and corn bread...(my bread was a bit charred on the bottom but ask me if I care)
YUM!

One thing I can say about my up-bringing is that I was raised in the city, but my values are country. My momma passed down things her momma taught her to me. One of those things is good ole down home cookin'... I'm proud to say it's on my blood to cook like this. ...Thank You Momma & Mawmow...

I know this was random and all over the place, but it is what it is...

Ya'll have a good one...

Gray Tee: Forever 21

 Floral Harem Pants: Forever 21+

Black T-Strapped Sandals: Old Navy ( found these today in my sandal pile and will be placed in back in ROTATION)

Silver Carry-All Tote: Abro brand via Marshalls