3rd Annual Derby Hatwalk Brunch + #Giveaway

The 3rd Annual Derby Hatwalk Brunch will be taking place on Saturday, May 11th in Atlanta!  I have the honor of being one of the Derby Hatwalk Bloggers for the event!  Egypt Sherrod from HGTV and V103 will host the brunch!  

Derby Hatwalk Brunch is an annual charity event that brings women together to celebrate sisterhood and service, and fellowship in high style by paying homage to the tradition of the Kentucky Derby. Ladies strut their fabulous hats on the Hatwalk and compete for special prizes. Guest will enjoy food, cocktails, vendors, live entertainment and goodie bags.  All proceeds from the Derby Brunch Hatwalk benefit T.R.I.P. (Travel.Rebuild. Inspire. Progress), a national non-for-profit organization that helps to rebuild and revitalize communities across the country.  T.R.I.P. hosts and facilitates volunteer-vacations and community service projects throughout the year.

image via Derby Hatwalk

Pandora + Lucky Mag Mother's Day Event in ATL

I'm BEYOND excited to be co-hosting the Mother's Day Event at Pandora at Perimeter Mall with Lucky Magazine! *shrieks* *hits the running man*

I would love my Atlanta peeps join me this Saturday from 1-3pm to celebrate at Pandora with Lucky Magazine's accessories editor, Melissa Lum!  During the event there will be fabulous giveaways from Pandora + Lucky Magazine and complimentary gifts with purchases over $75!  Come out and get your Mother's Day shop on with the help of Lucky Magazine accessories editor Melissa and I!

Throw the kids in a stroller and head to Pandora on Saturday!  Can't wait to see you guys!

Suakoko Betty Summer Trunk Show

Last Thursday, Eboni from Fashionista Next Door and I had the honor of hosting Suakoko Betty's Summer trunk show!  I am a HUGE fan of Suakoko Betty!  You can check me out rocking the line HERE, HERE and HERE!  Suakoko are hands down some of my most memorable outfits!  Since I was hosting I didn't get too many pictures with my camera but here are a few!

Note to self: Never take a picture with tall skinny models!  Wearing the Aviero pumps from JustFab. 

Weekend Style: Newsboy

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  After my crazy week, my weekend was low key.  I barely put on any makeup!  I did put on some concealer to go to the mall on Sunday : ).  Anyway... I am kind of excited about Peyton's look this week!

Denim Jacket, Baby Gap/ Shirt, Old Navy/ Khakis and Hat, Target/ Shoes, Walmart/ Necklace, F21

I Heart the Verizon Blackberry Z10

I've had the new Blackberry Z10 on Verizon for a few weeks.  I had a problem with the SIM card and had to get a new one so I am a little behind on trying out the new device.  I told you guys that I was a former "crack"berry addict HERE.  I was very reluctant to let my old Blackberry go to get a new Android or Iphone.  I'm finally getting my feet fingers wet with the new Blackberry Z10.

My biggest fear of trying a new device is that it will not be user friendly.  To my surprise the Blackberry Z10 on Verizon has been very user friendly!  The phone is loaded with videos showing you how to use features.  Anything I wanted to know I could type it in the search (like a mini Google).  The Blackberry Z10 does not have a "home" button.  Everything is done with a swipe.  Swipe up if you need to get to the home screen!

Here are the main screens on the Blackberry Z10.  I love that you can see the recently used apps on one screen.  I hate having to go in and out of apps!

Style Me Friday: LBD + Neon Pop

Happy Friday!  This week has been bananas!  Looks like a MAC truck ran over my face today!  Thank you for all the well wishes for my mom!  She is doing great!

This weeks Fashionista Next Door, Style Me Friday inspiration is Kourtney Kardashian little black dress with neon accessories.  I wore my Style Me Friday look to the Style with Eden event on Wednesday evening where I served as the Digital MC for the night.  I didn't get to take many pictures since I was busy tweeting and instagraming.

Randoms About Me

I have been crazy busy this week!  Not only did I have a few events I was scheduled to host, my mom got really sick on Monday and had to be taken to the hospital.  But she is doing 100 times better than when I took her in!  Praise God!  Found out she had an infection she didn't know about and is finally getting treatment! She is doing great!

Today I bring you a bunch of random facts about me!  I love reading other bloggers random about me post.  I love learning more about the bloggers that I follow.  Here we go! 

• I am very outgoing, but I don’t like taking pictures.  That is why I have the same pose in every picture (I know you don’t believe me).  I get mad nervous when it comes to video but I tough it out! 
• I have two sisters and a brother.  They are more than 13 years older than me!  See next random...
• My mom had me at 40! I was a big surprise!
• I am obsessed with Q-tips! I use them a few times a day.  I may be the only person that has a box of Qtips on their shopping list monthly!
• I can’t eat without Tabasco sauce… and get it straight…Tabasco and hot sauces are NOT the same! I may or may not have some Tabasco in my purse!
• I wasn't sure if I wanted kids, even after I got married.  Now here I am, obsessed with my child!  Not sure if I want a second! *takes b.c. pill*
• I don't sleep much.  I don't know how I survive. 
• My all time favorite movies are Coming to America, Office Space, and Scarface.  Just added to the list is Bridesmaids.  I finally saw it and could not stop laughing! 
• I dated Mister for 2 1/2 years before he proposed!  That was my longest relationship ever!  
• Never had a boyfriend over a year straight until I met Mister.  I hate to waste time!  No, I wasn't a 304! LOL! 
• I am blessed to have some awesome BFFs!  Most of them are from elementary school and high school   
• I never had a relationship with my dad. 
• I love Hip Hop! Not the new stuff but all the rappers that are my age or older : ).  My faves are Biggie, Wu-Tang, Nas, Jay Z, Common, Outkast, Lauren Hill and Eminem.  

I hope you learned a little more about me (not that you care. lol).  Do we share more things in common than you thought?  Does anything surprise you?

Disney Paint Room Update #DisneyPaintMom

I'm back with my Glidden Disney Paint room makeover update!  I shared with you guys that I would be using the new Glidden Disney Paint to update Peyton's room (HERE).  The Disney paint collection at Walmart features 115 fun colors and 5 cool finishes!  I am happy to report that we are making progress!  Peyton thinks this is a big art project so we let her take the lead! 

White Blazer + bevello Grand Opening

This Spring has been so unpredictable   The weather is up and down!  One day its 80 and sunny, the next it's 50 and cold!  It has been tricky dressing for this weather.  On Saturday, I was invited to the grand opening of bevello (with a lowercase b), a new contemporary boutique located in the swank Shops Around Lenox in Buckhead.  Since it was cool out, I pulled out one of my new spring blazers!

George Blazer, Walmart/ Stripe tank, F21/ Jeans, Gap/ Louis Vuitton Bag/ Shoes c/o JustFab

Weekend Style: Jazzed up Sweats

I hope everyone had a great weekend! My conversations with Peyton get funnier and funnier every day!  Friday she was working my last good nerve getting into everything and not listening.  Before I was about to completely snap off, she grabbed my hand and said " Mommy... You have to be patient with me"  in a calm voice!  I could not help but laugh and kiss my baby!  She is right!  Kids can be so sweet and sour! LOL!

B-ball Top, Baby Gap/ Sweats, Baby Gap(similar)/ Shoes, H+M(similar)/ Bag, gift/ Headband, Gift/ Bracelets, Zahara Harmony

DVF Returns to Gap Kids

It's baaack!  DVF will be partnering up with Gap for a Spring 2013 collection for little girls!

Style Me Friday: Monochromatic

Happy Friday! This week flew by!  We don't have any big plans this weekend, Thank God! That is great because I'm super busy next week with fun bloggy stuff!

Today's Style Me Friday look from Fashionista Next Door is monochromatic!  I have become a big fan of monochromatic outfits because they make you look slimmer!  I'm all for anything that makes me look smaller, especially since I have gained 10lbs!  Yes I did! Can you see it in my face waist and thighs?  I have been trying my best to hide it : ).  Now I can't fit my clothes. I started watching what I eat this week.  I hope to get a work out to two in this weekend!  Wish me luck!

Tristin + Tyler: The New Faces of Rocawear Kids

The most fashionable eco twins on the planet, Tristin and Tyler are now the faces of Rocawear kids!  Check them out on the front page of Rocawear (Jay Z's clothing line).

Silky Wraps: Kids Hair Bonnet Review + #Giveaway

It's the little things that get me excited!  This Silky Wraps Kids Bonnet is one of them!  As women and a women of color, nighttime hair protection is serious business!

I have worn a scarf or bonnet forever to prevent my hair from breaking, frizzing and to keep my extensions looking good!  I never thought about using one for a child.  Duh... their hair needs the same attention!  In the past I have purchased adult bonnets for Peyton that don't fit or I cut up satin scarves for fit her head to only have it come off during the night.   We all know how unattractive they can be!  Mister hates them!  I am so happy to introduce you to Silky Wraps!

Shopping Haul: H+M, P.S Aeropostale + Walmart

Our Spring and early Summer shopping is complete (not really)!  This post is kinda of late because I bought this stuff last month before for our vacation.  I found some great deals so I wanted to share.

Pulling it Together in Leopard + Snake Print

I am getting old (praise God)!  I can't hang like I used to!  I was out Thursday evening and Friday my bloggy buddy Tia from If I were a Brit Girl was celebrating her birthday!  I could not miss my girl's birthday but it was so hard to pull it together.  Normally I have my outfits ready to go but Friday it just didn't happen.  After an hour of pulling out clothes (that is why I pick my clothes in advance) this is what I came up with!

Blazer, Nordstrom Rack (similar)/ T-shirt, Merona Target/ Jeans, J Brand/ Bag, Louis Vuitton/ Ankara heels, JustFab

Fashion Designer Rebecca Taylor Event

Last week, I was super excited to meet one of my favorite designers, Rebecca Taylor at Neiman Marcus!!!  I have been a fan for many years!

Rebecca was so fly and sweet!  She took time to talk to each of her guest at the event!  Did you see notice this Bleached Jumper.... SICK!  It is from her summer collection and will hit stores soon!  This has been added to my shopping list!

Weekend Style: Skate Party

Where do the weekends go?  I think I need to take a Monday off just to sleep (while Peyton's at school).  Saturday Peyton and I went to one of my bestie son's 2nd birthday skate party!  Two year old skating?  Peyton took a nap in the car on the way to the party so she was not in the mood when we got to the skating rink.  She was not feeling taking pictures.  I will make sure I take them before I leave the house next time!

Shirt, Baby Gap/ Skinny Jeans, Old Navy/ Gold Sandals, Old Navy/ Flower by Me

Vacation Wrap-Up

Our vacation has come and gone!  Peyton managed to stay very fashionable (HERE, HERE and HERE) while having a blast!  To see the joy in her eyes and the smile on her face was EVERYTHING to me!  Here is a little picture recap of our family vacation!

Style Me Friday: Casual Pencil Skirt

Happy Friday! I am sure you are tired of my vacation posts (I may have one more left)!  So welcome to Style Me Friday!  This weeks inspiration look for Style Me Friday on The Fashionista Next Door, is casual pencil skirt.  After eating like I was in a competition for 4 days I was not happy about putting on a fitted skirt! Here I go, looking thicker than a Snickers!

Mommy + Me Nautical Stripes

I was being Trina "McCorny" again!  Peyton and I dressed a like for dinner when we were on vacation.  I actually copied Peyton and she knew it!  I said "Your dressed like Mommy!".  Peyton says "No, you dress like Peyton!"  LOL! This child is a trip!

As you can see she is not into sharing the spotlight with me! 

Baby and the Beach

Peyton is still going on and on about her trip!  She is telling everyone about the dolphins, the turtles, the hotel and the beach! I can't wait to take her on another vacation! Here is my baby at the beach!

Biking, Baby Gap/ Floppy Straw Hat, Baby Gap/ Cover-up, Old Navy

Halle Berry Pregnant at 46!

The stunning 46 year old lady that is Halle Berry, is pregnant with her second child with fiance Oliver Martinez!  I didn't know she was 46!!!! WERK Halle!

Halle is three months with her second child.  Her daughter Nahla is now 5 years old and cute as ever!  Halle looks stunning but it's hard believe she is 46 and having a baby!  Doctors scare you to death about having a child after the age of 35!  The information below was shared on CNN Health:

By 40, a woman's reproductive chance is less than 5% per cycle, so a natural pregnancy is rare. And pregnant women in their 40s face increased risks for several health issues, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer and miscarriages.

Big congrats to Halle!  I pray she has a healthy pregnancy.  I don't know about you but I don't think I want to be in the baby making business at 46!  My mom did have me at 40!  What do you think about having children in your mid 40's?

I Was (but I wasn't) at Lucky Fabb West

Let me explain...Lucky Fabb just held their L.A. conference last week and I was there... kinda...  I got word from my girl Raijean from Swai-Rai that there was a picture of me in the program as one of their fave looks from the last conference!  How cool is that!  I was super flattered!

I went to Lucky online and guess what I saw under Lucky Fabb looks!  *SCREAMS*.  This is not my best pose but hey, I'll take it!  I'm honored to be pictured as one of their favorite looks from the conference!  I took this picture when I attended Lucky Fabb in NYC last fall, had no clue where it would end up.  I plan to go back this year in NYC!  It was so much fun!  You can check out my Lucky Fabb adventure HERE.  Do you plan on attending Lucky Fabb this year?

XO

Vacation Style: Floral Shorts + Chambray

Here is another one of Peyton's cute vacation looks!

Chambray Shirt, H+M/ Floral Short, Target/ Shoes, Walmart/ Sunglasses, Baby Gap/ Bracelets, Zahara Harmony

Panama Hat in Panama City!

I tried my best not to comb my hair during the trip, so having a cute hat was a must!  I think you should always have a cute hat on deck so you can look fab after being at the beach all day or getting your hair wet!   

I picked up this Panama hat from Target in the men section a few days before we left. 

Weekend Style: Flowers + the Beach

Hey Guys! We are back from our vacation in Panama City Beach, FL : (.  Peyton had the time of her life!  You would have thought she had been to the beach before!  I am so happy we were able to take a family trip!  Moving forward, I'm going to make sure we take a trip somewhere every year... preferably to the beach!

Baby Gap Denim Jacket and Skinny Jeans/ T-shirt, P.S. Aeropostale 

Style Me Friday: Stripes + Boyfriend Jeans

Happy Friday!  Because I'm addicted to Style Me Friday, I made sure I sported my outfit before I left town!  This weeks look is a cute and casual look worn by Eva Longoria.  This Style Me Friday features a black + white shirt with boyfriend jeans.  Boyfriend jeans are the shizzz right now!  Luckily I overdosed on striped shirts recently so I was good to go!

Bedroom Makeover with Disney Glidden Paint

For the last few months I have been saying I need to transform Peyton's room to a big girl room.  I want her room to be a place she wants to hang out in besides my room.  Just in time, Disney has partnered with Glidden Paint to help us create fabulous spaces for our kids.  Conveniently, the Disney Glidden paint is sold exclusively at Walmart!  Peyton and I headed to Walmart to pick out some paints!

What I'm Packing for Vacation

Less than 24 hours until we head to the BEACH!  I am so excited!  This is our first real family vacay!  We are NOT going to visit family or stay with friends.  Just us and the beach!  I thought I would share what I will be taking on the trip.  The theme of my vacation look is "Easy"!  No Spanx allowed!  LOL!  Check out what I put together.

Cover-up, French Connection (similar)/ Leopard High-waist Bikini, ASOS/ Straw floppy hat, Macy's (similar)/ Flipflops, OLD

I know what you are thinking... the cover up doesn't match the bathing suit!  I paid a lot of money for this cover up from French Connection and it has only been on one trip!  I must get my monies worth!  I am so in love with my high waist bikini!  I may not hope to get a picture in it... we shall see!

The New Blackberry Z10 on Verizon

I am back again with a new gadget from Verizon!  I am taking the new Blackberry Z10 on Verizon Wireless for a spin!  Yes... I said Blackberry!  I have to admit my heart skipped a beat when I learned I would be getting a new Blackberry!  I'm a former "Crackberry" addict!  It was hard for me to let go of that phone.  Can't wait to see how the Blackberry Z10 stands up to these smart phones!

Easter Style in Marchesa

Happy Eastertine! (per Peyton).  She kept asking if it was Valentine's Day and I told her it was Easter.  So she keep saying "Happy Eastertine!"  So cute!  We did manage to make it to church on Sunday!  Peyton got a little restless at the end of service so I took her outside to do a mini photo shoot!  I was so excited that Peyton was able to wear her beautiful Marchesa dress from the Neiman/Target collaboration!

Dress, Marchesa/ Gold sandals, Old Navy/ Bracelets c/o Zahara Harmony/ Hair Clip, DIY by ME