Long time no Blog.

OMG!!!! Where have I been? I've truly missed blogging. With the start of my new job and working my old one as well I haven't had any time to just sit and reflect.

The past few weekends have been about Celebrating. As a proud alumni, I went to Texas Southern University's Fall Commencement. Of course I was late because I was running on my own time and had to sneak in because security said it was full to capacity (doubt it). Nevertheless I did see my line sisters walk across the stage and start a new stage in life. Graduation was followed by a a dinner with my line sisters, happy hour and a beautiful program/Christmas Party given by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity,inc.

Sunday was church then a graduation party.


I've been making big steps in life and I'm very proud of myself and all I've accomplished.


Until next time
-Southern Inspired Belle.

My Wish List

Christmas is near and I would like to share with you a few things on my wish list. 

These Converse are only $25.99 at your nearest Ross store. They go very well with leggings and a nice sweater on a not so Winter day in December. 

Who doesn't want to stay up to date with the newest technology? Not me.!! The I phone 6 is on my list as well. My I-Phone 5 has been thrown around so much I'm surprised it still works. (LOL). 

My schedule will be Triple busy next year. I'm starting a new job, but I still want to get into the gym. You can be skinny and not be healthy, and I think that's where I'm at now. Skinny and not healthy. My eating habits are all out of wack and I want to get in the hang of exercising and eating the right things. 

Now that list wasn't that bad, was it?. I do want some other things but there small and I think over the next few months I'll purchase them myself. What's on your wish list?

Until next time

-Southern Inspired Belle

Maid of Honor. Duty Calls

Two weeks ago I got the great news that one of my close friends is getting married next June. I love weddings, such a joyous occasion.

I can't wait to plan for this wedding. The bride decided that her bridesmaid dresses would be "iced blue". Something like this...

Wake Up... 2015 is Near.!!!

As 2015 approaches I have to ask, Who will be in your 2015?. This morning I got a Wake Up call. Well, it was actually a Wake Up Text. I hadn't spoken with this person in over a month and finally they contacted me. The text caught me by surprise and it made me feel some type of way. It made me wonder if I would bring the baggage of 2014 with me to 2015. 

When I love I love wholeheartedly. In my eyes those I love can do nothing wrong and I would back them 100% if anyone said anything different. 2014 was the year of graduation and what I thought would bring new beginnings but it wasn't. I think 2015 is that year for me. I will be starting a new job soon and preparing for Grad school the Fall of next year. 

Take the time out and write out the good things of 2014. Write out the good people of 2014. Write out what you plan to leave in 2014 and what you plan to bring to 2015. It's all up to you. 

Remember, live life and be happy. Don't let anyone take away your joy. The choice is yours.

Who will be in your 2015?

Until next time

-Southern Inspired Belle

Secret Santa at the Office

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It's Secret Santa week at the office. I love to see people in the holiday spirit, it really warms my heart. I don't think my person has a clue it's me. The rules were everyday Monday through Thursday purchase a gift from $1.00- $5.00 and on Friday you can spend up to $25.00. On Friday we will have a office pot luck. I'm not a fan of eating everyone's food :(. You never know how clean they keep their house, if they have animals or not, you know? Only eat Store Bought. Yesterday my Secret Santa bought me Pink Umbrella and Pink Shirt and today a Starbucks Gift card. I'll keep you posted on the gifts to come.

Until Next Time

-Southern Inspired Belle

Happy December!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! As I look outside, it seems as if the weather has dropped tremendously since this morning. This is your time to make this year count. Is there something you planned to do this year but never got around to doing it? As Nike says, Just Do It. 

This year I'm volunteering at the George R. Brown Convention Center to feed those less fortunate on Christmas Eve. This is something new I'm trying and I'm very excited. I encourage each and every one of you to find a shelter to donate to this Holiday. 

Did you like my tree?

Until next time

-Southern Inspired Belle

Trees Trees and More Trees

What a Bargain? I bought a Christmas Tree for only $29.00 at Home Depot. It smells so beautifully. The employees even trimmed and tied it to the car for me. 

Outfit

Shirt: Thrifter 

Leggings: Forever 21

Gold & Silver is this years decoration colors.

Happy Holidays!!!

-Southern Inspired Belle

Baby Shower & Scrapbooking

Baby Shower Games & Scrap-booking

This past weekend was full of Baby shower games and Scrap-booking my senior year of college. My cousin is welcoming a new baby boy and I was in charge of the games. Here is a picture of my "Pin the Pacifier on the Baby"

I saw this baby on Pinterest and drew it from scratch. Pretty good huh? LOL. Other games we played included "Guess the baby food", "Who knows mommy best", and "What poop is this".Overall we had a lot of fun. 

Scrap-booking has always been a favorite of mine, and with my senior year ending this year what better memories to re-live. I truly miss my senior year and the people in it. Graduating sucks, lol. Here is a picture of my arts and crafts.

Next post is all about Christmas Tree hunting. Can't wait. 

Until Next Time

-Southern Inspired Belle.!!

A little bit more thankfulness. !!!!

Day 21: I'm thankful for a good nights rest.

Day 22: I'm thankful southern comfort. Going back to my roots in Louisiana always brings a smile to my face. The air that you breathe is just different there than in the city.

Day 23: I'm thankful for siblings. Majority of the time they get on my nerves, but it's nice to know that there always there when you need them.

Day 24: I'm thankful for Love.

November 20- Thankful Post

Today I'm thankful for laughter. Sometimes laughter is the only thing to keep you from crying or being sad. A few jokes a day keep the heartache away:).

Until next time
Southern Inspired Belle

November I Haven't Forgot About You. :-)

Hello Everyone,

I have to admit I've been down a little lately. I can't say that a lot of things are changing in my life but a lot of things are changing. Not necessarily things physically, but the people in my life are changing. I have people who have literally fell off the face of the earth and it's been very disturbing. I'm staying prayerful in this change that's happening and keeping in mind that "No weapon formed against me shall prosper". If there's anyone that you're feeling "ill" towards, I advise you to talk to them about it. You'll feel much better and it won't continue to hurt you.

It's still November and I've slacked on my Thankful Post. I believe my last one was on the 6th of November so here we go.

Day 7: I'm thankful for my nephews and nieces. They bring me so much joy especially that baby. Although they make you not want to have kids of your own (LOL), their a pleasure to have around.

Day 8: I'm thankful for a Good Night's Rest. It's always important to relax and not think about anything.

Day 9: I'm thankful for SEAFOOD, I love love love love seafood. I could probably eat seafood all day everyday.

Day 10: I'm thankful for Life's Lesson's. Life throws curve balls at you and you have to be able to maneuver around them. Trouble doesn't last always and that's what's important.

Day 11: I'm thankful for Arts & Crafts. Arts and Crafts keep my mind at ease.

Day 12: I'm thankful for Social Media. As weird as this may seem, Social Media keeps you in contact with a lot of people from Grade School and Long lost family members.

Day 13: I'm thankful for a roof over my head. Daily I pass panhandlers on the street asking for food or money to help them live day to day. And I thank God for allowing me to be covered.

Day 14: I'm thankful for my job. The unemployment rate is very high and I'm thankful that after 8 months, I now have a job.

Day 15: I'm thankful for the Telephone. Communication is key in living life. If we didn't have cell phones or land lines how would we communicate in such a big country.

Day 16: I'm thankful for the different seasons we have. Fall going into Winter is my most favorite, where the leaves are orange yellow and maroon and the wind is crisp. I just love it.

Day 17: I'm thankful for Volunteer opportunities that change people's lives. This Saturday I'm volunteering at the American Diabetes Association walk. My mother, and majority of my family members suffer from this hereditary disease and I'm thankful that there are opportunities out there to change people's lives.

Day 18: I'm thankful for new life. I was recently in the emergency room, A lady walked in and all she said was my water broke. I thought it was so awesome that she was preparing to bring a new life into this world.

Day 19: Today is the 19th of November. I'm thankful for my new diet I'm preparing to embark on. I was told by the doctor that I had too much acid in my stomach and in order to fix the issue I had to change my diet. No more coffee, orange juice, pizza, chili, spaghetti, lemonade, etc.



I hope you enjoyed my thankful post today. Talk to you soon

-Southern Inspired Belle

Thankful Post

I'm pretty behind on my thankful post. Schedule has been a little busy however I'm here to overwhelm with you thankful posts.


Today I'm thankful for my line sister(s). Of course it's not easy getting to know 37 people but there's a 90% chance you'll come out forming a friendship that's never ending.

November 4-5

I am behind on my Thankful Posts but I owe you 3. :) I hope you are writing in your Thankful Journals.

November 4:

I am thankful for my Parents. Each of us need a support system, people to lift us up when we are down, people to tell us "you're getting out of hand", people to tell us "it's time for you to get your life together. I'm thankful for my parents raising me into the woman I am today. They allowed me to live the way I wanted to live and let me experiment with life. My mother had me modeling, playing the piano, dancing: ballet, jazz, and tap. My father taught me the importance of taking care of your family, whether helping them physically or emotionally. For Them I am Thankful. 


November 5:

Three months until my birthday :). On this day, I am thankful for my education. Education is everything to me. I love it and I'm all about continuing education. I don't think one can have too much education. 

What I'm Thankful for.

Today is November 3rd, 2014. Don't forget to start your "Thankful Journal" if you haven't already.


I'm thankful today for being on earth. I thank the Lord everyday for choosing me to be here and do his work. Although I am still trying to find my purpose in life, I'm thankful I'm here. 

Happy November!!

Oh Give Thanks Unto the Lord for He is Good!

This month I challenge everyone to create a "Thankful Journal". Everyday write something you're thankful for. After this month is over if you're feeling down or having doubts go back and look at your Journal. The weather is beginning to change, with that said I plan on purchasing sweaters from area Thrift stores and passing them out to the Homeless. It's about giving and not always receiving. 

Happy November

- Southern Inspired Belle

Friendships Swiftly Pass

I know it’s been a while since my last blog but I’ve been busy and not busy, if that makes any sense. Something has being weighing very heavy on my heart. Throughout your life people come in and out of our lives, and sometimes it’s not in our control. Lately I’ve been questioning myself, is it me?, Did I do something for them to just all of a sudden stop talking to me. It’s weird how you have a friendship and then “poof” it’s gone. It really saddens me because I thought this person and I were close. Yes I know schedules can get busy and maybe a week or two might swiftly pass but two weeks, three weeks, four weeks passed. There was no luck in contacting the person. So then what is there left to do? After a month or so the person finally answered, but it wasn’t the answer I was expecting. Till this day I’m still not sure what’s going on or why things played out the way they did but it’s out of my control. If this has ever happened to you know that yes your feelings will be hurt but all you can do is pray that God shows you the reason and you accept it. Continue to also pray for the friend because you never know what that person is going through.

Happy Sunday

-Southern Inspired Belle

National Southern Belle Day-

Yesterday was National Southern Belle Day. I can't believe I forgot it. I knew it was this week but got my days mixed up. I'm starting to scrapbook the beginning of the year which included: graduation, induction to my Sorority, birthdays and the fun filled moments with my line sisters. Yesterday I traveled across the world to get a gift for a Southern Belle of mine. Her Birthday is coming up and we all know Southern Belle is everything Monogrammed. I will share pictures with you after she receives her gift. :)

What is a Southern Belle you may ask? In my opinion a Southern Belle is a well mannered young woman who loves her family, treats her elders with the utmost respect, a Church going, choir singing, baking beauty, grits eating, debutante, monogrammed everything, thank you note writing, blogging, lemonade drinking, bad mamajamma. 

Until Next Time
-Southern Inspired Belle

Proverbs 29:18

Proverbs 29:18 states "Where there is no vision, the people perish". This post I will focus on Visions. Last year, I created a vision board that showed long term and short term goals of mine. Some of my long term goals would be marriage, opening up a bakery and starting a fashion blog. Some of my short term goals included: graduating from College, becoming a mentor to high school students, etc. Below is my first vision board ever created.

The top left explains the "fashionista" in me. Staying up to date with fashion. The bottom left is my dream to travel around the world. I have "road trip" (my t.v is in the way). On the left of Road Trip it's Dallas, New Orleans, New York and Denver. Mid way you see "recipes", "sweet somethings" and pictures of whoopee pies, peach cobbler and cherry pie. Baking is my specialty, hence the beignet post. In my dreams I will open a bakery. I would love to have timeless beauty, all the celebrities pictured look younger than there age (Meagan Good is 33 years Old, Tia and Tamera Mowry are 36 years old- they look Gawgeous, Vanessa Williams is 51 years old). So you get my point!! The top right of my vision board explains how strong I want my faith to become. I want to live stress free with no worries trusting that God will make a way out of no way. Above the timeless beauties is Gabrielle Union- D.Wade and Lala-Carmelo Anthony. I love their love if that makes sense. Bottom Right is my goal to become and stay Healthy, starting with eating healthy.

Do you have a vision board? I suggest you make one. In Joel Osteen's new book "You Can You Will" he speaks on always keeping your vision in front of you. Below I have some excerpts from his book.

"I’ve found that whatever your vision is, God will supersize it. He will do more than you can ask or think. "  

"Every time he sees it, he’s moving toward his goal. It reminds him of what he’s dreaming about. If 

you’re single and you want to get married, put an empty photo album on your table. That’s where you’re 

going to put your wedding photos. When you see it, you’re moving toward it."

"Are you believing for a child? Go buy a baby’s outfit and hang it in your closet where you can see it every 

day. Keep your vision in front of you. A friend of mine who wanted a child decorated her whole baby’s 

room, bought the bed and the stroller, spent all this time, money, and energy.

Her friends thought she was a little far out, preparing a baby’s room with no." 

"Keep your vision in front of you"

Until next time

- Southern Inspired Belle

My Weekend!

THE WEEKEND :)

This weekend was quit fun and exciting. On Saturday I went to church to help bake for the Bake Sale. Cupcakes, Caramel Apples, Pecan Candy and Mini Bunt Cakes were all on the menu. I enjoyed decorating the cupcakes, here are a few I did.

(The green icing is Key Lime flavored. The purple icing is Vanilla Flavored. The orange icing is Orange Flavored.) Yummy!!!

The next thing on the agenda was Family Reunion Meeting which was a success. I love hanging out with Family, it really brings me joy. My family doesn't get together often (unless it's a Funeral, unfortunately). However when we do it's like we didn't miss a beat. This year we have a twist to our reunion. Usually the family gets together in our hometown in Louisiana but this year we decided to move around and actually rent out a Lodge. I'm very excited and can't wait. 

On Sunday, I went to church with my mom. Afterward we ate with a relative visiting from out of town. I got a call from my party planner who did my graduation party. He needed some help with a wedding later that evening, and because I was already in the area it worked out just fine. I wish I had pictures to show but I didn't take any.

On the menu for Sunday dinner was Street Tacos;

Here's the recipe.

Ingredients

Cilantro

Charro Beans

Corn Tortillas

Feta Cheese

Corn on the Cob

Avocado

Rotisserie Chicken Strips

Red Onion

1. Take the chicken out of the bag and place in a skillet on the stove. The chicken is already cooked so warm it until you think it's ready. In the same pot, Slice the red onion and grill it.

2. In a pot, warm up your charro beans.

3. Slice the Corn on the cob and place in a mini skillet, add about a hand full of feta cheese and warm for about 7 minutes.

4. Fry the Tortilla on each side for 2 minutes. ( Place a teaspoon of olive oil in the skillet for each tortilla).

5. On the side in a paper plate, slice up the avacado, cilantro and feta cheese. 

Make your taco and ENJOY!!!!

Until Next Time

-Southern Inspired Belle :)

Beignet Please??

I fell in love with Beignets after watching the Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog" They just looked so good. After watching, I bought the Recipe book that include Beignets, PoBoys, Fruit Salad and much more. Now this isn't a easy thing to make. You have your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, canned milk and much more that has to be stirred, rolled and fried to the best of your ability. Below is the recipe and pictures from my favorite scenes of the movie.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. WEAR PURPLE when you can. :)

Until next time

-Southern Inspired Belle

INGREDIENTS:
3 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup water
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a medium bowl, combine 23/4 cups of the f lour with the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, water, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour mixture from Step 1.

3. Use some of the remaining flour to dust your work surface. Place the dough on it and pat it into a large 1/2 -inch-thick square. Dust the top with more flour if it gets sticky. Next, slice the dough into 21/2 -inch squares.

4. Now it’s time to fry the beignets—be sure to ask an adult to help you! Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy saucepan on the stovetop until the temperature reaches 325° on a deep-fat thermometer. Check the temperature every so often while cooking. If it gets too hot, temporarily turn the heat down, or off.

5. Carefully drop 3 dough squares at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for 3 minutes, turn them over, and continue frying for 3 more minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets to a wire rack set atop paper towels to drain. Dust the beignets with confectioners’ sugar, and enjoy!

Saturday FunDay

SATURDAY FUNDAY

Yesterday was such a beautiful day in Houston. It began with a mini photo shoot with my cousin (will post her info later in the post). I love love love taking pictures, it's something that comes natural to me. Little Fact about me: I won the Miss Photogenic Award in my University's Pageant 2 years back. We took the pictures in Vintage Park where the cutest shops, restaurants and boutiques are. The shoot lasted about an hour and was soooooo much fun. Fountains, Stores, and Butterflies were included in the shoot. (Sneak Peek Below). After the shoot was over I changed into something more comfortable and stopped at a small bakery I saw while taking the pictures. The name of the bakery is "TREAT". The bakery was decorated for the fall season and I fell in love. (Did I mention that TREAT is dog friendly). The owner has two of the most precious dogs who are pictured in the bakery. I didn't get much (ONLY 2 CUPCAKES) Italian Cream Cake and Pecan Pie. The cupcakes were lovely and I mean lovely. As the weather is cooling down I cant help but want to be outside all day.

Today is national "DO SOMETHING NICE DAY", did you know? As I left Michael's Craft store I saw they were backed up because of there 50% OFF Halloween sale and decided to move all of their baskets to help them out. It made me feel awesome!! Will you do something nice today?

Until Next Time

- Southern Inspired Belle

How cute are these decorations inside "Treat"?

Left: Italian Cream Cupcake

Right: Pecan Pie Cupcake

Be sure to stop by... YummY!!!

As promised here is my cousin's info:   IG: anikamaya_photography

"Southern Belles always count their blessings, but we should always make our blessings count"

MY INNER FASHIONISTA

During the summer I started thrifting and came across some very nice pieces. With help from Pinterest, I put these pieces together (some previously owned) for work outfits and surprisingly I fell in love. Although to some they might be very basic they are comfortable from head to toe. Hope you enjoy!

Blazer: Thrift Store Find

Dress: Cotton On

Sweater: Thrift Store

Shirt: Burlington Coat Factory

Pants: Target

Purse: Michael Kohrs

Blazer: Thrift Store

Shirt: Thrift Store (Banana Republic)

Pants: Found in Back of Closet :)

Blazer: Thrift Store

Cami: Forever 21

Skirt: Thrift Store (Target Brand)

Denim Shirt: Oldie

Skirt: Target

"GOD MADE ALL CREATURES BEAUTIFUL, HE JUST SPENT A LITTLE MORE TIME ON SOUTHERN BELLES."

The things that make me happy the most.!!!