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March 2019: I just had a baby two months ago n being patient as my body was getting back to normal. Having a baby at 38 took ALOT mentally n physically. It was important for me to find my mojo n bounce back. Since my body clock was out of wack, it's when I started getting up during sunrise. I seen on the news the events surrounding the Cherry Blossoms n it peaked my interest. I wanted to see what the big hoopla was about that tourist traveled near n far for what's been down the street from me for years. Cherry Blossoms symbolize both birth n death, beauty n violence in Japan's worship of nature. We celebrate the flower viewing to commemorate the gift Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gave us in 1912 to celebrate the friendship between the US n Japan. I wanted to take advantage of what tourists come here to see n experience the "big deal" downtown DC. I made it my business to get up extra early n beat the rush to secure a parking space nearby then walk the Tidal Basin. The crisp air fresh in the morning n birds chirping added to the experience. It wasn't crowded n littered with morning joggers n sprinkled with walkers like myself who enjoyed taking it all in. I didn't know what to expect but to capture the moment, I asked strangers nearby to snap a shot or 2 of me. Outside of that, I was taking it all in. It was a great start to the morning n afterwards, I knew I would make it a tradition for me to visit every year. It's one of the best ways to bring in Spring even if u live outside of the DMV, I would make it a wknd trip. We literally transform around the city to anything Pink n White to celebrate Cherry Blossoms. After Cherry Blossoms have reached their peak, u typically have a two week window (depending on the weather) to catch them. After they've blessed us, the petals fall n get replaced with green leaves. Once they open they are sensitive to weather n high winds or heavy rain easily knocks em off...I learned this in later years! Have u taken advantage of the gift of blossoms? When was ur first visit n how'd u like it? Let me know in the comments.

This year marks the 5th Cherry-versary of my newfound tradition. As a Washingtonian, we do not take advantage of the beautiful landmarks and events that go on "down the street" from our home. Tourists flock here from near n far to get a glimpse of our beloved gift that's been blooming since 1912. After having Toot, I wanted to experience the big hoopla n took it upon myself to make the time n venture off one morning to enjoy it. It was one of the greatest experiences n I've been hooked to go every year thereafter. Cherry Blossom Watch starts around Feb to predict when they'll be in full peak bloom. I keep an eye out n track it along with weather so I can carve out time to go. It's more than just a photo op! It's therapeutic n a joy to see as tourists come out in droves n stroll to enjoy the 3,000 cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin, downtown DC. I do skip the events cuz I prefer to fully enjoy them with the least amount of crowds. So to take it back to the beginning, this week I'll be dropping a daily post on revisiting the last 5 yrs of Cherry Blossoms. I've been getting better n better each year to catch em at the right time. Along the way I did experience some hiccups aka the year of lockdown, but even then...I pushed thru n sacrificed to keep the tradition alive. Have u taken a visit downtown for the Cherry Blossoms? Whether it was a weekend getaway or staycation downtown, it's worth putting on the bucket list.

Grand open..grand closing! I started my March Madness off strong then got sick over the stretch of 2 wk. Yes back to back, Drake style lol. Totally thru me off n out of wack. I lost my groove n fell off from dropping balls every day. Nonetheless, I am not gonna beat myself up becuz I wasn’t able to execute the plans for March. I am gonna utilize this time to regroup n learn to manage time becuz I’m not for workin harder. I have so much content in the tuck, I need to just keep droppin ‘‘em here! Debating on YouTube shorts buuuut y’all know I’m shy. I love the space I’ve carved here n not lookin for a viral moment. I appreciate the intimate numbers of my tribe- y’all are amazing. Thank u for checkin on me after missing Sip Trips n my infamous Sat theme song lol, I’ve been missing doing them honestly. My OCD wont let me not complete this challenge tho soooo just know there WILL be a month where I post eryday. Just not this month lol.

Yes, I know it's Spring n while we are transitioning; I'm getting the last wear outta these coats. Since I'm not big on coats, I don't spend a lot for them n prefer to thrift em. The beauty of vintage coats are...they are heavier since they don't make em like they used to n I ain't gotta drop more than $50 for em lol. If this coat looks familiar, it's from this post----> Tory Burch Clock Watch <----- it's great for layers n WILL keep u warm. When I seen the sister coat of this version...I had to have it. And in my favorite color...Hell Yea!! Pardon my Fringe!! I've found both of these from my girl, India Rose' of @shopvintageboutique on IG. This is one of my top shops for vintage! I get numerous compliments when I wear these show stoppers. Fringe is a fun texture n detail that became popular in the 1920's with Flapper Couture. They became fashionable extending to jackets, skirts n accessories throughout the 60's n 70's. The fashion of fringe is a classic look. I remember being introduced to it in the 90's n never looked back! Are u feeling fringe-y? Do u partake in the trend or nah?

I'm a huge fan of supporting influencers. We are all within this creative space and inspire-motivate n elevate each other whether we've met in person or not. The term is called "friend in our head" thanx to Muva Wendy Williams. While these amazon drops are limited edition and exclusively sold within a small window, it'll be hard to snag what's left becuz they sell out QUICK!! You may get lucky with returns here n there but when ur favorite influencer does an amazon drop...u better strategize lol. When Kela went through her looks, there were a lot of options from boiler suits, trenches, dresses n an orange 2 pc like this one. I gravitated towards this ombre set instantly! I am trying to have a better relationship with money so I limited myself to just ONE. The best part of ombre sets is...no two outfits are the same. So I can bump into women who grabbed the same style n we'd all look different. I went with my safe default size of XL for the top n bottom. Typically since it's amazon I'd go UP another size but seen reviews it's bout true to size n that is correct. As much as I like this set, I don't love it n that is why....I regret to inform yall...it's going back! I don't see myself reaching for this often to wear. While it does FIT...I would've liked to have gone up one more size in the pants becuz I like em to have a slight drag! As relaxed as it looks with the shirt being UNTUCKED, I love how clean it looks TUCKED but due to my FUPA making appearances, lol, I can't do so in a manner I am comfortable (unless it was a size bigger). Ugh...I should've grabbed the orange as a backup (strategy) cuz anything as a set is effortless couture (note). Did yall grab anything from Kela Walker's amazon drop? or have u ever shopped the amazon influencer drop? The only one I've done before this one is Signed By Blake's n she done had a few drops since her 1st one...they super sell out EVERY time.

The moment we've all been waiting for...change of seasons! Although there hasn't been much of a Winter; I do love the anticipation after daylight saving time of warmer weather. People's attitude begin to change n we enjoy taking advantage of the sun being out longer. I know yall have noticed...my Sip Trips have been falling off. Partially becuz I've been sick for the last few wknds and partially becuz I've been visiting closely to my local coffee spots due to the convenience n cold weather. I do plan on venturing out for new spots this season and getting back in rotation...keep tagging n recommending spots to try! This is also my favorite season for plant loveeeeerrsssssss. I know folks are ready to enjoy outside but this is where I flourish INSIDE!! Discovering more plant species to take care of and revamping my balcony to enjoy sunrises n sunsets brings me joy. The blessing in the pandemic taught me how to care for n nurture outside of being a mom. It's bout the only time I like playing in the dirt with repotting season. Spring Cleaning is still in full effect. I've made great strides n progress with purging my closet. I officially have 4 totes to get rid of n while there are things I'd love to have the energy to Poshmark n nem...in reality...I know I won't. I think I'm gonna get in the habit of purging every few months. It's a shame I purged clothes that no longer fit my style (or current body) that had tags on it **hangs head in shame** I totally know better now so I've been shopping with intention n if I can't see myself wearing it often...I leave it. What are ur plans for Spring time? Travel? Trying anything new? cooking classes, new dance moves? Are u gonna challenge urself to anything outside ur comfort zone? Solo dates? mingling at happy hours? Let me know in the comments!

Reminder!! Reminder!! Reminder!! These are the last few days to enjoy an extra hour of sleep before we SPRING FORWARD!! Yup, this Sunday when u wake up, you'll wonder why time is moving even faster with losing an hour. The sun sticks around a tad longer n the moods should somewhat change with brighter skies. I love this time of the year. U can hear the birds chirp earlier n it's easier for me to catch the sunrise thanks to my body clock. I'm most looking forward to warmer weather...although we haven't truly had much of a winter, the air is crisp off the early morning n morning runs by neighbors remind me to get off my azz. Whether u love or hate the time changes that occur twice a year, if federal legislation doesn't approve the fight against the ritual, we will FALL BACK to gain an hour in November. To spare u the legal jargon , Congress has to approve cancelling these time jumps despite 22 states having 50 bills pending on policy agendas. Becuz I do understand it can be quite the adjustment, I have a few tips to help out. One is taking short cat naps. Now this may be due to aging lol but sometimes insomnia can kick in while ur trying to adjust. During the lockdown, I would take 30 min or less naps on the balcony or across the street laid out by the lake becuz something bout how the day light can help regulate the internal clock. Getting more light n cat naps will help do the trick! The beauty of seasons is the change. Skincare routines included. I start switching to lighter moisturizers n less exfoliating as needed. Change out air filters in the home along with fresh batteries for smoke detectors. While we may "lose" an hour, we will surely gain some energy. How do u adjust to the time changes? Are u Yay or Nay to vote in making in permanent? Let me know ur thoughts below.

Throughout these last few years of transforming into my higher self the true test is turning down opportunities where I would’ve once snatched. A lot of times we take advantage of the window too quick n don't consider the future. Being impatient will have u taking scraps once the dust settles! Everyone has intuition but it’s another level to be able to process to understand it. I go off blind faith a lot of times becuz I’m in sync or aligned with trusting the outcome whether it works in my favor or not. I've gained the ability through patience n discipline. Not being hasty n acting out of lack n fear. I've been more trusting of myself after careful deliberation n weighing pros n cons. The unknown excites me n I don't bank on a plan b when I'm strongly leaning into plan a. Synchronicities are incidents that occur which pause u to pay attention becuz an event can happen as a coincidence. For example, if u have a dream about someone n they randomly pop up days or weeks later. I always take mine to be spiritual. Lately, I've been seeing angel numbers. A few weeks ago, I couldn't stop seeing em. Whenever I glanced down at the clock it was 222, 333, n 555. As humans we look for meaning in our lives n synchronicities n coincidences can be interpreted as one in the same. I choose to look at mine as if the universe is talkin to me. Yall know I'm a slight psychology nerd so lets move on... Lemme swing this to my love life. I am not desperate out in these streets. My choices ain’t made out of boredom meaning…I ain’t gotta lay up wit nobody cuz I have an itch. I don’t need to entertain a convo with no meaning. Flattery although appreciated don’t move me cuz I don’t need the validation. The discipline of saying no to what I know doesn't serve me relieves time wasted. The patience I gain from the discipline of saying no ensures who I choose to entertain is a good deal whether it works or not. Once u hone these skills, u can easily see pass the bshyt n it becomes quite entertaining recognizing it. The hardest part of the discipline is being consistent. I know heaux looooove to say they look for that in a man but ask urself if u are the consistency u seek. Do u have a regimen or routine? I have a morning routine of making my bed EVERYDAY. I proceed to then do my regimen of grooming before I step foot in the living room to tidy up n grab coffee. While doin this I incorporate jazz music, candle lighting n room mists. I am not rushing in the morning to exercise patience so it sets the tone n mood for the day. The patience is what is necessary to sustain discipline. Value the process to develop discipline so it matures over time n becomes apart of ur lifestyle. It takes tiiiiiiime. U don't become the great one overnight. We often times want instant results. I know I do when it comes to exercising, lol. What we do today, can effect us tomorrow!

If u are new here...welcome! If ur a vintage follower than u know...I loooove me some polka dots! It's one of my favorite prints. It's fun n retro while allowing me to be Minnie Mouse lol. Whether white dots on black or reversed, it's a timeless print n I had fun putting this lewk together. I titled the look "Peek A Dots" becuz although the dress in itself ( by New York & Co ) could easily be the main attraction, I wanted to simmer it down n make the main focus the boldness of the knit maxi cardigan ( by Hanifa ). I played off the peek-a-boo'ness n added the color block belt ( also NY&Co ) and accessories already in my stash. This is a fun look to wear together or separately....hellooooo to wearing ur clothes more!! The Hanifa Cardigan's are classic (size down) n come in assorted colors (I also have magenta). I love playing with prints n also toning it down in a peek-a-boo type manor. It's like letting what's underneath give a wink ;) while the outerwear does the work!!

Cheers to the top of the week of a new month. I am excited Spring is upon us becuz I love seasons changing (even tho we didn't quite have much of a winter). This is the time I peek out from hibernation n come out of my cocoon with creativity. We start getting longer days of sunlight n blankets of fresh air overtakes (nevermind allergy season lol) so rejuvenation begins. At the beginning of the year, I stated my theme for 2023 is Execution . With that being said, I wanted to challenge myself as a blogger. Last year I did a full month of red lips and this year, I wanna do March Madness which is dropping a post everyday this month except Sunday's. That is my day of rest. I ain't gotta adhere to that whole hustle n grind n sleep when u dead-isms! Sunday's are my days of rest-PERIOD!! I don't wanna be on social media n wanna break from the pressures. What's to come this month? I have some style story post to share my finds n where to shop. I have a Styling Session with Nordstrom to where they've invited me for VIP services so it'll be a makeover session n I'll show u how to shop. I love my vulnerable posts . I'm finding strength in sharing those n gives my blog some range so I will drop those more this month. My baby... Sip Trips :D n who knows...maybe a giveaway! Thank yall for sharing, caring n leaving me notes whether here or personally! I appreciate chall for lightin the fire under my boots n keeping me honest in my creative bag. I love how yall love me.

It was a cooooold azz Saturday...I mean BLISTERING cold n I stumbled upon a coffee shop nearby my "home" (Nordies) n needed a place to keep warm til they opened lol. This joint was totally in the cut n Basecamp Coffee Roasters was a good stumble. What a wonderful way to be greeted upon my arrival :D I thought this display of my love life was cute near the entrance n it was spacious for me to make my way around to Sip n Pose. Basecamp combines their passion for coffee n climbing, so how cool is it, they are attached to an indoor rock climbing center called Vertical Rock. The aesthetics around the cafe all makes sense now! I skipped the rock climbing as I was a tad...under dressed lol...ok I'm lying...I ain't bout breaking a nail. I was there to enjoy some coffee n people watch. They offer 5 different brewing methods found here n I most intrigued by the Japanese slow drip. The extraction process involves water n coffee beans to meet drip by drip for over 14 hrs to create a cold brew that's EXTREMELY caffeinated so I can't even imagine what that feels like. Even tho I skipped the Japanese Drip n opted for the caramel-ish latte, overall the barista's were really helpful. The establishment was clean n even tho I was there early (before 0800a, seemed to get busy after 0930a), it still had some early risers n we had plenty of space. It's a great lounge space off the beaten path for sure. They have an extensive menu to pick from n the perks to send the kids literally next door to wall climb while ur nearby sounds good to me. I've had a pretty good experience here n appreciated they let me use space as my back drop to be a photographer-it was fun. Basement Camp Coffee Roasters for the win!!

This look was featured in a previous Sip Trip last Oct. n it's been dangling in my closet ever since. If ur a person who doesn't wanna work hard to create a look...Sweater Dresses are for you! The vibrant shade is what caught my eyes cuz I mean...with a shocking shade of pink how can it not, lol. I just brought it to life with my own touches. The beauty of sweater dresses are u don't need to do much. I just tend to go the extra mile for dramatic flair. I will apologize early...this dress is all the way SOLD OUT at Nordies. It was recently on sale a few wks ago for $65...ugh!! It also came in Cream. It's as cozy as it looks n emphasis on OVERSIZED. I got a size L n could've totally went with M. Definitely worth the full price n even better on sale. Becuz the dress in itself is the SHOCKER, I chose accents n accessories to compliment the tone. Let the details do the talkin ;) While I had watermelons in mind for this lewk, hence the green earrings ( from amazon last summer ) I couldn't help but utilize my Flamingo Brooch (IG: @shopvintageboutique). My boots are from Nashville to bring it home. The scarf is old (ASOS) n I tossed that on cuz it was cold lol n just an added detail to go with the cafe's decor. This dress is totally fun n will grab attention when u toss it on. The perfect weekend dress. Again, keep in mind with bright statement pieces, the dress alone does the majority of the work so u don't have to work hard so let the small details get some shine . Definitely do NOT wear for work...I repeat...NSFW lol. The neckline is too slouchy n sexy for the office place. Prolly why I haven't worn it since my Sip Trip cuz I like my outfits to be interchangeable lol. If I come across a similar sweater dress of this shade n style, I'll definitely let yall know sooner than later this time :7