Work...

I wish my office at work looked like this...

or 

maybe like this picture below

Well anyways it doesn't :( LOL! 

Anyways, I'm still working up until the day I go in labor. I planned it like that but I guess by the end of this week (at the doctor's appointment), I should know more of what my plans are since I am due Thursday! I keep having all the signs of going into labor but I think Emma has her own plans:) And at this point I'm not complaining just SUPER anxious to meet her! 

Well I always have a fear when I go away from work for a period of time (vacation, sick time, or anything) that I'm going to come back and everything is going to be different! This is honestly something that I shouldnt be worried about but I cant help it! Before we left for Christmas Break (yes, we get Christmas Break...since I work at a university), my office mate got a promotion and she moved to her own office. Although I'm super excited for her promotion because she really deserved it, I missed the fact that she wouldn't be in the office with me any longer and that I would soon be sharing an office with someone new.  So after about 2 weeks of having an office to myself, I now have new office mate...

Don't really know how I feel about this just yet! Before I shared an office with someone who was in the same age category as myself and usually we had girl talk off and on all day HA! But now everything has changed, and my new office mate is older with kids my age and older...and since she hasn't been in this office she asks a lot of questions (which I really don't mind), its just if I give her an answer she says stuff like, "no its not like that" " I don't think that's correct"...so it leaves me to often wonder why do you ask me if you aren't going to believe anything I say??? Anyways, I went off on a tangent...well I was out sick one day last week and I come back and she has totally rearranged the office...

Since I'm getting ready to go on maternity leave I don't say anything I just left it as is because they weren't horrible changes, however, I am left wondering if she is crazy enough to touch my things on my desk while I'm on maternity leave. I really hope not because that will really make me go off on her! So basically I didn't all this rambling to say I sure hope when I come back and everything is totally different from how I left it. I have gone through everything on my desk and put things away in my locked drawers in case someone uses my desk while I'm gone. However, I didn't take my pictures and things down because its my desk and even if you are sitting there you aren't to be touching my things! And I feel if you are sitting there you should look at my pictures as a reminder that its not your desk its mine, and you aren't to get too comfortable! 

Okay maybe I am tripping...but I dont want people touching my things and I guess I know the culture of our office where they feel if I move something or change something it shouldn't be a big problem to her! 

Am I crazy for worrying about this (be real with me)???

Long Lazy Sunday...

Today I decided to participate in Long Lazy Sundays with Mrs. Pancakes of Adventures of Team Pancakes.  

Well Darrick and I have been on Mission: Make Carissa go into Labor, so our original plans were to go to church this morning, however, since I was up off and on all last night in pain I told him I would stay at home this morning. He decided to stay with me after doing some work around the house (Darrick hits the ground running each and every day)! After eating breakfast, I decided that we should go walking in hopes of making me go into labor soon. So we went to the mall and walked around like we were some mall walkers:) 

After walking the mall, we had a quick lunch in Food Court.  We then finished up grocery shopping, and we stopped to pick up food for the dogs.  Afterwards we stopped by my parents house to visit, then we came home.

The rest of the night we will spend sitting on the couch talking and watching TV. We are getting ready to cook dinner together, and I have clothes to fold...but I cant complain as long as we are sitting here spending time together:) 

Quote of the Day

Happy Birthday Mrs. Obama!!!

I have blogged about First Lady, Michelle Obama before because I LOVE her style, and since its her birthday what better time to blog about her again! To me she has the perfect style, its trendy but it's comfortable as well. Since she has been the First Lady I have taken plenty of style tips from her, one of my favorites is the flat shoes in all colors, cardigans, and dresses. 

I love how she makes it look so easy...

(www.essence.com)

One thing many people don't know is that I love to read self help books. Books that help with style, manner, makeup, etc. So when we picked names this year for Christmas, I asked for the book "Commander in Chic: Every Woman's Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady" I asked for this book because it was about Michelle Obama, and style! Mikki Taylor is the author of this book, and I knew once I heard of the book...I had to have it, and I wanted a hard copy and not the Kindle Version!  

This is what Amazon.com had to say about the book:

With her “classic with a twist” sensibility, Michelle Obama oozes chic! Mikki Taylor, one of the nation’s foremost authorities on fashion, beauty, and style, has taken Mrs. Obama as her muse, to write the book women who admire them both have been waiting for, Commander in Chic.

The nation’s major networks, radio stations, and newspapers call on Mikki Taylor not only to discuss the “Obama look” and its feverish impact on style, but to hear Taylor’s own smart advice on looking polished and pulled together. She’s been privy to Obama’s style philosophy as well as that of countless celebs through her longtime role as beauty and cover director at Essence magazine, where she collaborated with Obama’s team on fashion and beauty choices for prime photo shoots for the magazine.

Now Taylor is sharing the keys to the Obama look with her diary-like observations, tips, and Mikki-isms (her short, ultra-clever style aphorisms) for women everywhere. Mikki knows we all want to possess a signature look and a wardrobe of bankable pieces that allow us the kind of versatility where we never have to worry about what to wear again! Consider Commander in Chic as your personal style diary—one where you’ll find everything you need to know to possess great style—simply, effortlessly, and for keeps.

Cover-to-cover, the book is full of stunning photo-graphs that take the guesswork out of what works. Every chapter in the book shares the kinds of concrete information and inspiring style ideas that not only make getting dressed a fabulous experience, but define what will make you a woman to remember! Here is everything you need to know about style—from your glossary of high-performance hair products and “do how-to’s” to the best makeup finds and techniques to what you need to know to grow your nails long and strong to the most polished hues for all skin tones. In “The Gam Slam,” Taylor tells you how to work summer-pretty legs year-round—from how to keep them even-toned and satiny smooth to vein-free.

Mikki took great care in talking to the experts about what we need to know to manage our lives from the inside out—from our mental and physical health and wellness to the importance of self-nurturing. As a result, you’ll find guiding principles on diet and exercise for the various stages of your life—from age twenty and beyond. You’ll also find the critical information you need to know to nourish your well-being so you can continue to be the empowered woman you are called to be.

All in all, Commander in Chic is a gold mine of information that will inspire you—from head to toe, inside and out—on how to truly style, now and for years to come. 

I must agree, I ABSOLUTELY love this book! It has so many great tips and tricks to have stunning effortless style! 

The Waiting Game...

Oh the Waiting Game...I am not due until February 2, however, I went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and she said that everything was prepping to go into labor. Then I went last week and basically got the SAME report again. Boo! I just knew for my last appointment I was going to find out that I am dilated or something, but no I didn't hear any of that. After my appointment last week, I scheduled with the receptionist and she scheduled me for the next 3 Fridays in a row for the same time! Boooo!!! My last appointment falls the day after I'm due and I pray that I don't make it to that appointment and by that time I am holding my baby in my arms! Darrick and I are VERY anxious, and I think that's due to the fact that we had a scare about a week ago while having dinner at Outback Restaurant. I had two contractions within 5 minutes of each other, so we knew we were well on our way to labor (NOT) they stopped and now they are here and there NOTHING CONSISTENT! 

So now we basically play the waiting game...this weekend Darrick and I walked a lot with the hopes that, we would get her moving, but it didn't work! I think its driving me crazy because this is totally out of my hands, its up to the baby and when she is ready! 

COME ON EMMA!!! 

We are ready to meet you! Actually the whole family is ready to meet you not just Mommy and Daddy...the rest of the family is just as anxious as we are! 

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I Can Not Do It All, and That's Okay...

Since getting pregnant I have been trying to keep up with my regular routine that I had before I was pregnant. I am working full-time, planning a wedding, prepping and planning for a baby, and working on my Master's. Yesterday I didn't go into work because I was super tired and not feeling well...I'm 9 months pregnant so basically I'm due any day now, however, I still try to keep up my regular routine and I think finally yesterday it all hit me that I Can Not Do It All, and that's okay. 

I decided that I am going to drop my current class and focus on everything that I have going on right now in my life. However, after making this decision, I still felt that I was letting myself down...or that I was giving in and maybe I should work harder or try to manage my time better to get everything done. I guess I shouldn't be down on myself and realize that taking a break from school is okay, as long as I go back and finish! I was so determined to not let anything change because I was pregnant, however, after much thought and prayer I knew that something had to change or be put on hold...and I guess that was school. 

Although this decision is weighing heavily on me, I must admit that I am looking forward to the break. I'm not sure if I want to start back with the next term or the one in the fall. But I guess once I get used to the changes that are getting ready to take place in my life I will get back with the program so I can finish because I am very close to the finish line.

Guess I needed to get this off my chest...

Currently...

I participated in one of these "Currently" blog link ups not to long ago, and since I read about it in advance I would participate in it again. The Currently Blog Link Up comes from Jennifer at 

so stop on over and link up with her...

current book(s)
outside of textbooks for school I read a lot of magazines

current color

(My fingers are SUPER fat right now...LOL!)

Sweet Chocolate 

current food

Clementines...I usually eat two a day (I think this is a pregnancy craving)

current favorite show(s)

 The Game just started a New Season!!!

The Real Housewives of Atlanta 

Rizzoli and Isles

current needs
For Baby Emma to make her appearance into the World!! Mommy and Daddy...and the rest of the family are so ready to meet you!!!

current triumphs
Completing this work for Graduate School this term...why did I do this to myself???

current banes of my existence
Ungrateful People...

current celebrity crush

current #1 blessing

My Soon-To-Be Family...Darrick (my fiance) and Emma (my daughter)

current indulgence
 Clementines and Mango Applesauce (not together though)

current outfit
Leggings and Boots (the only thing comfortable at this point)

current excitement
Becoming a Mommy in a few weeks...Come On Emma!!! And getting married in May

current mood
Tired:(

current favorite quote or verse

This statement puts EVERYTHING in Perspective! 

current favorite app

Google Reader App

**Usually keeps me busy when

 I am sitting somewhere waiting**

current favorite product

Let's Talk Makeup...

On the way home the other day, I was having a random conversation with Darrick about things a woman should always have in her purse regarding makeup. Now I know this is a random conversation to have with a man, however, he sits and listens to me ramble about everything, INCLUDING makeup...and I only think that is because he works for L'Oreal. Since he works at L'Oreal, Darrick can really talk cosmetics with women...most of the time he doesn't unless you are family or a close friend! But he can tell you valuable information regarding hair products and everything else...

Anyways, so I was telling him things that I have in my purse so at the drop of a hat if I need to get "gussied up" I can do that within minutes. A lot of times women get caught having to attend events and they aren't prepared, or a friend may call and say meet them somewhere...you need to keep certain items with you at all times so you can fix up. So I want to take the time to address items that you should have in your purse, so at a moments notice if you need to fix up you can...

I ALWAYS have medicated lip-gloss in my purse! One because I am addicted to it, and the second is because you just need at least one regular lip gloss that helps keep your lips hydrated! 

Foundation is a MUST! Now I am not one to wear foundation everyday, and there are many women that don't need it at all (lucky ladies)...however, there should always be something in your purse to take the shine off your face, or something make you look refreshed! I cant tell you how many times after work I have to meet someone, somewhere and by freshening up my makeup or my bare face...I don't look like I have been sitting behind a desk for 8 hours! 

Makeup must be SUPER expensive to be good makeup! I disagree...I have a combination of cosmetics that I use, and some of my best products aren't SUPER expensive! I had to put AVON on here because I sell it and they have very reasonable makeup for inexpensive prices.  NYX is also a brand that is good but not expensive at all...their eye shadows are great (very pigmented)! Then on the other hand I have some of the expensive stuff that I love! So find what works best for you and your skin to keep you looking good... DON'T SLEEP ON THE DRUGSTORE BRANDS!!! 

Lipstick, and Lipgloss...well I feel that as a woman you should have a variety of lip glosses/lipstick with you. You should have a nude color, something with a tint to it, and basically a few other colors that go well with your complexion. Based on where you are going different colors are appropriate at different times! Again this is totally my opinion...but I feel if you are going to church or something you should have makeup that doesn't make you look like you are going to a club, or vice versa! This is a tip that I learned from my mom, she has multiple lipsticks (she is more of a lipstick person than gloss) with her, and she has a couple of tinted lip glosses that go over her lipsticks to give her some extra shine! 

Eyeshadow...I am all for a little color on the eyelids! However, you should not go to work looking like you just came from the club, or that you are headed to the club afterwards. I usually keep an eye shadow palette in my purse that has a lot of neutral colors, that tend to work with any outfit. I do use other colors, however, I keep those at home and only put them in my purse if an outfit calls for them. With neutral colors you are able to do many different looks (natural makeup look, the smokey eye, or just a little shimmer), but if you only carry BRIGHT colors you are limited in what you can do and where those colors are appropriate.

(pictures from here and here)

Mascara and Eyeliner...now every woman doesn't wear these items. But I usually wear at least one of them, or sometimes I wear both. Its totally your own preference. But if you are known to wear one or both of them I think you should at least keep one of them with you. A little mascara or eye liner with foundation will work wonders for your face, even if you decide to use both with foundation only...it will at least brighten up your face and eyes. 

***Okay so these are some of the items I believe women should have on them at all times. You never know when you will get a call for an impromptu meeting, dinner date, interview, or cocktail party, however, you must be ready for events like these because they do happen! Or you should just have these items ready for when you have an event to go to, I never go to anything without fixing up first. And I completely understand that this may be a bit much, but if you are over the age of 18 you AT LEAST NEED TO HAVE ON SOME GLOSS!!!! 

“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” 
― Coco Chanel

37 Week Update...

Picture from the Baby shower...

I should have turned sideways so you could see the bump more! 

How Far Along? 37 weeks...FULL TERM BABY!!! 

Come one let's go Emma (Mommy and Daddy are ANXIOUS)!! 

Size of Emma? Before Christmas I had an appointment and she was 6lbs, I go to the doctor later this week to see where she is and if we need another ultrasound before delivery

Maternity Clothes? Yes, I have a couple pairs of work pants that aren't maternity, however, EVERYTHING else is maternity! 

Weight Gain? 14lbs in total (not too bad)

Stretch Marks? Yes Boo...I got stretch marks pretty early in the pregnancy

Gender? Girl

Sleep? Well I am up 3 times a night for bathroom breaks! Then on top of that I wake up daily around 5:40am or so...then usually I'm just in pain by the morning time...so I am very ready to have my little munchkin! 

Food Cravings? Fresh Fruit and Pastries 

(not together, but this is still an odd combination)

What I Miss? Being able get a full night's rest, and the energy that I used to have...and my MEMORY!!! I cant remember ANYTHING now!!! 

Symptoms? TIRED! I'm always tired and can barely keep my eyes open. I have a million things going through my mind with the wedding and baby on the way! And the past two days I've had a bad case of nauseousness:( 

Best Moment of the Week? Baby shower, and Sunday after church Darrick and I went to Outback for dinner. After eating an appetizer I started having contractions (two to be exact) LOL...but they were 5 minutes apart so we weren't taking any chances...we packed up our food and paid for our meal and went home just in case it was time. When we got home, I laid down and Darrick was up...when I got up Darrick had organized EVERYTHING! He put all the clothes together based on sizes, he organized her drawers and her bin in the hallway with all of her toiletries in it. I was so proud of him...he is going to be such a great Daddy!!! 

My Baby Shower...

 This past weekend was my baby shower that was hosted by my mom and sister. We had it at a community center, and it turned out to be very beautiful! 

Darrick's sister was in charge of getting the cake...and it was BEAUTIFUL!!! People are still asking about the cake and where it came from! It was a lemon cake with lemon filling in the inside...I LOVE LEMON CAKE!!! 

Soon to be Mommy and Daddy!

My nephew (look how tall he is for 12 years old), my sister, my niece and myself! 

 Proud Parents

Proud Mommy to Be

My friend Tiffany bought this for me! 

When I opened it everyone fell in love because it was personalized! 

I have to find the perfect spot for it! 

I was opening more of the gifts...

Another picture of the cake:)

My mom and sister know I LOVE to bake...so they had everyone sign an apron for Emma so she can cook with her Mommy! This had to be one of the sweetest things ever, because they tied a gift into something I REALLY love to do! We are going to have fun in the kitchen!!! 

My sister and niece (my niece thought she was a host too) LOL! 

I didn't really post the pictures of everyone from around the party because I wasn't sure if they wanted their pictures online. This was so fun...I was beat afterwards, we had lots of food, fun, and fellowship LOL! It felt really weird having a baby shower because usually I am the one in the family that is planning all the parties, but this time I had to sit back and let my mom and sister handle it...and it turned out GREAT!!! I guess they have been paying attention to my party planning skills! 

Emma is going to be one spoiled little girl! We got so much stuff for her! 

Long Lazy Sunday...

Most Sunday's I don't get a chance to blog unless I do it in advance, however, to day I was determined to participate in this Sunday LinkUp with Adventures of Team Pancakes Blog.

Sunday's are usually family days! I use this day to do NOTHING but spend time with my family, and prepare for the upcoming week. Usually my Sunday starts with Church. Growing up, we always went to church on Sundays, however, before church we would have a big breakfast and we would all sit together and eat, my father would say a long prayer for everyone at the table and for the week (it was like our covering for the week)...he would always say in his prayer "a family that prays together, stays together and let us forever be as one" and to this day my sister and I still recite this portion of the prayer. Sometimes its in a joke, but its something that we will always remember about our childhood. So today since I no longer live at home I make it a point to get up and make breakfast with Darrick, and we pray for our week and everything going on in our lives...we even have adopted the tradition of the long prayer! 

After church, Darrick and I usually come home for a little bit then we head out to visit my family and his family (even though we have just seen each other in church)...Darrick calls this the "Post-Church Recap" LOL...because on both sides we sit around and talk about our day (we all go to the same church). Also during these "post-church recaps" we watch football, and either we make dinner together or we eat at one of the families houses!  

After we visit all the families, we usually come back and watch TV together, sit and talk, or Darrick finds a random project around the house while I do homework.  This routine usually stays the same from week to week...it has been a little different since I am pregnant. Since I have been pregnant, usually we run errands directly after church then we come home to chill out because my feel are usually swollen and I'm SUPER tired! 

Overall, Sundays are pretty relaxed for me, even though we are out and about usually. Even on those days we play hookie from church we still visit both sides of the family and I wouldn't have it any other way...

2011 Recap Survey

In catching up with the blogs I read on a daily basis, I came across this 2011 Recap Survey on Jessica's Blog-You Are My Color, I am a fairly new follower to her blog, however, when reading it I immediately fell in love with the blog because we have a lot of things in common such as being engaged and pregnant! 

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?

Well I found out I was pregnant, and I moved in with my fiance' a little earlier than I expected.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I started off doing pretty well (weight loss, paying on wedding things, not eating meat two days out of the week, enjoying girl time, getting my hair done more)...I was on a good start but things got turned upside down when I found out I was expecting

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No...Thank God for letting everyone see another year!

5. Did you visit anywhere exciting?

We took a family vacation to Orlando, Florida...although I have been before I had fun taking another vacation there

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Well after the baby is born and the wedding in May, I would like us to do better with saving more money and preparing for the future

7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

June 10, 2011-Day I found out I was pregnant! 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Continuing to work on my Masters, Planning a Wedding, and Planning and Prepping for a Baby

9. What was your biggest mistake?

Not sure...nothing comes to mind but hopefully if it was a mistake I learned a lesson from it:)

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No,Thank the Lord!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Probably my Planner from Erin Condren, it has been huge in me staying organized for this upcoming year!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Probably Darrick (the fiance), because since I have found out I was pregnant sometimes Im all over the place and he continues to be there, support me, and calm me down when Im freaking out! 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

A Coworker...I wont go any further

14. Where did most of your money go in 2011?

Gas, Eating Out, Shopping, House Stuff, and Miscellaneous Items 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Finding out we are having a little girl! And various things in Wedding Planning

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?

I dont really have a song that reminds me of 2011, maybe a couple of church songs that kept me grounded and thankful during everything that is going on. 

The only one that comes to mind is I Really Love the Lord...the lyrics are "I really love the Lord...You don't know what He's Done for Me, Gave Me the Victory...I Love Him, I Love Him...I really Love the Lord"

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

Happy and Nervous at the same time! I have a lot going on this year, and hopefully everything goes off without a hitch! 

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Paid more of my debts off

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?

I wish I wouldn't have spent so much energy worrying about the person in #13.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

My family in the morning for Brunch, and Darrick's family in the afternoon for dinner! 

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?

Yes, more in love with Darrick...and in love with Emma on the way! Especially after seeing her 3D ultrasound picture I think Darrick and I fell in love with her all over again like we just found out we are pregnant. 

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Hmmm I watch a lot of reality shows (Real Housewives and Wedding Shows)

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

No I don't hate anyone

24. What was the best book you read?

I didnt do much reading because Im in school so do textbooks count???

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

That the baby dances (I like to say dance because she moves a lot) when we play Earth, Wind, and Fire

26. What did you want and get?

Hmm I really wanted a Kindle and I got the Fire for Christmas???

27. What did you want and not get?

I was kind of bummed Darrick and I didnt get to take our Fall Road Trip, but we have a lot going on so hopefully we can do a small one next year! 

28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I was 27 on my birthday and we all (my family and Darrick's family went out to eat) it was a nice treat:)

29. What's one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Nothing at all...everything happens for a reason! We had the year planned out but God had a different plan, and now we are working with all of our changes! 

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Since being pregnant I have had to become creative with some of my outfits...I think accessories have made a huge difference in my wardrobe this year. 

31. What kept you sane?

God, Darrick, Family and Friends 

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

This year I paid more attention to the celebrity moms and how they stay fashionista's along with being a mom, and just moms in general (how to keep it all together and make it look easy)

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Basically the fact that no one is willing to work with our current President, I feel like they make it a point to go against all of his ideas. Even if you don't like him, I thought the whole purpose of politics is to "help the people" or to be the voice of the people more so than just simply going against everything so once something does pass its more for bragging rights of the parties than for the well-being of the country! 

34. Who do you miss the most?

No one to be honest! 

35. Who was the best new person you met?

Not Sure...

36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?

Life will send you on a roller coaster...be ready for the ride at all times! 

37. What are your new years resolutions for 2012?

Keep everything in together (School, Wedding, and Family)