New Year, New Beginnings, New Story, New Hair!

Hello! 

Do you remember me?  :(

It's been almost a year since the last time I posted. While I am sad that I was away from my blog for such a long time, so much has changed for the better!

The end of 2012 was tough for me, I was struggling with some things at my job, finances, priorities, relationships, and really just felt a spirit of depression all over me. By December, I looked back on the year and was upset that I had not accomplished most of the things I said I would. I was in a bad place and often buried my problems in things that made me feel better for the moment. I told myself I couldn't continue to live as I had and needed a change. 

The best thing that has happened to me, was right after the new year! I decided to grow further into my spirituality and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior! Ever since January, 6, 2013, my life has changed for the better! I feel a new energy and excitement for my life and future. I know that the best part of my life is to come! There have been many promises that God has given me and I believe in each and everyone of them. Immediately I saw my life turn around for the better. 

So much to catch you up on, so here's a quick recap!

Me and my hunny made it official! I am working on planning the wedding for next spring and I am so happy that I have such a loving man to spend the rest of my life with. 

In March, I was blessed with a new car that I love! 

In April, I celebrated my 26th birthday! 

AND last not but certainly not least, early this month, I graduated!

I have been working on having a good relationship with God, my hunny, my family, and my friends. God has really helped to put a balance in my life that I can truly say, I have never had. I am so grateful for all that I have and the renewal I have received in my life. 

I am excited to let you all join me in my new journey - with Christ, love and marriage, wedding planning, adulthood, health & fitness, fashion, and just about anything I plan to blab about on here. 

AND.... let's not forget my new hair journey...

 Earlier this week, I decided to start wearing my hair in its natural state...

 I've been without relaxers for a few years, but have always felt some fear in embracing my curls. Not any longer! So, What do you think?

How are you all doing? 

Any exciting life changes?

 

Hope you have a great weekend!

TheLookBag Review + New Do + Giveaway Winner!

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening, 

whenever this may meet you hope it's great! :)

I'm quickly typing as I still need to get ready for work this A.M. and I must get this post out today.

My past week in photos:

Right. Went to scour the racks at Marshall's to find a dress and ran into Michael Kors.

Middle. Yummy Margherita Pizza from the Caf at work

Left. My 2nd Month getting a package from TheLookBag

Speaking of TheLookBag, 

I figured I'd show you just what came inside this month. For those of you who aren't familiar with the program. It's similar to Birchbox and lot of the other beauty samples programs. You pay a monthly fee of $10, and each month you receive about 5 "luxury" beauty samples.
The Look Store is a new celebrity and beauty e-commerce site founded by Alan Mruvka, who started the E! Entertainment channel.
What drew me into this, however, was Damone Roberts, the celebrity eyebrow guru who picks out what goes into the bags each month. 

This month included:

(From Top Left Clockwise) 

1. Kelly Teergarden Organics Vitality Eye Cream

2. The New Black Nail Polish in 2 Summer Shades

3. Loreal Eye Shadow 

4. Naked Princess Lip Gloss in four shades

5. Erno Laszlo skincare regimen

My Fave had to be the polish. I immediately painted my puppies with the coral shade. 

Love.

BTW.

If you follow me on Instagram (lovelyladyjb1) you would have noticed I dyed my hair!! 

I officially love it. I took the plunge, it was scary. I've never colored my hair before. My sister told me once you color you'll never go back. I believe it. I'm already thinking about my next move. Ha! 

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And last but certainly not least, the winner of my giveaway last week is...

 MissRockwell @ Thrifty and Shameless! 

MissRockwell, please contact me with your information so that I can get the giftcard to you!

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That's all for now.. Happy Tuesday Loves.

OOTD : Nordstrom Striped Blazer, F21 Distressed Denim

Ok. So, I totally didn't make it to the fashion show I was raving about the other day. Long story short, I had nothing to wear. I told you guys about my frequent annoyances of going into my closet and coming out with ZILCH.

Well that was kinda the case... I skidaddled Marshall's to see what I could find. Got half way through the store and couldn't hold my arms up anymore, because they had SO MANY great summer finds!

 When I finally got to the fitting room, I tried everything on.. Only to not find anything to wear. 

Back to Square One, and at this point it was 6:30pm. (It started at 6)

So, that's my excuse story.

Blue + White Striped Blazer - Nordstrom's Rack

White Burnout Tee - The Buckle

Light Denim Distressed Jeans - Forever 21

Blue Sandal Wedges - DSW

Gold Chain Necklace - Heartbreaker

Bangles - H&M, Len Druskin 

(in case you don't know I am obsessed with these..)

I'm really trying to get a hold of my blog again, as well as juggling work, and personal life. It's hard! For all of you bloggers out there juggling more than I do - KUDOS!
What are your tips and tricks? Do Tell.

P.S. Two More Days to Enter My Giveaway (Click to Enter)!!

Sunny Saturday - Thrive Fashion House Event!

Hello Weekend. :)

I've been longing to see your pretty face...

I've got a few things planned for the next couple of days, and I'm thrilled to do them. This excitement stems for the decent weather we have been having lately. What's really funny is (not really that funny) the last few weeks the weather has been gorgeous Monday - Thursday. 

Come Friday - Sunday we see rain. 

So when the sun is out and shining this weekend, I'm going to enjoy it!!

On top of that tomorrow is Mother's Day, and I will be doing a special post for my mom tomorrow along with other festivities :) Can't wait! 

 Tan Jacket - Nordstrom's Rack

Pink Tank - Heartbreaker (?)

Blue Denim Jeans - Forever 21

Coral Wedges - Heartbreaker

Aztec Print Tote - Aerie

As for tonight, on behalf of my blog, I was invited to Thrive Fashion House's Fashion Show

Thrive Fashion House is a brand new up and coming Minneapolis based fashion company.  Their Team is comprised of fashion experts who are passionate about the vast world of styling, design, and wearable aesthetics.  They are fashion forward, meticulous about the details, and experienced.  

 Please feel free to visit http://thrivefashionhouse.com/ 

I'll be giving you all the dish on the event and my review on things after the show! As for now, I have to find something to wear to this -__- . 


Adrian tells me I have something to wear in that closet of mine, but I beg to differ! 


Have you ever went to your closet saw so many items, but had absolutely nothing to wear? 
I'm sure you all have that problem, right?

Story of my life. 

Wish me luck, 

P.S. Don't forget to enter to win a $50 GiftCard from CampusBookRentals.com :) 

Got My Blue Shoes On + Giveaway!

Hey, Hey, Hey! 

We are more than halfway done with the week! Pat yourself on the back, for a job well done. We made it!
Also, thanks to all who participated in Monday's First You Choose!
It seems like you guys liked all of the looks but #2 & #3 with the black tights got the most votes! 

 I've finally got a treat for you!

Remember back at the beginning of the semester, 

where I was complaining about 

paying for textbooks?! ($$$$$)

(click here to refresh your memory)

 They are horribly expensive each semester. 

I don't understand  how they can charge an arm and a leg for textbooks and then update the textbook version each year! It's a stupid system, and I know all of you students out there can relate!

Thank goodness for textbook rentals! 

When I started searching the web for these, I ran into a number of sites, 

one of which was - www.CampusBookRentals.com ;
(I found books like this the same version that was offered at my school, but much more affordable!)

 Immediately, I returned $600 worth of books back to my schools bookstore, 

and ordered rentals online for under $200 for the semester! 

I saved SO much money, I went out and bought myself these pretty little blue shoes below...

Blue Scarf - Heartbreaker

Gold Necklace - Heartbreaker 

Tan T-shirt - Macy's

Distressed Light Denim Jeans - Love Culture

Blue Sandals - DSW

Handbag - My Mom :)

So, Guess What?...

I'm teaming up with CampusBookRentals.com to give
one lucky reader a $50 gift card to use on their site! 
You can use this for next semester's textbooks! :)


Here's why you should be renting textbooks from www.CampusBookRentals.com:

-#1 SAVE MONEY! You can save 40-90% off of bookstore prices!
-They offer free shipping both ways
-Treat the book like its yours during the semester, you can highlight in the textbooks
-They'll work with you by offering flexible renting periods
-Your money goes towards a great cause, they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented!

Here's How you Enter:
1) Be a Follower of My Blog on GFC or Facebook!
2) Leave me a comment
That's All!! Good Luck! 

Giveaway will end 5/17/2012 at 12:00 AM. This giveaway is sponsored by CampusBookRentals.com. All opinions are my own.  Winner will be chosen using random.org

I'm linking up here