It's December!

In just one weekend your life can do a complete 180 degrees. Now that I am alone in the apartment, there's tons of things that are going to be done within the next few weeks before the holidays. & when I say few, I mean like three weeks. lol

• Steff has moved out. It had me on edge, but honestly as I've stated, I really just want the best for her. We served our purposes in each other's life & hopefully by living with one another she learned something as I learned more than plenty.
• We'll see what ends up happening. A beautiful apartment with so much potential & now it all is up to me to see what will come from it. Guess you'll all find out in 2013 what ended up happening.
• I'm addicted to some of Rihanna's songs on her new album. Between her, the Miguel album & an underground group of rappers that I love. You guys should definitely check out B.I.C (Bitches Is Crazy) & their "Yo Soy Widdit" video. The editing & the rawness of it all drives the crazy bitch in me wild. I warn anyone checking out know it's rated R...seriously! lol.
• I'm emotionally unavailable. Emotions just get you in a heap of trouble & with that comes trusting the person with how you feel. Clearly friends or lovers are not ones to be 100% trusted right now. So I'm just living how I need to, loving myself.
• Three feelings I want to share: excited, nervous, scared. But with the proper communication, vibes & honesty it will definitely turn into something better than before.

Hope everyone is ready for the holidays. I will take photos of my life renovations soon.

- Ahlexandria

Another good song by B.I.C:

& Over The Course of a Few Weeks....

The panoramic photo I took of NYC.

A lot ends up happening. Between learning a lot of new things, finding out new things & just living life things just occur. With the this little "hiatus" I guess I've taken, more so because I didn't know what to write, it's crazy what comes along. My lack of writing has shown me so much more.

• Clearly my career as a professional blogger doesn't seem like it will ever happen. Maybe it's due to not being inspired, not knowing what to write, or unsure of how to say things. The last thing I want to do is offend anyone because they believe my words are directed towards them with my generalization. Then I realized I can't stop writing how I do or what I write because I care too much about what someone else thinks. That's my problem, I tend to care too much.
• It's not a lie when you're told your parents know you best. My mother & father know me in & out, they know how temperamental I am, my highs & lows. The thing that I appreciate the most is that despite it all they love me. My parents will tell me how it is, where I went wrong, where things are going. They provide me with blunt advice on how life is & how I could handle it. Even if I didn't go about it the right way they will help me see all sides of the fence. My father recently said "Life brings you things that you just have to take it & run with it. People shouldn't run away from the problems they will always linger. Those who can not confront it are scared of the outcome. Be yourself, you will get far by just being you because you are amazing even if you're flawed." Now my mom is not as calm as my dad. My dad has a subtle approach to things but has no problem putting a fist through someone's face. My mom on the other hand has this "Fuck you if you fuck me over & you'll know I'm not about this shit" approach. I guess it's a mother's instinct to protect their children, but even if so she just says: "No one likes to hear negative about themselves, I know I hate it. If you have to lash out there must be some underlying reason for it. If people would listen the first time around they wouldn't be so offended when it was repeated." The joy of parents, the way I love them, the support they've provided me through recent times.
• As it comes to it people change, relationships change, things are not the same. I recently found out that Steff is looking to move out. Even if she wants to deny it or say "At the moment I am not going anywhere" or "It is not your concern, I owe you no explanation" - in the end it's me who she lives with. When I wanted to leave I told her (even if it wasn't the nicest way) & it's me who she's fucking over. By all means, if she doesn't want to tell me I don't mind, but I clearly know otherwise. Apparently questioning the lease wasn't the only thing, but the fact that this world is soooo small is what blows me away. My friend moved into a place with someone else & they have a third room they're looking to rent. A "$700 room for rent" & Steff's e-mail was one they received. How do I know? Well my friend came to my house & has met Steff. I tagged Steff on Instagram & she asked me "What's the 'Vee' stand for?" I told her it's her last name -so & so-. Guess she remembered it pretty well & mentioned it to me, the e-mail & all. I let out the ultimate laugh. Steff is right about one thing she owes me no explanation, but be decent enough to tell me straight up. It's ok though, I wish her nothing but the best with her search for a new place & her endeavors. She's an amazing person & all of the crap we're going through doesn't make me stop loving her. We all fuck up & think what we do isn't wrong. Shit! I didn't think cursing her out & telling her she was a fucked up friend & roommate was wrong, still don't. It is what it is. As outlandish as it all sounds it's just things that end up being those little "outcomes" of choices made. I will just wait for that notice so I can help get the apartment situated into a better place.
• Cyber Monday is really not all it's made out to be. I was dying to try & get tons of new electronics for the living room set up I have in mind & kitchen appliances. TUH! I didn't think the deals were all that great except for one crock pot/slow cooker I was waiting for. Walmart had this 6 quartz slow cooker for $9.44. You can only imagine how fast that ended up going! Although my self purchases were a fail, I didn't fail on one thing. I got my mom an awesome birthday gift that was long overdue. My mom always seems to bend backwards to make sure she can provide me all that she does. So I decided to get her a nice 32" flat screen for her birthday. Time for her to get rid of that other TV & upgrade to something sleek. I can't wait until she picks it up!
• Do you ever realize that the people you deal with on the day to day basis actually become a great part of your life?! Well I have & I wouldn't trade any of them. Not only have they become my day to day, my friends, but a family to me. They have taught me so much about life, told me so much & continue to help me build myself as a person. The main thing I learned with them is that no matter what little arguments you go through with one another you have to look past it. Not only for your sanity, but for the sake of what you have gained & built with that person. Seriously, if they even read any of this, thank you!

Obviously there's a lot of updates. Plenty that I haven't pin-pointed in here but just things I've come to realize, or what I want to share because I need to get it off my chest. Nothing changes who has come into my life, they are all experiences that I wouldn't go back on. Just because respect is lost, doesn't mean the love is. I love you, just don't respect you for what you've done. Do I support you? Absolutely! In whatever ends up making you happy. Clearly my parents & my day to day folks love & care for me even with my faults. All of this time, what I've been going out & doing, the way my outlook has changed - it's just all something new for me. More knowledge for me to gain from everything, more reason to learn how to control my anger, all the more reason to never stop being myself. In the end I am still happy!

"Because your best is your best, no matter what the outcome, your best is enough."

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving went well.

Talk to you soon lovies.

- Ahlexandria

I've Lost My Mind Plenty....

& this quote fits what goes on with me perfectly!

T i m e  h e a l s  a l l .

Very true in many forms. I've lost my mind, myself & everything that comes along with sanity. I know I'm crazy, but even by being crazy & this weirdo, I'm happy! There are times where stress does get the best of me, where people are complete disappointments, where I am not on the up & up; but damn....it feels so good to know that I can find my happy place.

I've done so many things to reach that point. I've found so many ways to relieve stress, to be happy, to just look at the bigger picture. I am not perfect & I know this. I do what I have to do & continue to do it because it's what has to be done. Those who can not stay true to who they are, who let so many things change them & can not continue to stick to things - those are people who will lose themselves. Being crazy is who I am. I don't think I am sane, even though a lot of times it seems so. I am out of control, loose at the mouth, but at the end of the day I'm me. I hold it together as best as I can & I've started not caring about a lot of things that can not be changed. I can not change people & their priorities & how much they suck. I can not change the weather, nor can I change how the world works. All I can do is adapt, accept it & continue about my day to day.

Although I love to evaluate all of it; question, wonder, think of what was said & done - I will not allow it to get the best of me. People will no longer get the best of me. Feelings will be feelings in that moment & something I will have to overcome. If I lose out, I lose out. There will be something that comes along to just replace that loss.

I have been more to myself, more focused on hobbies (ie: food blog). I've met new people, gotten to know people I do better & learned who holds what place in my life. Some people have been demoted & I am absolutely ok with that. Their actions, their words, where I'm at, what I do, it all doesn't seem to fit one another. Life is like a puzzle piece we are trying to figure out and put together. Just know, everyone will also have that missing piece. If it's not that missing piece they will always have a piece they are trying their best to fit in.

T h i n k  a b o u t  i t !

Don't ever doubt what your mind and heart are capable of. Do it because it feels right, but know that whatever decision you make there are occurrences/consequences that then follow. Don't want to stay true to you work, don't want to keep promises, want to put whomever helped you get to where you are aside, want to act like you're better, want to not care - it all comes with something.

My mind randomly typing it all up.

- Ahlexandria

So Much!

I think a lot of the photos speak for themselves. lol

If you've been following me on Instagram you know I've been doing so much, so busy, but living! I can't explain how good it makes me feel to know that I've been doing things. Between family outing with my company, to gun rangers, Fuerza Bruta (which is INSANE & AMAZING), to random adventures of drag brunches & sex museums.....I have been a girl learning to deal with her stress in so many other ways than one.

With that said I would love to introduce everyone to a new part of my life,

A NEW FOUND FOOD BLOG!

I constantly post photos of things that I make, or eat & it gets tons of love. I also get pushed to start a blog, to help others. I am not a chef, I am just someone who finds a way to relieve her stress & put all of that into something she can enjoy. I would love for my readers here to follow along!

SmallChicksBigEats.Com

That has become my new baby! Steff & I have come together to colab & make this something we want everyone to enjoy. From food that is made to places we go eat. To things that are healthy, even to food that isn't but damn it's so good you just have to try it! Please follow, bookmark & join a new journey.

I want to thank Dari for doing her thing with it. She took that blog as if it was her own & showed it all the love with the designs she made.  She is talented to say the least & I love how creative she gets with just a few simple ideas I throw her way.

There is a button you can add to your blogs if you'd like to support. Either way I hope that I can new readers to the food blog  & this pushes me to add to my own blog.

Happy hungry reading! ;)

- Ahlexandria

Insightful Friday.

Lately as you can see I've been just sharing words with everyone. I've been taking what I see & translating them into what my mind can relate it to & how I hope you could relate. All of these affirmations, words of wisdom have been helping me lately. I've been reading books that help me get through my day to day, feel some sense of freedom from the world. They've also been keeping me calm during stressful situations. Although I am not some "new found" person, I am changing within me, mentally. I still am me - but with more knowledge. All I hope is to share this with others.

This has been something that I am always skeptical about. When I say what I feel it hurts people's feelings or they get on the defensive end of things. It's like why should I hold things in when I feel some kind of way all because I should completely consider your feelings? When in reality you didn't consider me when you acted how for me to have to say something. I shouldn't be left with disappointments & feeling weighed down all because people aren't considerate of me, their friend, someone they "love & care" for.

Being disappointed is something we will always encounter. Being honest with people is what people can't seem to face, especially words that in turn can burn down their egos. Some times people do need a reality check because they can't think what they do is ok. If someone was loyal to you, a lot of damaged they have done wouldn't be done. If you stay true to them, they should stay true to you. When people start pulling back from their compromises & promises, or their words in general of who they said they were, they are not real. People like that need a lot of self evaluation. & the funny this I realized is a lot of these people depend on others without even knowing. They feel that they need so much of something because they don't come to terms with the difference between needing and wanting. Once again, self evaluation!

To I've been evaluating myself, to cleanse myself, to free myself up from negative energy. I've been saying what I've been feeling, defending what I feel is right. & even when it's done, especially done for people, the appreciation is far from there. Thing with me is I will not change who I am because of someone else. They will eventually get what is deserved for the mistreatment of others.

I wrote something on Tumblr last night. It ended up being the source of this blog today...

I can’t even begin to explain the appreciation lately. The fact that something so simple can prove so much to me. Not even knowing me for years & stepping up completely & showing me that there’s people who really value people.

I can’t help but continue to say thank you. Thank you for not being like people who are in & have been in my life. Even if this is temporary. It’s blown away the ones who are around.

I think that sums up a lot of my feelings lately too.

Even if it's a temporary encounter with the people who have stepped in my life, I can't thank them enough. Thank them for allowing me to say what I feel & for them to reciprocate. They have shared nothing but the truth with me (as far as I know) & I can say I've done the exact same thing. When I've been around them it's like a sigh of relief. No tension, no worries, just "it is what it is" & great times!

I have no idea what I'm trying to get through this post, but hopefully someone who reads it understands me. lol

Have a great Friday folks!

xo's - Ahlexandria

Wise Ol' Wednesday.

"You are confined only by the walls you build yourself."

This quote holds true in so many ways. Think about it, you are your own enemy. You are the only person who can do things in life. If something is standing in the way, you are the only person who can overcome that obstacle. If you are stuck some where, or just not where you want to be, you can only break down those walls.

We all set these goals for ourselves, we all try to do things. & as good as an attempt is, nothing compares to actually fulfilling it. We can not sit here & think that things will just be handed to us, or done for us, we have to get up & do it ourselves. By staying in the same element, in our own world without breaking down barriers - how far can we actually get?

Think about it.

Sales & Give Aways!

It's been a while since I've posted anything on Etsy. I know I've been getting asked about the earrings I would make. Since making earrings I've designed cases & I'm selling other things.

If you haven't noticed there is a "Mizi's Findings" link on the left hand side. This is a link of items in the apartment that we are selling, call it a mini-thrift store. A lot of the shoes and clothes are BRAND NEW! Only two items have been sold so far, so hopefully things will run smoothly with that side of things.

Same goes for the cases. Cases have been sold, but still would love to sell more. Etsy has been a way to share my creative side, as well as have an affordable price for others. That's one thing I refuse to do is steal people's money with selling items. My goal with anything that I do is to help others.

Check out the websites:
Mizi's Findings
Etsy Shop

Support. Buy. Spread the word!


One more thing before you go....

I want to thank Liz for featuring me on her blog. It's always such a lovely question to be asked "Would you like a blog feature?" & I couldn't deny the opportunity. If you follow Liz you will know she is hosting a give away with a case that I made. Click here & join in. You have until September 14th!

Good luck & happy shopping! :)

9th Month of the Year.

Summer is over & the fall is rolling in. I ended summer properly. I have several pictures for upcoming posts that I can't wait to share. Also have posts lined up ready to be posted. 

I've been on a "stay-cation" over in Long Island at Mom's house. It was nice to be away, spend time with my lady & see the people I grew up with. Family is important! I have always been the outcast not wanting to spend time with family, but this year I've made it a priority. I try to see my mom once a month, see my brother for his important days & when we can get together & spend time with my cousins. Two of my cousins are my closest friends & I have made that effort to not only always keep in touch with them but see them when our schedules allow it.

The time away from the apartment was nice. The things I usually do; cooking, taking out the trash, trying to stay on top of things - those are things I didn't have to worry about this week. Before I left the apartment I cleaned it up, took out trash that Sunday & made sure there was nothing much Steff had to do except stay on top of it. It's nice to have an easy going vacation with no much worries. I didn't have to cook this entire week, worry about chores (except personal ones that had to be done while out here) & all I had to do was let it all go. Everything that has happened this summer, the tension that is there with people, just stress...I've set it all side or let it go. It's about mutual respect & staying true to who you are & what you promised. Not everyone can do that, so those are people who you shrug off.

I've gone out, I'm done some DIY projects, I've tanned after not being at the beach since Costa Rica. But more than anything, I spend time the past two weeks with the ones I love. Catching up with old friends was nice. To see how things have changed over the years. To rehash the memories we had & just share the good ol' times. This little get away was much needed. As much as I can hope for things to get better, there to be less stress - all I want is for people to step it up where need be. But hey, if they can't then I am absolutely fine with it, it is me at the end of the day.

A new month is supposed to bring about new goals. I have plenty of them, but I honestly rather share the goal through a blog when I actually do it. This month there is plenty planned & I have already started that by freeing myself, getting some projects done, feeling just a little above normal.

I hope that you all have your fall goals ready! Very proud to see you all back in school, your babies going to school, just things coming together for a lot of us who were down in the dumps. Positive thinking, hopes & wishes can bring out positive outcome. Don't ever forget what you can accomplish!

Stay tuned for some upcoming posts!

xo - Ahlexandria

Clearing Up 8.10

I find it interesting the amount of hits that post received. I got messaged and questioned as to why I would write that & then it dawned on me maybe my wording was incorrect.

If you've followed me for some time now, here or on Twitter, you'll know that I do not live with my Mom. I live with Steff in an apartment. People have asked for advice on how to live with someone, or how can you even live with a best friend. Simply, it comes down to rules & that was the message I was trying to state. That no matter WHO it is that you live with there has to be rules set in order to be able to live with someone. The fact that is came off offensive, eh...it's more of a research & experience based blog.

When certain messages come into play like that where they start to question what is going on in my household, it's like personal blogs can only be taken so far. I can not stress the fact that if I want to share with someone I will. When it comes to certain things, there is nothing to state than what I do here. Considering this, I think I've been an open book with my readers. I wouldn't want to not be who I am all to keep people interested. Of course some things will be more intriguing than others, but all I can do is share what I want to in that moment.

For those of you understanding the point in last Friday's post, thank you. Thank you everyone for all of your feedback & curiosity. My mission in blogging is not only be able to vent, but to share myself with all of you. Hopefully by doing so you can relate to me.

With that said - 

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

xo - Ahlexandria

Wise Wednesday.

All we can do is still to what we want to do with ourselves. Goals are not easy to keep up with. Giving up is definitely not the way though. It is fine to take a break from things, but don't completely lose sight of what you had planned. Keep going, stay driven, find a way to make it all happen!

"I want a roommate!"

I've been getting a lot of questions how to live with a roommate, how do I live with someone who is considered my best friend. Tons of people are considering moving out, finding a place with either their best friend, or renting a room from someone they know especially with September & college life. Let me just say no matter which you choose they are not easy.

Living on your own would seem like the simpler choice, but financially it might not be right or even some times just getting lonely. The perks of living on your own, solely you - it's your space, you only have to worry about yourself & if there's a mess it's yours & only yours. Now you would think, "Well that's the same case with roommates". Even with a friend or best friend, they can easily take advantage of it because they feel they can get over on you. Some times if you're going to live with someone, someone you don't know as well can be better to live with. So, no matter who you live with there has to be rules you agree upon prior to moving in. For example: Our rules were rotation of who takes out the trash, who washes the dishes depending on who cooks, cleaning once a week, no hair in the tub, toothpaste in the sink & splitting bills & food down the middle. The only way you can enforce these rules are by; constantly setting reminders & hope that the person/people you live with doesn't go back on what the priorities are for the home you both share, & respecting the agreement you came to with them from the beginning.

The problem a lot of times, more than most, people get too comfortable. One person can tackle more than one responsibility because the other person/people aren't holding their end of the deal. So chore charts are in place, or calenders to mark what was done. Once you see or just know your name is there all the time, then you have a choice to make. You can either reiterate the agreements, make changes, or do less of so the other person can step up. I personally just continue to do what I have to do for my home because at the end of the day it's where I live, & I benefit from it because it is me who will learn from everything. Laziness & being tired is understandable, but that constantly happening becomes an issue.

No matter what it is that you do; working, school, getting wasted - there is a responsibility that you signed yourself to,that you agreed to with someone. By not holding up your end, by slacking off all the time, by thinking someone is always going to do everything or cater to you, you are wrong. Eventually the person you live with will get fed up. There are tons of tips to living with people, great ones in fact (all websites listed below).

To anyone who is considering living with someone else, the people who keep asking me about it my word of advice is:

• Make sure there are rules set in place from the beginning.
• Make sure the rules are followed through the entire time.
• Sit down & talk about: how things are going at work, home & life.
• Keeping an open form of communication.
• Don't do more than your share especially if the other person doesn't care.
• Make sure the bills are paid on time between all parties.
• If bills aren't paid on time make sure it is made up for some how.
• Don't let anyone take advantage of you.
• Living with friends can possibly ruin your friendship.
• Some times you have to think to just do for yourself.
• Make an example & if that is not enough, leave it to them to learn.
• Set up goals for your home that you all agree upon.
• Remind your roommate/yourself of the agreements from the beginning.
• If things get hard say it.
• If you need help with things & they're too "blind" leave them a note or say so.
• Do not let anyone borrow anything without knowing it will be returned.
• If everything is divided equally, make sure it's paid at the same time.

There's probably a whole list more but these websites can definitely help.

1. Roommate Survival Guide
2. Tips & Tricks for Living With Roommates
3. Surviving Your Roommate/Surviving Yourself

Good luck!
- Ahlexandria

All of this is from experience from living with people, friends from my Mom's home (renters & friends), to staying with people, to living with a person I was with, to my apartment now.

Appeasing August.

ap·pease

[uh-peez]  Show IPA

verb (used with object), ap·peased, ap·peas·ing.
1. to bring to a state of peace, quiet, ease, calm, or contentment; pacify; soothe:
to appease an angry king.

2. to satisfy, allay, or relieve; assuage: The fruit appeased hishunger.
3. to yield or concede to the belligerent demands of (a nation,group, person, etc.) in a conciliatory effort, sometimes atthe expense of justice or other principles.

Copied the above from Dictionary.Com. Why I decided to use that word should state much of itself. I want this month to bring about a change, but in a sense that it helps me. Although I could list the many goals for this month, I rather stick to weekly goals that can be targeted easily. Aside for the goals that have been made for the apartment, I have several that I will continue to strive for myself.

Along with everything that I have been putting together personally & even with my blog, I have been an avid member of Key's photo challenges. She brings out different themes to take photos of, but at the same time it's about how you take the picture to feed the eye. Everyone has their own way of using their camera, or even of how they view beauty. What I love about her challenges is that not only does it help us as photographers, it helps her as a photographer. She gets a description of why we chose that photo, but she can also view it in a different light as well as the other followers that view her posts.

I started to become extremely into the idea of photo challenges. I was looking up different challenges on Tumblr & then Googled a few. Comes to find out there is a popular blog, Fat Mum Slim, who does them every single month. I considered doing the daily challenge but through Instagram aside from the weekly one I already participate in. There are so many challenges that can be done aside from photography & I wanted to see if I could even keep up with them. The only downfall is going through it half way. There are some days you feel more inspired than others!


But really, it's August already. Eight months into the year which means the holidays are about to be right around the corner. I will probably say this again in another post & I know I've mentioned it before but time surely does fly!


& while I have the same continuous goals & challenges that I am trying to create for myself, I hope you are all doing the same & enjoying every day as they come.


What do you have planned for August?


*Please check out the links above. :)

Let's Try To Be Positive!

Ever feel like you need some guidance? Something to help you remind yourself that it's ok, that it will be ok, that you just have to keep moving forward?

Lately, that's what I feel I've been needing. I've been reading so many books, all these books have such great quotes, things that are affirmations in being a better me. Although they aren't who I am, there are things that I can pick from it. One book Tweak by Nic Sheff, it has a part where it tells you to constantly tell a higher power (whoever it may be), "Thank you for giving me this day! Thank you for keeping me positive! Thank you for allowing me to see more & grow!" The book is about the actual author & his addiction to drugs, how he relapsed, what it took for him to come off of it. It's a lot of back & forth with what his life once was & what it is in that current state in the moment. He was told the more he says this & reminds himself, the more it will become a daily habit & he will believe in it.

Above you see a positive affirmation that I have found. I am sharing it with everyone so you know to always stay positive. Whether it's for you or for someone else...it can help you entirely. In Tweak it says that some times it is so much better to help others because it helps us remain at a sane state & help ourselves. Now don't get me wrong, we don't want to over-extend our kindness because some people take advantage of it. Even when that happens though it's something we take in as a growing experience. Those who do not appreciate you, who can not be loyal & not stay true to who they have made themselves to be, they are not someone who has to be around for you. POSITIVE THINKING!

I can be in the biggest hole, but I won't let the people around me have to carry that as their burden. I rather share when need be & listen to them & be there for them. Being there for them allows me to relate, to know they have someone by their side. Despite the people who have screwed me over, who still owe me money & don't give it to me, the people who walk all over me, who can say they hate me without knowing me...I will still continue to grow & prosper & be a better me. There are plenty of things that can drag me down, bring my mood completely down, but I refuse to let them control my entire being. I am going to remind myself that no matter what you have to think positive. Eventually that outlook will bring about great things. PATIENCE!

What are some things you could be more positive about?

Apartment Update!

Instagram photo of my photography now up with my bed.

We've been at the apartment for 6 months in a few days! I can't believe it's honestly been 6 months already. I expected so much more to be done to the place, a guest room set up, a kitchen table, a new sofa for the living room & stands. I will say the fire in February was a set back as well as a temporary addition to live with us for two months, but I guess it's really no excuse for all the things in the guest room not being put away. We have been either exhausted, or lazy.

I know there are a lot of things I don't need to sort through & can just put away into the nook of the hall, but it's a matter of dragging it all there. As for furniture I guess money becomes the issue. Once I get the money back & Steff & I figure how we will contribute to things then I guess we'll finish it all out.

I'm disappointed in the progress, it really is a sad thing. All of this though takes efforts from us both so hopefully we can come together & make this place look nice. Over the course of the next month I really would like my money to get back to where it's supposed to so that I can invest it into the apartment. The only thing I have to worry about are the usual monthly bills, I don't owe anyone anything. Well, with the exception of just a little bit more on a credit card that I have been paying off. YAY ME! :) The only thing I can't imagine is staying there another year & not having everything already so we can then have small things fixed in the house.

As for my room, it is my personal space & it is where I would like it to be for now. I don't want to do much else. Simple space like I wanted.. I think both of us have our rooms to where we would like it at, so hopefully we can start getting the rest of our place up to par. lol

So goals (at least on my list lol):

Guest room -

• My mom gave me a mattress to go with a frame that I already have purchased & need to bring to the apartment.
• Getting the clutter out, putting things away & storing them all.
• Get a nice little desk for the office part of the guest room once it's clean.

Living room -

• New sofa for us to just lounge & chill at so we're not always in our rooms.
• A nice little fan to keep us cool while we watch TV.
• A new stand for the TV.
• Some decorative items for the living room.
• Frame & hang the painting that I purchased for the place.
• Print out some photography to hang up in the living room.
• A huge area rug so we can just be barefoot all the daggon' time.
• Put the curtains up that came down from the fire.

Kitchen -

• Invest into a kitchen/dining table that fits lovely.
• Get curtains for the windows so it looks like a home.
• Get a weather strip for the bottom of the kitchen/fire escape door.

Bathroom -

• Hang pictures up to give it a nice cute feel.
• Maybe add a small mirror on one of the walls.

Lets hope that some of this will be crossed off the list by the end of August.

Burnt Our Fingers!

Although we did, the meal came out better than we imagined. Even though we tried sticking to using the whole wheat wraps to create our delicious meal and it ended up messy, we definitely loved the outcome.

I always get recipes from AllRecipes.Com & this one happened to be one I was interested in. We had to switch it up, as we always do & try something completely different. There are times where we make the same concept, but change it up with the seasonings.

Tonight's meal was shredded chicken tacos. There's tons of ways to make shredded chicken, but we had a preseasoned chicken in a bone in the bag. They're delicious because honestly if you're in a rush all you have to do is thaw it & throw it in the oven. I had to season it myself though to give it the extra flavor I like. It's really simple to make, just need to have the time & the patience. You don't have to follow the recipe exactly, they are there to just give you ideas. Adding whatever spices, vegetables you like & giving it your own touch. Obviously I didn't make tacos like the recipe & I made it a bit healthier.

Not only did we cook a new meal today, especially the delicious meal Steff made us for lunch. But once again we wrote our goals for the week. Continuing with some of last weeks goals I added:

• Continue to take part in A.Keys photo challenges.
• Blog at least two more times this week.
• Buy something under $5.
• Thrift!

I think they're pretty fair on top of the same ones from last week. Pushing myself to stay focused on the goals also helps me keep my mind off of things.

What are you goals for this week?

What are some meals you've been interested in cooking?

Fridge Love!

Steff & I have two dry-erase stick on boards on our fridge. One of them is a calender that is on the front to mark what is due, the trash/recycle dates, anything important, or even in the notes section what we need to buy. It helps us keep track of everything, as well as what needs to be done. On the side of the fridge where our stove is there is a blank one. We used to write down quotes, which we throw on here & there, but now we write down our goals for the week.

We have been trying to figure out positive ways to keep ourselves on track:

1) Taking your "work" clothes, or the clothes you wore that day off when you get in helps you throw everything prior to being in your relaxing state out of the window. You don't have to worry much or fret about "Ugh! Fucking aggravated" without being in a more comfortable & relaxed state. Definitely something I suggest a lot of people to do.

2) Being able to write up a schedule for yourself for the week on what you want to accomplish. We have found it very helpful. Each Sunday while cooking dinner we write down what it is we want to do. Steff does such a great job while I'm cooking dinner. We kill two birds with one stone.

• Working out at least 4 times this week. - It is important to stay healthy. I cook healthy food, but that just isn't enough some times. Any activity that involves exercise, even a 15 minute walk counts. Walking to the train, walking from the train, walking city blocks, walking up & down the stairs instead of the escalator. It's all about changing up certain habits & making them work for you. While I am cooking I will work out on the side. It just helps me do everything that I need to.
• Finish book by the end of the week. - I just finished Point Of Retreat by Colleen Hoover. It's the sequel to the book Slammed. It's very good, must say. Already started to continue on another book since I finished that one so quick. Almost 12 books in the past 2 months! Gives me an outlet.
• Cook a new meal. - I've been trying to switch it up entirely & just try new things. I ended up making a cabbage/veggie dish for this week that came out great. I really should start posting my meals.
• Yoga 1x - It's a way of exercising, but also helps relieve tension. Tension is something I have a lot of lately, that and stress. I'm just trying to find tons of ways to keep myself sane.
• Take pills every day! - Vitamins, supplement pills, whatever it is that you take to keep a healthy lifestyle is important. Some times we are in such a rush that we forget. I had to remind myself "TAKE THE DAMN PILLS!". So between pills for my stomach my doctor suggested to help one of my health issues, to women's vitamins, I am doing what it takes & hopefully it all works out well.

What are some goals you wanted to reach this week? If you could create a list of goals what would they be?

Cheap Date?!

My hiatus has been long enough. My mind has drawn a blank & finally I've come to think of things to write. Aside from pictures I want to post & Keys lovely photo challenge I am determined to do, this topic has always come up - CHEAP DATES!


I am curious as to what people consider a "cheap date"? For me it's a person who doesn't put enough effort in making sure I am enjoying myself. This goes for a friend, a partner or even a potential lover. A date is something that you enjoy with a person to learn more about them, but spend quality time with them. I can say I love going on friendly dates with friends, or even just a group date with people I know. Dating doesn't always have to be something intimate, it can be a casual thing where you just go & revel in someone's time.

With that said....

Three websites that I LOVE & I'm highly addicted to!

Being signed up with these three websites have opened my mind to things I wouldn't have considered doing before. People say "Oh well it's cheap to have a Groupon coupon for a date?!" But why?! I honestly think it's being conscious of your money & finding other ways to be able to spend what you didn't have. It also allows you to do things that you wouldn't normally do in your "price range".

I have purchased things from comedy show tickets for two with drinks, to mani/pedi's, even down to a two hour bike ride for two in the city. Things that just seem to intriguing & eye catching that I say "Screw it! I definitely have to do this!" I have gotten so much for less than $20 it's ridiculous, not just for me but for someone else to join me.

Nothing is everrrrrrrrrrr a cheap date unless someone doesn't put the time & effort into making sure you're pleased. Think about it!

*How many of you think that it's a cheap date? Whether it's a friend, social outing, or even something one on one with a potential lover? What if your partner was to take you out on a LivingSocial date?

Thank you to Keys for the lovely new look on my .com by the way. Follow her!

Time Flies!

& to think my little mama has gotten so big & she's not even a year yet. I was going through my phone while I was thinking about "Goodness I've had my .com for three years now" & realized, time actually flies. I look through these pictures of my little one & I realized that no matter what you can't change anything, but love the memories that you have, embrace them.

When I first created my .com I was using Tumblr as my host. Later on I realized I wanted something a bit more personal & moved my .com to Blogger. Although I have been the ultimate slacker, I can't help but enjoy having a .com. It is my own, my own space whenever my mind wants to run free. It's the place where I can turn to & share things, or give things (if I have things to give away). lol. I owe so many people so many things for just being there & thanks to my .com it's brought some amazing folks into my life.

Three years later, some memories that come with it & even a few tears, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. You live & you learn. I wish there was a way to show my blogs "growth" from then to now like I can with Mizi, but Mizi is far cuter than my blog & easier on the eyes! lolll.

With all of my rambles done & said, thank you all for your support. For being readers, for trying to keep me motivated & making sure that my mind is used to it's fullest potential.

xo's - Ahlexandria

Class of 2012!

I have to say this has to be one of the happiest days of my life. I can put together a few, but watching my little brother graduate definitely reached the top of my list. He is brilliant, absolutely handsome & as he said we have a connection, this bond, that are like a pair of twins. He is my little big twin!

Exhausted does not even begin to explain what I feel because of this day, but all in all today was the perfect way to spend it. Half a day, all to go & drive to Pennsylvania to see him in his cap & gown, get his diploma & throw his hat in the air in celebration. The only unfortunate thing was that he felt really sick because he didn't eat, & I can relate to the same feeling. Other than that we spoke about college, his plans, how he wants me involved & just telling him I am too damn proud.

Sidenote: We were talking & he said "Hi" to some little hoochies & they were giggling up a storm all because he said HI! Like chill little chicks get a grip!

Anyways,

As you can see I was ecstatic! I wouldn't have ever missed this day for the world. I didn't cry, but I got emotional & I am just a proud big sister.

To my #1 man, my little brother, my twin;

I couldn't be happier! I am proud of you & I know your mom & our dad will not understand us at all. They won't understand the pressure they put on you, but I understand. You are loving, understanding & open minded. Your mom & Reg raised you well & Dad threw in a little something something lol. Just know that no matter what it is, whether you want to vent to me or just laugh it up, I am here. I am glad you feel comfortable enough to turn to me, to be honest with me. We have a relationship a lot of brothers & sisters can never even relate to. We are on in a kind!

I love you more than you will even know & I'd give you the world & more if I can.

- T.A.S

My Monkey!

My Monkey! a photo by Ahlexandria on Flickr.

This is Noah. :) Remember the beautiful KD?! Well this is her son, my godson, my darling monkey. He was over here this weekend & we ended up walking to pick up my camera. WOO! Got my camera back, got to mess with it & got this picture of my little boobee!

Just figured I'd share him with everyone & the picture I ended up loving of him being 1 month old this past Saturday. Kids grow up so fast....I see it by the pictures of some of the bloggers lovely children. Ay!


Happy Tuesday everyone!

Versatile Blogger Award...WHAT THE?!

I honestly didn't expect to be nominated for anything due to my lack of posts. But, I'm glad to know that Dari still has faith in me & continues to read whatever posts I do randomly post up. So thank you to Dari for my nomination entirely. (Click her name to follow her).


Award Rules:
- Nominate fellow bloggers
- Inform the bloggers of their nomination
- Share 7 random things about yourself
- Thank the blogger who nominated you
- Add the Versatile BloggerAward Pic on your blog post



Facts...dear ol' facts:
To try & think of some that aren't already in my 'About Me'....

• I always love to learn new things, although not all are interesting, gaining knowledge is key to success.
• As bad as my kitten is (Mizi is still under a year old), I love her more than I could have imagined to love a cat...aside from Hello Kitty.
• I try to juggle more than I can, but it's because I get bored easily of one thing & have to be on the up & up.
• I'm the ultimate slacker of blogging & the crazy thing is I actually love doing it. Clearly just not enough to get posts out there huh?! lol.
• I'm on to give someone the benefit of the doubt until it completely just goes down the drain.
• I'm very protective of the ones I love & although tiny, my mouth is large enough to say a lot of hurtful things.
• Lately I've realized that I have to just take it for what it all is.

I want to nominate people & keep this flowing, but I also don't want to insult anyone if they aren't included in my nominations. So I have decided to nominate people who need the motivation just as I do & hopefully this will be a good reason to blog more. Shoot it's given me good reason!

- Steff     - Lee     - Bri     - Alexis     - Sam     - Cindia

I hope they blog more after this. :)

Thank you again Dari for the nomination.

Slackers Of All Slackers!

The sunset along the beach of our hotel (RIU Guanacaste) Costa Rica.

Can't deny how much of a blogging slacker I am. But what can I say...I get busy, I get lost, there are times that I just don't know what to say. I've been trying to figure out what to write about but honestly what is it that will keep readers interested? Then I remember, BE MY DAMN SELF! So here I go making all the attempts again....

My golden birthday was on the 24th of May. Golden birthday = the year you turn the age of the date you were born. To think that I'm really 24...lets hope I can look 21 & under. lol. As always I go away with my friend Milly, as tradition, to a new country each year. This year Steff came along with us which was pretty damn fun. I always plan where to go & what I love is that who I travel trusts where I choose & are always down for it! This year I chose Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a country filled of rain forests, volcanoes, friendly people & beautiful wildlife. It was interesting to learn that they do not have four seasons like we do, but two. They have a dry season where everything is brown, then a rainy season where it can rain for four days straight. We ended up going during the cusp of both of their seasons. So while we were there it did rain, but we definitely ended up catching plenty of sun. Not only did we tan, we enjoyed our all inclusive drinks by the pool & unlimited food. Steff even built up the courage to zipline through the rain forest, which included a close to a mile long water slide in the rain forest, horse back riding to the other side of the rain forest & a spa like finale. We were literally in the steam of the volcano, then put mud all over us, to wash up & dip in the warm pool waters heated by the volcano. Wonderful way to end the trip.

If you don't travel you have to! It's one thing I do for my own sanity & to explore the world. Next year who knows where we'll end up going, but I do know I'm excited for little trips around the U.S. throughout this year.

Hopefully this was a good way to come back to my blog. More to come this week, including pictures.

Talk to you all soon. Hope all is well.

xo's - Ahlexandria

Baby Bumps.

In the past month I took photos of two expecting mothers. One being the mother of my god child & the other being Jazz's best friend. I have to say with their ideas & just how easy going they were it definitely helped when shooting. I recently was the photographer at both of their baby showers last Saturday (April 28th). I was sooooo exhausted by the time I got into Brooklyn to see KD for her baby shower. She looked absolutely beautiful.

I wanted to share some of the photos. Below you will see two of the photos that were used & printed.

1) KD is the mother of my god-son. Her & I have known each other for a few years & we got the tattoo on our right middle finger together. Her attitude but loving nature is going to make her an awesome mom. She will be strict, but yet will spoil her child rotten.

2) Drea is very outgoing & sweet. It's her first child as well. She is expecting a little girl, hence the color of the flower (both shoots related to what they were having). I know she's very excited to see her daughter, so is her mother. We took this photo & printed it out in a 12x16 & framed is as a gift to her mother from Jazz & I.

I really just enjoyed taking photos. I loved that they wanted me to do it for them. I didn't need money for this, I did it as a gift & because it is something to ease my mind. Doing these shoots has made me send my camera in to get fixed & get ready for my venture at the end of this month. I wonder what wonderful photos will come home with me.

It's Sunday which means there's a long week ahead. Goals are set for the week & hopefully I can accomplish some. I am trying to get back on track with making cases, simple earrings & reading for school & the book club. Let's see how it all pans out.

See you Tuesday.

xo - Ahlexandria