5…4…3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR

It’s been a pretty amazing year despite a few life events that seem like setbacks but have really been just life happening and a little word I like to call “adulting” This lady right here survived the finalizing of my parents divorce, a few financial setbacks, the death of my dear grandmother, my father’s cancer scare, some unexpected weight gain, transitions in ministry, embarking on a great fear of mine (going back to school) and losing a few friendships along the way.  2018 consisted of a lot of growing up, accepting things for what they are and leaving my fantasy world to face the beginning of my 30’s. Adulting is HARD, but I’m thankful for all the struggles, I’ve learned so much and am now facing fears, conquering giants, seeking for new adventures in the unknown and bringing back new pieces of me along the way to pass on to people who haven’t reached out yet. That’s what it is, I’m reaching, I’m reaching more now than I ever have. I’m beginning to see myself beyond where I’m at and it’s forcing me to reach, reach deeper in myself and pull out all my special talents, reach for others who don’t recognize their own, reaching for GOD because it all begins and ends with him, reaching for hope because it’s what has kept me hanging on, reaching for new opportunities because change is constant, reaching for others who reach because this circle of people help mold my vision and my dreams, reaching for more love because it covers a multitude of sins, reaching for the light because darkness cannot live there; I’m reaching, and I’ll continue to reach.

Here’s to a happy new year. Looking forward to 2018. I thank all those who have been following along and have been consistent CCC readers and CCC social media supporters. I started this blog because I just love writing, but I continue to blog because now I want to share my love of life and new found knowledge with the world, with you. Your support means the world and I’m excited for all the crazy shenanigans I’ll post for 2018.

P.S. My sparkly dress is linked above and I’ve also linked some similar shoes. 😉

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie


DENIM JUMPER AND FUN PRINT

Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! I’m over here currently wondering how in the world I’ll get through this week with 2 papers, a quiz and a presentation due in less than a week. Oh, I know how, lots of coffee and only a few hours of sleep. 2 weeks till our vacation, just hope I can make it. In the meantime, I’m totally looking forward to Cyber Monday! Whose looking forward to all the great deals!? Speaking of Cyber Monday and online shopping, due to a recent card theft situation I went through about a month ago, I thought it would be good to devote this post to some online shopper tips I picked up along the way. 
 
GET A PAY PAL ACCOUNT
After my recent card fraud issue, I wanted to take my card security more seriously so I created a Pay Pal account. Pay Pal is a secure way to store card info for all your online purchases. 
 
REGULAR BANK CHECKS
I my online banking account about once or twice a day. Seems excessive but its really not when you want to stay in the know about where your money is going When my card was compromised I was doing my second check of the day and found a few unusual charges to my account. Thankfully, my bank closed the card before there were to many charges made. 
 
GET AN APP VENMO
There are a few money exchange apps out there you can download as a measure to keep your money safe. Venmo is an app I recently added for security. This is a great app option for sending money or making purchases. Check it out. 
 
OPT FOR A IN-STORE VISIT
Many retailers are giving customers the option to order online and pick up in-store and many of these retailers don’t charge your card until the order ships. For many banks, your card may be charged once shipped but the charge show pending on your account. If you get to the store and decide you don’t want the item, it’s simply cancelled. Another thing retailers are doing is charging you after you come to pick up the item. This could help reduce card theft and I’ve been doing this a lot lately. 
 
CHECK FOR HTTPS
Make sure the sites you are going to are secure sites. You can identify a secure site if it has the HTTPS in front of the site domain. Just a little trick I learned from a friend of mine. 
 
Before I jet, wanted to share where I got my denim jumper from as well as the top and shoes.   My denim jumper is linked above and links to the shops where my shoes and top are from are also above. Hope my online shopper tips help you for Cyber Monday and this holiday season. Happy shopping!
 
Till next time!
 
Sincerely, 
 
Deidra Marie 

FALL FEELS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now that it’s officially chilly in NC,  it’s no longer socially acceptable to wear mini skirts without tights, yet I did and there is nothing anyone can do about it, LOL. Cold in NC is a bit different from cold in Massachusetts so I don’t think it’s quite time for tights but we are getting closer. Speaking of tights, view my list of cold weather accessories. Every girl should have at least one of these to weather the winter storms.

POM POM HAT

Okay, I admit, I don’t actually own one of these but I have every intention on getting a bright pink one that will actually fit over this head of hair. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, click here I currently have my eyes on that chartreuse greenish one.

TIGHTS

I have plenty of these but they are all black. I’m thinking about taking my tight game to Blair Waldorf level and getting a few funky colors to spruce up my winter wardrobe. 😉

WINTER PEA COAT

EVERY. GIRL. NEEDS. THIS. Like for real. I’m officially without one because the one I owned was on its last legs. Literally, all the buttons fell off and there was a hole in the pocket so when I’d drop change in the pocket it just fell through, LOL. Talk about getting your moneys worth, LOL.

RAIN BOOTS

Please don’t mess up your cute suede boots in the snow and slush. Get you some darling rain boots. If you’re like me and balling on a budget, buy a practical color that can go with any outfit.

HOUNDS TOOTH ANYTHING

What says fall and winter like hounds tooth? I have a coat in this pattern, two dress pants and a scarf. I’m set, but if you don’t have this, you’re missing out. Nothing says cold weather is upon us like hounds tooth.

SCARF

This is clearly a must-have. Scarfs are essential to keep that beautiful neck of yours warm. Don’t be dull though; get something fun that can be styled multiple ways. Now is the time to experiment with fun accessories and no one can say anything about it.

THE GO TO SWEATER

This is clearly a given. Sweaters are life in this chilly weather. I sadly have to re up on my sweaters this year just because the ones I have are just old and dated. I’m also finding excuses to shop, LOL. Don’t judge.

SEQUIN

The holidays are right around the corner and sparkle and shine is the name of the game. Don’t pull the glitter out yet but make sure you grab something soon so you’re well ahead of the game for all the new years festivities. This is right around the time I start buying glittery stuff to avoid the holiday crowd. The early bird catches the worm ladies and gents.

I hope you like my fall/winter wardrobe suggestions. By the way, I’m rocking a thrifted blazer, earrings and top and nabbed my skirt from TJ Maxx a few years back. Hope you like.

Happy Hump Day!

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie