A Diva State of Mind

It may be summertime, but it’s not too late to get it right and tight!! Personally when it comes to working out, I like to switch things up. I’m not that type that can go to the gym a couple times a week. I get bored! So when I heard about the Washington Sports Club UXF class I thought it sounded like something I’d want to try and you may be interested in trying too!

A Diva State of Mind and Washington Sports Club have teamed up to offer one reader a FREE 8 weeks UXF package (value $299).  You may be wondering, what exactly is UXF??

UXF is the ultimate fitness experience. This comprehensive, body-changing workout combines strength training and cardio conditioning to improve your flexibility,agility, strength and endurance. You’re challenged to achieve your personal best and progress at your own pace during eight sessions that span four weeks. Equipment such as kettlebells, ropes and bars are combined with plyometric exercises to create a well-balanced and varied circuit. UXF is your one-stop shop for a total-body workout. 

Now that sounds intense!! If you are looking to change your workout routine, I encourage you to enter the giveaway.  Classes are being held at ALL Washington Sports Club locations and the next group session begins Monday, July 9th.  Classes are offered twice per week.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment letting me know why you want to win the UXF package.  The contest will end Tuesday, July 3rd at 11:59pm.

A winner will be selected at random. Visit http://www.mysportsclubs.com/ to find a location near you!

Good Luck

Dewdrop is hosting the Tangerine Tango Swap to support Goodwill. Attendees are asked to bring unwanted yet stylish items to the swap in exchange for items from other fashionistas. Bring five items or more of like-new or vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. Then, fill up a bag with as many items as you brought in. All sizes are welcome and encouraged. In light of the hot color-blocking trend, and tangerine tango as the “it” color, summer season items are only accepted, and items are not limited to only this color. All remaining clothing from the swap will be donated to Goodwill.

Date: Saturday, June 30, 2012

Time: Drop-off time 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Swap opens at 2:30pm and ends at 4:00pm.

Location: Vapiano (4900 Hampden Lane Bethesda, MD) Located one two blocks from Bethesda Metro

Dewdrop will give away swag bags to the first 50 registrants online. Tickets are $10 if purchased in advance and $15 at the door with at least five items at both price points. Tickets are available at http://dewdrop.eventbrite.com.

For swap ready clothing tips, click HERE.

Dewdrop is a producer of fashion events, specifically fashion-forward clothing swaps, where stylish locals gather in a fun environment and swap clothes, promoting sustainable living through fashion. We have a style blog, www.dewdropdc.com, dedicated to bringing people the latest in style by highlighting indie designers, vintage curators, second-hand and restyled clothing, local retailers, as well as related events in DC.

After watching the preview, I had decided that I would not take part in watching the foolishness that is Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. The show looked like a hot mess! But of course, after seeing everyone’s tweets Monday night and hearing about the show from so many different sources on Tuesday, I thought I’d take a peek at the show to see what all of the hoopla was about.

My first question is, who are these people? I don’t think I’ve heard of any of them. I don’t remember Stevie J from the 90s, but I’ve seen lots of comments about how he was a producer for Bad Boys Entertainment and he dated Eve back in the day.  How do you go from working with Bad Boy to having a studio at a Auto Detail shop?? I’m confused…

My second question; do people really live like this???? This has to be scripted!

All I kept thinking was Mimi is sad and insane.   You know Stevie J has cheated on you, is currently cheating on you and yet you still decide to stay and fight with him over it. It’s been 15 years. If he isn’t giving you what you deserve, LEAVE! Staying around having the same conversation over and over but expecting a different result in called insanity!  And why would you want to do a show that highlights you trying to make a life with a cheating boyfriend. They don’t even try to hide it on the show.  This is worse than Emily B crying about Fabolous not acknowledging her.  And it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know why he wasn’t claiming her either.  Ladies we need to develop self esteem and do better!

Sigh…I don’t even know what to say about Joseline, the so called artist aka Stevie J’s jumpoff.   She’s a hot mess too.  And while I don’t believe any woman should be a jumpoff, if you’re going to choose to be one, please know your role and act accordingly.  Don’t talk sideways to the main chick or wonder why she’s upset if you show up with her boyfriend.

Is Lil Scrappy’s mom still on drugs?? That’s a serious question…

I guess I can’t knock them because they are all making money by being on the show.  But seriously, I felt like I lost brain cells watching that first episode.   The rest of the season looks like it’ll be the same drama we’ve seen on other reality shows: cheating boyfriends, women hating each other, jumpoffs getting pregnant (don’t know if we’ve seen that on a reality show. *shrugs* First time for everything).  While I do engage in the guilty pleasure of watching reality shows including Basketball Wives, Real Housewives and the original Love & Hip Hop, I don’t know about this one.

Did you watch Love & Hip Hop Atlanta? What did you think???

As a personal stylist it’s my job to provide suggestions on what to wear, however I also think it is important to share with you some of my outfits. Stylist should inspire others not only by the advice they give but by the way they look.  I don’t think I do too bad when it comes to dressing myself

On Instagram I take photos of my outfits and other fabulous finds I thought I’d share. Hopefully these looks/finds will provide you with some inspiration! 

For more fun fashion and lifestyle pictures, join me on Instagram @DivaStateMind.

If you want to know where I found any of the pieces featured, let me know.

To kick off the summer season, Shop It To Me is giving away a designer bag or pair of shoes to one lucky Shop It To Me member. Up for grabs are the following:

• Kate Spade Primrose Hill Goldie bag
• Christian Louboutin Simple 85 Patent Pumps
• 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag

 To enter the giveaway:

• Current Shop It TO Me members can visit www.shopittome.com/refer
• Choose the designer item you like best and invite friends
• For each friend who signs up , you’ll receive an additional giveaway.

Shop It To Me is an effortless way to find sales on more than 700 brands.  Instead of taking the time to search your favorite sites for sales, Shop It To Me does the research for you! Notifications are sent to your inbox when retailers are having a sale.  As a shopper, you select the retailers you would like to receive sale notifications for and Shop It To Me send you updates daily. To join, click HERE.

The contest ends on Friday, June 22^nd.  I’d love to win the 3.1 Philip Lim 31 Hour bag!

 It’s that time of year again!

Capital Partners for Education (CPE) is hosting is annual Soirée for Success Happy Hour Fundraiser.  CPE is a college preparatory program designed to help high school students in the DC area overcome barriers that would prevent them from attending college.  Students attend charter schools in the DC area through scholarships, receive academic support and are partnered with a mentor.  I served as a mentor for the past two years. My mentee recently graduated from Elizabeth Seton High School and will be attending college in Baltimore this fall.

Guests will enjoy complimentary southern cuisine & delicious cocktails and raffle prizes to raise funds to help support the educational needs of underprivileged D.C. area high school students. Raffle prizes include an autographed baseball by Bruce Harper, one month membership to Equinox, gift certificate to Bertucci’s and many more!!

If you are in the DMV area, I encourage all of you to join me to help raise money for CPE and celebrate the seventh year in a row that 100% of CPE graduates are enrolled in college! 

Date:  Thursday, June 28, 2012

Time: 6:00- 8:00 pm

Location: Georgia Brown’s Rooftop 950 15th Street NW (between I and K Streets NW) Washington, DC 20005

Three Ticket Options:

• $100: Summa Cum Laude Ticket- Admission + exclusive raffle entry for weekend stay at Donovan House.
• $75: Magna Cum Laude Ticket - Admission + exclusive raffle entry for weekend stay at Hotel Palomar DC.
• $50: General Admission

Purchase tickets http://tinyurl.com/soireeforsuccess12

*A limited number of tickets will be sold at the Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude levels, which means you will have a better chance of winning and your contribution will make a greater impact on the students CPE serves.

To learn more about CPE, visit www.cpfe.org

What better way to get your week started than by catching up on episode 1, Season 2 of Awkward Black Girl!  The first episode of the new season premiered last week online and it’s hilarious. Looks like Issa Rae and her team will have another successfully season.

To view past episodes and to learn more about Awkward Black Girl, check out http://www.awkwardblackgirl.com/

It’s been a month since I announced my 2012 dating challenge. The purpose of the challenge is simple; become proactive when it comes to my dating life!

Since starting the challenge, things have been going well.  A number of friends have joined too! Two friends signed up for online dating, something I haven’t done (yet). One of those friends was also set up on a date last week.  Others have reached out and asked to be informed when I attend a speed dating event or other events in the city so they can join.  Fellow blogger Shivawn also joined the challenge and talks about her experience so far HERE.

As for me, I have been on a few dates and they have gone well. I also emailed a few friends asking them to support me by setting me up.  Some have started thinking about who they know that I could possibly meet so I’m optimistic that my friends will come through with potential dates.

The plan next month is to research speed dating events in the city and attend at least one before the summer is over. I also hope to find more diverse events to attend to expand the pool of potential dates.  A friend recommended Events and Adventures, a social club for singles.  Those of you taking the challenge, this is something to consider!

If you’re looking to activate your dating life, I encourage you to take the challenge. And the challenge isn’t just for women! Men you too can ask your friends for dates, diverse the events you go to, attend speed dating events (there is always a need for more guys to attend), etc to meet women.

I can say that having an open mind has definitely contributed the success of the challenge for me and my friends so far.  This challenge will not only help us all meet new people, but it’ll also help us step outside our comfort zone and have fun!

 “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” – Neale Donald Walsch

If you are participating in the dating challenge, how are things going so far?

Thought we’d start the week off with some inspiration!

The Marc and Angel Hack Life blog provides tips on how to live a productive and fulfilling life.  Last week they posted 10 Enemies of Personal Greatness.  I sat at my desk nodding to each enemy I read and knew I had to share this with others.  According to Marc and Angel, these ten inner enemies can ruin your grandest plans and intentions.

1. Always taking the path of least resistance. –Good things come to those who work hard and struggle to pursue the goals and dreams they believe in.
2. Comparing yourself to everyone else. – You will never fully believe in yourself if you keep comparing yourself to everyone else.
3. Worrying too much about what others think of you. – As long as you are worried about what others think of you, you are owned by them. If you’re being true to yourself and it isn’t enough for the people around you, change the people around you.
4. Ignoring your gut instincts. –Give yourself permission to immediately walk away from anything that gives you bad vibes.  Just trust the little inner voice when it’s telling you, “This is a bad idea.”
5. Holding on when you need to move on. – Moving on doesn’t mean forgetting, it means you choose happiness over hurt.  Sometimes you have to love people from a distance and give them the space and time to get their minds right before you let them back into your life.
6. Living in the past. – If you don’t leave your past in the past, it will destroy your future.  Live for what today has to offer, not for what yesterday has taken away.  Life is a journey that is only traveled once.  Today’s moments quickly become tomorrow’s memories.  So appreciate every moment for what it is, because the greatest gift of life is life itself.
7.  Doing the wrong things just because others are too. – Wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it.  Right is right, even if you are the only one doing it.  Always do what you know in your heart is right, for you.
8. Allowing small problems to overwhelm you. – Everything is going to be alright; maybe not today but eventually.  When you’re upset, ask yourself, “Will this matter to me in a year’s time?”  Most of the time it won’t.  Remember, sometimes bad things in life open up your eyes to the good things you weren’t paying attention to before.
9. Surrendering to the draw of comfort. – The most common and harmful addiction in the world is the draw of comfort.  The truth is growth begins at the end of your comfort zone.  Stepping outside of your comfort zone will put things into perspective from an angle you can’t grasp now, and open doors of opportunity that would otherwise not exist.
10. NOT believing that you CAN. – If we don’t know that greatness is possible, we won’t bother attempting it.  All too often, we literally do not know any better than good enough.  Sometimes you have to try to do what you think you can’t do, so you realize that you actually CAN.  And sometimes it takes more than one attempt.  If ‘Plan A’ doesn’t work out, don’t fret; the alphabet has another 25 letters that would be happy to give you a chance to get it right.  The wrong choices usually bring us to the right places, eventually.  But you must believe in your own potential to get there.

Source

In one hour I saw two fabulous editorial pictures of Solange Knowles so I knew I had to log into Google Reader ASAP to find out which magazine she was recently featured.

Solange Knowles teamed up with Glamour France for an interview in the July 2012 issue and she looks GORGEOUS!  She is known for her fabulous fashion sense and doesn’t disappoint. Please take notes; this is how you mix colors and prints!!!

Glamour: What’s your style secret?
Solange: [My style is] very eclectic as I like to take risks, but I always cling to glamourous touches and classic details. I’m not necessarily inspired by magazines or fashion. I surf a lot on blogs and find it cool to see real style from real people. My travels also influence me. I always take lots of pictures, and then inject all those inspirations into my wardrobe, my home decor, or my makeup. And we can’t forget the icons: Diana Ross, Erykah Badu, Bjork, and Lauryn Hill.

Glamour: How can one successfully create a good mixed and matched [wardrobe]?
Solange: If you have different prints, both pieces have to have the same fabric. Certain colors like violet and pink also work well with animal prints. And then, you have to create a certain harmony; I avoid mixing African patterns with Aztec prints, for example.

Glamour: When you come to Paris, do you shop as well?
Solange: I prefer to pass the afternoon at Place des Vosges with a picnic and a book. I also like to get lost in Paris; last summer I rented an apartment in the 10th arrondissement, and I explored all the cool cafés and bookstores in the area. I feel very safe in Paris. The metro is super easy to use and my son speaks French, so we always find our way around!

Glamour: What beauty item do you use to boost your look?
Solange: I always wear mascara, and above all, I put on a flashy, matte lipstick. My favorite color is “Firecracker Orange Fire” by Rimmel.

Source: The YBF & Fashion Bomb Daily