And here we are...we've made it to the 365th day of the year. A lot of people didn't make it and to be honest...the ball hasn't dropped as I type this at 320p so a lot of folks won't make it to reset the year on 01 January. With reflecting on all of the things from this year, I am grateful to be before you and I am proud of myself on resilitently overcoming adversities experienced this year. These twelve months have been filled with laughs n the end of the quarter sadness. What I won't do is dwell on the pain. I've allowed myself to FEEL them and not define how I move forward with life. I have passions to pursue n doors to close while fostering relationships and being open to the idea of NEW!

This special end of the year post maybe longer than the usual...and pic heavy, lol. Yall know I'm a lover of the arts so it's the visuals for me. Some pics don't need words nor explanation n I like it when the reader can interpret as they please. I appreciate the time you spend with little ol' me whether u peak in to leave a comment, scroll n peek or refer newbies to join my circus. It's all LOVE and the gestures never not go unnoticed. Without further ado...lets roll back the tape on 2024:

I had a grand ol' time at the Krewe of Pyro's Annual Ball. Becuz Rickey is a Nawlins Native, we've been attending for the last 5+ years and they are so much fun as the Mardi Gras comes to the DMV in such a big way. They are always around my birthday so double header for me, lol.

Can you imagine my surprise when I recently found out, they donned me to be one of the Best Dressed attenders O_O

I was as shocked as Taylor Swift winning an award.

I'm very much an accessory kinda gal.

I love how a basic outfit can be transformed by the flick of the wrist to clack on bangles.

I am gonna do a cheat sheet to my Werk Couture and add brooches.

Who said studs are boring?

This beautiful jewelry box was a lucky snag from Shop Khoi becuz they were sold out

BUT GOD saw fit for one to linger n wait on me!

Me and Toot are the early birds of the house. When I'm there on the weekends, he wakes up n asks "are we getting coffee mommy?" and I mean...since I'm headed that way anyway, lol, he's become my plus one! After coffee, we find nearby parks then grab lunch before heading home for a break (which is mainly for me).

Speaking of plus ones; here's a rare sighting of my oldest. Every now n then he'll pause his social life to hang out with his cool mom. He's also my part time photographer so I dragged him out for my Cherry Blossom tradition. I have a whole series...on the blog ;)

These are my essentials:

We all need GLOW

I go nowhere without SHADE

Signature Nails by Nailmatrixx

If you are still here...THANK YOU!! We are halfway there.

January is always a fresh start. We are filled with extra energy n motivation to do more, do better or just DO. The hardest part is keeping up the momentum becuz typically by March the first half fall off and by June your left with those who kept going and finally see results.

Whether you fall off within the first month or first half of the year-

GET UP and keep goin! This is YOUR race at YOUR pace!

My Good Grief Couture (also on here...take a gander) was fun. I am a Big Kid at heart and sometimes, I like my outfits to reflect such becuz its a gentle reminder for me to not take life so serious. Cartoons remind me of the innocence that was once enjoyed before the real world snatched me into adulthood. This outfit made me smile :D

Click the slideshow >

to turn your viewing into a Runway Fashion Show

The runway showcase are a few of my favorite Sip Trip and random outings. I simply love to get dressed up and don't wait for special occasions.

Throughout 2024, life was life-in and the biggest loss I took this year was my grandmother not crossing the finish line with me and having to let go n let God in November. I am grateful to have loved on that old lady for twice as long as I did her daughter. My kids got to experience a great-grand in their lifetime n her strength has been remarkable to witness down to her last breath. Being surrounded by love from my friends n family has truly kept me and made this grieving a tad more gentle-THANK YOU!! I now have another angel to walk in honor of with pride <3

This has been another memorable year. Within our lifetime we'll get lemons. We'll have times where there's feast and periods of famine. It's the bounce back of how we handle, react n what we do with the cards dealt. There is still life to live despite setbacks n EVERYTHING you've seen above this paragraph has been my WHY. My kids have been my REASON to not sink into the great depression n I am gonna keep pushin to have God guide me to my PURPOSE. I get asked how I maintain an upbeat attitude n why I'm so "chipper"lol and the answer is found by going back to the top and scrolling back down.

This whole post is a glimpse of not just my favorites but my LOVE!! Undeniable love and it holds more value than any dollar found on the street. I have all of the things and moving forward in 2025, I have no doubt I'll continue to keep pressing with LOVE!! I am optimistic about what the next 365 has waiting for me

**crosses fingers and closes eyes tight while wishing on a star**

Happy New Yearssssss (I add the s for sarcasm n the enjoyment to grammar police)