AND THE WINNER IS....................

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:2
I visited random.org and inputted for a random number between 1 and 8 to be drawn (ignore the 100 you see above). Each person's number is determined by the order they commented, ignoring duplicated comments (sorry DeWayne). That being said the winner is................... Jo72582....commenter number 2. Congratulation Jo72582. I hope you enjoy your "all Cinnamon Dulce Latte and reduced fat blueberry crumb cake". Please email me to arrange delivery of you Starbucks giftcard.

For those of you who didn't win, stay tuned throughout the year for more giveaways. This was by far the most entertaining post because of your input and comments, so thanks a bunch.

Stay warm!

~Black Orchid~

I'M GOING THROUGH WITHDRAWALS

In case some of you haven't noticed the Financially Solvent Poll is ending tomorrow. So if you haven't voted as of yet you should.

I have big plans for the future (I'll let you all in later) so its oh so important that I stick to my saving goals, but its getting so hard. I have gone a whole month without doing any shopping and I woke up this morning with the itch to buy something. It didn't help that when I visited Bluefly they had 2 pairs of YSL pumps I have been wanting for a while. Then I saw this oh so trendy but cute blazer by Gryphon and Helmut Lang leggings that I soooo love!! If only I were shopping they would be mine all mine. I guess now they will be someone else's.

After Bluefly I headed on over to JCrew and they are having a sale. I almost started crying. 30% off plus free shipping!!!!!!! BANANAS. If only the opera pearls I have had my eyes on forever were on sale I would have had to cheat a little. Thankfully they weren't. I think I would have snatched up The Carlin jacket in seasalt or light pewter. Gosh I heart JCrew!

I'm done for the day with the window shopping because it's killing me. But here are my shopping finds. Maybe you can purchase them and I can come over for a playdate.

Gryphon Blazer

Helmut Lang Leggings

YSL Tribute Too Pumps

JCrew Double Day Carlin Coat

YSL Imperiale Pump

JCrew Opera Length Pearls

Let me know which you purchase.

~Black Orchid~

I DON'T MIND CALLING HIM DADDY!!!

Today my friend J sent a lil pick me up and man did it make my spirits RISE! All I can say is that I have loved this man since I was 12. I'm happy that Daddy's finnally home. Ladies do enjoy. Gentlemen, take notes......

AM I LIVING IN THE PAST?

In a previous post I stated that I was saying goodbye to Crunch and looking for new fitness alternatives. Today while on Facebook I saw a friends track pics and it took me back. I started to think that maybe I could go back to running track so I shared the idea with 2 friends. We will call one Dream Killer and the other Good Friend.

Conversation 1

Black Orchid: So I have been doing some thinking and I think I wanna run track again.

Dream Killer: Girl shut the f*@k up and get off my phone!

Black Orchid: I'm serious. I have been looking at times for Colgate and I think I can still do my thing.

Dream Killer: Girl whatever you don't even like going to the gym, you will not o to track practice!

Black Orchid: Well maybe I can just do it to get my track body back and not compete.

Dream Killer: Yeah whatever, if you say so. I'm not gonna run nobody's track, but I will go to the gym. You are a loser!!!!!

Conversation 2

Black Orchid: So I was on Deanna's page looking at her pics and they made me wanna run again?

Good Friend: Girl me too. I want that body back!

Black Orchid: I know, you think Dr. Phipps would train me just to get my track body back?

Good Friend: I don't know but I'm wit it!

Black Orchid: I'll look into it

Good Friend: Yeah I think we can still do something.

Now you tell me which friend would you wish you had. I understand each point but did Dream Killer have to be so harsh? When does keeping it real go wrong? Do we really need more Dream Killers in the world?

BTW -Don't forget to enter the giveaway

~Black Orchid~

MY 1ST GIVEAWAY!!!

I love it when the blogs I follow do giveaways. Its always something good like Cashmere pillows or a subscription of a magazine or something that I wish I would win....but I never do. I have always said that when I started my blog I would do giveaways also. So.....drumroll please....... my 1st giveaway is for a $5 Stabucks giftcard (lol). All you have to do is comment on this post and state what item you would purchase from Starbucks if you were to win. The winner will be selected and posted on Sunday. I will then contact the winner to arrange delivery of their prize.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!

VEGAS REVEALED

Okay I know I have been away for over a week, but for good reason. Well maybe not that good. I've just been busy. I promise it won't happen again.

The last time I posted, we were on our way to Arizona. That was pretty cool but we were so tired we pretty much ate and slept the entire day. Instead of going on tours we sat on the shuttle bus because we were too tired to do anything else. That being said the trip was more that I expected...I had a blast and am so thankful for all my friends who came. THANKS YALL!!!!! You made my trip.

That being said here are a few pics that well define my Vegas trip...do enjoy......

This pic was J all weekend long...priceless

This was after a day of drinking....

J's boo who wouldn't leave her alone...lmao

I love a walking picture

Of course we had shots......

i though i was at a photo shoot....lol

Okay people I'm out.....work tomorrow :-(

Black Orchid

HELLO FROM VEGAS

Good Morning People...... (or is it). I'm usually a morning person but the past 2 mornings have been tough. But I guess that's what happens when you go off 3hrs of sleep and then have the nerve to wake up for the hotel's free breakfast @ 7.

Anyway, this morning (almost 8am) we are on our way to the Grand Canyon and other attractions. Since the ride is rather long I'm taking the time to let you all know what's going on.

Yesterday we "casino hopped" and though I started off strong I ended in quite a whole. That damn Reel Million machine would give me just enough to keep playing. When I was up $88 D tried to make me cash out but I pressed bet by "mistake". When I lost everything in that machine I slipped the $100 bill from my purse into the machine. I walked away with 15 cents. Even then I left New York New York very happy and upbeat. That might have had something to do with the 1 liter jug of good ole alcohol I was steadily sipping on. J didn't help much either as she screamed and cheered everytime I would win anything over 10 cents. She was drinking the same medicine though.

We ended the night with a great dinner and hilarious club experiences (as always).

I'm loving Vegas and can't wait to return. But for now I'm enjoying the sites.

Ttyl. Black Orchid

VEGAS HERE WE COME!!!

The day is finally here and I'm so anxious that no work is getting done. My flight lands at 7:30pm so by 10 we should be knee deep in all the sh*t Vegas has to offer. Stay tuned for all the mess we get into (that is if I'm functioning).

Speak to you guys from Vegas via mobil post. How cool huh
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

TEACHING IN NEW YORK IS THE BEST

I love my job most days and those days that I'm a little down there is always something that makes me bust out laughing. Here are a few things that made me laugh today.

A student came in at the end of the day yelling that he found his notebook in the bathroom. Take a look at the notes that were left behind.

On my way home this woman sat directly across from me. I couldn't help myself.

I mean really lady?

How a wonderful night.....

Black Orchid

A CALL TO SERVICE

I first heard about the earthquake that has devastated Haiti yesterday while helping my mother pack for her trip. We stopped and listened to the news however we were too busy to stop and contemplate how we can help. The answer came to me twice today. Here are a few options to offer a helping hand to those who are in desperate need.

1. $10 DONATION BY TEXTING HAITI TO 90999.

AT&T Inc. is making it easy to donate $10 via text message to assist earthquake victims in Haiti. The telephone wireless customers can donate the money to the Red Cross International Relief fund by sending a text message with the word "HAITI" to 90999. After a confirmation message arrives, the customer must reply "yes" to finalize the donation.

2. $5 DONATION BY TEXTING YELE TO 501501

Wyclef Jean is appealing to the public for everyone to donate what they can to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund. The website yele.org is finally coming up on my screen after several minutes of failing to load (probably flooded with traffic). You can also make and automatic $5 donation by texting the word "yele" to the number 501501.

3. DONATE FOOD WATER AND/OR CLOTHES

Bottled water, canned foods and clothing is always needed. Visited your community website to determine drop-off locations and if they are being accepted at all. What's most important is that your donations are going to the cause you intended. Be sure to confirm that any outside charities have reputable track records.

4. ATTEND A SOCIAL FUNDRAISING EVENT.

Event: Love Helps: Haitian Earthquake Relief Afterwork Mixer

"We will make an impact"
What: Fundraiser
Start Time: Wednesday, January 20 at 6:00pm
End Time: Wednesday, January 20 at 11:00pm
Where: Stay Lounge (NYC)

Click here for additional organizations that you can turn to to make other donations.

FITTING FITNESS INTO MY LIFE

I have been fit for most of my life. I think I started running track in 2nd or 3rd grade and vividly remember leaving school early to go to track meets. Every year we would win our town's championship with little to no effort. In Middle School, High School and College I continued competing on championship teams.

Working out never hurt nor did I think twice about going to practice. These days thats not the case. WORKING OUT HURTS LIKE HELL!!!!!! And getting to the point where it's fun takes forever. I thought about my workout habits yesterday and they really do suck! I only go to the gym before a big event or function. Two years ago my "big" function was my trip with some high school homies. That's where I met Felix my OH SO AMAZING trainer. Felix had me ripped and lean (maybe to lean) in no time for my trip.

Me before Felix

Me After Felix

Since I am leaving Crunch (a part of my fatter pockets plan) I need to figure out what I will be doing to stay fit. I have most of those workout DVDs but those bore me after a while. I will definitely miss Felix but I have to say goodbye in order to save for my future goals.

I have to think more about how to fit fitness into my life because I will be gymless come March 1st. Any suggestions?

WEEK IN REVIEW

So I have only been back at work for one week and here it is another Friday and I'm physically and emotionally exhausted! I really don't know how people can do this for 20-30 years. At what point does it get easier? .........

Okay so this was my 1st week on a budget and I must say I think I did pretty well. I actually stayed on budget! I was a little concerned when I went food shopping and only had $10 left, but I didn't even need it. I cooked twice and had lunch for the entire week.

On another note I was so sad that my brand new camera broke. I just got the stupid thing and it fell off the camera and broke. I had to take it in so I hope to have it back before I leave on Friday. I really won't hold my breath though. That being said I will not be posting any pics of my Vegas attire options.

Anywho, its cold out so stay warm and be blessed.

Black Orchid

VEGAS BABY!!!!

I have been wanting to go to Vegas for my birthday for about 4 years now. I remember the 1st time I called the venture the ABC's of Vegas. Alcohol, Bikinis and Condoms.....lol Needless to say that fell through. For the 2 years that followed I felt like everyone was partying in Vegas but me. So this year I just booked my ticket reserved a 2 bedroom suite at my timeshare and whoever can make it is welcomed.

Well tickets were bought and next Friday I'm on my way to Vegas!

Now for the hard part.....WHAT DOES A GAL WEAR IN VEGAS????? Keeping in mind that I am only using items that are already in my closet I have a few ideas of pieces that I can wear, but it's about looks. I always want to look cute, but is cute good enough for the trip I have been waiting for for 3 years?

Any ideas or suggestions?

The next post will be the pieces that are in the running, so stay tuned

Black Orchid

A WELL NEEDED HIATUS

As stated in my 2010 pledge I plan on spending less money. For me all this means is less shopping. I have taken it upon myself to not shop until July 1st. So regardless of how amazing the sale is, or how beautiful the color looks against my complexion I CANNOT purchase it. If you know me at all you know that this is some feat. I mean going from shopping 5 days a week to nothing for 6 months!!!!!!!! But I know I can do it.

Here are my rules:

1. NO SHOPPING.....

2. I can only buy things I need like maybe stockings (lol).

3. All monies left over from my weekly allowance will go into a "shopping only" account.

4. When July arrives I can only use money from my shopping account.

5. Thereafter I can spend no more than 5% of my salary on shopping.

I think that covers everything.

I'm really interested to see what happens when I have an event to attend. I guess whatever's in my closet is what I will be wearing. This is definitely going to be an adventure. I will definitely keep you all posted.

Until July I guess I will just be window shopping, a concept I never understood, but I will be a pro at it come July.

Here are a few items I "got" while window shopping today.

My favorite #3 designer is on sale today at Gilt. If i were shopping I would own this dress by now. Its in my favorite color to.

J Crew Puffer. I so want one of these.

Alexander McQueen clutch with glove

Well till tomorrow, Black Orchid.........KISSES

Wait one more thing. For those of you who have pledged to be financially solvent start setting up your own steps on how you plan to achieve your goal.

Black

WAKING UP IS HARD TO DO!!!!

IT WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA STAYING UP PASS 12 WATCHING RICH BRIDE POOR BRIDE!!!!!

I'm so tired this morning. When I woke up to use the bathroom I glanced at the clock thinking I had a good 3 more hours of sleep left, but I only had 2 minutes before my alarm started yelling at me. I was sure I was still dreaming. I wanted to cry ( actually I did).

So far the 1st day back to school isn't bad. The kids are great and I am still in a good mood. We will see how the day ends because I have a double after lunch so pray for me........

You know what I just noticed, I haven't been to Glit, Ruelala or Bluefly this morning. I guess I will blog during my prep instead of shop. Lol notice I didnt say I'm gonna work during my prep.

TTY guys later. I hope I make it to the gym after work. I need to cancel my membership and vegas is in 11 days.

P.S. I ate my lunch at 11 so I have to go run get more food...how greedy

Radio City Christmas Spectacular

For Christmas this year I gave my niece, nephew and sister tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. I was actually excited to see this show even though I knew it was going to be childish. As the show started I wanted to shoot myself for dragging myself and family to the show. My mood quickly changed when I looked to the right and saw how much the kids were into the show. They looked so silly in their 3D glasses.

I must admit that there were parts of the show that I found myself clapping and tapping my feet to, but that was far and few in between. Some parts were really cool though. Overall I will not be gifting these tickets next year but the kids LOVED LOVED LOVED it. Mission accomplished!

Here are a few pics.

MY 2010 PLEDGE/ CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

This year I am determined to SAVE! I have attempted this so many times before but I feel that this time will be different. I envy my friend Jo who can walk into a store see something she loves and walks away. Not me, if I love it I MUST have it. I automatically begin thinking about the many ways I can wear it or how cute I'd look in it. I knew things were bad when I would rise at 5:30 every morning to checkout Bluefly's new arrival. By 6 I would have gotten my fashion fix and ready for a day of work. To make matters worse I loved Mondays and Thursdays when I have 2.5 hours free at work. I would use this time to visit Haute and Glit which opens exactly when I start my prep.

New Year New Beginnings

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New year everyone. I brought in the new year with Mimi and the man who "invented" sex, Mariah Carey, Trey Songz. Honestly I only wanted to see Trey and he was G double O D GOOD!!!!! Mimi on the other hand hasn't been good in quite some time. That being said, she performed most of her old stuff like Hero and Fantasy (those were my joints) so that was great. Here are some pics.