Mood Music: Character

They say when you're going through your most challenging or most difficult times, you get an accurate view of who your true friends are. As I lay here in bed on this snow lined October morning (weird, right?), Mara Hruby's 'Character' seems to fit my mood exactly.


The good thing about disappointments like these is the surprise element. The people who you would never expect to, come around and support you and check in on you. I have come across so many genuine, wholesome, GOOD people and it's truly been a blessing in my life. 


So, with this, I realize how I am so fine with endings because they always signify a fabulous, new beginning -- at least for me :)

So, who are you in the face of disappointment? 

Escapism: French Riviera

The Côte d'Azur, better known as the French Riviera, is located on the southeast corner of France, along the Mediterranean coastline. Visiting this gem of a location has been on my bucket list (right before 'riding a sleeper train through an exotic location' and directly after 'attending a Vanity Fair Oscar Party')for as long as I can remember.
It benefits from 300 days of sunshine per year, with temps hardly exceeding 86˚ (as if that isn't enough to get you there), 71 miles of beaches and 3,000 restaurants. You want to talk perection? This honey, is it. 
So, get lost with me and enjoy these images from a place that is magically reminiscent of "la belle époque":  

[via]

Where do you want to go on your next vacation? 

Birthday á la Mode Turns 2!

Happy 2nd Birthday to Birthday á la Mode! 
No major events or giveaways today as I am just getting back into the swing of blogging again after my hiatus. Hopefully by year 3, I'll be able to do it big, but for now, I'll just live in the moment and have a cupcake!

Celebrate milestones! 

Reader Request: Plus Sized Fashion

Model Marquita Pring for V Magazine

Awhile back, I received a request to post another plus sized fashion entry. With tons of  blogs and magazines bringing more attention to curvalicious beauties, it's only natural that we provide more options and ideas for the plus-sized audience. 
Below, I've provided a few fabulous fashion finds, along with some great links to blogs and online stores to check out: 

1. Kiyonna Dusk 'Til Dawn Convertible Maxi, $118
2. Kiyonna Betsey Ruched Dress, $128
3. Kiyonna Nottingham Knit Riding Pant, $62
4. ASOS Curve, Textured Shoulder Top, $60.34
5. Missphit, Zigzag Wrap, $55
6. Forever21+, Leopard Print Cardigan, $19.80

• http://www.leblogdebigbeauty.com/
• http://garnerstyle.blogspot.com/
• http://www.gabifresh.com/
• http://nicolettemason.blogspot.com/
• http://saksinthecity.blogspot.com/
• http://www.mezzofashionisto.com/
• http://girlwithcurves.tumblr.com/
• http://www.beautyfash.com/
• http://kylanita.canalblog.com/
• http://www.copperandcurls.com/
• http://fatgirlslikeniceclothestoo.wordpress.com/
• http://www.pearlslaceandruffles.com/
• http://www.thebuxomandthebeautiful.com/

Celebrate dangerous curves! 

Wednesday Wishes: Cat Me If You Can

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Kourtney Kardashian's style. Moreso than her sister Kim's, actually. When I spotted her rocking a cool pair of Oliver Peoples 'Alina Cat Eye' sunnies a few months back, I knew I had to get my hands on a pair for the summer. 

Kourtney K. in Oliver Peoples cat eye sunnies

I have yet to find the perfect pair for myself, but I think I'll have my choices narrowed down before our vacation in 3-weeks. 
So today, I wish for vintage inspired shades, that will keep the sun out of my eyes and the cool in my style. 

1. Retro Sunglasses, $15.95

2. Ray-Ban Cat Eye-Frame Acetate Sunglasses, $130

3. Alexander Wang Pointed Cat Eye Sunglasses, $355

4. Forever 21 Cat Eye Sunglasses, $5.80

5. Ralph Lauren Vintage Cat's Eye Sunglasses, $160

Celebrate all things retro! 

Girl Power: First Lady, Michelle Obama

Pray for Japan

I've been a little busy, but as soon as I got the chance, I wanted to take the time to come in and post about Japan. 
On March 11th, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake sent the country into massive devastation which unleashed in 3-days time, tsunamis and the explosion of a nuclear plant. 


Japan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world and this recent earthquake has placed it in the top 5 worldwide. 


I'm asking my readers to please pray for Japan and the survivors of this tragedy. God is  who we should turn to in times of trouble and despair. Prayer is powerful, lends hope and makes a difference. 

"He sent out His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction" 

⎯ Psalm 107:20

Girl Power: Adele

We've reached March and I am so excited for the warm weather to arrive! The cold, bitter temps can drop dead for all I care. I am SO over it. 
During this month, in between regular postings, I'll be incorporating some profiles of my favorite women in honor of Women's History Month! First up, is Adele. My obsession with her is borderline psychotic. I LOVE her to pieces and you can't tell me that in a past life we weren't best friends. Her music is smooth, rich and relatable. Besides all of her success, she remains a humble, beautiful person that you can't help but to love. 
She recently visited Chelsea Lately to discuss her sophomore release, 21. The album is AMAZING and so is she. If you haven't already, pick it up! You won't be sorry.


Check out the interview below :-) 

Gordon Parks: Success

Gordon Parks // Groundbreaking photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist and film director.

Happy Heart's Day

 via.

"Love is the greatest refreshment in life." -- Pablo Picasso 

Happy Valentine's Day, dahlings!

Jackie Robinson: Respect

Jackie Robinson // First black MLB player of the modern era. 

Maya Angelou: Definition of a Hater

In honor of Black History Month, each week I will be sharing words of wisdom from my favorite African American leaders. 
First up, the incredible Maya Angelou and her definition of a HATER. I despise the term, but I feel her on this. Truer words have never been spoken: 

Maya Angelou // America's most visible black female autobiographer.

Milk + Honey

I recently discovered an arousing trailer while browsing the internet on one of the many snow days we've had so far.


Milk + Honey, a web series produced by Brown Paper Dolls and the delectable Idris Elba, is the story of four women in LA and their spiritual, professional and romantic quests to find their dreams.
The trailer definitely caught my attention and left me wanting more -- especially the snippet that featured Lance Gross and Asha Kamali May (starting @ 2:12) romancing *swoon*. The fact that the melody to Michael Jackson's 'I Can't Help It' was playing in the background is just ... everything.  I may or may not have replayed that part more than a few times.


I'm dying to see more, especially since GOOD African American shows are experiencing a major drought. 
"Milk + Honey was created because we wanted to showcase diverse images of women of color that we don't usually see on the big or small screen. Also, we're creating more opportunities for black actors," says Jeanette McDuffie , a producer who makes up one third of the company, Brown Paper Dolls.

The series is looking to be picked up by a TV network and they still need 1 million viewers of the trailer to help make that happen. Please check it out. I love supporting first rate AA projects and hope to contribute to Milk + Honey's success by spreading the word. 

More info can be found on www.milkandhoneyseries.com. 

30 Reasons to Be Grateful

Guess whose bizack?! It's ME!
I took a little hiatus. Hello everyone! SO much has happened to me in the past 5 months since my last blog post. There have been highs and there have been lows, but I think I'm more resilient now than I ever have been.
Last Friday, I celebrated my 30th birthday. I thought with this milestone the resurgence of my blog would be a good idea. I considered shutting it down and even starting a fresh one. But, decided it was a better idea to just pick up where I left off and see where we go from here --- just like we do with life.
I have lots to share, including pictures from my birthday celebration. That will come in a later post. For now, let's just get reacquainted. I have 30 reasons to be grateful. Those 30 reasons are 30 years of life. What a blessing! So to celebrate that (which is what this blog is all about), let's come back with something fun: 

1. Someday I hope to open my own clothing boutique or bookstore. It's always been my dream. I always wonder how well that would work out since clothes and book are two of my favorite things. I fear I wouldn't sell anything due to me putting my own products on reserve. 


2. I get sick and nauseous whenever I read in a moving car. But, I do it anyway.

3. I HATE CROWDS, yet, love to party ... where there are usually crowds.

4. I have a wild imagination. I create fantasies in my head.

5. I cry. A lot.

6. I am horrible with directions. Thank God for GPS.

7. I love writing out "To-Do Lists". I'll add completed tasks just so I can put a red 'X' next to it.

8. I am lactose-intolerant, but still eat dairy. I love cheese and ice cream, but unfortunately they don't love me. 

9. I love board games. Game nights never get old to me. 

10. I used to be more of a people person, until I started working in the city (Manhattan). I'm getting better though.

11. I am obsessed with chubby cheeks. I can't help but to pinch, bite or kiss a pair whenever I see some.

12. When I was younger, I dreamed of owning a porcelain tea set when I got older. I am still in search of the perfect one. 

13. I rock myself to sleep. 

14. I have an affinity for all things vintage. Clothes, hairstyles, photographs, celebrities ... the list goes on. If it looks old and worn, chances are it’s a cache that I need in my life. 

15. I love wearing my husband's t-shirts @ home. It makes me feel safe and protected.

16. My little sister brings the greatest joy to my life. I want her to be bigger and better than me. 

17. I am a worrier. I worry about most things EVERYTHING. 

18. I still send handwritten letters and cards. I believe it's a lost art. 

19. I miss summers in Canada with my cousin. They're one of my fondest memories and she is one of my best friends. We're like sisters.

20. I LOVE birthdays whether it's mine or someone else's. This includes the whole she-bang -- cakes, candles, sprinkles, confetti and balloons. 

21. My husband proposed to me when I looked my WORST (seriously). For that (on top of many things) I will love him forever. 

22. I've always wanted freckles. There's something magical about them. 

23. As much as they can irk me, my family means the world to me. They keep me sane and I'm so grateful that we're a huge lot that's also close-knit. 

24. I sing in the shower and sometimes talk in my sleep. 

25. I am an avid movie watcher. Especially old ones. Watching them sometimes feels like an escape.

26. I love trying new recipes and cooking. I can spend all day in the kitchen. 

27. I'm addicted to shoes. They are my weakness.

28. I recently went natural. I'm almost at month 4th. I always said by 30 I would go back to my natural hair, and I did! One of my proudest moments.

29. I HATE talking or writing about myself. Pretty ironic since I'm listing facts about me. 

30. Christmastime used to be my favorite time of the year. But, due to recent events, that's changed. I don't think it will ever  be the same for me. I pray everyday for an amazing 2011 and the hope that that will someday change.