Hey friends! Happy Wednesday! 

I hope you brought your appetites today! I am trying out another place that I found while out and about shooting. Well, truth be told I have driven by this place a few times and have always been very curious to try it! Today was the day! 

Kaizoku Japanese Cusine and Poke Bowl! 

​Located on Old Monroe Rd. in the Sun Valley shopping center, Kaizuko is a great place! It was kind of quiet when I first got there, but as I waited on my order, a steady stream of customers began to populate the restaurant.

I LOVE Japanese food in general! From hibachi chicken or steak to sushi! Its really hard to go wrong! So, already it was going to be a tough decision, but Kaizoku also has a 'Build Your Own Poke Bowl' and the decision was made even harder! 

I have never had a poke bowl, but I listened and watched as several customers built their own bowl. 

It maybe what I try next time I go! 

Ultimately, I decided to go with sushi! The Kaizoku roll to be exact. It was delicious! It was filled with crab meat, avocado, and cream cheese, and had a spicy sauce on top! 

I always enjoy to google the meaning of different restaurant names when I visit them. Kaizoku was no different! As I waited I googled its' meaning. 

Interestingly enough, Kaizoku means 'sea tribe' or 'pirate' Apparently the Murakami Kaizoku were a "sea-faring" group that dominated crucial waterways Seto Inland Sea for more than two centuries! 

I got a quick history lesson and a delicious lunch all in one afternoon! =) 

​I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope you check out Kaizoku sometime!

​If you do, enjoy! 

Hello! Happy Monday to all! 

Today I wanted to start off the week with a strong, bold look! And since the no pants trend is taking over (in California I should mention) I thought, 'why not!?' Lets give it a try! 

Also, I had seen this look styled on Instagram a few times and that also inspired me to try it. 

For full disclosure, I DO have pants on! Denim shorts to be exact! (No way would I actually go out in something this short without something else on!) That said though, I honestly kind of love this blazer dress look! 

For this post, I finally got some new strappy nude sandals to replace my old ones. They held out several years but I think the time to part with them is long overdue! 

This new pair is already proving to be a solid purchase. They make my legs looks ridiculously long! I also really love the thicker, block heel. It is more comfortable to walk in in my opinion. I ordered them in a 5 and 1/2 and they fit pretty true to size! So, I really have no complaints about them! I think a strong, strappy nude pump is a staple shoe that all heel-wearing women should get! 

I have a fun story about taking these pictures! I was taking them next to a bank, for the huge columns. And a guy walked by me on his way into the bank. Now, I know it can probably be annoying to people to feel like they maybe interrupting so I really try to be considerate and move out of the way when I see people walking up. To try and get out of their way. I did not really notice this guy until he was closer and then I hurriedly moved out of the way and he apologized to me! I assured him he was fine and I was just trying to get out of his way.  He goes about his business and I do as well. Well, we met again when he was leaving the bank and we struck up a conversation, which led to him jumping in a picture with me! 

I love interactions like that! You really never know who you will meet out and about! Thank you sir, I didn't get your name but it was a pleasure meeting you! 

Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! =)


Blazer: Apricot Lane Boutique
Bag: Target
​Shoes: Amazon

Hello and Happy Friday! 

Happy June! This is birthday month for me! I am excited! In addition to my birthday, I am heading to Seattle in a few days! It is my first big trip in a while! My first flight in years! Truth be told I am a little nervous about the flight. I think once we get going it will be fine, but anticipating it is a little overwhelming. If anyone has any tips for flying, I would welcome them! 

But I cannot wait to get some content for you guys in Seattle! I have a few ideas already up my sleeve! So, we will see how they turn out! =)

Today's post is a pretty casual post. It is more of a sporty, work out kind of look. But a look that I will be sporting -no pun intended!- a lot this summer! 

This is such an easy look and more importantly, COOL look to wear. It is effortless! If I am running errands on my day off, this is hands down one of my go-to outfits. I can thank Target for this look. I found three or four of these ribbed, cropped tanks, for $6 each and I got them all. The shorts are also from Target. They are so comfortable and I am very in love with the bright color! I also have them in grey, and I really want to get them in blue too if I can find my size. 

I went to a park for the pictures, but generally speaking I love a good walk in a park! Or a walk at work with a sassy friend! Being outdoors has a very rejuvenating effect for me. It grounds me in a way. Does anyone else feel that way? When I'm anxious or if I need to clear my head, I go outside and take a walk or go for a run and that works wonders! 

Thank you all so much for reading! I appreciate you all! 

I hope you all have a great weekend ahead! Stay cool and stay safe! 


Crop Tank: Target
Shorts: Target
Shoes: Shein
​Hat: Walmart

Hello again! 

With Memorial Day weekend being so dreary and gloomy, I decided to treat myself to a trip to the cutest ice cream shop! It is called, The Local Scoop, and it is a hidden gem in the Promenade shopping center (although there are two other locations; one in Parktowne Village and one in down town Matthews, behind Carolina Beer Temple.) And with summer fast approaching, this is going to be the place to be! 

It is a cozy, family friendly atmosphere that really strives to bring people together. It strives to bring the community together. The Local Scoop aims to support local businesses by incorporating as many fresh ingredients as possible in their ice cream. And the way they do that is by reaching out to small farms for all of their ice cream recipies! 

Additionally, The Local Scoop tries to make as much as they can right there in the store. They offer homemade ice cream and they make fresh waffle cones every day. The store manager, Ralph, came out and spoke with me a bit and joked about how it always smelled like vanilla as a result! 

Hey, that does not sound like a bad thing in my book! 

They offer a variety of different flavors as well as dairy and non-dairy options. And there are also gluten-free options and allergy accommodation as well. 

Hands down cookie dough is my favorite flavor! IYKYK right? 

I have had their cookie dough before, but when I had it on Monday, man it hit the spot! It was so creamy and rich! Melt in your mouth, delicious! 

If you're out and about this summer, this would be a great place to take the kiddos, or family visiting from out of town. You could go to celebrate a birthday or any kind of milestone event! 

Or, if you're like me, you could just treat yourself every now and then! 

Whatever you decide, The Local Scoop has you covered! 

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you are hungry now! 

Special thanks to The Local Scoop and Ralph for having me and taking the time to talk to me  a bit! 

​I will be back soon! =D 

Hey all! Happy Monday! 

Happy Memorial Day as well! I hope you are all having a great weekend so far! I was able to spend some time with some family from out of town this weekend and that was wonderful! 

Also, funny story, over the weekend I have a friend at work who I always walk with on break. Well, you guys know how bleak and rainy it was Saturday and Sunday. Well, Sunday, at one point it was only lightly misting. So, we decided to try and get our walk in! It started out all right but it gradually started to rain harder and harder, plus the wind was blowing. So, by the end of our walk we were both soaked and freezing! 

I cannot explain why we do the things we do, but we had fun! We laughed a lot AND we got our steps in! So, I would say it was a win! 

On to today's look! I felt like such a boss babe in this look! A great blazer is a staple piece in my book, and this one has easily been one of the best purchases I've made! 

This blazer paired against a slink, sexy slip dress just amps up the dynamic vibe! The slit in the dress is oh-so-sexy and feminine! 

I did throw on a belt to cinch my waist a bit and give me a little more shape. 

But this is definitely a great look! I felt so powerful wearing it! I do kind of wish I had either a solid black bag, or a solid white bag to go with this look. 

I like the striped bag, I just feel like a solid color would be more fitting. Black would be the safe option, but white would be really fun and unexpected! So, I am keeping my eyes open for either bag! =)

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you guys all enjoy the rest of the weekend! 

Stay safe! And I will see you guys on Wednesday! =)


Blazer: Versona
Slip Dress: Target
Bag: Versona (old!)
​Shoes: Chinese Laundry

Hello and Happy Friday! 

I hope you guys have all had a great week so far! I want to thank everyone for their kind comments and messages in response to my post on Monday. It was a hard post to write, but I felt it time to be honest about it. In the bleakest part of my alcoholism, I would find myself scrolling through social media wishing I could have the lives of others I was seeing on my feed. Everyone was happy, carefree, traveling, successful, in love, having babies, skinny, or out and about living their lives and I was in my lowest moments, wishing so much that I could've had a life like that instead of an alcoholic one. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing good stuff! My troubles were all of my own doing and not anyone else's fault, I want to make that clear. That said, social media can also be deceiving in that people typically only share the good stuff, so you are only seeing what they want you to see. I want to use my small platform to be as transparent as possible and potentially help another who is in the same sinking boat I was in. 

So, as scary as it was to write and post, I am glad I did it! And I am so thankful for how warmly you all responded and the love and support I got from you all! That means the world to me! 

On to today's look! 

It is actually a little less about the look today and more about the photography! That is more or less the main focus. I went to this park a while back with a friend and saw this huge field plus the rustic, shed in the following pictures and was instantly inspired! This look came to mind right away. I think because the skirt is so breezy and paired with the crop top it has a very boho chic vibe about it. 

A week or so ago I finally decided I wanted to spend a morning shooting out in the field. I got ready, packed up my things, and headed out. I was probably there about an hour and a half and got a lot of great shots in. I braved tall grass where I was certain I would be chased by a snake (it did not happen thank God!) and I sweated to death! I also almost lost my keys several times! (I didn't carry a bag for this look, so I would toss my keys on the ground by my camera. And several times I walked off without them, then realize it and have to go searching for them!)

But the pictures came out really pretty in my opinion! 

I do have to say, although it was a lot of work, it is really exciting to have a vision in my head of what I want something to be like/look like and then to actually bring that vision to life. 

A lot of these pictures were almost exactly what I had envisioned in my mind! And that is such a remarkable feeling! I am having trouble coming up with the right words at the moment... bear with me! Its late and I'm tired! xD

I hope you enjoyed this post! I hope you have a great weekend and thank you for being on this journey with me! 

I love you guys! See you Monday! <3

Hello and Happy Wednesday! 

Monday's post was pretty heavy -for me at least- so I am going to lighten things up with a very inspirational Fashion Inspo post! 

Recently, I was able to chat a bit with Beverly Bullock, the designer behind White Kiku, and get to hear her story about how she became a designer. It is a pretty incredible story too! This woman is about as strong as they come! And extremely creative! I am happy to share her story with you today! 

​Beverly has always had a creative side to her. Growing up she really enjoyed crafts, in particular, making jewelry. She also enjoyed watching shows like What Not to Wear and America's Next Top Model. It was in 5th grade she was diagnosed with autism. "It is kind of rare for a girl to be diagnosed so early," she told me, "usually it is males who are diagnosed as kids and women later on in life." Unfortunately, Beverly was not able to get the proper treatment for her autism but that did not let it stop her. At times it could be challenging because she can hyper fixate on certain things and can take things very literal, but it also played a part in her journey as a designer! 

"I love anime," Beverly told me, "I like to go to conventions with my husband and dress up in cosplay. But sometimes the costumes can be too tight on my neck or negatively impact my sensory needs, so I started to make them myself, to fit my needs." From there Beverly would be inspired by different shows, usually anime shows, or books/magazines. She explained that she would connect with a character or a certain look and head to Pinterest for ideas to recreate the look. From there, she contemplates how to make the look her own. "Sometimes I do get stuck creatively," she acknowledged, "other times I know exactly what I want." I can relate to that! She also explained that due to other health issues sometimes it can take her a week or so to complete a look. 

​I first saw Beverly's designs at a Charlotte Seen fashion show a few weeks ago and had fallen in love with her unique styles. They were so full of color and life! "I was excited and nervous at the same time," Beverly told me, "I had done a fashion show before that kind of broke my heart. So, I was kind of using this show as a pallet cleanser. And the make-up artists and hair stylists did such a great job with the models! I was screaming when I saw the pictures! In a good way!" As she should! Her line was definitely one of my favorites! And the anime inspiration was clear! 

After hearing about her journey, the ups and downs, and the show that broke her heart, I had to know how she copes with setbacks or disappointments. We all have them, and it is so inspirational to me to hear how others cope with them. "Designing and being creative really helps me," she told me, "when I began sewing at first I could only do it for a few minuets at a time before I had to stop and rest. But those few minuets meant the world to me because sewing made me so happy!" 

Beverly has no plans of slowing down! She has two fashion shows coming up that she is preparing for. One is in October for GWE, a company who helps her out with fabrics, that is in Richmond, VA. And she will be a part of Charlotte Fashion Week in September! Additionally, Beverly also has goals of growing her following and participating in more interviews with News stations and magazines. Her biggest dream? To see one of her favorite anime voice actresses, Cristina Vee, wear one of her pieces! 

​On a final note, I was curious about her brand name, White Kiku. When I heard it I thought it was very unique and lovely, so I had to ask what it meant. "Well, Kiku is a type of Chrysanthemum flower and it means new beginning," she explained, "and white also represents washing away and starting new. So, for me it reminds me of going forward now being myself and not what people want me to be."  

What a beautiful story! And this is just the beginning! I have no doubt Beverly is destined for great things! And I for one am here for it! 

Hey everyone! 

I hope you all had a great weekend! Today I'm taking a quick break from the typical outfit of the day stylings to share a very personal post about a journey I have been on and a huge milestone I reached in that journey. 

I know I have talked before about my anxiety but what I have not talked about was a huge part of what was fueling it. And that was alcohol. Yes. I am an extremely grateful recovering alcoholic. You guys will read this Monday the 22nd, but on Sunday, May 21st I reached my first full year sober! 

In light of that, I thought maybe I should share some of my story with you in hopes that it may help someone else who is currently in active addiction or feeling alone. You're not! There is help and you can stop, it may not seem like it now, but it is possible! 

I am not exactly sure when I crossed the line from a regular, social drinker to a highly functioning alcoholic. I know the last five years has been the worst of it, the last year being the absolute worst. But even before then I was becoming very reckless and extremely selfish. I made so many potentially dangerous decisions while drinking, looking back I am just so grateful for the protection for others and for myself in those moments. 

Along the way I can look back now and confidently say the Lord was trying to tell me early on the direction in which I was heading. At times blatantly! But I had it under control. I knew what I was doing. Just the same thing that everyone does! So, I just kept doing what I was doing. 

Then Covid hit and it REALLY got bad! My nerves were wrecked constantly and the only cure I knew of that worked was alcohol. It got to where I would hide it in my room. In my closet, in my drawers, under my bed. I would get up in the morning and feel awful, so I would take a sip to feel a little better and once I did I would just keep going. It became a vicious cycle, my nerves would be wrecked, I'd drink, feel better temporarily. then my nerves would be wrecked again. 

Then my health started to become effected. My doctors were concerned with my liver levels and I went to doctor after doctor to try and figure out why the levels were so high. I had not been completely honest with them as to how much I was drinking. I was lying to everyone, myself included. I was scared to tell anyone the extent of my drinking. I was afraid of what they'd think, if they'd look at me differently, and if I am being honest, that I would actually have to stop.

Also, about this time another scary realization began to hit me; I did not know how to stop. 

It was not as simple as just not drinking. I physically and mentally could not stop. 

In the big book of AA there is a line "someday he(she) will be unable to imagine his(her) life either with or without alcohol. Then he/she will know a loneliness that few do. He/she will be at the jumping off point." 

That was where I was at.

On May 19th, 2022 I had a physical with my doctor. I was DREADING it. I knew my drinking had been even worse and on top of that I had not really been taking care of myself like I should. So, to calm my nerves before the appointment I took a sip or two. 

What was strange though, is I had this strong feeling that this appointment was going to be the beginning of the end one way or the other. I would either get better or.... not. As grim as that sounds. 

Sure enough the appointment did not go great, although I actually tried to be a bit more honest with my doctor about my alcoholism (still not fully honest but more so.) I went home, drank a little more to calm my nerves. The next day, the 20th was a Friday. I got my results back and as any true alcoholic does I drank to calm my nerves before I read the results. 

Mind you, I had not really slept much, worked all day, and was anxious as hell. 

The results were bad. Liver levels were higher than they'd ever been and my doctor actually suggested I go to a rehab center before I did permanent damage to my liver. That scared the shit out of me! I was too stunned to cry and I was shaking from fear. I did not know what to do, I wanted to talk to someone, but no one really knew my secret. So, who could I tell? 

I went to a meeting where I met a friend, who also happened to be a nurse and I confided in her and told her how scared I was. She was so kind to me! She hugged me tightly and told me that everything was going to be alright, and the levels would come down. She also assured me I could call her anytime, day or night. I cannot tell you what that meant to me! I got a white chip and, on my way, home I stopped off at a park and parked my car. I was still a bit of a hot mess, but for the first time in years I said an honest prayer. I just said, 'I know I cannot keep living this way. I need help. I don't know how to do this on my own.' I got out of my car and threw out what alcohol I had left. 

Immediately the anxiety and tension I had been feeling for almost two full days was lifted and replaced by a warm comforting feeling. I felt really tired, but I also felt a strange sense of peace which had evaded me for a long time. 

Saturday May 21st, 2022 marked my first full day completely sober. 

It has been a day to day struggle. LOTS of prayer! Lots of support from my amazing family and friends. LOTS of meetings! But so far it has been absolutely amazing! I cannot put into words how amazing sobriety is. (Well, I could but we could be here all day!) I still feel anxious from time to time, but nothing like it was. I still have bad days but I have better ways to cope with them. I have people I can talk to and rely on and who rely on me. I can enjoy being in the present moment with people, which I honestly couldn't before. I was always itching to get that next drink. Now I'm about to go out to Seattle and see the freaking Space Needle next month! I'm going to see BEYONCE in August!! Whaaaat!

Also, my blog has taken on a new life! My passion for it has ignited all over again, and I feel more creative and confident to go out and take pictures. 

Everything has changed so much and while the struggle to get here was dark and lonely, I'm glad I had to go through it to really appreciate this side of what life has to offer. 

Thank you so much for being on this journey with me! I truly appreciate it and I hope my story finds someone who needs to hear it. You're not alone! There is no shame in asking for help! And we do recover! 

Hello guys! 

Happy Friday! I hope you all had a wonderful week! 

Mine has been busy! Good! But busy! I have gotten a lot done though, so it has also been a productive week! 

I was having to fight the heat when I shot this look! The day I was shooting this was Wednesday and I actually got another look in as well. Thankfully for this look there was at least a steady breeze for the most part. The second look was more in the heat of the day and the breeze was not quite as steady. 

I do have a quick story about shooting this look! Most of the time, when I take pictures, people may look but do not really say anything. Every so often someone will ask what I am doing or sometimes they will make a funny/encouraging comment. But Wednesday, I was setting my camera up and getting the settings right and this guy offered to help me actually take the pictures! 

It was really a sweet offer! And I almost took him up on it, but it can sometimes take me a while to get my pictures in and I did not want to completely hold up his day. So, I politely declined. But if you ever ready this sir, thank you so much for the offer! I really appreciated it! =)

I love this dress! I mean... can you blame me!? Its a gorgeous dress! I LOVE the electric blue color of it! It is a great summer dress, and at the same time a great boss lady dress! 

I feel FIERCE wearing this! 

The higher color and simplistic design give it a sophisticated look to it. While the slit adds a bit of sexy! 

I happened to find it on Boohoo.com and I could not help myself! I was smitten with it! 

I already have several plans for restyling it! I have an idea for a head-to-toe blue look. From shoes, to jacket, to bag -all blue! 

But for today I wanted to go with a more leg lengthening, strappy, nude shoe. Its a bit more of a safe option, but definitely looks killer with this look! 

Thank you all for reading! And I hope you tune in on Monday for a really special post! I am about to get very personal with you all and tell you about a personal milestone in my life! 

Have a great and safe weekend! 


Dress: Boohoo.com

Hello and Happy Wednesday! 

Today for a little Fashion Inspo I wanted to take a look at some festival fashion! In particular Coachella. It is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated music and art festivals of the year. It is held every April and features some of big-name performers! I remember when Beyonce headlined a few years back and I had to work and my hours at the time were 5:30am to 2pm. I still live-streamed her concert until close to 2 in the morning and it was worth it! xD

The guests in attendance can also be just as big a name as the headliners! Celebrities and influencers tend to flock to the festival, serving some serious festival looks! 

In fact, over the last few years, it has seemed that the fashion worn at Coachella has become just as big a part of the festival as the headliners themselves! 

It is a parade of boho chic styles, grunge, and boots galore! And the wilder or more boho the better! 

And with Coachella having just recently come and gone, I felt why not take a little dive into festival fashion today!?

While there is no official dress code for the event, Coachella is held in the dessert so that certainly influences the fashion choices. Festival goers will want to wear outfits that are breathable and comfortable for the three-day long event. 

Damn near everywhere you look, you'll see very 70's inspired looks. Lots of friends, cutoff shorts, wide brimmed hats, crochet tops, boots and booties, round sunglasses, sheer pieces.... and that is mostly what the ladies wear! Many of the male looks included graphic tees, button down shirts -unbuttoned, distressed jeans, cargo pants, bandanas, and prints! 

Color is also huge at Coachella as are sequins and glitter! It is a party after all! 

​Basically, every goes there! 

Loafers were a pretty popular choice of footwear this year at the festival. I saw several different iterations of loafers pictured on both men and women, though still not quite as popular as the booties and boots! But it was still fun to see things switched up a bit. 

As wild as some of the fashion at Coachella can be, it is certainly not a must to attend. Plenty of people dress down in jeans and a t-shirt to vibe to their favorite performers. In fact, I believe I read that this year, Kendall Jenner went very low-key, which is a bit different for her but I am sure she looked great all the same. 

So, there you have it! A quick look into festival fashion! If you're planning to attend a music festival in the near future, just remember: really anything goes! =D

​See you guys on Friday!