Posts tagged Christmas
2020 Came with Highs and Lows...
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Whewwww chile!

We are finally wrapping up 2020, with 8 days left of the year!

I spoke in my last blog post about my feelings and responses to what this year has brought me, and I have surrendered to it all- the highs and the lows.

What I am grateful and excited for is the Age of Aquarius we’ve just entered into, just two days ago. The Great Conjunction, where Jupiter and Saturn come into alignment (every 20 years), happened on the day of the Winter Solstice, for the first time since the 1600's! This new era we’ve entered into is definitely shaking things up, both personally and collectively! To give a little background, Jupiter and Saturn are quite the opposite in terms of functionality. Saturn rules over rigidness, limitations & responsibilities. Whereas, Jupiter’s generosity partners up with wealth, wellness, & fun!! The opposites have come into alignment for collaboration, which will challenge the rigid institutions that have no longer been serving us for a long while, and the collective energy is pushing towards more equity and less discrimination, more community and less isolation, more love and less projection of hate. The Great Conjunction also happened at zero degrees, which nullifies all that was, to provide a blank slate for anything that we want to cultivate moving forward.

All of this gives me energy and hope, as I continue to manifest my heart’s desires, going into this new year (and beyond), and I’ve honestly been feeling personally ecstatic about my intentions and manifestations for 2021 and beyond. I definitely feel a shift! Some projects brewing, upcoming releases, and overall dope content I have planned for y’all in 2021!

Speaking of content, y’all really showed me love for Ep1 of Between the Notes and Me! ‘A Lovely Day’ surpassed 1.7k views on my IGTV, and I even got a cute 600+ views on my new music YouTube page. I’ll take it!!

And with that said, I dropped Ep2 yesterday, which can be viewed originally on IGTV, and uploaded on YT (watch below)!

I had a blast composing this arrangement, and I’m not gonna lie, it was challenging! But I’m learning and pushing through my limitations as a vocal producer, and am growing through each project I show up for, and for that, I cannot complain!

Thank you so much for the support and love y’all are showing me on Between the Notes and Me, this is the tipping off point for so much abundance of my artistic gifts, and expressing myself authentically (no more hiding)!


I’m also now on TikTok, and yes I feel old, but I’m having fun!!

Snapper Dapper participating in the ‘festivities’

Snapper Dapper participating in the ‘festivities’

Lastly, I know the holidays can be a place of pain and sorrow for some, and that does not miss my consciousness. I hope that in sharing my musical gifts, I can bring some uplifting vibes and positivity into your sphere. I am leaning into the energy of a better future, with a new year, new administration, and the collective energy of equality so many of us are feeling and advocating for! I will see you on the other side in 2021!

Until then,

Kris

Give thanks.
The Limited Blazer (similar here), TJ Maxx blouse (similar here) & pants (similar here), F21 boots.
It was absolutely freezing cold outside when I took these photos yesterday, and flurrying too! I don't know why or how, but that episode of The Babysitters Club popped into my head while I was outside. The episode when one of them gets casted as a model for a photo shoot, and had to man up and shoot in the dead of winter with no coat? Does anyone remember that episode? I'm sure a lot of you reading were probably too young to tune into that show! So random, but that's what kept me going in this cold haha!

Everyone came over to our house for the holiday, and it was great to see everyone! My mother THREW DOWN (as usual). I can't stress enough how well she can cook! I of course still have a seat at the kiddie table, and although 24, am asked if I'm old enough to buy beer lol. (I also dyed the tips of my hair recently). You like?

My plate. #gluttony
Cousin awkwardness...

I don't know how the second half of this post turned into a hair ad, but let's just roll with it lol. I have a giveaway lined up for you all once I hit 300 readers via GFC! If you aren't already following, and you're a fan of my blog, please join! I'd appreciate the support!

Enjoy this last day off before back to work & school on Monday!


-Kris
Home for the Holidays
Hey guys!  This winter season has been pretty fun so far, I must say!  I've been hanging with friends, enjoy newness in my life, and continuing to find new ways to be creative!  It has also been eye opening.  A lot of changes, new people in my life, and I am enjoying every minute of it!  I am, however, missing my best friend Sasha (who is currently residing in Germany).  We keep in touch pretty well, but it's not the same, not physically seeing/hanging out with her.  I have plans to visit her next summer, but it just isn't the same bringing in the New Year without her!!

As this year is coming to an end, it's time to reflect on life's blessings.  Revisit the good and the bad.  Realize the things you would like to change, and things you would like to evolve.  Holding on to the memories of loved ones you lost, and finding a way to move on, to keep peace and balance in your life!

I always make New Years Resolutions.  Although it may be cliche, I think it's great to have goals and aspirations, and working everyday to achieve these goals is what keeps me going!  Keep reaching!

Wearing a vintage silk blouse, feather headband from Urban Outfitters, fur vest via LF, Gap pants, & Coach fur + leather boots
Like my hair?!  I am loving it!  I was inspired by Alex of The Good Hair Blog, and it is so easy to maintain!  I'll be adding this new "doo" in my rotation of "go-to hair doo's!"
Sharing with you all some decorations around the house :)

All of my Christmas shopping is done (I did it all online), and all I have to do is wrap my presents!  I'll probably save that for Christmas Eve... There needs to be some last minute element to cut down my anxiousness/excitement for Christmas Day!!

I've also been on the hunt for a New Year's Eve outfit, but am having no luck!  Every dress I find myself liking is either sold out or unavailable in my size.  I may have to go to the mall and find some pieces to whip together.  Do you guys have any plans for NYE?  I am heading to the city again, but my plans aren't solidified.  Whatever I do, I just want to bring in the New Year with the people I love!  

Happy holidays!!



-Kris


Photo Diary: Thanksgiving + The Weekend :)
People's Republic of China President Hu Jintao and American President Barack Obama. 
I tried to get that student discount, but I didn't have my college id on me (never mind the fact that I'm no longer in college anyway LOL)
"Put some Colored girls in the MoMA..." -Jay-Z
How cool is this?!

1.Thanksgiving was lovely, and the food was amazing (props to Mom)!!
2. Proud of myself for keeping my orchids alive
3. My Aunt giving tarot card readings after Thanksgiving meal LOL (she was good, I enjoyed mine)!
4. My obsession with twitter.  You can follow me here
5. Got my hair straightened & trimmed for the first time in half a year!  Looks pretty good huh?
6. Featured on Chictopia's site
7. My spoiled cat Snap
8. Went to NYC this past weekend
9. Window Shopping
10. United Colors of Benetton's "UNHATE Campagin" showing world leaders sharing a kiss.  So controversial, and I love every bit of it!  To see more photos, click here
11. Visited the MoMA (wanted to check out the Diego Rivera and de Kooning exhibitions there)

I had a great time in NYC, it's always a pleasure :) Can you believe it's December 1st already?!  I'm looking forward to the holidays (and of course Christmas music too)!




-Kris


Merry Christmas and (I hope to have) a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas!!!

I know, Christmas has passed, but I'm still in the Christmas spirit ok!  So don't judge me!!  I felt all of the positivity exuding from all of the Christmas blog posts I'd read in the past day or so, and since I clearly didn't post on Christmas Day, I decided now was the time.  Think of this as a "belated" Christmas post :)

How was everyone's Christmas?  I had a lovely time hanging out with the family.  Besides the fact that every Christmas I get into a little argument with my uncle about Beyonce.  I fall for it every.single.year.  He only starts talking bad about her because he knows I'll immediately stand up for her (ya'll know I love me some Bey).  I'm not falling for it next year though, mark my words!

My family really surprised me this year for Christmas.  I asked for a couple things, a makeup bag and some silver cross earrings (which I fortunately received).  I ended up getting a lot more than I expected,  including my biggest surprise upon opening the Christmas gift from my Pop Pop!



I got a Nikon D3100!!  I was actually saving up to purchase this camera myself!  I had been fussin' all month, Oprah had given it away as one of her "favorite things" this year, and just a few days before Christmas I had checked out the camera in a store, to finalize my decision!  I was screaming and carrying on as soon as I started unwrapping the paper and noticed the word "Nikon" haha.  Apparently everyone knew, and also knew I was going to scream lol.  It was a total suprise!  I'm so very thankful!

Here are a few lovely items I received from my family:


Lovely cross earrings :)


This beautiful cashmere scarf that is leopard print on one side, and paisley on the other, with fur tassels on the end.  How unique!  I absolutely love it!

We switched it up this year as far as food, my Pop Pop wanted fried chicken (lol), so that's what we ate! Along with, biscuits, steak, mac & cheese, collard greens, sweet potatoes, crab cakes, scallops wrapped in bacon,... It was all delicious!  I took a plate home with a taste of everything (or two)!


My hair was larger than life that day... And my behind is lookin' pretty large too lol #gymmembershippending



My dog Cocoa with her festive scarf piece haha
My late Grandmother in her first communion with her parents :)
One of my cuzzos: Clarke

I'm headed to NYC for the second annual "New Years Eve Celebration with the Crew".  This time it's going to be bigger and better.  More friends, more fun!!  I'm heading over on the 30th (which is my friend's bday) to celebrate at his bday party.  Then NYE we're going to be eating hors d'oeuvres/drinking champagne/looking fabulous until we head out to party hop until the New Year!  

I'll be heavily documenting this trip, I can't wait to show you guys!  I even have a little something something I came up with to really capture the essence of my New Year's Eve of 2010!

I can't wait for the New Year to begin.  I feel like this is going to be a great year for me.  Now that I'm graduated from college, this is the time to dip and dabble into different fields, see what I want and do not want to do.  It's all about discovery and determination.  No better time than now, right?!  I'm going to make a list of goals (career and personal) that I want to achieve in 2011, and actually follow through with them!!

Are you making any New Year's Eve Resolutions?

Best,

Kris

*photography by: aphlyonthewallphotography.com and me!

I've been away, but I'm here to stay
I apologize for the lack of a post for almost a week (gasp).  I came down with a cold and am still getting over it :(  I always get sick during finals week, and I thought since I graduated this past summer, I wouldn't get sick this time of year because I obviously don't have any finals to take.... And I still ended up getting sick!  What is the sense in that?!

I honestly can't make sense of it haha!


Christmas is 5 days away, I look forward to going to Christmas mass and hanging out with the fam.  I didn't really ask for anything this year, although I may have dropped a few "hints" on things hehe.


I was feeling a little down in my last post, but I'm moving forward with positivity from this point on!  Your comments were so supportive, I truly appreciate each and every one of them!

wearing: H&M Cosby sweater, Vintage Faux Fur suede coat, Dolce Vita suede boots

What did you guys ask for Christmas this year?  Do you still ask for things?  What is your take on the Christmas holiday?  



Before I leave you, let me tell you a little story, I think a lot of you will be able to relate.  My mother was on the phone with her sister, in an "attempt" to gossip about sports.  Bad move.  She ended up referring the football player, Chad Ochocino as "Cinco de Mayo."  All I could do was shake my head.  I shared the same story as my facebook status, and one of my friends sent me this video.  Hilarious.  This is my mother!!


I'm not quite sure if I'll do another post before Christmas Day, so everyone have a lovely holiday!!  I will most certainly be back before the New Year!

Blessed,

Kris

"I'm livin' in that 21st Century, doin somethin mean to it"
**udpate: After giving Kanye's album a better listen, I take back the negative stated.  The song I was referring to turned out to be one of my favorite tracks!  His usage of metaphors and rhythm with these monster tracks are amazing.  I absolutely LOVE his new album, and it's different from anything he has ever done, but in a great way!**

Good afternoon!  I've been bumpin Kanye's new album all day, and I have to say, I like it.  It's different from anything he's ever done, and I like the direction he's moving in.  The only negative I have about the album is the fact that there are so many features on the album.  11 people on one track.  Is that reallllyyy necessary?!  I'd rather hear him do three verses, than a chorus, if you know what I mean...

Anywho, I get so excited to read your comments and check out all of your blogs.  There is so much talent out there, thank you all for sharing that talent with me!!  It's honestly really inspiring!

I did a little Christmas shopping yesterday, and if there was a 1st place, I think I would win for "best presents."  And I'm not talking about how much money I spent, I just really nailed it this year.  I'm excited for everyone to open their presents!  Did you guys check out my wish list from the post below?   Do any of you have anything you hope to receive this Christmas?


           Besides that, I've been watching Beyonce's Thanksgiving Special on DVD daily (I'm a FAN) lol.


I did my hair differently, I like it ok, but I don't think it'll last that long...

I used this brand of shea butter to twist my hair, all natural and it smells so good!

Chic Afrique shea butters, purchase here
I found my New Year's Eve dress, but don't have any plans yet.  Last year I went to the city (NYC) and partied with some friends.  I had a great time and plan to go to the city again this year, but I don't know where I'll be going!  I still have some time to figure it out ;)



wearing: Forever 21 Sweater, Navy AA blouse, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Dolce Vita suede boots, vintage jewelry


Have a great rest of the weekend!
"I Wish" List
Can you believe it's December 1st?!  WOW, the year is almost at an end!  Shoutout to all the Sags?! (I'm a big astrology fan haha)

I've decided to do a short post to share with you all my wish list. We all have one, so why not share? And no, I cannot afford half of these items, hence the name "wish," but it's harmless to dream, right?.....
I've been discovering new things about myself every day. It's an exciting journey I'm on, and I feel that I'm growing everyday. I guess perfect timing, since the new year is right around the corner! I also have some cool things coming up for you guys this month too, so stay tuned :) To anyone who's checking out my blog and liking it, please do me the honor of following or subscribing! And I'm still checking out your blogs when you add the links under your comments! Thanks for sharing!  Before I leave you, I wanted to make aware that:


On this day, 55 years ago, Rosa Parks stood up for her rights by refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. It is women like her that I thank that I am able to live the life I live today. It is women/men like her that have inspired me to always stand up for what I believe in, and never submit to any discrimination of any kind. It also pushes me to work hard and to succeed, because I wouldn't be afforded the rights I have today if it wasn't for the Civil Rights Movement. Thank you Rosa Parks.


It is also World AIDS Day. Let us remember those who have lost the battle to destructive disease. But to bring positivity, we have come along way as far as treatment, and millions of lives have been saved over the past decade from advancement in medicine.


Sincerely,
Kris