Just A Quick Recap….

Ok, you guys have been awesome and liked TVE’s Facebook page so I just released the last sneak peak before the final reveal.  If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, here’s the skinny – when I reach 200 likes on TVE’s Facebook page, I’m going to post the video of me getting my latest tattoo and piercing.  I’ve since posted a pic and a video; a sneak peak of each.  At the time I’m writing up this post, I have 19 more likes to go before I can put up the video (and the associated blog post of course).

In addition to the video and the sneak peaks, I’ve announced two winners of Steen’s Cookies on me. There will be two more winners announced in the final giveaways of the year: more Steen’s Cookies on me and a $25 Cheesecake Factory giftcard.  There will be one winner for each. These last giveaways are a way for me to just say thank you and to show you that I appreiciate you. Leave a comment on TVE’s Facebook wall saying wich you’d like to win for your chance to win.

I just want to take a second to again, thank you guys for showing me support.  Everyone has to start somewhere, and I’m grateful that you’re here in the beginning with me.

Because I’m Still In The Christmas Mood

I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas!! I had a great time with family and the only way it could have been better were if I saw more family.  In the spirit of Christmas and giving, I’m doing another giveaway, just because.  The prizes will be a giftcard to Cheesecake Factory and one dozen of Steen’s Cookies.  If you’re interested, just leave a comment on TVE’s Facebook wall stating wich prize you’re interested in winning.  You can click here to do so. As of now, the last day to enter is December 31st.  After that, I will be picking one winner for each prize from those of you who followed the directions.  That’s it.  Just a little thank you to those of you who actually read my blog. You’re all appreciated <3

Real Hip Hop Comes From Your Soul

And here’s why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wZCHIEUuOSA

Now, I really don’t have to say much else.  But, it’s my blog and I’m gonna.  I love this.  LOVE LOVE LOVE this.  You can see this young king LOVES what he’s doing already and it makes him happy.  And I’m happy.  It makes me happy to no extent, to see happy people. Music is one of the most beautiful gifts this world has.  I’m a big fan of the arts in general, but music and dance will ALWAYS reign supreme in my heart.  I was exposed to both way before I knew what either was, and thankfully grew to love them both.  So I’m gona take a quick second and tell you that January has some awesome in store for you guys.  I’m planning on adding a few new features to TVE and I hope you love them as much as i think you will.  For now, enjoy this video.

Holiday Inspiration

If this doesn’t inspire you, idk what will.  Reading this made me just want to give (besides bringing me to tears).  I’ve been blessed with much in life, and I always enjoy giving back.  As many of you already know, I love love love Christmas time, and things like this are part of the reason why.  Although we are aware (or should be aware) that Christmas isn’t about the gifts, we can’t just overlook their significance, especially with children.  The gesture of kindness these people have shown to absolute strangers is so moving. I hope you are as inspired by it as I.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/anonymous-donors-pay-off-kmart-222535611.html 

Why I Still Believe In Santa

So. I’m 26 and I still believe in Santa Claus.  But hear me out. lol. I vividly remember the short convo my mom had with me one Christmas morning, where she skated around the “there is no Santa, I bust my ass for all this stuff you’re happy about” issue.  She wasn’t callous, but just asked me if I liked everything I’d gotten because she really tried to make sure she got everything I requested. lol Smooth.  But, that didn’t stop my little heart from believing in the magic of Christmas.

See, when I was five, my little brother Brandon was born.  He was born early November, so his first Christmas was right around the corner if not on the same block.  I remember coming down the stairs that morning and seeing all the toys under the tree.  There was one toy in particular — this grey fox stuffed animal in blue shorts, a white tank top and red shoes.  It was like a track suit.  Well, one minute there was one.  I turned to look at another gift, and I SWORE out of the corner of my eye I saw some glittery, magical something or other (kind of like in a Disney movie when the princess changes) and there were two.  You’ll never be able to tell me, for the rest of my life, that my five year old self DID NOT witness that.  I excitedly explained to my mom in my squeaky little voice only bearable on a child what had happened.  I figured since Brandon was just born, Santa had forgotten him on his first run, but remembered a bit later and made sure that he wasn’t left out.  I mean the stuffed animal was pretty cool, so both of us should get one.  So he pulled some kind of magic Santa trick and made the second one appear.  I was sold. And I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

I eventually got over thinking Santa really did stop and write a thank you note for the cookies I’d baked every year, but I’ll never NOT believe in Santa.  I know there’s really no man that shows up in our homes to deliver toys to good little boys and little girls, but there is definitely something about Christmas; where good things that don’t seem possible at the time, seem to happen.  For me, the idea of “Santa Claus” just personifies people’s ability to “make a way”.  There has been more than one year where I can remember not knowing where I was going to find extra money to make the holiday’s bright for the ones I love.  Somehow, I’ve always found a way.  I’m not a saver at all, but somehow, I always seem to find a way.  I know I’m not the only person this has happened for either.  I know I didn’t grow up wealthy, but I never knew it.  My parents were always able to find a way for my brother and I to have amazing Christmases.  There is just a special energy in the air for me around Christmas time.  I love seeing the good nature and goodwill of people around this time of year.  Yes there is of course the religious reason for Christmas, but I think the best part of this season is just the kindness and compassion people tend to show one another, regardless of their faith.

So no guys, I’m not totally crazy.  I know nobody sneaks in our homes Christmas Eve to leave us presents, but I DO believe in the spirit of Christmas.  To me Santa is just all the joy, effort and goodwill embodied in one being that makes the impossible possible, and this time of year VERY special to me. So I hope you all have been being good, because Santa is checking his list.

<3