Hello guys and gals,

Hoping this post finds you all well! After doing some research and planning, I've decided that I'm going to be moving this blog to Wordpress. Blogger has been a great platform for me to just write and express myself, but I'm ready for a new chapter.

When I first started blogging it was short blurbs about my life and pictures of my outfits. I'm glad to say that I've grown since then in both my writing and the direction of my blog. The first time I had a "serious" blog was my freshmen year of college. It was for an Introduction to Mass Communication class and we had to blog for a grade. We were given guidelines and assignments and that dictated what I posted. When the semester was over, I realized that I liked the experience of creating my own content on a higher level than I was previously and having a platform to speak my mind.

Photo from DulceCandy.com

When  I started on Wordpress years ago, I had no idea of the vast blogger community that was out there. I didn't know how to reach them or promote my own blog. So, I moved to Blogger because the people I did find via Teen Vogue magazines and YouTube were here, like DulceCandy and Carmen Alexandra.

Those people have either moved on to new ventures or have completely rocketed into online fame, those having the funds to hire web designers and revamp their sites to a level I couldn't reach. I'm nowhere near ready to be at that level, nor am I sure that I want to be right now. I'm just ready to improve.

Thank you to everyone who ever checked out my blog. I'll keep you updated when the move is complete and I'm ready for people to visit me over on Wordpress. See you soon!


via GIPHY

-Kira Elise

Photo from The Black Media

Over the last week we've seen and heard a lot from both sides of the argument on the Superbowl 50 Halftime show.

Along with the presidential debates, worries of nuclear threats, and Valentine's Day, a musical performance that paid homage to a Black/African- American group, by an African-American artist, during Black History Month, was the topic in the headlines.



How captivating...Let it be known that I like Beyonce'. I don't claim to be a part of the Beyhive and I'm not commenting on every Facebook and IG post defending her, but I like her.

This past weekend on SNL, there was a sketch that I found hilarious. As a woman of color, this explains exactly how I felt watching people react all over the internet, on their right-winged news shows, and radio shows. The video has already passed a million views.

Hello gals and guys,

With the 58th Annual Grammys airing tonight, we get another glimpse into who the industry, or at least those who vote for the awards, think of the music and artist from the past year. Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with eleven nominations (which I think he rightfully deserves). To Pimp a Butterfly was a great album! Take a look at the full nominee list.

Besides tonight, there's so much to look forward to this year in music. We've got tours, new albums, and hopeful wishes that our favorite MIA artists will finally release new music *cough Frank Ocean*.

With that being said, the honor of the first song of the week of this year goes to Panic! at the Disco or as many or calling it "The Brendon Urie show" and his song Death of a Bachelor. The pop rock, once alternative rock, "emo" band was founded in 2004 as a quartet. Brendon is the last remaining member.

Despite the now solo role, Brendon has lost none of the flair that rocketed the lead singer and his band into the hearts of alternative, punk rock, loving teenagers of the mid 2000's, my eighth grade heart included. The newest single sounds a little more pop than rock, but I like it. Some fans would complain that Panic's style has changed too much but some of the other single's, Victorious and Emperor's New Clothes, definitely remind me of the classic Panic! style including very entertaining music videos. It's understandable that Brendon would switch things up from time to time after twelve years.

The song has some big band vibes with the use of horns. It reminds me of a lounge or wedding singer. If the name of the song isn't enough, you'll have to watch the video to understand why it fits.

Panic! at the Disco's fifth album baring the same name as the single, Death of a Bachelor, was released on January 15th. I haven't had a chance to hear the whole album, but I like what I've heard so far. Congrats Brendon!

And for the dedicated Panic! fans out there, what do you think of the single, the new album? Has Brendon changed the sound too much?

Happy New Years everyone!

As we head back into the normal flow of things this week, post-holiday season, it's easy to fall into the same habits and schedules. For me, I'm trying to reboot and get the ball rolling. By the time May rolls around, it will be a year since I graduated from college. There's quite a few things I would like to get done and be progressing towards by then.

With that being said, I thought I should let you know that you may be getting a few less blog posts from me for while. Why?

1. I'm writing my first novel. Writing has always been a passion of mine.  It's one of the reasons why I minored in creative writing. By the time I turned 18, I knew it wouldn't be my full time job. I never completely put it on the back burner though. So while I'm on a quest for full-time work, going to interviews, and on the cusp of starting my career, I  am writing and it isn't always a walk in the park. Take George R.R. Martin's current situation for example. #amwriting

From Gifphy

2. Researching for and applying to jobs takes time. Yes, a job posting and the salary mentioned might be nice. But, what kind of reputation does the company have? Am I interested in the clients they have? Do they have ethical practices? Does the office have an atmosphere I want to be in every day of the week?

Those are the questions I have to answer for myself before I get going on a cover letter.

3. Planning, Learning, and Experimenting. I started this blog because I like to write. Initially, it was all about fashion and the clothes I wore. Then, I realized while I like fashion and clothing there were far more fashionable people who were far more invested in designers, industry trends, and taking pictures of their clothes every day. Did you really want to see me and the sweatpants I wore to class?

Over the last few months, I've begun to reshape this blog. From content to the design, I've switched things up. I've also been hopping around the web to see how I can improve my blog; looking at advice from the pros and cataloging tips and tricks to improve readership, SEO, and even the option of making money from blogging.

In fewer words, I'm very busy and I haven't even mentioned everything I'm up to. I'm more than ready to get this post-graduate show on the road.

See you soon,

Kira

Happy Monday everyone and Happy Birthday to me! I've been doing some reflecting today and just thinking about everything that has happened in the last year. I just wanted to share the 21 things that I learned. Some are very generic and cliche but no less true.

1. Although 21 is the legal drinking age in the U.S., it's not for everyone. At least not in the same way. There's nothing wrong with not consuming the way others do, if you choose to at all. Don't let anyone bash you for only have one drink or none at all.

2. Schedules and other priorities can make friendship difficult . Once you're out of school everyone is trying to start their lives. It can be difficult to manage friendships at the same level of intimacy and devotion that you used to. But, small things means the world. A simple text, a quick phone call, etc.

3. Even though you're legally an adult when you're 18, it doesn't always feel like your an adult. For some people there are times when you have no clue what you're doing and in spite of having been away at school, you still need your parents and there is nothing wrong with that. The only caveat is avoiding complete reliance.

4.People will pick and choose when they see you as an adult.

5. You cannot please everyone. There are people who will find any reason to disagree with you or put down your actions or views.

6. Coupons are clutch. Use them!

7. Grocery shopping for yourself is harder than it looks. 

8. Living healthy is expensive. Who knew asparagus would cost so much?

9. Days were far easier when you have someone else to decide what to eat or just make you food. Why is it so hard to decide what to eat.

10. You won't be happy everyday.

11. You'll feel a lot better if you say what's on your mind. I've found myself thinking a few times, "I should have just said something." 

12. Sometimes when you have no motivation you just have to do what needs to be done.

13. You can save yourself so much money if you do things yourself instead of buying everything. DIY projects are fun and so helpful most times. You can make things out of things and ingredients you have sitting around.

14. Everything does not deserve a meltdown. Sometimes things happen and they feel like the end of the world and you find yourself overwhelmed, only to realize some time later that it wasn't even a scratch on the surface.

15. Sometimes things and people change and there's nothing you can do about it.

16. Working with other people while hard, particularly on projects, planning events, etc., is not impossible. If no one wants to be the leader, save everyone time and stress and take the role. If your leader doesn't know what they're doing help them out. 

17. Don't expect people to pick up on ques and do something. Everyone doesn't have the same mind set, moral compass, or common sense that you may have. Everyone was raised differently so you can't expect them to react the same way you would.

18. Everything isn't for everyone. That goes for clothes, T.V. shows, music, people, etc. Nothing wrong with not liking the same thing as everyone else. There are people out there who love what you love so don't worry when a majority say, "I've never heard of that." Someone has.

19. Don't rely on other people to make you happy or comfortable. 

20. You can do everything for people, but don't expect them to do the same. Just because you spent a lot of time and effort doing things for someone or helping them doesn't mean they will reciprocate. Some people just don't understand that balance.

21. The best way to start your day is to pray and say, "Today is going to be a good day," even if you don't know for sure or you feel bad. It will boost your mood, I guarantee it.

Excited to see what 22 things I learn over the next year!



-Kira Elise

Dear sixteen year old me,

     It's your junior year of high school and a lot has happened recently. You know, so no need for me to remind you. Unfortunately, things are going to keep happening. Your feelings will be hurt, you'll want to quit softball, and you'll second guess yourself. Fortunately, some of those things will help you grow. Some will become your favorite memories from high school. You're going to realize that you can't be friends with everybody and some people will only be your friend when it's convenient for them.

Don't be discouraged by people who make fun of the purple hair extensions you wear because your mom won't let you dye your hair. Those same people will be dying their hair red or some other color that's brighter than purple. In a few years people will be dying their hair all kinds of colors. Imagine this; people will dye their hair gray on purpose and it's going to look pretty cool.

JoJo at the 2015 MTV VMA Awards From Getty Images

Another week gone by and another song has caught my eye. The honor this week goes to JoJo and her single When Love Hurts. The single is one of three new songs dubbed the "tringle", her first musical release since 2004. I remember singing my heart out to "Too Little Too Late" and "Leave" when I was in elementary school and knew nothing about relationships or love admittedly. The lyrics aren't my favorite because I'm not a fan of the "true love hurts" ideology, but because it's her comeback I'm more willing to a little bit forgiving.

The song is definitely more Pop than R&B, a combination that was equally balanced the last time we heard from JoJo. With time comes changing music enhancements and software. Auto-tone is seemingly normal in the industry nowadays. Which is why I wasn't surprised to hear some auto-tone during the chorus. I'm glad that she didn't let her legal battle keep her from returning to music, because her voice is amazing. JoJo is now signed with Atlantic Records and I can't wait to see where she goes from here. I suspected she was planning a comeback when she started increasing her social media presence. Now, I'm off to listen to the other two singles!


 

Update: Adele had to go and slay me this morning by dropping her new single Hello this morning. I couldn't NOT mention her. If you haven't already seen the video and thought about calling your ex, check it out below. Her album 25 comes out November 20th.