April Showers

pics from polyvore.com

In the month of April we in NY always expect lots of rain but as annoying as it can be, it's much needed. What's growth with out it's most valuable source? Just like the earth we need the nourishment in our own personal lives in order to be at our best. We can go up and down in emotions in a heart beat. Just as things seem so right they can be so wrong and there you are starting from scratch again. Hey it's life but how we learn form our troubles and experience matters most.

My friend Althea's new br wall. Fun and uplifting!

This month I'm focusing on the best place to experience at home, work and play. Trust me if my home does not have the proper energy flowing, everything else dwindles down. This spring I'm adding bright colors and cool decor to keep my spirits high. A simple plant or throw pillow will make a difference in my space. When is the last time you spiced up the color in your home or added an accessory? I bet it will brighten your mood.

Living alone has it perks but I sure miss my family from time to time. My family is the core of who so staying in touch keeps me grounded. My sisters crack me up with their personal stories and although we tell each other from time to time, we love each other dearly. My 6 yr-old nephew lifts my mood elevator all the time with his foolish yet charming personality. He knows what he wants and how he wants it. Kids these days!

Staying organized and focused on my vision at work will keep me aligned with company goals and my associates needs. When is the last time you cleaned out your work mail or connected with your people? Exactly! We all know time management is key and without proper communication well stretch ourselves thin. Stick to the game plan!

What's hard work with out a little play time? Call up your besties and have a girls night in. A best way to unwind, talk trash with a glass of red wine and some great snacks while watching your favorite movies or shows. It doesn't matter if you fall asleep with glass in hand, we all have long weeks and your true friends always understands.




P.S.
This month were dancing in the rain, we need the cleansing to focus on new experiences. Fearlessly of course!

xoxo Madame Q

The Hungry Girl Chronicles!

I've always been a slim girl but because of my recent unwanted lost of 10 pounds, I'm 26 and I think I look 14. Now you're probably thinking... "Oh please" but seriously I need to eat healthier because I'm starting to disappear. I work in a fast paste environment and my schedule changes from day to day. Sometimes I only get to eat once and it can be anything from a slice of pizza to a cheese burger and fries. I have a good ole hearty meal twice a week (not cooked by me). I'm no expert but I know this routine is no good.

I find living alone makes it a little more difficult for me to eat good also. For example whenever I go grocery shopping a lot of the food goes to waste. Whenever I do cook it's only for me and sometimes a friend, again food goes to waste. I feel so guilty about it because there are too many people starving in the world. Now I just stock up on juice and buy my food on the go. I must change this habit fast!

Whenever I mention gaining 10-15 pounds to my friends who are bigger than me, they laugh because they think I'm fishing for compliments. I want to be able to fill out my dresses again with the natural curves I have. I know many people who go up and down in size, I'm one of them but this time I can't except it. It's definitely time to get it popin in the kitchen!

My first step is to grocery shopping. I'll talk to an expert after my trip to the grocery, I want to see if what I buy on my own will help first. Then I'll contact a few professionals to get their advice and then compare both list. Wish me luck!

One of my favorite fruits... I've been longing for these babies!

Please stay tune for more on the Hungry Girl Chronicles for interviews with health experts on how to maintain healthy weight.

xoxo Madame Q

Spring Must Haves: White Collared Shirts

Hero: White Collared Shirt by madameq featuring red skinny jeans

I'm not going to lie, I use to only wear white collared shirts at work, church and other formal occasions. Now you can catch me enjoying a nice sandwich and smoothie on a mid saturday afternoon in a crisp one, with blue jeans, a bright color scarf and well you get the picture. The white shirt has found it's way in my everyday wardrobe it's simple yet fabulous. It gives your look downplay when set with sporty pieces and sets the stage for your statement accessories to take their place.



xoxo Madame Q

Spring Cleaning Process: The R Factor

The R Factor by madameq featuring denim shorts

A few years a go I came up with the R Factor which means, reuse, to revamp to be reworked. Yessss! While going through the spring cleaning process you will find things that can be saved. Like an old pair of pants can be made into an awesome pair of shorts. An old skirt can reworked as a fabulous shirt and the ideas are limitless. Hopefully some of you have started the S.P.C and have your things sorted to what you'll use, save and donate.

There is always another pile of belongings that sticks around and we all know it all too well. The MAYBE pile! You know.. maybe it will fit in a week, maybe I'll like it again, maybe this trend will return. I crack myself up sometimes at all the possibilities I come up with just to keep a certain item. Thanks to the R Factor some of my 'maybes" becomes fabulous yeses and the rest you'll add to the donate pile. More than anything we'll save money and some old favorites.

xoxo Madame Q

Oh No... I Can't Find Anything to Wear!

When ever the seasons change I have a hard time narrowing down what I want to give away, keep or store. Not to mention finding something to wear spontaneously is impossible because my closets always look like they're at war. With that said, ladies and gentlemen I think it's time for some serious spring cleaning. I did a little but need to get on with the process.

 It's always good to go through this matter with a friend someone who understands you're ever evolving style and keeps it real. You know it's easy for us to keep everything even when we know its a tragedy to our style, too small or worn out. So I call over my old time friend,  the fabulous Julissa Escobosa, a stylist and blogger, to help me get right for the season.

We came up with some steps for the Spring Clean Process (S.C.P) but decided to give you two at a time. That way your thoughts don't go all over the place and trust me doing too much at one time will overwhelm you and you'll never want to finish.

First Think about you're style and what it is you want to focus on this spring. It can be edgy chic, tribal boho or classic. What have you, narrow it down so you'll know what to donate, keep and store.  This will help you fill in the gaps with new pieces after your process is complete

Second Look at your closets and other storage spaces to see if you need to add or take away. Keep in mind less is more so be very selective.

Later this week I will post some of springs must have looks to help you with your selection process. Everyone has different styles so all looks may not work for you but I'm quite sure you'll find a piece or a few you may want to keep or add to your wardrobe.

Let us begin!

Stay tune for more on S.C.P!
xoxo Madame Q

The Color Code: Everything Bright

The Color Code by madameq featuring flap handbags

FERRAGAMO S CREATIONS high heel wedge
$2,500 - thecorner.com

Two tone shoes
$149 - zara.com

ASOS suede leather shoes
$170 - asos.com

Flap handbag
$149 - zara.com

Dorothy Perkins structured handbag
22 GBP - dorothyperkins.com

Proenza Schouler flap bag
$1,495 - cultstatus.com.au

Now, If you know me than you know that bright colors are my best friends and I'm so happy this Spring designers are adding vibrant palettes to some of their signature styles. Lord knows we need it, I know I do, not to mention winter in NYC was the coldest and gloomy ever. I'm quite sure wearing something other than black and grays will make someone smile some where.

Tip: Like anything in life too much of something may or may not be good so play around with the colors before you take it on too seriously.


xoxo Madame Q

A Positive Mind = A Miraculous You!

We all know March can be full of madness but I think most of us secretly crave it. This craziness can be a great motivator depending on how we look at it or take it on. I don't think anyone is ready for every obstacle that comes their way but on our journey to becoming what we want we have to get our minds batted up. We can want the world but if our thoughts are tuff it will take longer than ever.

For example, I graduated from college in 2008, was working part time and living with my grand mother. There was so much I wanted to do and become and because of the economy's turmoil, fear took over me. Some of the interviews I went to was unsuccessful or did not fit my needs. For weeks I suffered from anxiety and with strong faith I began to come out of it slowly. One day, I said to myself, that in order for me to get anything else, I have to appreciate the things I have now. With a positive mind and attitude everything started to turn around for me.

Prior to graduation I talked about moving out and with my low rate of finding a new job, I hesitated. "What if I can't pay my rent or buy food? Oh hell, buy shoes!" Those were the thoughts that haunt me but as soon as I came into my positive energy that was no longer an issue. Hold that thought....

 Now I believe in professionalism and have awareness in many religions. I don't want anyone to think I'm forcing one on to the other but I am going to express my faith about being a Christian. If you feel disrespected in anyway I apologize and hope not to loose you as a reader.

I shall continue....

A manager randomly approached me while working and told me a female associate is looking for a roommate. She had no idea I was looking but was happy to let the girl know I was interested. Now I'm huge believer of God using humans as angels so that day I believed he sent me one. Within a month I moved out on great faith and from there things took off.  Now remember I'm starting to appreciate the things that are in front of me. I became a rock star at my part time job just by looking at it as a opportunity to be great while getting to where I need to be. My managers picked up on my ambition and empowered me to do different task at work. Within two month I was promoted full time and with in two years I was promoted another three times. Not only did I stay in the first apartment with a roommate for two years but I now live alone in a one bedroom apartment. One day that would change but for now I'm good :).

My God, Thank You for your blessings!

You see ladies and gentlemen this story yes is about me but more importantly about you. There are going to be plenty of let downs and road blocks but you have to keep pushing. Have faith and believe God has a plan for you, he has done so much for me and the people that surround me and I'm sure he will do the same for you. God gives us nothing we can't handle and only things that will make us stronger. Winners figure it out and can only do it with a different mentality.

It's time for spring cleaning, why not start with our minds?



xoxo Madame Q

This Year's #Much Needed: Ladies' Night Out!

February is always a full time party for me, so many bday celebrations. Can you imagine the craziness? It's the 23rd day in and I'm seriously just catching my breath from days full of over the top fun. Hanging out with the ladies is always great, we share our drama, especially the stuff we can't say over the phone or through a text message. We get to let out and be wild and don't care who sees. We get to wear the dress we've been dreaming about all week and those shoes that hurt but don't care because w it's Ladies' Night Out and we deserves all the necessary attention.
This year let LNO happen frequently, it's therapeutic especially when it's with your best girlies. For some of us it's a mixture of family and friends or just one or the other. How ever you have it, take advantage of the moments you share, trust me you'll find yourself being saved a few times. I know I do! I love laughing at what we share and the stupid things we do. I admit that I sometimes hate it when my girlies keep it too real with me at times but love the fact they care.

This year the girls and I have decided to be fearless so we're doing things out of our norm. Our  most favorite LNO was to... SIN City! Don't judge... we had major fun and tipped all the best dancers! We loved their moves so much, we scheduled pole dancing classes two days later and I must say some of us are pretty damn flexible :).

I hope you enjoy the pics from some of our LNOs!

xoxo Madame Q

Happy V-day!

I hope you enjoy your day with the one that make your heart pumps...

xoxo Madame Q

Intimate Obsessions: Getting Out Your Comfort Zone

Intimate Obsessions by madameq featuring panties thongs

Ladies I know were juggling a thousand things at once but there is no excuse for tacky underwear. Some of us are hanging on to those cotton panties that should've been ditched long ago, yes the ones that has "leave me alone" written all over them, throw them away. Fast PLEASE! What about that favorite bra we won't give up? The wire is out and the shape gives nothing, yes it's time to throw that crap away too. Your intimate wardrobe is way over due for an upgrade. It doesn't matter if you single, a mother of 5, married for 10 years or a virgin, our underwear is important. Intimacy starts within and bras and panties are the greatest accessory. Don't wait until V Day to get that something sexy from your partner or you buying "lucky panties" just to score. Bring out that sexy B$TcH all year round!

Trust me I've been there and thought I was long gone from crazy habits but then realized...

I've been working for a top lingerie apparel company for the last 4 years and although I have great intimate apparel, I stick with my basic routine: a black push up bra and a matching black thong or hip cheekie. I buy color all the time but find myself only wearing them once in a blue moon. I wear push up bras because I love the cleavage and I hardly ever wear, well almost never wear any without padding. I realized I've been stuck in the same routine for years! It happens to the best of us but we have to switch it up. How many of you out there are stuck in the same routine and dying to try something new? As for me, I'm going shopping for unlined bras preferably lace in bright colors and I will update you on my ventures hopefully you'll be inspired to change your norm too.

#intimateobsessions by madameq featuring lace panties

Stay tuned for more on intimate obsessions!




xoxo Madame Q