Student Loan Hell

I'm currently in student loan hell. All of my loans were due for their first payments this June. The bills began to pour in. So many, in fact, that I began to let them collect in a box. Well...sad to say, I couldn't make the payments on time every month, thus ruining my credit. This makes me literally sick. I don't want to live in an apartment someday, I want to purchase the home my grandparents bought years ago, now in the trendiest part of Baltimore city. My parents still own the house, but either way..bad credit is BAD credit. After dodging calls from creditors, I had an I can't take this shit anymore moment on Monday. I collected all of the envelopes, added each loan to my bill book, and sent everybody $5 just so something was sent. Then, I got bold and talked to one of the creditors. After months of telling them that I couldn't afford to send them the $425 a month, she lowered my payment to $240 a month. Still a lot, but with some adjusting to my budget, I think I can handle it. The saga continues....

Turkey and Chicken

Yeah, we gets down at my house! This is a family celebration from a few weeks ago!

I Have a Love Jones for Dwele!

Check out this homemade video...and to think, he was just bored on a Friday afternoon! Here's his Youtube channel!

Post Secret

A co-worker introduced me to the Post Secret books about a year ago. People anonymously send in postcards telling a secret, and a man in Germantown, MD compiles them into books, or his blog. Post Secret is taking over the world, I have to get my fix via his blog every Sunday!

There is a new edition of the book dropping soon, titled Life, Death & God. Can't wait for this one! Check out the Postsecret Bookshere! They are the perfect coffee table accessories!

Starbucks. Is. My. Crackhouse.

It's really hard being addicted to things. It takes over your wallet and your life. I was thrilled when I found out about the Starbucks Gold Card!!! You pay $25 for it and recieve 10% off on everything you purchase! The card definitely pays for itself over time. I'm not the kind of girl who likes to try a bunch of new things, so I always stick to what I know. There are three drinks that I always savor.

1. On a hot day or with a meal, I tend to go for a venti iced black tea with 10 pumps of classic syrup. It's not so sweet that it's gives you a twitch. It's refreshing and light, just perfect!

2. In the morning when I feel like I need a boost, or when I want to fill myself up, a tall caramel macchiato is my go to drink. I always get it with extra caramel and whipped cream. I try not to get a grande or venti because I don't tend to drink the entire thing. What a waste. During the summer months, I get an iced caramel macchiato which is DE.LISH. But, I tend to gulp my drinks and it's gone in 5 minutes. I have to get a venti when it's on the rocks!

3. My frozen drink of choice is a grande coffee frappacino. It doesn't come with whipped cream, but I've got to have it. I like to have this when I want something that's sweeter, and that I could just chill with for a few hours.

So...what's your favorite Starbucks drink(s)?

Leigh & Luca

One of my many fetishes is scarves. I wear them around my neck constantly, as well as around my head. Nothing really gives you a bit more flair than a scarf! It's an accessory that many people over look, and many times don't see the versatility of! While on the search for Spring/Summer scarves, I found Leigh & Luca. This brand is everything I've dream of! The scarves are over four and a half feet long by four and a half feet wide. And when I get $200 to spend on a scarf, I'll be a very happy camper. Someday...

The View from 57th and 9th

I'm staying at a crappy hotel. I didn't even want to take a shower this morning b/c I was convinced that I'd be cleaner, dirty! LOL! I'm staying on the 16th floor, and I've got a hell of a good view. It was GORGeous last night! I've got video footage of that!

Roma Tomato Basil Soup

It's cold an rainy out. This soup would cheer me up. It's a specialty at Nordstrom Cafe! Te gusta?

...Inspiration

The image above is that of my wall. My entire room reflects the things that inspire me. I believe that if I see it, feel it, breathe it and believe in it, it has to happen. I lived in NYC for a mere 3 months. Every second, every crowded subway, every illegal honk from cabbies, every smirk or glare from passers by...all amazing. I search Craig's List daily, just searching for my first apartment in the Big Apple. I thanked God for every morning that I awoke to the hustle and bustle of my residence on the Upper West Side.

So, this blog is my inspiration hub. It's the things that make me happy, the things that I want to share. I wanted to start a blog about scarves, candles and Starbucks. And my love for city life. And for amazing music, not the crap that's on the radio. And all other great treasures of the world! So, here's a deeper look into the life of Erin, the lady you know as Scandalous Beauty...

Introduction...

Darlings,

Here's my first post on my newest adventure, "An Urban Scandal". Let's consider this the beta version. I'll be mobile blogging while in NYC for the next few days, and I'd love to take you along for the ride!

Feel free to let me know what you think about the blog! I am still trying to decide if I want to keep this blog or incorporate it into Scandalous Beauty. I'd love to know your thoughts. I'll give it a few weeks before making any rash decisions, though! I must say, I'd love to keep it separate. Here we go.....