Uneedasee

So here is number 1 of three Not a Vlogmas. We don't film everyday but we show you all the Christmas fun we have leaing up to the big day! Starting off Vlogmas we have Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies and finally being one of the last people in the world to put up there Christmas Tree. Shopping in the West Bottoms in Kansas City, Missouri where they have all the best antique Holiday Decor. We also love the fun Fake Snow Canon that they had this year. Most of all having a great time at Ugly Sweater Parties. We have much more fun to come with Christmas Events and Christmas lights. So stay tuned and if you enjoy this video give it a thumbs up and subscribe!

So the Grimm's Indie Faire  happened back in October for their first ever show at the El Torreon . They are having another event, the Grimm's Indie Consume & Create event which will be taking place on December 9th here in Kansas City, Missouri. If you live local, it can give you an opportunity to shop for that last minute gift and a sneak peek at what you can look forward too. We believe in supporting local businesses especially around the holiday season and we encourage you too as well.

With the first of December here, we take a last look at Fall fashion. Great news is that even though the winter months are getting closer, the weather outside has not changed from Fall. More leaves are on the ground and a nice pumpkin latte makes for good shopping conditions. Layering is big this season and great for transitioning to colder weather or even snow. Hope you all enjoy and stay tuned for Not a Vlogmas soon.

    This weekend is well celebrated in the U.S.  You have Thanksgiving, the official Holiday on Thursday, where family and friends come together, give thanks and enjoy a good meal.  Then the day after is known as Black Friday, typically the biggest shopping day of the year besides Cyber Monday.  I’m sitting in line, in fact, waiting to shop Black Friday deals at a big department store as I write this blog.  While all of these huge retailers have gotten hype over the years, small businesses have taken a backseat, fading away from the minds of consumers like you and me.  Yet, I really enjoy shopping small businesses whether local or online.  They are the backbone of our economy and even big businesses first started off small.  I feel like smaller companies take a personable approach to business, as they develop relationships with their customers.  What's better is if you shop locally, taxes from their business benefit your community and promote growth.

So I know that it is November, not September, but things have been so busy that the last three Self Health September videos never went up. I wanted to still share my experience so it would help others with their health journeys. The last fifteen days of the month were the most worth it for me, between getting over my food cravings to learning that I really like yoga. Soon I also learned the importance of not looking at the scale every day because muscle weighs more than fat. 

As every beauty lover will say, it's that time of the year!  The Sephora sale that matters!  Why?  Because if you're VIB Rouge or VIB, you get 20% off your purchase.  Of course, if you're a Beauty Insider, you get 15% off your purchase.  This runs until November 15, 2017.  Taking advantage of sales is just who I am.  I still cringe at the thought of buying a lot of things all at once, so the items I purchased from  Sephora  still is not as big of an amount as others.  I know!  I watch beauty gurus on YouTube who buy huge boxes full, probably totaling at least $500 or more.  Nope.  I can't do that...maybe one day.  I buy what satisfies me the most, whether it's needed or wanted.

Thursday's nights Fashion Show made this fall season really feel like spring again. The garments had so many bold colors and powerful messaging. Before the show even started we got to see more from designer Pamela Renee from Wednesday night. Pamela had one of her show stopping pieces on display and we personally loved talking to her about all of the great garments that she's shown. Barbara Bultman designs was also showing not only their jewelry but also some garments from previous collections. I really like that you get to see more of these designers off the runway and hands on, showing all of their items you can buy.  Here at Uneedasee we love supporting local businesses and artists alike. We got to see some of our local blogger friends such as Antonia Martin from St. Glow , Elizabeth from Blubaugh Blueprints , Alex from The Cheerful Closet , and Tiffany from New Dawn Boutique . Some of these ladies went to Friday and Saturday shows as well, so be sure to check out th

Wednesday of Kansas City Fashion Week is our first night but the second night of shows for the week. We personally love going to Wednesday night shows because you get the opportunity to see new up and coming designers. As soon as you stepped into Kansas City Fashion Week , you had some vendors set up. The first vendor was Enve Designs from the one and only Ngan Vuong who, if you follow us, you have seen in past Kansas City Fashion Weeks with her handmade jewelry with natural stones and mixed metals on display to buy. Dior cosmetics was there showing off the new line and letting people pre-order for their party at Oak Park Mall . Kansas City Fashion Council had their silent auction booth, so everyone can see what they can bid on. We headed to the red carpet to get our picture taken by Ryan Swartzlander , and then got a drink from KC Bier Co. before sitting down to watch the fashion show.

It's that time again. Kansas City Fashion Week is back for their 12th season and in full swing with Spring/Summer 2018 shows. We kicked it off with the Garden Party held at Van Noy Mansion . This is where they had the kick off party last year as some of you may know by following us. The beautiful mansion had a flower wall in their entryway for the perfect photo backdrop. The photos were taken by Chuck Mason , a portrait photographer based in the Kansas City Metro area. They had a massive tent set on the lawn by the small pond to the side of the mansion, all wonderfully decorated by Events by Reagan and flowers from Hyvee . The DJ from Icon Event Group , was setting the party vibes. 

Fall is finally here and that means apple cider, camp fires, pumpkins, and festivals. This past month we went to one of our favorites, the Chick Event . This year it took place at Johnson Farms in Belton, Missouri; they are also a pumpkin and garden center. Chick Event is a pop-up market of vintage and handmade items based out of our neighboring state, Leawood, Kansas. They do many events throughout the year throughout Kansas and Missouri. We like going to their events to get great deals from local artists and not only that but you also support local artists. 

Another five days of eating healthy and working out. This time I've really been hitting up my local community gym. Love how the equipment stands up to other high end gyms, so I can get a quality workout at a low price! When it comes to working out and toning up my body, I really like using weights for faster results. Yes some of you may be afraid to use weights because you're not trying to bulk up like a pro wrestler but neither am I. That's why I feel that it's very important to watch what you eat while doing certain kinds of workouts. I benefit from a lean meat, low sodium, good fats, very low carbohydrates, high in vitamins, vegetables and fruit kind of "diet". Don't get me wrong though, by no means am I a nutritionist or fitness instructor. I'm just showing and telling you the best "diet" and workout plan that has worked out for me in the past.

So these next five days seemed harder than I thought they would be. I started having less time to make a full breakfast so I started the smoothie era. Tried cooking my own spaghetti, which didn't turn out the way I would have hoped. Saw a little moment of me editing and putting up the first of Self Health September videos and blog post. Still working out at home either in the morning or after work, which I was working towards doing different workouts.

I've been wanting to get back in to shape for a while now but was one of those people that just would keep putting it off and making up lame excuses. I finally said the only way to get back in is by  starting off big by committing to do it for a whole month. So I started Self Health September, where every day I would workout and eat clean. When I started these first five days, my weight started off at 216 lbs where my body was always hurting, and feeling fatigued. I feel that loving who you are in your own body is very important, but how I was feeling in my body made me need to make a change. 

I'll admit it.  I'm cheap.  My dad thinks I'm "frugal".  You hear people say words like budget, frugal, tight, cheap, conserve, save, penny pinch.  I've found there are differences, though.  I'm more cheap than frugal.  Cheap is more about spending as little as possible while being frugal is about prioritizing what is spent so you can have more things you love.  So you can say that having a "budget" is part of frugality.  I don't have a budget.  Sure, I keep track when I pay expenses every month, but that is it.  There is no budgeting involved.  My desires and needs fluctuate day by day, week by week, so budgeting is out the window.

Last Monday I got to witness being in the Path of Totality Solar Eclipse. This might be the only one I will see in my lifetime and some people go their whole life never seeing one, so I felt very lucky and wanted to share it with the rest of the world. Not the best shot of it but it is my experience. I sadly had to work this day, so I was not able to go to one of the many Solar Eclipse Events happening around town. Being in Kansas City made it a little bit harder to see it in its full beauty. So amazed by the amount of people who stop everything they were doing to watch this Eclipse.

This past weekend I had a very busy day of hand crafted goods, vintage finds and ethnic eats. First trip was to the pop up shop of handmade goods from local Kansas City artist. You know me and how much I love a good bargain, so this clearance sale was right up my alley. Most of these artists we see at a lot of the great events we go to so getting to buy their items at discount was a high light. You got to also have the opportunity to see their creative process that they go through making each piece. I bought a very cute little plant pot with a shuttlecock charm hanging from it by Kate Schroeder Ceramics , a great deal grab bag over at Lost and Found by one of our favorite artists,  Tara , and last a few hand towels that I've been eyeing at Tammy Smith Design . I also got to find two other amazing artists,  Milkweed Baby with the cutest baby shoes, and Bloo Brush Collective with their beautiful handmade ceramics. 

Another season so another  Strawberry Swing  Indie Craft Fair!  It's becoming the place to go for all things local and handmade in Kansas City.  This time it was held behind  The Nelson Atkins Museum  of Art, I believe to be the biggest museum in Kansas City as well as known by the shuttlecock sculptures displayed on the lawn.  At the fair one could buy raffle tickets for prices and all proceeds went to the museum.  Sadly, I lost the raffle but still contributed to the arts!

Last month we got to finally go to Boulevardia for the first time, which is a local festival put on by Boulevard brew company. We got the opportunity to go courtesy of Lee Jeans who many of you don't know they are located in our neighboring Manhattan, Kansas. They brought us out to celebrate their 100 year anniversary with Kansas City.  Boulevardia had quite a few vendors and artist alike, such as Sex + Ice Cream , Urban Provisions,   Opal & Gold , EB Leather Works , and Quixotic Aerial Performers . We drank some Boulevard Tropical Pale Ale while listening to a few bands and trying to decide which food truck to eat from. The Lee Jean Booth had a fun wheel you could spend to get discount on jeans and even a chance to win free jeans. Rightfully Sewn was at their booth raising money for their great organization by having the talented Whitney Manney make art out of denim.

Night of the Arts is a show put together once a month to showcase local artists whether it be art, music, fashion or spoken word. This night took place at the Record Bar downtown.   Simeon Taylor is one who organizes the Night of the arts and many shows in Kansas City, Missouri. The next show this month is Soul Session at the Blue Room on June 17th.

Everyone has something they favor over something else.  You see it all the time - current favorites, monthly favorites, the best of this or that, the items most loved or most used, etc.  I thought I would share with you five things I most cherish in my life, but I certainly have more favorites than these.  I put together a video montage above, but I would like to go into detail on why these five things are my favorite.

It's so great to see what our local fashion designers can do in Kansas City in the My Reality Fashion Show. We have Heidi's first show with her jewelry line. Some local boutiques with their collections from Little Hollywood Boutique and Dulce . Nasia Stewart from Stayy Unique Clothing with her collection perfect for the summer, especially with her clear skirt and swimsuit combo! Chauncy's gown and dress collection was stunning and whimsical. Last but certainly not least Aura Lynn's collection, who was one of the people putting on the fashion show herself, was the finale of the night with beautiful cocktail and evening wear. The show was a great way to see what some of Kansas City's fashion has to offer while dancing in my seat to DJ Diamond Diva . So watch the video so you too can feel part of the show.

           We went to the 3rd annual Spring Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair and the 1st Year Anniversary for the Street Car. First, while heading over to State Lines for the Strawberry Swing , we had to stop by for a morning jolt at Hi Hat Coffee  and also pick up a cheeky snack of macaroons at Annedore's Fine Chocolates . They held the Strawberry Swing at Alexander Majors Barn right on State Line between Missouri and Kansas. There were so many local and neighboring artists with so much talent. We loaded up with some Kansas City, MO art pieces and some unique jewelry finds. Getting to interact with creative minds and really hearing the stories behind their brand. Some live music was playing on the porch of the Historic home and food trucks lined the opposite side of the home. We really enjoyed the KC Pinoy food truck, from the chicken Adobo and garlic fried rice to the yummy Philippine orange juice. The day was a beautiful day to come out and support local artists.  Ti

Friday night was the last show for us at Kansas City Fashion Week . The great thing about going to the fashion shows on Friday and Saturday nights is that you can really dress up for these two big shows. We got to see so many more local bloggers and even other media like Mix 93.3 . There were Kendra Scott swag bags lined up on every chair in the middle row of the European set up. As always, we had to get our picture taken on the Red Carpet and check out the Designer Presentation, which this night it was Judy Bales . I really like how Judy Bales brings her world of sculptural art and brings it into wearable art. 

Thursday's show for Kansas City Fashion Week was the second show of the week but our first. This Fall Show took place in the beautiful " The Grand Hall " located by Power & Light . When we arrived we got our seats and then headed to get a cocktail from KC Bier Co and Clear 10 Vodka , walking up the stairs to see the presentation designer RICH Apparels  and then getting our picture taken on the red carpet before we explored all of the booths. We saw the beautiful jewelry collection from Georgina Herrera who would be showing on Saturday night and Erin Paige who paired her jewelry with More Than Just Figleaves collection that evening. We got to speak with LEE Jeans and found out that they're more local than we thought. Lee Jeans is over in our sister State, Kansas, over in Merriam. They also were showing some of their new fall looks during the evening show. Thursday was also the night of raising money for Kansas City Fashion Council .

Bubbly & Bowties was a spectacular kick of party for  Kansas City Fashion Week . Everyone was dressed their best in cocktail and formal attire. It took place in one of my favorite parts of town,  Historic West Bottoms , at  r24 Studios . The great big "Kansas City Dreamin' "wall was the perfect backdrop for our photos that night. The vintage classic future pieces for sale at the  r24 Studios  set the tone for the part, making it as elegant as the dresses women were wearing. We got our bubbly on with champagne from  Cooper's Hawk ,  J. Rieger & Co  Whiskey, and  Clear 10 Vodka . Getting to mingle with fashion designers, models and bloggers that we didn't get to meet the night before, while snacking on sweet and savory items from  AUI Fine Foods  and  Delish Catering & Events .

Fall 2017 Fashion Week second day started with a Media Meet & Greet. It was held at the very well known  Fortuity in Kansas City, Missouri for their "Kansas City I'm So in Love" big Instagram selfie wall must. It was great to get to meet so many local bloggers and get to find out what their Fashion Week plans were.  The wine from KC Wine Works  was so good.  Lindsay who is their marketing and tasting rep was so nice and knowledgeable about the wine.  I can't wait now to go to KC Wine Works for a tasting! They had two of the designers display one outfit from their show.  Each one was so beautiful made, from Andrea Marie Long Designs  & Tiffany Brown Designs . These two ladies have been some of our favorite designers from past Kansas City Fashion Week shows, so it was a pleasure to get to see there work again.

Welcome to our first thrift challenge! More of these will come in the future. We put together three outfits, but clearly you know who won based on the totals. It was fun. Try it out yourself and let us know. Take a pic and tag us (@uneedasee). Hope you enjoyed this video and hit the like button. Subscribe if you're not already! Thank you!

When growing up all you want is to be an adult, and then when you’re a grownup all you want is to be a kid again. Being an adult gives you so much freedom but so much responsibility. Going into my late 20’s now I’m sadly learning that growing up means it gets hard the older you get and I have learned a lot. So I have been wanting to share what I learned or feel about getting older and maybe learning new things others can share with me. “ Don't you find it odd," she continued, "that when you're a kid, everyone, all the world, encourages you to follow your dreams. But when you're older, somehow they act offended if you even try. ” ― Ethan Hawke, The Hottest State

     I've lived in my apartment for several years now and stuff has accumulated gradually into my place.  I'm picky and lots of times I don't know what I'm really looking for until I find it.  I go to different antique shops and multiple thrift stores and antique and craft fairs searching for the "perfect" items.  I'm not just picky on what the item looks like but also how much it costs, plus if it brings value to me.  So, will I get use out of it?  Here, I would like to share some items throughout my home I love and hope to give you some inspiration when you're shopping out or online.

     This video covers not only what my bullet journal looks like but also how I use it.  This idea puts everything you need to keep track of in one place, your way.  It is an "analog system for the digital age" (Ryder Carroll).  It represents your past, present and future.  No two journals should look the same.  Create yours to fit your lifestyle.  Hope you enjoy this video and hit the like button if you do. Subscribe if you're not already!  Thanks!