Hot Mess Review: Stream of Consciousness

To be in Chicago and get to hear this live!

“[E]very bit as juicy as the dishes it describes.” —SPLASH

Twentysomething Allie Simon is used to playing by the rules—until Chicago’s most sought-after, up-and-coming culinary genius, Benji Zane, walks into her world and pulls her into his. The only thing more renowned than Benji’s mouthwatering masterpieces and equally luscious good looks? His struggle with addiction and his reckless tendency to live life on the edge, no matter the havoc he wreaks along the way. But loving someone means supporting him no matter what, or so Allie tells herself. That’s why, when Benji’s offered the chance to light up foodie hot spot Randolph Street with a high-profile new restaurant, Allie takes the ultimate risk and invests her life savings in his dream.
Then one day Benji disappears, relapsing to a place where Allie can’t reach him. Left with nothing but a massive withdrawal slip and a restaurant that absolutely must open in a matter of weeks, Allie finds herself thrust into a world of luxury and greed, cutthroat business and sensory delight. Lost in the mess of it all, she can either crumble completely or fight like hell for the life she wants and the love she deserves.

With razor-sharp wit and searing insight, Emily Belden serves up a deliciously dishy look behind the kitchen doors of a hot foodie town, perfect for fans of Sweetbitter and The Devil Wears Prada.

If you have you have NOT read Hot Mess, please read no further. Do not pass go, do not collect $200-- take your happy ass here to buy your copy and read it and then return. I would HATE to ruin the journey for you! Read this instead. 

If you're for some reason not sold by the above description or the fact that literally everyone that has read it loves it... read my spoiler free review here. Then click here and BUY THE BOOK!

SERIOUSLY YOU'RE GONNA READ THIS BOOK! Why you may ask? 1) Do you like food? 2) Are you a millennial? 3) Are you a messy bitch that loves drama?! 4) We ALLL know you answered "YAAASSSSS" to the 3 aforementioned questions! So... Just do it!

You will not regret it! Honestly, have I ever steered you wrong?! 

You have been warned... let's go!

Hot Mess Review: Find Your Here

What to say about Emily Belden’s debut novel, Hot Mess... it took me on quite the journey! So let me forewarn you... You’re in for quite the trip! 

Started with yellow nails, ended with pink! That's the stress.

Let’s get into it...

Belden tells us right off the bat on the sleeve of the book that Allie is gonna gamble big and it’s up in the air of how that’ll work out! So I was on edge literally until THE moment of truth! 

Belden’s Allie Simon is both lovable and increasingly frustrating while navigating a situation that I can only be glad I never encountered at 25! 

If I’ve learned anything in my 26 years and Hot Mess supports, it’s that it’s important to choose yourself everyday. You have to fight for yourself and your own happiness and obsessively curate your life. 

I for own cannot wait for Belden’s next book, Husband Material. Fingers crossed Allie Simon’s ending is a happy one! If it’s not about Allie Simon, then we’re in for another treat to fall in love with a whole cast of other characters! 

Bravo, Emily!! 

xo,

KJB

Get your copy here. 

*Gird your loins*... I kept track of my stream of consciousness while reading and you’re in luck! 

Click here! Spoilers abound. 

KJB Lately: WCW Book Club

Here at KJB Meets World, we love reading and even more so when our Women Crush Wednesday Alum write us something fantastic!

Our WCW Alum, Emily Belden has written another book and trust me, you're gonna wanna get your hands on a copy. Trust and believe, YOU. WILL. DEVOUR. THIS. WHOLE!

Click here to find out where to buy.

Then there is first time author and WCW Alum, Bri Griggs. You're in for a real treat! Bri will be helping you towards your goals long before you put down this book!

You can buy the book here or by emailing LetsGrowBook@gmail.com.

Join the Book Club!

xo,

KJB

Keep up with Emily here:
Twitter
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Keep up with Bri here:
Instagram
Facebook

KJB About Town: Bloomington

The first weekend of March was something that I had written on my calendar for months and was eagerly anticipating!

Mom & I were meeting in Bloomington for her Initiation! That’s right, my momma became an Alpha Gamma Delta! 

Let's start at the beginning...

I left Friday afternoon at 3pm, by that point mom was already in Bloomington and my journey was just beginning.

I flew through my least favorite airport, Dallas/Fort Worth honestly-- by all means, go through anywhere else!

I landed in Dallas, had to switch terminals and upon getting to the new terminal was sent right back to the gate where I had been.

When I finally made it to Indianapolis, it was midnight and then I had to call a Lyft and wait another hour before making it to the hotel in Bloomington.

Asked a random stranger to take this photo

 The hotel was dreamy af and the bed and bathroom sitch were amazeballs! We stayed at Homewood Suites and let me tell you- I felt Eloise at the Plaza AF!

Birthday Gift

Just call me, Eloise

 Saturday was a fun and relaxing day! We woke up for the complimentary breakfast and then I took a nap and then we watched some tv before we started out day.

We headed over to the Beta Delta house to take some photos before meeting a sister at our favorite Bloomington spot, Mother Bear's.

Mom's first letters

Sunday morning we woke up and got ready for initiation. It was terribly sad to leave that delicious bed but our day was set to begin at 10am, so we had to get a move on!

Initiation Ready

My Badge

We checked out of the hotel which included mom telling the clerk all about our reason for being in town and then we headed off to the Monroe Convention Center.

Mom's Badge

 After initiation, we sat down for Feast of Roses and International Reunion Day.

Pledge Class '18

details

After Feast of Roses, we went back to the house to take some photos before heading to Indianapolis.

Being I was staying for another day, mom took me to Indy and being we were there- I had to take mom to IHQ.

One of my best friends (that actually lives in Indy and works for IHQ) met us there and took our photo and then he and I went to Steak & Shake! I had been jonesing for a Frisco Melt since my flight into Indy.

I woke up Monday, said bye to my friend as he left for work. Then lounged around, did my squats and called a Lyft.

Upon getting to the airport, I learned that my first flight to Chicago had been cancelled. So I arrived at 1:30, and was put on a 6:30 flight for Phoenix. Naturally, I realized that I hadn't eaten yet so I looked for food. While eating my Chick-fil-a, I realized that there were a lot of big dudes wearing NFL stuff.

Asked another stranger to take this photo

Upon seeing all these men, I realized that the NFL Combine was also the first weekend of March. So there were coaches everywhere, guys that had actually been in the Combine AND I saw Deon Sanders!

By the time I took off for Davis, I was just so happy to be on my way! Once in Phoenix, there was 40 minutes before we started loading the next plane. Then there was a Lyft ride home. I made it home at 11:30, and then because of who I am as a person... I had to do my nails before I could go to sleep. So I ended up watching iZombie (honestly, this season is insane!) and then was in bed at 1am.

I woke up Tuesday, did my squats, picked up Thomas from Camp Bow Wow in Elk Grove, took him for a bath cause he smelled something awful.

I had an incredible weekend in Indiana and now I'm looking forward to the end of the month when mom & I are both on Spring Break and we'll be romping around California! (STARTING THIS FRIDAY!)

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Words cannot describe how happy I am to not have another plane ride until May! (Though then I'll have Thomas, which is a whole different set of issues!)

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So happy WCW to my Beta Delta sisters and my momma (my new sister)!

xo,

KJB

WCW Update: Bri Griggs

Happy Wednesday! It's time for a WCW Update! Let's chat with a WCW alum, remember... Bri Griggs?!

Here's a note from our girl, Bri:

KJB! HELLO!!!

Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since our initial interview!  Your blog has grown beautifully, and I am so honored to continue to be a member of the KJB Meets World Family.  Thank you!

Let’s talk!  Since 2016, I felt the pull to create something relatable for people to see their lives through the principles in the Bible.  Accepting the challenge to create this, I worked diligently to create a publication that I felt people could relate to and wrote my first book and journal combination called Let’s Grow!  

A little about my book, I wrote about personal experiences I had in my life that reflected what we call The Fruits of The Spirit.  The Fruits of The Spirit are Biblical Principles that should be reflected in daily life.  The Bible says this: Galatians 5: 22-23a, but the fruits of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Faith, Meekness, and Self-Control.  Each of these represents a chapter in my book.  I wanted the readers to see my life and notice similarities in theirs which in-turn, would give them a glimpse of hope that God is real and can do amazing things in them as well.  Sharing this was challenging and I doubted myself quite often but knowing that this book is a resource to help someone else is well-worth it.  On March 4^th at 5pm, I am hosting my Official Book Launch and Signing at 790 Easter Ave. Akron, OH 44307 - Door#2.  I am so excited to share this with all who come! 

Thank you again for this amazing platform, I wish you the very best always!  One last thing, can you give Thomas a big hug from me; such an adorable boy!  Talk to you both soon, all my love!!

For anyone who’d like to know more information or to order this book please visit my website www.bngriggs4.wixsite.com/mysite or call (330) 572-8104.

I wish more than anything that I could be attending this weekend, but being across the country... foiled those plans!

Best wishes,

KJB

WCW: Alaina's Run

Happy Woman Crush Wednesday! Here's an update from Alaina Pinto!

IT'S HAPPENING! I'm running the BOSTON MARATHON for the Ronald McDonald House of Boston Harbor! I hope you can help me on this journey - both running and *more importantly* RAISING! My goal is to raise $10,000+ for this wonderful organization. Any contribution is appreciated ❤️ click on the link to donate! THANK YOU SO MUCH! 

Here's what Alaina had to say:

Hi Friends! I never thought I would run a marathon. In fact, I thought I would be crazy to consider it! Here I am, it's 2018, and I am running the Boston Marathon - I guess I'm a little crazy... it's fine. Typically, for this race, you must qualify for it OR you can apply to join a charity team. That's what this sloth runner is doing. I'm running and raising for the Ronald McDonald House of Boston Harbor. I AM THRILLED AND ALSO TERRIFIED. I don't know what I'm more afraid of, running 26.2 or raising $10,000 for the house that love built. Either way, I will accomplish both. (Insert shameless plug, here, asking for donations by following this link).
As of the first of February, I have been running, or working out, almost every day, eating well and have completed 8 miles as my longest trek with some hill training mixed in. I have two full months to get my longest run to 23 before race day. I got this. Honestly, my biggest accomplishment has been staying sober the entire month of January and I will continue to stay sober until Patriots' Day which is Monday, April 16.
I wouldn't be able to do this without the RMHC team and my boyfriend who is running the marathon with me. I imagine we will cross the finish line and kiss. Swoon. I have heard from many Boston Marathon finishers that crossing the finish line is one of the best and most memorable feelings in their entire life - will I feel that way? Stay tuned. 

Feel free to make donations here and show our WCW alum some love!

Run, Alaina, Run!

xo,

KJB

Follow Alaina's journey here:

Instagram

WCW: Luu's Mi Cicatriz

It is my distinct pleasure to share with you an an additional update from our WCW Alum, Luisanna!

I have never been surrounded by so many women of color photographers in my life!! Needless to say , tonight was amazing and so inspiring !!! Thank you @mfonfoto for this beautiful event showcasing the work of Women Photographers of the African Diaspora, this was beautiful! 💗🌸🇩🇴 photo cred : @lolitalens 📸✨

Luu hustle has been killing in NYC! Recently she started an Instagram for her newest and most current photo project, Mi Cicatriz. Currently the Instagram is BTS content. Luu is planning on publishing the book in the next year.

“LUU” - her scream pierced my eardrum, sending my whole body into a panic. That shriek was the last I heard before the darkness set in. Before losing consciousness, I remember whipping my head to see the other car barreling towards us. I gripped my steering wheel like it could somehow save me. It was too late. Soon, I was floating into an abyss of nothingness wondering if I was still alive. (excerpt from my scar story) - -
Each one of us has a unique story to tell, and we have all amassed scars along our diverse journeys. Whether physical or emotional, these scars have impacted our lives and as a result have forged us into who we are. I want to capture the beauty buried deep within those wounds, and reveal though my artistic medium of photography how healing self exploration can be. - -
I am excited to announce that I have been working on a personal project called “Mi Cicatriz” , My Scar , where I have been working with individuals to talk about their very personal scar stories. We meet, we vent, we collaborate ideas, we shoot and we create beautiful images that coincide with the story. - -
Do you want to be part of the project? I am still seeking individuals for “Mi Cicatriz”. You would need to be comfortable with having your story and images published. If you are worried about showing your face , have no fear, it doesn’t have to show in the portrait. For more information or if you know you are ready to join my journey please contact me : micicatriz.myscar@gmail.com . Also- check out my website : www.luisannatejada.com / Let’s work! 

Mi Cicatriz / Questionnaire
You can use these questions to help you in developing your ‘Cicatriz’ story - -

1. What is your name?
   
2. How did you get your scar? (describe your scar.. There are no right or wrong answers. This can
   be as serious or as silly as long as it is true.)
   
3. Is your scar physical or emotional?
   
4. How has this scar impacted your life?
   
5. What obstacles did you face in dealing with your scar?
   
6. Did you find healing?
   
7. Did you learn anything from your scar about yourself? 
   

Can't wait to see what Luu and you come up with!

xo,

KJB

Follow Luu's journey here:

@peaceof_art

@luisanna.tejada

@micicatriz

luisannatejada.com