Saturday, December 31, 2016

N.Y.E. HAIR & BEAUTY LOOKS




The focus for these N.Y.E. perfect beauty looks are definitely the eyes. The first look features a bold pigmented copper while the second is all about the lashes and that awesome winged liner. Achieve these looks easily with these product recommendations:

1. Lip Bar Lipstick in Mochajito, $13 (thelipbar.com)

Two of my favorite products from this line-up are the Eye Shadow Duo and the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams. I used both to pull together a Holiday Look of my own (check it out below). The thing I love most about the touch in Sol Eye Shadow Duo is that it was very easy to wash off. Typically cream based products are harder to wash off after they dry but this product washed away with ease with just water. 

**Beauty Tip: Using a primer for both of these looks is key. For the first look you want to prime the eyelid and for look number 2 you want to prime and line the lips**



While the eyes on both of these looks are breath taking there's something about the lip shades chosen that take the whole look to another level. 

1. Beth Bender Beauty's Eye Candy Adhesive Eyeliner Stencil Starter Kit, $10 (bethbenderbeauty.com)
2. ittse Eye Shadow in 'Sol la Plage' and 'Buena Vista', $8ea (ittse.com)
3. NYX The Curve Liner, $14 (ulta.com)
4. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in 'Crimson Red', $20 (sephora.com)
5. Rimmel London Magnif'Eyes Double Ended Eyeshadow & Liner, $7 (walgreens.com)
6. Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick No. 41, $6 (walgreens.com)
7. Physicians' Formula Butter Bronzer, $15 (ulta.com)
8. Eyelure Defining Lashes No. 121, $5 (ulta.com)

I absolutely loved using the Rimmel Magnif'eyes Duo. That Gold was perfect and made it super easy to recreate V  Bozeman's eye look at the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards. See how I used the product in this look below:



And now that you've got your N.Y.E. makeup look chosen; what about your hair?


Whether your hair is naturally curly or straight, pulling together an old Hollywood Glam beauty look always wins. Smooth sleek hair is the key to achieving both of these looks. Use these product recommendations to make achieving this looks simple:

1. Angelo David Medium Round Brush, $60 (angelodavid.com)
4. Art Natural Argan Oil Hair Mask, $13 (artnaturals.com)
5. Bobby Pins 

Here's my Hollywood Glam look for the United Way of Delaware Photoshoot I did last month (this is obviously BEFORE I got dressed for the shoot lol): 

Here's one more set of hair inspiration for your N.Y.E. Beauty Look, this one is for my Boho Babes! 


2. STEETV Hair Vine, $24 (amazon.com)
4. Bobby Pins
5. Foliage Rhinestone Hair Pin Set, $3 (forever21.com)
6. All Caps Sleep and Shower Cap, $52 (allcapshair.com)

**Preserve Your Pretty! Once your hair is styled keep it in place with zero affects from humidity with the All Caps shower and sleep cap. I have been using this cap for about a month now. Usually I would just get in the shower with my hair wrapped in a scarf and the occasional $3 shower cap; but the humidity from the shower would still cause my roots to swell. Since I have been using this cap I have not had not one instance where my roots have swelled in the shower.**

I hope all of you ladies have an amazing New Year's. I am so excited for what 2017 has in store for us. 




Friday, December 16, 2016

CHRISTMAS GIFTGUIDE - TOYS

Whether you have children or not, chances are you might have a little one on your holiday shopping list this year. Check out some of this year's most popular toys for the youngsters on your list.

1. Tomy Pokemon Throw & Pop Ball, $30 (toysrus.com)
2. Xbox One S 2TB Console, $350 (gamestop.com)
3. Shopkins Black Box Mystery Edition Figures, $30 (target.com)
4. Super Star Stage, $300 (thelandofnod.com)
5. Mary Had a Little Glam Book, $10 (amazon.com)
6. Disney Moana Singing Moana and Friends, $30 (walmart.com)
7. Doll Stroller Pram, $112 (littlecitizensboutique.com)
8. Hatchimals, $70 (toysrus.com) - This product is such a hot commodity you will have difficulty finding it online. Your best bet is to check in stores and if you really need it; ask a manager when their next shipment will be. They usually receive another large shipment before Christmas Eve.
9. Nabi SE Tablet, $80 (shop.nabitablet.com)





Thursday, December 15, 2016

MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST - FASHION


Check out some of the fashion items I have on my list this year. What's on your list to update your wardrobe this holiday season?

1. Stance Socks x Rihanna Bad Girl Socks, $16 (karmaloop.com)
2. Leather Dad Cap, $13 (forever21.com)
3. Mirrored Tassel Phone Case, $9 (amazon.com)
4. Acciarella Handbag, $45 (aldoshoes.com)
5. Siena Choker, $228 (lionetteny.com) 
6. Unapologetic Body Statement Necklace, $75 (krownher.com) 
7. Sequined Skirt, $35 (hm.com)
8. Gathered Hem Dress, $40 (zara.com)
9. Light Grey Mongolian Faux Fur Aviator Coat, $180 (riverisland.com)
10. Mono Python SK8-HI Slim Zip DX, $90 (vans.com)
11. Sam & Libby Eve Patchwork Over the Knee Boots, $70 (target.com)












Thursday, December 8, 2016

HOLIDAY PARTY DRESSES

It's that time of year where your social calendar is lit up brighter than the sky on the 4th of July (hopefully haha). Check out these gorgeous dresses perfect for the holiday party scene.



1. Frock & Frill High Neck Embellished Midi Skater Dress, $203 (asos.com)

2. Crush Hard Velvet Plunging Wrap Dress, $36 (gojane.com)

3. Cut-Out Shoulder Dress, $70 (zara.com)

4. Self Portrait Prairie Mini Dress, $480 (shopbop.com)

5. Short Sequined Dress, $70 (zara.com)

6. Sequined Velvet Bodycon Dress, $38 (forever21.com)

7. Mad Ruche Mini Dress, $88 (nastygal.com)

What holiday parties are you attending this year?





Wednesday, December 7, 2016

MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST - LIFESTYLE



1. Erin Condren Life Planner in Blossom, $60 (erincondren.com):  I am pretty sure I feature the Erin Condren Life Planner in my gift guide every year and I'm okay with that :). With other planners I find that when I first purchase it I am really good about using it and constantly updating it but at some point I sort of fall off and then I just stop using it. This hasn't happened when an Erin Condren Life Planner is involved; it just literally makes life so much easier there's no way you could STOP using it.

2. Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pens, $11 (walmart.com): This item goes hand-in-hand with the Erin Condren Planner. For a long time I've always been the type to only use pencil in my planner just in case I needed to make a change; the problem with that is that the pencil often smeared. I recently came across these awesome gel pens that are erasable so I can kiss those pencil smears good-bye!

3. Pompidoo Tokyo Camera Messenger Bag, $311 (pompidoo.com): At first glance you would think that this is a fashion item and doesn't really belong in a "Lifestyle" giftguide; BUT this isn't a purse it's a rather stylish camera bag. And, since I'm in the market for a new camera it is only fitting to find a new camera bag as well. This bag is trendy and minimalistic which means it will blend in with your everyday attire easily. I love that these bags don't SCREAM "camera bag".

 4. GOATsquare, $15 (goatcase.com): I know you're probably thinking, "That just looks like a black box/square." And you'd be right, BUT it's not just any black square. The Goatsquare attaches to the back of most phones and turns it into an "anti-gravity" device. I came across this on Facebook via a video where the girl in the video stuck her phone to a bathroom mirror with ease. This would be a great gift for someone who loves taking videos or selfies.

5. Rachel Allene Glass Coffee Mug, $18 (racheleallene.com): There something about a glass mug and I'm loving this hand lettered one by Rachel Allene.

6. Pardon My Fro Ella Shower Curtain, $60 (pardonmyfro.com): I came across this brand a little while ago and fell in love. This is only one of many boldly designed and colored prints by Dana (the designer behind Pardon My Fro). On her site you can find shower curtains, 2017 planners, woven blankets and much more. 

7. "Divine Minds" Art Print by Terrance Vann, $40 (terranceism.bigcartel.com): Art is huge and it's even bigger on the underground scene. I came across this artist when his latest piece was unveiled in Wilmington, DE. I saw a picture of it posted on Facebook and two days later my kids and I were in front of it, taking it all in. With everything going on in the world it's important to teach our young boys their value and how to value others and this piece spoke to me and I used it as a learning tool for my own son. Now the piece is available in print form to be hung in your home. 

8. Hauptstadtkoffer Luggage Set, $170 (amazon.com): It really pains me to say this but, I have not been on a vacation since before having kids :(. The last trip I took was to Los Angeles, CA in 2010 (sad I know). Needless to say...mama is due for a trip. I'm in the beginning stages of planning a trip to Vegas (or Cancun...TBD) for my birthday in March and with this trip a NEW more sophisticated set of luggage is in order. This 3-piece set features 4 multidirectional wheels with a more efficient design. It has a TSA combination lock with a resettable code for security.

9. Samsung NX2000 20.3MP CMOS Digital Camera, $430 (amazon.com): This camera easily backs-up to your smart phone using Blue Tooth. It has the largest touch screen in its class (3.7"). You can also make your stills and movies come to life with the True 3D Creator. Since I've been a Samsung phone user for a few years now this camera is at the top of my list because I feel like it will be very easy for me to adjust to the settings because the setup mirrors that of the phone.

10. SOCIALITE Mini LED Ring Light, $25 (socialite-lighting.com): For the serial selfie taker on your holiday list this light is perfect. Simply attach the light to the top of your phone or tablet and get lighting perfect for a selfie every time.It features three light settings (low, medium, high) so you can get the perfect lighting for you.

11. Wall Pops Shiplap Peel & Stick Wallpaper, $50 (wallpops.com): I think I've been watching way too much "Fixer Upper" because after 3 seasons of that show I'm addicted to Shiplap and distressed wood. This new Shiplap wallpaper from Wall Pops is perfect for testing out your Joanna Gaines interior design skills.

12. ban.do Getaway Bundle in Lady of Leisure, $28 (bando.com): I just love how these tags compliment the Erin Condren Blossom planner so well. Features leatherette design with metallic green foil, metallic gold lining, and 3 card slots.

What's on your lifestyle wishlist this year?

Monday, December 5, 2016

MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST: BEAUTY

If you have someone on your holiday shopping list this year that is beyond obsessed with all things "Beauty"; take a look at these beauty gifts no makeup maven would want to be without.



1. Instyler Straight Up Ceramic Straightening Brush, $50 (ulta.com): This brush's 65 powerful ceramic heaters evenly distribute heat and provide instant heat up and recovery to deliver straight, shiny hair in one pass. The cool tip Ionic Bristles allow you to style hair from root to end without burning fingers, ears or forehead.

2. SWEET LIKE CANDY by Ariana Grande, $49 (ulta.com): This cute and flirty fragrance combines blackberry, pear, honeysuckle, and vanilla for a subtle yet sultry scent. And how adorable is the fragrance bottle?

3. Ultra CHI Brilliant Gold 1' Hair Styling Iron, $80 (ulta.com): This Limited Edition iron features tourmaline ceramic plates for even heat distribution. And right now it comes with a FREE stylish white and gold tote bag.

4. TOO FACED Sweet Peach Glow Kit, $42 (ulta.com available starting 12/15/16): This illuminating, blushing, and bronzing palette gives your skin the appearance of being bathed with a gorgeous peachy golden light. It's infused with the essence of peach, smells like peaches, and compliments all skin tones.

5. Wen Pomegranate 5-Piece Gift Set, $156 (chazdean.com): What can I say about WEN. I know a lot of people who have raved about the products for a while now but I've been hesitant to try. Needless to say, I got over it. I not only tried the products on myself but I tried the children's products as well and I'm a fan for life! When I used the products on my kids I loved that here was no lather so I didn't have to worry about soap getting in their eyes. The next morning when my daughter woke up I could immediately see a difference in her curls; her ringlets were a lot more defined and her hair was less frizzy.

6. Benefit Cosmetics Majorette Cream-to-Powder Blush, $29 (ulta.com): This cream to powder booster blush can be worn alone or under your favorite blush for an added boost.

7. Makeup Revolution Precision Eye Set, $22 (makeuprevolutionusa.com): The design of these brushes are the hottest new thing in the world of beauty and makeup. If you have a beauty junkie on your Gift List this year I am sure they would be overjoyed to receive this set. It includes a Rounded Blending Eye Brush (smoothly blends powder and cream eyeshadow), a Precision Eyeliner Brush (allows firm and precise application of eyeliner), and the Oval Eye Brush.

8. Claus Porto Deco Gift Box, $50 (clausport.com): This Gift Box comes with 3 soaps from the Deco collection - Banho, Ilyra, and Madrigal. These soaps are blended with shea butter and I don't know about you but I am a sucker for product packing and these bold and bright wrappers look amazing.

9. Fizz & Bubble 9-Pack Bath Truffle, $20: These bath truffles are dipped and drizzled in shea butter. Not only do these bath truffles fizz when submerged in water but they foam as well. 

10. IT Cosmetics City Chic Brush Set, $68 (ulta.com): I've been using these brushes for about two weeks and they are super soft and apply product flawlessly. The bag has been a life saver with keeping makeup organized in my purse.

11. NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Vault Set, $50 (ulta.com): I've been a huge fan of NYX Cosmetics for the past year. It all started when a girl walked into my job with this amazing lip color on. Of course I couldn't let her leave without finding out what the color was and she shared that it was a NYX Soft Matte color. When I got off of work I went straight to ULTA and bought a few shades of the Liquid Suede line and I've been buying them ever since. I love a matte lip and these dry with a matte finish without drying out your lips. They also last pretty long because you don't have to worry about constantly reapplying your color throughout the day. I probably apply my color twice a day and that's it. This set is the perfect way to find which colors look the best on you and then you can gift the other color shades to your friends as stocking stuffers. :)

12. Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked Ultimate Basics, $54 (ulta.com): This all matte eyeshadow palette comes with 12 NEW neutrals. Each shade in this palette is exclusive to this palette only so if you have the other Naked Basics Palettes you won't have these shades. Each shade features Urban Decay's proprietary Pigment Infusion System, which gives the formula its velvety texture, rich color, and blendability.




Friday, December 2, 2016

WEEKLY STYLE LUST: M.E. X REEBOK


WHAT'S GOT ME LUSTING?: This happens to me every single year. -_- Right before the Christmas holiday Melody Ehsani does some ridiculously sick collaboration with  Reebok and I am left kicking myself because I'm focusing on Christmas presents for the kids. Today she dropped her latest collab with the sneaker giant and I'm loving every bit of it. I lucked up last year because two of my friends pitched in together to get me the black and white polka dot sneaker wedged collabo; this year I think I'm on my own lol. 

I'm beginning to see a pattern because my last Weekly Style Lust post featured a sneaker as well and it was ironically the same color. Clearly I just need to buy a shoe this color so I can get it out of my system (haha). This year's collaboration is for the Ai Question to celebrate the shoe's 20th anniversary.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE LUSTING TOO?:
- Made with natural vegetable tanned leather in 3 different textures
- Classic Hexalite Midsole cushioning
- Each pair comes with 2 different color laces
- Each pair comes with 3 sets of velcro patches that attach to the back panel (the patches feature a different one of Ai's tattoos)
- Interior lining is an image of Ai's cornrows

PURCHASING DEETS:
Price: $160
Where to buy: MelodyEhsani.com, Reebok.com. The shoe is almost sold out on the Melody Ehsani website but there seems to be more availability on the Reebok site but act fast.


Thursday, November 17, 2016

5 MUST-TRY RECIPES THIS THANKSGIVING

Hi Ladies and thanks for stopping by today. I'm still in shock that Thanksgiving is literally one week away. While I'm sure many of you have already begun your meal planning and ingredient purchasing, I have not. This year I started looking into trying some different recipes to spice up my Thanksgiving Day meal and here are a few recipes I'm interested in trying:



1. Slow Cooker Cinnamon Glazed Carrots
 What you will need:
- 2lbs of baby carrots
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cook Time:
- 5 minute prep
- 4 hour cook time

Directions: McCormick.com

2. Old-School Cranberry Salad 
 What you will need:
- 4 cups of fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup drained maraschino cherries
- 1 cup peeled and chopped Bartlett pears
- 1/2 cup drained mandarin oranges
- 1/2 cup drained pineapple tidbits

Cook Time: 
- 20 minute prep time
- 3 hour cook time

Directions: MyRecipes.com 

3. Creamed Collards
What you will need:
- 4 1/2 lbs fresh collard greens 
- 1lb chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 large onions, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cook Time: 
- 20 minute prep time
- 40 minute cook time

Directions: MyRecipes.com

4. Maple Sweet Potato Cups 
What you will need:
- 2 (24oz) packages frozen steam & mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup firmly packaged light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 3 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Cook Time:
- 15 minute prep time
- 40 minute cook time

Directions: MyRecipes.com

 5. Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage
Now this recipe has a special place in my heart. Almost 20 years ago I lost my uncle to the HIV virus. Our very last Thanksgiving together I helped him prepare the meal along with my older cousins. Cornbread Stuffing was one of those dishes. Prior to being introduced to this recipe I absolutely HATED stuffing. I mean, everything about it just disgusted me. There was something about the introduction of the sausage and cornbread that completely changed my perception of stuffing. So, if you are like I used to be and cannot stand stuffing I definitely urge you to give this recipe a try; and if you do I want to hear your thoughts.

What you will need: 
 - 1lb ground sausage
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 2 large onions , chopped
- 5 cups crumbled cornbread
- 5 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sage

*Please note that my personal recipe only includes: celery, sausage, cornbread, stuffing mix, and melted butter*

Cook Time: 
 - 10 minute prep time
- 1hr cook time

Directions:  AllRecipes.com


What's on your Thanksgiving Day menu?


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

WEEKLY STYLE LUST - JOSEFINAS

 

WHAT'S GOT ME LUSTING?: Ever since I came across Converse's NUDE collection that is/was exclusively available at OFFICE; my search for the perfect nude sneaker began. Since the converse collection has pretty much sold out I was left with this nude void that needed to be filled....and then I found @Josefinas :). Outside of the color being the perfect shade of blush nude these shoes have personality! 

WHY YOU SHOULD BE LUSTING TOO?: Not only can you customize your Thelma & Louise (oh the shoes have cute names too 😁) with fur on the laces but they also have a collection of inspiring patches that read "Women Power", "#ICanDoIt", and "#Strong". These sayings seem so fitting since we are coming down from our latest political elections where women's rights where at the forefront. Plus, if you just want to add some flare to a pair of shoes you already own you can simply purchase the fur accessories alone. 

PURCHASING DEETS: 
Price: $350 - $415
Where to Buy: Josefinas.com 


Tuesday, November 15, 2016

SEASONAL SCENTS OF HOME

Hi Everyone! Thanks for stopping by today. It's so hard to believe that we are half way through November. With Thanksgiving a little over a week away I am trying to get my home in the holiday spirit. One way to do that is with scent! From candles to room sprays and diffusers to wax melts these scents of the season are sure to get you and your home in the holiday spirit.

1. BBW Fir Sprig Wallflower Fragrance Plug, $12: There is no way that we can have a discussion about scent and NOT bring Bath & Body Works into the mix. This Wallflower Plug features glittered pinecones on an evergreen bough. Simply pair it with your favorite scent such as Salted Caramel  or Spiced Apple Toddy. (Wallflower refills are sold separately for $6.50)

2. L'Occitane Winter Forest Scented Candle, $21: Think Fireplace x Pine <3

3.  Claus Porto Candle in Chypre, $75: This candle is not particularly a "holiday" scent but with notes of grapefruit, orange leaves, crushed roses, and cedar wood it sure does boast a distinctive and memorable fragrance. The diamond patterned porcelain vessel it is encased in draws from the Portuguese architecture it is inspired by.

4. Crabtree & Evelyn Noel Room Spray, $19: Just a few quick sprays and breathe in the scents of warm mulling spices, lively citrus, and Fraser Fir.

5. Avon Holiday Spice Candle, $20: This festive candle features notes of cardamom, cinnamon bark and vanilla(my favorite).

6. BBW Vanilla Snowflake Room Perfume, $7: All year round my number one favorite scent has always and will always be VANILLA. I love how BBW added a holiday twist to my favorite scent with this Vanilla Snowflake room spray; it is the perfect blend of creamy vanilla, iced fir, wintry mint and coconut flakes.

7. BBW Iridescent Snowflake Fragrance Melt Warmer, $19: This fragrance melt warmer gently warms scented wax with a soft-glow light bulb. The sweet snowflake design allows the light to shine through projecting soft snowflakes on surrounding walls and surfaces. Pick the holiday scented wax melt of your choice.

8. GuruNanda Tower Diffuser and Cinnamon Essential Oil, $50 : This ultrasonic diffuser features a color-changing LED light to add to your sensory experience.  Pair the diffuser with their 100% Pure Cinnamon Essential Oil for a true scent of the season experience.


Thursday, November 10, 2016

WEEKLY BEAUTY CRUSH: DURA CHI HANDSHOT HAIR DRYER


WHY IT'S MY CRUSH: 
As I get closer and closer to my 30th birthday I'm embarking on this journey to try new things in many different areas of my life. One of those areas is with my hair. I've always been one of those people who loved long hair, always wanted long hair, and envied those with lengthy locks. Now my hair has never been what you would consider short, but it was never as long as I wanted it. Now that I have long hair...I have no idea what to do with it. So I'm forcing myself to try new products, routines and styles.

So, when I came across this new hair dryer I was immediately intrigued.

WHY IT SHOULD BE YOUR CRUSH:

1.The absence of a traditional handle allows for more freedom and control to achieve different styles
2. Features a state of the art touch sensitive control screen that deliver a number of heat and speed settings that can be combined to achieve the best results.
3. The dryer can be placed on a flat surface for hands free use....(can you say VOLUME?).
4. There is a screen locking feature that prevents you from accidentally changing your setting while in use.

PURCHASING DEETS:
Price: $145
Where to Buy: Loxa Beauty

Have you ladies tried this dryer or something similar?

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

WEEKLY STYLE LUST - VELVET CRUSH


Hi Ladies,

If you're like me, you are loving the come back of VELVET in this season's fashion trends. However, I've been struggling a little to find the PERFECT velvet piece to add to my wardrobe...that is until I took a little visit to asos.com. There, I hit the velvet jackpot. Their site has pretty much everything velvet you can think of: rompers, dresses, shoes, bags, even scarves. Check out some of my favorite velvet piece they have available now:

Velvet Bomber Jacket, $83 

White Crushed Velvet Trouser, $128  

Baseball Cap in Purple Velvet, $15 

Missguided Crushed Backpack, $38 

One Day Petite Allover Velvet Wrap Front Jumpsuit, $54

Public Desire Lila Pink Velvet Heeled Ankle Boots, $53 

How have you incorporated velvet into your Fall wardrobe?