MEET THE AKKADIAN CANDLE COLLECTION

There's something about a great smelling and looking candle that for some reason sends women in a frenzy. That's sort of what happened to me when I scrolled through Facebook and my eyes were greeted with the aesthetically pleasing candles of The Akkadian Collection. Currently the brand has four collections: 

GARDEN OF EDEN

A collection inspired by the hanging gardens of Ancient Mesopotamia, this collection presents vibrant colors and contemporary adaptations of traditional Iznik ceramic designs dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Each ceramic container is hand painted and reusable and every candle is hand-poured by an Iraqi woman artisan.

TRADITIONS MADE MODERN

The traditions made modern collection features a contemporary custom design inspired by the artistry of ancient traditional metal work. The hand-hammered copper container brings a modern aesthetic to a classic Mesopotamian craft. Re-purpose the container to add a beautiful touch to any table, kitchen, or any area in your home. 

ELEMENTAL EARTH

This collection is inspired by the rippled patterns of the the desert landscape offering swirling, neutral colors that will complement any room decor. 

BLUE TESSERA

This collection is inspired by the tile design of Ancient Mesopotamia and combines classic mosaic patterns with contemporary color and form. 

While the containers that house the candles are absolutely beautiful I didn't find much in the way of what scents are available for these collections. It'c unclear as to weather there is one scent across each collection or not. The "about" section of their website mentions a "light desert rose scent". 

PROPERITY CATALYST

Another thing about this collection that stood out to me aside from the beautiful packaging was its partnership with a non-profit based out of Boston called Prosperity Catalyst. This non-profit invests in women entrepreneurs in regions of conflict and natural disaster. This collaboration is also backed by the U.S. State Department. 

PURCHASING DEETS

WHERE: http://www.akkadiancollection.com/

PRICE: $35-$65

**PHOTOS &  INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST WAS PULLED FROM THE AKKADIAN WEBSITE (WWW.AKKADIANCOLLECTION.COM).**

WEEKLY BEAUTY CRUSH - 24K MAGIC

WHY I'M CRUSHING: 
I am currently crushing over the latest collection by Manuka Doctor because of one word GOLD. Now, gold infused skincare is nothing new however the price tag that comes with this latest collection is definitely NEW compared to current gold collections on the market. Some of these products can cost you as much as $700 and I don't know about you but as a mother of 3 I just don't have that lying around.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE CRUSHING: 
- Eye Oil: Plant oils such as Marula, Inchi, and Kukui work together to hydrate and moisturize skin around the delicate eye area, visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

- Hand Oil: Argan, Macadamia and Sesame help replenish dry hands and regain suppleness and elasticity.

- Face Oil: This beauty oil nourishes skin and seals in moisture, leaving skin glowingly soft and healthy looking. A subtle gold shimmer illuminates skin while plan oils like Cranberry, Baobab and Marula deeply hydrate, condition and protect.

- Body Oil: This oil leaves skin feeling firm, smooth, and hydrated.

PRODUCT DEETS: 
Price: $24.99 - $39.99 (Their website is having an awesome sale right now and you can get some of these items for as low as $9.99)
Where to buy: http://www.manukadoctor.com/24k-gold-manuka-honey-oils.html

LRM REVIEWS: ARTNATURALS ARGAN OIL HAIR CARE

ABOUT THE PRODUCTS: 

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER - This duo is sulfate-free, natural, organic and full of botanical extracts. It hydrates and restores damaged, dry, and brittle hair. The shampoo blends Moroccan argan oil, herbal extracts, Vitamin E, and phytokeratin to rejuvenate hair's natural gloss and growth. The conditioner absorbs quickly into the hair's shaft which renews hair's manageability and provides protection from heat damage.

HAIR MASH -  Add volume and moisture with this treatment that uses argan oil, jojoba oil, and other all-natural botanical extracts that work together to rejuvenate hairs luster and texture. Keratin and amino acids target frizz and flyaways while strengthening the hair shaft. Green tea extract protect the hair follicles and preserve color. Sage extract improves blood flow to the scalp and ivy extract help control dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis

ART NATURALS IN REVIEW:

I used the artnaturals products on both my own hair and my son London's hair. For my own hair I wore it naturally curly and I also straightened it as well. I liked the final outcome more when I straightened my hair versus when I wore it naturally curly.

CURLY

Here is a photo of when I wore it curly. Now, if any of you are naturally curly girls as well you know there are a lot of products involved with the day-to-day upkeep; particularly if you wash-and-go like I do. So, it is important to note that no matter what hair collection I use on my hair I have two products that remain constant which are Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol and Organix Renewing Moraccan Argan Oil; in the below photo I did use the artnaturals collection as well as my usual two products. In addition, I used the Dare Care Candy Crush Curl Definer Conditioner as a leave-in.  The atmosphere that this photo was taken was very hot and borderline steamy. So much so that the windows were fogged up and had condensation dripping on them and my hair did not frizz up at all. I was very impressed with that.

First impressions on the shampoo was that the scent is a little masculine and I felt like it stripped my hair of a lot of oil. However, that was corrected as soon as I used the hair mask and the conditioner. I could feel the moisture immediately returning to my hair as I worked it through. When I used the collection on my son's hair I was able to get more detailed photos of the process, see below:

(London's hair before applying the shampoo).

(Shampoo produces a lot of lather).

(London's hair during shampoo and detangling process). 

(London's hair after shampoo is rinsed out). 

(London's hair sitting with hair mask).

Because London has SO MUCH hair I hardly ever wash-and-go his hair. After all of the artnaturals products were used I also used the Organix Argan Oil and then I braided it in large plaits with Eco Styler Krystal Styling Gel. He wore his hair in plaits for a few days and then we took the plaits out for a photo shoot he had and his curls came out amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better hair day for him. 

(Photos by @picturebylj)

STRAIGHT

I loved the outcome of my hair when I straightened it after using my hair care cocktail featuring the artnaturals Argan Oil products. I used everything above with the exception of the Dare Care conditioner however I did use the Dare Care Heat Protectant Spray when I flat-ironed it. My hair felt very light weight and since I have started using the All Caps Shower, Sleep, Spa cap in the shower my hair actually lasts longer in between washes because my roots don't swell up as quickly. Here's a photo of my straightened hair using the artnaturals Argan Oil products: 

(This photo was taken about 2 weeks after washing). 

One other thing I have noticed since using the artnaturals products is that my hair color seems to be lasting longer as well. I've been dying my hair black because I hate my natural dirty brown color. The black color has lasted me a few months now and I still do not need to touch-up my color. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

I would definitely recommend this collection to anyone as it is great for all hair types. If I had to choose one of the three items as a favorite it would be the conditioner because of how quickly it works to return moisture to your hair. If you want to use the shampoo on a child I would just say to be mindful of their eyes when rinsing the shampoo since it does lather quite a bit. 

PURCHASING DEETS: 

Price: $13 - $26

Where to buy: https://artnaturals.com/collections/hair-care 

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTGUIDE

Valentine's Day is only FOUR days a way and if you haven't figured out the perfect gift for everyone on your list just yet here a few ideas:

1. Gold Cocktail Shaker, $17 (target.com): Perfect for that girl friend who is a self professed spirits connoisseur.

2. Amber Sceats Allesandra Choker, $279 (ambersceats.com): This choker is the perfect combination of trendy and elegant. I love the combination of the white leather and clear crystals. I see this choker pairing perfect with a deep v plunging neckline.

3. Slip Silk Pillowcase & Sleep Mask, $124 (slipsilkpillowcase.com): The ultimate anti-aging, anti sleep crease, anti bed head combination. Made with the highest grade long fibre mulberry silk and non-toxic dyes.

4. House of CB Veronica Black Lace & Satin Collection, $113 (houseofcb.com): Get multi-use out of this lingerie set by wearing the bralette under a sheer t-shirt or tuxedo jacket.

5. Fuzed 3 Some Chocolate Bar 3-pack, $37 (3somechocolates.com): If you've got a guy on your list who has having a 3-some on his bucket list it would be a pretty hilarious to get him chocolate by 3 Some Chocolates. The 3-Some comes from the 3 different chocolates that you get all in one (White, Milk and Dark). They've been selling quickly so you better hurry!

6. Jack Black Bear Grooming Kit, $35 (getjackblack.com): I don't know about you but it seems as if so many guys have joined #TeamBeard recently. If your Valentine has a beard that needs grooming this set is perfect. It includes a cleanser, a conditioner, an oil and a comb.

7. The Brilliant Colouring Book for Boys, $7 (amazon.com): Whether your little guy is into sports or spacemen, gadgets or goalposts, robots or ninjas, this book has a great variety of designs especially for boys.

8. Puma x Tinycottons Basket Leather Kids Sneakers, $70 (puma.com)

9. Carter's Tassle Beaded Necklace & Bracelet Set, $12 (carters.com)

10. Scunci Hello u Lipgloss Compact, $6 (walmart stores)

11. Treets Traditions Relaxing Chakra Collection, $12-$22 (ulta.com): This line features traditional Asian Coconut oil and rose to nourish and moisturize skin. Free of: SLS, SLES, parabens, silicones, colourants and mineral oils.

12. Back Me Up Mobile Charger, $35 (shopbando.com)

13. Thymes Goldleaf Gardenia Eau de Parfum, $49 (thymes.com): This classic scent highlights gardenia whispers with a backdrop ofgraceful florals, soft amber and sweet praline.

What's on your Valentine's Day Wishlist?

HEY TOUGH STUFF

With everything going on in the world today a girl's gotta protect herself in every sense of the word; especially in a large city. So, how can today's woman protect herself but still be her fabulous self? Why, blinged out pepper spray of course! Check out these cute safety and first aid items from Bling Sting, for the modern woman playin' it safe.

Arm Candy Pepper Spray, $22

First Aid Clutch, $25

Ahh!-Larm Gemstone Personal Alarm, $22

Stunning Gun Stun Gun, $70

Glammer Emergency Escape Hammer, $22

3 STEPS TO YOUR BEST LIPS

It's so hard to believe that the first month of January is coming to a close. Next up, is the month where we not only celebrate Black History but LOVE as well. And, just in time for the lover's holiday I'm sharing with you 3 quick steps to your best lips; so pucker up!

Step 1: Exfoliate:  Just like exfoliation for your face, exfoliating your lips are just as important to get rid of dead, flaky skin and reveal smooth supple lips. M.A.C. Cosmetics recently released their new line of lip scrubs called the Lip Scrubtious Collection and much like any other newly released M.A.C. Collection it is already sold out online. If you still have no luck in your local M.A.C. location try the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish available at Sephora.com. 

Step 2: Hydrate: After you have exfoliated the dead skin cells off of your lips you want to  hydrate and moisturize them. Doing so has been made extremely easy with these patchology Lip Renewal 5-minute Hydrogels. I'll let the magic speak for itself; check out my before, during, and after pics below. A set of 24 will run you about $50. You can also try Masque Bar's Intensive Lip Care Gel Patches, here a set of 4 is around $7. 

Step 3: Plump: Who doesn't want plumper and fuller looking lips? These Violent Lips InstaPlumper patches are very similar to step 2 in that they are both gel patches however this one is made with 6 natural ingredients to deliver an intense plumping experience that is stronger than a plumping lip gloss yet less painful than lip injections. It lasts up to 8 hours. 

WEEKLY BEAUTY CRUSH - MERMAID BRUSHES

 

WHY IT'S MY CRUSH: I don't think I really need to say much here. These  brushes are absolutely stunning. Part of what pushes us women to buy what we buy is the functionality of the product and the way the product looks and I'm sure there are plenty of times where the products packaging outweighs the functionality. I have used a Royal & Langnickel brush set before and remember thinking that they were the softest brushes I had ever used. Mix the brands great quality with this overly adorable packaging and I've officially been crushing for three weeks. -_- 

WHY IT SHOULD BE YOUR CRUSH: These dense, ultra-soft brushes apply and blend cream and liquid makeup with minimal absorption, leaving more makeup for application. The unique shapes are designed to fit the contours of your face for optimal blending.

Here's some details about each brush from the Royal & Langnickel Blog:

801: The largest brush of the set is perfect for applying liquid or cream foundation over your entire face. Move the brush in one fluid movement to apply and blend—the dense, ultra-soft vegan hairs apply makeup with minimal absorption, leaving more makeup for application.

802: The perfect size for blush or bronzer application for a stunning glow.

803: Create a flawlessly blended contour under your cheekbones, along your jawline, or at the hairline.

804: The smallest brush is perfect for precisely applying concealer, blending makeup under your eyes, or for contouring your nose or other small areas of the face.

PURCHASING DEETS: 

Product Name: Royal & Langnickel MODA Prismatic Face Perfecting Kit

Product Price: $24.99

Availability: The brand has been advertising a release for the beginning of January so I'm hoping any day now

Where to buy: royalbrush.com and Walmart stores

 What do we think ladies, are these on your Beauty Crush Wish List? 

WEEKLY BEAUTY CRUSH: NO REASON TO HIDE

This week’s beauty crush is for a new line from Philosophy called ‘No Reason to Hide’. The line features two products: the multi-imperfection transforming serum and the instant skin-tone perfecting moisturizer. 

The Products

The serum has been clinically proven to treat the appearance of skin-tone imperfections such as blotchiness, redness, dark spots, acne marks, pores, and rough texture. While the moisturizer perfects the appearance of uneven areas with a natural looking finish. Repeated use will prevent future imperfections from appearing. 

The Proof

Results from their clinical trials yielded the below results:

Serum

-          In 4 weeks 88% of women showed a significant reduction in the appearance of red spots and blotchiness

-          In 8 weeks 94% showed a dramatic correction in the look of dark spots, revealing an even skin-tone

-          In 12 weeks 100% showed transformative improvement on multiple skin imperfections

Moisturizer

-          93% felt skin was more hydrated and even toned

-          90% saw less visible pores

-          83% had more radiant skin

Availability

Both of these products will be available on the philosophy.com website in September and will retail for $68 and $45.

This is another reason why the Fall is THE best season hands down. It’s the best season for clothes AND the best beauty releases. I’ll add these products to my September wish list along with the Marge 4 MAC collection.

WEEKLY BEAUTY CRUSH: FALL FACE

 

The Scoop

This week’s Weekly Beauty Crush is not simply for one crush-worthy product; it’s for all of these products that helped me achieve a great new face look for the upcoming Fall season. I always like to switch my foundation routine in the fall and spring and since Fall is quickly approaching I thought now would be the perfect time. Plus, when I walked into the pharmacy today I have no idea what came over me – I just had to have the new Cover Girl foundations and Maybelline Baby Lips lippies. 

So as soon as I came home I cracked opened the goodies and started playing around…

The Look

First of all, let’s just disregard this bad hair day I’m having (more like bad hair week but hey…)

 

The Products

     1.      Mally Beauty Shimmer, Shape, & Glow, $40 (ulta.com)

     2.      sugar Gleam Highlighting Glow, $14 (kohls.com)

     3.      Maybelline Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara, $6 (target.com)

     4.      Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal- in light, $36 (ulta.com)

     5.      Cover Girl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation, $8 (ulta.com)

     6.      Maybelline Baby Lips Crystal Lip Balm, $4 (cvs.com)

     7.      Physicians Formula Bronze Booster  Glow-Boosting Shimmer Bronzer, $14 (Walgreens.com)

     8.      The Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner, $8 (thebodyshop-usa.com)

What new products are you excited to try this Fall?