“We love because it's the only true adventure.”
But y'all don't feel me though...
Whole Foods Haul: $25 Challenge - Week of March 2, 2013
By now I'm sure that all of you are aware of my addiction to monthly beauty subscriptions. I believe I'm up to three now.
*hangs head in shame*
Yet, a few weeks ago while researching healthy snack options, I began searching for monthly healthy food subscriptions. To my surprise, there are a ton of them! I compared each one extensively but still couldn't find one that really sparked my interest. Then I had a light bulb moment! Why not just visit my local Whole Foods every other week trying out new items while limiting myself to a $25 budget each trip? Sounded genius to me...
That is until I arrived at Whole Foods. Unaware of all the various items and really not having any idea of what I want to purchase, what was supposed to be a 20-minute shopping trip turned into a 2-hour expedition filled with frustration and confusion. Luckily, I made it out alive :)
This week's theme is "Convenient Junk Food" by the way...
Zevia All Natural Soda in Ginger Root Beer = $0.89
Amy's Bean & Cheese Burrito = $2.29
Yogi Herbal Tea Stress Relief Caffeine Free in Honey Lavender = $4.00
Really Raw Honey = $10.99
Justin's Almond Butter Packet = $1.09
365 Everyday Value Organic Foot Strip in Strawberry = $0.69
Justin's Natural Candy Bar in Milk Chocolate Peanut = $1.99
Total (with sales tax) = $22.00 (Three dollars under budget!!! Yay me!)
Ain't Nobody Got Time for That! : Make-up Hoarding
The hype for me is dying. Slowly but surely. M.A.C. is will debut a new collection every other week. If Revlon introduces a new lip balm you can bet your last dollar that Covergirl, Maybelline and L'Oreal will be doing the same in the next 72 hours.
I. Can't. Keep. Up.
And honestly, I refuse to. I'm talking about make-up hoarding. It is impossible for me to collect every cosmetic item I hear about on YouTube, blogs or television commercials. Not only will such efforts be detrimental to my financial security, but cosmetic items have expiration dates!!!!
I decided to clean out my make-up collection. Toss things that I didn't like or never use. Items that I couldn't remember what year I bought them in.
This may not be your idea of "Spring Cleaning" but it's a start for me. I'm not swearing off purchasing new make-up. I will try my best to cut down on impulsive buys. Instead I will wait a few days...no make that weeks....before I buy something. Really ask myself will I use it? Do I have something similar in my collection? Am I will to give/throw away 3 old items in exchange for this one new item?
My dream is not to have a mini Sephora or Ulta in my bedroom...
But y'all don't feel me though....
Outfit of the Day: Military Rainbow Chic
This post is for all my Natural hair women out there!
How many of us have began the process of installing mini-twists or box braids, only to stop because our arms/fingers are tired? Or let's say you started the process of your protective styling late Sunday evening and halfway through you realize it would be impossible to finish before you have to go to work early Monday morning?
Well, that's what happened to me this one weekend. Did I fret? Of course not! That's why God created scarves and wraps or so that's what I choose to believe. I'd had this beautiful multicolored scarf in my collection for months but never wore it. I became determined to incorporate it into my Monday's ensemble not only from a fashion stand point but also as a creative way to conceal my hair that was half twisted and half not twisted. I think it worked out pretty well...
H&M Blouse. Macy's pants. Always 21 boots. Scarf (can't remember). Target belt.
Product Review: Iman Second to None Foundation Stick
The key to a flawless and "beat" face as they say in the beauty industry is a foundation that both matches your skin tone and is blended seamlessly into your hairline and neck. As much as I love my BareMinerals Foundation, I am on the hunt for something will bit more coverage and a bit more wallet friendly. After researching drugstore foundations best suited for African American skin, I decided to try the Iman Second to None Foundation Stick...again...
Years ago when I first tried my hand at make-up I picked up this foundation on a whim, but I was quickly swept into the hype of department store foundations. Thus, the Iman foundation stick was neglected and eventually was tossed in the trash.
Being that I know that there are many drugstore cosmetics that are just as great, if not better, than those found in your local Sephora or Ulta.
Photo courtesy of Google Images
My Thoughts (Iman Second to None Foundation Stick in Clay 4):
Pros:
This foundation offers medium-to-full coverage, but if applied lightly can be worn sheer like that of a tinted moisturizer. Great for throwing in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day. Clay 4 matches very close (not exact though!) to my complexion. This is also one of those foundation that looks better the longer you wear it.
Cons:
This foundation is not available at my local CVS and my local Walgreens has not restocked it's Iman cosmetics in over a year. The nearest Ulta is 40 minutes is away from me and even that location doesn't carry it! Thus, I am left to order it online from drugstore.com or ulta.com.
As I mentioned in the pros, the Iman Second to None Foundation Stick is one of those that seems to look better the longer you wear it. This may be a pro for some, especially us oily skin girls, but for me not so much. It doesn't look horrible when first applied but it mixes so well with my skin's natural oils that I leave the house hoping to break a sweat soon. Is it just me or is that a bit strange?
Final Verdict:
A great foundation to have in my collection, but I'm still on the hunt for my Holy Grail foundation!
Outfit of the Day: Purple Peacocks featuring Jewelry from M^2 Boutique
Hey Loves! I pray that all is well on your end! I have recently became obsessed with the MTV Network's show "Catfish: The T.V. Show." I'm a sucker for reality shows, but this one has made me a bit paranoid in terms of posting pictures on-line via my blog, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
If you haven't heard of the show, it's about people in on-line relationships but have never met face-to-face. The host of the show sets it up to where the couple can meet, but it usually turns into a circus with one of the two lying about who they really are by using another person's (usually more attractive. Hey! I'm just saying...) pictures.
Sounds pretty far fetched, but I have seen this first hand myself! Many famous make-up artists and hair stylists images are being stolen from Instagram by amateurs pretending that it is their work. Several YouTuber gurus are becoming victims of fake profiles. Even some of my friends from college (Go Noles!) have had their Facebook pictures used without their permission on dating sites! "Catfishing" ain't no y'all!
This has led me to learning about watermarking photos and how it can help reduce your chances of being involved in a "catfish" type situation. From now on all my photos will be marked.
Anywho... now onto the Outfit of the Day! This ensemble was inspired by this lovely necklace I picked up from M^2 Boutique (pronounced "M Squared"). You may remember this boutique from my styling video on printed pants. The peacock pattern has always been a favorite of mine and when I saw this necklace it was love at first sight!
Thrifted blouse. New York & Company pants.. Nine West shoes. Cato's watch. M^2 Boutique necklace.
Target Haul: February 2013
I swear I only went in there for a few candles and a planner....
If you saw my YouTube video, #04 - "End of the Month Empties: January 2013," you will know that I absolutely love soy candles. The ones from Target are amazing and come in a variety of fragrances.
*cue the music for Trinadad James' "All Gold Everything"*
The larger planner is for work and personal life while the smaller one is for the blog...I don't like mixing business with pleasure...
This soft pink lace blazer was not only just on the clearance rack but it was the only one in my size!!! Perfect for upcoming Spring and Summer looks :)
This blouse may not look like much on the hanger, but the slight "power shoulder" it has is very similar to the type of tops Beyonce wears. Can't wait to rock this with a pair of cut-off denim shorts or some skinny leg army fatigue pants!
I might as well get the white one also, right?!
What are your latest Target finds? Share them below in the comments section!
Manicure Mania: My First Gel Manicure!
I decided to treat myself to a
spa pedicure and manicure a few days ago. As I scanned the racks of
O.P.I. looking for my latest lacquer of choice, I noticed that many of
the women in the salon were resting their hands underneath small UV
lamps.
Hmmmm...could they be indulging in the gel I learned so much about in my nail tech specialist class last semester?
Well,
why not try it? One of my best friends swears by this type of manicure
lasting for two weeks without chipping. So not only did I bypass the
regular nail enamel, I also decided to try a shade I rarely wear...RED!
Actually, the color is called "Hot Rod Red," but hey who's counting?
My nail tech advised me to return in two weeks to remove the polish and re-apply (can't wait to choose a new color from among the rainbow of a collection!). Stay tuned for a full review!
No need for tips! I've been taking care of my natural nails!
I love how opaque the color is! No streaks!
Outfit of the Day: American Woman
One of my favorite color combinations....red, white, blue with mahogany and khaki accents. Hope you enjoy the look!
Old Navy button down. Forever 21 tank and bracelet. H&M skirt and belt. HauteLook necklace. Cato's watch. Aldo shoes.