Makeup Look: Fall Makeup Look Using Purple And Gold

Purple & Goldxxxxxxxx

Playing in my makeup again!  Okay, so today I used the fall colors, purple and gold.  I like these two colors together and they look good on any skintone.  This look can be for day or night.  For night, I'd probably deepen the eye colors a bit by adding a deep purple to the crease.

What I'm wearing:

Eyes: 

Ruby Kisses Express Shadow Liner -  Gold and Purple (beauty supply brands. names rubbed off)

Hard Candy Metallic Shadow Stick - Soiree (this is a metallic brownish gold)

Maybeline Eyestudio Creme Liner - Black and Maybeline Falsies Mascara - Blackest Black

Cheeks:

MAC - Raisin (deep redish brown)

Lips:

MAC LipGlass - Wind Me Up (deep gold with flecks of pink)

For the eyes, I put the gold on my lids and lower lash line.  Soiree is in the crease. I added the Purple to my outer "V" and then lined my upper lash line and water line with black and added black mascara.

*Tip: If you're new to makeup, this diagram may help a little with application:

Pink = inner corner
Blue = upper lash line
Orange = crease
Green = water line
Red = lower lashline
White = outer V
Lavender = Brow Highlight

Fashion Crave: Leather Jackets Are On The Radar

     

Leather jackets have been my latest crave!  I especially have my eyes on the biker styled jackets.  If it's bright colored, that's even better.  These jackets are not your typical leather jackets.  They are funky, fun and super stylish.  If you have the cash to splash, or even if you just want to window shop and drool like me, go to Luisaviaroma.com to check out more CRazy designs and fun items.  

All About Hair: Can Lace Front Wigs Damage My Hair?

Lace front wigs have become extremely popular.  Not only celebrities, but everyday people are wearing this hot hair accessory.  Wigs allow you to go from short to long, and from blond to black without one single hair on your own head ever being disturbed. For some, this means giving your hair a much needed break from over-processing and over-styling.  Some individuals suffer from hair loss issues and wigs help them to cope with this situation.  While wigs can be a nice way of changing up your style without committing to any extreme changes to your own hair, they can also be very damaging if not installed properly.  For whatever reason you choose to wear wig, you should first take into consideration a few things prior to purchasing and/or installing a lace front unit.

Is the unit you're purchasing from a reputable dealer?

Do your research! I've heard too many stories of purchases where the hair of the unit shed really bad, the hair didn't fall naturally, or the lace made it difficult for installation.  So, check around before you buy because typically, wigs cannot be returned or exchanged.

Prior to application is my own hair washed, deep conditioned and moisturized?

Be sure to prepare your hair prior to installing the unit. Give you hair a good washing and deep condition. Since wigs can drawl the moisture from your hair, make sure you moisturize your hair and oil your scalp.

Should I cornrow or wrap my hair underneath?

Both methods are used, but I would recommend cornrowing your hair, because cornrows provide your hair with a little bit more protection and prevent free falling hairs from getting tangled in stocking caps or wig netting.

Should I apply the unit directly over my head

You should never apply the unit directly to your head. The traction from the unit can cause thinning and/or hair loss.  You should always place a stocking or wig cap over your own hair prior to applying the unit.

Should I use glue or tape to secure the unit?

I wouldn't recommend using either.  The glue and tape can sometimes adhere to your own hair and cause breakage or thinning.  I would recommend that you use the combs and clips that the unit comes with.  If you prefer the glue or tape, I suggest that you be very mindful of the application.  Try to completely avoid getting glue on any hairs from your hairline.

How long should I wear it?

Typically, a good wig can last about a year if taken care of properly, however when wearing one, you should take the wig off as often as possible.  If you're at home and it's possible, take it off and let your hair breathe.  Some people sleep in their wigs, but again I recommend that you take it off as often as possible. So,  if you don't use the adhesive method, this would be a feasible option for bedtime.  If you do use glue or tape, this may not be a reasonable option for you. Some glue last anywhere from 1 day,  to 6 to 8 weeks.  If you're wearing the unit for an extended period of time, I'd suggest that upon removal, you allow your hair a break for at least one full day if not longer.

What should I do with my own hair underneath?

You should continue with your normal haircare regimen.  Washing and conditioning you hair weekly is recommended.  Try not to exceed 10 days.  It's important to keep your own hair conditioned and moisturized.  Wigs can sap the moisture right out of your hair and leave your hair extremely dry and weak.  For those who might wear the unit for an extended period of time, you may find it beneficial to do deep conditioning and hot oil treatments upon removal to help with moisture loss.

How do I remove the unit?

If you use glue or tape to secure the unit, you should use a glue remover to help dissolve the glue.  This will minimize possible damage to your hairline.  Make sure you purchase some when you purchase your unit.

*Tip  Don't pull and tug on the unit once it's installed so as to prevent traction and pulling of your own hair.  Don't allow the unit to become saturated in water while you're wearing it, to prevent mildew from growing.

If you currently wear lace fronts or are a stylist or salon owner and would like to add a few things I missed,   please do!  I'd love to hear from you!  Let's help eachother to achieve diva status, while keeping our own hair healthy and in tact!

All About Hair: Excessive Breakage Could Be Due To Vitamin Deficiency

Are you taking better care of your hair than you ever have?  Treating it like it was made of the finest, most expensive fabric?  Handling it with care, only to feel betrayed when you continue to see extreme breakage and overall poor hair health?  If you feel that you have addressed your hair issues thoroughly and you are still experiencing extreme breakage and shedding, it may be time to turn to your doctor.

Several months ago, I began taking extremely good care of my hair.  I washed it weekly, deep conditioned, kept it moisturized and wore many protective styles, however, I was still experiencing more breakage than normal.  I exasperated myself with tons of research and trying just about every product and concoction I could get my hands on, but nothing was working.  At the same time I started having cramping pains in my lower limbs that began to worsen, so I scheduled an appointment with my doctor.

My visit to the doctor revealed, that not only did I have an iron deficiency, but that I also had a severe vitamin D deficiency.  My doctor informed me that these types of deficiencies are common and that they can in fact contribute to the hair breakage I was experiencing.  She placed me on a iron regimen for a year (which I am still currently on) and a vitamin D deficiency regimen for 14 weeks.  

Within a few months I started to experience less breakage.  I haven't changed my haircare regimen at all, yet the overall health of my hair is continuing to improve.  So, if you don't believe that what you eat, or maybe even what you "should be" eating affects the health of your hair, I'm here to tell you, that it can and it does!  So, get your fruit and veggie servings in and all of your daily requirements for that matter.  You might just see a difference in your hair too!

Makeup Look: All About The Lips With Wet N Wild Lipsticks

Sultryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

xxxxxxxxxxxxSexyxxxxxxxxxxxx

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnSweet

While at my local CVS Drugstore, I strolled by the makeup isles as I usually do and I stopped at the 

Wet N Wild makeup display.  If you haven't check out some of the new editions by Wet N Wild, you really should.  I believe they have changed the formulas to some of their products and added a few new products as well.  I'm already a fan of the Color Icon palettes and eyeliners, and even the nail polishes.  I had never really been a fan of lipstick years ago, but now I can say that I am a big fan!  The new products and formulas for the lipsticks are great! They are creamy and have a very smooth application.  At $1.99 each, you really can't go wrong. I will be back to purchase a few more.

I haven't tested all of the colors I purchased, but here are the few that I did test out;from top to bottom:  919B, Lip Lacquer-Fierce, 915B.

  

Fashion Fun: Baggy Or Oversized Pants Are On A Comback

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My latest fashion crave are over-sized baggy pants with a short cropped sweater or shirt.  This look really reminds me of the 80's in some ways and it appears to be slowly making its way back.  I probably would have paired this with a pair of boots or some other type of shoe, but other than that, I really like this outfit.  Baggy pants and short cropped tops is now on my radar!

Below are more ideas of ways to rock this style!  Mix and match ideas to make it your own!

All About Hair: Protecting Your Hair From Winter Weather

(I love this photo!)

                            

For some of us, winter weather can ravish our hair; especially for those who live in extreme climates.  I don't experience extreme climate weather, however, my hair is still affected by the cold winter weather.  Here are a few things that help me during the winter months.

Dry Hair:

Moisture Moisture Moisture!  Moisture is your friend during these cold winter months.  Sometimes winter weather can dry your hair out more than summer weather.  In the summer we sweat and our sebaceous glands work harder to keep our strands lubricated.  In the winter they don't work as hard and this can leave your hair extremely dry!  When it's cold we tend to stay indoors with the heat blasting or near a fireplace which is another culprit that can sap the moisture right out of our hair.  To battle dryness I wash my hair only once a week and I moisturize my hair daily.  Here are a few products that I use that help me when my hair is feeling a bit dry. With these products I do follow a weekly regimen. For my regimen, refer to this earlier post.

Product Recommendations:

-Moisturizing Shampoo

Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo,   David Babaii Hydrating Shampoo,  Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose   

-Moisturizing Conditioner

Giovanni Smooth As Silk    

-Leave-in conditioner

Jane Carter Solutions Revitalizing Spray Kinky Curly Knot Today 

-Hot Oil Treatment (done weekly if needed)

Mixture of 1part each of Castor Oil and Shea Butter and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Poofy Hair:

Poofy hair happens to be my arch nemesis! Grrr!  With the slightest bit of moisture in the air, my hair acts as if it were in the dessert for 2 day without water!  It absorbs every single drop of moisture and wham!  Instant poof!  To help prevent this,  I moisturize my hair and seal the moisture in.  The products I use allow me to seal the moisture I put in my hair and at the same time, minimize additional moisture from being absorbed by my hair.  There are several anti-humectant(moisture repellent) type products you can purchase to help minimize the effects of this, but I just add a bit of coconut oil to my hair and I'm good to go.  I still get a little puff, but it doesn't bother me so much.  I follow my normal regimen in order to keep my hair moisturized, but after styling, I use an amount the size of a nickel of one of the following products.  I rub my hands together and disperse it through my hair, concentrating on my ends.

Product Recommendations:

Organic Coconut Oil

Shea Butter

Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Aveda Brililant Anti-Humectant (works great if you press or flat iron your hair)

*Tip  Try wearing protective hairstyles such as: up-dos, buns, braided hairstyles and any other style that requires you to tuck your ends away.  This too will provide your hair with a bit of protection from the winter! 

Fashion Fun: Thriftstore Goodies

Vera Wang - $4.99

Daisy Fuente - $6.99

Unknown Brand Vintage Purse - $6.99

Unknown Brand - $6.99

I have deemed myself the thrifting queen!  Shopping at the thriftstore happens to be one of my favorite addictive past times.  I'm close to needing family and friends to conduct an intervention at this point!  Check out these purses that I found at a local Goodwill.  These purses were not only super cute, but they were very easy on the wallet.  If you have not yet acquainted yourself with your local thrift and/or Goodwill store, I suggest you take a peek!  It's definitely worth the time.

Random: When Is The Last Time You Treated Yourself?

Music and Coffee

Do you take time out for you?  Most of us have work, school, family, friends, and a whole slew of responsibilities that leave us with little or no time at all for ourselves.  I decided that I wasn't going to wait for a New Year's resolution, or any other "perfect" day to begin taking time out for myself.  It's important to divert from your daily routine of living in this high tech, fast-paced, instant gratitude expectant society that we live in, in order to remain in touch with yourself.  I feel as though we kind of lose ourselves in the insane hustle and bustle of our daily lives and we don't get enough of the the simplistic things that put a smile on our face, or give us that warm fuzzy feeling inside.

This picture represents 2 of the things that give me my warm fuzzies.  Those 2 things would be writing lyrics, singing, and/or listening to music and hanging out at various coffee shops.  Although I prefer quirky coffee shops with a little more character, Starbucks does the trick.  I made a promise to myself to make sure that I do something at least once a week that brings a smile to my face, no matter what my daily responsibilities and chores demand of me.  I challenge you to do the same thing because you deserve it!  

How will you treat yourself?

Product Review: Shea Moisture-Natural Organic Haircare

Shea Moisture is a certified natural organic company that carries haircare and skincare product.  I often look for natural and/or organic products to care for my hair, so when I saw this line in Target and read its list of ingredients, I wanted to give it a try.

First off I would like to say that prior to using the products I read the company's background information online, and after reading, I was even more eager to try their products. This company started from very humble beginnings and they appear to take extreme care in the making of their products and the customers that use it.  I purchased the Raw Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo, Raw Shea Restorative Trauma Mask, Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Hold Smoothie, Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Conditioning Milk and the Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist.

The first thing I noticed is the scent of the product.  They smell like cocoa-coconut goodness!  If you do not like a fragrant product, this is not for you, however, I happen to love fragrant hair products, especially natural scents such as this.  The first product I used was the shampoo.  The shampoo felt extremely luxurious and lathered quite a bit with just a small amount.  It only took one wash to get my hair clean and tit left my hair feeling as though I had conditioned it.  My hair felt really soft and silky.  I love this product so much that I have now added it to my weekly regimen.

The Trauma Mask was next on my list.  I wasn't that crazy over this product.  I tried to do a deep condition with it and I didn't like the way it made my hair feel.  To be fair, my hair was in braids for quite a bit of time prior to using this product and therefore my hair wasn't well conditioned and that could have contributed to its poor performance. I will have to give it another chance  in order to give it a fair assessment.

I hadn't tried any curl puddings or creams prior to trying their Curl and Hold Smoothie, so I don't have anything to reference it to, however, I liked this product a lot.  A lot goes a long ways so you don't have to use much and it really does define your curls!  I found that it does leave behind a bit of a film on the hair.  This doesn't bother me so much.  I just had to experiment a little to figure out what amount works best for my hair.  I use this for my twist and braid-outs and sometimes just as a leave-in conditioner.

Three down and Two to go!  I tried using the Curl and Style Milk for a wash-n-go and I didn't have much success, however, using it for a twist or braid-out worked really well. The Curl and Hold Smoothie is really thick almost like pudding, where this product is more like the consistency of lotion.  I do really like this product but I tend to lean toward a more thick product to control my hair, so I prefer the Curl Smoothie, however I use this product as a leave-in conditioner more than a styler.

Last but not least is the Shine Spray.  I love the Shine Spray!  It's very light, non-greasy and I can use it whenever I wanna give my hair a little shine and moisture.  I use a little in the morning before leaving for work and if I happen to be going out for drinks or dinner, I spray a little more on before I leave out the door and my hair never feels weighed down or greasy.

Overall, I would give Shea Moisture a 4 out of 5 and this is only for the products that I've used.  They have several more products that I haven't tried yet, but I most likely will.  I expected the products to cost more than the $9.99 each, I paid for them at Target, but I'm not complaining!  I definitely recommend giving them a try.  If you've already tried Shea Moisture, let me know what you think?

For more info on this company, check out their website here.

Song Of The Day: Siempre Me Quedara by Bebe

Siempre Me Quedara by Bebe

I'm a big music lover with a very eclectic taste in music.  Music is a part of my daily life.  I think I was born singing instead of crying.  If I'm not listening to music, then I'm writing or performing it with my band, or even just humming a tune in my head.  I'm inspired by all types of music and in any type of language.  I feel as though music is universal and you need not understand the language in order to gather the mood that the artist is conveying.

This song is  titled "Siempre Me Quedara" by Bebe.  This is a very sad song of a love lost.  I love that her voice sounds as if this is a personal experience.  Very intimate.  I first heard her voice at a little Spanish coffee shop in the Bay Area.  I couldn't help but ask the barista who the lovely voice belonged to.  I'm glad I did!  I checked out a few more of her tracks and as I suspected, I loved them!

I will continue to share some of my music picks and hopefully I'll introduce to some new tunes you can really appreciate or I'll find an old favorite you already know.

All About Hair: Key To Achieving Long Afro Textured Hair

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Many women with afro textured hair believe or have been told that their hair just doesn't grow.  Not only is this statement false, it couldn't be more wrong.  Afro textured hair grows at the same rate as any other hair type.

The statement, "growing longer hair" is misleading.  Lots of hair product companies have made millions with its claims of growing your hair.  The fact is, your hair is growing and unless a product is of prescription strength and can chemically alter your hair's properties, it cannot "grow" your hair.  Because afro textured hair tends to be both dry and brittle, the hair breaks off before it ever reaches its length potential.  So, your goal isn't to "grow" your hair, it is to retain the hair that you have on your head.

The ends of your hair are the oldest and most brittle part of your hair and therefore need the most protection. Whether your hair is natural or chemically straightened, you need to protect your ends and maintain and overall healthy hair regimen in order to reach your full length potential.

Everyone's hair is different and because of this, products that one person uses may not work for you and vice-versa, however, the regimen that you should follow is pretty much the same for everyone.  If you have afro textured hair, the following regimen is key to retaining hair length:

Hair Regimen (to be done in this order)

• Wash 
• Condition
• Moisturize
• Seal
• Protect

This regimen must be done in this order and here's why:  If you place oils on your hair prior to moisturizing, the oils will have sealed the moisturizer out and made it difficult or even impossible for your hair to get the moisture it needs. This is imperative since lack of moisture is the leading cause of breakage in afro type hair.

First you must wash your hair to remove pore clogging,  product buildup on your scalp.  Concentrate more on the scalp with cleansing your hair and wash your actual  hair sparingly.  Some people co-wash(wash hair using conditioner), I do not do this often.  You have to do what works best for you hair type.  I recommend washing your hair at least once a week, but don't go longer than 10 days.

Next, condition your hair.  I deep condition my hair weekly. I sit under a dryer with a plastic cap over my hair for about 20 minutes.  It's not necessary to stay under a dryer for an hour or a whole day with conditioner on your hair.  After about 20 minutes, your hair has absorbed as much of the benefits from the conditioner that it can. After rinsing your conditioner with lukewarm to cool water, use and old t-shirt instead of a towel to blot your hair dry. While your hair is still damp, add a leave in moisturizing conditioner.  Depending upon your hair type, you may need a water based moisturizer or cream moisturizer.  Just make sure that the product is a "moisturizer" and not just an oil.

 After you've applied your leave in moisturizing conditioner, you can now seal the moisturizer in with a light oil of your choice.  Last but not least, when styling your hair, use styles that require little or no heat.  Additionally, wear styles where your ends are not exposed. Try styles like buns, twist-outs, braids, twists, or even tucked away in a wrap.  This prevents the ends from drying out and breaking off.  I moisturize and seal my hair daily, and sometimes twice a day depending on the weather.  I'll spritz with a water-based moisturizer and seal with a little shea butter in the morning and at night before bed.

*Tip:  You have to adopt a regimen and follow it.  Products you put in your hair are NOT remedies and will not make your hair manageable after one or two uses. Products are "fixes" for the hair and have to be used continuously in order to reap a continuous benefit.  Along with adopting a healthy hair regimen,  a healthy diet is additionally essential to obtaining healthy hair.  If you feel your hair breakage is excessive and is due to a possible medical issue, check with your doctor.


Products I use:

Washing
Shea Moisture - Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Creme of Nature - Kiwi and Citrus Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo
Ion - Clarifying shampoo (use once a month only)

Deep Condition
Giovanni - Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner
Bioalge - Hydratherapie Conditioning Balm
Aubrey Organics - White Camellia Ultra Smoothing Conditioner

Moisturize
Jane Carter Solution - Revitalizing Leave In Conditioner (water based)
Kinky Curly - Knot Today
Shea Moiture - Coconut and Hibiscus Hold and Shine Moisture Mist
Shea Moiture - Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Seal
Shea Butter
Castor Oil
Coconut Oil
Avocado Oil

Fashion Fun: My Winter Wishlist

I have to have a pair of boots like this! Fashionable, and can be worn for work or play.

This smock pullover is just too cute.  I'd wear it with jeans.

Knee socks are a must have so you can still wear those skirts and shorts without freezing your bootie off!

Knit caps are just too fun and cute for the winter!

I love playful knit scarves. Too much fun!

I have to find a cute red jacket.  I love her whole outfit!

A stylish sweater vest will be in the closet soon!

These are just a few things that I have my eyes on for this winter. Winter fashion is fun to me, because it usually involves lots of layering. With layering you can mix different patterns, textures and fabrics and look extra stylish and keep warm at the same time!  Most of these things are not within my budget, so I will definitely be finding cheaper alternatives for my winter wishlist.

Accessories: The Ted Rossi NYC Collection

Accessories Galore
I tell yuh!!! I'd die a slow death in order to get my hands on some of these bangles from the Ted Rossi NYC collection.  Bangles are my absolute favorite style of bracelet.  I love that he played with different textures, colors, prints, textiles and metals.  Not only the bangles, but his entire collection causes me to salivate ever so slightly at the corner of my mouth.  If you're an accessory junkie, such as myself, let you be forewarned; once you take a look at this collection, I guarantee that you will see something that you just can't live without!

Until I hit the lottery I will definitely be looking to find similar accessories for less, but until then, I will be saving my dollars so that I can get my hands on at least one item of this fabulous collection.You can check out Mr. Ted Ross NYC and his collection here: www.tedrossi.com

Makeup Look: How To Wear Blue Eyeshadow

Regal In Blue

This Look was very fun and quite easy.  Sometimes blue shadow can be a little intimidating, but I say go for it!  Try something new today!


Eyes
-NYX pencil in Black as a base on lid
-Jordana Color Effect blue eyeshadow; blended heavier on the outer corner and lighter towards the   inner corner
-Smudge any black eyeliner on the lower lashline
- Jessie's Girl eyedust-Ultra Violet on lower lashline over the black eyeliner
-Black Creme liner for upper lashline and black mascara

Cheeks
-MAC blush - Ambering Rose

Lips
-One and Only (beauty supply brand) in Mocha with a clear gloss over it

Skincare: Get Rid Of Chapped Lips Forever

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With winter coming, so will chapped winter whipped lips!  Here are a few tips you can use to keep your lips chap free!

Exfoliate:
Slough off that dry skin by first prepping your lips with a warm towel. Next, apply some Vaseline on your lips and let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes.  Run your toothbrush under warm water and then, in circular motions, softly brush your lips. When done, take the same towel and gently rub off any skin and excess Vaseline.

If you don't have Vaseline, you can also exfoliate using a warm towel first as described above and then combine a little of any lip balm with sugar and  rub it on your lips.  Honey and sugar works great as well, however I always forget that it's just a scrub and I lick it all off!

Moisturize and Protect:
You should try to add this step to your daily routine if you don't already.  Apply a lip balm that has SPF so you can keep your lips protected from the sun.  I like Burt's Bees Res-Q Outdoor Lip Balm Stick SPF 15 or Carmex.  You can use whatever lip balm you like.

For super soft lips, apply a very thin coat of Vaseline over your lip balm at night and you'll wake up to super soft kissable lips!  Like butta baby!

Skincare: Grow Your Own Nails Healthy And Strong

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The Issue:
Are your nails brittle and weak?  As soon as they get a little length to them, they chip or just break off?  Often this has to do with diet.  Increasing your intake of Biotin can help strengthen brittle nails.  You can get biotin in a supplement form or you can intake more legumes in your diet, such as peanuts and lentils.  Cauliflower is another good source of Biotin.  Let's not forget your Omega 3's and 6's.  A healthy diet really does attribute to the health of your hair, skin, nail, etc.


Another culprit could be water .  Did you know that your nails can absorb up to 25% of  their weight in water?  
Nails expand as they absorb water, then contract when hands are dry. The more water you expose nails to, the more they expand and contract-and that weakens them.  Let's not even get started on all the things our hands come in contact with such as cleaning solutions, hair care products, and others that contain drying alcohols.


Home Remedy:
Clean out one of your old nail polish bottles. You  can usually do this by filling it with nail polish remover and shaking it vigorously. You may have to repeat this step a few times.  After the bottle is free of nail polish, wash it again with liquid soap and hot water.  Be sure to clean the brush as well. Wait until the bottle and brush are dry. If this is too much, you can also just buy empty nail polish bottles.  I found this place that sales them.  Now, simply fill the bottle with safflower oil, vegetable oil, EEVO, or coconut oil (So many different oils can be used).  You can brush the oil on your nails (don't forget underneath) 2x a day or as often as you like!  It replenishes the moisture lost from having your hands in and out of water frequently.  Best of all about using these types of oils is that they contain no alcohol,  unlike commercial products that are designed to do the same thing, but contain alcohol used in making the product fragrant.

Makeup Tutorial: A Winter Glam Look

Glam It Up This Winter
Eyes:  MAC Eyeshadow - Satin Taupe", MAC Eye pencil - Smolder, Loreal Telescopic eyeliner in black, and black mascara.

Cheeks: MAC blush in - Light over Dark

Lips: MAC lipstick -Cyber

For any questions, feel free to ask!!  :) Remem, you can use any brand to get this same look, I only provide the brand info for those who are interested.

All About Hair: Deep Conditioning, Easy and Affordable

Some deep conditioning treatments suggest that you sit under a dryer or the alternative which is to put a plastic shower cap on your head and wrap your head with a hot towel.  I found some of the personal hooded dryers to be either too expensive, too bulky, or just too difficult to position.  

I found this item to be a very workable solution.  The Soft Bonnet Attachment was purchased from Sally's for roughly $9 and you can purchase an inexpensive hair dryer for pretty much the same price.  I bought one at Walmart for under $10.   The bonnet attaches by slipping the elastic end over the mouth of your hair dryer.  That is it! 

The only draw back that I found was that you have to set your blow dryer to low(if you set it to high, you will burn your ears completely off), and you have to pull the bonnet down low on your head to prevent it from blowing off.  I guess I've kind of mastered the technique of it, because I use it faithfully every week for all of my deep conditioning without any problems.  My kind of product!  It's affordable, convenient and easy to use!


Tip:  When Deep conditioning your hair, put a generous amount of your favorite condition on your hair. and place a plastic cap over your head.  I usually section and twist my hair to prevent tangles.  Sit under the dryer under the medium setting for 15 to 20 minutes.  Rinse your hair with luke warm or cool water and continue with your normal styling methods.  


*Product Suggestions:  Two of my favorite conditioners to use for this are: Matrix Biolage - Conditioning Balm (found at Target) or Giovanni - Smooth as Silk(found at Target).  What are your favorites?

Fashion Tips: Don't Put Aways Your Skirts & Short Yet

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With cold weather coming, we often store away some of our favorite summer items.  I say, don't pack away your skirts, dresses and shorts just yet!

Fall fashion is all about layering.  You can still wear your favorite skirts and shorts, just add a nice pair of  leggings, tights or knee socks underneath for a fall fashion savvy look.  Don't put away those short sleeved tops, wear a long sleeved shirt underneath or just add a cardigan or jacket over them.    As far as shoes go, a nice pair of boots can really set off just about any outfit, but play around with it and see what you come up with.

This photo gives you some really good ideas of how you can take things you may already have to make this year's fall fashions your own.  Give it a try; go layer crazy, you never know, you might just become a fall fashion maven!