Does Trendy and Winter Make a Cute Couple?

Who says you can't look good in the winter time? I sure don't! I guess that's why I love Los Angeles because you don't have to bundle up in layers of bulky clothes during the winter just to go outside. I'll skip looking like the Michelin Man; thank you very much. I want to look sassy, trendy, and fashionable all year round and this plaid coat makes it possible. I bought this coat from Forever 21 at the beginning of last summer and yes it was on sale. Cha ching! FYI: That's the best time to purchase winter coats and jackets. I paid around $26 for it. I don't think I need to repeat that. Do I?

I'm not a coat or jacket lover; although I have plenty of them. I'm more of a sweater and scarf gal but this one really caught my attention. The style is so versatile and it fits me like a glove. Take a look at that waist line. I can wear it with slacks for a professional look, skirt and heels, jeans and boots, or even with leggings and flats. It's rare for me to wear a skirt or leggings but at least I know it's an option. The arms of the coat can be tightened at the wrist for a more snug fit and the belt can be tightened at the waist. The collar can be worn down or up and paired with a scarf. It's a keeper. I love this coat!

Lata'!

Combat Winter Dry Skin With What?

It's itchy, tight, and uncomfortable. It can be a pain! I'm talking about dreadful, dry skin. I've spent hundreds of dollars in past years for products that claim to cure dry skin. Although there is no cure for dry skin there are products available that provide relief for dry and/or dehydrated skin in addition to drinking plenty of water of course. Personally, I have no complaints about most of the products I've tried, but eventually I discovered 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Oh the joy!

Product Review: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss

This is a quick and easy review. I could just post a picture of Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss and let your mouths water, but I'll take it a step further and share with you why my lips are soooo in-love. My color is "cocoalicious" and it's exactly what my lips ordered. Finally, a lip gloss that does not dry out my lips!

Cocoalicious is a warm bronze-brown color, which is perfect for my signature look. It's sexy, lightly tinted, thick, tasty, glossy, and moisturizing. Some may complain that it's sticky but I don't describe it that way. I can feel it and it provides the right amount of moisture to my dry lips. Lasting power is several hours. It glides on easily and provides a youthful color and shine. My fave color also has a light, very light shimmer, which is ooh la la sexy; not glittery at all.

Last year I had the scare of my life! A sales representative told me that Beauty Rush lip gloss would no longer be part of the Victoria's Secret beauty line and like a crazed addict, I bought the last 6 tubes at 3 for $15. Shame on you sales rep! Ladies, Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip gloss is still on shelves and available for purchase at $7 per tube, 2 for $12, or 5 for $20. Grab them while you can before they're discontinued! Hmm...I think I'll try "yummy berry" next.

Kiss ya lata'!

Natural and Bold Is So 2011

The prediction is in: 2011 is going to be bold and natural. I'm seeing a lot of natural hair care blogs, YouTube channels, and websites springing up offering advice on natural hair care and transitioning. A strong message of courage, acceptance, love, and appreciation for natural, curly kinky hair is sounding off. 2011 is going natural and I'm along for the ride. Is it just a trend? Not in my opinion.

Take a journey:

Living No Lye www.livingnolye.com
Motown Girl www.motowngirl.com
Nappturality www.nappturality.com
Naturally Curly www.naturallycurly.com
Tress Talk www.tresstalk.weebly.com
Going Natural www.going-natural.com
Natural Hair Rules www.naturalhairrules.com
K is for Kinky www.kisforkinky.com

YouTube:

African Export
MopTopMaven
Taren916
NaturallyCurly
Kimmaytube
LoveIslandBeauty
Bronzeqt
LongHairDontCareLLC
Bambiix2

Coffee Break! Ugly?

It's time for a coffee break!

I've had a fabulous morning so far. I woke up feeling good, excited about my day, styled my hair just right and prepared my to-do list for the day. My to-do list included meeting up with a friend for lunch. If I haven't mentioned it yet, I absolutely love food. I was chatting with my friend by phone regarding our dining choices when we somehow began to discuss where he took his last date for dinner. Within the discussion he referred to her style of dress, her hair, and how she walked; he's a very observant guy, and he then made a statement that just made my stomach churn. He said she wasn't as pretty as he thought she was. She turned out to be ugly in person. Break!

Eyelash Extensions vs. Lash Growth Treatment

This....or that?

By now, my readers are aware that I'm an Eyelash Extensionist/Lash Artist, as well as an advocate for going natural. Going natural for me includes hair, nails, makeup, eyelashes and anything else that would otherwise yearn for cosmetic enhancement for the purpose of beautification.

Eyelash growth products have been hot news since 2009 with the FDA approval and launch of Latisse but false eyelashes have been a popular staple product for years since their creation in 1916 by American Film Director, D.W. Griffith. There is no doubt that false eyelashes are here to stay based on their long, rich history. In the past few years, eyelash extensions have made their way into our beauty closets by providing a more natural looking false eyelash that lasts longer. Up to 8 weeks longer!

Out With the Old and In With the New!

This is the season of love and good will, and I'm definitely going to do my share of giving. I'm bringing in the New Year with a new life in Dallas, TX and I have to downsize big time! Bye-bye Los Angeles and hello Dallas! I began my downsizing journey in November 2010 and have been slowly organizing the closets and garage ridding myself of extra baggage. I never knew I had so many pairs of denim jeans and shoes!

Over the years, moving from place to place, I've held on to some items that I haven't used for 10 years. 10 years! Items like vases, decor, clothes, shoes, area rugs, dishes, etc. Although I live a fairly simple material life, some things have just been hard to part with. This time though it's different. Why? Because I'm starting over! I want to feel refreshed and free in 2011. That means all the old baggage has to go.

I know the New Year is a time to reflect on the changes we need or want to make but many of us seem to make the same New Year's resolutions each year. You know the ones; quit smoking, quit drinking, lose weight, eat healthy, pay off debt, exercise, enjoy life more, etc. etc. and blah, blah, blah. Well, I've decided to end the cycle of resolutions long forgotten and create a list of don'ts instead. Here are a few of my don'ts (ok, maybe more than a few) for 2011:

• Don't make any traditional New Year's resolutions
• Don't stress out over small stuff
• Don't complicate things
• Don't rely on anyone else to make my dreams come true
• Don't get stuck in a rut by being indecisive
• Don't allow my fears to block my success
• Don't allow a credit score, good or bad, to determine my value
• Don't hang on to friends who have proven themselves not to be
• Don't hang on to stuff that has no purpose
• Don't do anything that doesn't add value to my life in some way
• Don't let society speak on my behalf

So there you have it. My job here is done (smile). I wish you and your family the most exciting journey ahead. One that is uncomplicated and well balanced.

Lata' and Happy New Year!