Holiday Gifts For Him

If you’re anything like me, you can spend hours ruminating over the perfect holiday gift for your significant other. To make matters worse I’m a procrastinator when it comes to holiday shopping. But when it comes down to it, I want to be sure I have the perfect gift for my booski.

Holiday Nails!

The winter weather got you feeling down in the doldrums? What better way to cheer up than with a fresh manicure. This holiday season I've been spicing up my manicures with festive polishes and glittery accent nails - reds, greens, metallics, and SPARKLES!

Winter Skin Care Routine

Winter is in the air, and with the dropping temperatures, I’ve winterized my skin-care routine.

Layers

The weather has been on the chillier side this past week (and can you believe we even saw a bit of snow this weekend!) Even with the cooler weather, I’m not ready to give up wearing my dresses, and that means layers!  I paired this floral shirt dress with a cozy sweater and tights. Oh and I gave into the little black booties in my recent currently coveting post. I’m feeling like I made the right choice – they pull this look together perfectly! 

What I'm Wearing

Dress Topshop :: Sweater Nordstrom :: Chinese Laundry Booties DailyLook :: Earrings JCrew ::

Fall/Winter Lipsticks

For Autumn and Winter, deep reds and royal purples, have been the trending lipstick colors. You can imagine my excitement, when running out to purchase these glam shades. However, this excitement immediately turned to anxiety when I realized wearing these vampy lippies to class or work might be a little too bold. Imagine that – me the lover of vibrant colors and striking prints, afraid to be bold?!

Currently Coveting

I thought I’d post a few things that I’m currently coveting. First, this ASOS turtleneck sweater dress is the perfect item to add to the closet for the colder months. Not to mention it would look great, with these Chinese Laundry booties – and we all know the little black bootie is a fall/winter must have! I’ve also had my eye on these cape blazers that I’ve been seeing splashed across the pages of my favorite fashion blogs. They’re perfect for dressing up or down and I’m thinking… I need one. As for the camel clutch, it goes without saying that we all need a good neutral bag to throw our lipstick and cash into! Oh and it's currently on sale at DailyLook which means I might just have to get it…

What are you currently coveting? Comment below!

Fall Essentials!

I can't believe it's already November! This year seems to be flying by. Daylight saving time has come to an end and the leaves are showing off their colors. Not to mention the crisp, cool air is surely reminding us that it's Fall.

But alas, the autumn months are prime for cozy attire and layering up! I'm talking fall essentials - comfy sweaters, over-the-knee boots, and leggings - aka the college girl uniform. 

Long Hair Don't Care (Hairfinity vs. Biotin/MSM)

Hairfinity, what is it?

Hairfinity is a vitamin supplement. Along with all the good stuff you would expect to find in a typical multivitamin, Hairfinity also contains higher doses of Biotin, MSM (not typically found in multivitamins), and a special complex of amino acids – said to promote healthy hair growth. Hairfinity boasts that use will promote a healthy scalp, increased hair elasticity, increased hair strength, and overall hair health.

Did Hairfinity work?

During the fall of 2013 I decided to embark on a “Healthy Hair Journey” and integrated Hairfinity into my healthy hair regimen (if you’d like to know more about this comment below).  I used Hairfinity for approximately three months, during which I experienced hair growth of about a ½ an inch per month. Using Hairfinity, I also noticed my hair appeared healthier, stronger, and thicker. Although I was happy with my Hairfinity results and excited to see my hair growing faster, I realized this could be equally attributed to a healthy lifestyle change (healthy diet and regular exercise) – also proven to improve hair health and increase hair growth). In addition, I hoped to find a cheaper alternative as Hairfinity sells for a not so cheap $24 a bottle . . . spendy considering my law student budget.

Alternatives . . . 

MSM, what is it?

MSM (methylsulfonylmethan) is an organic form of sulfur, found naturally in several foods such as milk and green vegetables. You may also find MSM as a supplement in the aisles of your local drugstore or health food store. As a supplement, MSM has been used to promote hair growth and reduce hair shedding. So how does it do it you ask? Well, sulfur is needed to produce the proteins that make up our hair and MSM has been said to lengthen the growth phase of the hair cycle . . . VOILA faster growing, longer hair!

Biotin, what is it?

Biotin is a naturally occurring vitamin also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. Biotin can be found in foods such as green leafy vegetables and egg yolks, or as a supplement in the aisles of your local drugstore or health food store. As a supplement, biotin has been used to boost hair growth and promote stronger, healthier hair. Additionally, biotin has been proven to improve production of keratin, the protein that makes up our hair . . . so yes hair growth guaranteed!

Did Biotin and MSM work?

After 3 months on Hairfinity, I switched to using a combination of 5,000 mcg of Biotin and 1,000 mg of MSM and yes, it worked! I found my results using the combination of Biotin and MSM comparable to those I experienced using Hairfinity Not to mention I was able to find both supplements at my local CVS for $8 a bottle. Oh and not to mention, there was BOGO deal on supplements at my local CVS . . . ding ding ding ding I WIN!

What's This About A Teatox?

When someone says “detox,” I’m immediately struck by hunger pangs – think stomach roaring from starvation.  However, I’ve recently learned that detox doesn’t have to mean deprivation and suffering. In my attempts to embrace a healthy lifestyle – clean  (or sometimes not so clean) diet and exercise, I’ve also come to embrace the new (or not so new) teatox craze. Also referred to as skinny tea or detox tea, the teatox has been said to boost metabolism, increase energy levels, aid weight-loss, reduce tummy bloat, diminish cravings, clear skin and the list goes on. The kicker . . . ding ding ding ding . . . you can EAT while you teatox – and for anyone who knows me this is an obvious plus!

I’ve always loved tea, and after seeing these teatoxes all over Instagram, I decided to give them a try. I started with FitTea’s 14 Day Detox, which I drank once a day before breakfast for the full 14 days. FitTea’s loose-leaf tea was light, tasty, and naturally sweetened. I was able to stay away from the coffee and saw a significant decrease in tummy bloat right from the start. Combined with healthy eating and exercise, my stomach also appeared flatter. I loved FitTea so much I ordered it again, and can say that it was just as great the second time around.

Just last week, I decided to give MateFit a try. MateFit’s herbal teatox comes with a Metabolic Boost tea, for mornings and lunchtime and a Detox tea, for use every other night. I’m currently on day three and liking what I see. If you’d like a review at the end of my MateFit 14 Day Teatox or you’ve tried a different teatox you’re loving comment below!

*Content not sponsored – Just my thoughts!

Help me! I'm SHINING! (Products for Oily Skin)

Is your skin slicker than a skating rink? Does your face look like you've used vaseline as a facial moisturizer? Your pores making you look like you're sweating butter (giving butter face a new meaning)? Trust me I've got oily skin jokes for days . . . but the truth is I've been "blessed" with oily skin, and for those of you like me, know that you're not alone. 

Though I love to shine bright like a diamond (literally and figuratively speaking), I prefer to keep the oil slicks at bay. I thought I'd share with you, some of the products I use and love for combatting the greasy. . . 

Sephora's 8 HR Mattifying Moisturizer Sunscreen

Even with oily skin, I've learned that moisturizing is extremely important. After cleansing and toning, I make sure to moisturize. Used alone or under makeup, this moisturizer fails to disappoint. Not only does it keep me shine-free all day, but it also works as a sunscreen . . . badabababa I'm lovin' it!

BECCA Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector

After moisturizing and before foundation, I always use a primer. Trust me when I say that BECCA's Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector is AH-MAY-ZING! For a night on the town, I use this primer to keep my skin matte and looking flawless (like Beyonce of course). Yassss, now you know I love that! 

bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer

For everyday wear, bareMinerals Prime Time is my go-to primer. Paired with my bareMinerals Matte Foundation with Broad Spectrum SPF 15, this light primer helps keep me matte for hours. FABULOUS!

Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup

Oily skin and makeup can be well . . . vewy scewy, but with Clinique's Stay-Matte makeup fear not! With this foundation I don't have to worry about breakouts and not only is it oil-free, but it keeps me oil-free for hours. Great for a night out or when I'm looking for a full-coverage look. FACE BEAT!

NYX Cosmetics Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray

Last but not least is this little gem! I actually picked up this Matte Finish Spray as a last grab at my local Nordstrom Rack (also available at ULTA), and I love it! Not only is it affordable, but it keeps my makeup in place with you guessed it . . . a matte finish! Perfect for ALL THE TIME! 

Last Words . . . 

Stay beautiful and remember, you'll be thanking the powers that be for your oily skin when you're 80 with no wrinkles! But until then I hope this helps :)

Sweater Weather

Good morning, Everyone! Hoping you had a nice weekend!

I spent last week lamenting over the Fall weather . . . think downpours and endless cloud cover, BLECH! However, this weekend, it dawned upon me that we have entered one of the best times of year . . . SWEATER WEATHER! Don't get me wrong, I'm a sunflower by nature, but when the cooler whether hits, I love to throw on a nice comfy sweater!

For work this week I've decided to hang up the stiff blazer and pull out my Fall sweaters. I paired old and new together with one of my favorite old sweaters and these AH-MAY-ZING houndstooth pants (Topshop for Nordstrom). Finished the look with some Steve Madden pumps . . . and ta dah! I'm ready for Fall! :)

Soul Stroll 2014

Not only did I sew my heart out this weekend, I also joined my mom and a few of her coworkers in the African American Health Coalition’s (AAHC-Portland) Soul Stroll 5K Wellness Walk. The purpose of the Stroll was to raise awareness for health disparities in the African American community. It was a great community event with music, food, and dancing. We walked for a cause and had a LOT of fun! #winning

DIY Workwear

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend!

I spent my weekend experimenting with a DIY fashion project. I thought to myself I could use some new work clothes, so I pulled out mom’s dusty old sewing machine, made a trip to Jo-Ann Fabric, pulled some patterns and FABULOUS printed fabrics and got to work! I picked a flounce skirt pattern to start out with, and chose to sew the skirt using a beautiful snakeskin (I LOVE ANIMAL PRINT!) cotton sateen fabric. With a little beginner’s luck, the skirt turned out great if I do say so myself!

What do you think?