Gold Fancy

This past weekend I was down in Houston, TX to see my cousin get married.  The wedding was fantastic from start to finish.  My cousin, the bride, looked amazing as well did the bridal party, groom and groomsmen.  I couldn’t help but get emotional!  With a mix of high fashion and culture, everything came together wonderfully.

I wore a dark green dress from the makers eShakti.  I paired it with a gold clutch, pearl necklace, pear stud earrings, diamond ring and gold 40s era shoes.  I’m not usually a fan of gold because it tends to blend into my skin tone rather than showcase it but it worked for this outfit.  For makeup, I went with gold and maroon on my eyelids, black liner and mascara.  My lipstick shade was in the berry family.  I was not wearing foundation because I normally don’t wear it.

This was in the back part of the bridal suite.

My shoes and clutch

The pearl and diamond accent necklace with matching pearl studs.

Diamond ring to finish off the outfit.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

"What Are You Doing This Weekend?"

This is one of my favorite lines in common conversation.  There is a pressure, or an impulse to round up the usual suspects in an effort to dump the week’s stress in either a happy hour situation or having a happy hour by yourself.  Either way, it’s a great stress reliever and makes us yearn for more than two days off a week to relax.  I know some who try to stuff their weekends full to the brim with endless activities then will complain about them come Monday morning.  I invite you to save one day a week for yourself.  Don’t wait until you have that “free weekend” that gets put off from month to month.  Each week, give yourself that peace and quiet where you can shut your brain down with a cup of your favorite beverage, book or movie.  They say that children can be over stimulated but I firmly believe that adults can be as well.  With all the modern advances in technology and the constant contact from those in our lives, whether virtual or real, it is time to take advantage of the “off” button.  It is time to value what once was, that is your own thoughts, your life and your goals – no matter what.

I know many religious folks that use this time as a time of reflection and worship or devotion but it is not limited to religious people.  Not even in the slightest.  Sometimes our best ideas and revelations come from that one moment where the music was turned down, a movie paused or the crowd went silent.  Take a moment for you because you are important in this picture too.

What is it you are doing this weekend?

Surviving Wedding Season

Dancing, laughing and taking too many pictures mark this time of year and the happiness that surrounds weddings.  We all love the free food, free booze and hopefully not getting stuck at a table where you don't know anyone.  I have a few tips to share on ways to make it through, while not straining your time, money and fashion.

• Coupons:  Most couples are registered at either Bed Bath & Beyond, Target or Crate & Barrel.  Utilize their gift card options or get on their mailing lists for coupons.  Sometimes, these companies offer a discount just for buying something off a registry.  Either way, shop around, search the internet and ask store employees for any hidden discounts.  I am sure you are attending more than one wedding this season, if not this year and the cost will add up.  

• Dess and accessories:  Respect the couples wishes on their attire information.  If the wedding is formal, wear a gown - if not, find a classic cocktail dress.  Instead of splurging on one dress for one wedding, find something that can be worked in different ways so you can use it again for another occasion.  Different jewelry, shoes, bag, or hairstyle can change a dress and make it look like another fantastic outfit.  

• Open Bar:  Two of the best words in our world.  I love to indulge just like everyone but know your limits.  I've been the victim of this before in my life and am speaking from experience.  Maintain yourself while having a good time with limits.  

• Destination Weddings:  If you are fortunate enough to go, turn the trip into a mini vacation.  There are numerous places that provide cost effective packages that include air fare.  Try something new while there too.  Stretch your limits and wings; you won't regret it.  

•  Remember to have fun:  This is the most important aspect to keep in mind.  Whether you are surrounded by extended family, friends or new potential friends, make the most of the event, smile and enjoy.  

Rocket Volume? Possibly

I recently bought Maybelline's new mascara product titled, "Rocket Volum' Express." I feel the need to add some sound effects since next to the R is a rocket style flame.  How cheeky, right ?

 I can't say it worked any better than their other products really.  It goes on smooth, but it took me a while to get every lash coated.  It's noticeable in public though.  I had a few people mention my lashes saying it was noticeable, but not that they thought it was any different than before using other brands.  It goes to show you that a lot of these mascaras do the same thing and look nice,  but for the price?  I'm not sure.  I usually buy Maybelline but I'll stick with a cheaper option next time.  This was on sale at Target for under $6 this week.  Give it a shot if you are feeling brave. 

Until next time!

Dating is a Dying Art

When was the last time you went on a solid date where you felt there was a connection, you actually wanted to see the person again, and you felt it could turn into a relationship? When was the last time you went on a date and projected all your thoughts and possibly derailed things after the appetizer? I know we are all guilty of having the foot-in-mouth instead of the spinach dip as the starter course. Or we are downing too many alcoholic beverages before we even learn their last name then complain that things bombed to anyone who will listen. Why are we torturing ourselves? I used to be that single lady who ordered one too many “foot-in-mouth” until I had a moment of clarity and changed my attitude. Looking back, I realized why I was attracting the wrong man and why things never developed due to how ridiculous I was being. I know that by changing a few key things, you too can find a healthy relationship that will give you a sense of pride and boost of self-confidence.

As a plus-sized lady, I fell into the thinking that I may never find the unicorn known as a “good man.” What if I’m not pretty enough or thin enough like some of my counterparts who, in my mind, fit more into what should be and not what is. I honestly have to tell you that that mentality is absolute bullshit. Men are men and they are not as discerning as women make them out to be. If a man finds you attractive, he finds you attractive. Yes, there are men who prefer a thinner woman, but sometimes they tend to be very insecure. It’s mostly due to them being worried about what their friends will think – not their own happiness. I’m not the thinnest hen in the henhouse but I have to say that I turn more heads than my slimmer counter parts. It took years for this to finally sink in but it is possible and it gave me a new sense of self-confidence. I was ready to be loved because I learned to love myself.

I empower you all to smile, be open and open-minded and confident. Learn to listen as well as communicate your desires and ambitions. Finding the right partner starts with finding yourself and loving yourself. Try not to get caught up in broken text message, email conversations, drinking too much during the dating period, being too abrasive or rushing to the future before it even gets here. Relax, have fun and let love find you because it will when the time is right.

Sensual Summer Legs

I admire those that get their body parts waxed regularly.  It’s expensive but the results are amazing.  I usually stick to shaving.  I never had much luck with hair removal creams either.  I guess my hair is just too stubborn?  Who knows.  Either way, for those out there who shave every other day in the summer like I do, remember to use a fresh razor, shaving cream and a good moisturizer afterward to keep your legs smooth.

I have never found one razor brand better than another, plus most of them are very expensive.  I usually buy the target brand disposable kind.  They have a small blue circle indicator to let you know when it’s time to toss it and use a new one.  I also use Target’s brand shaving cream because it works just as well as the more expensive name brand stuff.  I also have sensitive skin and it does not irritate me either.

Post shave I use Johnson & Johnson’s baby oil gel.  I feel it keeps my legs smooth without feeling greasy like baby oil sometimes can.

Also, if you are applying sunscreen after the baby oil gel, I recommend using a spray versus the lotion like cream kind.  This way it won’t make a nasty combination on your legs.

Enjoy your summer, have too much fun and make a lot of memories!

Mama!

Mother’s Day is more than a day to honor the woman who gave you life.  This day and every day should be a day met with high praise for all Mother’s, whether they are biological or not, such as Grandmothers, Sisters, Aunts or that family friend who took the kids in despite not being “family.”  Every day should be a thank you, even if that day was a struggle.  Sometimes we have to fight through the pain to realize they only wanted what was best for us.  Sometimes that struggle was all too real and as an adult, you then realized how tough things were for her growing up and she did the best she could with the tools she had.  Life isn’t a guarantee of perfection and promises but it is possible for all to do better and be better.  

There is no specific definition or rule book on how to be a Mother.  Yes, there are numerous experts that claim they have found the formula for Motherhood but can they really measure love?  Can they really measure how many kisses given because you scraped your knee?  Or crying because you graduated high school, college or beyond?  That measure of pride and love is something no expert can compile.  It is something personal and special, that bond beyond compare.  I invite you to create something different this year for Mother’s Day.  Make a book of memories that you want to share with your Mom and turn it into a keepsake for when you have your own children.  This way you have something that can be passed through each generation as a symbol of what love is defined by in your family.  I usually make photobooks, albums or scrapbook something.  What will you do this year?

I Really Love Animals

Tiger earrings under $11 from Ashley Stewart of all places.  They are really heavy and I have yet to find a back that will support their weight.  I’m a bit upset but I love them too much to return them.  Sigh, the price of beauty.

They add a bit of style to almost any outfit, aside from formal wear.  I wouldn’t wear these for the Lord, but a dinner date with someone special would be fun, or even a girls night out.  This is the dress I wore it with.  Yes, that is my, “It’s a-me, Mario!” pose in the mirror.

Until next time!