I Can See August Over the Mountian

With July coming to a almost rapid close, it is time to start preparing for back to school, and various Fall adventures.  Before we break out the boots, jeans, sweaters and hoodies, I want to remind you to enjoy the remainder of the month of July but also enjoy all that August has to offer.  July is a very hard month for me and with a very good friend of mine going into major surgery tomorrow morning, I am reminded yet again that life is just too damn short.  One minute you are here complaining because they forgot to add cheese the next you are laid up in a pine box.  Don’t let any moment go by without sharing your joy, love, concern for others.

It’s not too late to rock that bikini, work hard to run that 5k or ask that cute guy out who you work with.  Dive into the possible and expand your expectations.

 

All hail seductive carrot.

With enough squats, you two can have thighs just like this carrot (ha!).

Beauty Spot Check

For those brave enough to wear full face of makeup in this nasty weather I commend you.  For everyone else, here is a quick tip on looking fresh even if you aren’t feeling fresh.

Face:  Cleanse twice a day with a very mild cleaner.  Getting some cold water on the back of your neck will help cool you down as well.  Hold off on the foundation and everything else since it’s so warm (unless you are in the AC all day).  The heat is only making you sweat which means your makeup is clogging your pores even easier.  This time of year, let your skin breathe.
Eyes: Hold off on the mascara and eye liner and shadow.  My liner (even the waterproof stuff) runs into my eyes on hot days like this.  It’s annoying and pointless.
Lips:  You lipstick is going to crack and come off faster due to how much more water you are drinking due to the heat.  Stock up on some lip stuff with SPF in it or use Vaseline.  I swear by that stuff and always have a small jar of it in my bag.  It keeps your lips extra smooth for smiles and kisses.
Hair:  Throw it into a bun.  Invest in some cute accessories from the dollar store but put it up and get it off your neck.  Headbands, clips, pins – you name it, try it!   For those ladies with short hair, rock those awesome accessories while us with long hair look at you with envy for the next 2 months.  I will be back to styled, shiny hair in no time.  I can barely wait!

Stay cool, drink plenty of water and go easy on the booze.  Never forget to be you, and rock your natural beauty!

VPL

Visible Panty Line is a constant struggle because a lot of clothing items aren't lined anymore.  Lined meaning, there is an extra layer of material between you and the garment to avoid seeing any bumps, lumps or panty lines.  They also don't make slips anymore like they used to either.  The new thing is shape-wear which I am not a fan.  I think it's confining, constricting and uncomfortable.  The closest I get is control top panty hose when it gets cooler out for more dressy and formal occasions.   

For all the other times, wearing the right underwear is crucial. 

Fabrics:

• Cotton:  This is by far the best fabric to buy for your body.  It's also a great choice to wear under denim. 
• Satin/Silk:  This may feel silky and smooth but is not ideal for all day wear, unless it has a cotton panel.  Yeast infections are a very real thing.  
• Lace:  It's pretty and feminine but can be seen through almost anything.  I say keep this to lingerie unless that's the look you are going for. 
• Polyester/Rayon:  This fabric is becoming more and more common in place of satin or silk because it's cheaper to make and produce.  The same rules apply, if it doesn't come with a cotton panel, don't bother with them.  
• Lycra/Spandex:  It's tight.  It will stretch out faster no matter how well you wash it and it's more expensive.  You can wear this under formal dresses, semi formal wear, work clothing as well.  It doesn't breath well either, so pray there is a good A/C wherever you are going. 

Styles:

• Hipsters:  This is my favorite style to wear as far as every day is concerned.  It sits at the top of your hips, right below your belly button.  It's comfortable, trendy and can be worn with pants, skirts, and various short styles. I wouldn't recommend it under a dress because of the dreaded "roll down" then you have to pray you have a moment to run to the bathroom to adjust yourself. 
• Boy Shorts:  This is a fun style that a lot of people enjoy.  It can be worn under almost everything and is very comfortable.  It does allow for more coverage of your tushie and sits at your belly button.  
• Thong:  Be careful with this style.  It might be sexy but it's not ideal to wear all day.  
• High Waist:  This is great under dresses and dress pants.  It allows for the coverage, comfort and seamless effect.  

My rule of thumb is prepare your undergarments as well as you prepare the outfit you are wearing.  The right underwear can save you a lot of embarrassing situations in life, also can save you from doing that shuffle-walk in an effort to adjust yourself.  Invest in good quality underwear that will last a while for your formal and professional ocassions.  Do not feel like you are stuck buying from one store because there are a lot of retailers that sell plus size items.  Also, don't feel bad if you end up buying cheap, every day stuff either.  Things stretch out over time, get holes and don't fit as well as they did before.  Toss them, move on and be happy - your bottom half will thank you.  With each season, go through your drawer and discard.  You know what needs to stay and what needs to go.  

This is my faux pas with underwear done on purpose.  Yoga pants can be awesome but dangerous. Just be mindful of where your top is. That's my hip and part of my stomach. 
See that blue monster peeking out from below deck?  March back in there, mister!

Hell of a Weekend

What a weekend. 

With all the emotions being thrown around, words being expressed and biases formed, broken and reborn, I think we need to keep something in perspective.  Love.  I'm not talking about candy, hearts and flowers - I'm talking about love where out of suffering we move on together, out of respect, we move forward and tolerance, we can find a way to live together to find peace. 

This kind of love finds forgiveness in a dark place called humanity.  The spectrum of light, colors and emotions -  we feel everything, even if we don't want to.  The pain I felt last night and still do, and I probably will carry some for the rest of my life because I know plenty of people who fit the description, profile, complexion of being in the "wrong" part of town at the "wrong" time.  Whatever the fuck that even means. 

Growing up religion has taught me to turn the other cheek, that these insults, and trauma are caused by individuals who are hurting from their own demons but sometimes you have to wonder if it's really the devil or their own ego?  Now that I'm an adult and have a growing and continuing understanding that there is more to life than what fills the pages of any one book.  There is a lot of truth and power to maintaining the spirit, both human and otherwise, moving forward, forgiveness, and hope and pray that something finally sparks and people will let go of the anger and hurt in their own hearts.  Life is more than the color of skin, the neighborhood in which we live and the building we walk into once a week to absolve ourselves of our transgressions. 

My spirit is low and my heart breaks for what is going to come from this situation.  I remain optimistic that good will rise to the top and there is a greater hope for the future.  Anything is truly possible. 

I ask you to just remember the small things; the pleases and thank-yous, holding doors, remembering to smile - all the small things we take for granted or can't be bothered to perform.  Don't let this just pass us by and have it turn into passing meaningless chatter. 

Let us be more.

Let this mean more.

Nail Treats

I’ve been feeling stressed out lately, mainly due to a few life issues going on for me.  Changed my polish today which always puts me into a better mood.  It’s probably more of a Fall shade but I don’t care.  I don’t see a reason in adhering to trends and seasons – if you like it and it will make you feel better, do it.

“Gorgeous” by Sinful Colors as the base layered with, “All About You” by Sunful Colors on top.  I finished with a clear coat on top for extra shine.

Happy 4th to You & Yours!

It’s Independence day here in the US and most people are doing the bbq thing, worrying about how much food they should or shouldn’t cook.  I want to take a moment to remind us to remember what this day is really in celebration of and how much further we need to go in American and as Americans.  Equality is still being fought for, as is maintaining our freedom by those overseas and stationed here within the US borders.  It’s not a day to worry about how many Pinterest ideas you have for an American flag dessert or table scape; remember those who we have lost, are losing to PTSD and those who are braving the choice by enlisting.
For those sitting around enjoying a day off, reach out to those who may not have family in the area.  Fellowship with your neighbors, or make a new friend today.

Happy 4th of July everyone!   Stay safe, thankful and free.

White Nails ?

I have seen some women with white nail polish and wanted to try it on myself.  It was actually hard to find a bottle of white polish that didn't have a pink base.  I like the outcome though.  It looks really bright paired with my summer complexion.  I think this would look good on anyone too.  I added an accent nail with silver glitter so it wouldn't look boring.  This will look pretty done any time of year too.  I think in winter I will add the silver glitter to every nail.

White polish ( Snow Me White ) by Sinful Colors
Silver Glitter polish ( Queen of Beauty) by Sinful Colors

Have you tried the white nail look yet?  Are you willing to try it?