Try Something New: Kiyonna

Aren't we tired of shopping endless stores and racks looking for that perfect outfit for an upcoming event?  I know I get tired of it.  Spring is here and that means cleaning out closets and looking to freshen up your closet.  Kiyonna (sizes 10+) has  a nice selection of Spring styles for you or a loved one.  Don't forget they make great gifts! 

Whimsy Wrap Dress

This comes in 5 great colors that will show off your curves.  The ruffled edge makes it sexy, yet playful.  This is great for a wedding, shower, date night - whatever.  That deep V neckline is great for a statement necklace or bold earrings. 

Marie Mesh Top

This is a great item to dress up or dress down.  Jeans? No problem.  Under a blazer? No problem.  Have fun with it and it's 3 great colors!

Valentina Illusion Dress

I absolutely love this dress!  It's a definite WOW factor in all 4 colors they offer!  

 

 

How are you dressing your Spring? 

 

 

Those Two Magic Corners

With Winter finally coming to a dramatic close this past week, we are left with the memory of bitter temperatures, snow days, and potholes.  It can be a very frustrating season for some people for various reasons.  Not much sunlight, shorter days, very cold days, getting snowed in, running out of bread, milk, and eggs can contribute to forms of depression.  What about those who find this season emotionally draining?  For some, it’s hard to find happiness getting through the holidays, even with an army of family around.  Are you making time to exercise those important muscles?  I’m not talking about your quads or some latest fitness fad.  I’m talking about your smile.

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?

Heat Wave Hair Watch

The past few days have been a reminder that the Summer heat is right around the corner.  This prompted me to stock up on some summer hair supplies for when it is pointless to use a blow dryer and other styling tools.  For my curly haired mavens, Dove makes a great whipped mousse product that is inexpensive.  Suave does as well and is even cheaper.  I usually finish off the style with Dove's hairspray.  

  Whipped Cream Mousse

Dove Hold Hairspray

Suave Captivating Curls

Remember if you are going swimming in the pool to not add any product to your hair.  The chemicals in the pool don't mix well and will dry your hair out.  Once you are done swimming, rinse your hair out with clean water if you are able until you can wash your hair.
I usually add baby shampoo to my hair washing routine in the summer since I am washing my hair more often.  It cleans well without weighing your hair down and is inexpensive.  You don't have to buy name brand baby shampoo, the store brand works just as well.  Don't forget the conditioner either.  Chlorine dries your hair out big time.  If you are an avid swimmer this summer season, deep condition your hair every 2 weeks, everyone else, once a month is fine.  A lot of companies make a product that claims to work "the best."  Dove makes a great one that works well and isn't expensive.  You do not have to spend the big bucks for healthy hair.

Keep it simple, moisturized and healthy this summer!

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!

Pedicures & Promises

It is that time again.  Time to break out the cute sandals, espadrilles, and wedges.  I'm very anti-flop flop.  I think they're annoying and the fact that some people will knock each other for the last pair of cheap plastic flip-flops because they're on sale for 5 cents is annoying.  The best part of this time of year is indulging in a relaxing pedicure.  I love them and get them once a month through the warmer months because you should be kind to your feet.  They hold you up all the time, why not let someone rub them down for you? 

This is one procedure that I encourage you to save up and go to a better salon or spa.  In between treatments, utilize your tub to soak your feet in warm to hot water that has epsom salt in it and peppermint (if you can stand the smell).  It will help maintain how soft the skin on your feet are after a great pedicure, or between pedicures.  Also, if you are a beach bum, rub your feet in both the wet and dry sand.  This is a good way to soften your feet as well.  I do it every time I'm at the beach.  Between listening to the waves crash and doing this, you will feel very much at ease. 

I highly recommend that you look around whenever you go to a salon or spa and check to see how clean the place is.  If their shelves are dusty, turn right around and leave!  You can bet the tubs you were going to soak your feet in aren't clean either.  The smallest details matter when it comes to you and your skin.  A small cut on your feet or legs can be a gateway for bacteria to enter your body and you end up sick or worse.  I don't want to see that happen! 

Try to choose a new fun color each time you go.  I love a French manicure on my toes but I do love changing things up and putting on a pretty coral, pink, blue or yellow too.  Step out of your comfort zone, this Spring and Summer season.  I encourage you to try nail art too.  Take inspiration from your favorite holiday or pattern as an starting point for your toes.  Remember, they don't have to exactly match your finger nails color.  I often have coordinating colors but not the exact match color on my fingers and toes.  Why not, right?  Live dangerously. 

Remember that indulging in this is allowed and you deserve it.  So many of us work so hard that we forget to take time for ourselves.  This is something worth giving yourself, or tell your other half to treat you to the spa versus having them guess at buying you a gift that you will have to return when they don't notice. 

Be you, be beautiful! 

Rub Sunscreen into your Soul

Wear it. 

Factor this into your daily routine, especially in the summer.  There are no two ways about this; skin cancer isn't sexy!

I don't care which brand you use, love, or hate - make sure it has a high SPF in it 35+.  I'd recommend everyone using at least 50+ if you can find it.  All skin tones and types too!  Reapply it every hour, even if it's waterproof, and try to not lay out in the sun anymore.

Summer is coming and we will all be slipping into our cute dresses, shorts and tank tops.  Now is the time to start stocking up on all your summer essentials and that includes sunscreen.  I usually keep a small bottle of it in my purse in the summer since I'm always on the go outside.  Never leave this stuff in your car or else it will create a nasty explosion due to the heat. 

Remember, it is important to get outside for fresh air and sunshine.  I'd recommend it every day.  It helps you feel better and the sun will give your skin a beautiful soft glow.  Also, make sure you are monitoring your skin for new changes or developments.  Anyone can have moles or freckles.  If you see any new moles, please contact your doctor about it.  Prevention is the best medicine!

Be you; be safe and sexy this summer!