Archives for January 2012

Cocoa Cure

January 10, 2012

While chocolate typically serves as an one of the most delicious indulgences on the planet, it also boasts a bounty of beauty benefits. The cocoa plant is rich in anti-oxidants, which provides natural skin-enhancing properties. Plus, it’s packed with magnesium and vitamin B1 that are known to produce calming effects.

From slowing down the appearance of Mother Nature’s aging process to stress-relief to filling heart-shaped boxes, cocoa and chocolate can be a woman’s secret beauty weapon and ultimate sweet-tooth fix.

Check out some of these cocoa-enriched beauty picks:

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Whipped Souffle Shea Cocoa Butter available at www.walgreens.com for $8.50

Chocolala Massage Bars available at www.lushusa.com for $12.95

Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion available at www.thebodyshop.com for $12

Carol’s Daughter Chocolat Smooth Curly to Straight Set available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $54

Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon available at www.lushusa.com for $5.95

L’Occitane Limited Edition Cocoa Flower Ultra Rich Body Cream available at www.usaloccitane.com for $24

Hurraw Chocoloate Lip Balm available at www.americanapparel.com for $.3.80
Ron Robinson 100% Pure Organic Cocoa Kona Coffee Body Scrub available at www.ronrobinson.com for $25
Vaseline Vitalizing Gel Body Oil available at www.walgreens.com for $7.50

Are you a chocolate lover? Do you purchase cocoa-based products?

Category: Beauty | 3 Comments

Beyonce Welcomes Baby Girl Blue Ivy

January 8, 2012

The princess of hip-hop and R&B royalty has arrived. Beyonce gave birth to baby girl Blue Ivy Carter on Saturday. It is the first child for the superstar singer and her hip-hop mogul husband, Jay-Z who have been married since 2008. Hopefully, the birth their daughter will finally silence the ever-present conspiracy theory chatter about her pregnancy on the blogosphere.

Congratulations to the power couple!

Do you like the name Blue Ivy? Do you think “Ivy” comes from their fascination with the number “IV” or “4” as some blog readers have speculated?

Check out the super cute song proud papa Jay-Z recorded for his glorious bundle of joy here. 

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 7 Comments

Cool Kicks to Kickstart Your Cardio Plan

January 6, 2012

If those weight loss commercials featuring divas Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, and Mariah Carey have motivated you to kick-start your New Year by getting fit, check out these cute sneaks that will have you hitting the pavement and gym in style.

Nike Women’s Air Max Moto +9 Running Sneakers available at www.macys.com for $95

Puma Women’s Faas 250 Running Sneaker available at www.endless.com for $46.75
Puma Future Cat M1 Big Cat Ferrari Fashion Sneaker available at www.endless.com for $75

Nike Women’s Air Relentless Sneaker available at www.macys.com for $65

New Balance Women’s 442 Sneaker available at www.dsw.com for $50
Y-3 Running Sneakers available at www.ssense.com for $130

Adidas Women’s L.A Trainer W Sneakers available at www.macys.com for $49
Alexander Wang ‘Dillon’ Sneaker available at www.lagarconne.com for $385
Is working out more one of your New Year’s resolutions? What do you do to stay fit?
Category: Fashion | 4 Comments

Love & Basketball

January 4, 2012

Actress Gabrielle Union and NBA basketball star Dwyane Wade are heating up the February “Love” issue of Essence. The couple have been the center of controversy on countless blogs ever since their romance was rumored to have started while Wade was still married in 2010.

Nonetheless, the exclusive interview should be an interesting read. Be sure to pick up a copy on newsstands January 12th.

The couple tells Essence why they’re in no rush to race to the alter. 

Will you be reading? Do you like them as a couple? 
Category: Arts and Entertainment | 4 Comments

Sole Savior: Dr. Teal’s Giveaway

January 3, 2012

You may have survived the stress of the holidays, but surely your soles could use a bit of TLC. Whether they stood in those long Black Friday lines or were squeezed into uncomfortable (but fabulous) stilettos at your New Year’s Eve soiree, Dr. Teal’s is just what the doctor ordered.

Soak your soles in their Epsom salt foot bath for a heavenly experience. Not only does the soak relax tired feet, but it also provides a cooling peppermint sensation. To go that extra mile, follow-up with  their rich and soothing foot cream for maximum moisture. 
Visit www.drteals.com for pricing
Do you use foot soak treatments at home or do you typically opt for a professional pedicure? One lucky winner will win a Foot Scrub and the Cracked Heel Therapy. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week. 
Category: Beauty, Giveaway | 7 Comments

Happy New Year!

January 2, 2012

It’s a brand new year, which means it’s time to leave the past in the past and start anew. Whether you want to start your morning off with a quick run or implement a new skincare regimen, the top of the year is always a great place to start.

I typically don’t make new year resolutions, but I do strive to be the best me that I can possibly be. For me, that means being more patient, eating less candy, and keeping in touch with my loved ones more. I’m ready and embracing everything that 2012 has to offer. Change is in the air and it feels so good!

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? If so, do you usually stick to them?

Category: Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle | 2 Comments