From beauty to style, stirring up everything that chic brown girls love!
Recently, I had the opportunity to write for ESSENCE.com’s mom blog (Chic Busy Mom) to share some of my tips on family travel.
It was an honor to lend my “expertise” to such a beloved outlet such as ESSENCE. Please check my must-have travel-friendly products here!
Now that I’m a mom of two, Mother’s Day will be even more special for me this year.
Since my children are too small to purchase gifts for me without the help of my husband, I’m simply looking forward to enjoying the day doing what I love most—relaxing!
But, if they were old enough to use their allowance to buy me a bouquet of flowers or some other gift, I’d encourage them to get something that gives back.
After my life-changing visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital back in 2012, I’m always looking for ways to support their efforts. It currently takes $1.9 million a day to operate the Memphis, TN-based children’s hospital so that no family has to ever worry about a medical bill.
That’s why LOFT, Nine West and Kay Jewelers have partnered with St. Jude this Mother’s Day to pledge a portion of their proceeds to help raise money to continue providing the proper research and resources for these families.
Check out these deals and discounts that will not only make mom smile, but also give hope and light to families whose children need life-saving support:
LOFT – Loft Cares “Feel – Good” Card is available in-store now – June 1, 2014. Ninety percent of the $25 purchase price will go to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to find cures and save the lives of countless children around the world battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Customers can use the card through June 1 for 20 percent off every $100 purchase.
For more information, click here.
Nine West – The Nine West Western Loop Scarf is available in-store and online until June 30, 2014. The scarf retails for $32, of which $10 will help fund pioneering research and treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Nine West ‘Western Loop’ scarf available here, $32
Kay Jewelers – The Kay Jewelers Open Hearts Mother’s Day Card, available in-store at Kay Jewelers, will be sold from now until May 11, 2014 for $3. All profits, no less than $2.50 of each card, will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help ensure that no family ever pays St. Jude for anything, so they can focus on helping their child live.
Be sure to check out more special cards available to e-mail, print or mail here. For more information on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital click here.
What are you giving your mother this Mother’s Day? If you’re a mom, what would be your ideal way to spend Mother’s Day this Sunday?
Last week, I had the opportunity to check out the latest offerings from Too Faced at the Mondrian Hotel in Soho.
Being a fan of the brand for years, I expected cool packaging, quirky names and quality products—needless to say, I was not disappointed!
Although there’s notable fanfare for their bronzers and shadows, I rarely hear much buzz about their lip products—but, that’s all about to change.
Melted, their new liquified long-lasting lip color is sure to be a coveted beauty buy. The super pigmented lippie goes on with ease and precision thanks to its built-in brush like tip applicator. With just a slight squeeze the color is transferred seamlessly to lips. No need to worry about a liner or brush because the innovative design makes application effortless. While it goes on like a liquid lipstick, it sets into a rich semi-gloss akin to a stain that lasts for hours!
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long-Wear Lipstick available at Sephora, $21
Available in six shades : Nude, Peony, Coral, Fuchsia, and Ruby. I’m totally obsessed with the Ruby offering. It is one of the few red-based lip colors that doesn’t look clownish with my complexion. Take that Ruby Woo (MAC)! I even rocked it for my birthday dinner (more on that in a future post) and after the meal, my lips still looked good.
If long-lasting, incredibly saturated lip colors are what you’re looking for to update your spring and summer looks, these Melted lippies are a must!
Which shade would you be inclined to try?
From Lupita’s violet eyeliner to Beyoncé ‘s vampy pout, some of our favorite BGs donned gorgeous beauty trends at last night’s Met Gala in New York City. But, when it came to effortlessly timeless looks, Janelle Monae’s bold red lip was a standout.
The singer, 28, looked stunning in her signature black & white get-up, accompanied by an intricately embroidered scarlet caplet. The eccentric CoverGirl ambassador complemented her ensemble with an eye-catching, classic red lip.
Makeup artist Jessica Smalls shares how she created the crimson look: “I used a cherry red liner to define her lips, filled them in slightly and accentuated her cupid’s bow. CoverGirl’s richly pigmented, and Janelle’s signature, LipPerfection Lipcolor in Hot #305 was then applied with a lip brush ( for ultimate precision) and an electrifying red carpet look was born!”
Janelle Monae attends attends the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York City. Photo By: CoverGirl/Getty
CoverGirl LipPerfection in Hot #305 available here, $6
Did you like Janelle’s red lip? Who rocked your favorite overall look at the Met Gala?
My Aveeno Daily Challenge is officially over.
While I managed to make it the whole 21 days using Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, I’m not proud to say that I wasn’t as successful in the candy department. The first two weeks I was making great strides. Pineapples, apples, and bananas became my treats of choice. But, once Easter rolled around, my will power and pact to Aveeno’s challenge was compromised.
I blame those bite size Brach jelly beans and oh-so sweet pink marshmallow Peeps (yes, the colors make a difference in taste) for making me fall off the wagon. I just couldn’t resist raiding my daughter’s Easter basket. Needless to say, I didn’t notice any immediate weight loss as a result of avoiding candy the first two weeks, but I did feel more energized and less sluggish.
It’s also important to note that during the first two weeks, I noticed a change in my skin’s appearance. It seemed brighter, clearer and more refreshed. I’m not sure if that had anything to do with the new facial cleanser I’ve been using or my body’s way of saying “thank you” for not pumping it with sugar and artificial sweeteners. The rest of my body never looked better. Since I tend to have super dry skin, it’s imperative that I use a moisturizer that lasts hours. By consistently using Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, my skin felt smoother and stayed remarkably hydrated for long periods of time.
Even though I didn’t successfully complete the entire challenge, I still plan on curbing my candy intake by only indulging on Saturdays and Sundays. I hope I can keep it up, but all I can do is take it one day at a time!
How do you manage to stay on track when it comes to healthy snacking, etc?
Fans of Oyin Handmade, the popular natural haircare line have a reason to celebrate this spring.
The Baltimore-based brand has announced that its products are now available in Target stores nationwide!
Oyin Handmade has gained a cult following since its launch in 2001. “Oyin,” which means honey in Yoruba, boasts a host of handmade sweet-smelling shampoos, conditioners, pomades and more. The Juices & Berries is by far my favorite product from the line. Not only does it serve as an awesome detangler, but also as a refreshing spritz when dry strands need a little moisture—making it a must-have for my fellow naturalistas.
Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing co-founder Jamyla Bennu (she runs the company with her husband) to chat about the brand. Check it out here!
Oyin Handmade “The Juices” Nourishing Herbal Leave-ins available here, $14
How cute is this “Juices & Berries” Scoop Neck Tee? Available here, $20
Have you used Oyin Handmade products? If not, will you give them a try now that they’re available at Target?
Being a busy mom of two, I rarely get the opportunity to indulge in the luxury of spa pampering.
Thanks to Bliss Micro Magic, it’s now easy for me to recreate a spa-like facial experience in the comfort of my own bathroom. A cross between a mask and a cleanser, this at-home microdermabrasion treatment has been a godsend for my skin.
The fine micro-beads exfoliate by gently sloughing away dead skin cells leaving behind a super soft and clear complexion. Plus, it manages to make my pores appear smaller.
I’ve been a fan of Bliss Spa and just about every product from the brand for years, but I was especially drawn to Micro Magic because it’s formulated with volcanic pumice. There’s just something intriguing about a product containing anything from a volcano! Not only does the volcanic pumice make the treatment an interesting beauty buy, the aloe, peppermint, and Vitamin E ingredients seal the deal.
Although the directions suggest using the product twice a week for the best results, I’m already impressed with my skin’s appearance after a single use. I’m going to use it again tonight, but can’t imagine my face looking any more radiant.
If you’re in need of a good facial, but short on time or money give Micro Magic a try!
Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment available here, $48
How often do you get facials? What are some of some of your at-home spa products?
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