Tyra's "Real" Hair

Castor Oil for Hair

BV article

On Hiatus for a little while

Hi everyone,

Divas Have Curves will on hiatus for a little while, while I work on putting together my new site, Weddings by Martha. I hope you visit and join that one too!

Thanks for reading,

MAP

Do the Trend: Over the Knee / Thigh High Boot Outfit

Dresses for Plus Size Divas

Cute Casual Look

Attention-Getting Day Look

Liquid Leggings

This is another look that anyone can wear: liquid leggings. I like it as a nighttime look; try pairing it with a black top.

Shop It To Me

Shop it to Me is a site that brings the sales to you! You can make a profile, pick out your favorite brands, and they let you know each day by email which items from those lines have gone on sale from at a variety of online stores. It's a nice start to my day :).

Hot New Trend: Ruffle Bags

Cute Dresses from Target

Little Black Dresses - Every Diva Needs One!

MJ wrote a novel

http://www.essence.com/news_entertainment/news/articles/michael_jackson_the_latest_developments_on_his_passing?cnn=yes&iref=werecommend

Bras for Girls with Curves

Check out this article if you have trouble finding bras:

http://www.mischiefmydear.com/dramatispersonae/2009/09/08/plus-sized-bras-busty-women/

$100 off the Tmobile MyTouch 3G

Enter KICKOFF24 in the promotion code box at Tmobile.com. More details here:

http://gizmodo.com/5356667/oprahs-got-a-100-off-code-for-the-t+mobile-mytouch-3g-with-your-name-on-it

Current Coupon Codes

Dope Designer: Robert Rodriguez

Could you imagine wearing this dress to prom? It's so pretty. I am loving Robert Rodriguez right now. He also makes everyday clothing as well.

Dresses:

Hot New Trend: Necklace Tops

Some of these have actual chains attached, some have necklace-style beading, and some have "necklaces" printed on them. And I love them all!

Hot New Trend: Necklace Tops

Too Cute Flat

Flats don't have to be boring!

Best site for coupon codes: retailmenot.com

Before you checkout at an online store, check out www.retailmenot.com to see if there is a coupon code that applies to you. Sometimes I google for promotion codes, but a lot of the google results have expired coupons, so this site has saved me a lot of time.

Looks I Love: Off the Shoulder

One reason I love this look is that it looks great on absolutely everyone, from skinny to full-figured. I especially like this look for night.

How cute is this?

The Hoop: A Necessary Jewerly Basic

Hot New Trend: Peplum Dresses

One reason I love this trend is because the peplum style is a staple of Ghanaian clothing. It's so feminine because it highlights what I think is one of, if not the sexiest, part of a woman's body: her hips. A lot of clothing and women attempt to hide this feature, and I have no clue why! I'm a pretty curvy girl, but I actually wish my hips were bigger! One thing I like about Beyonce is how she embraces and emphasizes her hips.

Divas, let me know if you get or have one of these!

Here are some examples of Ghanaian attire. I just pulled them off of Google images, so if this is you, I'm not a stalker, I just like your dress :)!

Unique Gold Earrings

How long do you keep your weave / braids in?

When your goal is length and retention, how long do you keep your weave / braids in? I have heard a lot of different things from 3 weeks to 6 months.

What works best for you?

Kate Spade Jewerly

Gucci bags

To me it is the ultimate it bag:

Valentino

Tracy Reese

Loves her!

White Button Downs

Some of these come in other colors as well:

I love a good cardigan

Don't Leave Me Summer

MAC Fall 2009 Style Black Collection

Remember the black lipliner from back in the day? Well I was feeling nostalgic so I went over to the MAC counter to see if they had one. I figured MAC or Fashion Fair would be the most likely to have it. Neither did, but suggested I just use any eyeliner.

However, guess what is coming out?? An all-black limited edition line starting September 24th! Yes, all black: black lipstick and black lipgloss! I don't think that I would use it alone, but layer it. Maybe it could turn red lipstick into burgundy, purple into almost-black? Can't wait to try this! FYI, MAC Limited Edition Collections usually sell out quickly.

More info at Temptalia: http://www.temptalia.com/mac-style-black-collection-all-black-collection-for-fall-2009

Red hot AND classy: it can be done!

What's better than a night on the town with your man?

Looking fabulous while doing so! Isn't this dress to die for? It's the Eva Franco Alexa dress. This would be so perfect for a friday night date. It's going for $109.

This next one I am thinking Sunday brunch:

It's really short but I'm still loving it! It's going for $69. When you zoom in on the picture on the site, it looks really well-made.

There are a lot more cute classy dresses at the Eva Franco sale at Ideeli. It's one of those "invitation-only" sites that have temporary designer sales. If you need a invite link, you can use mine: http://www.ideeli.com/invite/martha06 .

The sale ends in less than a day, or when it sells out.

Too Cute of the Day

I was watching MTV3 and commercials for this kept coming up. It's kind of annoying, but so deliciously ridicilous and I love stuff like that. Who says you have to grow up?

Golden Child

Edgy

You are my sunshine

5 Leave-In Essentials for Your Hair

I found this really useful post about 5 leave-in essentials for your hair at Relaxed Hair Health.

1. Distilled water
2. Rosewater
3. Silk Amino Acids (SAA)
4. Coconut Oil
5. Your Favorite Conditioner

I found this recipe to make your own rosewater. I wonder how long natural/homemade rosewater can be kept. When I was little I tried to make perfume by soaking rose petals in water in a jar in my closet for a couple weeks. When I opened it up - well let's just say it didn't smell like perfume.

Also, in an Oprah episode with Dr. Oz, Dr. Oz talked about either a shower head or filter for your shower head that you can buy at hardware stores to filter for your shower water, and said that it is one of the best investments you can ever make. You can either install it yourself or call maintenance to install it for you.

I'm thinking about doing that, but I don't know how receptive my apartment's maintenance will be to installing it for me. It's worth a try! I also have dry skin, super duper dry in the winter (ironic since my face is super oily), so I want to see if this will make a difference for my body as well as my hair.

My Favorites: Chapstick Lip Balm

I have tried a lot of different lip balms. And when I say a lot, I mean a whole lot. The prices have ranged from free (promotional gifts at the mall, job fairs, etc.) to upwards of $30.

I would never buy an expensive lip balm, but my mom swears by Clarins lip moisturizer. Before that, she loved Fashion Fair's lip moisturizer. Other ones I have tried are Walgreen's "chapstick", Bath and Body Work's lip balms, Smuckers soda-flavored lip balms, Carmex, Nivea's Kiss of Moisture, Nivea's Kiss of Protection, Philosophy's Kiss Me and countless others. They all suck. To me, at least. Well, Philosophy's Kiss Me is good as a lip gloss, however it tastes disgusting so only use a little at a time. I just love trying new things, perhaps it's a grass is greener type of thing. But truthfully, cherry chapstick has never let me down.

Why I love cherry chapstick: like Katy Perry, I love the way it tastes :). I hate the taste of those weird oils and medications that can be lip balms / moisturizers. I like the matte finish. You should always use a balm as a base to protect your lips, and this is something I can use with matte lipsticks or shiny glosses. Similarly, it's hard to line your lip with a shiny, slippery balm. Sometimes I even apply lipliner before applying chapstick. However, if my lips are dry, it's still easier apply lipliner after using chapstick than other balms. In addition, I like the pink tint, it looks very girly and sweet just by itself. You also get a little sunscreen, and that never hurts!

Last but not least, it's never more than $2.00! At that price, you can keep one in your bathroom, your purse makeup bag, your desk, your backpack, and your car, etc. Plus, you don't have to worry if you lose one.

What's your favorite balm?

Quick Tip: Vaseline = Makeup-free Alternative to Mascara and Brow Gel

Perhaps some of you divas already know this tip from day in the day, before you were allowed to wear makeup: Vaseline / petroleum jelly for your lashes! You can also use it on your eyebrows.

Ironically, even though I am no longer using product with mineral oil or petroleum in my hair, I still like to use on my lashes. I think it provides a little conditioning for your lashes. If you want to do a little primping on your face for your honey when you are getting into bed, trying rubbing a little bit of vaseline on your lashes, and cherry chapstick on your lips. The vaseline makes your lashes look shiny, thicker, and longer. Better than falling asleep in your makeup! You'll be surprised by the difference these little things can make.

Try using in on your eyebrows as well to keep hairs smooth and in place, and to make them more prominent.

My Favorites: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara

This is the best mascara I have ever used. I love to shop at Sephora for things such as high-quality pressed powders and high pigment eyeshadows, and of course MAC for lip glosses. However, there are quality beauty basics to be found at drugstores as well, and Maybelline Lash Stiletto is one of them.

I used to hate to wear mascara because, especially as the day went by, the product would start to bleed all around and even into my eyes, making them sting and become irritated. Within a few hours, especially if I rubbed with a Kleenex when the product was irritating my eyes, I would end up with "raccoon eyes". Horrible, horrible, and horrible.

Other problems I have had with mascaras: voluminizing mascaras tend to make my lashes stick together; some lengthening ones take forever to dry, so I get little black spots on my lid if I blink while it's drying; and most mascaras go on black, but dry into a really dull color, almost gray.

Lash Stiletto does none of this - it dries quickly, dries shiny, really lengthens, and gives subtle, natural-looking volume. Best of all - it doesn't bleed! It's a really great product, especially for the price.

Quick Tip: Find Your Farmers Market

Quick Tip: Localharvest.org lets you search for farmers market in your area. There's a lot more in my area than I thought.

I Love Being a Girl

You're Such A Jewel

Fun Neutrals

If Money Grew on Trees

My laptop has been so slow lately, and I've been jonesing for a new one. I have a lot of loyalty for HP products. When I saw this laptop, I could just die! I want it sooo bad. It even comes with a matching Vivienne Tam sleeve!

Most importantly, it's oh so portable. 10.1" display, 2.45 lbs, and only 1" thick. You wouldn't believe how much difference a pound makes when it comes to a laptop. And is that a imbedded webcam I see? Are you sure Santa doesn't exist? Because I have a tiny request :)

Money Saving Tips

1. Organization
   
   Keeping your place organizing obviously saves you from buying duplicates. However, I also organize my coupons and receipts. I have a a couple $1 divider files from Target. I use letter envelope size files for store receipts and coupons. The receipt really helps me because I am such a impulse buyer, especially when I'm stressed. Every one or two months or so, I go through it and put the old ones in a shoe box. After a while I throw the ones in the shoebox away.
   
2. Expiration dates aren't always solid
   
   About every two weeks, I get a coupon from Bed, Bath, and Beyond for 20% of one item for something like $5 off $15. They have some nice, unique things, but are kinda pricey, so I really don't shop there like that. I always used to throw them out, but my friend told me that they accept them even if after they've expired. And they accept an unlimited amount of coupons at once. I went the other day and used about 7 of them at once!
   So if you have expired coupons to a store, just store them in your file until you are able to go to the store and ask if they will accept them. If they say no, then you can just throw them out then and there.
   
   
   
   
3. Ask if they price match
   
   This is something I admittedly forget to do, probably because I don't shop for things like this often. However, at stores such as luggage stores and electronic stores, ask if they price match. Often they do. All you have to do is bring in a store ad or internet printout.

Quick Tip: Saving money at Whole Foods

Whole Foods is wonderful because they have such an array of rare products (especially oils to use in hair), and the vast majority of the products they carry are organic. I especially like to buy produce there.

However, it can be crazy expensive. Today I bought some almond butter and the checkout clerk was nice enough to let me know that there was a coupon for it in their coupon book. She then also let me know that they accept competitor's coupons. I assumed she meant for individual items. However, she told me that they even accept coupons such as $5 of $25, $10 of $50. I always get this in the mail from Plumm Market, Busch's, etc.

I forgot to ask her if they accepts ones from Meijer, Safeway, etc., or if by competitors they just mean high-end grocery stores and boutiques. Always nice to know how to save money, especially in this recession.

Flower power

I love, love, love getting flowers, and white flowers are just so lovely. When I am making an arrangement, I prefer a heavy cluster of the same flower. I especially like short ones. I also like light pink roses, bright and dark yellow roses, and purple orchids. I love calla lillies but hard them hard to find. I can't stand plastic flowers. Even if they look real, they collect dust and you don't get the wonderful aroma / natural air freshener.


I've heard that guys like to get flowers as much as women do. However, it seems that guys would find it emasculating or silly and amusing. Could you divas give me an example of how and when you did this and it worked, besides when someone is in hospital?



Here are some examples of beautiful centerpieces:

Chocolate Mousse...at Target!

I was browsing the aisles of Target the other day and look at what I found: chocolate mousse! I used to have chocolate mousse all the time when I was in France, and I don't think I've had it since.

In in the frozen foods aisle, and you just thaw and serve the individual servings. It's part of Target's Archer Farms, which I guess is their "gourmet" line. It's not the best mousse I ever had, but it's good for a frozen food.

The regular price is $5.99, but it was on sale for $2.98, I think because the boxes were a little damaged. However, each serving is individually wrapped in a plastic cup so it they were safe. Be careful though, each serving is 330 calries and 230 fat calories! So I won't be having these too often. Honestly if I had seen that before I bought them, I wouldn't have bought them!

Homemade Treats for Pups and Persons

I found this little gem on Lifehacker - homemade puppy treats! Lifehacker has the following introduction:

"If homemade dog treats sound appealing because of the questionable nature
of pet food manufacturing, or you just want to build a better dog biscuit, then
this tutorial is for you.
Even if you don't consider yourself a master-class
chef, making your own dog biscuits is a very forgiving undertaking. When your
principle consumer is a creature not above eating road kill, you'll be quickly
forgiven for burning it a little in the oven."

The recipe is found at Craftzine, where the author assures you that this is something both you and your pet can eat. I mean all the ingredients are things people normally eat anyway. Predictably, I wasn't blown away by the taste, but it was a bonding experience to be eating the same thing as my adorable pup. And she loved them! Hopefully it was because she could taste the love I baked them with :).

I wanted to do the liver treats too, however, I still can't find a place that sells liver. Even though I don't have a dehydrator, I figured I can just use the oven on a low setting. Get the recipes here.

Nate Berkus on Oprah: Decorating Miracle Worker

I saw a repeat of an episode with designer Nate Berkus on Oprah today, and he is a decorating genius! I think that it is so much harder to shop for home decor because unlike clothes, jewerly, and makeup, you can't try it on at the store. Something that looks great in the store showroom could clash with things in your home or the wall color. Especially if you are trying to match something already in your home and the thing at home is a few shades off of what you remembered it to be. Or something you think is perfect in the store could be just too big or too small for your place.

However, the doesn't stop making shopping for home decor fun! Check out Nate Berkus's website for examples from his portfolio.

On Oprah's website, this quote is posted:

If you do everything that's in the same style, you have an interior that's really flat and uninteresting. The trick is to make sure you're looking at each piece for its own value.
— Nate Berkus

I think that's actually very, very true. Do you think you can say the same about clothes / your wadrobe?

Perfume for Your Pup

This is definitely not something I would usually think of buying. However, when I got my puppy, she came with $50 worth of accessories and supplies. I decided to get the Therapet Aquolina Pink Sugar type pet cologne, almost as a joke. It's supposed to smell like the real Aquolina Pink Sugar perfume. The tagline on the bottle is "A sophisticated scent for the pampered pet." I think it's more for me than for her, but I still loves it! I was suprised that it made Chloe smell soooooooooooo wonderful! It really makes a difference.

I found it at Dog.com for $3.99. At first I was pissed because I had redeemed it for $7.99 when I got Chloe. However, now I'm happy that if I need to buy more it will be cheaper!

Red Hot, Purple Heart

If money grew on trees...

This is what I'd buy! If you'd like to buy any of the pieces, click on it to be taken the retailer's site.

My Favorites: Perfumes

Even though they can be incredibly expensive, I don't ever feel like I've finished getting ready without it. While you can express yourself through your clothes, I think the primary way I do so is through the scent I'm wearing.

I don't like to wear the same scent too often, because I don't want to get tired of it. I use different ones in colder weather and in the summertime, during the day and at night. I pick a scent that reflect how I feel in the morning. Eau de toilettes (EDT) and eau de parfums (EDP) of the same scent can smell really different.

Here are some of my current favorites, along with the first three words to come to mind when I spray it on paper testers:


My Current Favorites

• Benefit My Place or Yours Gina EDT
  (nighttime scent)
  Fruity, Sexy, Alluring
  




• Shiseido Zen
  (daytime scent)
  Fresh, Corporate, Citrus-y
  




• Burberry London EDP
  (daytime, colder weather)
  Sophiscated, Boardroom, Classic
  
  



• Johan B EDP
  Attention-Getting, Deep, Sweet





• Juicy Couture EDP
  (colder weather)
  Alluring, Classic, Nutty
  
  



• Bvlgari Petits and Mamans EDT
  (daytime)
  Clean, Innocent, Powdery Fresh
  Petits and Mamans means Little ones and Moms in French. Obviously this is marketed to them, but it's nice because it doesn't have any alcohol in it, if you're sensitive to that
  
  



• Intimately Beckham for Women EDT
  Clean, Innocent, Light
  
  



• Ralph Lauren Romance Always Yours EDP
  Light, Refreshing, Classic
  
  



• DKNY Delicious Night
  (nighttime - surprise surprise :)
  Spicy, Flirty, Aromatherapy
  
  



• Christian Dior J'Adore EDP
  (nighttime)
  Sensual, Alluring, Sexy
  My nighttime classic. I was introduced to this by my college roommate, and have never looked back. I'm slowly getting tired of this, but I love the compliments I get when I wear it.
  
  



• Bvlgari Rose Essential EDP
  (daytime)
  Floral, Innocent, Intriguing
  
  



• Harajuku Lovers Baby EDT
  (daytime)
  Innocent, Fresh, Clean
  The bottle is too cute! Great gift for a preteen / teenager. The price for the small ones have been reduced nationally to $15.
  
  



• Lolita Lempicka Fleur de Corail
  Tropical, Beachy, Summery
  
  



• Anna Sui Secret Wish Magic Romance
  (daytime)
  Sweet, Light, Floral
  
  



• DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom
  Fruity, Floral, Citrus-y
  
  



• Bobbi Brown No. IV EDT (Also called Bath)
  Clean, Shower Fresh, Light
  
  



• Tocca Bridgette EDP
  
  



• Narciso Rodriguez EDP
  Attention-getting, Deep, Sexy
  
  

Old Favorites, not so much anymore:

• Clinique Happy Perfume Spray
  Fruity, Fresh, Energetic
  The first real perfume I ever bought. I used to get a lot of compliments when I wore it. I really used to love this, but for some reason I don't really like it anymore.
  
  



• Hugo Boss Woman
  I found this in my Mom's beauty cabinet and took it with me when I went to college. It was my first perfume and what started my love of perfumes. I don't wear it anymore, but when I heard it was being discontinued I went any bought a bottle of it. I'm scared to open though, because when the scent deterioates with its shelf life.
  

New ones I want to try

• Michael Kors Very Hollwood
• Queen by Queen Latifah
  

It's weird, a lot of times I'll want a perfume because of the paper sample mailers that come in the mail and in magazines, but when I sniff the actual perfume at the store it smells very different and I don't like it anymore. And sometimes vis versa, I think I won't like a scent from the mailer and end up loving it at the store. It might be because of a reaction with the glue. I wonder how many scents I'm missed out on because I hated the mailer. I find that the ones that that include a fragrance soaked cottom pad sealed in plastic, so it's still wet when you open it give a more authentic idea of what the fragrance smell likes.

One word of advice, you might want to think twice before buying the big bottle of perfume. It can be tempting to buy the bigger bottle, especially since sometimes it is only around $10 - 15 dollars for twice the amount. However, keep in mind that the scent deterioates with its shelf life. Plus, you might get tired of it. Therefore, unless it is something I wear all the time, I always get the smallest size, to give it a trial run. Kinda like buying the family size of cereal when you live by yourself.

Another thing to keep in mind, the perfume will smell very different on you than on the tester paper. It will also smell very different on you than on other people. I learned this through experience. I asked one of my classmates what she was wearing because it smell so fresh and nice. She told her it was DKNY Be Delicious, so I went out and tested it at the perfume counter. Didn't smell so good on me. Perfume reacts different with everyone's unique body oil and chemistry.

Too Cute of the Day

I saw this picture somewhere, I can't remember where, and I loved it so much I saved it! Kids are so innocent and fun, I can't wait to have some! Since the picture is so small, you get another one today. I have to warn you, a lot of these are going to come from LolCats. I don't even like cats but I do like pictures of them, lol. I do love pups though!

What do you call your best friend

Ok, this is a little silly, but what do you call your best friend? Cutest one wins :)! Me and my best have so many names:

- Bestie
- Bester
- Besterific (yes I know that is an adjective, well it would be if it was a word, anyway)
- Bestie # 1 and Bestie #2
- Bestie best
- Best friend

Etc. I'm probably forgetting some. I think next time I see her I am going to say "It's Bestietime!" lol. Isn't having a bestie so much fun?

Best and Worst Mattifiers

Best

1. Skinn Orchid Gel Mattefying Treatment

http://www.skinn.com/Orchid_Gel_Mattefying_Treatment_p/fg-ogm.htm

Mattified my oil well skin for a long time. And for that I give it mad props.

2. Runner Up: Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup

Works well, especially if you only use a little bit.

3. Keeps Makeup Intact: Model in a Bottle

http://http//www.modelinabottle.com

I am listing this here because it is marketed as a mattifier. It did not mattify my skin, however it is wonderful at perserving makeup, especially eyeshadow. It worked much better at that than Urban Decay Priming Potion. My complaint is that after the first use it tipped over and the top some how got unscrewed, and 7/8 of the bottle ended up being spilled into my beauty basket. I think this is a design flaw in the bottle, and I was very upset that all my product got wasted because of it.

Worst

1. Benefit Dr. FeelGood Primer

Garbage. FAIL. I got this as a Sephora deluxe sample with my Beauty Insider points. This is the kind of product that makes me what to return it and ask for my points back. The fact that it was a balm should have been a heads up for me. Do better Benefit.

Actually I've never gotten something I actually really liked with my points. Hmm. Maybe it's the allure of a "free" gift which makes redeeming points exciting. But when I walk out, I stop to think, what that means I've actually spent another $100 here. Sigh.

2. Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel

People rave about this brand. I don't care about the brand name. All I care about is that the product works. This doesn't. And for that it get a FAIL.

Which ones have you used and which did you like and dislike?

Have you ever wondered what law school is like? Here's a 20 second summary

Too Cute of the Day

Panda Sneeze: 'nuff said!

You're a Jerk ;) and You're Cute!

So I love the song You're a Jerk by the New Boyz. A lot of people have been leaving comments on YouTube and Facebook saying "Really, you're a jerk? Is this what music is coming to? Rap is dead!" I think that the fact that they are speaking on something they don't even understand is both funny and embarrasing for them, and highlights the irony and wordplay of the song. They can go in a corner and do The Square. Jerking refers to a style of dance which originated in Southern California. It's like SoCal's version of getting hyphy and going dumb. Youtube "jerk" for examples.

What I love about Cali - my home turf - is our carefree attitude and the fact that never take ourselves too seriously. That's why I rep Cali everyday, in every way, no matter where I stay! Ya dig? Lol, I'm on the verge of getting to old to talk like that!

The only thing that makes this song better is this Rick Roll video of the song! I love it! Check it:




And if you like cute (and you doesn't), check out this spoof "You're Cute". It's funny too:

What beauty service makes you feel fab?

1. Getting my hair did!

For me, the number one thing is getting my hair done! I feel oh-so-fabulous, like I can conquer the entire world. I love the smell the iron and the salon leaves in my hair. As soon as I walk out, I just love to flip my hair from side to side, tellipathically telling everyone: "You know you like it huh. I just got it done! I already know it looks great, but thank you!"

Especially when I get a weave or braids! I totally see why they say donning a wig can help you create a new personna and ignite sparks in the bedroom (tmi?). When I get some new style, I also get a new attitude! With bold color, I feel so fun, current, and adventurous. Seriously I begin to do this I wouldn't otherwise (Another day, another post). With a sleek, clean, jet black weave that looks realistic, I feel professional and confident. With a long, flowing weave, I ooze sensuality. With individual braids, I feel like goody-two shoes girl I was growing up, when I always had braids. When hair is simply flat ironed, I feel so proud of myself for wearing my "real" hair, lol. Cornrows make me feel like I am getting back in touch with my roots.

However, when it goes wrong I can be the biggest drama queen, calling whoever picks up first with a barriage of tears and anger. Honestly, I would be less upset if a cougar scratched my face and left a long scar than if someone pressured me into cutting off 2 inches. Maybe I should just start wearing a tshirt into hair appointments that says "I DON'T DO TRIMS. THANKS". I should look into that.

2. Getting my nails did

This can be a rush too. I especially like to get french painted nails. This is probably because I could never have the patience to do it myself. I love certain types of pampering but I do not have patience for a number of things. ESPECIALLY nail filing. I would rather watch paint dry (pun intended)! So my nails are usually natural.

However, I must qualify this. While it is fun to get the whole manicure thing, as a grad student on a budget I feel much better about just getting my nails painted once in a while. At your average nail salon this is about $10 cheaper. Especially since my nails alwys start to chip on the second or third day, sometimes even the same day! The nail painting service might not be on your salon's price list. Just ask them how much it would be to have your nail just polished, not a manicure. In my experience, the nail painting service has consisted of removing the previous polish, if any; cuticle oil being applied to cuticles, nail filing and cutting, and base coat, polish, top coat. I never get my cuticles cut anyway, and I've stopped getting them pushed back. One time I got this parrafin wax thing and it was so ridiculous I almost started laughing. I got it because my skin hadn't adjusted to the Michigan cold and was as dry as who knows what, but it nothing. Plus it ruined one of my favorite sweaters!

I think french nails are the sexiest. But I love to experiment with funky, bright and trendy colors. However, if my nails aren't natural or french, they are usually pink, followed by red. I don't like matchy matchy nails. Usually my fingernails are a lighter version of whatever is on my toes.

Never again will I get tips put on. I thought they were fun and sexy the one time I did them. Boy did I have fun hearing them tap on my keyboard when I typed! However, I got tired of having to fill them in and I was anxious to see how my own nails were doing under there, so I had them taken off. At first I was happy because they were really long, and my nails never grow out long. However, they were so thin and weak from the stuff they used to dissolve off the tips! They hurt and made this dreadful noise whenever something touched them the wrong way. And they were a weird yellow color, if I remember correctly. My whole nail had to grow out, all the way from the cuticle, before they were normal again! You can imagine how long that took. After that I decided, whether this side effect is rare or not I am never doing this again. No mam! Never again.

Things I don't like / Get

1. Facials

I can wash my own face, thanks. Why would a pay you a fat stack of cash to do it? Same reason which I tend to skip the stuff that takes a nail paint to a manicure. I can soak my own hands in soapy water, wash it off, and then rub them with lotion. It called doing the dishes.

2. Massages

Wait, I have to pay for you to beat me up? What about if I tell you your spouse just cheated on you with me? Then will you do it for free? Wait, never mind, I still don't want it. I am extremely sensitive and ticklish. I can never relax, I can never take me mind elsewhere. Everytime I get one for free I regret it. Never would I ever pay even one cent for one. I have gone over this with many people. I am supposed to like them, they are supposed to be good for you. Maybe I have been getting the wrong type for me. However, I am not willing to risk more pain, tickles, and random person touches to find out for sure.

So, that's me! What makes you feel fab, divas?

Can I really quit soda?

This post has made me want to quit soda completely:

http://keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com/2008/03/soda-free-for-3-years.html

The thing is that I don't really drink soda that much. Sweetened drinks, yes, but not really soda. However, when I try to quit something altogether, the fact that it is forbidden makes me crave it even more and then I go overboard on it.

Have any of you sucessfully quit soda? Does sparkling water also lead to bloating? I thought sparkling water was supposed to help alleviate bloating.

My Favorites: Lip Glosses

I have a love / hate relationship with MAC, but they sure know how to make a lip gloss!

My ultimate favorite: MAC Clear LipGlass

This is the thickest, shiniest clear lipgloss I have ever used. It's wonderful. The clear is a lot thicker and shinier than their other lipglosses, so I use it as a topcoat to give color gloss pop. It also looks fabulous on its own. My only complaint is that the top always seems to loosen in my purse / makeup bag, getting sticky gop everywhere. I sometimes wonder if this is a conspiracy to get to buy a new bottle sooner.

Runner up: MAC Revealing Tinted LipGlass

Revealing is a rich caramel color. My favorite lip look is a nude lip made up of MAC Chestnut Lipliner, Revealing Lipglass, and Clear Lipglass. I never thought I could pull off a nude lip look before I tried this. Try it, you will love it.

Peppermint Oil - Make Your Shampoo or Conditioner DoubleMint Fresh

Quick tip - to get that tingly deep clean tingly feeling, add a few drops of essential peppermint oil to your shampoo and/or conditioner. Only a little bit! A little goes a lonnnng way. You can buy it at Whole Foods.

Hair Caramelization

Carmelization is a process, supposedly invented by a stylist in Philadephia, with uses all natural products to condition / loosen your natural curl pattern. Some like it to a natural rexaler, some to a deep conditioner.

I tried this last night. My hair has never ever ever felt softer! I could tell the difference not only just when it was wet, but also when I blow dried and flatironed it.

I have been debating whether or not to go completely natural. It is neck length right now. It is mostly relaxed. My last relaxer was in May. I do not want to BC, or big chop. It's just never going to happen. So far I do know I will be doing this on a regular basis, especially after taking out braids or a weave.

My recipe

4 tbsp Wheat Germ Oil
4 tbsp African Palm Oil
3 tbsp+ Molasses
2 tbsp+ Raw Honey
3 tbsp Shea Butter
2 tbs Water
1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 small box Cornstarch
3 super duper ripe Bananas
2 tbsp Honey
a couple drops of Peppermint Oil
~ 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Wash out with water first. I then shampooed with non-sulfate shampoo. I think between the shampoo and conditioner, I rinsed with a mixture of baking soda and water. I then conditioned and rinsed out the conditioner.

I got the hard-to-find ingredients at Whole Foods. I started with this basic recipe, blended it inthe blender and improvised from there. I read online that you want to use more molasses and honey on more tightly coiled curls / kinks to "stretch" your hair more. It wasn't quite thick / sticky enough for me as if, so i just poured straight from the molasses bottle until it was there was only about 1/3 left in the bottle, and a lot more raw honey. It became about the consistency of a creamy soup. It was a little akward putting it in. I originally tried to put it in with those thin relaxer application brushes, but it wasn't work. So I ended up using a small tuperware container to scoop it out and pour over my head as a leaned over the sink. Once hair was saturated, I covered my hair with 3 shower caps and let it sit for two hours. I ended up only using about half the mix, so I might

I then rinsed it out in the shower. I then shampooed with David Babaii for Wildaid Hydrating Shampoo, and conditioned with David Babaii for Wildaid Hydrating Conditioner. His line is completely sulfate and paraben free. I think that a portion of the profits go to wildlife or enviromental conservation. I'm really happy about the results.

FitFlops - The best thing my feet have ever felt

I love, love, love my FitFlops. I got them because of the claim that wearing them can help you lose weight, but only after I was assured by other who have them that they comfortable.

I'm so glad that I bought them because I would cherish them even if they didn't help me lose weight. They are like walking on a huge pillow of marshmallows. I'm not sure whether I have lost weight because of wearing them or not. But even if you just wear them around the house, you will fall in love with them.

I am so particular about clothing, especially shoes. I really don't get the concept of wearing things that are uncomfortable. On all these makeover shows they talk about how "comfort is not a style", however, the deciding factor is always comfort for me. I may be drawn to something but its cuteness, but if I try it on and it is uncomfortable, I am not buying it plain and simple.

How many times have you seen someone pulling at their clothes because something isn't right, a frown on their face because the fabric is itchy, walking like a chimpanzee or with their shoes in their hands because the shoes are painful, etc. Not.of.that.is.cute. It makes you look silly or like you are trying to hard.

Anywho, I personally like the Walkstar III, I have those in black. I like the patent finish on the strap, so the shoes don't look too casual. However, they have a number of fabulous color combinations. I would love to have the Walkstar 3 in Flamingo and in Blueberry. Normally I wear a size ten, but I got a size 11 because the company warns that the shoes do not stretch, and size 11 was worked out perfectly.

Do any of you own a pair of FitFlops? Which ones? You can buy them through the following links:

My Facial Cleansing Routine for Super Oily Skin

Facial Cleansing Routine







Facial Cleanser: Estee Lauder Sparkling Clean Oil-Control Foaming Gel Cleanser


I have oily skin. And when I say oily, I mean oily. So far this has been best at keeping my oil under control. I used to use Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne wash, the Clinique Clarifing Lotion 2, and Clean and Clean Acne Control. I loved how it could give you that extra-tight "clean" feeling after you've used it, like you've just sucked everything out your pores and skin and felt a clean slate. However, 1-2 hours later, I'd be shining like a mug. Anywhoo, one day I ended up at the Estee Lauder counter, I think after reading the review on http://www.beauty.com/. The lady who helping me said that she had oily skin too. She opined that my regimin might be too stripping and cause my oil glands to go into overdrive and cause more of a problem. This product has definitely made a difference!



Toner: Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3



This.thing.works.wonders. I have been using this since I was in high school and starting breaking out. My mom used it and I began to and instantly cleared up. In fact, if I don't use this for more than two days, my skin starts to break out. It also just gives you this wonderful, cooling, tingling, refreshing feeling. It took a little while to get used to back in the day when I first started using it, because it was so intense it almost felt like stinging. But you won't feel that after say, a week of using it. Also, I wouldn't recommend using it on spots where there is broken skin or if you have just had a type of really rough exfoliation on your face. Otherwise, wash your face as you normally would, and then just dab a cotton ball (I prefer the triple size ones) and rub in circular motions on your face and neck. When you are done, you will be amazed at all the junk you can sometimes find on the cotton ball! And this is after you have washed your face! Even if you haven't been wearing makeup!





Moisturizer: Estee Lauder

So this is one place I am still not happy about. In college, I used to joke with my friends that I don't need facial moisturizers since my face was an oil factory! However, I know that it is important to balance out the face and prevent it from going into overdrive. It is just annoying to think that I am spending good money to minic something my skin does naturally. Divas, can you help me out with this one? What is a good oil-free moisturizer? I have tried Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturizer, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer, Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion (I know it's not oil free, and it didn't work for me :) and Clinique Dramatically Different Gel, as well as a number of others.


Face Masque: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Ok, I've only used this once so far. But I love it! I used to use this one I got at the supermarket, I will post the name later. I used it about once a month. It was ok, but the effects would only last, one to two days. I really don't like to see things in medicine cabinet that I don't use a lot, because they take up space and remind me of the money I wasted on them. However, it's been a couple of days since I used the Mint Julep Masque and my face is still a lot less oily. Old mask, you're fired!





Divas, please share your cleansing routine!

Welcome!

Wow, this is my first ever post and I am so exciting to be doing the blogging thing! I'm been thinking about this for some time and I'm so glad I started! Welcome and I can't wait for what's ahead!