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Thirty-Four: The Most Beautiful Age Ever!

May 15, 2014

A few weeks ago, I came across an article in PEOPLE magazine’s “Most Beautiful” issue that caught my eye. No, it wasn’t the piece on the stunning cover girl (Lupita Nyong’o) that grabbed my attention, but a spread featuring five celebrity women (Pink, Dania Ramirez, Stacy Keibler, Rachel Leigh Cook, and Laura Prepon) with one thing in common—their age, 34.

Since turning 34 less than two weeks ago, the article and its accompanying photographs were especially timely, inspiring and relatable for me.

According to the piece, a recent study suggests that thirty-four is the age when women feel the best about their bodies.

Seeing my fellow 34-year-old counterparts baring their bodies in celebration of their feminine confidence was refreshing. Admittedly, I’ve struggled with self-image issues like many women throughout the years. But, after birthing two babies I have never been so content with my body. While I’m aware that I need to exercise more to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I no longer beat myself up over certain physical shortcomings.

I’m not sure if I came to this acceptance and appreciation for my body simply because I have two children, one of which was born less than a year ago, or the fact that I’m 34 and finally coming into my own. Actually, I’m sure this mind shift can be attributed more to being a mom the second time around. Watching your body transform and ultimately perform its greatest task is nothing short of amazing.

No matter what the underlying reason is for my newfound confidence, I’m going to cherish every minute of it because 35 is right around the corner!

Me celebrating my 34th birthday with friends at Pio Pio in Manhattan. By the way, I’m wearing Too Faced’s “Melted” lip color in ruby that I wrote about last week.

Are you completely content with your body? If you’re over 30, were you happier with your body in your 20s?

Category: Beauty, Wellness | 1 Comment

Check Out My Family Travel Tips on ESSENCE.com!

May 13, 2014

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!

Category: Aveeno, Beauty, Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix | Leave a Comment

Give Back this Mother’s Day with St. Jude

May 7, 2014

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?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Wellness | 1 Comment

Get ‘Melted’ with Too Faced

May 7, 2014

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?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | 1 Comment

Get Janelle Monae’s Red Hot Met Gala Look!

May 6, 2014

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?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 1 Comment

My Aveeno Daily Challenge Results!

April 29, 2014

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?

Category: Wellness | 1 Comment

Oyin Handmade Now Available in Target!

April 25, 2014

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?

Category: Hair | Leave a Comment

Beauty Buy: Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment

April 22, 2014

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?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Lala Anthony Debuts Short New ‘Do

April 21, 2014

Lala Anthony is going for a lighter, care-free look for spring.

The New York Time’s best-selling author, actress and TV personality, 34, took to Instagram to show off her new eye-catching blonde shorter ‘do with the caption, “Guess who got a haircut by @cesar4styles??!!”

Photo: Lala’s Instagram

Lala’s lovely new style is a nod to her flourishing businesses. “We felt it was time for a new look; a nice change to complement all the exciting new projects taking off in her career,” says Mizani celebrity hairstylist Cesar Ramirez. “Something young and fun to really show off her personality. Being that we are going into summer it was also the perfect opportunity to go much lighter and make a bold statement.”

If you want to achieve Lala’s look, here are a three easy steps:

*On wet hair Cesar applied Mizani Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum get a shiny blowout while protecting the newly lightened hair from heat damage. Using a small round brush he created a wavy texture.

*Once dried, he used Mizani Defyne Wax to define and hold the desired style into place.

*Finally, Cesar set the look with Mizani HRM Humidity Resistant Mist light hold hair spray to prevent her hair from reverting in the warmer weather.

Do you like Lala’s new ‘do? Have you or are you planning on switching up your hairstyle for spring/summer?

Category: Hair | Leave a Comment

Denim Overalls for Spring: Over or In?

April 15, 2014

I never thought the day would come when overalls would be considered stylish again.

From Rihanna to Ashley Madekwe, over the past year or so, celebrities and street-style fashionistas have been sporting them out and about. Luckily, this time around they’re cropping up in slimmer, more flattering designs and fits.

Back in the 90s, I like many other teens confidently rocked the farmer chic fashion staple. I remember begging my mom for a pricey pair of oversize Calvin Klein aka “CK” overalls from Marshall Field’s (my Chicago readers will remember that store) much to her dismay, but she bought them anyway. They were at least three sizes too big, but back then the bigger and baggier the better! Clearly, I wanted to look like TLC’s long lost fourth member. But in fashion, even the most notoriously questionable styles make a comeback.

While I’m not totally opposed to this popular trend, I’m also not convinced that it lends itself to the over-30 set.

Check out these styles for spring and summer:

Hart Denim Overall Shorts available here, $78