My Summer Reading Picks

June 23, 2011

Nothing says summer like hitting the beach and curling up with a good read. I’ve always been a fan of self-help books and biographies and the following books don’t disappoint. Whether you download them on your e-Reader, iPad or simply find joy in turning actual paper pages, there are countless books to keep you occupied this summer!

Check out my picks:


“A Belle in Brooklyn,” by Demetria Lucas


Oprah’s Farewell Celebration: Inside 25 Extraordinary Years of the “The Oprah Winfrey Show” bookazine.


“Black Woman Redefined,” by Sophia Nelson


“Starting Over,” by LaToya Jackson

What’s on your reading list for the summer? One lucky reader will win a copy of “A Belle in Brooklyn,” by Demetria Lucas. Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite book genre (non-fiction, fiction, short stories, cookbooks, etc.) and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week. **UPDATE** This contest has been extended until July 8th, so please submit your comments!

Category: Books | 13 Comments

“Pint-Sized” Travel Sets

June 21, 2011

Since it’s been several years since the TSA deemed it unsafe to tote toiletries and other liquids and gels in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz on commercial airplanes, finding your favorite “pint-sized” products has never been easier. Companies caught on quick by making convenient travel sets of everything from body lotions to shampoos that comply with the security restrictions.

I plan on doing quite a bit of traveling this summer so packing my small-sized essentials should be a cinch with these six sets:


Bliss Lemon & Sage Sinkside Six-Pack Travel Set available at www.macys.com for $25


Fresh Brown Sugar Escape available at www.cusp.com for $75


L’Occitane Nourish & Protect Shea Body Care Set available at www.sephora.com for $29


Ole Henriksen Starter Set available at www.sephora.com for $68


Philosophy The Travel Agent available at www.sephora.com for $35


Somme Institute Mobile Travel Kit available at www.nordstrom.com for $85

Are you planning a getaway this summer?

Category: Beauty, Travel | 2 Comments

My Summer Beauty Basics

June 16, 2011

Even though the mercury’s been rising consistently for several weeks now, summer doesn’t officially start until next week. So in order to endure the balmy season, you’ll need to have a few few basic summer beauty essentials.

For me, that includes the following:

Bold nail polish is my absolute favorite accessory during the summer. A pop of color adds a bit of whimsy to any ensemble. Essie always has a wide variety of eye-catching colors ideal for summer.


Instead of blotting, using a mattifying spritz like Skindinavia’s No More Shine is a refreshing alternative for tackling oily skin.


My new obsession has been the combination of a gloss and balm like Topshop’s Gloss Stick. It’s not too sticky, but gives just the right amount of shine.


We all know the importance of sunscreen, but unfortunately not enough of us actually use products that protect our skin from the sun’s rays. When I recently ran out of my tried-and-true Olay, I decided to give Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream with SPF a try and I’ve been pleased with the results.


Nothing says summer like beautifully bronzed skin. Iman’s Afterglow Bronzer does the trick. The mix of pinks and gold makes your skin look sun-kissed.

What are your beauty must-haves of the season?

Category: Beauty | 5 Comments

21 Drops of Heaven

June 10, 2011

After a busy week, unwinding is the first goal on my long list of to-do’s this weekend. Luckily, I’ll have some help getting a little R&R thanks to my newfound love of aromatherapy.

21 Drops, a modern line of therapeutic grade essential oils has a trio kit aptly called, “The Weekender,” that includes “passion,” “sleep,” and “hangover” oils. Collectively blended from jasmine flower, sandalwood, and juniper fruit oil, this senses-stimulating set will have you bringing your sexy back, slumbering soundly, and detoxing from excess.


Available at www.21drops.com for $74.00

Do you use aromatherapy?

**The winner of the Dermablend brush set is: Tiffany, congratulations! Please send me your mailing address no later than Friday, June 17th.

Category: Beauty, Health | 2 Comments

Taking it to the Max!

June 9, 2011

Wearing long skirts has never been my thing. However, after seeing how lovely my BFF, Azeeza, looked donning a Zara maxi during her recent trip to Italy, I’ve refocused my fashion lens. Paired with a fitted tank or flowy blouse, maxi skirts can look polished and chic, yet still summery and laid-back.

While I admire the stylish, floor-skimming skirts on others, I’m still “skirting” around the idea of rocking this sure-to-be sizzling trend.


Azeeza wearing a Zara skirt, DVF top, Furla handbag, and Urban Outfitters sandals during her visit to Italy.

Check out this cool mix of maxis:


Free People Ruffle Maxi available at www.macys.com for $88


Asos Chiffon Maxi available at www.asos.com for $60.34


Elizabeth and James Flared Skirt available at www.saks.com for $265


Ella Moss Cali Chevron Maxi available at www.nordstrom.com for $138


Eternal Sunshine Creations Maxi available at www.revolveclothing.com for $149


Gamboling Maxi available at www.anthropologie.com for $228


Jasmine Blue Lable Ralph Lauren Maxi available at www.ralphlauren.com for $169


Maxi Prairie Skirt available at www.forever21.com for $22.80


Jasmine Silk Skirt available at www.ralphlauren.com for $169


Weekend Max Mara Faiti Ikat Maxi available at www.saks.com for $205


Tibi Silk Maxi available at www.saks.com for $297


Melissa Odabash Hannah Split-Leg Maxi available at www.theoutnet.com for $70

Are you a fan of maxi skirts?

Category: Fashion | 8 Comments

Giveaway: Dermablend Celebrates Its 30-Year Anniversary

June 7, 2011

I’ve never been a big fan of foundations for everyday use, but I can NOT go a day without wearing concealer. Since my college years, I’ve worn Dermablend concealers to hide blemishes and diminish the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Not only does Dermablend conceal minor imperfections, but it is known for its outstanding coverage of unsightly scars, tattoos and various skin ailments. This year the popular makeup brand is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. In honor of making us beautiful for 3 decades, I’m giving away a fabulous professional brush set (includes each of the brushes below) that will help you create a flawless complexion. (a $125 value!)


Concealer Brush, $22


Face & Body Brush, $40


Foundation Brush, $30


Powder Brush, $32

Simply leave a comment telling me what’s your favorite makeup trend for the summer season and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later in the week.

Category: Beauty, Giveaway | 33 Comments

Covergirl & LeSportsac Launch Cute Cosmetic Case Collection

June 6, 2011

Looking for cute cosmetic bags to tote on your summer getaway? If so, Covergirl has you covered! Last week the beloved brand joined forces with LeSportsac and renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath to create incredibly, adorable and durable cosmetics bags for the beauty buff. The eight-piece collection features never-before seen styles, shades and prints from LeSportsac inspired by Covergirl LipPerfection lipcolor. Ranging in size from small “Kiss Case,” to the large “Professional Carry All,” tote, these makeup cases are a cut above the rest.


Prices range from $25-$120 and will be available at LeSportsac boutiques and on LeSportsac.com.

Do you use makeup bags or toss your goods into your bag loosely?

Category: Beauty | 4 Comments